Columnist Peter Benton: Champions Tour targeting its fans

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003 | 8:56 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Apart from ever-increasing greens fees, there's very little going on in our area right now. So here's an update on the struggling, trying-hard-to-do-better Champions Tour (formerly the PGA Senior Tour).

After a somewhat successful test period last year, the Champions Tour is geared up for full implementation of its much ballyhooed Fan Features Program, which officially got under way at the season-opening MasterCard Championship in Hawaii.

A series of new programs will complement the many fan-friendly initiatives that were started last year. The lineup of fan features in 2003 will include:

Fans at the course also will be treated to the following:

All of these introductory Fan Features are structured to appeal to a broad audience. It is definitely a positive step and no one can say that the powers-that-be of the Champions Tour are not making every effort to get both fans and the general public more involved.

The rookie class of 2003 could assist in livening things up and making the Champions Tour somewhat more competitive, as Gary Koch and Mark Lye have already joined the Tour, having reached the ripe old age of 50. Joining them this year will be Andy Bean (March), Ed Fiori (April), D.A. Weibring (May), Craig Stadler (June) and Jerry Pate (September).

Other players to watch will be qualifying school medalist Des Smyth of Ireland, along with the runner-up, Japan's Seiji Ebihara. Both are good players with proven records.

Included in the nine selected was TPC Summerlin, so congratulations to all the hard-working personnel out there.