VOS Texas-TAMIU PRO-AM Golf Classic Scheduled May 16-18

Student scholarships at Texas A&M International University will be the beneficiary of the first VOS Texas-TAMIU Pro/Am Golf Classic and United States Golf Association (USGA) Rules Clinic May 16-18 at the Laredo Country Club.

Value Office Systems of Texas, also known as VOS Texas, is the title sponsor of the event and has pledged a generous gift of $50,000 in support of student scholarships. VOS Texas is a Mita Digital Imaging Systems/Copier Specialist that serves Texas and Northern Mexico with offices in Laredo.

A&M International president Charles Jennett said the University and its students are honored to have the sponsorship support of VOS Texas.

"We are gratified with the fine corporate support provided by VOS-Texas. About 85% of our students seek financial aid to realize their higher education and the gift provided by VOS Texas will do much to assist them in realizing their dreams," Jennett said.

Elizabeth Foster, local manager for VOS Texas, said the corporation has historically been enthusiastic about helping higher education in the communities it serves.

"We believe it's a way for us to give back to the community that we live and work in. We're happy to be able to invest in the future of these students who in turn will invest in the future of our city, state and nation," Foster explained.

Tournament Director Phil Lane of A&M International said the Tournament and Rules Clinic are designed for pros and amateurs.

"Our tournament will afford both amateurs and professionals a remarkable playing opportunity on the beautiful Country Club course. Together with our primary sponsor, hole and prize sponsors, we've developed a three-day event which should prove quite engaging for all participants. Most importantly, all proceeds will benefit the deserving students of A&M International," he explained.

Professional and Amateur entry fees are $200. Amateurs are eligible for a special early registration fee of $175 if paid prior to May 1. A non-competitor fee of $50 will allow participation in all non-play events. Registration is on a first come, first served basis and is limited. Registration forms are available at the Laredo Country Club and the A&M International Office for Advancement and External Affairs. For more information, call 326-2175.

The Pros Purse for the Tournament is $10,700 with a guaranteed $2,500 First Place and $200 minimum through 20th place based on a field of 36 pros. Pros will not be eligible for hole prizes.

In addition to hole prizes, amateurs will be eligible for gift certificates from the Pro Shop at the Laredo Country Club worth over $6,000. Hole-in-one-prizes will include a 1998 car, a $12,000 golf vacation in Scotland, a Rolex watch and $10,000 in cash.

In addition to the Rules Clinic conducted by Jeff Hall of the USGA, a special Golfers' Exercise Clinic will be held by Gina Diaz, DPT and Robert J. MacDonald, DPT, physical therapy specialists.

Entry fees will include golf and exercise clinics, green fees, carts; a gift pack to include an Ashworth Golf Shirt, shear-line towel and divot repair tool; continental breakfasts on play mornings; lunches each day of play; tournament reception; awards reception with complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres, and putting and chipping contests.

Tournament hole sponsors include Brenco; Columbia Doctors Hospital; Daniel B. Hastings, Inc.; The Driver; Golden Corral Restaurant; Gonzalez, Farias, Guerra and Flores, P.C.; HEB Food Stores; JAGA Motors; Laredo Medical Group; Mercy Health Plans; Mercy Health Systems of Texas; Person, Whitworth, Ramos, Borchers and Morales; Balt Ramos; Rudolph Miles and Sons; NBC Bank, Dr. Alfredo and Tina Trevino/Trevino Eye Clinic; South Texas National Bank; and US Cellular.

Additional sponsors include Armadillo Homes, Kowalsky, Rose and Company and The Laredo National Bank.

Hole-in-One Sponsors are the Laredo Borderplex Area Wide Phone Book; Deutsch and Deutsch; Powell Watson Motors; and Jim Giermanski and Robert Talton.

Prize sponsors include the USGA; Tad Moore Golf; Emperor Garden Restaurant; Pro Cuts; Crown Chiropractic; Sysco Food Services; Texas State Optical of Laredo; A&M International College of Business Administration; Executive Club; Laredo Bar and Grill and Bausch and Lomb.

For more information, contact the Office for Advancement and External Affairs at 956. 326. 2175.

24-Hour information on the VOS Texas-TAMIU Pro-Am Golf Classic is available by calling the Special Events Line at 326.2171.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu