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Hicks, Hull and Turner among the winners at the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic presented by Samsung
COLLINGWOOD, ON, June 29, 2008 – Wayne Gretzky’s inaugural event finished today with Justin Hicks earning the first Nationwide Tour victory in Canada in three years. Hicks finished with a 16-under 269 score, taking the $144,017 prize purse and is the first-ever recipient of the Gretzky champion’s ring. According to Hicks though, his Gretzky moment started as soon as he showed up the first day.
“I guess I can let you all in on the secret now,” said Hicks to the crowd. “When I showed up, and got registered, I went in to the locker room and looked at my locker number, and it was number 99.”
Other winners were Brett Hull, taking the celebrity win with a 13-under 235 score, and Tom Turner taking the amateur title with a score of 7-under 239. Both receive a brand new 2009 Ford Flex from Ford of Canada.
“Congratulations to Justin, Brett and Tom – they all played an impressive couple of rounds this week,” said Wayne Gretzky, host and fellow player in the tournament. “We had a lot of great golfers out which I think made for an exciting tournament and competitive finish.”
More than 650 volunteers from the local community rallied around the inaugural event, providing support on the course and through hospitality, security and transportation responsibilities.
“The volunteers have done an outstanding job and the hospitality at both the courses and in the community has been wonderful,” said Gretzky. “We’ve had a tremendous turnout and I’m thrilled with what we’ve accomplished this year with the tournament.”
Spectator turnout for the tournament exceeded all expectations with an estimated 10,000 fans of all ages passing through the gates of The Georgian Bay Club and The Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay where the tournament was held. Fans who walked the course had the opportunity to see some of their favourite sporting and entertainment heroes tee off with a number of talented professional golfers, 25 of whom will likely play on the PGA Tour next year.
“It’s been a great experience for the Nationwide Tour,” said Jim Duncan, Nationwide Tournament Director. “We’re thrilled to be back in Canada, and with Wayne involved and the community as strong as it is here, I think we’ll be here a long time.”
Other highlights from the week included ceremonial demonstrations and official trophy procession by the Canadian Armed Forces who took part in the opening and closing ceremonies for the tournament. Family was also a key theme throughout the tournament. Multiple members of the Gretzky family, including Wayne, his wife Janet, his son Ty, his daughter Paulina and his brother Brent Gretzky played in the event. Another hockey great, Mark Messier, also played and was joined by his son and father.
“We’ve had such a great week here with everyone and have been treated so well by the volunteers, staff and fans,” said Gretzky. “We’re really looking forward to coming back next year and hopefully make the tournament a tradition for years to come.”
As with any major event, sponsor involvement has been heavy since the beginning, with Ford and Samsung participating as title and presenting sponsors respectively. Other sponsors include Scotiabank, Corona, Marquis Jet, Boston Pizza, Tim Hortons, PepsiCo and the Westin Trillium House.
“I can’t say enough about our sponsors - these events can’t be done without corporate backing,” said Gretzky. “Ford and Samsung jumped on board right away, and so many others followed as well – my foundation and I are extremely grateful for all their help.”
Proceeds from the tournament go to the Wayne Gretzky Foundation whose mission it is to provide less fortunate youth with the opportunity to experience the sport of hockey.
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