Greenbrier Classic lands Mickelson, Black Eyed Peas
Mickelson, aka "Lefty," on Monday committed to play in the July 25-31 event on the resort's Old White TPC course.
The Greenbrier representatives also announced that The Black Eyes Peas musical group, six-time Grammy Award winning artists, will perform on July 29.
Mickelson is a three-time Masters champion and winner of 39 PGA Tour events.
"Phil is one of the best players in the world and having him compete will be just fantastic," said Greenbrier owner Jim Justice. "And The Black Eyed Peas just played for this year's Super Bowl. How much better can it get?"
Mickelson is the highest ranked American in the world at No. 4, behind Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald. His career earnings are over $61 million. Mickelson is also ranked No. 4 in FedExCup points.
"My family and I are really excited about coming to The Greenbrier this summer," Mickelson said via a release. "My kids are already making lists of all the things they want to do while we're there, even though I'll be working.
"I heard a lot of great comments about last year's event, so I'm really looking forward to playing and relaxing with my family. Of course, the only bunker I want to see is the one they built for Congress during the Cold War."
Over the past five years, Mickelson has finished second or third in four at the Masters tournament.
The Classic also received an early commitment from Camilo Villegas, a three-time winner on the Tour. In addition, Justice announced on Monday that Tom Watson, Stuart Appleby, Sergio Garcia and Kenny Perry will be playing in the tournament. CBS Sports' Nick Faldo will be on hand for the event.
Appleby, Faldo, Garcia and Perry, along with Watson, The Greenbrier's golf professional emeritus, will participate in resort and member events throughout the year and promote the resort in their Tour travels.
Watson, who has also committed to play in the 2011 Classic, will again host the Tom Watson Fall Golf Classic, a pro-am team tournament in October.
Appleby won the inaugural Greenbrier Classic and was the PGA Tour's 2010 Comeback Player of the Year. Garcia and Perry participated in the 2010 Classic and also pledged significant donations to the families of the Upper Big Branch mining disaster.
Faldo, the lead analyst for CBS Sports and the Golf Channel, is one of the newest members of The Greenbrier Sporting Club.
"Stuart, Sergio and Kenny are three of the top players on the Tour today and Nick's reputation and commitment to the game are unparalleled," Justice said. "Having these four gentlemen represent The Greenbrier will take our status in the golf world to the next stratosphere."
The 2011 Classic Concert series will now feature three performances at the State Fairgrounds amphitheater: Tim McGraw and Luke Bryan perform on Thursday; The Black Eyed Peas take the stage Friday; and Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert close the series on Saturday.
Tickets to all three concerts, the three practice rounds and four tournament rounds are available for $159. A weekly grounds badge and ticket to the Thursday or Saturday concert is now available for $89 while a weekly grounds badge and ticket to the Friday concert with The Black Eyed Peas is $109.
Benefactor, alumni and clubhouse badges, which include upgraded access to the golf tournament as well as tickets to all three concerts, are also available. All badge levels are available for purchase at www.greenbrierclassic.com, Ticketmaster and participating United Bank and Kroger locations.




