September 11, 2008–In 2008, the Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge, an event that pits three-player teams from the LPGA Tour, PGA Tour and Champions Tour against each other, moves from Las Vegas golf course Reflection Bay Golf Club at Lake Las Vegas Resort to the beautiful Rees Jones-designed Rio Secco Golf Club, home of the Butch Harmon School of Golf. Lake Las Vegas resident Natalie Gulbis could call Rio Secco her second home because she trains with Harmon at his facility, so when the Wendy's event tees off she will feel good about her surroundings. Gulbis is making her third-straight appearance in the event–she helped lead the LPGA Tour to a victory in 2007–and is joined by Helen Alfredsson and Christie Kerr. Reports have Rocco Mediate, Stuart Cink and Kenny Perry representing the PGA Tour, and Jay Haas, Fred Funk and Nick Price playing for the Champions Tour. Top prize is bragging rights and a share of the million-dollar purse. Rio Secco Golf Club is owned by Harrah's Entertainment.
Also to be used during the week is Cascata, another Las Vegas golf course owned by Harrah's. Cascata is also a Rees Jones design that is one of the world's top golf experiences. Officials from Harrah's and the Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge are very happy with the new partnership that was formed with the signing of a two-year deal. The pro competition will be played November 11, but will be nationally televised in December. The event is open to the public. You can visit riosecco.net to receive special, free passes to the tournament. Also, spots are available in the official amateur events.
"We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Harrah’s,” says Denny Lynch, Wendy’s Senior VP, Communications. "Harrah’s and the Wendy’s 3-Tour Challenge have the same commitment to providing the ultimate golf experience. I know our guests will enjoy playing both Rio Secco and Cascata and we look forward to working in partnership with their team to provide a world-class setting for our Event and to generate funding and awareness for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption."
Caesars Palace, a Harrah's hotel, is the host hotel for the event and will be the site for hospitality and other events surrounding the Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge. "We look forward to serving as host for the Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge," says Eric Dutt, Vice President – Las Vegas Golf Operations at Harrah's Entertainment. "The event will allow us to showcase Rio Secco Golf Club to a national audience. Equally important, we are pleased to align our company with the tremendous work being done by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption."
Some amateur events that occur before the pro competition will take place at Las Vegas golf course Bear's Best Las Vegas, a course made up of some of Jack Nicklaus' favorite holes from golf courses that he has created.