Making the Connection Legends of Golf is an event that celebrates some of golf’s greatest players and the rivalries that they share. The first edition of the event, held last June at Dundarave Golf Course at The Rodd Brudenell River Resort, featured what many consider to be the greatest rivalry the game has seen -- Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, playing before 7,200 spectators over the two-day event. The event has proven to be a very effective promotional vehicle for Prince Edward Island. Last year’s broadcast was seen in Canada, Spain, Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic and the United States and continues to be marketed to other countries and media outlets.

“I always enjoy the opportunity to play in Canada, and I have heard wonderful things about the province of Prince Edward Island and the golf courses there,” said Singh. “It will make it even more special to play there with Mike, playing in his home country in front of Canadian fans.”

It is fitting that Singh and Weir will be in PEI immediately after the Canadian Open, an event that witnessed a famous duel between the two at Glen Abbey in 2004. Weir was in a position to become the first Canadian in more than 50 years to win the Canadian Open title on Sunday, before Singh, who was ranked the number one player in the world at the time, overcame him in a playoff to take the championship. Singh talked at the time about how Weir was the only player he didn’t want to beat in that tournament, knowing how important it was to the popular Canadian player.

In addition to that Canadian Open showdown, the two players share the honour of being owners of the famous “green jacket” as winners of the Masters Tournament, as well as being two of the most recognized international players in the world. Both also share the reputation as two of the hardest working players in golf.

Prior to the featured match between Weir and Singh on July 30, The Links at Crowbush Cove at Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort will feature the Making the Connection Legends of Golf “Fan Fest” from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 29. The day will feature a host of family-oriented golf activities for ticket holders, including a long-drive exhibition by four-time world champion Jason Zuback, a public clinic by world-class instructors, golf skills contests with the chance to win a grand prize of a trip for two to the 2007 LG Skins Game in California, and public viewing areas to follow the Canadian Open live.

“On behalf of golf fans in PEI and across Canada, we couldn’t be more excited to host these true golf legends this summer,” said Honourable Philip Brown, Minister of Tourism. “The goal for Making the Connection Legends of Golf, as demonstrated perfectly last year, is to create an event that is a memorable one for golf fans attending the event, but also showcases our wonderful province, and its world-class golf facilities, around the world. That goal becomes even more attainable with two popular international players like Vijay Singh and Mike Weir.”

Tickets for the Making the Connection Legends of Golf are $60 (plus tax) with a special 50 per cent discount for junior fans under the age of 16. Tickets will go on sale in early May through Ticketweb, with more ticket information becoming available soon at www.legendsofgolfpei.com. As one of Canada’s premier golf destinations, Prince Edward Island plays official host to this professional golf event, which is a partnership between IMG Canada, Tourism PEI and Making the Connection. Making the Connection is a program dedicated to the ongoing education of Canadians about the health risks of high cholesterol, and to encouraging Canadians to take action to control high cholesterol in order to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC) is the designated charity for the Making the Connection Legends of Golf, as well as a partner of the Making the Connection program. The partnership also includes the Canadian Lipid Nurse Network, the Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Diabetes Québec, and Pfizer Canada Inc. For more information about cholesterol, Canadians should speak to a health care professional, visit www.makingtheconnection.ca, or call 1-877-4-LOW-LDL.