A.J. Pierzynski (far right), pictured with members of his team (from left to right, Rod Spittle, Dave Rummels, and Casey Harrelson)
BOSTON, MA. – January 4, 2011 – On Monday, January 3, 2011, private jet company, Magellan Jets was the exclusive title sponsor in the Third Annual Magellan Jets Keene’s Pointe Open. This PGA team event was held at The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Keene’s Pointe, a private community, located in Orlando, Florida. When the sport of golf was first popularized in the 1950’s, it was Arnold Palmer who was dubbed “The King” of the golf world. Due to his incredible heritage, it was no surprise when Sam Saunders (Arnold Palmer’s grandson) and partner, E.J. Cole walked away with the honor of winning The Magellan Jets Keene’s Pointe Open. Saunder’s was a leader on the golf team at Clemson University and is now coming into his own as a prominent figure in Pro-Golf. He is a second year pro who placed 12th in the Honda Classic.
This event involved many top players off of the PGA and Champions Tour; the participants were thrilled to be playing on the beautiful 18-hole course, which boasts both incredible surroundings and a challenging layout. In January 2002 golf instructor Brian Mogg, who has worked with Sam Saunders, opened the Brian Mogg Performance Center at Keene’s Pointe. Brian was named one of Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Golf Instructors in 2004 and has repeated this honor in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
The center focuses on developing the golfers’ swing and all aspects of their short game. When reflecting on the tournament, Brian stated, “The Third Annual event at Keene’s Pointe was a great success with the support of Magellan Jets. The professionals had a great tournament to get their season started and are excited to head to the West Coast. It was terrific to have a partner to work with to host the event and for the winner to go 8 extra holes to finally get the trophy made for a memorable tournament.”
Of the twenty teams that played, Sam Saunder’s was not the sole celebrity name responsible for enhancing the excitement of the day. The Chicago White Sox catcher, A.J. Pierzynski, was also a major player in the tournament. With his counterpart at the event, Casey Harrelson, Pierzynski wowed spectators with his athletic prowess. In addition to his affinity for baseball and golf, A.J. is a wrestler for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and has appeared on WWE Wrestling.
It is not often you find a professional athlete’s talent well-demonstrated in more than one sporting category. C.E.O. of Magellan Jets, Joshua Hebert, commented on the multifaceted background which all of the players hold, “Witnessing these men who are entrepreneurs; excelling in business in addition to achieving accolades in Professional Golf astounds me. It definitely serves as motivation to continue to pursue excellence in my own field of private aviation. Magellan Jets is delighted to be the sponsor of the Third Annual Keene’s Pointe Open.”
In an exciting finish that wasn’t concluded until the 8th playoff hole, Sam Saunders and E.J. Cole defeated Jeff Klauk and Russell Surber with two par putts from 5′ in the dark as the playoff went for 8 extra holes.
Any questions regarding the Third Annual Magellan Jets Keene’s Pointe Open, may be directed to the Public Relations Director, Jacqueline Vincent, at 516-729-0670 or [email protected]
