Local Golf: Dodge Celebrity gets new home

The 2004 edition, to be played from April 14-17, will be at West Bay Club in Estero. The tournament, which features around 40 current and former athletes and entertainers, was at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club the past two years.

"West Bay is proud to have been selected to host such a prestigious event," West Bay Club chief operating officer Jeff Mangan said in a press release. "We are committed to putting on the finest Dodge Celebrity Invitational to date and are confident that participants and spectators alike will be very impressed with the tournament's new home.

"We cannot think of a better way to showcase one of the area's finest golf courses and residential communities."

West Bay's 18-hole golf course was designed by legendary golf course architect Pete Dye and his son, P.B.

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Steve Bartkowski won the tournament last year. Other previous winners are actor Jack Wagner and former hockey player Dan Quinn, who won the first three tournaments. The event was played at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in 1998, then at Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club in 1999 and 2000 before not being held in 2001.

"We feel very fortunate to have found an exceptional golf course and facility for the Dodge Celebrity Invitational," tournament di rector Mike Vajda said. "We look forward to working with Jeff and (director of golf) Mike Balliet on the best event yet."

"We are once again very pleased to have the opportunity to share the latest Dodge vehicles and series with the golfing community," said Tom Myers, President of the Dodge Dealer Advertising Group.

Miami Dolphins Olindo Mare, Sam Madison and Terrell Buckley all played last year, as well as Tampa Bay Bucs kicker Martin Gramatica and his brother, Bill, a kicker for the Arizona Cardinals.

For information on sponsorship opportunities and to reserve amateur playing positions, contact Eclipse Sports Management at 1-888-256-5033 or go online to www.eclipsesportsmanagement.com.