Beck to serve as honorary chair for Athens Classic

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ATHENS, Ga. -- Former UGA All-American and three-time Ryder Cup participant Chip Beck has agreed to serve as the honorary chair of the inaugural Athens Classic at UGA, to be held April 24 to May 2, 2010 at the University of Georgia Golf Course in Athens. The four-time PGA TOUR champion completed his college career in 1978 as one of the most accomplished golfers in University of Georgia history.

Beck

"We are honored that Chip Beck has agreed to serve as the honorary chair of this event," said UGA President Michael F. Adams. "While Chip's success on the golf course is well-documented, most people do not know the passion that Chip has for his alma mater. He continues to be a wonderful ambassador for this institution and is the perfect chair for our inaugural event."

In the late 1980's and early 1990's, Beck was one of the world's top golfers. In that time, he won four times on the PGA TOUR, participated in three Ryder Cups and spent 40 weeks in the top-10 in the Official World Golf Rankings. In 1991, he became only the second person to break sixty in a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event, shooting 59 at the Las Vegas Invitational. Beck now lives in Lake Forest, Ill., and still competes on the Champions Tour.

Beck finished his career at UGA as one of the most decorated golfers in the school's history. He was a first-team All-American in 1977 and 1978, and second-team All-American in 1976, earning All-SEC honors in those years as well. He still holds the school record for most top-10 finishes in a career with 27, including five tournament victories.

"I could not be more excited to serve as the honorary chair for the inaugural Athens Classic at UGA. The University of Georgia will always be close to my heart and will serve as a fabulous host to the Nationwide Tour," said Beck. "I have seen firsthand the impact that these events have on the local community and I know that, with the commitment from the people of Athens and the University administration, the Athens Classic at UGA will take its place as one of the premier events on the Nationwide Tour."