The fourth annual edition of the Greenbrier Classic PGA-Tour stop is set for the week of July 1st-8th at the luxurious White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia resort.
The weeklong event includes practice rounds Monday though Wednesday where spectators have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the pros, and the chance to get those elusive autographs as some of the best golfers in the world convene on the Old White TPC course.
The four-round competition with over $1 million going to the winner plays out Thursday through Sunday with the final two rounds covered by CBS Sports.
The 2013 Classic already has committments from, among others, Phil Mickelson, 2012 Masters champ Bubba Watson, flamboyant John Daly and 8-time golf ‘major’ winner and Greenbrier pro-emeritus Tom Watson.
The Roanoke Valley has ties to the tournament on Tuesday as The First Tee Roanoke Valley will again participate in Greenbrier Youth Day with clinics and exhibitions by the pros and a special scramble tournament on the Old White that will include a player from First Tee Roanoke Valley along with members of First Tee West Virginia vieing for a charity purse going to the respective First Tee chapter. Spectators will enjoy an afternoon of fun with giveaways by golf sponsors and organizers.
This year’s Greenbrier Concert Series will bring country music star Kenny Chesney to the Lewisburg fairgrounds ampitheater on Thursday night, followed by rock legends Aerosmith two nights later.
Admission to the events are by tournament badges which include all seven days of golf and both concerts. Badges also offer spectators the chance to visit any of the Greenbrier’s exclusive restaurants and bars, the many shops throughout the resort’s famous hotel and grounds, along with the casino located in the main hotel.
The Greenbrier is located less than two hours from Roanoke via US Route 220 and I-64. Ticket information is available through: http://www.greenbriershopping.com/20baforch.html when completing your purchase be sure to select The First Tee of Roanoke Valley from the list of participating charities and 30% of your ticket price will benefit their participants and programs. Call Jennifer Blackwood at The First Tee of Roanoke Valley to purchase tickets or with any questions 540-563-1833.
by Bill Turner