Press Releases

Wilson Golf to Sponsor the National
Father & Son Team Classic Skills Challenge

MYRTLE BEACH, SC – National golf equipment manufacturer and supplier, Wilson Golf, has agreed to participate in the 2013 Golf Dimensions Father & Son Team Classic as the presenting sponsor of the tournament skills challenge, which will be held Thursday, July 18th at Barefoot Golf Resort. As part of their sponsorship, Wilson Golf will provide equipment from their new technology series to be used during the skills challenge consisting of chipping, pitching and long drive.

For chipping and pitching, participants will use the new FG Tour TC wedges featuring Traction Control (TC) technology which entails spin-enhancing features for all shots. Aggressive Tour-Y grooves are milled for consistency and enhance spin on full swings. As for the long drive challenge, Wilson’s new D-100 Driver will be used.  With more than 50 grams of weight reduction compared to traditional drivers, the D-100 Driver optimally distributes mass across the grip, shaft and newly engineered head creating “The Right Light”.

Golf clubs provided by Wilson Golf will also be utilized in the BMW & Mercedes of Myrtle Beach Hole-in-One Contest and their new D-100 Hybrids will be used in the Closest-to-the-Pin Contest.  The Hybrids were created to compliment the D-100 Irons and serve as a long iron replacement option; the D-100 Hybrids deliver performance enhancement to players demanding superior distance and forgiveness.

Wilson will also participate in the TD Bank Folds of Honor Foundation Par 3 Contest. This competition will be held on Thursday, July 18th, the first day of competition, at each of the eight hosting championship golf courses. All participants will receive a 2-ball pack of the new Wilson DUO golf balls as well as a single Wilson golf ball with the Folds of Honor logo. With a 40 compression, the DUO has a significantly lower compression than its nearest rivals, thus allowing for superior soft feel at impact. The large, rubber rich core and resilient Ionomer cover provide maximum initial velocity, allowing golfers a distance advantage as well as great playability.

Wilson has also agreed to provide each two-person team with one dozen golf balls as well as a golf glove for each tournament participant that will be included as part of their player tee gift package.

“Our company is thrilled to take part in the Father & Son Team Classic by sponsoring the tournament skills challenge. Our product lines have received Hot-List recognition for a reason and we believe this tournament is certainly a comparable placement. The overwhelming history and success of this event fits perfectly with our products.”

“Wilson Golf has joined the Father & Son Team Classic at a perfect time to bring their Traction Control technology to our tournament participants and amateur players,” comments Robert Harper, tournament director for the Father & Son Team Classic.  “I am positive the players will love the look, sound, feel and spin of the wedges as well as the softer feel of the DUO golf balls.”

National Father & Son Team Classic Names
Col. Charles M. “Charlie” Thrash as the 2013 “Father of the Year”

MYRTLE BEACH, SC – The Executive Tournament Committee of the Golf Dimensions Father & Son Team Classic has chosen Col. Charles M. “Charlie” Thrash as the recipient of the “Father of the Year” award for the 16th annual tournament being held July 18-20, 2013 in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Col. Charlie Thrash retired from the USAF in 1995 after completing 26 years of service.  He joined the Air Force in 1969 and received his commission through Officer Training School.  Col. Thrash attended pilot training at Laredo AFB, TX and after earning his wings completed a one-year combat tour in SEA.  Subsequent duty assignments included being an instructor pilot at Reese AFB, TX; an AFROTC instructor at Lamar University; an A-10 pilot at Myrtle Beach AFB; a member of the HQ Pacific Air Forces staff in Hawaii; a student at the National War College in Washington, DC; and a member of the Air Force’s only Air Land Composite Wing at Pope AFB, NC.  Also included are extensive temporary duty assignments in the Western Pacific and Southwest Asia.

Highlights of Col. Thrash’s career include being the Commander of the 353rd Fighter Squadron, Myrtle Beach AFB; Vice Wing Commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, Myrtle Beach AFB; and Operational Group Commander of the 23rd Wing, Pope AFB, NC.  When he retired he was the Vice Commander of the 23rd Wing.

Col. Thrash is a Command Pilot having logged over 4,500 hours of flying time, with 2,500 hours being in the A-10.  He is credited with logging over 900 hours of combat time in three different theaters of operation.  His decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and the Aerial Achievement Medal.

Following retirement from the USAF, Col. Thrash entered the Grand Strand golf industry.  He was the General Manager of Bay Tree Golf Plantation from 1996-2001 and then became the Director of the Professional Golf Management Program at Coastal Carolina University in 2002.   His civic engagement includes being the Chairman of the Board of Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union, a former member of the Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday Board of Directors Executive Committee, and he is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Coastal Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross Board of Directors. 

Col. Thrash was reared in Beaumont, TX and graduated from Lamar University in 1967.  He then completed an MBA from Texas Tech University prior to joining the Air Force. Col. Thrash and his wife Donnita, both natives of Texas and currently reside in Myrtle Beach, SC, have two children - son Kyle and daughter Alison McKee.

Robert Harper, tournament founder of the National Father & Son Team Classic, states, “Because the Folds of Honor Foundation has been selected as this year’s charitable benefactor, the tournament committee didn’t need to go far away from home in selecting our 2013 Father of the Year recipient. Charlie’s exemplary service to our country and the Myrtle Beach area has made our community a better place live. His passion for the game and education of young adults has been instrumental in establishing Coastal Carolina’s Professional Golf Management Program as one of the best in the country.”

“The Father & Son Team Classic is an outstanding event from the perspective of a golf tournament, a family vacation, an enhancement for the Myrtle Beach community and a supporter of various charitable organizations,” said Charlie Thrash. “I am truly honored to have been considered for this award by such a reputable group of business associates, fellow golfers and personal friends.”

Folds of Honor Foundation Chosen as Benefactor of 16th Annual Golf Dimensions National Father & Son Team Classic

The tournament committee of the Golf Dimensions National Father & Son Team Classic has chosen the Folds of Honor Foundation as the tournament’s 2013 charitable benefactor. As a family-oriented event for sixteen years, the Father & Son Team Classic has always placed an emphasis on family bonds and particularly those created through memorable events and fun competition, specifically, golf. The 16th Annual Golf Dimensions National Father & Son Team Classic will be held July 18 – 20, 2013 in Myrtle Beach, SC. During the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, July 20th, a special ceremony will be held to recognize
the Folds of Honor Foundation, tournament participants who serve or have served our country, as well as make a check presentation to the Foundation.

With the increase in the number of military families participating in this annual event, the tournament committee elected to honor the brave personnel of the U.S. armed forces by partnering with the Folds of Honor Foundation. With this partnership, the Folds of Honor Foundation will be able to further their dedication to supporting military families across the country by providing educational opportunities to children and spouses of wounded and fallen heroes who have sacrificed so much by defending the freedom of this nation. Through scholarships and other assistance, the Folds of Honor Foundation gives back to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in service to our country. Providing for others in a selfless manner is the very nature of military service members. For this reason, Folds of Honor is committed to serving the families of our military heroes. The vision is for every spouse and dependent of a wounded or fallen service member to have the financial opportunity to pursue higher education. The greatest measure of respect we can bestow upon a fallen hero is to support that soldier's family, to open our hearts and extend our embrace in the form of an education.

“As a member of the PGA of America, it gives me great pleasure to assist Major Dan Rooney, a fellow PGA member, with this essential foundation he has established,” says Robert Harper, Father & Son Team Classic owner and promoter. “For 15 years we have received hundreds of testimonials from tournament participants who have shared their incredible stories of family bonds and life-long memories created during the Father & Son tournament. Hopefully, through our partnership with the Folds of Honor Foundation, we can make a difference in the lives of our military families in a different fashion…by helping them earn the life-long tool of a college education.”

About the National Father & Son Team Classic
On July 18 – 20, 2013, fathers and sons will unite in Myrtle Beach, SC, "The Seaside Golf Capital of the World", for the 16th Annual Golf Dimensions National Father & Son Team Classic. This three-day family oriented event has become the largest father-son golf event in the world. Eligibility for the tournament is open to fathers and sons; grandfathers and grandsons; stepfathers and stepsons; fathers and sons in law; and uncles and nephews. The 2013 tournament host sites include Barefoot Resort & Golf, River’s Edge, Myrtle Beach National King’s North, Burning Ridge, Wild Wing Plantation, Legends Golf Resorts, Long Bay Club and Crow Creek Golf Club.

The 54-hole competition in 2012 drew more than 900 players from 46 states and 7 foreign countries - 24 flights in all. In addition to three days of golf, each player will receive an exceptional gift package consisting of a $100 Golf Dimension’s Superstore gift card, a pair of FootJoy all leather golf shoes, a FootJoy golf glove, a tournament shirt and hat. For more information, visit www.FatherSonGolf.com.

About the Folds of Honor Foundation
The Folds of Honor Foundation was founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a former F-16 pilot, golf course owner, PGA Professional and USGA member.

More than 700,000 soldiers have been killed or disabled in the military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan--Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. These service members' families exceed the national average of 2.5 dependents per household. As of January 1, 2012, more than one million dependents have been adversely affected by multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 87% of the dependents affected by the recent wars do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance. While the federal government provides some support for these families, it cannot succeed alone without proactive civilian organizations to assist.

The need is great, and, to paraphrase the words of Patrick Henry, their battle is ours. As Americans, there is a collective duty to honor those who have sacrificed by serving the families they leave behind. The Folds of Honor Foundation is rallying a nation to ensure no family is left behind in the fight to preserve American freedom. Through scholarships and other assistance, the Folds of Honor Foundation gives back to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in service to our country. They provide healing, hope and an opportunity for dreams to be realized. For more information, visit www.FoldsOfHonor.org.

Gary Carpenter Sr. and Jr. entered the 15th annual Golf Dimensions National Father & Son Team Classic played on eight Grand Strand courses as the two-time defending champions.

Missing from the two victories, however, was the satisfaction of revenge over Mike and son Brock Zeeb of Sturgis, Mich., who edged the Carpenters by a stroke for the title in 2006 but haven’t participated in the past four years for a variety of reasons.

The Zeebs made a triumphant return, giving each duo two of the past six trophies and creating a full-fledged friendly rivalry between the two families in a tournament that featured 804 players this year.

Mike and Brock Zeeb won the 15th Golf Dimensions National Father and Son Team Classic on Saturday at Myrtlewood Golf Course.

In a head-to-head duel in Saturday’s final round at Myrtlewood Golf Club’s Pine HillsCourse, the Zeebs matched the Carpenters’ 64 in a two-man scramble format to protect a two-stroke advantage through 36 holes.

“I think what’s part of it is how competitive both fathers and sons are, and they really want each other pretty bad,” Brock Zeeb said. “It was jab for jab out there. They were on us and we were on them. Every time somebody faltered the other group was capitalizing on it.”

The Zeebs, of Sturgis, Mich., shot 64 in better ball at Long Bay Club on Thursday, when Brock made six birdies and an eagle, and shot 70 in modified alternate shot at Founders Club of Pawleys Island on Friday for an 18-under 198 total. The Carpenters shot 65 in better ball and 71 in modified alternate shot.
“We want to win every time we tee it up, but if we can’t do it, it couldn’t have happened to two nicer guys,” Gary Carpenter Jr. said.

Mike Zeeb, 57, is a 12-handicap and a shipping and receiving foreman for Kadant Johnson Inc., and Brock, 32, is a 2-handicap who played in the NAIA Division I national championship while at Bethel College in Indiana, and is now an IRS agent. They have played in eight Father-Son events. They didn’t contend in 2007 when Mike was having right shoulder issues, and skipped the past four years because of Mike’s shoulder surgery, Brock’s acceptance of a new job and the birth of Brock’s son, Hunter.

The Carpenters are members of Crofton Country Club outside Annapolis, Md. Gary Jr., 37, is a wholesale liquor salesman and a plus handicap who previously played mini-tours, while Gary Sr., 60, is a 38-year State Farm insurance agent with a single-digit handicap.

In the 2006 Father-Son event, the Zeebs shot a 59 in the final-round scramble to overcome a five-stroke deficit to the Carpenters through two rounds. The teams were paired together in the first round in 2007.
“I actually told Brock after about three holes [in ’07], ‘You’re a cool guy and we’ve had a great time so far, but I’m not going to lie, you broke my heart last year,’” Gary Carpenter Jr. said. “We became friends ever since and we stay in touch constantly.”

The Carpenters won not only the last two Strand father-son events, they have also won the past two European Father-Son Championships at El Rompido Golf Resort in southern Spain. The two events share reciprocal entries and non-flight expenses to their winners.
They will return to Spain in late October as the defending champions of the tournament, which features 90 teams from about 40 countries, and the Zeebs plan to accompany them as reigning champs on the Strand. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your dad and we got to do it twice,” Gary Carpenter Jr. said. “… We’re trying to go over as a four-way American contingency and do some damage over there.”

Both teams hope to carry the games they displayed this week. The Zeebs began Saturday’s final round with a two-stroke lead over the Carpenters, and both teams started their rounds with four consecutive birdies, holing several putts of 20 feet or more. “It was intense coming right out of the gate,” Brock Zeeb said.

On the round’s 12th hole, Gary Carpenter Jr., chipped in from the edge of a hazard for birdie to pull within a stroke of the Zeebs, who made bogey. But the Carpenters missed the green on the next par-3 and made bogey, and Brock Zeeb hit a 5-iron to 6 feet and his father made the birdie putt to push the lead back to three strokes. “The door was shut,” Gary Carpenter Jr. said. Both teams birdied two of their final three holes.

“We rode the old horse today with the putter,” Brock Zeeb said of his father. “It’s probably the best putting round I’ve ever seen him have. He putted phenomenal in ’06 when we came back and shot 13 under and won, and he putted better today. That’s what it’s all about is coming through in the clutch, and he made a lot of clutch putts today.”

To find out more information on the 2013 National Father & Son Team Classic, please visit www.fathersongolf.com.

Contributed by Alan Blondin – Golf writer at the Sun News

NATIONAL FATHER & SON TEAM CLASSIC ADDS LONG BAY CLUB TO 2012 COURSE ROTATION

June 7, 2012, Myrtle Beach, S.C. – The Executive Tournament Committee of the Golf Dimensions National Father & Son Team Classic is pleased to announce the addition of Long Bay Club to the 2012 course rotation. The 15th annual event will be held July 19-21, 2012 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Long Bay Club is considered one of the most difficult golf courses on the Grand Strand, this Jack Nicklaus-designed masterpiece was built to challenge even the most adroit golfer. Formidable in every feature, Long Bay displays countless large man-made mounds, a demanding design from tournament tees, handsome but deceiving par-3 holes and bottomless bunkers. Long Bay is not a typical Nicklaus design; deep pot bunkers and vast waste areas add a unique identity and challeneg. “With the upcoming renovation to Grande Dunes Resort Club, we were estatic to be able to replace it with the caliber of Long Bay Club. This strong layout with fantastic course conditions will surely be a welcome addition to our players for 2012.” said Brad “Greenie” Greenstein, Tournament Director.

The National Father & Son Team Classic is the largest father and son golf competition in the world. Played on the Grand Strand's most requested golf courses, the championship is a 54-hole event offering a different format each day. The 2011 event drew more than 800 players from 44 states and eight foreign countries. Eligibility for the tournament is open to fathers and sons; grandfathers and grandsons; stepfathers and stepsons; fathers and sons in law; and uncles and nephews.

Other host sites for the 2012 event include Barefoot Resort & Golf – Norman, Founders Club at Pawleys Island, Legends Golf Resort – Heathland, Myrtle Beach National – South Creek, Myrtlewood Golf Club – PineHills, River Club, Rivers Edge Golf Club and Sea Trail Golf Resort – Byrd.

GOLF DIMENSIONS ANNOUNCES OPENING OF CALLAWAY PERFORMANCE CENTER
AT BAREFOOT RESORT & GOLF

Opening July 2011 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - Golf Dimensions today announced the July 2011 opening of the new Callaway Performance Center (CPC) at Barefoot Resort & Golf in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Golf Dimensions has entered into a license agreement with Callaway Golf to own and operate the Callaway Performance Center, Myrtle Beach. The new CPC facility will be located on the state-of-the-art, 30-acre Barefoot Resort Driving Range. It will be the 16th Callaway Performance Center to open in the United States and the only CPC of its kind in the Carolinas.

Callaway Performance Centers utilize the patented “Callaway Performance Analysis System" (CPAS), which is used to custom fit the very best players in the game including major championship winners Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. The CPAS System employs two high-speed cameras and ball-flight simulators, while a computer monitor displays an analysis of each golfer's launch conditions-ball speed, launch angle and spin rates. In addition, the system measures the path angle and the golfer's angle of attack to the ball, utilizing 3D imagery and precision software designed by Callaway's world renowned Research & Development department.

Callaway's proprietary OptiFit® System allows golfers to test the manufacturer's equipment in a myriad of shaft and clubhead combinations quickly and efficiently. Never before have everyday golfers been able to employ such high-tech equipment to improve their performance and enjoyment on the golf course. Regardless of skill level, every golfer will benefit from a fitting at the Callaway Performance Center (CPC), where swings can be evaluated with the exact same cutting edge technology used on Callaway Tour Staff Professionals

In addition to the custom fitting experience, the new Callaway Performance Center, Myrtle Beach will offer a number of Callaway's newest products at retail, as well as Odyssey putters and TopFlite golf balls. Visitors to the CPC will be able to shop for clubs, golf balls, apparel, footwear, headwear, bags, gloves, rangefinders, GPS devices and a variety of accessories for men, women and junior golfers.

Golf Dimensions, Inc enters its 23rd year on the Strand and is among the largest "Independent Specialty Golf Retailers" in the country. The family-owned company is run today by three generations of the Smith family, including three of the original founding members. Golf Dimensions will continue to operate its two large "golf-only" Superstores in the Myrtle Beach market. The present third Golf Dimensions location at Barefoot Resort & Golf closed on Thursday June 9th to be converted into the new Callaway Performance Center, Myrtle Beach. Renovations are underway and should be complete early July.

"Our family is very excited to bring this special and unique Callaway Performance Center format to the Myrtle Beach market, renowned by many as the Golfing Capital of the World," said Bobby Smith, one of the founding owners of Golf Dimensions. "Both companies are making a significant investment to bring this unique and pleasing experience to Myrtle Beach and we anticipate local and vacationing golfers alike will embrace the opportunities that the CPC store and the CPAS Fit System will offer to golfers of all playing abilities."

Barefoot Resort and Golf is a 2,300-acre masterpiece, located across the Intracoastal Waterway and connected to North Myrtle Beach by a historic swing bridge that was built in the 1930s and relocated from the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Among its amenities are four championship golf courses designed by Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. Three of the Barefoot courses are ranked in the "Top 100 Public Golf Courses in America" by Golf Digest. Barefoot also offers two clubhouses complete with a full service restaurant, 30-acre lighted driving range, sports bar, spa, marina, and accommodations to fit any request or budget. Barefoot Landing, located just minutes away directly across the waterway, offers shopping, dining and entertainment for every age group to enjoy.

