|
Jacobs Receives Franklin American Mortgage Exemption 4-29-04 4/29/2004 FRANKLIN, Tenn. —- Tournament officials for the Franklin American Mortgage Championship benefiting Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital have tipped their cap to outstanding amateur and professional play in awarding the tournament’s two sponsor’s exemptions. Sarah Jacobs, a senior on the Vanderbilt University women’s golf team and first-team All-SEC honoree, has accepted one of the sponsor’s exemptions. A Davidson Academy graduate from Whites Creek, Tenn., Jacobs has a season scoring average of 74.8 and helped lead Vanderbilt to its first SEC Conference Championship earlier this month. “I am so excited right now!” Jacobs exclaimed. “You always feel you are worthy but it was a wonderful surprise to be selected. I was up against some incredible golfers and the tournament could have picked any one of them. I have been waiting for this for a long time.” Jacobs said she received a cell phone call late this morning from Steve Nieman of Elcott Golf, the tournament director. “I knew it was coming and had my guard up so I wouldn’t be disappointed. When Steve told me I had to get him to repeat the news and then I pulled my car over to compose myself.” The tournament adds to an already hectic month for Jacobs. “I am getting married May 28,” Jacobs said, “and now this LPGA is sandwiched between NCAA’s and my soon-to-be husband. It’s going to be a very busy month but bring it on — I will do it!” Jacobs plans to turn professional in late May. “This opportunity is special because I’m about to join the Futures Tour and this gives me the chance to experience the Tour first-hand. I have wanted a taste of it so bad and there will be nothing to compare with walking the fareways with the greatest players in the world.” The second sponsor’s exemption will go to the third place finisher in the LPGA Qualifier, set for Monday, May 10. As with other tournaments, the first and second place finishers in the LPGA Qualifier will automatically receive a spot in the Franklin American Mortgage Championship, May 13-16 at Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tenn. “We decided to do something different to give one more LPGA player the opportunity to earn the right to play in the event, while also recognizing a golfer with local connection — it’s the best of both worlds,” said Dan Crockett, CEO and president of Franklin American Mortgage. “This is something that really hasn’t been done before,” said Rob Neal, vice president of tournament business affairs for the LPGA. “I know the players participating in the qualifier will appreciate the opportunity to compete for the exemption.” The LPGA Qualifier for the Franklin American Mortgage Championship is scheduled for 1 p.m. on the Ironhorse Course at Vanderbilt Legends Club. About the Franklin American Mortgage Championship |
