Nationwide Tour Players Cup

BRIDGEPORT,W.Va.-- Professional golfer Casey Martin is the first golfer to receive a sponsor's exemption to play in this year's inaugural Pete Dye West Virginia Classic, a new PGA TOUR-sanctioned event on the Nationwide Tour, to be held July 15-18 at the Pete Dye Sporting Club in Bridgeport, W. Va.

"We are happy to announce that Casey will be playing in this year's event," Tim McNeely, tournament director, said.  "He has received our first sponsor's exemption to play and will bring a lot excitement and enthusiam to the tournament."

Martin, in addition to being an accomplished professional golfer since 1995 and former teammate of Tiger Woods at Stanford University, is also well-known for his U.S. Supreme Court battle to use a cart during professional tournaments.  Martin suffers from a painful birth defect in his right leg known as Klippel-Ternaunay-Webber Syndrome, which requires him to wear a strong support stocking to even walk.

"I am thrilled to be invited to West Virginia to participate in the event and be involved in recognizing one of golf's finest golf course designers in Pete Dye," Martin said.  "West Virginia is a beautiful state, and I look forward to competing there in July."

"In addition to being an incredible player, Casey is an inspirational human being who has succeeded despite his physical difficulties," McNeely said.  "It is even more exciting to have him play because he takes such great interest in encouraging youth." 

The tournament host, West Virginia Golf Charities, Inc., will donate tournament proceeds to several local and state children's charities.

The Pete Dye West Virginia Classic will be open to the public starting July 12 and will include several days of practice rounds and Pro-Am tournaments prior to the start of championship play on July 15.

"We hope West Virginia golfers and enthusiasts will come out and take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to watch some outstanding golf as we showcase our state," McNeely said.

Information about the tournament, tickets, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities during the tournament can be found at www.petedyeclassic.com or by contacting the tournament office at 304-848-2027.