7th Annual "Dusty" Golf Tournament Benefiting TAMIU Scholarships April 27-28 at Lake Casa Blanca Golf Course

Get your golf bag ready and your competitive spirit revved up. Texas A&M International University's 7th Annual "Dusty" Golf Tournament is scheduled to tee up Friday and Saturday, April 26-27 at the Lake Casa Blanca Golf Course.

The 2002 Dusty Golf Tournament benefits the A&M International General Scholarship Fund, said tournament coordinator Silvia Jones, of the University's Office for Institutional Advancement.

"As our TV commercial notes, it's amazing what you can do with the stroke of a golf club. 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."

The Tournament format is a three-person scramble with two tee off times, 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. On Friday, April 27, from 5-9:30 p.m., golfers, their friends, event sponsors and organizers can participate in a reception and silent auction as well as a variety of skill contests, Jones said.

"Friday is a fun time for golfers, spouses, friends and partners to join in putting, chipping, sandbunker, wedge and approach contests. Contest winners are entered into a drawing for one shot at a $1 million prize," she noted.

One highlight of this year's Tournament is a chance to participate in a putting contest for $50,000 sponsored by GMAC Wright Realty. The winner will pocket $25,000 in cash while Wright will donate $25,000 to the University's Scholarship Fund, Jones said.

'This is an example of the outstanding community support we receive for this Tournament and one indicator of the Tournament quality for players," she explained.

Early bird entry fee is $125 per player if received before April 12 and $150 after April 12. Team entry early bird fee is $375 prior to April 12 and $450 after April 12. Entry fee includes golf cart and green fees, gift pack with polo shirt, cap and golfing accessories and breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Awards Banquet.

Current hole in one prizes or skills contest sponsors include:

Deutsch & Deutsch, Rolex watch; airlines tickets to anywhere in continental U.S..; Sony camcorder, Calloway Irons, Paul Young AutoMall; Powell Watson, 2002 GMC Yukon; Sames Automotive, Grand Prize Skills Contest Sponsor and GMAC Wright Realty, $1,000,000 hole-in-one-shot.

Among items for the silent auction are works by artists Janet Krueger, Nina Peña, Maru Portillo, Mary Quiroz, Robin Roberts and Julie Watson; designer jewelry, restaurant certificates, yoga lessons, car detailing work, a gas grill and a variety of gift certificates from local merchants and two round trip tickets to Mexico City.

Jones encouraged and challenged other businesses, organizations or individuals interested in supporting or participating in the tournament to contact her at 326.2168 or email jones@tamiu.edu.

Tournament director for the fourth year is Dr. Stephen Lunce, professor of information science. Golfers seeking information about rules or contests can contact Dr. Lunce at 326.2502 or email slunce@tamiu.edu.

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