Registration is underway for the 2009 Pepsi Bobby Nichols Scramble presented by Budweiser, one of the largest and most popular golf tournaments in the region.
The tournament, formerly known as the Pepsi Golden Eagle Scramble presented by Budweiser, is hosted by the Tennessee Tech University Athletics Department and serves as a major fund raising event for the Tennessee Tech Athletics Association.
"It is not only an exciting and enjoyable event, it is also a fund raising tournament.
The primary purpose has been, and will continue to be, to generate revenue for the athletic teams and student-athletes," said Mark Wilson, TTU Director of Athletics.
This year's tournament is set for June 12-13-14 at three Cookeville area golf courses - Ironwood Golf Course, Cookeville Golf Club, and White Plains Golf Course.
Each Tech team is awarded 'shares' of the revenue based on their level of participation during the three-day event. The tournament has been a major source of funds for the Golden Eagle athletic programs.
"This tournament is recognized as one of the premier golf tournaments in the region, and a lot of people work to ensure that it is a first-class event," said Wilson.
Last year's Scramble generated almost $50,000 that went directly to the teams to improve their operating budgets.
"The Golden Eagle Scramble each of the past two years has been an absolutely fantastic time. As a fund raising tournament, it's vital to the success of Tech athletics," said Watson Brown, Tech's head football coach.
Tournament applications have been mailed to all past participants, former Tennessee Tech athletes and alumni from the Middle Tennessee area. Golfers may also register online at TTUsports.com or by contacting the Eblen Center ticket office at (931) 372-3940.
One of the region's premier amateur tournaments for three decades, this year's scramble will continue to feature a competitive format.
With early registration, golfers will have the opportunity to choose -- until a limit is reached at each course – which courses they will play for Friday's and Saturday's rounds along with their preference of tee times for those days.
All teams will be placed in flights Saturday evening to determine which course they will play during the final round Sunday.
The Michelob Championship Flight will play at Cookeville Golf Club on Friday, White Plains on Saturday and the Ironwood on Sunday.
Participants in the Michelob Championship Flight must declare for the championship.
"The Michelob Championship Flight is the most prestigious two-man scramble championship in the South," Harrell said.
Harrell encourages participants to register early to guarantee their spot in the tournament.
"Last year's event was a full field with a waiting list of golfers wanting to play. Early registration benefits the golfers since they get to choose their courses and they get to play their practice rounds as soon as they register," Harrell said.
The competing golfers can take advantage of three practice rounds – one at each of the three courses – anytime after they have completed registration for the tournament.
A $1,000 cash prize will be awarded to the winner of the prestigious Michelob Championship flight, with the second place winner awarded $500, third place $250 and fourth place $125.
The winner of the first non-championship flight will be awarded $500. Second through fifth flight winners will win $400. Sixth through eleventh flight winners will receive $300 and twelfth through seventeenth flight winners will receive $200.
All payouts are based on a full tournament field.
As usual, tourney officials expect the field to fill up well before the tournament begins on June 12.
"This tournament is extremely popular among the golfers who participate, and each year we've tried to find ways to make improvements," Harrell said.
"Part of the reason for its popularity is the variety of activities in addition to the actual golf competition."
In addition to the three days of golf and three practice rounds, participants will also receive a ticket to Doc Fields' Friday night golf party/concert to be held this year at Club Jet and the Cumberland
Insurance BBQ on Saturday night at Southern Hills Golf Course, a chance at hole-in-one prizes and a chance at a million dollar shot. The $200 per person entry fee also includes golf carts each day during the tournament and a gift for each competing golfer.
The Friday night concert is sponsored by Dr. Gail Fields of Blackfoot, Idaho along with presenting sponsor Budweiser.
The event includes free food and beverages, with a limited number of additional tickets available for sale to golfers and tournament sponsors.
Saturday night's highlight is the Tennessee Barbecue, sponsored by Cumberland Insurance Group of Cookeville.
"We've been able to take that feedback and use it to continue improving the tournament, and we hope to make the entire tournament an even more enjoyable event.
That goes for the players, the volunteers who help run the event, the many generous sponsors, and the people who participate without playing, such as attending the Friday night concert or the Saturday night barbeque," said Harrell.
The Pepsi Bobby Nichols Golden Eagle Scramble, presented by Budweiser, will feature major hole-in-one prizes plus prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin contests. Gift certificates for winners in 18 (or more) flights will be returned to the golfers finishing highest in their flights.
