The Space Coast Pro Golf Tour (SCPGT) presented
by Edwin Watts Golf is back and will launch this October with more than 30
two-day tournaments to be played throughout Central Florida. Every tournament
winner will be guaranteed a $5,000 first-place check (Open Division) and
the top 30 percent of the field will receive a portion of the purse.
The events are scheduled and will be hosted by some of the
premier resorts and championship layouts in the Orlando area. The kick-off event will be held October 21
& 22, 2013 at the Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. Each event will be 36-hole, two-day
tournament including a Skins Game along with hole-in-one cash prizes exceeding
$10,000.
The original Space Coast Golf Tour
was played throughout Central Florida in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Notable alumni such
as PGA and Champions Tour players Kenny Perry, Mark O’Meara, Paul Azinger and
Mark Calcavecchia made their initial mark on the SCPGT.
“We firmly believe the many
aspiring players need and want a developmental tour which not only gives them
the opportunity to compete in a highly professional manner and atmosphere but
also the ability to achieve financial success while they pursue their dream of
playing on the Web.com, PGA or Champions Tours,” said J.I. Bernstein and Brian
Schindler, the two SCPGT owners.
In addition to the Open Division, the
SCPGT will have a 47+ Senior Division and a 60+ Legends Division. Amateurs with
a men’s USGA index of 3.0 or lower are eligible to play. Each tournament entry
fee is $420.
Professionals who have exempt playing status on the Web.com
Tour, PGA Tour or Champions Tour may not play in the SCPGT regular tournaments,
but are invited to play in the Tour’s two Pro-Am events to benefit the Folds of
Honor and the Make-A-Wish Foundations.
A unique feature of the SCPGT is
its association with Mike Bender, ranked as one of the Top Five Best Teachers
in America by Golf Digest (2011). Bender competed and won on the SCPGT during
the 1980s and went on to play on the PGA Tour. The Mike Bender Academy of Golf
will be the home base for SCPGT player's practice and instructional needs.
“Mike knows what it takes both as
a player and teacher to become a champion and he will be an outstanding
resource for the Tour as we work to build the best possible atmosphere to help
our players reach their ultimate goals in the game,” Schindler said.
Consistent with the Tour’s goal to
contribute to the community, the SCPGT is aligned with charitable organizations
that will benefit from the Space Coast Tour. The two charities that the Tour is
supporting are The Folds of Honor Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of
Central and Northern Florida.
“The Space Coast Tour is honored
that the proceeds from our various Pro-Am events will be distributed to these
two endearing charities,” said Bernstein.
“Representatives from national and local
businesses will be paired with various SCPGT players for enjoyable rounds of
golf and the opportunity to develop personal and business relationships. Our
basic philosophy rests on the premise that the Space Coast Tour be viewed not
just as a training ground, but as an organization which also incorporates the
best of community ideals.”
The SCPGT is being structured to
become the finest mini tour in the country. As an added financial benefit Tour players
will receive significant discounts from host courses for practice rounds and
facilities as well as other discounts from SCPGT's sponsors including lodging.
All eligible players interested in
playing one or more of the Tour tournaments are encouraged to register early
online at SpaceCoastProGolfTour.com
SPACE COAST TOUR
J.I. Bernstein
856.287.1801
