Prizes, Contests Add to Draw of Seventh Annual Dusty Golf Tournament

Passes to the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament, two half-season Laredo Bucks tickets from Arena Ventures, original artworks and the chance for a $1,000,000 hole-in-one. They're just a hint of the auction items or skill contest prizes that are part of Texas A&M International University's Seventh Annual Dusty Golf Tournament benefiting student scholarships set for April 26-27 at Lake Casa Blanca Golf Course.

Entry fee is $150 per player. Team entry is $450. Entry fee includes golf cart and green fees, gift pack with golf shirt, cap and golfing accessories and breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Awards Banquet.

Format for the Tournament is a three-person scramble with two tee-off times, 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. On Friday, April 26, from 5-9:30 p.m., golfers, friends, event sponsors and organizers will enjoy a reception and silent auction as well as a variety of skill contests.

Scheduled are putting, chipping, sandbunker, wedge and approach shot contests. In addition to receiving a special golfing prize suitable for each contest, winners are entered into a drawing for one shot at a $1 million prize. Tournament Director Dr. Stephen Lunce, College of Business Administration professor of information systems, said the skills contest could offer a lucky winner a big pay day.

"Should someone win all five skills contests, they will drive away with a new car, and they will have the shot at a $1,000,000 hole-in-one," said Dr. Lunce, who is serving his fourth year as tournament director.

Lunce said the Tournament offers golfers and non-golfers alike an opportunity to support student scholarships through participation in skills contests or the silent auction Friday night.

"One highlight of this year's Tournament is a chance for the most skilled putters to participate in a putting contest for $50,000 sponsored by Wright and Associates GMAC Real Estate. Winners share $25,000 in cash and will have a donation made in their name in the amount of $25,000 to the University's Scholarship Fund. Non-golfers will also enjoy our Friday night silent auction where we will feature great prizes," he explained.

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 Wright and Associates GMAC Real Estate, $1,000,000 hole-in-one-shot.

Other hole prize or skills contests sponsors include:

Hole No. 5 - Paul Young Auto Group, 2002 Malibu;

Hole No. 15 - Powell Watson Motors hole, 2002 GMC Envoy

Grand Prize Skills Contest Sponsor - Sames Automotive, 2002 Ford Mustang V6.

Silent auction items include works by artists Janet Krueger, Nina Peña, Maru Portillo, Mary Quiroz, Robin Roberts and Armando Hinojosa; designer jewelry, restaurant certificates, yoga lessons, car detailing work, a gas grill and a variety of gift certificates from local merchants, two round trip tickets to Mexico City and more.

In the seven years the Dusty Golf Tournament has been underway, over 300 students have been assisted with scholarships drawn from the General Scholarship Fund that the Tournament supports.

Golfers seeking information about rules or contests can contact Lunce at 326.2502 or email slunce@tamiu.edu.

Other businesses, organizations or individuals interested in supporting or participating in the tournament are urged to contact Silvia Jones at 326.2168 or email jones@tamiu.edu.

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