Athens Regional Foundation Classic Announces Final Two Sponsor's Exemptions

Hall and Kirk Round out the Field

April 7, 2008

Athens, GA – Kevin Hall and Chris Kirk have a lot in common. Both were distinguished collegiate golfers, both were honored for their achievements in the classroom and both tasted success in the Classic City. Add one more thing to that list – both will be participating in the Athens Regional Foundation Classic as sponsor's exemptions.

Jennings Mill Country Club will be familiar territory for Kevin Hall. He finished in a three-way tie for medalist at the initial stage of the 2005 PGA TOUR Qualifying School hosted at the course. Hall started 2008 strong, earning seven top-15 finishes on the Hooters Tour Bridgestone Winter Series, including a four-stroke victory in late January. Before turning professional, Hall had a stellar career at The Ohio State University, where he capped off his senior-season with an 11 stroke victory at the Big 10 Championship. In addition to his success on the golf course, Hall succeeded in the classroom, where he was named an OSU Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Big 10.

Hall has achieved all of this despite being deaf since the age of two. In 1999, he was named both the U.S. Deaf Federation Male Athlete of the Year and the National Minority Junior Golf Foundation Player of the Year.

"Kevin is a remarkable human being," said Len Sapera, chairman of the Athens Regional Foundation Classic. "His passion for the game of golf is inspiring and he has succeeded at every level. He is exactly what we want this event and our Foundation to showcase – that people can overcome great physical odds to reach their desired goals."

"It is an honor to be invited to play in this tournament and I'm really looking forward to it," Hall said. "I've had some past success at Jennings Mill and I hope that by playing well in this tournament it will put me in the right direction as far as being confident in my ability to play with the best golfers in the world."

Chris Kirk finished his collegiate career as one of the most decorated golfers in University of Georgia history. He was awarded the 2007 Ben Hogan Award, given annually to the nation's top collegiate golfer. Kirk set a school record with seven individual victories, four of which came during his senior season. In addition, he earned first-team All-American honors his junior and senior seasons, while garnering second-team All-American honors as a sophomore. He was twice named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and was a three-time first-team All-SEC selection on the course.

"The addition of Kevin and Chris will only enhance what is sure to be one of the strongest fields on the Nationwide Tour this year," said Cutts Benedict, tournament director of the ARFC. "Kevin played extremely well here in the past. In fact, his 14-under total from 2005 would have been in the top-five last year, so we're really excited about what he can do in this event. There's not much more that can be said about Chris Kirk. It's only a matter of time before he wins on this tour, so why not do it in the town where he played college golf?"

The 3rd Annual Athens Regional Foundation Classic will be held the week of April 14–20 at Jennings Mill Country Club in Oconee County. The event will offer a $525,000 purse, with all proceeds going to support the Athens Regional Foundation.

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