Are You Ready For The 6th Annual Boeing Classic Champions Tour Event?

August 5, 2010 Golf Today NW
By: Cameron Healey

What began as the newly minted “Boeing Greater Seattle Classic” in 2005 and the brand new stop on the PGA Tour Champions Tour, The Boeing Classic (as it is now known) now attracts an incredible field of 78 Champions Tour golf pros, including rookies Fred Couples, Corey Pavin, Mark Calcavecchia, Paul Azinger, Tom Lehman, and Tom Pernice Jr, among others (”rookies” doesn’t quite sound right, does it?), and has perhaps more importantly contributed nearly $3 million over the last 5 years for The Heart Institute at Virginia Mason and other local charities. While the tournament beneficiary in 2010 is The Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, a worldwide leader in autoimmune disease research, and The Boeing Company now firmly entrenched as the title sponsor, Seattle’s very own premier PGA Champions Tour event continues to get better every year. 

The field is always competitive and despite the often relaxed and congenial atmosphere at the challenging 7,264 yard, par-72 Jack Nicklaus-signature TPC Snoqualmie course, these guys come to Seattle to win. Though a young event, you would be remiss to ignore the seven-way tie in 2007 or the fact that Tom Kite has won twice here.  The memory of the mini duel between Mark O’Meara and defending Champ Loren Roberts last year affirms that The Boeing Classic is fun but not without skilled players.  And with hometown favorite Fred Couples sitting atop the leader board of the Charles Schwab Cup and the likes of Tom Lehman, Nick Price, and Bernhard Langer hot on his heels, these legends are slated to provide Northwest patrons with an opportunity to witness swashbuckling golf in a setting that is punctuated by the impressive Mount SI and the beauty of the panoramic Snoqualmie Valley. Yes, the view from the club house down the 18th fairway is tough to compare! In fact, TPC Snoqualmie was awarded “best view from the clubhouse”on the Champions Tour.  

These guys love to come to Seattle and genuinely enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with Northwest fans. “The Champions Tour professionals really enjoy playing in the Pacific Northwest in front of our crowds, with great weather and beautiful scenery. This is a stop on the Tour that they have told me they really look forward to each year, and we love having them here,” says Tournament Director, Michelle DeLancy.

While Northwest golf aficionados are naturally excited and appreciative to have the likes of the U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Amateur come to town this year, the Northwest has not exactly been crowned the USGA event capital; however, that is changing with Chambers Bay slated to host the 2015 U.S. Open! Also, consider that since The Boeing Classic event began in 2005, nearly 300,000 fans have stamped their collective seal of approval and adorned the Boeing Classic one of their perennial favorites. You probably should too! This event is here to stay!

Areas You Don’t Want To Miss On The Course

Canyon Club
This club was so popular in 2009, that they have doubled the size of the hospitality suite that is located on the 14th green. The energy of the crowd and the view point looking out towards the tee box to watch PGA TOUR Champions Tour pros decide whether or not to hit across the canyon is second to none. And, if you want a break from all the ‘Canyon’ action, and want to see who’s teeing off from the 18th tee box, all you have to do is literally turn your head and from the sun deck on the back of the Canyon Club watch your favorite pros twice!  Canyon Club passes are available for $50/day and includes Canyon Club access, beer, wine, soda or water and a hot dog or wrap. Great value!  Do keep in mind, however, that the cost of this pass is in addition to the cost of a daily, weekly or tournament ticket. 

In addition, new for 2010, patrons can enjoy a viewing area on the 9th green, which is open to the public. This truly is a great spot to watch the players tackle the par 3,207 yard ninth hole while enjoying a beverage from the bar on the sundeck on top of the bleachers. 

Delta Global Pavilion 

Delta Global Pavilion* Passes
The Delta Global Pavilion is the swanky luxury skybox on the 18th green, complete with leather couches, flat screen TVs and a sundeck complete with a gorgeous view of the Snoqualmie Valley. Now if the allure of the ever present selection of great food and beverages doesn’t convince you this is the place to be, then perhaps the knowledge that a Champions Tour professional will stop by for a visit on the Friday (8/27) and Saturday (8/28) might just seal the deal! Yes, just make sure that it’s a glass of orange juice in your hand when someone like defending champ Loren Roberts or Freddie Couples comes barreling over to say hello! One day pass’s can be purchased for only $150. 

What Makes The Boeing Classic Special Check List!

