I am delighted to announce that the Necker Open organizers and Necker Island will be hosting the 1st annual Necker Open Pro Am golf event. The Necker Open is a fun and spirited Pro Am golf event held at Sea Island Golf Resort and my very own private island and home, Necker. You will have the opportunity to be paired up with four golf legends including Greg Norman, all competing for the Necker Open trophy. This years Necker Open takes place from August 27th - Sept 1st. The fun will begin at Sea Island Resort in Sea Island, Georgia. Guests will enjoy 36 holes of golf, playing 9 holes with each legend. Following two nights at Sea Island, guests will be flown privately to Necker Island, where you will enjoy an all-inclusive three-night/ four day stay. Once on Necker, you will have the opportunity to enjoy all the island activities including paddle boarding, kite boarding, sailing, snorkeling and tennis. We have also created some of the world s most exciting golf challenges, so be prepared! Thanks for your support and see you on Necker this August. Cheers! We are pleased to announce that double major winner and former World No.1 Greg Norman will be participating in the 2015 Necker Open! Fast Greg Norman Facts: • 331 Weeks as the world s Number 1 ranked golfer • Won over 85 international tournaments in his career •Two majors including the Open Championship in 1986 and 1993 • Nicknamed the Great White Shark • 30 Top Ten finishes in Majors • First player in history to surpass $10million in career earnings Great White Shark Enterprises Norman serves as Chairman and CEO of Great White Shark Enterprises, a multinational corporation that comprises several companies and divisions including Greg Norman Golf Course Design, Greg Norman Wine Estates, Greg Norman Australian Prime, Southern Cross Developments, Greg Norman Production Company, Greg Norman's Australian Grille, Greg Norman Interactive as well as many other merchandising and licensing initiatives. Norman is admired equally as a sportsman and businessman. He learned long ago that the game of golf could be a platform for something even greater, and he has transcended the game to become arguably the most successful athlete-turned-entrepreneur in history. OVERVIEW Vision: Enjoy a six day / five night world-class Pro-Am Golf Event and Charity Dinner, Auction & Party, hosted on Sir Richard Bransons private island, Necker Island and at Sea Island Golf Resort, Georgia. Necker Open Pro-Am Four PGA Tour Players / Legends will be teamed up with amateurs of all levels, to compete in this fun, spirited and handicapped golf event. Sea Island / Necker Island Activities: Whilst on Necker, guests can engage in activities like paddle boarding, pilates, sailing, kite boarding, wake boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, massage therapy, tennis, parties and more. There will also be some fun golf challenges including a par three hole-in-one $1,000,000 prize at Sea Island. Format & Rules: A handicapped scoring format will make it competitive for players of all levels. Teams consist of one pro and up to three amateurs. The Cause: A portion of event profits and 100% of all live and silent auction proceeds go to Virgin Unite, The Greg Norman Foundation, the National Tennis Foundation, and other leading PGA Tour players charities. Charity Dinner, Auction & Party: Join us on the opening night for the Charity Dinner, Auction and Party. Relax, grab a drink and make a difference in the world by bidding on exclusive travel experiences and select items Saturday, August 29 7:00am Breakfast Thursday, August 27 8:00am 18 holes Monday, August 31 3:00pm Guest Arrival 11:30am Lunch after 9 holes 8:00am Breakfast in the Great 6:00pm Cocktails 2:00pm Depart for Necker Island House 7:00pm Charity Dinner, 6:00pm Arrive on Necker Island 9:00am Relax Auction & Party 6:30pm Welcome reception with 1:30 pm Lunch on Turtle Beach Friday, August 28 Richard Branson 3:30pm Golf Challenges 8:00am Breakfast 7:00pm Cocktails 7:00pm Cocktails 9:00am 18 holes 8:00pm Dinner 8:00pm Dinner 12:30pm Lunch 9:30pm Beach Party 3:00pm Relax Sunday, August 30 6:00pm Cocktails 8:00am Breakfast in the Great Tuesday, September 1 7:00pm Dinner House 9:00am Breakfast 10:00am Island Hike 12:00pm Depart 11:00pm Island Sailboat Race 1:30pm Sushi Lunch 3:30pm Beach & Island Activites 7:00pm Cocktails 8:00pm Dinner Pro Am Teams Teams will consist of one PGA Tour Golf Pro / Legend and three amateurs. After every 9 holes, the teams will rotate giving each amateur the chance to play with every pro. There will be a total of twelve (12) amateur participants / golfers worldwide. Amateur participants can rotate with their guest every nine holes if they wish. Sea Island Resort Guests will enjoy two nights / three days with 36 holes of golf Necker Island Guest will enjoy three nights / four days of relaxation, beach activities and the Necker 9 with Sir Richard Branson. The Necker 9 involves unique golf challenges on and around Necker