Golf Update: Viking Classic made a great economic impact
The Viking Classic that took place from September 30- October 3rd this year brought in a lot of good news for the state of Mississippi. Not only did it consist of some of the greatest golf stars, it also brought about 50,000 golf fans to the Annandale
Golf course in Madison, Mississippi. Along with these goodies, now after the calculations, it’s been revealed that the event brought a profit of about $20 million for the state.
The Tournament director of Viking Classic, Randy Watkins, said that they had a great field, amazing fall weather and a golf course that was in a perfect state.
“We're proud that we were able to showcase the great state of Mississippi to a large audience of golf fans, including both the in-person spectators as well as those that watched across the world on Golf Channel,”
said Watkins.
Along with the aforementioned profits, another $500,000 was collected for Mississippi charities due to the two sold-out cooking presentations. The demonstrations were courtesy of Viking Range of Greenwood and renowned Chef Emeril Lagasse.
The Viking Classic was won by Bill Haas as he cared a 15-under par 273 and attained his second victory of the year. Bill, who is the son of the Former Tour winner Jay Haas, earned $648,000 from his win. As an additional prize, he was also provided with a
full Viking Range Kitchen. Overall, the purse of Viking Classic was $3.6 Million.
Bill’s performance on the second day was just amazing. Posting 10 birdies, 1 eagle and 0 bogeys, he was definitely on a role. On the final day, the star had a combination of birdies and bogies, but still managed to secure victory. Bill was familiar on the
Annandale golf course since he has won here before.
Bill’s Victory came on what many people are saying was the most striking field ever drawn. Either it was the charm of the course or the energy so many great names brought to the course. Major Championship winners like David Duval, Lee Janzen, John Daly,
Trevor Immelman, David Toms and Steve Elkington all participated in the Classic. The Viking Classic was the first tournament in the Tour’s 2010 Fall Series. Other prominent players include Boo Weekley, Henrik Stenson, Rocco Mediate, and Chris Di Marco. Defending
champions of the event, Heath Slocum and Chad Campbell were there as well.
Golf is an extremely popular sport in Mississippi. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is also known as the ‘Golf Coast’ since it has 22 courses designed by the likes of Palmer, Nicklaus, Love III, McCumber and Pate. Outlining 62 miles of the coastline all along
the Gulf of Mexico, these golf courses are breathtaking. Golf mixed with mouth watering seafood, casino resorts and infinite supply of Southern Hospitality, does attract a lot of golf lovers to the ‘Golf Coast’.
The Viking Classic was the second event to be played in Mississippi this PGA season. The name of the tournament is basically due to its sponsor which the Viking Range Corporation. The Classic is played annually in September. From 1968 through 1985, it
was known as the Magnolia State Classic. Even though this Classic attracts many eminent personalities, mostly the big names of golf are absent from the tournament. This is because until 1994, it was played during the same time as The Masters or the British
Open in the mid-90. Since 2007, it is basically held against team events such as Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup. Even this year it was during the same dates as the Ryder Cup.
From 1968 to 1993, the Viking Classic was played in Hattiesburg Club in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Seeing what a grand event it is and how much profit it generates, Mississippi would sure want the Viking Classic to stay where it is. Last year, the PGA’s
Champions Tour sponsored the first Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic at Fallen Oak in Biloxi. Both the events are scheduled to return to the state in 2011.
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