MIAMI -- Eight of the greatest names on the SENIOR PGA TOUR, including 2000 Player of the Year Larry Nelson and two-time Royal Caribbean Classic defending champion Bruce Fleisher, will compete for a $24,000 purse Tuesday in the 2001 SENIOR TOUR Skills Challenge at Crandon Park Golf Course.
The event is a preliminary to the Royal Caribbean Classic, the first full-field event of the 2001 SENIOR PGA TOUR season. Tournament play runs Friday through Sunday.
A series of five shots will be chosen by Rules Officials and the players will earn points on a sliding scale based on closest to the pin. The shots will include a medium iron or fairway wood approach shot to the 18th green, pitches, chips, bunker shots and putts.
In addition to Nelson and Fleisher, other scheduled contestants are Allen Doyle, Bob Murphy, Andy North, Jim Colbert, Bruce Summerhays, and Tom Jenkins. The winner receives $5,000.
Admission for the skills challenge is FREE.
Weekly badges valid for the entire week are $20. Daily tickets are $10. The tournament is currently offering a special package called The Classic which includes two rounds of golf at the tournament course, Crandon Park Golf Course, two greens fees at the Golf Club of Miami, two greens fees at International Links Miami -- Melreese and two weekly badges to the tournament for $49.95.
A unique way to watch the tournament is from the Amstel Light Party Patio overlooking the par-three 12th hole. A $40 daily ticket includes complimentary beer, soda and appetizers catered by Hooters. A three-day pass is $100.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets, by visiting the tournament’s web site at www.royalcaribbeanclassic.com or by calling the tournament office at 305-374-6180.
