February 19, 2008–It's not much of a secret that Tiger Woods loves Las Vegas, and for many different reasons. He worked with Las Vegas pro Butch Harmon for many years (Butch Harmon School of Golf), he likes the entertainment and fun the city offers, and he almost attended college golf powerhouse UNLV. And for the last several years, Woods has held his annual Tiger Woods Foundation fundraiser–Tiger Jam–in the city that glitters with high-level entertainment acts and celebrities such as Christina Aguilera, Bon Jovi, Seal, Michael Jordan, Pamela Anderson, Will Ferrell (pictured with Tiger in 2007) and many others performing and attending. And April 19, 2008, Van Halen will headline Tiger Jam XI that includes a golf tournament at prestigous Las Vegas golf course Cascata in addition to the concert and VIP dinner at Mandalay Bay. Eddie Van Halen, founding guitarist, is a golfer that plays to about an 18 handicap and is reportedly a member at Lakeside in California.
“Tiger Jam XI will be incredible with VAN HALEN,” Woods said. “I’m thrilled to have this amazing group of diverse musical talent coming together for such a great cause. VAN HALEN is one of my favorite bands, and I can’t wait to see them perform on the Tiger Jam stage.”
Cascata is one of two Las Vegas golf courses designed by the legendary Rees Jones. Rio Secco Golf Club, host of past Tiger Jam golf events, is also a Jones design and the sister Las Vegas golf course to Cascata in the Harrah's family.
Eddie Van Halen is in a tie for 64th among the best musician golfers in a recent Golf Digest poll, along with Las Vegas resident and golfer Vince Neil among others. Justin Timberlake, new celebrity host of the Las Vegas PGA Tour event is listed in a tie for 15th with Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish, each with a six handicap. Hootie and the Blowfish perform regularly at Las Vegas' Silverton Hotel.
Since its creation in 1998, Tiger Jam has raised more than $10 million for the Tiger Woods Foundation and select Las Vegas based charities through its sold-out performances and one-of-a-kind auction items. Tiger Jam was created by the Tiger Woods Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering young people to reach their maximum potential. Proceeds from previous Tiger Jams have supported Child Haven, Center for Independent Living, Greater Las Vegas Inner City Games, Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas, GRAMMY in the Schools and The VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
Van Halen is now made up of Eddie Van Halen, lead singer David Lee Roth, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie's son.