| |
Michael Jordan commits to play inaugural Mike Weir Charity
Classic kicking off week of 2009 RBC Canadian Open
-
NBA megastar to join field of international sports
and entertainment celebrities, including NHL Superstars
Martin Brodeur, Joe Thornton, Rick Nash and Paul Coffey,
along with entertainers Kevin Costner and George Lopez
-
LPGA legend and Order of Canada recipient Lorie Kane
also added to stellar field for inaugural charity event
-
All proceeds from Mike Weir Charity Classic benefit
the Mike Weir Foundation in support of children's wellness
initiatives
OAKVILLE, Ontario (RCGA), July 10, 2009 — The
Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in partnership with
title sponsor RBC, announced today that retired NBA megastar
Michael Jordan has joined the field for the inaugural Mike
Weir Charity Classic being held on July 20, to kick off the
100th playing of the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf
Club in Oakville, Ont.
"I'm thrilled Michael has agreed to play. He's become
a good buddy and has always gone out of his way to support
community and charitable activities. He'll be a tremendously
popular draw for the fans," said event host Mike Weir.
"RBC Canadian Open has turned into a world class affair
and the support I've personally received from the celebrities
committed to my Charity day has been fantastic."
The RCGA and RBC also announced that Canadian born LPGA Tour
legend Lorie Kane has also joined the marquee field of the
charity pro-am, which features celebrities from the music,
sports and entertainment industries, as well as top stars
of the PGA TOUR.
Jordan and Kane will join a field of fellow sporting legends,
including Martin Brodeur, Joe Thornton, Rick Nash, Paul Coffey,
entertainers Kevin Costner, George Lopez, Tom Cochrane and
Thomas Gibson, as well as a host of veterans and emerging
stars of the PGA TOUR.
With all of the net proceeds from the Mike Weir Charity Classic
benefiting children's charities, the event will assist in
achieving the RBC Canadian Open's philanthropic objectives.
The list of participating celebrities includes:
Kevin Costner
- Two-time Oscar winner and Golden Globe Award winner
George Lopez
- Comedian, Actor, and Producer and star of sitcom 'George
Lopez'
Tom Cochrane
- Legendary Canadian singer, songwriter and Canadian Music
Hall of Fame Inductee
Thomas Gibson
- Star of television hit drama Criminal Minds and sitcom
Dharma & Greg
Lorie Kane
- Four-time LPGA TOUR winner
- Fourteenth on the LPGA's Career Money List
- Order of Canada Recipient
Martin Brodeur
- Most All-time Wins By an NHL Goalie
- Vezina Trophy winner
Joe Thornton
- Five-time NHL All-Star
- Art Ross Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy winner
Rick Nash
- 4 time NHL All-Star and Maurice "Rocket" Richard
Trophy winner
- Captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets
Paul Coffey
- 14 time NHL All-Star, 4 time Stanley Cup Winner, Hockey
Hall of Fame inductee
Michael Jordan
- 6 time NBA Champion
- 5 time NBA MVP
- Assistant Captain, 2009 US President's Cup Team
EVENT NOTES:
- Amateurs that have purchased a team will play 9 holes
with a Celebrity and 9 holes with a TOUR player as part
of their once in a lifetime experience.
- Regrettably, Steve Nash has been forced to withdraw from
the field of the Mike Weir Charity Classic due to a personal
commitment. Steve has already committed to participating
in the 2010 event.
- Tickets to the event are only $15, with children admitted
FREE with a paying adult.
KIDS UNDER 15 GET IN FREE
As in past years, the RBC Canadian Open is committed to providing
affordable family entertainment with the playing of Canada's
national Open golf championship. Any child 15 years of age
or younger will gain free admission onto the grounds of the
RBC Canadian Open provided they are accompanied by a ticketed
adult. Juniors will also have the opportunity to take part
in golf clinics and activities on site as part of CN Future
Links, Canada's national junior golf program.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship.
Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete
for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26
at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established
in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open
golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the
U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC,
Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate
hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information
please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca
or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA),
RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third
oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to
the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great
players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides
golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement
of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors
all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local
communities to national sport organizations and elite-level
athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing
body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600
clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the
National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country,
the RCGA's mission is to grow participation in and passion
for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions
of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help
shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete
development, CN Future Links, Canada's national junior golf
program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian
Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status,
handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives
the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the
RCGA conducts Canada's most prestigious golf championships.
The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women's Open attract
the best professional golfers in the world, while regional
junior and national amateur championships showcase the best
in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support
golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
- 30 -
For more information:
Dan Pino
Director, Media and Public Relations
Royal Canadian Golf Association
Office: 1-800-263-0009 ext. 406
Mobile: (416) 434-5525
Email: dpino@rcga.org
|
|
