Jay Mitchell Wins over $25,000 as International Players Tour 2008 Tour Championship Winner!

In a dramatic conclusion on the back nine of Sunday’s final round, Jay Mitchell from Palestine, Texas overcame a seven shot deficit to capture the Champion’s Trophy for the 2008 IPT Tour Championship. For his efforts, Jay earned in excess of $25,000, including winnings in the Scratch, Open Net, and Net Championship Divisions of the IPT’s season ending event at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe Bay, TX held November 20-23, 2008.

Competing for the largest Net Competition purse in the country with a plus 2 handicap, Mitchell shot a net 10 over par 224 on the tough layouts of the Ram Rock and Apple Rock courses in the 54-hole event. He edged out 36-hole leader Michael Olsen of San Antonio, Texas by one stroke and 2006 Tour Champion Bill Steadham from Montgomery, Texas by two strokes. Jay drilled a pressure packed 8 foot uphill putt on the final hole of the tournament to secure the win. David Reeves from Plano, TX closed on Sunday with a net 68 to take home $4,700 as the 2008 IPT Flight Division Champion in the flighted competition.

The 2008 Tour Championship culminated a successful year for IPT, which conducted over 220 competitions in 15 metro areas throughout a ten state region around the country. Total purses for 2008 will reach nearly $600,000, setting another annual tour record. IPT members of all skill levels compete both at scratch and with a proprietary handicap system, creating a unique "inside the ropes" experience generally seen only in a PGA Tour environment.

Continued expansion in 2008 sets the stage to add another 100 events to the calendar in 2009 with the addition of several new districts. Ron Beaman, Founder & CEO of IPT, expressed his thoughts on the season, stating "We matured considerably as an organization in 2008, not only through expansion of competitions, but with sponsors like Basic Golf and The Glenlivet participating at the Tour Championship here at Horseshoe Bay Resort." And he added, "With the creation of an internet TV production of the Tour Championship by Flying Sensors Productions, we enhanced the value for our players and fans around the country – and worldwide."

In addition to the competitions, IPT hosted their annual Vision Banquet on Saturday evening for the players, spouses, and families. This year’s banquet featured the announcement of the tour’s annual award winners, including:
• Player of the Year – Phil Schwartz, Ft. Worth, TX
• Senior Player of the Year – Herb Joiner, Plano, TX
• Sportsman of the Year – Tony Peterson, Blytheville, AR
• Member of the Year – Willie Taylor, Copperas Cove, TX
• Rhino Club Award – Cliff Porter, Glendale, AZ (Top New Member Recruiter)
• Rookie of the Year – Randy Lamoreaux, Weatherford, TX
For additional information, visit IPT web site at www.ipgtour.com.

About International Players Tour (IPT)
International Players Tour, operated by prior management of Champions Golf Tour (CGT), was launched in January 2008. The Champions Golf Tour was founded by Ron Beaman in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area in April 2002. Ron developed a model that provides avid recreational golfers a chance to play in an environment similar to major tour events – "inside the ropes" for significant prize money – utilizing a proprietary handicap system. Significant and sustained growth has occurred in player participation, number of events, and prize money. With over 1000 players in their system, IPT management conducted over 150 events in 2007 within twelve metropolitan areas, and the payouts exceeded $500,000. In 2008, IPT will conduct 200+ events in up to fifteen different metro areas, culminating in the Tour Championship at the Horseshoe Bay Resort in Marble Falls, Texas, with the winner taking home $20,000!

"The Model that Works" is now being adopted successfully in multiple cities, with projected expansion into 5-10 new markets each year – including international locations - through a unique licensing rights program. See www.ipgtour.com for details.

Contact:
Bill Conwell
International Players Tour (IPT)
6709 Alexandria LN
Charlotte, NC 28270
704-366-2047
bill.conwell@ipgtour.com
http://www.ipgtour.com