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By Vito Berlingeri Southwest Section PGA
Southwest Section PGA and PGA Mexico To Partner on “Uniting Nations Cup”
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he Southwest Section PGA and Associated Professional Golfers Mexico (PGAM), headquartered in Mexico City, announced that they will partner on the Inaugural “Uniting Nations Cup” at the Mayan Palace Beach Resort in Rocky Point, Mexico in May 2011. The goodwill competition, a threeday Ryder Cup style tournament, will be contested from May 13-15, 2011 on the Peninsula De Cortes Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature (Legacy) design with nine of the eighteen holes along the Sea of Cortes. 10 Southwest Section PGA Professionals will compete against 10 Mexican PGA Professionals. Players from both sides were elected by SWSPGA, Mayan Palace and PGAM based on there playing ability, community involvement and contributions to the game of golf. It is believed to be the first time a team of PGA Professionals from the United States will compete against a team from Mexico. And it’s also believed to be the only known match of its kind that includes both professionals and amateurs. The SWSPGA Professionals will invite four amateur golfers from Arizona to compete against 40 Mexican amateurs. The event is the brainchild of Andrew Gilchrist, the tournament host and director of golf at Peninsula De Cortes Golf Course, and Vito Berlingeri, marketing director of the Southwest Section PGA. Mr. Berlingeri said the Uniting Nations Cup will promote goodwill between the two countries during a time of instability. “We are utilizing the game of golf to bring the two countries together and strengthen our relationships despite all of the border controversies,” he said. Mayan Palace will ensure the matches are first-class. “Mayan Palace is very excited to be part of this event,” said Alejandro Ruiz Pérez, general manager of Mayan Palace. “It is a privilege to have the participation of SWSPGA and PGAM. We have the full support of our staff to make this an historic event.” “It will be memorable,” Berlingeri
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added. “The PGA Professionals we have invited are great ambassadors of the game. They will represent the SWSPGA well. And their playing accomplishments speak for themselves.” Don Yrene, director of golf at The Golf Club Scottsdale and five-time Southwest Section PGA Player of the Year, headlines the list for the SWSPGA. He’ll be joined by Brandon Smith, head golf professional at Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club in Tucson. Smith recently won the 2010 Southwest Section PGA Championship. Others include Mike Wright, the president of the Southwest Section PGA and director of instruction at Superstition Springs Golf Club in Mesa, who recently won the 2010 Senior Section Championship; Wade Dunagan, Executive Director, World Golf Championships- Accenture Match Play Championship; Greg Avant, Director of Golf at Lone Tree Golf Club in Chandler; Ralph West, Partner, Reid/West Golf Academy; Bob Pancratz, Life Member PGA; Blayne Hobbs, Lead Instructor, Reid/West Golf Academy; Chris Dompier, Head Golf Professional, Skyline Country Club; and Travis Long, Golf Professional, Anthem Country Club, Henderson, Nevada.
FACTS AND FIGURES What: Inaugural “Uniting Nations Cup” Where: Rocky Point, Mexico at the breathtaking Mayan Palace Beach Resort; competition will be contested on the Peninsula De Cortes Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus Legacy design with nine holes on the Sea of Cortes. The facility is about a 4.5 hour drive from the Phoenix metropolitan area. When: May 12-15, 2011 May 12: Practice Round May 13-15: Tournament dates Format: Ryder Cup format 10 Southwest Section PGA Professionals will compete against 10 Mexican PGA Professionals Purse: TBD Other details: SWSPGA Professionals will invite four amateur golfers to compete against 40 Mexican amateurs. Cost to the amateurs: $500 includes golf, food and beverage and accommodations at Mayan Palace Beach & Golf Resort, plus they get a $200 tee gift prize. Website: www.unitingnationscup.com