Albany set to host first pro golf event since 2006

ALBANY — It’s been five long years since a professional golf event has been played in Albany.

But that drought officially ends today.

The NGA Hooters Tour, the lower tier of pro golf’s four men’s circuits, will kick off the Michelob Ultra Classic at Stonebrodge Golf & Country Club today, marking the first time the tour has visited Southwest Georgia since 2006.

“The NGA/Hooters Tour is excited to make a return to Stonebridge this year,” tournament director Frank Monk said. “We have a great week planned.”

Festivities were to be begin with a qualifier this afternoon for the final 10 sports, but because the tournament filled up, that qualifier was canceled. Practice rounds instead will take place, today Tuesday and Wednesday, with the first round beginning Thursday and ending Sunday with the final round. There will also be a junior clinic Tuesday at noon and a longest drive contest Wednesday at noon, followed by a pro-am event Wednesday at 1 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds of the event will benefit First Tee of Albany.

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SCHEDULE:

Michelob Ultra Classic presented by Albany Beverage Company

Monday April 11, 2011 – Sunday April 17, 2011

Stonebridge Golf & Country Club

Albany, GA

Today

10:00am Practice

Tuesday

8:00am Practice

4:00pm Junior Clinic

6:00pm Players Meeting for all Tour Members – upstairs in he clubhouse

Wednesday

8:00am Practice

12:00pm Registration and Lunch for Pro-Am

12:30pm Long Drive Contest Sponsored by Albany Convention Visitors Bureau

1:00pm Shotgun Start for Pro-Am (Hole-in-one wins a Ford Vehicle compliments of Sunbelt Ford and all participants get a chance for a MILLION DOLLAR SHOT, compliments of John Ross Jewelers)

6:00pm One lucky player takes the MILLION DOLLAR SHOT

6:01pm Prizes and Awards Dinner in the Clubhouse

Thursday

Competitive Phase – Michelob Ultra Classic presented by Albany Beverage Company

Round 1

7:30am 168 players

Friday, April 15

Competitive Phase – Michelob Ultra Classic presented by Albany Beverage Company

Round 2

7:30am 168 players

Saturday

Competitive Phase – Michelob Ultra Classic presented by Albany Beverage Company

Round 3

7:30am Low 65 and ties

Sunday

Competitive Phase – Michelob Ultra Classic presented by Albany Beverage Company

Final Round

7:30am Low 65 and ties

2:30pm Winners Check Presentation

Local Charity

A portion of the proceeds go to support The First Tee of Albany