BRADENTON, Fla. (SNN TV) — It’s a first, and it’s happening on the Suncoast.
The teams are almost set for the inaugural World Champions Cup this December. The international golf competition will take place at the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton.
Three teams will compete. Golfer Jim Furyk represents Team USA, Darren Clarke represents Team Europe, and Ernie Els represents Team International.
“Three iconic names, three iconic golfers will be the captains,” said Elliot Falcione of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. He gives major credit to hosting the first World Champions Cup to the Concession’s owner itself.
“I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for Bruce Cassidy, the owner of the Concession, and his staff,” he said.
The Cup will be a nine-hole format.
“So it’ll be a little different from the norm,” Falcione said.
Another way it’s different: it’s team play. Players won’t golf individually.
“I can’t tell you how these are my favorite events that I’ve ever played in,” said Furyk. “To represent something bigger than yourself, to wear the American flag on your sleeve.”
Clarke visited the Concession earlier this year.
“I think the course is fabulous. The whole facility is fabulous,” he remarked at a media event.
He brought up the advantages and disadvantages the competitors will likely have in December.
“Their greens are sectional and very angulating so if you get the wrong side of some of the slopes with the speed they’re going to be at, it’s going to be tough,” Clarke explained. “You’re going to have some opportunities to make some birdies with the risk-reward ones, but also the last thing you want to do in a team format is lose a hole to a bogey. But that’s a possibility with some of the holes we’re going to play.”
“It’s going to be friendly I’m sure,” said Els. “But it’s going to be very competitive as the Champions Tour is.”
The inaugural World Champions Cup runs from Dec. 7 to Dec. 10 and will be broadcasted on ABC and ESPN. To buy tickets, go to WorldChampionsCup.com.
