Viking Classic granted new date for 2009

The Viking Classic, Mississippi's premiere professional sporting event, is pleased to announce that the PGA TOUR has granted the event a new date for 2009. Next year's event will be held October 26 – November 1, 2009, in a stand alone position on the PGA TOUR schedule.

“We are so pleased that the PGA TOUR thought so highly of the Viking Classic and its past success that it decided to award our tournament a new date,” said Randy Watkins, Viking Classic Tournament Director. “Being an unencumbered tournament will attract much more attention from the golf community around the world, which will only increase the excitement and success of the Viking Classic.”

The Viking Classic earned this stand alone date based on its success over the past two years and its storied history.

Happy Holidays

As we approach the end of 2008, I want to personally thank you for your continued business and tremendous loyalty to the Viking Classic, Patrick Farms and Whisper Lake, especially during such challenging times. It was an exciting year for golf, the PGA TOUR and for our courses. I hear often from many of you on my blog and want to thank you for your well wishes, great ideas and suggestions on how we can serve you even better. As we enter 2009, we will continue to improve, and we will be adding new programs based on your suggestions. Have a safe and happy holiday and thank you for all you do for golf. I look forward to seeing on the course and at Annandale for the Viking Classic.

P.S. - Congrats to Glen Day who made it through TOUR School and will be competing full time this year. Also, please follow Mississippian’s Vance Veazey and Chad Ginn who will be playing full time on the Nationwide Tour this year.

News Update

It's a great day for the Watkins family. Thomas Watkins, a senior golfer at Madison Central signed a golf scholarship with Ole Miss this morning. Thomas is the reigning State 5A Champion.

Whisper Lake News - Whisper Lake is hosting the 12th annual Couples Turkey Shoot on November 23rd. There will be great food and lot’s of fun had by all who participate!

Patrick Farms News - The Farm is in great shape and is open everyday with tee times available. There are lots of specials so please go to the website (www.patrickfarmsgolf.com) and check out membership specials---No dues till March!!!

PGA TOUR News - Several Mississippian’s are still vying for exempt status on the TOUR with Q-School going on now, go to PGATOUR.COM to follow our guys.

PGA TOUR Q School

Tis the season for the world’s toughest golf tournament, the PGA TOUR’s annual Q-School. This is the one time every year where you can pursue your dream and attempt to qualify and play on the TOUR. Several Mississippian’s are giving it a try, Jim Gallagher, Jr., Trey Denton and Will Dottley to name a few. To follow them and watch their scores go to www.pgatour.com and click on the link to Q-School…Best of luck to all.

Fall Golf

Fall is a great time of the year to play golf. The weather is near perfect and the courses are the best they've been all year. Make a tee time and please introduce a youngster to the game.

2008 Viking Classic

The 2008 Viking Classic was a huge success. We had record crowds, a fantastic field, and a great champion in Will MacKenzie. Our charity numbers have surpassed over $5 million and that is thanks in part to our sponsors and to the thousands of volunteers who give tirelessly of their time and talents.

Next year's dates are October 5-11, so please go ahead and add that to your calendar. Don't miss out on Mississippi's premier professional sporting event.