whether it's the next week, next month, or
next year based on the exposure we help
provide."
Karns believes the Senior PGA
Championship will be "the biggest show
in town," but that the reach of a big-time
broadcast will also help viewers get a
diferent vantage point of French Lick.
"When most people hear French Lick
they think of Larry Bird," Karns said.
"So for viewers to see this beautiful golf
course and some of the still shots that
are incorporated into the broadcast, it
will get people on their iPads or phones
or whatever and Google 'French Lick
Resorts,' and fnd out how close this
amazing destination place is from their
backyard. I think that the national and
international exposure through television
is really going to put this place on the map
and have people realize what a hidden
gem this is."
A VISION REALIZED
From Cook to Dye to Karns, and even
Steve Ferguson – chairman of the board of
Cook, Inc. – the arrival of this momentous
golf event in French Lick is nearly 15 years
in the making and will be a vision fnally
realized by a group that has kept the
integrity of its town at the forefront.
"When you're in these smaller markets,
it certainly means even more," Karns said.
"Steve Ferguson is such a nice individual
and is committed to this area, and the
revitalizing of this place. More than
anything, I'm excited for him to see this
all come together. To see 5,000 to 6,000
people out on the course (in May) will be a
special thing for everyone here."
Turning in their basketball rims for tin
cups and sneakers for golf cleats, French
Lick won't use Bird, but rather birdies to
put itself fully on the map next month.
And whether it's a slam dunk or a hole-
in-one, the Senior PGA Championship
will be a win for French Lick when it tees
of May 19-24.
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