Celebrities expected to draw curious to golf tournament

By Christopher Drexel (contact)

Friday, Oct. 10, 2008 | midnight

The PGA Tour has held an annual tournament at TPC at Summerlin since the early 1990s.

Through the years, tournament organizers have relied primarily on golf to attract attention to the event.

But in a city known for its entertainment, this year's event will include a party atmosphere and promises a host of celebrities in attendance for the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, Oct. 13 to 19.

Singer Justin Timberlake will be on hand the entire week for events coinciding with the tournament. Timberlake's presence is expected to drive attendance to record numbers, said Chuck Bombard, general manager and director of golf at TPC at Summerlin.

"He will bring a whole level of people who ordinarily wouldn't attend," Bombard said. "I'd love it 100,000 people came. If we had a few thousand people each weekday and 10,000 to 20,000 on the weekend days, that would be outstanding. We can take as many people as are willing to come. That's the fun part."

Timberlake and other celebrities, including Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard, actors Josh Duhamel, John O'Hurley and George Lopez as well as singers Chris Kirkpatrick and Josh Kelley will play in a celebrity pro-am Oct. 15.

"Vegas is Vegas. It's arguably the entertainment capital of the world and creating a celebrity feel for this tournament goes a long way," said Mark Gardner, the tournament director. "With the celebrities that are coming, I don't think there is any demographic we won't be able to touch."

The tournament will run Oct. 16 to 19 and includes notables like Mike Weir, Jesper Parnevik, Hunter Mahan and Zach Johnson.

The initial three days will feature free admission for certain demographics. On Oct. 16, any person with service industry identification will enter the tournament free, while police and fire will get in free Oct. 17 and military personnel the following day.

Those familiar with the facility will notice significant changes to the course. Building of various tents and structures for the tournament began in early September.

"It's like we built a little city around TPC Summerlin," Bombard said. "Areas for people to go whether it be medical help or corporate tents. It takes a lot of preparation and planning."

One attraction at the course will be the "the Hill," a 22,000-square foot pavilion overlooking the 16th green, 17th tee and 18th green. The Hill will feature 18 plasma televisions, a lounge area and full bar.

Ten different eating establishments will have tents including Planet Hollywood, The Mirage's BLT Burger, Summerlin's Gourmet Bleu, Krispy Kreme and CJ's Texas Barbeque.

"Las Vegas is about entertainment but many people consider golf entertainment, too," Bombard said. "We want them to know there are some great courses to out here to be a part of."

Christopher Drexel can be reached at 990-8929 or christopher.drexel@hbcpub.com.