ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 27, 2006) – It’s time for young golfers in 105 cities across the United States and Canada to dust off their clubs.

Mutual of Omaha’s Drive, Chip & Putt presented by The Golf Channel will soon tee off its 105-city tour through the United States and Canada.

A free golf skills competition for kids ages 7-14, Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip & Putt presented by The Golf Channel will begin its eighth annual tour on Feb. 18 in Orlando, Fla.. The 2006 tour will include first-time stops in Montana and Wyoming.

The largest golf skills program of its kind, more than 35,000 youngsters are expected to compete in Drive, Chip & Putt events this year.

“Drive, Chip & Putt is a positive, fun experience for kids regardless of their golf experience. It’s open to any and all, free of charge, and provides a great day of activities and good-natured competition,” said Mutual of Omaha Senior Vice President John Hildenbiddle. “Everyone is a winner at Mutual of Omaha’s Drive, Chip & Putt.”

Interested youngsters can find more information on Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip & Putt, including a schedule and registration form, log on to www.TheGolfChannel.com.

Winners from each local event will have the opportunity to compete in regional championships and, possibly, represent their hometowns at the Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip & Putt National Championships in October.

Competition Specifics...

Driving : Each competitor will hit two drives, each measured for distance and accuracy. Scores will consist of the better ball that stays within set boundaries.

Chipping: Each competitor will chip three balls onto a green pre-marked with concentric circles. Balls that land in the innermost circles will score the most points, with bonus points awarded for any chip that goes in the cup.

Putting: Each competitor will putt two balls - one five feet from the hole, the other 15 feet. The objective will be to sink the putts in as few strokes as possible, with a maximum of four putts per ball.

Prizes...

Awards: Golfers are divided into four age groups (7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14). Eighteen prizes will be awarded in each age group: one each for the top five performances in each individual event as well as first, second and third rankings for the best overall performance.

National Championships: The first-place winners in each age group from the 20 regional championships will advance to the National Championships held this October.

See www.golfchannel.com for tour schedule.