Victorious Ryder Cup Captains, Dave Stockton and Paul Azinger, Reunite at Victoria Club

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Dave Stockton will never forget the feeling of victory at Kiawah Island as the Captain of the 1991 Ryder Cup.  Even then, Dave knew that team member Paul Azinger had the makings of a great Captain as well.  Seventeen years later, Stockton's prediction would come true as Paul Azinger and his team brought victory once again to the United States at Valhalla Golf Club in 2008.  In similar fashion, both Captains had to overcome past losses and had underdog status going into their respective events.  

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The climate for Azinger though was different as the nation grappled with financial collapse and a win would have a great deal of meaning for both the world of golf and the country.  "It was a win of all wins and our Country needed it," said Dave Stockton, PGA Champion. "Azinger is the best captain the U.S. Ryder Cup Team has ever had."  

Stockton and Azinger are no strangers to overcoming great odds, though.  The camaraderie between them grew even stronger and became one that went far beyond the Ryder Cup and the game of golf.  When Azinger was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and underwent intense chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Stockton made his home available to Paul and his family. Dave faced his own health scare this past December when two blood clots to the lungs required emergency care and hospitalization.

Being men of great integrity, it is of no surprise that both Stockton and Azinger grew up around golf.  Golf breeds persistence, character and the opportunity to overcome challenges.  Stockton is the son of a Club Pro and Azinger started to play the game at the young age of 5.  The values and short game skills that it takes to be a champion are something Dave is now mentoring for PGA, Champions Tour and LPGA Tour players such as Phil Mickelson and J.B. Holmes.  Even good friend Azinger, who recently joined the Champions Tour, will likely be seeking a few tips from Dave.  Upon the release of Dave's Putt To Win DVD a few years ago, Paul said of Stockton, "Dave Stockton is not only a great putter, but also a great teacher of putting. I always wished I could spend more time with Dave on the proper techniques of putting."

Paul Azinger will get his chance when the two reunite for Stockton's Charity event, the 3rd Annual Stater Bros. Charities Dave Stockton Heroes Challenge at the Victoria Club in Riverside on March 1, 2010.  The Tournament is limited to 132 players who will compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and includes ten of Stockton's friends from the PGA and LPGA Tour and six Medal of Honor Recipients.

About Dave Stockton, Honorary Tournament Chairman:  Stockton's resume in golf makes him one of the most accomplished PGA Golf Professionals. Dave Stockton turned professional in 1964 and joined the PGA Champions Tour after serving as Captain for the victorious Ryder Cup team in 1991 at Kiawah Island.  He accrued 14 Champions Tour victories, including the U.S. Senior Open and twice winning the Ford Senior Players Championship. Stockton also claims 11 PGA Tour victories (winning the PGA Championship in both 1970 & 1976). He became well known in the 1970's and 80's for doing up to 90 corporate outings a year and was crowned "King of Corporate Outings" as a result.    In 2008, Stockton served as the Assistant Captain to another victorious Ryder Cup team at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.  Dave has recently become a highly sought after short game instructor to the PGA, Champions Tour, and LPGA Tour along with his sons David Jr.  and Ron.  Players in their stable this year include Phil Mickelson, J.B. Holmes, Billy Mayfair, Morgan Pressel, Yani Tseng,  Mikaela Parmlid and Fred Funk.

About Stater Bros. Charities: In 2008, Stater Bros. established Stater Bros. Charities, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  The purpose of Stater Bros. Charities is to give back to the communities Stater Bros. Markets is privileged to serve.  Since its creation two years ago, Stater Bros. Charities has provided funding to countless local organizations and causes that benefit hunger relief, children's welfare, education for both youth and adults, services for the elderly and care for our Nation's Veterans.  

SOURCE Stater Bros. Charities