The First Look: Barbasol Championship

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One of the more dominant teams in QBE Shootout history will defend its title when the PGA TOUR’s longest-running Challenge Event returns December 6-10 to Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Resort, in Naples, Fla. In addition, Lexi Thompson, the highest-ranked American player on the LPGA Tour, is scheduled to make her second-consecutive appearance, becoming the first female player in tournament history to play multiple times in the QBE Shootout. “We are looking forward to watching Harris [English] and Matt [Kuchar] as they seek to become the first duo to win the QBE Shootout three times. Both have been great champions and supporters of the event�, said Tournament Host Greg Norman. “I am equally thrilled that Lexi Thompson, one of the games bright stars, will be returning to the QBE Shootout once again. Lexi brings another element of youthful energy to the week for our pro-am participants, fans, players, corporate partners and worldwide TV audience.� “In addition to The Shootout bringing together some of the world’s best and most prominent names in golf, the tournament provides financial support for very worthwhile charities,� said Russ Johnston, Chief Executive Officer of QBE North America. “Giving back to our communities is in our DNA, which is why the opportunity to sponsor the Shootout was very attractive to us. There’s a very close alignment between the goals of the QBE Charitable Foundation and the philanthropic mission of Greg Norman’s event.� Since winning the QBE Shootout, Kuchar had another consistent season on the PGA TOUR. He accumulated nine top-ten finishes in 26 starts that included a runner-up finish at The Open Championship and a T4 at the Masters. Kuchar finished the season as a member of the victorious U.S. Presidents Cup team, contributing with a 2-1 individual record. English advanced to the FedExCup Playoffs for the sixth consecutive year on the strength of four top-25 finishes that included a pair of top-10s. English and Kuchar won the QBE Shootout last year by one stroke over Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. It was English who sank a 12-foot putt for eagle on the 17th hole to secure the duo’s second title in three years. Thompson, 22, enjoyed another stellar season on the LPGA Tour. She picked up two more victories giving her nine career wins on the LPGA and a total of 12 professional titles. She is ranked No.3 in the world—the only American in the top-ten. The remainder of the 24-player field, competing for a $3.3 million purse, will be announced October 30. The pairings for the teams will be finalized by early November. The criteria for players qualifying for the 24-person field was adjusted this year to accurately reflect today’s PGA TOUR standards. The Shootout’s field will be comprised of its defending champions playing as a team, the top 12 committed professionals from the final 2017 FedExCup standings and 10 special exemptions; a minimum of four which will come from the top 40 on the PGA TOUR Career money list. The QBE Shootout, featuring 12 two-person teams will once again feature a scramble format during the first round, a modified alternate shot format on Saturday and a final-round better ball on Sunday. CureSearch for Children’s Cancer is the tournament’s primary charitable beneficiary. Additionally, to support the relief efforts of Hurricane Irma the QBE Shootout has recently launched a hurricane relief fund to support the local recovery efforts. Since 1989, the Shootout has raised more than $13 million for charitable causes.  

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Gary Player will celebrate his 85th birthday on November 1st. The legend and World Golf Hall of Famer - a 24-time winner on the PGA TOUR, including nine major championships - is using his milestone birthdate to encourage athletes, celebrities, brands and fans to donate to Golf Fights Cancer. Fighting cancer and supporting cancer research has been one of Player's core passions. He sadly lost his mother to cancer, his wife is currently battling cancer, and he has lost numerous other family members and friends to this disease. "My birthday wish this year is to continue the fight against this terrible disease, and to further support the work being done around new research and treatment methods," Player said. "Five members of my family have battled cancer, as well as millions and millions of families. This might be the most serious disease of our time." To show support, fans are encouraged to share their own birthday messages with Player and donate $8.50 in honor of his 85th birthday. "My dream is that by the time my great-grandchildren reach their 85th birthdays like me," Player said, "the world will have entirely new, cutting-edge ways to detreat and, ultimately, defeat cancer." Golf Fights Cancer is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that taps into the collective fundraising power of the entire golf community to raise funds for cancer-related organizations and families living with the disease. It was co-founded by PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. Specifically, GFC makes targeted donations for equipment, services, and/or amenities that make an immediate positive impact on treatment and the experience for both the patient and family. Founded in 2003, GFC has raised nearly $10 million to address unmet needs in the fight against cancer. To donate, visit www.golffightscancer.org/garyplayer.

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