Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/132513
Boeing Classic By Naomi Thalenberg Inside the ropes at the Boeing Classic F C o u rt e s y B o e i n g C l a s s i C or most people, meeting a sports hero is a dream come true. So imagine what it's like to drive them to the airport, help them on the course, or chitchat while they warm up. These kinds of experiences are exactly why the Boeing Classic golf tournament stands as the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated annual golf event. Now in its ninth year, the tournament continues to unite pro golfers with their fans on arguably our area's most spectacular course, TPC Snoqualmie Ridge. As a Champions Tour event, the Boeing Classic features top players ages 50 and up. Among those playing each year are some of golf's legendary names. WAC members are once again invited to participate in this year's tournament week, August 19–25. The Boeing Premier seating The Boeing Classic offers premier seating in the All Nippon Airways Dreamliner Lounge, an all-inclusive skybox located on the 18th green. Visit boeingclassic.com/tickets. Classic itself, a 54-hole event, takes place August 23–25 (see sidebar for full calendar). "It's a huge event," says WAC Vice President Athletics Wayne Milner, who sits on the tournament committee. "The golf course is spectacular, and it's fun to be a part of it all and watch some of the best golfers in the world compete." More than 80,000 fans attend the week of events. A WAC Community Partner, the Boeing Classic raises money for the Benaroya Research Institute, The First Tee of Greater Seattle, and A Better Seattle. More than $4 million has been raised since its inception. The event is run on volunteer power—from ticketing to scorekeeping to emptying the trash—and volunteers get an exclusive insider view of a world-class golf event. Defending champion Jay Don Blake is expected to return this year. He defeated Mark O'Meara with a birdie putt on the second playoff hole last August. Other past champions projected to be part of the 81-player field include Bernhard Langer and two-time winner Tom Kite. Washington's own Fred Couples, who was recently inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, is also slated to play. WAC members who want to attend as general spectators receive free entry with their membership card. Whether you've dreamed of meeting your favorite golfer or want to impress clients, the Boeing Classic offers an intimate experience and a thrilling week of golf, food, and beautiful scenery. Boeing ClassiC sChedule Monday (8/19) Wednesday (8/21) Saturday (8/24) Seahawks Rumble at the Ridge Champions Tour Practice Rounds Pro-Am Day One Boeing Classic Round 2 Thursday (8/22) Sunday (8/25) Tuesday (8/20) Pro-Am Day Two Emirates Youth Clinic Champions Tour Practice Rounds Executive Women's Day Adaptive Golf Clinic Friday (8/23) Military Appreciation Day Boeing Classic Round 3 Champion Trophy Ceremony Kids Day Boeing Jet Flyover Boeing Classic Round 1 24 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | JUNE / JULY 2013 Events and times subject to change. Confirm at boeingclassic.com. l u k e r u ta n Annual tournament connects fans and golf legends