Island. These may include: 1.Chipping 2.Putting 3.Great House Longest Drive 4.Closest to the Pin 5.Sand Wedge Competition 6.Target 7.Par 3 Challenge 8.Hit Richard 9.Great House Put Off From its inception, The Cloister at Sea Island has been defined by legendary elegance. Generations of discriminating guests have returned again and again to this secluded coastal retreat. Experience the personal service, spectacular dining, and signature activities that have made The Cloister an enduring tradition. Surrender to the lure of 200 world-class hotel rooms and suites showcasing a unique natural setting and exclusive access to five miles of private beach. The Cloister is Sea Island's central experience, encompassing the full spectrum of resort amenities and activities. Accommodations at The Cloister have received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Forbes Five-Star award. At the heart of The Cloister is the main building, Sea Island's Mediterranean-masterpiece, inspired by the original 1928 Cloister building. This renowned architectural icon extends into lush, captivating gardens, while rising boldly at river's edge. From a bird's-eye view, The Cloister encompasses a sprawling range of buildings and amenities, including the Sea Island Yacht Club, The Cloister Spa, and The Cloister Beach Club. Fine dining is an essential part of The Cloister experience. Four dining establishments are housed within The Cloister area, including the renowned Georgian Room Georgia's only Forbes Five- star restaurant. Luxury accommodations within The Cloister are available in three distinctive settings: The Cloister (main building and wings), The Cloister Beach Club Suites, and The Cloister Ocean Villas. All three settings offer ready access to resort amenities, including The Spa, boating, tennis, squash, and beach activities. Guests are encouraged to do everything or nothing at all. You will be playing at Seaside which is the pinnacle of links golf! Situated at the southern tip of St. Simons Island at The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, this Oceanside course places a premium on careful shot selection, recovery, and putting. Offering Sea Island's most demanding layout, Seaside is the host venue for the PGA TOUR's McGladrey Classic. Seaside has also hosted multiple USGA events, challenging golf's best amateur players. Find yourself playing on Rees Jones' masterful renovation, Plantation Course. Found among a forest of ancient live oak and cedar, with a hint of danger lurking in its tidal creeks and lakes. Plantation boasts expansive fairways that give definition to the course, showcasing beautiful views of the ocean, oaks, and blooming flowers enticing the accomplished and inviting the novice. Jones calls the new Plantation "parkland by the sea" for its magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and its lush natural scenery. Necker Island is a 74 acre island in the British Virgin Islands, home and favorite hideaway to Sir Richard Branson. The British Virgin Island s (BVIs) are a group of island s approximately 1,100 miles south-east of Miami, Florida, 60 miles due east of Puerto Rico, and about 120 miles north-west of St Barts. Sir Richard first purchased the island in 1978 and it opened as a luxury retreat available for private hire in 1984. Necker Island is a part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard s portfolio of unique retreats. There is a dedicated team of fabulous staff on the island plus more than 200 flamingos who are all part of the Necker family! Guest Rooms: Guests will have the opportunity to stay in private Bali Houses or up in one of the Great House suites. Island Activities : • Wind • Paddle Boarding Surfing • Wake Boarding • Kite • Water Skiing Boarding • Tennis • Spa • Beach Volleyball • Snorkeling • Sailing The Charity Dinner and Auction on August 27th will be at Sea Island and will be an event to remember. Guests will mix and mingle with Greg Norman and PGA Tour Pros/Legends while enjoying an amazing dining experience. 100% of all money raised from the online & live auction will go to benefit Virgin Unite, the Greg Norman Foundation, the National Tennis Foundation, and other other leading PGA Tour players charities. We are proud to report that our sister event, the Necker Cup has raised over $2,500,000 over the past three years. Greg Norman Golf Foundation: The Foundation was formed by Greg Norman in 1987. The foundation provides professional guidance and golf instruction throughout Queensland, Australia to junior members of golf clubs, school students as well as those in other educational establishments, and children with specific physical disabilities. The Greg Norman Golf Foundation’s goal is to turn little fish into sharks; to help grow their game, boost their confidence and provide them with an opportunity to have fun out on the course Virgin Unite: Virgin Unite connects amazing people and great ideas to make positive change happen in the world.