Niswonger Children’s Hospital CEO Lisa Carter and Ballad Health CEO Alan Levine announce the Tennessee Big Shots benefiting Niswonger Children’s Hospital during a press conference in Kingsport Monday morning. PHOTOS BY DAVE ONGIE
The World Long Drive Association is coming to Cattails at MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort and Convention Center, and the event will air live on Golf Channel.
The event – Tennessee Big Shots Benefiting Niswonger Children’s Hospital – will take place on Aug. 12-13, with the conclusion broadcast live on Golf Channel at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 13. This will be the final televised tour stop of 2018 for World Long Drive before the Volvik World Long Drive Championship in September. Proceeds from the event will benefit Niswonger Children’s Hospital.
Tennessee Big Shots is part of the Niswonger Children’s Hospital Classic, a signature golf tournament that attracts top players from the PGA, LPGA and PGA Champions tours.
Long Drive competitors Trent Scruggs and Chloe Garner were on hand Monday to promote the event, which will air live on the Golf Channel on Aug. 13.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with the World Long Drive Association and what it means for the Classic,” said Alan Levine, executive chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ballad Health. “At Ballad Health, we are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our community, and that’s why we’re so passionate about the Classic. It’s an incredible event that really helps the children’s hospital and the children and families it serves, while also raising awareness nationally about the multitude of services provided by Niswonger Children’s Hospital.”
Now a part of the Niswonger Children’s Hospital Classic, Tennessee Big Shots will be a free community event, bringing the region and the nation together to support the children’s hospital.
“Bringing a new event to the Kingsport region in partnership with Niswonger Children’s Hospital is a wonderful addition to the World Long Drive schedule,” said Phil Piazza, senior vice president of programming, Golf Channel. “We’re privileged to align our live television coverage surrounding the event with the incredible impact being made by the hospital, and are eager to see the Kingsport community embrace the dynamic personalities and sheer athleticism World Long Drive competitors exude at the highest level.”
The competition will feature 36 men based on World Long Drive rankings, along with 18 women. The event will be rebroadcast up to six times on Golf Channel through Dec. 31.
