Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open

The 19th Annual Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open, Kansas' only PGA (Pro Golfers Association) Tour event and one of only 30 Nationwide Tour events in the world, will take place the week of August 3rd at Crestview Country Club.

More than 150 PGA Tour pros will be visiting from around the world to challenge Crestview's North Course. The Wichita Open begins on Thursday, August 7th and wraps up with the Championship round on Sunday, August 10. This year's purse of $525,000 is our highest amount ever awarded, including a winner's share of $94,500.

The Preferred Health System Wichita Open is much more than great championship golf. Many people do not realize that all profits realized by the Wichita Open go to Children's Miracle Network (through the Via Christi Health Foundation) to help sick and injured children in Kansas. The charitable donation goal for the 2008 tournament is $100,000. Included in this, several Wichita non-profit organizations have been selling tickets to the tournament. All of those proceeds will go directly to the organization's charity.

Air Supply to perform on Saturday, August 2
Multi-platinum selling "Air Supply" is set to perform on Saturday, August 2nd at the Cox Communications Fairway Concert. The concert is free of charge and open to the public. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. at the bandstand located near the Crestview Clubhouse. Tickets are necessary and can be picked up now at all Cox Communications locations-735 E. Douglas, 8338 E 21st Street, and 2556 N. Maize Road, as well as Clear Channel Radio-9323 E. 37th Street North. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to relax and enjoy the music. No coolers will be allowed on the course.

What To Watch For In 2008
Practice Rounds
Players will get a preview of the Crestview course during practice rounds Monday morning and all day Tuesday. All practice rounds are free and open to the public.

Cessna Pro-Am
Wednesday, August 6 sees the tournament pros team with amateurs in the Cessna Pro-Am. In its second year as a major sponsor, Cessna Aircraft is continuing to take the Pro-Am to new heights in 2008! Tee times for the morning group begin around 7:00 a.m. The afternoon group tees off beginning at Noon.

Scholfield Shoot Out
On Monday, August 4, the Scholfield Shoot Out begins at 6:00 p.m. Eight local amateurs will be paired with eight Nationwide Tour pros in this hole-by-hole elimination, competing for a $2,500 purse.

Newton Sand Creek Pro-Am
Located in Newton, the Sand Creek Pro-Am returns for its second year. On Wednesday, August 6, 96 amateurs will be paired with 18 Nationwide Tour pros.

17th Green Corporate Skyboxes
The corporate skyboxes at the 17th green make a return for 2008. These seventeen boxes consist of sponsors from Wichita's business community and their guests. The 17th Green Corporate Skybox Pavilion is once again sold out. Back by popular demand, the Walt's Burger promotion returns after creating such a buzz among players and fans last year that it was featured in a USA Today article.

BG Products Pavilion
The BG Products Pavilion makes its debut in 2008. This 50' x 60' air-conditioned suite will not only be open during the tournament, but will also host several events throughout tournament week. Those with passes into the Pavilion will enjoy complimentary snacks, beverages, and televisions airing the PGA Championship.

Concessions
As always, concessions are available for sale during tournament play. This year, fans should find more comfort while making their purchases, as public concessions will be air conditioned for the first time ever, thanks to Pepsi and Miller.

Dairy Queen
In conjunction with Children's Miracle Network, Dairy Queen's Miracle Treat Day will take place on August 7, 2008. All proceeds from purchases of Blizzards from Dairy Queen that day will go directly to CMN, as well as all ticket proceeds from the Wichita Open.

Champions Walkway
Take a trip down memory lane as all 18 past champions are honored down the path of the 18th fairway.

Don't miss the action!
Mark your calendar and make plans early to enjoy the unique excitement of the only PGA Tour event in Kansas.

Grounds passes, all-tournament admission and parking passes are available. Call (316) 219-9046 or visit www.wichitaopen.net for more information or to purchase tickets.