Champions Challenge lineup released; Weir, Rocco, Golden Bear to participate

LEHI -- The 12th Sorenson Champions Challenge, where current PGA and LPGA touring professionals and golf's legends play in Utah, announced that their annual charity golf tournament will be held Oct. 12-13, 2009 at the prestigious Thanksgiving Point Golf Club.

The Sorenson Champions Challenge, founded by World Golf Hall of Fame member Johnny Miller, will showcase 2008 U.S. Open runner-Up Rocco Mediate, 18-time majors champion Jack Nicklaus, Sandy, Utah resident and 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir and music icon Vince Gill.

Other players scheduled to appear include Hale Irwin, Craig Stadler, Billy Casper, CBS golf analyst Ian Baker-Finch and last year's Champions Challenge winner Dave Stockton. Deron Williams, USA gold medalist and point guard for the Utah Jazz will also be participating in the festivities.

"Going on our 12th year of competition in the beautiful state of Utah, we are proud to give families a chance to see and meet some of the greatest players in golf," said Miller, NBC golf analyst and founder of the Sorenson Champions Challenge. "Events like the Sorenson Champions Challenge and the Utah Championship on the Nationwide Tour provide fun, family oriented outings and are important for growing the sport of golf in Utah."

Events begin Saturday, Oct. 10 with the Champions Cup, a two-person scramble tournament presented by Vanguard Golf that allows the public to compete for two coveted playing spots with a professional or celebrity in the Monday pro-am.

Festivities resume on Monday, Oct. 12 with a pro-am tournament matching foursomes with one professional, partner, or golfing celebrity in a team scramble format followed by an exclusive evening concert by Vince Gill.

On Tuesday beginning at 9 a.m., Johnny Miller and other PGA touring professionals will host a golf clinic that will include an intimate chance for the public to receive golfing tips and get to know this year's field of players. The Sorenson Champions Challenge, a twosome scramble begins at 10 a.m.

General admission tickets for the Sorenson Champions Challenge will be available for $10 each at www.championschallengegolf.com and Thanksgiving Point Golf Club starting Sept. 7 or at the gate on tournament day.