Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau Announces Celebrity Golden Isles "Dream Team" for McGladrey Classic Pro-Am

BRUNSWICK, Ga., Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Two-time Olympic gold medalist Seth Wescott will be joined by a lineup of nationally acclaimed broadcasters and golf journalists when the Golden Isles "Dream Team" tees off in this year's RSM International Pro-Am tournament, Oct. 12 at Sea Island Golf Club. The Pro-Am is held in conjunction with The McGladrey Classic, an Official PGA TOUR Event, October 10 – 16, 2011, hosted by Davis Love III.

The Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau, a top partner of The McGladrey Classic and the Davis Love Foundation, today announced the names of the six American sports and media celebrities who make up its first Golden Isles "Dream Team."

Westcott, the 2006 and 2010 Olympic Winter Games champion in snowboard cross, is joined on the "Dream Team" by Jim Cantore, the popular on-camera meteorologist for The Weather Channel; veteran sportscaster Gary Williams, host of GOLF CHANNEL's "Morning Drive"; and heavy-hitting golf journalists Matt Ginella, of Golf Digest, Rex Hoggard, of GolfChannel.com, and Tim Rosaforte, of GOLF CHANNEL.

The six celebrities will be divided into two teams for the Wednesday Pro-Am on the venerable Seaside course, site of The McGladrey Classic. Each team competing in the Pro-Am will include three amateurs and one top-ranked PGA TOUR professional.

"We are excited about the opportunity to showcase the Golden Isles to the nation," said Scott McQuade, CEO of the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau. "I cannot wait to host our notable Pro-Am Team and showoff what a strong golf destination we have here."

By entering the Golden Isles "Dream Team" in the Pro-Am event, the CVB looks to boost tournament attendance and draw additional attention to the beauty and unique atmosphere of the Golden Isles, along Georgia's southern coast.

About the Golden Isles "Dream Team"

Olympian Seth Wescott: American "the boss of cross" – won history's first two gold medals in men's snowboard cross, which became an Olympic event at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Wescott defended his Torino championship with a second gold medal at Vancouver 2010. He also is an eight-time X Games medalist.

The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore: One of the country's most-well-known meteorologists – lauded for his ability to break down complicated weather information into terms the average viewer can understand. Since audiences for The Weather Channel increase during severe weather events, Cantore has, in turn, become a very recognizable figure on American television.

The Golf Channel's Gary Williams: Talks sports, politics and entertainment with some of the industry's most-intriguing personalities as a host of "Morning Drive," which airs weekdays on GOLF CHANNEL. Williams formerly worked for Sirius Satellite Radio, where he co-hosted the early morning show on Sirius' Mad Dog Radio. He also has served as a lead host on the PGA TOUR Network on SiriusXM.

Golf Digest's Matt Ginella: Senior travel editor for Golf Digest, is widely known for his blog, "Where's Matty G?" Ginella's highly touted online site covers his personal experiences with golf courses and golf travel, and he has become well-respected for his reviews of some of the most-renowned courses in the world, as well as for his interviews with the game's legends, such as Arnold Palmer. Ginella ranked The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club the No. 1 golf course hotel in the country, praising the hotel's service, as well as the Seaside course.

GolfChannel.com's Rex Hoggard: Senior writer who joined the GolfChannel.com team in 2008 and leads the website's coverage of the PGA TOUR. Hoggard previously served nine years with Golfweek magazine, where he received recognition for his writing from the Golf Writers Association of America. He also has been managing editor for Golfweek.com. Hoggard appears regularly on GOLF CHANNEL's "Morning Drive" and often provides insights on other GOLF CHANNEL programs, including "Golf Central" and "Live From." He is the author of "The Golf Geek's Bible," a chronological tour of the players, courses, cups and tournaments that make up the game.

Golf Channel's Tim Rosaforte: Another member of the GOLF CHANNEL team, as well as a veteran senior writer at Golf World magazine. On GOLF CHANNEL, Rosaforte provides an insider's look into the PGA TOUR, contributing to "Golf Central" and "Golf Central Pre Game" and the network's "Live From" telecasts during major championships. Rosaforte has been honored 30 times with writing awards during his 20-year career.

Fans are encouraged to follow the Golden Isles "Dream Team" on Oct. 12, along the Seaside course on St. Simons Island. RSM International Pro-Am tickets can be purchased at http://www.mcgladreyclassic.com/tickets/tickets-merchandise/  and include admission to the Darius Rucker concert that evening, also at Sea Island Golf Club. Tickets are $35 if purchased in advance and $45 at the gate (pending availability). All youth are admitted free on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

The Golden Isles Facebook page will also be updating fans throughout tournament week with scores and information.

About the Golden Isles

Midway between Savannah, Ga., and Jacksonville, Fla., lie the Golden Isles, where winding rivers and miles of sun-drenched beaches beckon visitors and residents alike. Amid the lush natural beauty that has made this unspoiled corner of Georgia's Colonial Coast so legendary, 180 holes of golf were created by some of the game's most-gifted architects, providing challenges for both the amateur and the accomplished professional. Fishing, water sports, horseback trails and birding locales appeal to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With moderate temperatures, the pristine beauty of the Golden Isles can be enjoyed throughout the year.

About The McGladrey Classic

The McGladrey Classic is an official PGA TOUR Event played on the Seaside Course at Sea Island Golf Club on St. Simons, Georgia. The tournament is hosted by the Davis Love Foundation which was established by PGA TOUR pro golfer Davis Love III for the purpose of contributing to the well-being and progress of society by supporting both national and community-based programs that focus on children and their families. The McGladrey Classic is named for title sponsor McGladrey, a leader in assurance, tax and business consulting.

SOURCE Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau