Oct. 3, 2011

Humorist Mark Twain once remarked that, "Golf is a good walk spoiled." For the Duquesne Athletic Fund and the University's student-athletes, the game is a valuable source of support.

The Duquesne Athletic Fund's two outings in 2011 yielded a combined total of $160,000.

The longstanding spring event, held on May 7 at the Treesdale Golf and Country Club in Gibsonia, Pa., drew a crowd of 200 golfers and accounted for $50,000 in net receipts. The program included lunch, an 18-hole scramble, reception, dinner and prizes.

The Fund's newest project, the Laurel Valley Golf Invitational presented by Penneco Outdoor Advertising Company, debuted in 2010. This signature event offers participants the opportunity to experience a day on the Laurel Valley Golf Club course in Ligonier, Pa., designed by Dick Wilson and renowned as the western Pennsylvania home course of the legendary Arnold Palmer.

In only its second year, the 2011 Laurel Valley Golf Invitational attracted a sellout field of 120 players and raised $110,000. Golfers enjoyed lunch and 18 holes using the Callaway scoring format, followed by dinner and live and silent auctions. In a unique twist, the top 10 "closest to the pin" competitors squared off in a hole-in-one contest with the chance to win a 2012 Bentley.

Proceeds from both events benefit Duquesne University's 16 varsity athletic teams. The Duquesne Athletic Fund supports scholarships, academic services, facilities, travel and logistics.

Both events have been scheduled for next year, with the Treesdale outing to be held on Monday, May 7, 2012 and the Laurel Valley Invitational slated for Wednesday, September 19, 2012.

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities and registration details, contact:

Bryan Colonna
Director, Athletic Development
Duquesne University
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Phone: 412-396-5927
E-mail: colonna770@duq.edu