Las Vegas, Nevada (August 4, 2010)–More big news has been released out of the management office of Las Vegas' PGA Tour event, the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Tournament Director Adam Sperling has announced a major new sponsor for the 2010 proceedings. MGM Resorts International is now the title sponsor of the official pro-am of this Las Vegas golf tournament. "We are delighted to partner with the world’s leader in hospitality and resort brands,” said Sperling. “We only expect this relationship to grow as we will continue to actively pursue additional opportunities to promote the event, our local partnerships and Las Vegas.”–By Brian Hurlburt.
The event is scheduled for October 20 at Las Vegas golf course and PGA Tour-owned TPC Summerlin, and will feature Timberlake and other celebrities and athletes, in addition to the amateurs and PGA Tour golfers in the field. The celebrity format of the event could also possibly have a new look as some of the big names could be paired together to allow fans the best access to the stars of stage, screen and athletic fields. Past stars in the championship pro-am have included Oscar De La Hoya, George Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Kenny G., Greg Maddux, in addition to Ellen, who filmed spots for her daytime television show during the event. Click now for details about how YOU can play in this pro-am alongside the stars and pros.
“High-profile events, such as this one, draw attention to important health issues facing children across the country,” said Bill Hornbuckle, chief marketing officer for MGM Resorts International. “We’re honored to play a role in the event and believe that Justin Timberlake’s partnership with the Shriners Hospitals creates the emergence of a new era for the tournament. We're thrilled to be working in partnership with the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and the PGA TOUR on such a special event.” The sponsorship allows for the luxurious pairings party to be held at various MGM properties, with this year's taking place at ARIA in the CityCenter. ARIA will also serve as the host hotel for the amateurs. This news is just more proof about how Las Vegas is an Ultimate Golf Destination. The Las Vegas Golf Region is home to more than 50 Las Vegas golf courses, more than 30 tour pros have strong ties to these golf courses, and celebrities from all over the world flock to play golf here. You can click now to view the official website for Primm Valley Golf Club, one of the many Las Vegas golf courses. Primm Valley features two Tom Fazio Las Vegas golf courses. Primm Valley is owned by MGM Resorts International.
In a release, MGM Resorts International was described as "One of the world's leading global hospitality companies that operates a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in four other properties in Nevada, Illinois and Macau. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented urban resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino. Through its hospitality management subsidiary, the Company holds a growing number of development and management agreements for casino and non-casino resort projects around the world. MGM Resorts International supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its gaming properties. The Company has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative, its community philanthropy programs and the Company’s commitment to sustainable development and operations."
The 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is the ongoing commitment between Timberlake and Shriners Hospitals for Children® to continue the tradition of a PGA TOUR event in Las Vegas. The collaboration between Shriners Hospitals for Children® as Title Sponsor and Host, along with Celebrity Host Justin Timberlake, creates a truly unique and world-class event for players and fans alike. A variety of well-known golfers will participate in the competition and help support the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children®, while enjoying the signature flair that Las Vegas has to offer. The 2010 tournament is October 18-24 at the TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.
The defending champion of this event is Martin Laird, who is scheduled to come back and try for two in a row. Last year, the JT Shriners Open had one of the deeper fields of the Fall Series, with such names as Chad Campbell, DJ Trahan, Nick Watney, Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk, Hunter Mahan, Tim Clark and other of the world's best challenging for the trophy. You can click now to become a fan of the JT Shriners Open on Facebook. Also, Las Vegas PGA Tour pro Charley Hoffman is holding a pro-am on the Monday of tournament week to raise funds for his foundation. Click now for details.