Viking Classic adds sizzle to PGA Fall Series

The Viking Classic, the fourth event in the PGA TOUR Fall Series, kicks off this week at Annandale Golf Club with a field that includes five 2009 PGA TOUR winners and nine major championship winners including David Toms, David Duval and John Daly. Additionally, the Kodak Challenge race tightens as only two events remain in the first-of-its-kind competition for TOUR players that offers $1 million to the winner.

Will MacKenzie, who returns to defend his 2008 Viking Classic victory, headlines a field of participants that includes five 2009 TOUR winners: Michael Bradley (Puerto Rico Open); Nathan Green (RBC Canadian Open); Heath Slocum (The Barclays); Matt Kuchar (Turning Stone Resort Championship); and Troy Matteson (Frys.com Open).

Major champions at the 2009 Viking Classic include Toms (2001 PGA Championship); Duval (2001 British Open); Daly (1991 PGA Championship and 1995 British Open); Rich Beem (2002 PGA Championship); Mark Brooks (1996 PGA Championship); Mark Calcavecchia (1989 British Open); Ben Curtis (2003 British Open); Steve Elkington (1995 PGA Championship); and Todd Hamilton (2003 British Open).

Others expected to compete include 2008 U.S. Open runner-up Rocco Mediate and 2009 U.S. Open runner-up Ricky Barnes.

With only two events remaining, late-season drama will be on display at the Viking Classic as players will be vying to finish the top 125 on the PGA TOUR official money list to earn their playing privileges for 2010. Players will also be battling to move into the top 30 on the final money list to ensure an automatic trip to the Masters and U.S. Open in 2010.

The first of four rounds begins on Thursday, Oct. 29.

There is a host of events that will take during tournament week, including Ladies’ Day at the Classic presented by Ridgeland Tourism Commission on Thursday, Oct. 29. That day, ladies will enjoy free admission and parking, and assorted activities at the Ridgeland Tourism Pavilion.

During tournament rounds (Thursday-Sunday), the Viking Culinary Tent will feature Viking Cooking School demonstrations that are open to the public. Guest chefs include Food Network celebrity Tyler Florence, Chris Wilson of Emeril’s restaurant in New Orleans, rock ‘n’ roll chef Nathan Lippy and Luis Bruno and Robert St. John, both natives of Mississippi.

On Friday, Oct. 30, all military personnel will be granted free admission to the Viking Classic as the tournament celebrates Military Day, presented by the Mississippi Army National Guard. The Kodak Challenge is gearing up for its climactic finish with eight players within three strokes of leader Kevin Streelman. With just two events remaining in the 30-tournament series, the competition that celebrates beautiful holes and memorable moments on the PGA TOUR continues with the 532-yard, par-5 18th hole at Annandale Golf Club. Players must play at least 18 of the 30 Kodak Challenge holes throughout the season to compete for $1 million and the Kodak Challenge title. A player’s lowest score relative to par on his best 18 Kodak Challenge holes will be counted. Streelman leads the Kodak Challenge at 16-under by two strokes over J.J. Henry, Nathan Green and Bo Van Pelt by two strokes.

A unique Fall Series “Smile & Win” spotter promotion will award instant prizes to fans wearing Kodak lanyards throughout the course at Annandale Golf Club. The free lanyards can be picked up at the Kodak Fan Photo Zone, located on the 18th fairway from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of the tournament. Winners will be randomly spotted throughout the tournament. A variety of instant prizes will include Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Cameras, PGA TOUR and tournament merchandise, and one lucky grand prize winner will receive a Las Vegas Vacation Package. The Kodak Photo Zone also gives fans the opportunity to pose for and receive a free souvenir photo.

The primary charity of the Viking Classic is the Friends of Children’s Hospital, a nonprofit organization created to benefit the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. It was created by a group of dedicated members from around the state whose purpose is to support and promote the Batson Hospital for Children, Mississippi’s only hospital designed and equipped specifically for the care and treatment of sick and injured children. Last year, $140,000 was donated to the Friend’s of Children’s Hospital.

About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR domestically and internationally so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to growth in charity and integrity to the game.

In 2009, the three Tours compete in 102 events for more than $350 million in prize money. Tournaments will be held in 10 countries outside the U.S. and in 35 states.

In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR’s web site address is www.pgatour.comand the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.