By BOB HARIG, Times wires
Published January 14, 2004
PALM HARBOR - The Chrysler Championship is giving $766,310 to Tampa Bay area charities, the proceeds from the 2003 PGA Tour event at the Westin Innisbrook Resort.
The amount includes money raised through ticket sales and sponsorships, along with the Birdies For Charity program that produced $503,000.
"It's beyond what I thought it would be," said tournament director Gerald Goodman at a check presentation ceremony where the tournament's volunteers also were recognized. "Our budget doubled to put on this golf tournament, with all the infrastructure, the new sponsor, security, transportation, more bleachers. We had to do some upgrades with the quality of field that we had.
"So to go past $500,000 is beyond expectations. Now I'm thinking that we should try to get to $1-million."
The tournament's primary beneficiary, Academy Prep, received $135,000, with other charities earning donations by soliciting pledges based on 1,145 birdies made in the tournament. The Birdies for Charity program was aided by the $100,000 Bright House Networks bonus pool. The Countryside Youth Soccer Association led those charities with $64,719.
TENNIS: No. 1 off to fast start
World No. 1 Justine Henin-Hardenne opened her season with a two-set victory over Conchita Martinez at the Adidas International in Sydney, Australia.
French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero was upset by Chris Guccione, 18, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) in the first round.
HEINEKEN OPEN: Defending champion Gustavo Kuerten saved a match point against former world No. 2 Alex Corretja before advancing to the second round in Auckland, New Zealand.
HORSES: Noted owner Young dies
William T. Young, one of thoroughbred racing's most prominent breeders and owners who won the 1996 Kentucky Derby with Grindstone, died Monday in Gulf Stream. He was 85.
OLYMPICS: Champ fails steroid test
National champion hammer thrower Melissa Price tested positive for the newly discovered steroid THG during the 2003 U.S. championships and in an out-of-competition test, the U.S. Olympic Committee said. Price is disputing the test results.
SECURITY: Greek security and military forces will conduct exercises next month to test the country's ability to deal with a terrorist attack involving biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, police said.
SOCCER: Top defender joins Fulham
Two-time MLS defender of the year Carlos Bocanegra completed a three-year deal with Fulham of England's Premier League.
MLS TRADE: San Jose sent midfielder Manny Lagos to Columbus for a third-round draft choice.
ET CETERA
AMATEUR AWARD: Basketball stars LeBron James and Diana Taurasi lead the list of 12 finalists for the 2003 James E. Sullivan Award, presented to the nation's outstanding amateur athlete.
SKATING: Irina Slutskaya will skip next month's European championships but plans to skate at the March world championships despite being idle all season with heart and other ailments.
COLLEGE: Ronald Zwierlein was hired as athletic director at St. Bonaventure, which is recovering from a basketball eligibility scandal last season.
