5th Annual Dusty's Golf Tournament Sets April 28-29 for Student Scholarship Fund Raising

Texas A&M International University students and their supporters will have something to smile about in April.

For students, it'll be more scholarships.

But for supporters, a chance to win $1 million? It's all possible and more.

A&M International's 5th Annual Dusty's Golf Tournament, scheduled April 28-29 at the Lake Casa Blanca Golf Course, promises to bring both fun and education together as it sets to raise funds for the University's General Scholarship Fund.

Included in this year's tournament prizes are a shot at winning $1 million as well as a Rolex watch and new cars, said Lisa Morales, director of development.

"The Dusty Golf Tournament, over the years, has become a popular event for education supporters to come and enjoy their favorite sport while meeting students whose futures will be positively changed thanks to their contribution," Morales said, "Whether you're a beginner or a veteran golfer, we encourage everyone to grab your favorite golf bags and join a great cause this April."

The Tournament format will be a three-person scramble, teeing off in groups of six. Competition will be held in championship A,B,C,D, and Ladies Flights.

Teams will be flighted and handicapped by the Tournament directors. Individual entrants will be placed on teams prior to being flighted. Team and handicap assignments are the sole responsibility of the Tournament directors.

As usual, this year's event will start with a reception and Silent Auction on Friday, April 28, scheduled for 5-9 p.m. At this time, players may register and receive their tee times for Saturday's Tournament on a first come, first served basis.

During the event, there will be various skill contests such as putting, chipping, pitching, sand bunker and approach shot. Contestants may vie for a new car, awarded to any participant winning all five contests.

At the Saturday, April 29 Tournament, play will commence at 7:30 a.m., with afternoon groups beginning at 1 p.m. All players will be flighted and trophies and gift certificates will be awarded to the first, second, and third place teams in each flight.

A special award, which should allow the team to be more competitive in future events, will be presented to the team in each flight that finds this Tournament the most challenging.

The day will be capped off by an Awards Banquet immediately following the end of Tournament play. A door prize drawing will be conducted during the Awards Banquet.

Registration fee includes a golf cart and green fees; gift pack; Friday evening reception; continental breakfast, lunch, and Awards Banquet on Saturday.

Dr. Stephen Lunce, Tournament co-director and associate professor of information systems, said this year's sponsorship represents a diversity of individuals and corporations from Laredo and beyond and encouraged more sponsors to participate.

"Sponsors so far include SOL Communications (Titanium Underwriter), Mercy Health Plans (Beryllium Underwriter),

Laredo National Bank (Graphite Hole Sponsor), Texas Mexican Railway (Graphite Hole Sponsor), and Follett College Stores (Graphite Hole Sponsor). Hole-In-One sponsors include Paul Young Auto Mall, Deutsch & Deutsch, Laredo Borderplex and Powell Watson Motors. Also included are HEB Food Stores (Student Team Sponsor), Doctor's Hospital (Student Team Sponsor) and Reliant Energy Entex (Student Team Sponsor), HEB Food Stores (Student Team Sponsor), and Arguindegui Oil (Golf Cart Sponsor)," Lunce said.

Skills contest grand prize sponsor is Sames Ford. All winners from the skills contests get their name placed in a drawing for a one-time Hole-In-One shot at winning $1 million at Hole 18 (sponsored by Wright and Associates GMAC Real Estate).

Silent Auction sponsors are U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm, State Rep. Dr. Henry Cuellar, Wal-Mart, the Chi-Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, Amado Peña, Dr. Jerry Thompson, Emperor Garden, Laredo Bar and Grill, Pelican's Wharf, and Tacolare.

For further information on Tournament registration, or how to sponsor the event, please contact Javier Zambrano, associate director of development, at 326-2175. Information may also be obtained by visiting the University's Web site at www.tamiu.edu or by e-mail at dusty@tamiu.edu.

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