Callaway Performance Centers are operated under an agreement with Callaway Golf Sales Company.

NATIONAL FATHER & SON TEAM CLASSIC NAMES CLAY BRITTAIN "FATHER OF THE YEAR"

May 27, 2011, Myrtle Beach, S.C. ; The Executive Tournament Committee of the Golf Dimensions Superstore National Father & Son Team Classic is pleased to honor Clay Brittain, as the recipient of the "Father of the Year" award for the 14th annual tournament to be held July 21-23, 2011 in Myrtle Beach, SC.

A 40-year veteran of the golf industry, Clay Brittain, Jr. played an instrumental role in uniting the golf and tourism industries in Myrtle Beach. A native of North Carolina and graduate of the University of North Carolina, Brittain moved to Myrtle Beach after college and purchased his first Grand Strand property in 1952 with a 50 percent interest in the Second Avenue Fishing Pier. Hurricane Hazel washed the entire pier away in 1954, but Brittain traded his share in the fishing pier lot for half interest in Sea Captain's House, the first independent oceanfront restaurant in Myrtle Beach.

Brittain and several Myrtle Beach area hotel owners banded together to form the Myrtle Beach National Company in 1971, and Brittain was named as the first president. The hotel owners wanted to sell golf packages through their hotels but needed golf courses due to the shortage of tee times. Under his leadership, Myrtle Beach National built and acquired nine golf courses through the years and became one of the largest course and accommodation ownership groups in the Southeast. In later years, Mr. Brittain had the foresight to steer the company's accommodations toward condominiums, a growing trend in Myrtle Beach real estate. In 1997, Brittain was named chairman of Myrtle Beach National until his retirement in 2006.

Brittain was also an important partner in the birth of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday in 1967, a marketing cooperative formed with the goal of promoting the Myrtle Beach area as the world's premier golf destination.

While shaping Myrtle Beach National, Brittain also helped develop the entire Myrtle Beach golf industry by serving as president of the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association from 1991 through 1993, and later served as the vice president of the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association. He was instrumental in urging the Myrtle Beach chapter to join the National Golf Courses Owners Association.

Largely responsible for establishing the PGA golf degree at Coastal Carolina University, Brittain was later honored for his contributions to the community in 2001, when the Clay Brittain, Jr. Center for Resort Tourism at Coastal Carolina University was named in his honor. Brittain was the 2003 recipient of the Don Rossi Award from the National Golf Course Owners Association of America for his long-lasting contribution to the golf association. Brittain received the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service from the University of South Carolina in 1989 and received the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest honor for a civilian from Governor Jim Hodges in 2000. In 2005, he was awarded the Ashby Ward Pioneer of the Year Award for the positive, significant impact he made in the Myrtle Beach area.
Brittain has been an active member of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce since the 1950s. He has served on the board of directors of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday and the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association. In 1995, Brittain was named an honorary founder of Coastal Carolina University, and in 1997, he received the Jason Ammons Free Enterprise Award from the Wall College of Business. He has been a member of the Coastal Educational Foundation, Inc., since 1976, including a term as vice president. Brittain was instrumental in the establishment of Coastal's Professional Golf Management program, which is sanctioned by the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA).
Past "Father of the Year"� honorees include Joe Louis Barrow, Jr, Chief Executive Officer of The First Tee, Joe Black and Gary Schaal, former Presidents of the Professional Golfers Association of America, Lou Holtz, former Head Football Coach at the University of South Carolina and current ESPN analyst, Jim Hodges, former South Carolina Governor, Happ Lathrop, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Golf Association, Dal Shealy, the President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Cecil Brandon, the “Father of Myrtle Beach Golf�, Bobby Richardson, 1960 World Series Most Valuable Player and Mickey McCamish, former Executive Director of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday.

This three-day family event, benefitting the First Tee of Myrtle Beach, has become the largest father-son golf tournament in the world. The 2010 event drew more than 1,200 players from 48 states and seven countries. Played on the Grand Strand's most requested golf courses, the championship is a 54-hole event offering a different format each day. Eligibility for the tournament is open to fathers and sons; grandfathers and grandsons; stepfathers and stepsons; fathers and sons-in-law; and uncles and nephews.

For additional information on the Golf Dimensions Superstore National Father & Son Team Classic call 866-497-2627 or visit www.fathersongolf.com.

GOLF DIMENSIONS SUPERSTORE TO BECOME TITLE SPONSOR FOR WORLD'S LARGEST FATHER & SON GOLF TOURNAMENT

Tournament Will Now Be Known As "Golf Dimensions Father & Son Team Classic"

December 13, 2010, Myrtle Beach, S.C. ; Golf Dimensions Superstore has announced that it will be the title sponsor for the National Father & Son Team Classic beginning in 2011. Owners of three golf superstores along the Grand Strand, have signed a three-year agreement to sponsor the event.
"We're proud to be a part of this great tournament, said Bobby Smith, one of the owners of Golf Dimensions. "This is such a terrific fit for our business given that our company has always had father/son involvement. I co-founded Golf Dimensions with my Dad 23 years ago and despite his passing in 2009 we are fortunate to have 2 of my sons involved in our business today. My Dad would be very proud of our decision to title sponsor this event. Our ability, like so many others in this great golfing community, to assist local charities and contribute to the positive economic impact for our area were deciding factors in our decision to sponsor this event. “

The 2011 "Golf Dimensions Father & Son Team Classic" will be held July 21st through 23rd. Played on the Grand Strand's most requested golf courses, the championship is a 54-hole event offering a different format each day. The tournament is open to any father/son type relationship, including fathers and sons; grandfathers and grandsons; stepfathers and stepsons; fathers and sons in law; and uncles and nephews.

"We are very excited to have Golf Dimensions as the title sponsor for the National Father & Son Team Classic," said Robert Harper, Tournament Director. "The golf and civic contributions of the Smith Family to this community make them ideal sponsor, the stores are focused growing the game of golf in a family-friendly atmosphere. Our tournament is all about family togetherness and we are pleased that throughout our 13 year history this venue has contributed over $30 million of economic impact to the Myrtle Beach community."

