Ryder Cup Legend Jacklin Coming Home
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Tony Jacklin CBE to host the 2008 Numark British Par 3 Championship
One of Britain and Europe’s greatest ever golfers, Tony Jacklin CBE, has accepted an invitation to play and host the Numark British Par 3 Championship to be held from 4th – 7th August 2008, on the Par 3 Championship Cromwell course at Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire.
The Championship is celebrating the 75th Anniversary of its’ inaugural event at the Palace Hotel, Torquay in 1933 where it was played until 1973. Many of golf’s greatest players including Harry Vardon, Alex Herd, James Braid, Charlie Ward, Percy Alliss and Abe Mitchell launched the event back in 1933 and it is really fitting that Tony Jacklin is able to join the Championship’s special celebrations this year.
Jackin, who lives permanently in America, will compete in all 4 days of the televised Championship as well as hosting prize giving ceremonies and evening gala dinners. On accepting the invitation Jacklin commented, “Much like the Masters Par 3 tournament the British Par 3 Championship is fast paced, fun-filled and action packed. I’m delighted to have been invited to host an event so steeped in golfing history.”
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 Nicklaus, Player and Trevino. Playing in a golden era, Jacklin stamped his name in history when he followed his 1969 British Open victory with the US Open title the following year. In addition to his 2 major titles Tony has 22 European Tour and 2 US PGA victories to his name.
Matthew Hayes, Managing Director of Champions (UK) plc, who runs the event, is delighted with the Jacklin news, “The prestige and standing that Tony brings with him matches perfectly with what we are trying to create at Nailcote Hall. He is often credited with breathing new life into the Ryder Cup and with destination Valhalle only 6 weeks after our Championship the timing is excellent.”
Tony is remembered by many as Europe’s saviour in the Ryder Cup. 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. His legacy to golf was acknowledged in 2002 when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Once again the Numark British Par 3 Championship will see European Tour professionals and a host of top rate celebrities put their short game to the test on the challenging Cromwell Course. Last year, European Tour stars such as Sam Walker, Lee Slattery, Mark Mouland, and Robert Rock, Scott Drummond, David Lynn, Tom Whitehouse and Mark Mitchell were joined by sporting personalities including Peter Schmeichel, Lee Sharpe, Willie Thorne, William Roache, Peter Shilton and Kris Akabusi to name but a few.
On Monday 4th August a “Tribute to Tommy Horton” Pro/Celebrity-Amateur Golf Day will take place, followed by a Black Tie Gala Dinner with both Jacklin and Horton in attendance.
The 5th and 6th August will host the official Numark British Par 3 Championship, which will take place over 2 days and 36 holes. The event will take place in a Pro-Am format similar to that of the Dunhill Links Championship with Jacklin hosting a first night VIP Players Banquet and presenting all the trophies and the £25,000 tournament pot at the Prize Giving Ceremony upon conclusion of the event.
The Championship proceedings will draw to a close on the 7th August with a final Celebrity-Amateur Golf Day and Black Tie Gala Ball.
This wonderful golfing celebration is going to be held in association with some wonderful charities including Rainbows Children’s Hospice and The Gentleman’s Night Out. Magnificent auctions of some wonderful items of sporting and film memorabilia, will be complemented by some fun activities, all of which will be taking place at the Numark British Par 3 Championship Gala Events and will generate funds towards these very worthwhile causes.
Champions (UK) plc, an event management, marketing, sports and celebrity management agency, along with Nailcote Hall, runs the national PGA event. With Jacklin as host in 2008, the event is set to be the most high-profile Championship in its 75 year history.
Rick Cressman, Nailcote Hall owner said, “Tony Jacklin was my golfing boyhood hero and I am thrilled to bits that he is following in another legend’s footsteps here at Nailcote Hall – Max Faulkner who was his predecessor as a British Open Champion. Max loved playing at Nailcote and I hope Tony really enjoys the challenges our course presents.”
To find out how you can join the stars and play in the Championship this year, call Champions (UK) Plc on 08453 313031 or email jdevilliers@championsukplc.com or mhayes@championsukplc.com .
You can also visit the website www.britishpar3championship.co.uk
There are also opportunities for corporate sponsorship and advertising in this televised event too. Call Jill or Matthew on 08453 313031
For all press enquires including interview requests, press passes requests, or with any queries regarding the event please contact the Numark British Par 3 Championship press team on 08453 313031 or email laura@championspr.com
