The Allianz Championship returns to Boca Raton next week for the ninth consecutive year. But we have 10 reasons why you’ll want to visit the Old Course at Broken Sound for the annual Champions Tour event, which includes pre-tourney activities from Feb. 2-5, before the real action starts Friday, Feb. 6:
1) It’s not all about the men: The ladies have their day on the links Feb. 3, as LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam presents a free clinic, followed by a women’s pro-am that benefits the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health and Wellness Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
2) When you attend, Boca wins: According to tournament director Ryan Dillon, the 2014 Allianz raised $375,000 for the Boca Raton Champions Golf Charities, which donates funds to Boca Regional and other community nonprofits. This year, Dillon believes the tournament can raise upward of $500,000.
3) Let’s get Slushed: The green at the par-3 16th will be party central this year thanks to Celebrity Cruises “Slush Lounge,” which promises all kinds of frozen cocktails. But that’s not the only reason to visit the tent: Celebrity will also give away one cruise each round of the tournament.
4) What an entrance: To officially kick off the tournament on Friday, Feb. 6, three Navy Seals will jump out of a plane and parachute down to the first tee with the opening golf ball. But what really makes the moment special is this: The ceremonial first shot will be taken by a 10-year-old girl who is battling cancer.
5) What a field: Twenty-nine of the Champion Tour’s top 30 money winners from 2014 are expected to tee it up at the Allianz.
6) Someone may break 60: Two years after Rocco Mediate shot a second-round 61, Michael Allen (pictured) opened the 2014 tournament with an opening-round 60 en route to his eventual playoff victory.
7) Bernhard is on fire: Boca’s own Bernhard Langer may be playing some of the best golf of his career. Last year, Langer won five times on the Champions Tour and set a tour record with season earnings of $3,074,189.
8) The more birdies the better: The title sponsor is doing its part to support local charities, including a social media campaign called #AllianzBirdies Challenge. Every mention on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram between now and Feb. 8 ending in that hashtag will produce a $1 donation—with a max of $40,000—for Junior Achievement of South Florida.
9) Bring the kids: During the Friday-to-Sunday run of the tournament, the Allianz will feature a “Family Fun Zone” with everything from obstacle courses to bounce houses for the kids.
10) Raise a glass: Following the second round, on Saturday night the 7th, guests can wine and dine (for a general admission price of $70) at a special event featuring gourmet bites from local restaurants, entertainment, photo ops with the players and much more.
Visit allianzchampionship.com for ticket information and the complete schedule of events.
