Research Triangle Park, N.C. - The 2006 People vs. the Pros golf tournament, presented by BASF, provides a national platform to recognize the professional dedication and crucial attention to detail that the superintendent brings to the game of golf and, in turn, helps elevate the status of the superintendent at all levels. This year, BASF will host 20 regional tournaments, giving busy superintendents time to enjoy the game as well as providing a venue to exchange professional knowledge with one another.
From the 20 tournaments, 24 winners will recieve an all-expense paid trip to compete at the fourth annual People vs. the Pros championship tournament at Pinehurst on August 18 to 22, 2006. The April 10 winner will be one of up to 288 amateur golfers playing in the 54-hole national stroke play event utilizing handicaps for a chance to win $100,000 for charity by defeating professionals Reteif Goosen (49-and-under) or Gary McCord (50-and-over division) televised in prime time on ESPN.
More than 1,000 superintendents are expected to vie for a spot in the Pinehurst final through the regional BASF tournaments. Additionally, at every regional tournament, BASF will donate $2,000 to the hosting GCSA chapter to help support their education fund.
“This is our third year sponsoring these regional events and the national tournament," says Toni Bucci, Ph.D., business manager for BASF Professional Turf and Ornamentals. "It’s an honor to help provide a national platform to highlight the professional dedication of golf course superintendents.”
The 2006 People vs. the Pros Tournament at Pinehurst
The People vs. the Pros tournament allows two amateurs - one in a 50-and-over division and one in a 49-and-under division - to compete head-to-head against a PGA pro in an 18-hole stroke-play match. The winner in each division, be it pro or amateur, will win $100,000 for the charity of his or her choice.
The 2006 championship event is scheduled for August 18 to 22 at Pinehurst Resort. The top amateurs with the lowest net scores from the three-day tournament will compete against either Retief Goosen (49-and-under) or Gary McCord (50-and-over) on Pinehurst No. 8 for the top charity prize.
Last year, professional golfers Justin Leonard and Ben Crenshaw defeated their amateur challengers at Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas.
While Goosen is a first time participant, McCord will be making his second appearance at the pro-am tournament’s championship round. In 2004, McCord was defeated by amateur Phil Johnson of McKinney, Texas, on Pinehurst No. 2.
BASF Superintendent’s Cup
In addition to the grand prize tournament, BASF Professional Turf and Ornamentals will host the third annual BASF Superintendent’s Cup, where the top two golf course superintendents from the Pinehurst tournament (who do not qualify to play against a pro), will compete in head-to-head match play for a $10,000 cash prize and $10,000 worth of BASF products for their home course. The runner-up will receive a $5,000 cash prize.
Rafael Martinez, superintendent at the Via Verde Country Club in San Dimas, Calif., defeated Greg Wiles of The Links at Echo Springs in Johnstown, Ohio, for the second annual Superintendent’s Cup championship at Barton Creek’s 2005 People vs. the Pros tournament.
For more information about People vs. the Pros, visit www.peoplevsthepros.com. For more information about BASF Professional Turf & Ornamentals, visit www.turffacts.com.