Chattanooga Classic undergoes major changes

text size

CHATTANOOGA, TN- Officials with Children's Hospital at Erlanger and Friends of the Festival announced today that the Chattanooga Classic golf tournament has been renamed the "Children's Hospital Classic." Proceeds from the PGA TOUR's Nationwide Tour event, with a total purse of $500,000, will now also benefit Children's Hospital at Erlanger. The Children's Hospital Classic will be played at Black Creek Mountain the week of Oct. 3-9, 2011.

"The Children's Hospital Classic will become the signature fundraising event for Children's Hospital at Erlanger," said Jim Brexler, President and CEO of Erlanger Medical Center that includes Children's Hospital. "With community support and the support of business partners, this year's tournament will help fulfill the dream list of major projects at the region's only children's hospital," Brexler said. Among those dream list projects this year are plans for an "extreme makeover" of inpatient rooms at the T. C. Thompson Children's Hospital campus at Erlanger.

Executive Director of Friends of the Festival Chip Baker added, "The Children's Hospital Classic is now focused on children more than ever; it's all about children, with tournament proceeds benefiting the First Tee of Chattanooga and meeting the needs of children at Children's Hospital."

"There is such a strong relationship between the Nationwide Tour and Children's Hospital," said Tournament Director Mickey McCamish. "Just as the Nationwide Tour produces future stars and leaders for the PGA TOUR, Children's Hospital at Erlanger provides treatment for future stars and leaders of our community."

"The Children's Hospital at Erlanger is a wonderful facility and we are extremely proud to be associated with an organization that dedicates itself to the care and wellness of children and their families," said Nationwide Tour President Bill Calfee. "The PGA TOUR has always been focused on charity and positively impacting the lives of others, and this is another example of that commitment. We welcome Children's Hospital as our beneficiary, and look forward to growing the impact of this event in the community."

Scott Gardiner won last year's Chattanooga Classic. The 2010 tournament has been well represented on the PGA TOUR with 24 participants now holding TOUR cards. In 2011, the PGA TOUR has had four rookie winners, three of whom-Gary Woodland (The Transitions Championship), Brendan Steele (Valero Texas Open) and 2010 Chattanooga Classic visitor Keegan Bradley (HP Byron Nelson Championship)- played in Chattanooga last October. Another 2010 participant, Kevin Chappell, earned a third place tie at the U. S. Open.