Nicklaus Manor Sarasota Opera Golf Tournament
Raised Funds for Sarasota Opera

Bradenton, Fla. (November 16, 2007) Opera lovers and golf enthusiasts joined forces on November 13 to support Sarasota Opera in the first Sarasota Opera Golf Tournament, sponsored by Nicklaus Manor. The day-long event was held at The Concession Golf Club and Residences, named by Golf Digest as America's Best New Private Course for 2006. Tournament participants included Michael Nicklaus, president of Golden Bear Realty. Nicklaus, 34, is the youngest son of golf icon Jack Nicklaus.

The 104 golfers enjoyed a spectacular day on the course while raising more than $40,000 for Sarasota Opera. Following the tournament, nearly 300 people toured the Nicklaus Manor homes and celebrated in style, courtesy of Zak's Steakhouse, dining on rack of lamb, prime steak, exceptional wines and a full open bar. The event took place at The Muirfield and Barrington models, both multi-million dollar homes within Nicklaus Manor at The Concession Golf Club and Residences.

The Tournament Winners were announced during the awards ceremony and dinner. The First Place winning foursome was: Wayne McMullen, Chris Rainey, Tim Fannin and David White with a net score of 54; Second Place winners were: Brad Reid, Mike Farone, Jay Enstrom and Hal Dearing, with a net score of 58; Third Place was Gary Loer, Steven Loer, Scott Truitt and Marshall White, with a net score of 60. The Skills Event winners were: ladies long drive, Ellen Fedder; men's long drive, Mike Farone; and men's closest to the pin: Wayne McMullen.

Sarasota Opera is now in its 49th season. Under Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi and Executive Director Susan Danis, the company has received local, national, and international acclaim for the high quality of its performances and for its commitment to the production of rarely heard repertoire. During its Winter Opera Festival in February and March, Sarasota Opera performs well-known works like Verdi's Rigoletto and Puccini's La Boheme, as well as neglected works of high artistic merit.

The Golf Tournament Platinum Sponsor was Golden Bear Realty and Nicklaus Manor, a private, gated enclave of 33 home sites nestled within The Concession Golf Club and Residences.

The Gold Sponsors were The Concession Golf Club and Residences, Landmark Development Group, Sarasota Magazine, ZAK's Steakhouse, and Southern Wine and Spirits. The Silver Sponsors were Golf USA, Robb & Stucky Interiors, Hilb Rogal & Hobbs of Florida Inc., The Ohlman-Dailey Group of Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Savannah's Elite Concierge and Bennington Tobacco. Other sponsors included Mattison's Restaurant, Signs Now, Andy's Custom Carts, Travelers Insurance, Chebella Aveda Lifestyle Salon, Fifth Third Bank, Paetec, and Champs Sports. The Hole in One Sponsor was Venice Chrysler.

The Concession is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, designed in association with fellow golf legend Tony Jacklin. The Concession is one of 320 Nicklaus Design courses open for play around the world. This 18-hole, par-72 course plays 7,470 yards from the back tees and meanders across 520 total acres, lush with spectacular trees, wetlands, native vegetation, and expansive palmetto fields.