Extol Magazine

APR-MAY 2015

Extol Magazine Celebrating Southern Indiana is a local publication that covers stories about businesses people places or events throughout the cities of New Albany Jeffersonville Clarksville Sellersburg and Louisville KY

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Karns said. "Tere's a natural connection that exists and it was a huge bonus being here, being able to go back to Louisville for local government, media folks, what have you. It's been a huge added bonus. We're all in this to grow the game in this region and put on great championships in a collaborative efort." While a list of confrmed players won't be available until closer to the tournament, French Lick residents and golf fans around the world can expect some of the top names in golf over the age of 50 to be a part of the 156-player feld at Pete Dye Course. Among the players who are eligible to compete for the coveted Alfred S. Bourne trophy that is given to the winner are Tom Watson, Fred Couples, Kentucky native Kenny Perry, Vijay Singh, newly-named United States Ryder Cup team captain Davis Love III and Senior PGA Championship defending title holder Colin Montgomerie. "It's really a who's who of golf," Karns said. "You're going to look across the leaderboard and really recognize so many names, and that's the really neat thing about the Champions Tour and Senior PGA Championship. And what's amazing now, with the combination of equipment evolution and the personal ftness a lot of these guys are putting in, these golfers are turning 50 and still playing at an absurdly and extremely high level." Karns said the response from the community has been fantastic in regard to volunteers and support staf. Including Karns, the Senior PGA Championship employs a nine-person staf, making outside help crucial. Karns' team has already flled all volunteer shifts. "We have a waiting list in place for anyone that's still interested," Karns said. "Te support from this market has been fantastic." As for parties interested in attending the tournament, which will be nationally televised by NBC and Te Golf Channel, Karns surmised there isn't a more afordable entry price for the value and experience of his event, as tickets start at $15 with kids and military free. Shuttles will be available to the resort and course. Visitors who don't want to purchase tickets online can call 1-800-PGA-GOLF to order over the phone. "When you look at Memorial Day weekend, it's hard to beat mom or dad bringing the kids out for $30 to come see the Pete Dye Course and to see these fantastic golfers," he said. "It's just hard to beat that in this day in age." THE FRENCH LICK PAYOFF While putting on a championship-caliber event is the obvious goal for Karns and his team, the Oklahoma native and former corporate package salesman for Tulsa's WNBA team, has come to enjoy and appreciate all that the French Lick community has to ofer, including his frequent patronage at the German Café or Crazyhorse Ranch & Lodge for a prime cut steak. Embedding himself into the area has Karns hopeful and confdent that the Senior PGA Championship's presence in French Lick will do wonders in terms of impact and payof, including return visits by spectators for non-golf events. "Tat's the big piece here and really the payof for this area and this community long term, the exposure," Karns said. "I remember the frst time I came up here and walked through the resort and on the golf course I was blown away. It was like, 'How did I not know this was here?' and 'How do more people not know this is here?' and that's what we're hoping. 76TH SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY KITCHENAID May 19-24 Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort www.pga.com/seniorpga 800.PGA.GOLF (800.742.4653) "We draw people that want to come to our championship and see the greatest players in the world over the age of 50 play a championship- caliber event, but then what (the spectators) are going to do is come in for the day, see this place, and then go back home and plan a trip back New Spring Menu (812) 948-6501 | 118 W. MAIN, NEW ALBANY, IN 47150 www.exchangeforfood.com | /exchangepubkitchen 20 EXTOL • APRIL/MAY 15

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