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NAPLES, Fla. - Strategically positioned in an area
roughly the size of a football field is a mecca for spectator-sponsor
interaction at The Franklin Templeton Shootout.
The bright white structures are visible immediately upon
entering the grounds of Tiburón Golf Club, which is hosting Greg Norman's
event for the third consecutive year.
In addition to an outdoor pro shop stocked with the
latest Greg Norman Collection apparel are expo tents that attract the
masses with product information, giveaways and visually stimulating
displays.
It's a welcome addition to the world-class golf that
takes place inside the ropes this week.
"My wife and I make a point of stopping by every tent on
our way in each day," said Jonathan Spencer of nearby Cape Coral, who is
attending the event for the third time with his wife, Judith. "We won three
sleeves of balls this week, picked up a couple shirts and had a wonderful
lunch each day. You can't beat this atmosphere."
The Chevrolet space features a makeshift craps table that
entices visitors to roll an oversized die with the opportunity to walk away
with myriad prizes, including Titleist golf balls that will be part of Mr.
Spencer's arsenal the next time he tees it up.
Across the way is an elaborate nautically themed booth
for Red Lobster. With a continuous assortment of free food, including
salmon salad and key lime pie, the counter and adjacent tables have been
packed most of the week.
"My husband and I make a point of going to Red Lobster
once a week," said Fort Myers resident Joan Kunkle, who made the trip with
her husband Bob and their two grandchildren to catch final-round action.
"We definitely got our fill this weekend, and I think we put on a couple
pounds in the process. The salmon was incredible, and we both had too many
pieces pie."
Inquisitive minds wishing to hone in on the latest
technology were wise to visit the Vialta booth, which offered a videophone
demonstration. The device is known as the Beamer. It connects with a
regular phone line and enables live video during any phone call. It was the
gift of choice this year from Laura and Greg Norman to the 24 professionals
in the field.
Should any aches and pains arise while roaming Tiburón's
lush fairways, there is assistance in close proximity. Those manning the
Tylenol booth are handing out samples of Tylenol 8 Hour, extended-release
medication that administers relief in layers.
"This is a great addition to a wonderful event," said
Beth Mauer, who traveled from Tampa with her sister Molly to watch the
final two rounds. "I'm not a huge golf fan but I enjoy coming here every
year. There are so many things going on in addition to the golf. We meet up
with friends, spend some time in Naples and make a mini-vacation out of
it."
Once again The Franklin Templeton Shootout shined at a
spectacular facility that includes the 295-room Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort,
Naples, 36 holes of Greg Norman-designed golf and a community that has
warmly embraced this event for three years running.
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