National Pro Golf Tour Presented by Arnold Palmer Golf Management Kicks Off 2011 Tournament Season, Leading to Record $1 Million National Open Purse

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- National Pro Golf Tour presented by Arnold Palmer Golf has secured a $1 million purse for the NPGT National Open Championship. The tour kicks off its regular season February 21st that include a series of Regional Majors played across the country.

"We are excited to begin the 2011 tournament season that will culminate with a $1 million record purse," said Larry Lunsford, executive director for the National Pro Golf Tour. "It's going to be an interesting year as we follow players trying to secure their spot in the National Open Championship next October in Las Vegas.

"The National Open purse has been placed in an escrow account and the Tour will post monthly statements showing that funds are secured and protected. As an additional protection for our members, all membership fees will be placed in a separate escrow account until such time as they are released into the individual purses. Unlike any of the existing mini tours, 70% of all membership fees will feed directly into Local, Regional and National purses." The NPGT offers complete transparency by holding membership fees and the Million Dollar Purse in protected escrow accounts that will be viewable by the public.

The NPGT Regional Majors series begins at Presidio Golf Club in San Francisco and then continues at PGA West in La Quinta, CA; Grayhawk in Scottsdale, AZ; Buffalo Run in Denver, CO; Brickyard Crossing in Indianapolis, IN; PGA National in Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Grand Cypress in Orlando, FL; and Barton Creek in Austin, TX. The ultimate prize is the chance to qualify for the NPGT National Open Championship and the $1 Million Dollar Purse that awaits the country's top 160 players. Each Regional Major event will also be offering a minimum purse of $125,000.

Additionally, the tour is offering competitive golfers a tour membership with a package of extended preferred benefits. Among the many membership features is the ability to compete in six of the regional major tournaments for the price of one traditional mini-tour event. Golfers also get to compete in local tournaments at a 25 percent discount to non-member fees.

THE NPGT IS AFFORDABLE, CONVENIENT AND SECURE!

"Our main objective," said Larry Lunsford, "is to provide young professional golfers with a better opportunity to develop their game as they work towards their ultimate goal. But to also give them a chance to make some real money."

For more information about the National Pro Golf Tour, or to sign up for membership, please call 949-355-5786 or visit their website online at http://www.nationalprotour.com.

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SOURCE National Professional Golf Tour