|
NAPLES, Fla. (October 27, 2005) - Chris Berman, one of America's most
respected and imitated broadcasters, will return to this year's Merrill Lynch
Shootout to share his wit and enthusiasm and display his impressive golf skills.
Berman was a member of the low amateur team during last year's pro-am.
Playing with Peter Jacobsen in round one and with tournament host Greg
Norman in round two, the team shot 57-52--109 and won the title by one stroke.
"It's a thrill to be invited back to The Franklin Templeton Shootout. The fact that I
am a member of the defending champion pro-am team is both an honor and a
shock," says Berman. "The Gulf Coast of Florida has been my home away from
home for many years now. I know the good people of Southwest Florida will be
able to overcome the troubles brought on by Hurricane Wilma. I look forward to
my visit in November not only for a few great days of golf but to assist Greg with
raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer."
Berman joined ESPN in the fall of 1979, one month after the network's inception.
During the last quarter century, he has come to embody ESPN in its dedication to
entertaining and informing sports fans everywhere. He has been selected the
National Sportscaster of the Year six times and has won seven Emmy Awards
and 12 CableACEs.
 | | Berman's team shot 57-52--109 and won the low amateur title by one stroke |
|
"Chris has become a really good friend of The Franklin Templeton Shootout and
we are grateful he will join us again this year," says tournament host Greg
Norman. "To have someone join us who is so energetic and passionate about
our charity efforts and the people of Southwest Florida is exciting."
Tickets are on sale now and orders can be placed three ways: by calling 888-66-
SHARK, visiting Alf's Golf Shop in Naples or going to Shark.com.
For $100, patrons can enjoy A Taste of WCI. This incredible offer includes one
Weekly Grounds Ticket and allows you to play 10 of the finest courses in South
Florida for cart fee only. It also makes you eligible for valuable discounts on Greg
Norman Collection merchandise, reduced rates at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort,
Naples, world-class instruction at the Rick Smith Golf Academy and frequent
player rewards.
A Weekly Pass, which includes five individual daily tickets for Wednesday-
Sunday action, is available for $60. You can purchase a daily grounds ticket in
advance for $15 Wednesday or Thursday and $20 each for Friday through
Sunday. A limited number of reserved seats on Tiburón's 18th green are
available for $50 per day. Reserved seats are available by calling 888-66-
SHARK or visiting Shark.com. Children 12 and under will be admitted free with a
ticketed adult.
For the fifth consecutive year, Southwest Florida golf fans and an international
television audience will have the opportunity to watch some of the PGA TOUR's
brightest stars battle it out for three days all while raising funds and awareness
for CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Hank Kuehne and Jeff Sluman will be attempting to become the first team to win
three consecutive Shootout titles.
This year's event will again feature an alternate-shot format during the first round,
a better ball Saturday and a final-round scramble. USA Network will televise
Friday's coverage and CBS will handle broadcasting duties over the weekend.
The Franklin Templeton Shootout was founded in 1989 as a result of Greg Norman's desire to raise money and awareness for children's charities and
create a unique experience for PGA TOUR players.
| 
