Stadion: Beck, Watson named as honorary co-chairs

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ATHENS, Ga -- A pair of decorated Dawgs are coming home to head up the 2011 Stadion Classic at UGA, to be held May 2-May 8, 2011 at the University of Georgia Golf Course. Chip Beck, one of the most accomplished golfers in UGA history, and Bubba Watson, one of the PGA TOUR's premier players have agreed to serve as the honorary co-chairs of this year's annual Nationwide Tour event.

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"Chip was one of the great players of his era and had a fantastic college career here at the University of Georgia and Bubba has shown that he is one of the best players in the world today," said Tournament Chairman and UGA Vice President George Stafford. "These are two of the guys that put Georgia golf on the map, and we are honored that they have decided to put their stamp of approval on our event. Their dedication to the TOUR and this University are to be commended, and we can't wait to have them here during tournament week."

Beck, who also served as the honorary chair of the Stadion Classic at UGA in 2010, was one of the world's top golfers the late 1980s and early 1990s. 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. In addition to his PGA TOUR and Champions Tour experience, Beck is very familiar with the Nationwide Tour having competed in 69 events from 2000-2007.

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.

"Serving as honorary chair last year was such a great honor and I am thrilled to return this year," Beck said. "This event ties together two institutions that have had a major impact on my life -- the University of Georgia and the PGA TOUR -- and I couldn't be more thrilled to return to Athens this spring to host some great young golf talent."

The most dominant long-drive hitter in the game, Watson has emerged as one of the rising stars of the PGA TOUR. He is one of nine left-handed golfers to win on the PGA TOUR and only one of five to win multiple events. Watson has led the PGA TOUR in driving distance the past two years, averaging more than 316 yards per drive. In 2010, he capped off the finest season of his young professional career with his first win at the Traveler's Championship, a runner-up finish at the PGA Championship and participated in his first Ryder Cup.

Earlier this year, Watson picked up his second victory with a come-from-behind win at the Farmers Insurance Open at historic Torrey Pines Golf Club.

Watson played on the Nationwide Tour from 2003-2005, finishing 21st on the money list in 2005 to earn his card on the PGA TOUR.

A junior college All-American at Faulkner State (Ala.) Community College, Watson lettered at UGA in 2000 and 2001. In his first season, he helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2000 SEC Championship.

"One of the things I am proudest of in my life is obtaining a degree from the University of Georgia. To have the chance to come back to Athens with the Nationwide Tour, which gave me my start in professional golf, is an honor and a thrill," Watson said.