Mark your calendars for July 21-23, Myrtle Beach, SC when fathers and sons will unite in “The Seaside Golf Capital of the World� for the 14th annual Golf Dimensions Father & Son Team Classic. The tournament committee remains committed to bringing participants only the highest quality golf experience Myrtle Beach has to offer. This year’s tournament host sites include Barefoot Golf Resort, Grande Dunes Resort, Founders Club at Pawleys Island, Legends Resorts, Myrtle Beach National Golf Club, Sea Trail Golf Resort, The Members Club at Grande Dunes, Thistle Golf Club, and Wachesaw Plantation East.
In 2010, the Father & Son team Classic attracted players from 43 states and seven foreign countries. More information about the 2011 tournament is available online at fathersongolf.com.

About Golf Dimensions Superstore
Golf Dimensions is family-owned-and-operated by Bobby, Mary, Barbara, Chris and Jonathan Smith. For 23 years they have dedicated their business to providing consumers with the best selection, best customer service & best value in an entertaining, interactive environment and above all, giving back to the community to help others. Located in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Golf Dimensions is focused on game improvement and growing the game of golf. They offer swing analysis, custom club fitting, hitting nets, demo range and practice putting greens, as well as a vast selection of golf equipment, clothing, footwear and accessories.

NEWS RELEASE
NATIONAL FATHER & SON TEAM CLASSIC

The Sun News Father & Son Team Classic Essay Contest

Congratulations to our 2010 Essay Contest Winners!!  

Gumbo Limbo Dad 
by Brady Lane

It would mean the world to both me and my dad to play golf together at such an important event. First I must say that my dad is a very hard working, family oriented man. I am 13 years old and he and I seriously love golfing. My dad has worked every day way before I was born. He worked hard backbreaking jobs, and though he was exhausted he always made time to throw the ball with me and my brother and usually every other kid in the neighborhood. My friends have always been envious of how close my dad and I are.

Last year he got laid off.  And though he quickly found another, he had to take a big pay cut from the job he had for 14 years. He does love his job now, but he has to work every other weekend. We don't get to do as much together especially golfing. I get to play with my Nana (dad's mom) since I get to play free with her. (I may even be as good as dad now). But he doesn't get to join us. It would be such a wonderful gift for us to play together as a team. I love him very much so please help me make this the best father's day ever, for the best father ever.

Thanks Papa
by Derrik Buschatz

As I walked back to the cart from the other side of the wet fairway the answer was clear to me. The ball moved, and a penalty was involved. Nobody saw me though.... It would have been as easy as a knock-in putt to simply drop my 6-iron into the bag, climb into the cart, and continue on like nothing happened. But really it wasn't that easy, not for someone raised the way I was.

"Hey Papa, when I set the club down behind the ball just before my shot, the ball moved about an inch and a half."

"Did it come to rest back in the same spot or in a new one?"

"A new spot."

"Then you have to take a penalty stroke. That's the rules."

We were playing in the Veteran's Classic golf tournament just a few weeks ago. It sure is a heartbreaker to lose a precious stroke to such a stupid mistake. With such competitive natures we take these contests fairly serious, enjoying the thrill and teamwork involved. I rarely feel as close to my father as when we play in a golf tournament as a team, helping each other through shot after shot, strategy after strategy. And when moments like these arise, it is good to know that I learned how to play this game with honor and integrity from the same man who also taught me about life.

NEWS RELEASE
NATIONAL FATHER & SON TEAM CLASSIC

National Father Son Team Classic
Myrtle Beach SC
Contact:  Robert Harper PGA, National Father & Son Team Classic
(843) 497-2627 or WWPro@aol.com

Three Days of Golf, A Lifetime of Memories
As curious little boys evolve into men who know everything, they gleam much of their worldly knowledge from their fathers, absorbing behaviors, vocabulary, values, work ethic and a sense of who they will be – like freshly unwrapped sponges.
Of course all of that information and understanding doesn’t pass from parent to child through osmosis. As is often the case, father and son will discover a shared passion or common ground ideal for cultivating the closest of bonds. Whether it’s Little League baseball, Pop Warner football or a Saturday morning soccer league, sports often serve as the vehicle for forming that special friendship. But is there any better way for a father and son to learn about life and each other than by playing a round of golf together?
Almost 15 years since one of golf’s most famous fathers, Earl Woods, proclaimed that his prodigal son would do more than any other man in history to change the course of humanity, we live in a world capable of connecting us to our neighbors on the other side of the globe with the click of a button. Yet, we’ve become so distant. Golf gives us the opportunity to bridge that gap. The most humbling and human of all sporting pursuits, golf teaches us patience, honesty and persistence.

Throughout the course of every round, we recognize the fleeting nature of success and the constant hard work required to sustain it. We learn to brush off disappointment, while vowing to do better the next time. We learn that we’re vulnerable to mistakes and to the whims of the sometimes unexplainable world that we live in. We learn to project humility when we’re victorious and to be gracious in defeat; each one a worthwhile trait our dads try to instill in us as we come of age.
Golf also gives us the chance to turn off our cell phones for the afternoon, silence our Twitter accounts and Facebook feeds and forget about everything except the next shot and present company. Isolated from the world, father and son can come together. Some of the most memorable moments in the long and storied history of golf feature father and son teams. When Tiger Woods overwhelmed the field at Augusta National Golf Club, becoming the youngest Masters champion in history and setting a tournament record at 18-under-par, he met his father behind the 18th green and the two men shared a tearful embrace. Their bear hug was broadcast to a national television audience and still stands as one of the signature moments of Tiger’s career.
Another man who needs no introduction, Jack Nicklaus, shared his improbable victory at the 1986 Masters with his son Jackie, who carried the bag for his dad that week at Augusta National. Nicklaus was 46 years old when he fired a 30 coming home to capture his sixth Green Jacket and his son was at his side to revel in the utter improbability of the moment.

While these unforgettable events played out in front of millions, special moments that mean just as much to those involved unfold across tees, fairways and greens each and every day. Isn’t it time you had yours?

“My son John and I have just attended our 8th consecutive Father-Son,” beamed Rich Hassan after competing in a recent Father & Son Classic. “John started when he was 15. This is an absolutely premier event, run very professionally and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. It has truly been the one event that has nurtured our relationship the most, one of the goals of the tournament, so for that we are grateful.” Since 1998, thousands of father-son golf teams have descended upon the Grand Strand to spend quality time with

NEWS RELEASE
NATIONAL FATHER & SON TEAM CLASSIC GOLFER'S GUIDE ARTICLE

As curious little boys evolve into men who know everything, they gleam much of their worldly knowledge from their fathers, absorbing behaviors, vocabulary, values, work ethic and a sense of who they will be – like freshly unwrapped sponges. Of course all of that information and understanding doesn’t pass from parent to child through osmosis. As is often the case, father and son will discover a shared passion or common ground ideal for cultivating the closest of bonds.

