News Release

Greater Cedar Rapids Commits to Tournament and Giving Back to Cedar Rapids in 2009

 
February 23, 2009 – Cedar Rapids, IA – The Greater Cedar Rapids Open will be hosting the 11th annual tournament July 22-26, 2009 at Hunters Ridge Golf Course in Marion, Iowa.  Despite economic downturns the GCRO guarantees a first prize of $12,500 for the Low Open Professional and to add to the $80,000 given directly to area charities over the past 10 years.

Over the years the GCRO has helped aspiring leaders to hone their skills. The tournament has turned out at least four current players on the Nationwide Tour, two current players on the Champions Tour and three current players in the PGA Tour who count among themselves 6 PGA Tour wins including the 2007 Masters. The presenting donor, Biaggi’s Restorante Italiano and caddy donor TrueNorth again pledge their support to one of the “The Treasured Annual Events” for the Eastern Iowa Corridor. Many donor and volunteer opportunities remain and include entry into the Pro–Am and invitations to the Pro–Am dinner party.

The annual golf tournament promises to keep traditions — like the Senior Professional Division for those ages 50 and older — while adding new events such as an exclusive, invitation-only Open Amateur Division. The top 10 players from the Amateur Division after 36 holes will qualify to play with the professionals on Sunday.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Open is an official IRS Qualified 501 (C–3) Organization. In addition to being one of “The Treasured Annual Events” for the “Eastern Iowa Corridor” the GCRO has contributed almost $80,000 to mostly youth related charities over the past 10 years since its inception. In 2008 alone the GCRO was honored to spread direct contributions of over $12,500 among the Eastern Iowa Chapter of The American Red Cross, Camp Courageous of Iowa, Greater Cedar Rapids Optimists Junior Golf Association, the Johnson School of the Arts and Area High School Golf Programs. For more information: