DORAL, Fla. -- World Golf Championships-CA Championship officials announced that Don Shula, Pro Football Hall of Famer and the winningest coach in NFL history, has accepted the position of Honorary Chairman of the 2007 CA Championship, to be held March 22-25 at Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Doral, Fla.
“This is quite an honor for me,” said Shula, who will participate in the trophy presentation to the champion on March 25. “I’m a longtime golfer and a fan of the game – and not only am I looking forward to a front-row seat to the incredible competition at the CA Championship, I’m pleased to be associated with an event that raises millions of dollars for charities within the Miami area. It’s going to be a great week, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Shula’s record as head coach of the Dolphins (1970-95) and before that as head coach of the Baltimore Colts (1963-69) is unmatched in National Football League history. He owns a career record of 347-173-6 (.665), including a regular season mark of 328-156-6 (.676). Shula won Super Bowl titles in 1972 and 1973, one of only five coaches in NFL history to win consecutive Super Bowls. He has appeared in more Super Bowls (six) than any other coach, and is one of only two coaches (along with Buffalo’s Marv Levy) to reach the Super Bowl three straight seasons (1971-73). He also advanced to the Super Bowl with the Dolphins in 1982 and 1984, as well as in 1968 as head coach of the Colts.
During Shula’s tenure with the Dolphins, his winning percentage of .658 (257-133-2) was the best record in all of professional sports. The Dolphins either won or shared first place in the AFC East 15 times in the 26 years under Shula and reached the playoffs 16 times. His ultimate achievement was the NFL’s only unbeaten, untied record of 17-0 in 1972, capped by a 14-7 win over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. He won a second consecutive Super Bowl title in 1973, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 24-7 in Super Bowl VIII, and compiled an overall record of 32-2 in those back-to-back seasons, a two-year mark that has yet to be surpassed.
“It is an honor to have one of the most respected names in professional sports, Don Shula, serve as Honorary Chairman of the CA Championship, one of the top golf events in the world,” said CA Championship Executive Director Eddie Carbone. “The Shula name epitomizes excellence and integrity – especially to the millions of fans in South Florida who witnessed his tremendous tenure with the Miami Dolphins. His presence at the CA Championship will elevate the experience for players, volunteers and fans.”
Heralded for his gridiron accomplishments (he holds NFL records for regular season wins, total victories, single-season win percentage, most games coached and consecutive seasons coached), Shula is a hero off the playing field as well. Among the many charitable causes to which he dedicates considerable time and support, The Don Shula Foundation is closest to his heart. The foundation was established as a tribute to his late wife, Dorothy, to assist breast cancer research and, to date, has raised more than $1 million. He has also been active in the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, American Red Cross, the United Way and Catholic Charities.
Tickets to the 2007 World Golf Championships-CA Championship can still be purchased by calling 866-4WGC-TIX or by logging on to www.worldgolfchampionships.com.
ABOUT THE WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS-CA CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2007 World Golf Championships-CA Championship will be held March 20-25, with the game’s top players competing for the $1.35 million first-place prize and the Gene Sarazen Cup. One of three World Golf Championships events, the CA Championship will feature the top-50 players from the Official World Golf Ranking along with top finishers on the money lists of the six Tours comprising the International Federation of PGA Tours (PGA TOUR, European Tour, Australasian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, Asian Tour and Sunshine Tour). Two-time defending champion of the CA Championship is Tiger Woods. The first two rounds will be televised by The Golf Channel and NBC will broadcast the final two rounds. The tournament will be televised more than 200 countries worldwide.
ABOUT CA
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Contact: Laura Neal
Director, Communications
Championship Management
Tel: 904-273-7655
Email: lauraneal@pgatourhq.com
