Time is ticking for the ToC

The countdown has already begun to the Tournament of Champions 2004, and with only a couple of weeks remaining until the early bird entry discount expires, now is the time to register for one of the areas premiere golfing events.

The final day to qualify for the $175 fees is Friday, July 23. After that, those wishing to participate in the ninth annual tournament will be required to pay $200.

This is the ninth year that the ToC has been in existence, and the organizers are planning for this to be the best in the successful series.

“There’s $6,400,000 in potential prizes. There will be $6,000,000 available for the Million Dollar Shootout, two $75,000 prizes for scoring a hole in one, five cars and an all-terrain vehicle up for grabs, a couple of $10,000 hole in one purses, and several airline tickets from Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Pacific Island Aviation,” said ToC Chairman Rodney Klinge

Immediately after each play day, three raffle tickets will be drawn for three golfers to attempt a shot from 170 yards from hole 18 on the Lao Lao West course. If any of them can find the hole with one swing of the iron they will walk away with one million clams.

Players will be able to purchase raffle tickets before or during their rounds of play, and will also become part of a separate banquet raffle for plenty of additional prizes.

According to Babauta, over 300 of the top golfers from around the region are expected to compete in what is widely regarded as one of the premier tournaments in the area.

All players must be registered in the tournament no later than 5pm on Friday, July 30. Due to the size of the tournament and the complexities involved with walk-in entries, walk-ins are highly discouraged.

A deadline is drawing ever closer for those wishing to join the list of sponsors for the event as well. The final date for the addition of advertising materials will be Thursday, July 15.

If you are not intending on golfing, you may also take part in the Calcutta-“Bidding” for players in the Championship Flight. Anyone can bid on the players in this flight that are paid by 6pm on Friday, July 30, when the bidding will begin at AJ’s (Jonny’s Beach Club).

Based on the success of last year’s Calcutta, tournament organizers are bringing the format back. From the money collected, 25 percent will go to the Tournament of Champions. Of the remaining pool, 50 percent will go to the first place bid winner, 30 percent to the second place bid winner and 20 percent to the third place winner.

Last year there were about 20 players in the flight, and this year looks to possibly top that number. With the minimum bid starting at $50 per player, there’s sure to be a happy ending for some lucky bidder.

If you are interested in playing in the tournament, pick up a registration form at Las Vegas Discount Golf, Dan Dan Driving Range, the DFS Galleria, any of the Shell gas stations, or at any of the local golf courses. Completed forms should be dropped off on the second floor of the DFS Galleria at the security/administration office. For more information about the tournament, visit the tournament website at www.tocsaipan.org.