Las Vegas, Nevada (August 8, 2013)–The 2013 rendition of the Las Vegas' PGA Tour event, the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, is now part of the FedEx Cup regular season. What that means is that the tournament now truly matters–think of it like an early season NFL football game–and PGA Tour players who tee it up in Las Vegas can win big cash and valuable FedEx Cup Playoffs points. That's great news for the fans, and Chris Maathuis, Sports Director for Las Vegas' CBS affiliate, recently previewed some of the other fan-friendly improvements. –By Brian Hurlburt, Follow @LVGolfInsider
Las Vegas Golf Region resident Ryan Moore is the defending champion, and there is always plenty of Las Vegas flavor in the field. In 2011, fellow Las Vegas resident Kevin Na won the tournament so locals are going for three-straight in their hometown. Plus the addition to the FedEx Cup system should attract more of the worlds top players.
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Some of the fan improvements include more spectator seating on several of the most exciting holes including the reachable par 4, 15th hole and the reachable par 5, 16th hole. Also the popular VIP The Hill experience is now open to the public and will offer addition tvs, hospitality, food and drink. Check out the entire Maathuis preview news video below.
Also this year, the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open will allow golf fans to purchase raffle tickets for the first time for a chance to play in the Championship Pro Am, Wednesday, Oct. 16, and go inside the ropes alongside a PGA TOUR professional.
For each ticket purchased, supporters will earn one entry in the raffle to win a coveted spot in the prestigious event. One winner, selected at random on Media Day by reigning champion, Ryan Moore, will receive a one-night hotel accommodation, Pro Am contestant badge, an invitation for two to the Pro Am Pairings Party on Tuesday, October 15, four weeklong grounds badges to the tournament and a gift package valued at $1,000.
Tickets are available for purchase for $100 each by contacting Stephanie Maes at smaes@shrinershospitalsopen.comor 702-589-4949. A limited quantity is available, and all proceeds will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children and its mission to provide specialty care for children regardless of a family’s ability to pay.