The world’s largest junior golf program of its kind, Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip & Putt presented by The Golf Channel, will swing into Glendale, Ariz., on Saturday, April 1. A free golf skills competition for kids ages 7-14, Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip & Putt will visit Desert Mirage Golf Course as part of its 105-city, 2006 tour.

Now in its eighth year, Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip & Putt provides a positive, fun experience for kids regardless of their golf experience.

With the help of Cox Communications, Delta Apparel, Rixstine Recognition, Ping, Service By Air, and The Golf Channel hopes to introduce the game of golf to more than 35,000 youngsters this year through Mutual of Omaha’s Drive, Chip and Putt.

“We’re thrilled to bring Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip & Putt to Glendale,” said Mutual of Omaha General Manager George Salvador. “Everyone is a winner in this fun and rewarding program for kids between the ages of 7 and 14.”

The first 250 registrants in each city will be selected to compete. 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. For more information, a complete event schedule and registration form, log on to www.TheGolfChannel.com.

The Facts...

What…
Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip & Putt Junior Challenge presented by The Golf Channel

When...
Saturday, April 1, 2006, at 1 p.m. (Registration begins at 1 p.m.)

How to Enter...
250 competitors will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis from completed registration forms available at www.TheGolfChannel.com, Desert Mirage Golf Course or by calling 623-772-0110. All participants will receive notification by mail, telephone or e-mail.

Competitors will be divided into four age groups: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14.

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 highest 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 to the top five “drivers, chippers and putters,” as well as first, second and third rankings for the best combined performance.

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

Nationwide Television Exposure...

Nationwide television coverage on The Golf Channel will include:
An hour special highlighting select Regional competitions and the 2006 National Championships.