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NAPLES, FL - The 20th Anniversary Franklin Templeton Shootout, to benefit CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, has teed off at the prestigious Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, FL.
World Golf Hall of Famer and CureSearch Honorary Board of Trustee Greg Norman welcomed a field of 24 golfers from around the world in this unique, team-format PGA TOUR Event.
Defending champions Woody Austin and Mark Calcavecchia will attempt to become only the third team in Shootout history to successfully defend their title.
"Overall, I could not be more pleased with how the partnerships have fallen into place," said tournament host Greg Norman. "The competition should be spirited - Ryder Cup pairings from both the U.S. and European side, the partnership of my Presidents Cup counterpart Fred Couples and Stewart Cink along with several examples of long-time friends joining forces. This group is sure to entertain as we celebrate 20 years of The Franklin Templeton Shootout."
Senior Vice President, Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management, Paula Polito noted, "We are honored to continue our partnership with Greg Norman in sponsoring the 2008 Franklin Templeton Shootout, and to be celebrating our 20th year of bringing the Shootout to golf fans everywhere. The event is a demonstration of excellence and achievement on the golf course, and we are privileged to combine forces with CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation to further their mission to reach the day when every child with cancer can be guaranteed a cure."
CureSearch exclusively supports the life-saving childhood cancer research of the Children's Oncology Group (COG), the world's premier pediatric cancer research collaborative. This campaign will help raise awareness about childhood cancer, the #1 cause of death from disease in children in the United States.
"CureSearch is honored to again partner with Merrill Lynch and with Greg Norman," says Stacy Haller, Executive Director of CureSearch. "Similarly, we are grateful to all of these world-class golfers, who together send a clear message that together, we can reach the day when every child with cancer is guaranteed a cure."
Television coverage of the 20th Anniversary Franklin Templeton Shootout begins today, from 3 - 6 pm on Golf Channel, with a replay from 9 pm - midnight. NBC Sports picks up live coverage of the final two rounds, Saturday from 4 - 6 pm and Sunday from 3 - 6 pm.
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