Viking Classic Granted New Date for 2009

The Viking Classic, Mississippi's premiere professional sporting event, is pleased to announce that the PGA TOUR has granted the event a new date for 2009. Next year's event will be held October 26 – November 1, 2009, in a stand alone position on the PGA TOUR schedule.

“We are so pleased that the PGA TOUR thought so highly of the Viking Classic and its past success that it decided to award our tournament a new date,” said Randy Watkins, Viking Classic Tournament Director. “Being an unencumbered tournament will attract much more attention from the golf community around the world, which will only increase the excitement and success of the Viking Classic.”

The Viking Classic earned this stand alone date based on its success over the past two years and its storied history.

Viking Classic to Benefit Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children

The Viking Classic, Mississippi's premiere professional sporting event, and Century Club Charities, Inc. is pleased to announce the presentation of a check in the amount of $140,000 to the Friends of Children's Hospital (FOCH) and the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children.

“Century Club Charities and the Viking Classic are honored to be associated with the Friends of Children's Hospital and the Blair E. Batson hospital for Children,” said Bill Latham, President of Century Club Charities. “Naming them the primary beneficiary of the Viking Classic was a decision the members of Century Club Charities have been extremely proud of, and we are pleased to be able to present them with the initial check of $140,000. We look forward to increasing this amount over the years to come and working with their dedicated staff to promote such an amazing medical facility right here in Mississippi.”

Earlier this year FOCH was named the primary beneficiary of the proceeds from the Viking Classic. FOCH is a non-profit organization created to benefit the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. Batson is Mississippi's only hospital built specifically for the care and emergency treatment of children. FOCH ensures their patients have everything from stuffed animals to state-of-the-art medical equipment.

“I was really pleased and excited when Century Club Charities chose Children's Hospital as their designated charity,” said Dr. Bob Abney, President of FOCH. “This was such a natural association with precedence at several other PGA TOUR events. These tournament proceeds will be used to make each child's hospital stay the best it can be. We enjoyed working with the Viking Classic staff and look forward to next year's event.”

The check presentation took place on Tuesday, December 2, 2008, at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children.