Chattanooga Classic presented by Black Creek

Barnes finished the 2005 Nationwide season ranked fifth in all around ranking and 82nd on the money list. He also was ranked second in putting average. "I am very appreciative for the Chattanooga Classic giving me the opportunity to play there again," Barnes said. "I had a great time there last year." The Arizona native turned pro in 2003 after having the low Amateur score at that year's Masters. He earned a spot in the Masters by winning the 2002 U.S. Amateur. Barnes graduated from the University of Arizona after a stellar collegiate career. He won a share of the 2003 Ben Hogan Award, given to the top collegiate golfer, and was a two-time All-American for the Wildcats. Barnes has only competed in a few tournaments this season bouncing between the Nationwide and PGA tours. Thus far, he has placed tied for 37th in the Movistar Panama Championship of the Nationwide and tied for 51st in the Chrysler Classic of Tucson of the PGA. "Ricky Barnes is a proven player with great enthusiasm for the game and spectators," said tournament director Sam Woolwine. "He was virtually a unanimous pick by our steering committee."