Beverage Industry News - Michelob Light Open announces Partnership 

The Michelob Light Open at Kingsmill, an LPGA Tour event debuting next year at Kingsmill Resort's River Course, today announced plans for the Joe Plumeri/William & Mary Charity Pro-Am, to be held Monday, April 28, 2003. The charity tournament will benefit the College of William & Mary Athletics, which had received annual contributions from the PGA TOUR Michelob Championship at Kingsmill since 1985.

"The Michelob Light Open looks forward to a long and successful partnership with the Joe Plumeri/William & Mary Pro-Am," said Bill Rammes, executive chairman, Michelob Light Open at Kingsmill. "We are proud to work with an organization so committed to the future of athletics and education, and the charity pro-am will serve to enhance the tournament week experience while providing charitable support to William & Mary."

Pro-Am participants will have the opportunity to play with LPGA Tour professionals. Each team will consist of one professional and four amateurs. Next year's event will be hosted on two courses, with the morning group playing on Kingsmill Resort's Plantation Course and the afternoon group on the River Course.

"We are excited to extend our relationship with Anheuser-Busch and professional golf through the Joe Plumeri/William & Mary Charity Pro-Am," said Terry Driscoll, athletic director, College of William & Mary. "We consider this to be a giant step in the growth and quality of the pro-am, and look forward to our inaugural year with the Michelob Light Open at Kingsmill."

The William & Mary Pro-Am tournament was initiated in 1982 to raise funds for William & Mary's female athletic programs. Joe Plumeri, a member of the William & Mary class of 1966, became involved the following year and has continued his financial support of the tournament throughout the years. In 1988, proceeds from the tournament began supporting William & Mary Athletics for both men and women. Approximately $1 million has been generated since its inception.

"We are excited to increase our support of William and Mary and its athletic program by hosting the Joe Plumeri/William & Mary Pro-Am at the Michelob Light Open," said Johnnie Bender, executive director, Michelob Light Open at Kingsmill. "In addition, we're fortunate to have Millie West, special projects director of the College of William & Mary, serve as chair of the event. Millie's history and experience with the charity pro-am will be a great asset to the tournament."

"We're pleased that the tradition of professional golf will continue in Williamsburg with the LPGA Michelob Light Open at Kingsmill," West said. "Our partnership with the tournament is great news for the William & Mary Charity Pro-Am to ensure continued growth of the event for years to come."

The Michelob Light Open at Kingsmill will be held April 28 - May 4, 2003. The tournament will feature a purse of $1.6 million, which ranks it among the top events on the LPGA Tour. The winner will receive $240,000.