You’ve most likely experienced the Recent U.S. Senior Open at Sahalee and now wonder what makes the Boeing Classic special to Washington State. Of course, not to take anything away from the excitement generated by the Senior Open, but the following is a quick hit list of what makes the Boeing Classic so special to Northwest patrons each and every year!

  • The Boeing Classic is an annual event. Yes, this is the 6th year, and more than $3 million has been raised for local charities.
  • Friday is FREE gate admission thanks to Golf Galaxy
  • A Boeing Jet flies over the course to officially kick off the tournament on Friday, August 27th at 11:20am. As a licensed pilot, this is a personal favorite for me! Is there any other PGA Event that kicks off this way?  
  • Local community members and business executives sit on the tournament committee, and local partners and supporters return to the tournament each year. They have a vested interest in both the charity cause and success of the Champions Tour Event.
  • 1000 volunteers each year and over 250 are returning for their 6th Boeing Classic. Volunteers pay to volunteer, so more money is redirected back to the tournament beneficiary.
  • Champions Tour players are truly fan friendly. You can play in a Pro-Am with them during the week, and watch them in tournament competition later that weekend. They talk with fans as they walk the course, and autographs are available post round.
  • Parking is close to the course, with easy access to the Interstate 90 free way.

Boeing Classic Week of Events

Monday, August 23rd
8:30am, Seahawks Rumble at the Ridge

Join Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor inductees, NFL Hall of  Famers, plus local and national celebrities for the 2010 Rumble at the Ridge golf tournament. Imagine being paired with a celebrity golfer where each player in your foursome receives a special tee prize bag and complimentary food at four holes during the round. Breakfast is provided and you’ll enjoy a fabulous BBQ and Awards Ceremony afterwards.

Tuesday, August 24th
12:00pm - Youth Clinic

Wednesday, August 25th 
Korean Air Pro-Am Day One
The Korean Air Pro-Am provides an opportunity for corporate partners to play with a legend of golf during practice rounds at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge and in the process contribute to the charitable proceeds raised for the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason. 56 foursomes will play in the two-day event, with every amateur team paired with a Champions Tour player. The pros and their caddies are true ambassadors of the game and engage with their groups for a dynamic and one-of-a-kind experience.
7:30am Morning Shotgun
1:45pm Afternoon Shotgun

Thursday, August 26th 
Korean Air Pro-Am Day Two
7:30am Morning Shotgun
1:45pm Afternoon Shotgun

Friday, August 27th
FREE Gate Admission to all fans courtesy of Golf Galaxy
11:20am Boeing jet flyover *subject to change
11:30am Boeing Classic Round 1

Saturday, August 28th
9:00am Walk to Unlock the Immune System (5k walk on the course for charity)
11:30am Boeing Classic Round 2

Sunday, August 29th
11:30am Championship Sunday
6pm  Boeing Classic 2010 Champion trophy presentation on 18th green 

How Can I Get In On The Action?
Tickets are available at www.boeingclassic.com and are truly inexpensive. You’ll still have a bunch of moss remaining in your wallet after forking over only $20 for daily tickets, weekly $60, and three day tournament over the weekend $40, which is just about the price of  replacing a dozen Taylormade Pentas and, of course, you can come out to Snoqualmie on Friday FREE courtesy of Golf Galaxy. 

Interested in Volunteering? You don’t have to be a golfer to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities are still available; in fact, volunteers receive a great package including shirts, tickets, and great prizes. 

Want to Participate By Playing in the Pro-Am? Foursomes and Individual playing spots are still available but going fast! You can play with legends like Tom Kite, Fred Funk, Mark O’Meara and more! You can also bid on a chance in being paired with Fred Couples! 

Interested In Donating to the Event Charity: The Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason? “Birdies for Charity” lets you guess how many birdies will occur during the tournament. Make a guess and win great prizes like a Pro-Am playing spot, Seahawks VIP experience or a Microsoft Xbox. 

Feel Like Taking In The Fresh Air and Views of The Snoqualmie Valley? Perhaps you would like to exercise. “Walk to Unlock the Immune System” a 5k walk on Saturday, August 28th 9am walk beginning on the 10th tee and finishing on the 18th green just in time to see the first tee time of the day. Enjoy the course without golfers playing, take in the scenery including views of the beautiful Snoqualmie Falls, and get some exercise while helping to raise funds for Autoimmune Disease Research. The walk is $25 and includes free admission to the tournament on Saturday. 

The 54 holes of tournament competition begin Aug 27-29.



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