KTNN/KWRK gear up for 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

FRUITLAND, N.M.

This weekend golfers from the area will gather at the famed TCP of Scottsdale golf course for the KTNN-KWRK’s 2nd annual Golf Tournament.

The tournament was established nearly two years ago in an effort to interest more Native American students in the field of radio broadcast.

The event will be held this Saturday, April 11. Ninety-six golfers are already registered and more are on a waiting list.

KTNN staffer Marcia Peshlakai said the staff is elated for this year’s event.

“We’re very excited to see how much we’ve accomplished with all the hard work we’ve put into it,” she said. “We are definitely excited but a little nervous coming down to the wire.”

The tournament will be played in a 4-person team scramble. Winners will be rewarded with trophies following the tournament and prizes will be given to those who win the longest drive, closest to the pin, longest putt and hole in one.

Each participant will also be given a golf club and a chance to win the $10,000 Navajo Arts and Enterprise Hole-in-One Challenge.

New to the tournament this year is the location. TCP of Scottsdale is home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open and Tournament of Players Club network operated by the PGA Tour.

Peshlakai said the change in location was made to give players a different scenery and a chance to play at one of Arizona’s premiere courses.

“We got a very good deal with them this year and we’re providing the opportunity for all golfers to play on a very well known place,” she said. “A lot of our players are excited. I was actually looking at a couple of replies back to us (from players), they are looking forward to an incredible tournament this year.”

Another special addition to the tournament is a raffle, where teams will enter for an opportunity to play with two special guests: Native American Actor Kiowa Gordon from the Twilight movie series and NFL candidate Jared Tevis, of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, who played football for the Arizona Wildcats.

Those sponsoring the tournament include Navajo Engineering Construction Authority, Native Innovations Inc., Arizona Diamond Backs, Navajo Arts and Crafts and more.
According to a press release, proceeds for the tournament benefit KTNN’s broadcast internship and scholarship program.

In the release KTNN/KWRK General Manager Troy Little said it is the primary reason for the tournament.

“It is our goal to assist Native American college students who seek a degree in broadcasting, communications, journalism, accounting, marketing, management, & radio engineering,” he said.

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