TOC invites players, sponsors for cocktails

Once again the Tournament of Champions organizing committee would like to announce that Johnnie Walker would be hosting a cocktail party for the sponsors, players and organizing committee members participating in the 2005 Tournament of Champions.

The event will be held on Friday, Aug. 5, from 6pm to 8pm at the Aqua Resort Club Lobby Bar and spouses of attendees are most welcome.

“This will provide an excellent opportunity for the sponsors, players and organizers from both Saipan and off island, to gather and mix on the evening before the tournament start date,” said organizing committee chairman Rodney Klinge.

He said there would be some food available, while tickets for Johnnie Walker beverages will be available for purchase at $3 each.

“Persons attending can purchase as many tickets as they wish. Johnnie Walker is donating all of the proceeds from the event to the NMI Crime Stoppers program. There will also be raffle prizes available. Each $3 drink ticket will allow the purchaser to participate in a number of raffles,” said Klinge.

He added that tickets are of course good for one drink each and the raffle conducted at the Johnnie Walker Social.

“All tickets purchased at this event will also be taken to both the Million Dollar Shootout raffle and the Player’s Banquet raffle. You must be present at each event to win,” he said.

Klinge explained that the Johnnie Walker Social is similar to, and in the tradition of, the Golfer Behind the Bar event which Johnnie Walker hosts each year at the Johnnie Walker Classic. “The event always provides a good social environment.”

The 2005 Johnnie Walker Classic was held in Beijing, China at the Pine Valley Golf Resort & Country Club in April 2005. Highlights of the tournament will be shown at the Johnnie Walker Social event.

“The Tournament of Champions organizing committee will also make available the pairings for the first day of play. Come to the event and find out whom you would be playing with on the first day. On that evening all pairings will be final,” said the TOC organizing committee chair.

He further stated that the event’s organizing committee is encouraging all sponsors, players and organizing committee members in this year’s tournament to come out and meet and greet all of those participating in the tournament and help support “your” NMI Crime Stoppers program.

“Your Crime Stoppers program is helping to make the CNMI a safer place for visitors and residents alike,” he said.

Klinge also reminded everyone that today, July 29, is the last day for $200 early bird entry forms. From July 30 through Aug. 3 the entry fee will be $225.

All entry forms, either paid or sponsor exempt, must be submitted before the close of business on Aug. 3. An entry form must be submitted for every player. The tournament will close on that date and no more entry forms will be accepted.