Greg Norman is returning to defend his championship as the sixth annual Export "A" Skins Game, presented by NEC, moves to Prince Edward Island in 1998. Fred Couples, three-time champion, has also confirmed that he will be competing.
The Links at Crowbush Cove will be the host site of the $360,000 golf exhibition, being held from July 26 to July 28, 1998.
"We made a commitment when we began sponsoring this event six years ago that we would hold it in different parts of Canada," said Stan Smith, President, Export "A" Inc. "This is the first time we'll be in Atlantic Canada and the enthusiasm and support we received from Premier Pat Binns and Tourism PEI made it an easy decision."
Last year's Export "A" Skins Game was held at the new Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler, British Columbia, marking the first time it was held in Western Canada. Greg Norman won the event with 13 skins worth $275,000.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to host four of the world's best golfers," said Premier Binns. "This event will allow Prince Edward Island to showcase itself as one of the finest golfing and tourist destinations the world can offer."
The Export "A" Skins Game has also been held at Summerlea Golf Club, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Québec in 1996; The National Golf Club of Canada in Woodbridge, Ontario in 1995; Le Club de Golf de la Vallée du Richelieu, Ste-Julie de Verchères, Québec in 1994; and Devil's Pulpit Golf Club, Caledon, Ontario in 1993.
"Last year's event was very competitive," said Norman." I am delighted that I will have the opportunity to win it again, and in a totally different part of Canada."
The Links at Crowbush Cove, located in Lakeside, Prince Edward Island, was rated the best new course in Canada for 1994 by Golf Digest. It is a links style course designed by Thomas McBroom and set against the surf of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, featuring sweeping dune systems, protected marshlands and undulating terrain. It was the site of the 1997 Canadian Amateur Golf Championship.
"I have never been to Prince Edward Island and I am looking forward to going there," said Couples. "I have heard that it is a challenging course, and I am looking forward to winning back the championship."
The skins format is a hole-by-hole, winner-take-all competition. The first six holes are worth $15,000 each, the next six $20,000 each, and the final six $25,000. Whichever player shoots the low score for any hole wins the money for that hole; but if two or more players tie a hole, the money is carried over and accumulated until there is an outright winner.
The 1998 Export "A" Skins Game will feature a one-day corporate/celebrity Pro-Am event on Sunday, July 26. The first nine holes of the Skins competition will be on Monday, July 27, 1998. The second nine holes will be played on Tuesday, July 28, 1998.
As in previous years, the two days of Skins play will be broadcast nationally on CBC Sports. Confirmed sponsors include NEC Technologies and Sprint Canada.
In addition to Norman and Couples, players who have competed in the past include Nick Faldo, who won the exhibition in 1995, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Price, Ernie Els, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, and Ray Floyd.
All three days of competition are open to the public. Tickets for the event will go on sale early in 1998.