HERSHEY, Pa. -- Golfers from across Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region can add a "sweet" new tournament to their must-play list … the Hershey Amateur. Hosted by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and contested on three of the courses in the Hershey Golf Collection, the tournament will start on Sunday, October 11, 2009, with flight finalists advancing to the championship round on Wednesday, October 14. Players will compete in pre-assigned Handicap Flights during the first two rounds, which will be playing on the Hershey Country Club's East course and West courses. The championship round, determining the event's overall winner, will be played on the Hershey Links course. Players may register for the Hershey Amateur at HersheyAm.com.

The Hershey Amateur is an individual NET stroke-play tournament open to golfers of any skill level with a USGA Handicap Index. Players will be flighted by handicap, allowing them to compete for flight and daily prizes against others of similar skill level. Flights also will be grouped based on divisions for men, women and seniors. The tournament field is limited to 276 players, and entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to register is September 25.

Entry fees for the Hershey Amateur are $599 per person through July 15, when the rate goes to $650 per person. The package includes greens and cart fees for one practice round and up to three tournament rounds, breakfast and lunch daily, two dinner receptions with entertainment and open bar, a tournament gift bag, on-course contests, and tournament prizes. Players also may add non-playing guests for $179 per person through July 15, or $199 per person after that date. Guest fees include breakfast and lunch daily, two dinner receptions with entertainment and open bar, and a tournament gift bag.

Entry fees do not include overnight accommodations, but Hershey Lodge is offering a special Hershey Amateur tournament rate of $149 per night, plus tax. Room reservations can be made by calling 1-800-HERSHEY (1-800-437-7439).

"Golf in Hershey is rich in tradition," explains Ned Graff, director of golf operations for Hershey Golf Collection. "From legends Henry Picard and Ben Hogan serving as head golf professionals for the West Course, to hosting the 1940 PGA Championship and the LPGA's Keystone Open for almost 20 years, we have a long-standing history of outstanding golf. The 63 holes in the Hershey Golf Collection account for the most golf at any individual resort in the state of Pennsylvania, and among the most of any individual resort in the Mid-Atlantic. That makes Hershey the perfect venue for a regional amateur event."

The Hershey Amateur is managed via a partnership between the Hershey Golf Collection and The Golf Connection LLC, a company specializing in sales, marketing and special event programs for golf resorts and destinations throughout the world.

"The Hershey Amateur will provide an exciting opportunity for golfers in the Mid-Atlantic region to enjoy the very things that make golf great," adds Tom Jaronski, founding partner of The Golf Connection. "This tournament experience offers competition on three challenging courses, the opportunity to forge new friendships, and a chance to savor fantastic food - all served up in a setting that is second to none and priced at a great value."

Hershey, Pennsylvania, is known as The Sweetest Place On Earth. The destination's wide array of attractions includes Hersheypark, ZooAmericaNorth American Wildlife Park, The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Hershey Highmeadow Campground, Hershey Golf Collection and The Spa At The Hotel Hershey.

Hershey is just three hours from New York City; two hours from Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., or New Jersey; and 90 minutes from Baltimore. Train service offers easy access from throughout the Northeast corridor. For more details or to register for the Hershey Amateur, visit HersheyAm.com or call 484-762-1185.

MEDIA CONTACT
Kay Maghan
kmmaghan@HersheyPA.com
717-534-3396