Whether it’s Little League baseball, Pop Warner football or a Saturday morning soccer league, sports often serve as the vehicle for forming that special friendship. But is there any better way for a father and son to learn about life and each other than by playing a round of golf together?

Almost 15 years since one of golf’s most famous fathers, Earl Woods, proclaimed that his prodigal son would do more than any other man in history to change the course of humanity, we live in a world capable of connecting us to our neighbors on the other side of the globe with the click of a button. Yet, we’ve become so distant. Golf gives us the opportunity to bridge that gap.

The most humbling and human of all sporting pursuits, golf teaches us patience, honesty and persistence. Throughout the course of every round, we recognize the fleeting nature of success and the constant hard work required to sustain it. We learn to brush off disappointment, while vowing to do better the next time. We learn that we’re vulnerable to mistakes and to the whims of the sometimes unexplainable world that we live in. We learn to project humility when we’re victorious and to be gracious in defeat; each one a worthwhile trait our dads try to instill in us as we come of age.

Golf also gives us the chance to turn off our cell phones for the afternoon, silence our Twitter accounts and Facebook feeds and forget about everything except the next shot and present company. Isolated from the world, father and son can come together.

Some of the most memorable moments in the long and storied history of golf feature father and son teams. When Tiger Woods overwhelmed the fi eld at Augusta National Golf Club, becoming the youngest Masters champion in history and setting a tournament record at 18-under-par, he met his father behind the 18th green and the two men shared a tearful embrace. Their bear hug was broadcast to a national television audience and still stands as one of the signature moments of Tiger’s career.

Another man who needs no introduction, Jack Nicklaus, shared his improbable victory at the 1986 Masters with his son Jackie, who carried the bag for his dad that week at Augusta National. Nicklaus was 46 years old when he fi red a 30 coming home to capture his sixth Green Jacket and his son was at his side to revel in the utter improbability of the moment.

While these unforgettable events played out in front of millions, special moments that mean just as much to those involved unfold across tees, fairways and greens each and every day. Isn’t it time you had yours?

“My son John and I have just attended our 8th consecutive Father-Son,” beamed Rich Hassan after competing in a recent Father & Son Classic. “John started when he was 15. This is an absolutely premier event, run very professionally and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. It has truly been the one event that has nurtured our relationship the most, one of the goals of the tournament, so for that we are grateful.”

Since 1998, thousands of father-son golf teams have descended upon the Grand Strand to spend quality time with family, enjoy a few competitive rounds of golf side-by-side and celebrate the special relationship between student of the game and the man who taught him to love it.

Mark your calendars for July 22-24, 2010 when fathers and sons unite in “The Seaside Golf Capital of the World” for the 13th Annual National Father & Son Team Classic. Visit us at www.fathersongolf. com or call (843) 497-2627 for more information.

www.myrtlebeach.golfersguide.com 

NEWS RELEASE
NATIONAL FATHER & SON TEAM CLASSIC NAMES JOE LOUIS BARROW “FATHER OF THE YEAR”

National Father Son Team Classic
May 13, 2009 Myrtle Beach SC
Contact:  Robert Harper PGA, National Father & Son Team Classic
(843) 497-2627 or WWPro@aol.com  

May 13, Myrtle Beach, S.C. – The Executive Tournament Committee of The National Father & Son Team Classic is pleased to honor Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. as the recipient of the “Father of the Year” award for the 12th annual tournament to be held July 16-18, 2009 in Myrtle Beach, SC.
As chief executive officer, Barrow directs all activities of The First Tee, a positive youth development initiative of the World Golf Foundation.  Barrow, as executive vice president of the World Golf Foundation, is responsible for the World Golf Foundation Development function and U.S. Government relations.  

Through a network of 206 nonprofit Chapters in 49 states and five international locations, The First Tee is impacting the lives of young people by developing educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values such as perseverance, integrity, judgment, and confidence using golf as the platform. Since its inception in 1997, over 2.9 million participants have been exposed to the core values and life skills taught through The First Tee.  The network includes over 690 program locations, nearly 1,100 affiliate relationships with established golf courses, as well as 2,700 elementary schools engaged through The First Tee National School Program.

Barrow holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Denver. In May 2003, Georgetown College awarded Barrow an honorary Doctor of Law degree for his community service and involvement. 

Barrow currently is a board member of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, American Junior Golf Association, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (chair), and Baptist Health Systems in Jacksonville. He also has served on the boards of the National Golf Foundation (chair), Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Mile High United Way, University of Denver Board of Fellows, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Health Facilities Finance Authority (chair), Urban League of Colorado (chair), Big Brothers of Metro Denver, Piton Foundation Community Development Project, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, IZZO (UK) Ltd., National Minority Golf Foundation (chair), the Colorado Golf Association, the Colorado Junior Golf Committee, the Jacksonville Urban League, and the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission. 

Barrow and his wife, Amy, have a beautiful 2 ½ year old daughter Julia Lynn, along with a stepson, Phillip, age 21.  Barrow is the son of boxing legend Joe Louis, “the Brown Bomber.”  On his 60th birthday Barrow played 60 holes of golf, a personal challenge to his health, walking and staying fit. Besides golf, Barrow also enjoys biking and quite often you can find the three of them on local trails.

NEWS RELEASE
FATHER & SON TEAM CLASSIC SELECTS ALS THERAPY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AS EVENT BENEFACTOR

National Father & Son Team Classic
July 16-18, 2009 Myrtle Beach, SC
Contact:  Robert Harper, National Father & Son Team Classic
 866-497-2627 / WWPro@aol.com  

May 1, 2009, Myrtle Beach, S.C. – Mark your calendars for July 16-18, 2009 when fathers and sons unite in "The Seaside Golf Capital of the World" for the 12th Annual Martin’s PGA TOUR Superstore National Father & Son Team Classic benefiting the ALS Therapy Development Institute. This three-day family event has become the largest father-son golf event in the world. Last year's 54-hole competition drew over 1600 players from 44 states and 8 foreign countries -- 36 flights in all.

