'Par-Tee' Part of 6th Annual "Dusty" Golf Tournament April 27-28

This year's 6th Annual 'Dusty' Golf Tournament will feature a "Par-Tee" to help participating golfers and friends get in the swing of things for the event benefiting Texas A&M International University's General Scholarship Fund.

On April 27, the "Friday Night Par-Tee" is designed as a fun event with a variety of activities, said tournament coordinator Lisa Morales.

"The Friday Night Par-Tee, scheduled from 5-9:30 at the Lake Casa Blanca Golf Course Clubhouse, is designed to offer golfers and non-golfers a chance to support the Tournament and our General Scholarship Fund through skills contests, a silent auction and a reception. We've found this serves as a great opportunity for our participants, their families and friends of the University to join and get the Tournament off to a great start," Morales explained.

"Among skills contests available at the Par-Tee are putting, chipping, sandbunker, wedge and approach contests. Contest winners are entered into a drawing for one shot at a $1 million prize," she continued.

She said one highlight of this year's Tournament is a chance to participate in an additional $50,000 putting contest with the winner pocketing $25,000 in cash, and donating $25,000 to the University's Scholarship Fund.

The Tournament will begin Saturday at 7 a.m. A second tee-off is set at 1 p.m. The format is a three-person scramble. Early bird entry is $125 per player, if received before April 13 and $150 thereafter. Team entry early bird fee is $375 prior to April 13 and $450 thereafter. Entry fee includes golf cart and green fees, gift pack with polo shirt, cap and golfing accessories and breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Saturday evening Awards Banquet.

Tournament sponsors to date include: Arguindegui Oil Co., Allstate Moreno Insurance Agency, Barnes & Noble Bookstores, Borderplex Area-Wide Phonebook, Cadbeck Staffing, Cingular Wireless, AEP-CP&L, CONOCO

Deutsch & Deutsch, Geo Mortgage, Golden Corral, HEB, International Bank of Commerce, Laredo National Bank, Mercy Health Plans, Paul Young AutoMall, Powell Watson Motors, Proviron, Reliant Energy, South Texas Chiropractic and Wright and Associates.

Morales said the University appreciates the support of businesses and participants in this year's tournament.

"The Dusty Golf Tournament has become a major source of student scholarship fundraising and fun-raising," she explained. "We're delighted to be joined by golfers who return every year to assist us and by new golfers attracted by a fun tournament and a great way to benefit student scholarships," Morales explained.

She encouraged other businesses, organizations or individuals interested in supporting or participating in the tournament to contact her at 326.2175 or visit offices in the Killam Library, room 262. A color brochure will be provided to those requesting information.

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