Does this approach sound a little familiar? Can't hurt the IPT, I wouldn't think, even though it's something of a competitor. Might generate more interest in such competitions.
In Donald Trump's latest made-for-TV nail-biter, the real estate mogul who made The Apprentice” into a hit, will sign a first prize check for more than $1 million to the one player — male or female — who can put their money where their nerves are at his lavish resort in the Grenadines next May.
It will be the most lucrative tournament ever played outside the regular pro tours.
“Whatever I do, I like doing the best,” the Donald said, trumpeting the Trump Million Dollar Invitational at a news conference in the atrium of Trump Tower yesterday.
Trump, an accomplished golfer who has built four world-class courses in the U.S., isn’t playing even though he can afford the $15,000 entry fee.
“I’d like to give it a shot,” said Trump, who has been selling $5 million villas on the island. “But wouldn’t it be embarrassing if I won? I think the rules probably prohibit me.”
He will, however, hand over the check — just $80,000 less than the winner of the Masters will receive — to the one player who has “the skill and nerve it takes to survive under the most extreme pressure.”
The tournament is open to any pro or amateur over 18 not currently a member of the PGA, Champions, Nationwide, European or LPGA tours. Women are eligible, and they’ll get to play from the shorter ladies’ tees.
The purse, $1.5 million in all, will not come from Trump’s wallet but from entry fees. A committee headed by Trump will select the final 100-golfer field on the basis of ability, as well as interesting life stories that will play well when ESPN broadcasts the event May 21-26.
The pressure will come after a 54-hole, stroke-play qualifier, and will heat up when the top 10 compete in a nine-hole shootout, on May 26 with one player eliminated on each hole. Ties will be broken in skills competition until two players are left. That pair will play one final hole for $1 million.
In Donald Trump's latest made-for-TV nail-biter, the real estate mogul who made The Apprentice” into a hit, will sign a first prize check for more than $1 million to the one player — male or female — who can put their money where their nerves are at his lavish resort in the Grenadines next May.
It will be the most lucrative tournament ever played outside the regular pro tours.
“Whatever I do, I like doing the best,” the Donald said, trumpeting the Trump Million Dollar Invitational at a news conference in the atrium of Trump Tower yesterday.
Trump, an accomplished golfer who has built four world-class courses in the U.S., isn’t playing even though he can afford the $15,000 entry fee.
“I’d like to give it a shot,” said Trump, who has been selling $5 million villas on the island. “But wouldn’t it be embarrassing if I won? I think the rules probably prohibit me.”
He will, however, hand over the check — just $80,000 less than the winner of the Masters will receive — to the one player who has “the skill and nerve it takes to survive under the most extreme pressure.”
The tournament is open to any pro or amateur over 18 not currently a member of the PGA, Champions, Nationwide, European or LPGA tours. Women are eligible, and they’ll get to play from the shorter ladies’ tees.
The purse, $1.5 million in all, will not come from Trump’s wallet but from entry fees. A committee headed by Trump will select the final 100-golfer field on the basis of ability, as well as interesting life stories that will play well when ESPN broadcasts the event May 21-26.
The pressure will come after a 54-hole, stroke-play qualifier, and will heat up when the top 10 compete in a nine-hole shootout, on May 26 with one player eliminated on each hole. Ties will be broken in skills competition until two players are left. That pair will play one final hole for $1 million.
Last edited:
