BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL GOLF SHOOTOUT ON YOUTUBE

Paradise Island, Bahamas (August 18, 2020) – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism recently announced the launch of a first-of-its kind virtual closest-to-the-pin golf shootout – The Islands Of The Bahamas Virtual Shootout. This unique competition will feature LPGA Tour professionals and golf industry personalities going head-to-head live on YouTube.

The Islands Of The Bahamas Virtual Shootout will be held at 7 p.m. EDT Sept. 2 and will feature 16 contestants, among them two-time Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic Champion Brittany Lincicome, 2019 Bahamas Shootout Champion Alison Lee, long drive champion Troy Mullins, trick shot artist Tania Tare, as well as LPGA and Team Troon member Cheyenne Woods. The competition format will be one shot, survive and advance, in a March Madness style bracket configuration. Fans can tune-in to watch on the WGT Golf YouTube channel.  The livestream will benefit the Bahamas Red Cross, with a live call to action during the competition. Golf media personality and former host of Golf Channel’s “Round Trip”, Matt Ginella will moderate and provide color commentary during the WGT livestream (https://www.youtube.com/c/wgt/). Global Golf Management will executive produce the event.

“While the current environment has impacted the way golf players and fans enjoy the sport, The Islands Of The Bahamas remains a top golf destination, so we are thrilled that we are able to virtually bring fans to the course to watch the closest-to-the-pin golf shootout from the comfort of their own homes,” said Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, Deputy Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation.

Beginning August 10, fans can participate in a sweepstakes promotion and register to remain informed about the Bahamas Virtual Shootout via www.bahamasgolfgetaway.com.   As part of the WGT livestream, Ginella will announce the grand prize winner – a trip for two to The Bahamas, with a stay at Atlantis, Paradise Island and golf at the famed The Ocean Club Golf Course. The Ocean Club Golf Course, a Troon-managed property, is an 18-hole, par-72, Tom Weiskopf-designed layout that stretches over 7,100 yards on Atlantis, Paradise Island resort’s ocean-side peninsula.

“We are proud to once again partner with Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Global Golf Management and a star-studded collection of LPGA professionals and influencers on this fun and unique event,” said Robbie Leming, general manager, The Ocean Club Golf Course. “This is a great opportunity to showcase our breathtakingly beautiful destination.”

The event underscores the unique ongoing relationship between Global Golf Management and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Previously, GGM and BMOT partnered with the LPGA Tour to conduct the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic at Ocean Club Golf Course. In 2019, the Bahamas White Sands Golf Series was launched. The series featured a Pro-Am event, custom television content, and a NCAA golf invitational that included top men’s and women’s teams. The Bahamas White Sands Series is scheduled to return in 2021.

“Global Golf has served as a conduit for the sport of professional golf for 28+ years and the Virtual Golf Shootout allowed us to develop a unique concept with existing and new partners,” said Jeff Raedle, principal at Global Golf Management. “Our goal was to pivot from some of the traditional golf activities and provide the golfers, fans and corporate partners like The Islands of the Bahamas, Atlantis, LPGA TOUR and WGT by Topgolf new opportunities to connect with each other.”

About The Bahamas
With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands Of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

About WGT
WGT Golf by Topgolf is the free virtual golf game loved by millions of players all over the world. Experience famous golf courses, including Pebble Beach, St Andrews, Wolf Creek and more — or challenge your friends to a game of virtual Topgolf! Compete now in head-to-head games and tournaments, upgrade to virtual equipment from your favorite golf brands, join country clubs and more… Download free on iOS, Android and Amazon, on your PC or Mac, and now on Steam! Visit www.wgt.com for more info.

About Atlantis Paradise Island
Atlantis Paradise Island is a lush, ocean-side resort located on Paradise Island in The Bahamas. The resort features five distinct properties from the iconic The Royal; the newly renovated The Reef; The Beach; The Coral; and the ultra-luxury, The Cove. Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, and the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, the resort’s nonprofit, 501 (c)3 organization dedicated to saving sea species and their habitats throughout The Bahamas and surrounding Caribbean seas, Atlantis, Paradise Island offers travelers a destination of immersive programming, connecting guests to the rich environment, history, art, people, cuisine and festivities of The Bahamas.

Other amenities of Atlantis, Paradise Island include: Aquaventure, an innovative, 141-acre waterscape of thrilling slides and river rides, pools and white sand beaches; Dolphin Cay, the resort’s 14 acre marine mammal habitat; over 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting and convention space; on site wedding planners and specialists; the Atlantis Marina overlooking Marina Village and accommodating yachts up to 220 feet; Mandara Spa; Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA); CRUSH, a cutting-edge teen club; the 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course; the renowned Atlantis Casino; duty-free shopping and over 40 restaurants and lounges including celebrity chef culinary masterpieces Fish by José Andrés; Nobu, by Nobu Matsuhisa; Olives, by Todd English and Casa D’Angelo by Chef Angelo Elia. For more information about Atlantis, Paradise Island and reservations, please visit www.atlantisbahamas.com.

About the LPGA
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla., the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 Members representing more than 30 countries. With a vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while the Symetra Tour, the official development and qualifying tour of the LPGA, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. Additionally, LPGA Professionals directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management.

The LPGA demonstrates its dedication to the development of the game through The LPGA Foundation. Since 1991, this charitable organization has been committed to empowering and supporting girls and women through developmental, humanitarian and golf community initiatives, including LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the LPGA Women’s Network and the LPGA Amateur Golf Association.

Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via www.LPGA.com. Join the social conversation at www.facebook.com/lpga,www.twitter.com/lpga and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo, and on Instagram at @lpga_tour.

About Global Golf Management
Global Golf Management is a worldwide sports event management company. With headquarters in Chicago, GGM has successfully staged nearly 1,000 events on five continents since its inception in 1989, including major championships on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS and LPGA Tour, as well as the Olympic Golf competition. GGM specializes in professional golf tournament production, customized events, and consulting. For more information, visit www.GlobalGolfManagement.com or www.twitter.com/GlobalGolfMgmt.

About Troon
The Ocean Club Golf Course is professionally managed by Troon. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 435-plus locations around the globe, including managing 470-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages more than 485-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 40-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Green Golf Partners, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. There are currently 67 Troon-affiliated properties featuring 87 golf courses on national and international “Top 100” rankings. Troon-affiliated properties include Gamble Sands in Brewster, Washington; The Virginian and Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards in Bristol, Virginia; Kapalua Golf in Maui, Hawaii; Lofoten Links in Gimsoysand, Norway; and The Els Club Dubai in United Arab Emirates. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Troon Chronicles, Press Room, or subscribe to Troon Magazine.

Media Contacts:
Mike Harmon
Global Golf Management
[email protected]

Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
[email protected]