News & Notes from the MGCJune 2008
A Look Back: Gay Grabs First PGA TOUR Win

Brian Gay's 8-year-old daughter had it on good authority that her father would earn his first PGA TOUR victory at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

The defending champ's 12-year-old son told her so the night prior to the final round.

Although Gay didn't know about the prediction, he did a nice job making it hold up, shooting a 1-under 69 in the final round to win the Mayakoba Golf Classic by two shots over Steve Marino.

The PGA TOUR's second annual visit south of the border became Gay's to lose when he closed the third round with birdies on five of the last six holes. He took a five-stroke lead into the final round and led by at least four throughout the first 16 holes Sunday. Marino moved a shot closer on each of the last two holes, but all it changed was the margin of victory.

In his 293rd career start, Gay finally was a winner; only 12 active players have entered more events without breaking through.

Then again, Taylor Funk - whose dad, Fred, won the inaugural event - knew it was going to happen after Gay's birdie flurry Saturday. At the hotel pool a few hours later, he told Makinley Gay, "Your dad's going to win."

Makinley told her mom, Kimberly, who then decided to keep that story between them to avoid adding to the pressure Daddy already felt. That may have been a good idea.

Emotion came after he tapped in for par on 18, when his 4-year-old daughter Brantley ran onto the green to be the first to congratulate him. He then celebrated with Kimberly and Makinley.

Gay finished at 16-under 264, one stroke better than Funk's winning score last year.

Marino, who closed with a 66, finished two strokes back. John Merrick, the leader after each of the first two rounds, and Matt Kuchar tied for third at 268.

Take Part in Mayakoba Golf Classic's Online Survey and Enter to Win Golf and a Two-Night Stay at the Fairmont Mayakoba

In an effort to improve the fan experience at México's Only PGA TOUR Event, the Mayakoba Golf Classic is conducting an online survey seeking spectator feedback on nearly every element of the event.

Your input will be used to help the tournament staff as it prepares for the 2009 event with off-season upgrades and improvements. Survey topics include concessions, pro shop merchandise, restrooms, ticket and hospitality options, Pueblito activities, the Ambassador program, parking, security and much more.

All survey takers will be entered in a drawing to win a two-night stay at the Fairmont Mayakoba and two (2) complimentary rounds of golf at El Camaleón Golf Club, home of the Mayakoba Golf Classic. All surveys must be completed by June 31 in order to be eligible for the drawing.

Weigh in to have your voice heard! With your help, the Mayakoba Golf Classic will continue growing and improving. By participating, you ensure that the tournament knows which elements of the event are highlights for fans as well as making the event staff aware of areas that may need improvement in order to provide the greatest spectator experience on the PGA TOUR.

If you haven't already taken the survey, click here to access the online survey. Thank you for your time and participation in our online survey as we continue working to make the Mayakoba Golf Classic the best event on TOUR!

"Gracias" to the Ambassadors

The Mayakoba Golf Classic said "Gracias!" to all its dedicated and energetic Ambassadors on Saturday, May 31, when the tournament hosted an appreciation luncheon and golf outing for the Ambassadors. The effort and hard work of these great individuals make México's Only PGA TOUR Event possible.

Among those specially recognized were the various Ambassador Captains who put in so much effort to organize the operation. Also honored were the various groups, businesses and charities who support the Mayakoba Golf Classic Ambassador program including: Yaxche Maya Cuisine, City of Joy Foundation, IN Riviera Maya, Alltournative, the Rotary Clubs of Playa del Carmen and Cancún, Paseo del Carmen, Mexican Caribbean Golfers Association, the US Bank Championship and the Merrill Lynch Shootout.

The Mayakoba Golf Classic appreciates their participation and support of the Ambassador Program.

Despite the threat of rain, the day was a tremendous success with activities including complimentary food, raffle prizes, gifts and of course a round of golf at El Camaleón for the Ambassadors.

If you are interested in becoming an MGC Ambassador for the 2009 event, click here for more information.

Mayakoba Junior Golf Classic Set for August 19-22

The American Junior Golf Association is set to return to Playa del Carmen for the second-annual Mayakoba Junior Golf Classic scheduled for August 19-22. Golf's Next Generation will descend upon El Camaleón Golf Club as they attempt to follow in the footsteps of Fred Funk and Brian Gay and hoist the chameleon trophy.

The tournament will feature 78 boys and girls, ages 12-18, competing in 54 holes of stroke play under PGA TOUR conditions at the home of the PGA TOUR's Mayakoba Golf Classic.

Tournament officials will again make every effort to simulate the PGA TOUR experience for all participating junior golfers. From the Pairings Party held on the shores of the Caribbean Sea at Mayakoba's unique MK Blue to the course conditions and hole locations, junior golfers will receive the same red carpet treatment afforded to PGA TOUR pros in February.

For more information on the Mayakoba Junior Golf Classic, go to www.ajga.org.

© 2008, Mayakoba Golf Classic
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