1999 Legg Mason Classic to be Held At Philmont Country Club.

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa.--(BW SportsWire)--July 12, 1999--

The elegant, early 20th Century Philmont Country Club of Huntingdon Valley, PA, will be the site for the 1999 Legg Mason Classic, to take place on July 26 and 27.

The club offers two outstanding 18 hole courses, built on rolling terrain. Fast slopes and intermittent water hazards promise to challenge the PGA pros at the two-day, Pro-Am golf tournament.

The South course was designed by Willie Park, Jr. in 1907, Philmont Country Club's opening year. Park hailed from a family of professional golfers including Willie Park, Sr., a four-time British Open winner. Mr. Park, Jr. was known for his skill in sculpting mounds and natural-looking green sites. In 1924, William S. Flynn and Howard C. Toomey built the North course.

Flynn was a Philadelphia native and one of the most prominent golf course designers of the early 20th Century. He also designed the celebrated Shinnecock Hills in Long Island, NY, known for its intimate qualities despite its massive scale, and Cherry Hills, in Denver, CO. Toomey was a civil engineer and Flynn's partner. In 1956, William and David Gordon made adjustments to the North Course.

Throughout the years, the Philmont Country Club has enjoyed a reputation as an action-filled destination spot for many socialites. The club held talent shows featuring members and sponsored popular tennis tournaments. Walter Hagen and Walter Travis were just two of the many famous golf professionals who played regularly at Philmont.

During World Wars I and II, Philmont excused the dues for any members in the service. The club entertained wounded veterans for free and supplied funds to the American Red Cross for an ambulance and entrance fees for golf and tennis events. The Philmont News, a monthly bulletin about the Club and its members, was sent to each member while they were in the service.

Today, while Philmont's scope of activities and membership have changed, the club maintains its original spirit.

For the second year in a row, Legg Mason, a full-service investment firm, is the title sponsor for the event. Proceeds from the Classic will benefit Angel Flight East, the MBF Center and Inner-City Games Philadelphia. To date, the event has raised nearly $1,000,000 for local, non-profit organizations.

Tickets for the Legg Mason Classic are on sale now, through www.tickets.com. A full schedule of events will be released in the near future including a media day on July 6. For event information or information on Pro-Am spots and corporate sponsorships, call 610/565-GOLF, or visit our website at www.lmc.proam.org.