ALS TDI Golf is the largest nationwide network of golf based fundraisers to support research into effective treatments for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).  ALS is no stranger to the golf world; Bruce Edwards, Tom Watson’s caddy for more than 20 years, lost a hard-fought battle with ALS less than two years following his diagnosis in 2001, and PGA Tour Professional Jeff Julian played in three tournaments on sponsor’s exemptions following his diagnosis in 2000. These two men put a public face on the disease and raised significant awareness and the National Father & Son Team Classic is committed to continue that legacy through this partnership.

Eligibility for the tournament is open to fathers and sons; grandfathers and grandsons; stepfathers and stepsons; fathers and sons in law; and uncles and nephews. Along with three days of golf and an exceptional gift package, each player will receive a $200 Martin’s PGA TOUR Superstore gift card.
The tournament committee remains committed to bringing participants only the highest quality golf experience Myrtle Beach has to offer. This year’s tournament host sites include Barefoot Resort & Golf, Pine Lakes Country Club, Farmstead Golf Links, Resort Course at Grande Dunes, Indian Wells Golf Club, Legends Golf Resorts, Myrtlewood Golf Club, Tidewater Golf Club, Wachesaw Plantation East, Crow Creek Golf Club, River Hills Golf and Country Club, and Thistle Golf Club.

Myrtle Beach, competitive golf and that good old summertime -- what a magical combination for a quality family vacation. Recapture a golf memory and make some new ones at the 2009 National Father & Son Team Classic.

NEWS RELEASE
National Father & Son Team Classic
July 16-18, 2009 Myrtle Beach, SC

April 2009
Contact: Ryan Hart, National Father & Son Team Classic
866-497-2627 / ryanhartmb@aol.com

Each summer Myrtle Beach, SC hosts the largest father and son golf competition in the world. The 2008 event drew more than 1,400 players from 44 states and eight foreign countries. Mark your calendars for July 16-18, Myrtle Beach, SC when fathers and sons unite in "The Seaside Golf Capital of the World" for the 12th Annual Martin's PGA TOUR Superstore National Father & Son Team Classic.

Played on the Grand Strand's most requested golf courses, the championship is a 54-hole event offering a different format each day. The tournament is open to any father/son type relationship, including fathers and sons; grandfathers and grandsons; stepfathers and stepsons; fathers and sons in law; and uncles and nephews. Along with three days of golf and an exceptional gift package, each player will receive a $200 Martin's PGA TOUR Superstore gift card.

The event will be held on the award winning layouts at Barefoot Golf Resort, Crow Creek Golf Club, Farmstead Golf Links, Grand Dunes Golf Club, Indian Wells Golf Club, Legends Golf Resorts, Myrtlewood Golf Club, Pine Lakes Country Club, River Hills Golf and Country Club, Thistle Golf Club, Tidewater Golf Club, and Wachesaw Plantation East.

The Classic's official welcome reception will be held at the historic Pine Lakes Country Club on Wednesday evening, July 15th. Pine Lakes has recently reopened after a 2 year complete renovation to its golf course and clubhouse facilities.

Myrtle Beach, competitive golf and that good old summertime - what a magical combination for a quality family vacation. Recapture a golf memory and make some new ones at the 2009 National Father & Son Team Classic. The registration deadline is June 1st. To request a tournament brochure call 866-497-2627 or visit www.fathersongolf.com.

NEWS RELEASE
NATIONAL FATHER & SON TEAM CLASSIC ADDS PINE LAKES COUNTRY CLUB AND THE THISTLE GOLF CLUB TO 2009 COURSE ROTATION

February 9, 2009
Contact: Ryan Hart, National Father & Son Team Classic
866-497-2627 / ryanhartmb@aol.com

NATIONAL FATHER & SON TEAM CLASSIC ADDS PINE LAKES COUNTRY CLUB AND THE THISTLE GOLF CLUB TO 2009 COURSE ROTATION

February 9, 2009, Myrtle Beach , S.C. - The Executive Tournament Committee of the Martin's PGA TOUR Superstore National Father & Son Team Classic is pleased to announce the addition of Pine Lakes Country Club ( The Granddaddy) and the Thistle Golf Club to the 2009 course rotation. The 12 th annual event will be held July 16-18, 2009 in Myrtle Beach , South Carolina .

Since 1927, Pine Lakes Country Club has been a favorite of Grand Strand golfers. Nestled in the heart of Myrtle Beach , the graceful Southern architecture of the Clubhouse symbolizes the deeply rooted history and tradition of the Myrtle Beach area. Pine Lakes was originally built upon natural dunes less than a half mile from the ocean and featured numerous freshwater lakes and rolling fairways. Designed by architect Robert White, the first president of the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) and a co-founder of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Pine Lakes will surpass its initial glory after a complete 2007 restoration. Affectionately known as The Granddaddy, Pine Lakes has coveted most all of the annual awards given in this industry at one time or another. In 2006 it was recognized as a Top 5 golf facility in America for Customer Service Excellence.

You don't need a passport to experience a wee bit of Scotland . The sensational 27-hole Thistle Golf Club offers golf in its purest form, with windswept fairways, rolling hillsides covered in heather and wildflowers, and superb bentgrass greens. The nine hole layouts are visually stunning; while there is an abundance of water, the forced carries are fair and few. " The Thistle is a strong layout with fantastic course conditions and we are extremely pleased to add them to the 2009 rotation," said Ryan Hart, Tournament Director.

The National Father & Son Team Classic is the largest father and son golf competition in the world. Played on the Grand Strand's most requested golf courses, the championship is a 54-hole event offering a different format each day. The 2008 event drew more than 1,500 players from 46 states and seven foreign countries. Eligibility for the tournament is open to fathers and sons; grandfathers and grandsons; stepfathers and stepsons; fathers and sons in law; and uncles and nephews. Along with three days of golf and an exceptional gift package, each player will receive a $200 Martin's PGA TOUR Superstore gift card.

Other host sites for the 2009 event include Barefoot Resort, Crow Creek, Farmstead Golf Links, Grand Dunes Resort Club, Indian Wells Golf Club, Legends Golf Resorts, Myrtlewood Golf Club, River Hills Country Club, Tidewater Plantation, and Wachesaw Plantation East.

