Amateur Finster earns spot in Outback Steakhouse event

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TAMPA, Fla. -- Amateur Mike Finster won the Bright House Networks Challenge Golf Series at TPC Tampa Bay, sealing his spot in the 2010 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am. Finster will now tee off in a $12,000 spot with the best golfers on the Champions Tour and celebrities like George Lopez, Vince Gill, Joe Theismann, Rondé Barber, Stone Phillips, Vinny Testaverde and Derrick Brooks.

"This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Finster. "I will be playing alongside golf icons like Tom Watson. You can guarantee I will be practicing a lot of golf between now and April," concluded Finster.

Finster played in the second Bright House Networks qualifier at Bayou Club. He lives in St. Petersburg and plays golf at his home course, Mangrove Bay Golf Course. Finster is the Regional Manager at GAF-EIK Corporation. In his spare time he entertains himself with a fun game of poker. Finster attended Northwestern University. He and his wife, Marybeth, keep very busy with their four children.

"Thanks to the Bright House Networks Challenge Golf Series, for the first time ever an amateur golfer was able to play his way into the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am," said Amy Hawk, tournament director for the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am. "This is just one more exciting piece of the 2010 tournament that you won't want to miss."

"We're proud to sponsor this new golf qualifier, the Bright House Networks Challenge Series, where 'everyday golfers' get the opportunity to play alongside the best golfers in the game, as well as a great gathering of celebrities," said Michael Robertson, Bright House Networks Tampa Bay Division President.

The 2010 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am will take place on April 12-18 at TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz, Fla. Tickets are now available for purchase by calling the tournament office at 813-265-GOLF or visiting www.outbackproam.com.