ATLANTA -- It was a great day thought Keith Whitehead as he teed up his 4 iron on the 4th hole of the Pines course at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, GA and sank his first hole-in-one ever. Then, a great day turned into a phenomenal one when Keith sent his ball sailing from the 7th tee of the Meadows course to sink his second, 165+ yard hole-in-one and win a new 2010 Kia Sorento™ from local dealership, Ed Voyles Automotive. He finished out at 36 holes for the day.
It was all part of the FORE! Jack & Jill Golf Marathon organized by Back9 Promotions to benefit the Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation (JAJF) that took place last Monday. From sun up to sun down, 28 players were challenged to play as many holes possible to raise money that benefits terminally ill cancer patients and their families by providing opportunities to create positive memories. When a parent is diagnosed with late-stage cancer, JAJL helps kids and their parents spend quality time together in the face of hardship and uncertainty. Through WOW Experiences™, defined as: unique family getaways, JAJF gives an important "timeout" from those in the throes of cancer to create special memories together.
"Keith Whitehead certainly had his own WOW! Experience this week," said JAJF Founder, Jon Albert. "We have seen such compassionate, proactive support from all the golfers and Keith went the extra mile."
The challenge took place at TPC Sugarloaf's par-72, 7,259-yard championship golf course (also known as "The Stables and The Meadows"). Over $55,000 was raised for the charity while players and sponsors were treated to an experience of a lifetime. The day began with a bagpipe procession leading players to the 7:30 a.m. tee time. Marc Wolpert won a grand prize from title sponsor Bridgestone for playing 38 consecutive holes with his same Bridgestone e5 ball. Then, rain set in mid-afternoon. Avid golf enthusiasts and friends Marty Bartow and Gary Harvin gave their personal bests to finish nearly 12 hours later, soaking wet with a whopping 82-hole tie victory.
"Helping [JAJF] out is reward enough. But to have one player make a hole-in-one and another play 38 straight holes using a Bridgestone ball, is just incredible," said Bridgestone's VP of Marketing, Dan Murphy. "Bridgestone Golf is excited to be supporting Back9 Promotions' FORE! Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation Golf Marathon. We look forward to continuing to work with them both on their journey."
Event organizer and owner of Back9 Promotions, Rob Pritts said "It was a day like no other. Today was about helping kids in the midst of losing a parent to cancer and to have 2 Ace's from one player was a huge payback from the golf Gods for a job well done."
This was the 3rd in 10 such FORE! Jack & Jill marathon tournaments planned to take place across the country including; New York (where NY Jets' Offensive Guard Brandon Moore and some of his teammates plan to take on the challenge) and Dallas where the event promises one lucky winner will receive a pair of XLIV Super Bowl tickets.
About his double hole-in-one feat, Whitehead of Marietta, GA (Age 44, 13 Handicap) said, "Today was just incredible. I came out to support The FORE! Jack & Jill event and to have my first hole in one was great, but to have two AND win a car, I'm speechless!" For a full list of events and how you can participate to support The Jack & Jill Foundation, visit us online.
ABOUT JACK & JILL FOUNDATION
JAJF is a charitable organization out of Atlanta, GA, whose sole mission is to provide late stage cancer patients and their families with shared, uplifting experiences for lifelong memories. When a parent is diagnosed, JAJF helps kids and their parents spend quality time together in the face of hardship and uncertainty. By providing opportunities such as family getaways, VIP tours, special treatment, access, privileges and perks, JAJF provides an important "timeout" from those in the throes of cancer. Visit www.jajf.org for more information.
ABOUT BRIDGESTONE GOLF, INC.
Bridgestone Golf, Inc., based in Covington, GA, manufactures and markets premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brand names. Bridgestone is represented on a world stage by a number of internationally famed golfers including Fred Couples, Charles Howell, III, Matt Kuchar, Brandt Snedeker and Nick Price. Bridgestone Golf, Inc. is a (added space between here) wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., whose headquarters are in Tokyo. For more information visit http://www.bridgestonegolf.com.
ABOUT BACK9 PROMOTIONS
Back9 Promotions is a full service tournament management company based in Atlanta, GA. They provide tailored events to support charities, incentive programs, partnerships and brand awareness by creating memorable events. Visit www.back9promotions.com for more information.
Media Contact:
Karen Covington
Arrive Golf Group
619-770-0464
media@arrivegolfgroup.com
