July 19, 2009–Motown great Smokey Robinson will participate in the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open Pro-Am event in Las Vegas Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Las Vegas golf course TPC Summerlin. An avid golfer and supporter of the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Robinson is excited to participate in this year’s event. "I’m thrilled to be a part of the Pro-Am to support such an amazing organization," said Robinson in a statement. "The Shriners Hospitals provide outstanding care for children every day and this event is a great way to show support while partaking in a sport I enjoy."
Robinson's countless hits and consistent contributions to the Motown label earned him the title of the “King of Motown.” As both a member of Motown group The Miracles and a solo artist, Robinson recorded 37 Top 40 hits for Motown between 1960 and 1987 including “Shop Around,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” and “Baby Baby Don’t Cry.” Robinson also served as the company's vice president from 1961 to 1988. His most recent album, Time Flies When You’re Having Fun, will be released on Aug. 25, 2009. Robinson has been known play quite a bit at Las Vegas golf courses over the years. The defending champion of the professional tournament will be Marc Turnesa. Past champions of Las Vegas' PGA Tour event include Jim Furyk (3 times) Tiger Woods (his first professional victory in 1996) and legends such as Greg Norman, Davis Love III and Curtis Strange, among others.
About the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open: The 2009 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open returns for the second year of a five year commitment between the two parties to continue the tradition of a PGA TOUR event in Las Vegas. The collaboration between Shriners Hospitals and Timberlake to act as Title Sponsor and Host (respectively) promises to create a truly unique and world-class event for players and fans alike. A host of well-known golfers and celebrities will participate in the competition to help support the Shriners Hospitals’ mission, while enjoying the signature flair that Las Vegas has to offer. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
About Shriners Hospitals for Children: Shriners Hospitals for Children is an international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Nineteen Shriners Hospitals provide care for congenital and acquired orthopaedic conditions, four hospitals provide acute and rehabilitative care for burn injuries, three hospitals provide rehabilitative care for children with spinal cord injuries, and the cleft lip and palate program is expanding to multiple Shriners Hospitals. Some Shriners Hospitals offer care in more than one care specialty. For more information, visit http://www.shrinershq.org/.
About the PGA TOUR: The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR domestically and internationally so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to growth in charity and integrity to the game. In 2009, the three Tours will compete in 102 events for more than $350 million in prize money. Tournaments will be held in 10 countries outside the U.S. and in 35 states.