For additional information on the Martin's PGA TOUR Superstore National Father & Son Team Classic call 866-497-2627 or visit www.fathersongolf.com

NEWS RELEASE
Fore - Father Figures - The National Father & Son Team Classic played in
Myrtle Beach each year is a celebration of golf and family

September 22, 2008
Contacts: Robert Harper & Ryan Hart, National Father & Son Team Classic
(843) 497-2627 or ryanhartmb@aol.com or mbgolfnews@aol.com

Fathers are always telling their sons to hold their heads high... except for golf fathers, that is, who preach that sons must keep their head’s down. Can you remember who introduced you to the game of golf? ...Chances are it was that same guy that loves the game as much as you do. I’m talking about that same guy who taught you so much about life, values, fairness, respect and much more. The game of golf embodies all of these qualities. There’s something almost magical when a sport helps solidify the father and son relationship. Golfing fathers and sons love this feeling of both competition and camaraderie and they become charged. This is what The National Father & Son Team Classic is all about. Each summer, Myrtle Beach hosts the largest father & son golf competition in the world. This past year, 1,502 golfing families from 46 states and 8 foreign countries descended on Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to participate in the competition, entertainment and activities of Father and Son Week. Most players begin arriving Monday and Tuesday to get their families settled and play a practice round or two. Offi cial player registration is always the third Wednesday in July at title sponsor Martin’s PGA TOUR Superstores. Here, teams pick up their apparel, gifts and most important their Superstore gift card for a little golf shopping spree.(Careful here guys, I’ve noticed more and more wives, daughters and girlfriends ‘snapping’ you for the gift cards, and understandably so. Martin’s PGA TOUR Superstores offers the finest and largest selection of women’s golf and tennis apparel on earth.) Wednesday evening’s pairings party and welcome reception features great food, fellowship and entertainment. Nothing but accolades to the staff at Premier Resorts for a great evening. It was also special to see Myrtle Beaches’ own Mickey McCamish honored as the 2008 “Father of the Year”. This award is presented each year to a man that takes a father’s leadership role in embracing traditional family values. Recipients are also recognized as ambassadors of sports tourism for the state of South Carolina. Thursday morning and 752 teams are “off and running” on 14 of Myrtle Beaches’ finest layouts for three days of competition. Best Ball, Pinehurst Scotch & Two Man Scramble are the formats. Check out this line-up: Arrowhead, Barefoot, Crow Creek, Farmstead, Grande Dunes, Heather Glen, Indian Wells, Legends, Myrtlewood, River Hills, Shaftesbury Glen, Tidewater, Wachesaw, East & Wild Wing....No weak layouts here! “The combination of great golf facilities, generous sponsors and exciting format allows us to grow an event of the highest quality,” explains Robert Harper, 2006 Carolinas PGA Golf Professional of the Year and President of Southern Dunes Company which manages the tournament and all the exciting events of The Classic. Other activities throughout the week include PGA Superstore’s “Demo Alley”, various player skills challenges taking place within their stores, as well as at Grande Dunes Golf & Resort. By the way, Grande Dunes is tournament headquarters where players congregate daily at the official scoreboard. Immediately after play on the third day, we head back over the picturesque bridge to Grande Dunes for closing ceremonies and awards presentation. Teams are treated to a Lowcountry steak barbeque. I think it may be the largest golf picnic ever held. The “Old Pro”, Robert Harper MC’s this rodeo and makes it fun for all. Myrtle Beach, competitive golf and that good old summertime. It’s a perfect combination for that quality family vacation. Recapture a golf memory and make some new ones at next year’s 2009 National Father & Son Team Classic. Mark your calendars for July 16-19, 2009 when fathers and sons from around the world will once again unite in “The Seaside Golf Capital of the USA”. For more information visit us at: www.fathersongolf.com

NEWS RELEASE
NATIONAL FATHER & SON TEAM CLASSIC NAMES MICKEY MCCAMISH "FATHER OF THE YEAR"

April 17, 2008
Contacts: Robert Harper & Ryan Hart, National Father & Son Team Classic
(843) 497-2627 or ryanhartmb@aol.com or mbgolfnews@aol.com

April 17, 2008, Myrtle Beach , S.C. - The Executive Tournament Committee of The National Father & Son Team Classic is pleased to honor Mickey McCamish as the recipient of the "Father of the Year" award for the 11th annual tournament to be held July 17-19, 2008 in Myrtle Beach , SC.

McCamish has been a leader in the Myrtle Beach golf industry for more than 14 years. McCamish served as the President of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday marketing cooperative for the past ten years, just recently retiring March 31, 2008. Since joining Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday in 1994, McCamish oversaw the Senior PGA TOUR Championship during its eight-year run in Myrtle Beach , raised more than $800,000 for local charities and led the marketing cooperative to a $9 million annual budget.

As the former President of the Association, McCamish was responsible for the overall operations of the corporation, including the development of government grants and nationally/globally recognized golf tournaments, and marketing the area as an ideal golf destination to prospective and current visitors. During his tenure, the annual economic impact of Myrtle Beach golf exceeded $1 billion and generated approximately $100 million in taxes.

As a retired Captain of the U. S. Navy, McCamish served aboard numerous U.S. Navy ships. During his Naval career, he was accepted as one of the few Naval Officers to attend U.S. Navy Destroyer School and received a letter of commendation for his service in Vietnam . Upon his retirement after 27 years of active and reserve service, McCamish was awarded the second highest peacetime award, the Meritorious Service Award.

Mickey and his wife Carol, who now reside in Chattanooga , Tennessee , have two children, Dr. Shannon McCamish Butler and Chad McCamish. Mickey will be playing with his son Chad in the 2008 National Father & Son Team Classic.

"Mickey McCamish is a dedicated leader who has devoted so much time and talent growing the Myrtle Beach golf industry," stated Aaron Allen, Tournament Director. "We are extremely honored to have him as our Father of the Year for the 2008 event."

Past "Father of the Year" honorees include Joe Black, former President of the Professional Golfers Association, Lou Holtz, former Head Football Coach at the University of South Carolina, Jim Hodges, former South Carolina Governor, Happ Lathrop, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Golf Association, Dal Shealy, the President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Cecil Brandon, the "Father of Myrtle Beach Golf", Bobby Richardson, 1960 World Series Most Valuable Player, and Gary Schaal, former PGA President.

This three-day family event has become the largest father-son golf tournament in the world. The 2007 event drew more than 1,600 players from 44 states and eight countries. Played on the Grand Strand's most requested golf courses, the championship is a 54-hole event offering a different format each day. Eligibility for the tournament is open to fathers and sons; grandfathers and grandsons; stepfathers and stepsons; fathers and sons in law; and uncles and nephews.

For additional information on the Martin's PGA TOUR Superstore National Father & Son Team Classic call 866-497-2627 or visit www.fathersongolf.com .