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Tiger Woods Foundation
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Erin Villiotte, 714-816-1806
Los Angeles (May 23, 2001) -- The purse for the Williams World Challenge presented by Target has been increased to $3.8 million dollars, and the field enlarged to 16 players for the PGA TOUR sanctioned event that will take place December 10-16, 2001, at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif., it was announced today by the Tiger Woods Foundation.
This year's field will be comprised of defending champion Davis Love III, the top 11 players from the Official World Rankings as of October 1, 2001 (that accept invitations) and four (4) special exemptions selected by the Tiger Woods Foundation. The winner of the 72-hole stroke-play event will once again receive $1 million dollars, while the 16th-place finisher will receive $130,000.
Last year's event had a purse of $3.5 million and hosted a field of 12 players, including Tiger Woods and 2000 champion Davis Love III. The $1 million dollar first-place check for the Williams World Challenge is one of the largest on the PGA TOUR, with The Players Championship the only first-place check larger ($1,080,000).
"The increase in prize money makes our event one of the most lucrative tournaments of the year, especially when you consider the size of the field," said Earl Woods, President of the Tiger Woods Foundation. "The increase in the number of professionals from 12 to 16 will give more world-class players a chance to compete in this great tournament."
Hosted by Tiger Woods and the Tiger Woods Foundation, the Williams World Challenge presented by Target serves as one of the primary fundraisers for the Foundation, with proceeds from the tournament supporting Target House, a home away from home for patients and their families at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., the Ventura County Autism Society and other projects supported by the Tiger Woods Foundation.
Tickets for the Williams World Challenge presented by Target start at $10.00/day, with weekly gallery badges priced at $85.00. Tickets will go on sale June 4, 2001, through all TicketMaster locations, at ticketmaster.com and by calling the Williams World Challenge tournament office at 714-816-1806.
Williams (NYSE:WMB), in its third year as title sponsor, connects businesses to energy and communications. The company delivers innovative, reliable products and services through its extensive networks of energy-distributing pipelines and high-speed fiber-optic cables. Williams information is available at www.williams.com.
Returning as the presenting sponsor, Minneapolis-based Target Stores serves guests at 991 stores in 46 states nationwide and on target.com by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. A portion of the tournament proceeds will benefit the Tiger Woods Pavilion at Target House, an upscale, 50-unit apartment complex where long-term patients, and their families, can live as they undergo treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
Companies joining Williams and Target as supporting sponsors include Dole Food Company, the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit, vegetables, fresh-cut flowers and a growing line of packaged foods; Ralphs Grocery Company, one of California's oldest and largest supermarket chains with more than 440 stores and a reputation of being actively involved in the communities it serves by supporting non-profit organizations focused on hunger, health, nutrition and developing youth; and Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., headquartered in Calabasas, CA., a national leader in residential lending with a network of more than 500 offices providing personalized mortgage finance services.
The Tiger Woods Foundation seeks to empower young people to reach their highest potential. Through golf clinics, motivational speeches, educational programs, the support of local heroes, and direct grants, the Foundation has interacted with over 70,000 kids across America. Information on the Foundation can be found at www.tigerwoods.com.
Ticket Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Steve Brener/Fred Robledo, 818-344-6195, ext. 103/107
Brener Zwikel & Associates
Tiger Woods Foundation
Williams World Challenge Increases Purse to $3.8 Million and Field to 16 Players
One Million Dollar First Place Check Will Go To Winner of
Tiger Woods Foundation PGA TOUR Event