Golf Legends Return For First-Ever New Mexico ShootoutBy Mike StaufferFor the first time in more than 30 years, New Mexico will play host to a match featuring premier members of the Ladies Professional Golf Association, when Nancy Lopez and Rosie Jones will battle Natalie Gulbis and Kristi Albers for a $36,000 purse in the first-ever New Mexico Shootout September 24, 2007 at Sierra del Rio Championship Golf Course at Turtleback Mountain Resort in Elephant Butte. Elephant Butte, New Mexico is just off Interstate-25, two hours south of Albuquerque and one hour north of Las Cruces. The New Mexico Shootout is presented in part by the New Mexico Tourism Department, which is a presenting sponsor of the event. The Shootout is expected to bring unprecedented national recognition to the state, as some of the greatest names in women's golf battle it out in an exciting team match format. "The Tourism Department's sponsorship of New Mexico Shootout is a natural fit, supporting what is quickly becoming a billion-dollar industry in New Mexico: Golf and golf tourism," said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. "Golfers will travel hundreds of miles to play their favorite courses. New Mexico has some of the most beautiful golf courses in the country, and the introduction of the New Mexico Shootout will help spread the word about New Mexico as a world-class golf destination." Helping shape the excitement is the fact that three of the Shootout players have close ties to New Mexico, as does clinic host Kathy Whitworth. Governor Bill Richardson acknowledged that fact when he noted recently, "With local golfers including Nancy Lopez and Rosie Jones involved in the Shootout, this should be a popular event with locals and visitors alike." Holes 1 through 6 will be worth $500 each; holes 7 through 12 worth $1,000 each; holes 13 through 17 worth $2,000 each, and the final hole worth $17,000. Carryovers will be in effect, and in the event of a tie, a chip-off on the final hole will decide the winner. World Golf Hall of Fame golfer Kathy Whitworth, winner of more tournaments than any other male or female professional golfer in history, will host the Shootout Clinic, where she will share her secrets and offer tips for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Shootout spectators will also have an opportunity to test their skill and compete for their own sizeable purse, in the $10,000 Putting Contest. Qualifying for a chance to putt for the big prize will take place prior to the noon Shootout. At the completion of play, one qualifier's name will be drawn for the opportunity to putt for $10,000 on the 18th green. "We are proud to partner with the state to bring this exciting professional golf event to Sierra County, New Mexico," said Jack Whitt, CEO of Turtleback Mountain Resort. "Hosting The New Mexico Shootout and these great players will help us show people across the country that this part of the US has a great golfing tradition and is rapidly gaining widespread attention as an excellent place to visit, live and retire." "Our goal in hosting the Shootout is to promote New Mexico as a great state for golf," said Guy Wimberly, director of golf. "There are many well-known courses in the state, but also many that are not so well known. We want both residents and visitors to learn about everything New Mexico has to offer the golf enthusiast." The New Mexico Shootout will include a large Golf Corral, an exhibition area highlighting golf courses and other golf-related businesses and activities from around the state. The Golf Corral and Putting Contest open at 9 a.m., the clinic takes place at 11 a.m., and the Shootout begins at noon. Live entertainment will follow play, and food and beverages will be available throughout the day. Proceeds from The New Mexico Shootout will support Sierra Vista Hospital, located in nearby Truth or Consequences. The hospital has recently begun a capital campaign aimed at raising $15 million to build a new facility that will provide up-to-date health care and state-of-the-art medical technologies for Sierra County's growing population as well as visitors. New Mexico Shootout ticket purchase options are:
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