THE MASTERS FANTASY CHALLENGE

Congratulations to our Fantasy Challenge winner, Jack Shertzer, whose team collectively won $2,466,800 in prize money. The winning fantasy team included former Franklin Templeton Shootout Champion Jay Haas, Masters Runner-up Chris DiMarco, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, and Masters Champion Tiger Woods.

Now that the dust has settled and another memorable Masters Tournament has set the tone for the year's remaining major championships, be on the look out for future contests as the U.S. Open, British Open, and the PGA Championship approach.

The number of entrants for this contest was only exceeded by the excitement that developed at Augusta National. Thanks to all those who participated in this fun Fantasy Challenge and we hope that you will participate in future contests!

NORMAN HAS SUCCESSFUL BACK SURGERY

JUPITER, Fla. - After exhausting all non-surgical options to relieve back pain that has bothered Greg Norman for several years, the two-time British Open champion decided that an operation was the best course of action.

"I had a simple choice," Norman said. "Either retire from the game of golf or seek any and all available means to help relieve the pain that has kept me from performing at a level that suits my standards and at the same time improves the quality of my life."

Norman underwent a micro-surgical partial discectomy and decompression of the L4-L5 nerve roots to his thigh and foot today at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Joseph Maroon, M.D., Vice Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, performed the operation, which took 90 minutes.

"Everything went exactly as planned," said Dr. Maroon. "Due to Greg's high level of physical fitness and commitment to rehabilitation, we are confident he will make a full recovery."

Dr. Maroon has been the team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers since 1977 and has done extensive research and teaching in the area of concussions and other head injuries in athletes and neuropsychological testing of professional athletes. Norman's injury is common among professional athletes, especially golfers. The micro-surgical discectomy relieved pressure on the nerve and should free him of some discomfort.

Through Norman's rigorous physical training and rehab regimen, he hopes to resume his playing schedule within three months. "My desire remains the same, and that is to return to competition as soon as possible," Norman said.

Come November, the Great White Shark plans to take on the field as he and his partner maneuver through Tiburón Golf Club for the 17th Annual Franklin Templeton Shootout November 9-13.

AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem announced that the TOUR has joined the Department of Defense's "America Supports You" program, an ongoing nationwide program to showcase and communicate America's support to the men and women of the Armed Forces.

"It is important for our military men and women, at home and abroad, to know they have our nation's support and gratitude," said Finchem. "Many of our players have already participated in golf clinics at military bases or demonstrated their support in other ways. The "America Supports You" program is another way that our players and tournaments can express their support."

Since the launch of the "America Supports You" program last November, hundreds of thousands of Americans, including individual citizens, businesses and organizations, have logged onto the AmericaSupportsYou.mil website to register the activities and projects in their communities that show their support for America's Armed Forces, especially those serving in harm's way.

Every person who registers on the site will receive an "America Supports You" dog tag to wear as a visible show of support. The "America Supports You" dog tags feature the program logo on a military style dog tag. On average, 700 people a day are signing up to receive the "America Supports You" dog tag.

To learn more about "America Supports You" and the stories of Americans supporting the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.