15th CVS Classic Field Unveiled

Some of the golf greats who will play in this June’s CVS Caremark Charity Classic in Barrington were revealed Monday at a press conference in Providence.

Professional golfers Brad Faxon of Barrington and Billy Andrade of Bristol, founders and co-hosts of the tournament, did the unveiling for the 15th annual event. It runs June 24-25 at the Rhode Island Country Club with the Pepsi Pro-Am set for the Sunday (June 23) before the start.

Headlining the event are PGA TOUR stars Bubba Watson, a Masters winner; Rickie Fowler, and Steve Stricker. 

Watson, who won the event with partner Camilo Villegas in 2008, returns for his third tournament appearance. Known for his long drives, he has earned four PGA TOUR victories, including the 2012 Masters. 

Fowler, who has posted three top-ten finishes so far this year, will be playing in the tournament for the second time.  

Stricker will be joining the CVS Caremark Charity Classic field for the first time.  He holds 12 tour victories, including three consecutive John Deere Classic titles. He also has been a member of four Presidents Cup and three Ryder Cup teams. 

Representing the LPGA will be standout golfers Lexi Thompson and Juli Inkster.

Thompson, who along with partner Corey Pavin tied for second in last year’s tournament, is currently ranked 23rd in the world. 

Hall-of-Fame great Inkster will be making her sixth appearance in the tournament. Inkster was one of the first female players to join the CVS Charity Classic main field in 2007. 

Also returning to the CVS Caremark Charity Classic field for the 15th consecutive year is 37-year PGA tour veteran Peter Jacobsen. Along with Faxon and Andrade, he is the only golfer to have played in every tournament since its inception in 1999.

“We’re proud to celebrate 15 years of bringing incredible golf to Rhode Island, in support of great community causes,” said Eileen Howard Boone, Tournament Chairwoman of the CVS Caremark Charity Classic.  “Through the years, the tournament has driven more than $16 million dollars to local charities to help support the vital work they do throughout the region and we’re so proud to be a part of such a worthwhile event.”

In keeping with the tournament’s tradition of introducing new and exciting elements, new this year is the All Kids Can Three-Hole Challenge.  Designed to offer kids of all abilities a chance to participate in the tournament and experience golf like the pros, a specially-designed challenge will be held on holes 16-18 the morning of Monday, June 24.  Five foursomes, each comprised of kids representing a variety of the tournament’s charity partners as well as a member of the Barrington High School golf team, will participate in the fun activity. 

Also new for 2013, the CVS Caremark Charity Classic is honoring veterans by offering complimentary admission for all active, reserve and retired Military Service Members and their dependents.  Veterans simply present a valid Common Access Card or Retired Military Card at the gate any day throughout the three-day tournament. 

Police and Fire department employees and their families also receive free admission with a valid ID. 

Back for 2013 is the Pepsi Max Shootout, where the first-place team from both of the Pepsi Pro-Am morning and afternoon rounds compete in a playoff during Monday’s professional tournament.  In addition, the pros will once again be competing for designated charities in the annual charity closest to the pin contest. 

Beginning May 12, tickets for the 2013 CVS Caremark Charity Classic will be available through a special offer at CVS/pharmacy stores in Rhode Island as well as select CVS/pharmacy locations in Southeastern Massachusetts.  Fans can purchase select products to receive a voucher good for one good-any-day ticket.  Visit cvscharityclassic.com for details on eligible products. 

In addition, fans can purchase a three-day pass ($60) or single, good-any-day tickets ($25) by calling 866-CVS-9441 or visiting cvscharityclassic.com for a mail-in application.  Children 17 and under are free with a ticketed adult. 

The CVS Caremark Charity Classic is Rhode Island’s largest charitable sporting event.  Since 1999, it has donated more than $16 million to charities around the region, providing vital funding for a variety of critical programs serving children, families and people in transition throughout Southeastern New England. 

For more information, visit cvscharityclassic.com.