Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club, Grand Blanc, MI — August 13, 2019
There are just 4 weeks left before the 2019 Ally Challenge Presented by McLaren and tournament organizers are busy completing preparations for a bigger and better event in its 2nd year. September 9-15, 2019, at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club.
In 2018 the Ally Challenge contributed over $800,000 to local charities, their goal is to exceed that number this year. They are well on their way to accomplishing that. Jack Nicklaus is coming to Warwick Hills to play in the Ally Challenge Celebrity event, the pro-am tournaments are nearing a sell-out, and Dierks Bently is performing at the Saturday night concert. Plus during tournament play, the ruckus atmosphere at the 17th hole is going to ramp up with a bounty placed on birdies achieved.
Jack Nicklaus
The Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus, is making an appearance during this year’s tournament. After the professionals finish teeing off on the final nine holes Saturday, the Ally Celebrity Challenge will tee it up on the 10th hole and play a nine-hole scramble skins game.
Former Detroit Red Wings Captain Henrik Zetterberg was announced as the fourth celebrity golfer joining Nicklaus, Kid Rock, and Dierks Bently.
Nicklaus and Rock form one team, with Bently and Zetterberg teaming up as their skins opponent.
“We’ve really taken this tournament to the next level in year two and can’t wait to welcome everyone to Warwick Hills next month,” said Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and public relations officer, for Ally. “Adding Red Wings legend Henrik Zetterberg to the Celebrity Foursome was the final piece of what will be an amazing day on tournament Saturday.”
Ally Celebrity Challenge
The skins game puts up cash values for each hole, the two teams play a scramble format with the lowest-scoring team earning the hole’s cash prize for the charity they represent. As in a regular skins game if the hole is tied the money rolls forward building the pot until someone wins a hole outright.
CELEBRITY SHOOTOUT HOLE VALUE BREAKDOWN
Hole Nos. 10 thru 12………………….$1,000 per hole
Hole Nos. 13 thru 15………………….$1,500 per hole
Hole No. 16……………………………….$2,500
Hole No. 17……………………………….$5,000
Hole No. 18……………………………….$10,000
Total Purse……………………………… $25,000
Should the match remained tied after the 18th hole, a chip off will determine the winner. With the grandstands around the 18th green filled with cheering fans, it should be quite the conclusion to the shootout should the foursome end up carrying over one or more holes.
Celebrity Caddie Opportunities
If you would like to carry the golf bag of one of the celebrities in the skins game you can bid for the opportunity to be their caddie for the day. Kid Rock’s caddie spot was sold on a buy it now basis, earning $25,000 for tournament charities.
You can bid for the opportunity to carry a bag for Jack, Dieks, or Henrik. Visit the auction page on the Ally Challenge Website for details.
The 17th Hole
The party atmosphere at the 17th hole is getting an upgrade. The Par 3 over the water is noted for the boisterous crowds that cheer great shots and jeer those that are less stellar.
The hole is being shortened this year to encourage the professionals to fire closer to the pin. A new tee box is being constructed that has the players walking under the grandstand and onto the tee.
The other half of the upgrade is a fan participation activity. Every time a player scores a birdie on 17, beers go on sale for $2 for the next 17 minutes. Bring a designated driver, these guys are good, expect to see a lot of beer being sold.
The Pro-Am Tournaments
A sell-out last year, the pro-ams are on course to match that feat this year. An extra day has been added on Monday and there are still spots available for all three days. But hurry, the popular events are filling fast.
Interested in more information? Contact MacKenzie Edgar at (937) 707-8256 or medgar@theallychallenge.com to inquire about our Pro-am and hospitality opportunities.
The Family Fun Zone
Last year families had the chance to visit the fun zone, participate in several golf-related contests and fun for the kids. This year the fun zone elevated the excitement with a new display.
The Bunker Shot Challenge will add another element to the fun that is in store for families attending the 2019 tournament.
Warwick Hills
The golf course and volunteers at last year’s tournament received excellent reviews. The professionals lauded the course and its ideal playing conditions. Smiling faces greeted the patrons and everyone was happy to have PGA Golf back in Grand Blanc.
There are still volunteer opportunities open if you would like to be one of those smiling faces making this year’s tournament an even bigger success. Additional details are available on the tournament’s website volunteer page.
Get your tickets early, especially for Saturday where your event pass includes great PGA TOUR Champions golf, celebrity skins and community concert from the driving range that evening.
Ticket package information can be found at the link below.
https://theallychallenge.com/tickets/ticket-information/
