Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS RECEPTION CELEBRATING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE PGA GOLF TOURNAMENT IN THE NEW YORK CITY AREA

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this evening hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion celebrating the 35th year of the Buick Classic PGA Golf Tournament. The world-class tournament is played at the Westchester Country Club in Harrison, and is the only regular PGA Tour event held in the New York City area. Mayor Giuliani was joined by Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington; PGA Tour Commissioner Timothy Finchem; and PGA Tour players Scott Hoch, David Frost, Duffy Waldorf, Robert Allenby, and Sean Murphy.

Mayor Giuliani said, "New York City is the Sports Capital of the World. Not many metropolitan areas can boast of having teams from Major League Baseball, the NHL, the NBA and the WNBA, and the NFL. And thanks to the Buick Classic, pro golf also calls the New York City area home. For 35 years, this tournament has brought some of the most stellar names in golf to our backyard. And by also raising millions for local charities, the PGA Tour and the Buick Classic have proved themselves world-class neighbors. I am, therefore, proud to proclaim June 18th through the 24th as PGA Tour and Buick Classic Tournament Week."

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said, "We would like to thank Mayor Giuliani for recognizing the 35th Anniversary of the Tournament and the longstanding presence of the PGA Tour in the New York City area. The Tour is extremely proud of the contributions the Buick Classic has made over the years, both in terms of the nearly $30 million it has raised for local charities, as well as for the world-class competition it has provided to view for local residents. We appreciate the support the Mayor has given the Tour over the years, and we look forward to continuing that relationship."

The PGA Tour Golf Tournament began in 1966. It became the Buick Classic in 1990, when the automaker became its principal sponsor. Last year's contest was decided by a four-hole playoff between eventual winner Dennis Paulsen and David Duval. Past Tournament champions have included Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Vijay Singh and Ernie Els.