HEBRON, CT (April 6, 2005) – The World’s largest putting tournament “The Barefoot Challenge Aces Only Putting Tournament,” today announced it will host 100 events across the country to benefit autism and Brilliant Minds, a non-profit organization that treats and cares for autistic children and their families.

The first of the 100 events will debut April 15-16, 2005 at the Hillendale Golf Course in Durham, North Carolina and kicks off putting tournaments in more than 40 states scheduled throughout spring and summer leading up to the National Championships, a 54-hole event, to be held at Angel Park Golf Club in Las Vegas, October 12-14.

The tournament, providing golfers the richest purse in putting tournament history, is the brain child of CT golf professional David Gunas, Jr. alias “Barefoot Dave” a participant on The Golf Channel’s hit reality series The BIG BREAK II last fall. (more about Dave Gunas, Jr. at end of this message)

“We welcome those who want to support autism as well as the hard core, competitive golfer who is seeking out the bragging rights as world’s best putter,” stated Gunas. “Because autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S., the Barefoot Challenge’s mission is to increase awareness on a national scale and also raise money for services and treatments that will benefit autistic children and their families.”

The events are open to everyone, amateurs and professionals in all age groups. Participants will compete in four different divisions in regional events; Men’s, Women’s, Youth 14 -17 and Youth 13 and under. The regional events are an all inclusive tournament with their own prize money. The winners from Men’s and Women’s adult divisions receive an all expense paid trip and will advance to the National Finals in Las Vegas where they will compete for $ 200,000 in Cash and Cars. The Grand Prize in each division is a new 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. The Angel Park Golf Club, host of the National Championship, and designed by Gary Panks, is the world's first natural grass, 18-hole, lighted putting course, offering creative use of bunkers, rock outcroppings and water hazards.

“We’re grateful to the Barefoot Challenge team for advancing our cause and rallying golfers through a spirited event like the World’s Largest Putting tournament. This is a great vehicle for helping our children and their families,” stated, Ana Leurinda, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. CEO and Medical Director of Brilliant Minds, and mother of a daughter with autism.
Cost to participate in the putting competition is adults, $95 and youth, $45. All participants receive a gift bag including a voucher for three free wedges: sand, gap, and lob, from Warrior Custom Golf; a golf instruction DVD by world renowned instructor Roger Gunn; A newly discovered 8 X 10 color photo of Ben Hogan at impact, from the Lost Photo Collection; a sleeve of Top Flite Golf Balls; and a sample of Celagen pain relief cream. For more information on Barefoot Challenge’s regional event locations, dates, registration and information about Autism visit www.barefootchallenge.org . or www.brillia# ntminds.org.For more information on Angel Park Golf Club visit www.angelpark.com.
# # #

About Dave Gunas, Jr.: A native of Manchester, Connecticut, Gunas is a professional golfer, father of three and passionate about doing something bigger than himself. He competes regularly in mini-tour events around the country and has 28 professional tournament wins to his credit. Gunas is anything but your average golf pro. He made a name for himself on the Big Break when he tossed his golf shoes, played barefoot and earned the nickname, Barefoot Dave. He has been criticized for some unorthodox practice routines during tournaments but he’s known for his masterful putting.

Gunas, an acknowledged self-made golfer, played at RHAM High School in Hebron and though he was not recruited to play collegiate golf, he played his way to a full scholarship at the University of Hartford, where he won the first tournament he entered. He graduated from the University of Hartford in 1989 with a B.S. in Economics. During his Hartford years, he roomed with PGA Tour stars Jerry Kelly, Pat Sheehan and Tim Petrovic. While playing the New England circuit he established a close friendship with Jeff Julian, the tour player who garnered recognition because of his struggle with ALS.

Heidi Oswell, HeidiO@barefootchallenge.org
1-888-267-1707 or
L2 Communications 860.313.1426

Lynn

Lynn Luczkowski
Media Contact, The Barefoot Challenge
L2 Communications, LLC
15 Birch Hill Drive
West Hartford, CT 06107

office ph/FAX 860.313.1426
cell 413.478.1569
email: Lynn@L2comm.net