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Multi-year agreement presents the "Merrill Lynch Shootout" November 8-12.
Fred Couples and Annika Sörenstam to compete as part of 24-player field.
NAPLES, Fla., (April 17, 2006) - Greg Norman and Merrill Lynch are pleased to announce a multi-year agreement for the title sponsorship of Southwest Florida's PGA TOUR stop, introducing the event as the "Merrill Lynch Shootout."
The newly named Merrill Lynch Shootout, which will be played for its 18th year November 8-12 at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, raises funds and awareness for CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation.
The Merrill Lynch Shootout is also pleased to announce that Fred Couples and Annika Sörenstam have committed to the elite, 24-person field.
Sörenstam will become the first woman to compete in the Merrill Lynch Shootout. In three starts this season, she has already recorded one victory, bringing her career win total to 67. Sörenstam, a member of the LPGA Tour and World Golf Hall of Fame, won half the events she entered last year including two major championships.
This will mark Couples' 10th appearance in the Merrill Lynch Shootout. The three-time champion claimed his first title alongside Raymond Floyd in 1990. His successive triumphs came in 1994 with Brad Faxon and 1999 with David Duval. Just two weeks ago Couples put on a superb ball-striking display en route to a five-way tie for third at The Masters.
"The Merrill Lynch Shootout provides us with the perfect opportunity to partner with Greg Norman who represents the very best in golf, sportsmanship and charitable services," said Bob McCann, Vice Chairman and President of Global Private Client at Merrill Lynch. "We look forward to creating a unique experience for our clients and the outstanding PGA TOUR players like Fred and Annika, while making a difference in the lives of so many children."
"Merrill Lynch is recognized as one of the world's preeminent financial management and advisory companies," added Greg Norman. "Between the pedigree of this event and Merrill Lynch's best-of-breed status, this is simply a tremendous alignment."
The Merrill Lynch Shootout, widely regarded as the PGA TOUR's premier post-season event, will once again feature an alternate-shot format during the first round, a better ball Saturday and a final-round scramble. In 2006, USA Network will televise Friday's coverage and CBS will handle broadcasting duties over the weekend.
Beginning in 2007, the Merrill Lynch Shootout will move to a December slot on the PGA TOUR calendar and television coverage will shift to The Golf Channel and NBC. This guarantees a minimum of five hours of live network television coverage through 2010.
The Greg Norman Production Company has also reached an agreement with WCI Communities and The Ritz-Carlton, ensuring the Shootout will continue its run at Tiburón Golf Club and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples through 2010.
"Since 2001, the Shootout has benefited from its partnerships with WCI and The Ritz-Carlton," said Merrill Lynch Shootout Tournament Director Taylor Ives. "There are few facilities on the PGA TOUR that can compare to what we experience in Naples."
For the latest Merrill Lynch Shootout news and information, please visit the official tournament Website at www.mlshootout.com.
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