Mississippi Golf News and Notes

Many of the world's greatest professional golfers will be in Mississippi Nov. 3-9 when the PGA TOUR's Sanderson Farms Championship debuts at Country Club of Jackson.

Formerly known as the True South Classic and Viking Classic, the event has been on the PGA TOUR schedule since 1968. It was moved from July to November this year and is part of the 2014-2015 race for the FedEx Cup.

Defending champion Woody Austin returns to defend his title along with other notable early commitments, including British Open and PGA Championship winner Padraig Harrington and recent U.S. Ryder Cup standout Patrick Reed.

Sponsored by Sanderson Farms food distributors and benefiting Century Club Charities, the event features a $4 million purse and raises funds for organizations like Friends of Children's Hospital and Birdies for Charity.

In addition to world-class golf, spectators can enjoy many complementary activities. Academy of Country Music Award Winner Jack Ingram headlines a concert on Saturday, Nov. 8, immediately following the end of play.

A Women's Day event, featuring Leigh Anne Tuohy - whom Sandra Bullock portrayed in "The Blind Side" -- will be held on Nov. 4. Beginning with brunch from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. - at which Tuohy will be the keynote speaker - additional activities include tours of the golf course's "best places to watch," the on-site Golf Channel studio, and more.

For information on tickets and volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.sandersonfarmschampionship.com/.

Team USA Prevails in the LPGA Handa Cup at Old Waverly Golf Club

Juli Inkster - making her first LPGA Legends Tour appearance on the same course where she won the 1999 U.S. Women's Open -- led a spirited Team USA over the World Team in late September at the 2014 ISPS Handa Cup.

Played at Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point, the squads were tied 12-12 after Saturday's best ball and alternate shot matches. Team USA excelled in Sunday's group matches to clinch a 28-20 victory and Inkster shot a final round 5-under 67.

Old Waverly is a Bob Cupp-Jerry Pate design that has hosted multiple USGA Championship events in its illustrious history and has been ranked among "America's Top 100" public courses by national golf magazines. Stay-and-play packages offer a variety of lodging options, including on-course, quad-room cottages.

For more information, visit www.oldwaverly.com or call 662-494-6463.

Golf Tourism Manager Earns Service Award

Janet Leach, Visit Mississippi's Program Manager for Golf and Sports, received the Outstanding Tourism Professional "Employee of the Year" Award at the 26th Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism at Beau Rivage Casino and Resort last month.

A native of Mississippi, Leach has been with the Tourism Division for 20 years and has been instrumental in the Magnolia State's rise as one of the premier golf destinations in the country.

"Janet is a wonderful professional and tremendous asset to Mississippi tourism," said Visit Mississippi Director Malcolm White. "The golf and sports division has grown substantially during her tenure, and she has been a key team member in helping achieve this growth and recognition for the state from discerning travelers."

The Governor's Conference on Tourism is the premier educational conference for industry leaders in the Mississippi Tourism Industry. The three-day event featured numerous speakers, presenters and panel discussions. Attendees included various tourism and hospitality partners that helped attract more than $6.25 billion in visitor spending in Mississippi last fiscal year.

About Mississippi Golf

Attractions contributing to Mississippi's growing popularity as the preferred golf-and-travel destination include:

" More than 140 courses offering a variety of price points and designs from world-class architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Jerry Pate and Tom Fazio
" Year-round golf weather with temperate conditions throughout five distinct regions -- The Hills, The Delta, The Capital/River, The Pines, The Coastal
" Home to two annual TOUR events: The Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic of the Champions TOUR, played at Fallen Oak and the Sanderson Farms Championship of the PGA TOUR, played at Country Club of Jackson (Nov. 3-9, 2014)
" One of the largest gaming destinations in North America, featuring exciting gaming, upscale shopping, live entertainment, luxurious spas and internationally acclaimed golf courses
" Birthplace of blues, rock 'n roll and country music. Mississippi Blues Trail and Country Music Trail markers are placed at key sites around the state to honor musicians and give visitors insight into the state's diverse musical heritage
" World-famous, authentic southern cuisine offering savory barbecue, fresh seafood and French-Cajun delicacies
" A busy calendar of more than 400 unique events scheduled throughout the year
" A host of non-golf activities including boating, fishing, bird-watching, hiking, biking, hunting, camping and more

For more information please visit http://www.visitmississippi.org/sitepages/golf or call toll-free 1-866-801-8551.