Ryder Cup Celebrations at the BP3
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Ryder Cup Celebrations at 2008 Numark British Par 3 Championship
The 2008 Numark British Par 3 Championship, is not only celebrating its 75th Anniversary, furthermore, the 4 day event will include a host of Ryder Cup legends, not forgetting the actual trophy itself!
In the build up to the eagerly anticipated 2008 Ryder Cup in Valhalla, the British Par 3 Championship, an event itself steeped in history, will be hosting its own truly unique Ryder Cup celebrations.
This year, to mark the 75th Anniversary of the event, Ryder Cup legend and one of Britain and Europe’s greatest ever golfers, Tony Jacklin CBE, has accepted an invitation to play and host what is set to be a sensational Championship. Hugely respected Jacklin is widely regarded to have done for British golf what Arnold Palmer did for the American game and he is still mentioned today in the same breath as the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Player and Trevino. Tony also has a celebrated history with the Ryder Cup and is remembered by many as Europe’s saviour. He competed in 7 European teams with an incredible record. However, it was as a captain that he had his greatest Ryder Cup triumphs. In 1985 at the Belfry he inspired his European team to victory, ending the American domination of the trophy. A historic triumph in 1987 followed as he captained the first European team to win on American soil.
In addition to having the privilege of having Tony Jacklin host the Numark British Par 3 Championship, the event will also feature a wonderful golf day held in honour of 2 time Ryder Cup player and renowned European Senior Tour member, Tommy Horton MBE.
A ‘Tribute to Tommy Horton MBE’ golf day will kick off the British Par 3 Anniversary celebrations on Monday 4th August. Tony Jacklin will host the day and will give a personal tribute to Tommy Horton during the black tie gala dinner.
On receipt of the news that Tommy was going to be part of the Championship and Ryder Cup celebrations Tony commented, “The British Par 3 Championship is a unique event with so much history. I am looking forward to playing and hosting the event in its 75th Anniversary. It will be very special to be part of honouring my Ryder Cup and Senior’s colleague Tommy Horton- he’s been so important to the development of the European Seniors Tour.”
To complement the Ryder Cup festivities Tony and Tommy will be joined by Bernard Gallacher and Bernard Hunt. Both of these distinguished golfers have a renowned history with the Ryder Cup. Bernard Gallacher played in every Ryder Cup from, 1969-83 and in the late 80’s he assisted Tony before taking over the captaincy in 1991. Bernard Hunt played in 8 Ryder Cups and was non playing captain twice!
It is not only in 2008 that the Championship has developed a strong association with the Ryder Cup but in 1988 when the Championship began a new era Ryder Cup star Peter Baker picked up the trophy. Peter participated in the Ryder Cup in 1993 and was vice-captain to Ian Woosnam for the 2006 record equalling Ryder Cup at the K Club.
Presented with the calibre of the golfing legends attending & participating in the Championship, complemented by the fact that the event is taking place a few weeks prior to the 2008 Ryder Cup, it is fitting that the Ryder Cup trophy will be present at the event itself. Players, celebrity personalities and guests will have an opportunity to meet Ryder Cup stars and have their picture taking with the Ryder Cup at the 2008 BP3 Championship – truly a fitting way to celebrate Ryder Cup stars past and presence at an historic event in the build up to the golfing event of the year!
There are a limited number of places for teams of 3 amateur golfers to participate in the “Tribute to Tommy Horton” Pro/Celebrity Amateur Golf Day on Monday 4th August or the Celebrity-Amateur Golf Day on Thursday 4th August.
The Ryder Cup will be on site, and Tony Jacklin will be present for all 4 days of the competition, with the 2 Bernard’s and Tommy attending and participating during key stages of the Championship
