
It might have a new name, but it's the same venue that the TOUR and its fans have grown to love over almost four decades. This year's Children's Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart is the season ending event on the PGA TOUR, and what better way to finish the season with a trip to Disney World. Disney's Palm and Magnolia courses will once again host the tournament which has become synonymous with family, entertainment, and intense pressure. Oh, and of course, outstanding golf to boot. We talked with PGA Professional Diane Davis about Disney's Golf Courses and its tradition of hosting the PGA TOUR.
PGA.com: This is the 37th year of the PGA TOUR coming to Walt Disney World. Is this the highlight of your golf year?
Davis: Definitely. It's a very exciting time for everyone. We take a great deal of pride in hosting the longest running tournament on the TOUR that has played at the same venue. It's such a fun family time for everyone. The players, the fans, even the volunteers. We have over 1000 volunteers at the tournament, some who take vacation time from as far as New York, just so they can come down and take part in the event. There are volunteers who have played a role in the tournament for 20, 25, 30 years even. We may only see some of them once a year, but it is always here at the PGA TOUR event. A lot of smiles and hugs take place. And of course, great golf too.
PGA.com: Your event, played at various times on the schedule, has quite a Hall of Fame roster of champions. Jack Nicklaus won it the first three times it was played, Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh have also won here. What makes this tournament so great?
Davis: It's a number of factors of course, but I would have to say that the family atmosphere that we promote and provide gives players great incentive to come and then really enjoy themselves while they are here. Obviously many of them will go to some of the theme parks but we have a number of family events for the players. On Wednesday, we have a father/child golf tournament - a six-hole shootout for the players and their kids. There is a family barbecue Thursday night to honor the winners but also give everyone a chance to just relax and have fun with their families and other players' families. There are just a number of reasons why player's should and do love coming here.
Also, it's a great tournament for golf. Every player comes here with a goal and purpose. Whether it's getting a win, breaking into the top 30, or keeping their card in the top 125, there is a real sharp focus when the players are on the course. And if they are able to putt well, they can put up some low scores out here and of course, they are going to enjoy that.
PGA.com: For the fans attending the event, what is the Ruth's Chris Fairway Club?
Davis: The Ruth's Chris Fairway Club was something started last year and was just great, we're actually expanding it this year. It actually started out in horrible circumstance, Hurricane Katrina forced the Ruth's Chris home office to relocate from New Orleans to Orlando. When they arrived, they reached out to us to talk about becoming the food and beverage sponsor for this event. Born out of that was the fairway club, a great place for fans to get great food, watch some of the golf going on all over both courses, get some air-conditioning if needed, just an ultimate fan-friendly area. Last year we had one location for the club, off the 18th green. This year, we'll have the main Ruth's Chris Fairway Club but also three other satellite clubs positioned around the properties, so fans will be able to enjoy the amenities no matter who they are following.
PGA.com: Okay, final question for you and for our Local Knowledge series for 2007. In keeping with your job and employer, what Disney character best describes your golf game?
Davis: [laughter]. I guess I'd have to go with Goofy. But remember, it's Disney here, so family time is going to come first.
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