Nick Faldo to play in Diamond Resorts Invitational
Golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo is the latest star name to sign up for the Diamond Resorts Invitational, which benefits the Florida Hospital for Children.
The tournament, organised by leading vacation ownership company Diamond Resorts International, takes place from 12-14 January at Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Faldo is a six-time Major champion, World Golf Hall of Fame member, winner of 42 tournaments worldwide, and the all-time Ryder Cup leader for most wins and points. He was also ranked the world’s No.1 golfer for a total of 98 weeks, and was the first international player to win the PGA TOUR’s coveted Player of the Year Award.
He will now join 28 PGA TOUR Champions players, four LPGA stars and 52 top-tier athletes and entertainment celebrities in the event, which will see the golfer stars compete for $750,000 over the 54-hole tournament, with the celebrities playing for a $500,000 purse.
Faldo said: “I have often heard how much people enjoy playing the Diamond Resorts Invitational with its exceptional hospitality and its roster of competitors.
“When it fit into my schedule this year, it was the first golf call I made for 2018. Now it’s my season opener.”
Sir Nick Faldo
Mike Flaskey, chief executive officer of Diamond Resorts International, said: “Nick is one of golf’s greatest champions and having him involved in our tournament not only impacts the attention and attendance, but more importantly our beneficiary, Florida Hospital for Children.
“The tournament has been an enormous hit, being nationally televised on Golf Channel and becoming part of the PGA TOUR Champions Challenge Season schedule. Now, we’re excited to welcome an international superstar to our field of talented professionals.”
Other PGA golf stars taking part in the event are John Daly, Mark Calcavecchia, Lee Janzen, Jeff Sluman, Billy Mayfair, Jeff Maggert and Woody Austin.
The LPGA Tour will be represented by four well-known players: Brittany Lincicome, Brooke Henderson, Brittany Lang and Gerina Piller.
The celebrity field will include sports Hall of Famers and All-Stars including John Smoltz, Ray Allen, Marcus Allen, Roger Clemens, Terry Francona, Jeremy Roenick, Brian Urlacher, Michael Waltrip, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Brian McCann, Mardy Fish and defending celebrity champion, Mark Mulder.
Playing from the entertainment world will be: Chris Harrison, Larry the Cable Guy, Rob Riggle, Willie Robertson, Alfonso Ribeiro, and Jack Wagner. For a complete list of players, visit DiamondResortsInvitational.com/celebrities.
Click here for more information on the tournament.
