Page 36 - LVG&L Magazine Summer 2020

EVENTS

SHRINERS

OPEN 2020!

MUCH IS TO BE DETERMINED FOR LAS VEGAS’ PGA TOUR EVENT OCT. 5-11,
BUT A STRONG FOUNDATION HAS BEEN BUILT

Story by Brian Hurlburt, Las Vegas Golf Insider

hriners Hospitals for Children Open exec- PATRICK LINDSEY: It’s going to be a new challenge, and
utive director Patrick Lindsey still vividly that is what it’s all about right now. But it’s also an opportu-
remembers watching the throng of golf fans nity for us to make a couple of changes that we have wanted
following the leaders when they encircled TPC to implement even before the pandemic. Even though we’re
S Summerlin’s finishing holes as the 2019 tour- still several months away, we know it’s going to be different,
nament drew to a close. It was a banner year by just about but we’re also optimistic about being able to put on a qual-
any measurement. Attendance was 72,842, up from 55,000 ity event. We are trying to overcome and figure out what is
in 2018 and nearly tripled over a few-year period, and the the best plan to put in place moving forward for our players,
field was the strongest since 2003. Among those playing sponsors, spectators, volunteers, and clients. I do know that
was world no. 1 Brooks Koepka and 18 of the other top 50 we are going to make the best of it, no matter what.
players in the world, including Phil Mickelson.
Lindsey couldn’t wait until 2020… LVGL: What is the overriding message right now that
However, with an evolving Covid-19 pandemic, social you want to send to all involved?
unrest, and other issues challenging Las Vegas and society PL: It is definitely that we want to build confidence with
at large, Lindsey has come to grips that this year will be dif- everyone and earn their trust that we will have the best plan
ferent; but he and his team are steadfastly creating plans to under guidelines in place by the government in October.
make the best of it. “Building confidence” will be vital for Also, we want to be a reason that the community gathers
success, and Lindsey is confident the new plans will con- again this fall, and a reason for people to come out and
tinue the event’s resurgence from years of low turnouts and enjoy golf outdoors with great weather. We will be follow-
less-than-exciting fields.
ing all protocols, and we want everyone to know that we’re
The PGA Tour canceled or postponed several tourna- going to have a safe environment.
ments earlier this year, but as of July 1, the Shriners Open Also, the reason we do this is to support and raise aware-
remained unchanged and is planned for October 5-11 at TPC ness for the Shriners Hospitals and the important work they
Summerlin. The following is a recent Q & A with Lindsey do. “We want everyone to remember the very important
as he took a break from his daily and weekly briefings and mission of the Shriners Hospitals, our title sponsor. They
planning sessions.
are dedicated to provide the highest quality care to chil-
dren with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries,
LAS VEGAS GOLF & LEISURE: What is the first thing and other special healthcare needs within a compassion-
that comes to your mind about Shriners Open 2020, ate, family-centered, and collaborative care environment.
some four months prior to the event? Plus, to provide for the education of physicians and other

34 LAS VEGAS GOLF & LEISURE SUMMER 2020 www.lasvegasgolfandleisure.com