UGA and PGA tour officials announced June 3 that professional golf will remain in the Athens area for a fifth straight year-but with a new venue and host organization. The Nationwide Tour’s “Athens Classic at UGA” will be played at the UGA Golf Course and operated by the university’s auxiliary services department. All proceeds from the event will support need-based scholarships for UGA students through the Arch Foundation.
The tournament will build upon the success of the Athens Regional Foundation Classic, held from 2006-2009 at Jennings Mill Country Club. The event, which has boasted very strong community support and crowds, has showcased many UGA alumni over the years including Chip Beck, Matt Peterson, Brendon Todd, Justin Bolli, Ryan Hybl, Erik Compton, Bubba Watson, Chris Kirk, Franklin Langham, Tommy Tolles, Tim Simpson, David Denham, Scott Parel, Kevin Kisner and the Nationwide Tour’s first $1 million dollar earner, Paul Claxton.
Although the 2010 Nationwide Tour schedule will not be finalized until the fall, it is expected that the Athens Classic at UGA will continue to be played in April.