May 23, 2013, Paradise Island, Bahamas – Flooding over one-third of the golf course has forced tournament and LPGA officials to trim the Ocean Club Golf Course layout to 12 holes for Friday with hope of playing a few more holes on Saturday and Sunday. The course routing will now begin at what was hole 10 and skip around until ending at hole 8.
Heavy storms on Tuesday dumped almost 15 inches of rain on the area and strong winds of nearly 50 miles an hour damaged many of the temporary structures erected for the inaugural Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, which is the first LPGA event ever staged in the country.
The picturesque seaside holes were particularly hard hit and the fairways on the finishing holes of 9 and 18 have remained flooded.
“We put our heads together and thought this was the best alternative to deal with a difficult situation,” said Michael Whan, LPGA Commissioner. “We think we have at least 12 holes that are playable and in this way we are putting on a golf tournament (without a cut) and playing enough holes for the money to count as being official. We think this is the best solution, and it still delivers a great event for our sponsors and fans.”
The holes will be played Friday in order starting from 10 and advancing to 6-7-4-5-11-12-13-14-2-3 and 8. Some of the pars and yardages may have to be adjusted as well.
Grouping and pairings have also been adjusted to so that all golfers will start on the 10th tee, beginning at 7:15 a.m. and running through 3:35 p.m. each day.
Spectators are invited free of charge and free transportation shuttles will run continuously beginning at 7 a.m. daily from designated lots on Paradise Island.
“The damage to the golf course and structures caused by Tuesday’s heavy rain and winds was extensive,” said Matt Truax, tournament director. “But, we think we can still present a first-class event for the LPGA, Pure Silk and the people of the Bahamas,” “We thank everyone for their understanding and patience while we do everything possible to return Ocean Club Golf Course to championship condition.”
The Pure Silk-Bahamas Classic will showcase one of the strongest fields of the year on the women’s Tour, with all 10 previous winners in 2013 entered and nine of the top 10 women’s golfers in the Rolex rankings competing.
About Pure Silk
Pure Silk is moisturizing Shave Cream for women. Available in a variety of deliciously scented fragrances, its rich lather contains ingredients that give you a closer, long lasting shave. Plus, all Pure Silk Shave Creams contain aloe to moisturize your skin giving you the smoothest most touchable legs without irritation. Pure Silk rich and luxurious shave cream, for legs that look and feel like Pure Silk. Available at mass merchandise, grocery and drugstores nationwide.
About the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world’s best golf, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with pre-clearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. To purchase one-of-a-kind items from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.
About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.
About Global Golf Management
Global Golf Management is a worldwide sports event management company. With headquarters in Chicago, GGM has successfully staged more than 750 events on five continents since its inception in 1989. GGM specializes in professional golf tournament production but also handles corporate outings and other golf-related event ventures. For more information, visit www.GlobalGolfManagement.com or www.twitter.com/GlobalGolfMgmt.
Media contacts:
Mike Scanlan, LPGA Director, Media Communications, mike.scanlan@nulllpga.com; +1 386-274-6275
Craig Smith, Media Official, Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, csmith8742@nullgmail.com; +1 484-456-9145
Mike Harmon, Global Golf Management, mike@nullglobalgolfmanagement.com; +1 205-281-6704
-###-