Couples to play in Regions Tradition at Shoal Creek

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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.-- Fan favorite Fred Couples, the 2010 Champions Tour Rookie of the Year who posted four wins in his debut season, has officially committed to play in the Regions Tradition at Shoal Creek.

Couples will be seeking his first Champions Tour victory of the year in Birmingham, Ala. The Seattle, Wash. native finished runner-up to Wayne Grady in the 1990 PGA Championship at Shoal Creek.

The Regions Tradition will be the third Champions Tour start for Couples in 2011. He finished tied for 16th in the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai and tied for fifth at the Toshiba Classic in Newport Beach, Cal.

Couples has also played four PGA TOUR events this season, making the cut in each, including a T15 finish at The Masters Tournament. His best finish this year is a tie for seventh after being a stroke off the lead heading into the final round at the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club, one of his favorite courses.

Tom Lehman and John Cook, Nos. 1 and 2 on the current Charles Schwab Cup standings and both multiple winners this year, are also in the field, along with defending champion Fred Funk.

Players have until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, April 29, to officially commit to the Regions Tradition.