| Glance through any entertainment magazine and you | | | | & Paradise Island Promotion Board, Nike, Gatorade, |
| will catch a glimpse of celebrities all dressed up on the | | | | and Golf Magazine also offering their sponsorship. It |
| red carpet, on film sets, and/or attending elegant | | | | drew big names such as Michael Douglas, Wayne |
| parties and premieres. You can see them relaxing on | | | | Gretzky, John McEnroe, Kurt Russell and Mario |
| yachts in exotic locations, tanning on sandy beaches, | | | | Lemieux. Since its inception in 2001, the MJCI has |
| and/or shopping for haute couture in chic boutiques. | | | | raised nearly 3 million dollars for its charities, and has |
| Where else can you spot celebrities smiling? Why, | | | | become the most popular celebrity golf tournament |
| playing a round of golf in the Bahamas on one of its | | | | Bahamas has to offer. Featured charities were: The |
| many pristine courses, of course! The Bahamas, apart | | | | Butch Kerzner Memorial Fund, Ronald McDonald |
| from being one of the best vacation spots and | | | | Houses of North Carolina, The James Jordan |
| boasting luxurious resorts and superb beaches, is also | | | | Foundation, and 40 additional charities designated by |
| home to an array of lush and challenging golf courses. | | | | celebrity participants. The event is comprised of an |
| In the Swing of Things | | | | Amateur-Celebrity round, which pairs one celebrity |
| When speaking of celebrity golf tournaments, | | | | with a partner drawn from event sponsors and |
| Bahamas immediately comes to mind as it is home to | | | | representatives of the Bahamian local and corporate |
| one of the most famous celebrity tournaments. Each | | | | communities, as well as a Celebrity-Only round. In |
| year, the One & Only Ocean Club, located on the | | | | 2007, the duo of Dan Jansen and Stone Phillips were |
| aptly named Paradise Island, is host to the Annual | | | | the winners of the Celebrity-Only round. |
| Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI). This event | | | | Up to Par |
| draws hordes of important celebrities who show off | | | | Whether planning, participating, or attending a |
| their golfing skills on the Tom Weiskopf designed | | | | celebrity golf tournament, Bahamas definitely beats |
| championship golf course in order to raise money for | | | | other locations! The spectacular scenery and |
| their favorite charities. In the past, MJCI participants | | | | refreshing tropical breezes combined with the lavish |
| have included former president Bill Clinton, soccer star | | | | fairways and meticulously-manicured greens provide a |
| Mia Hamm, and actors Mark Wahlberg, Chris Tucker, | | | | perfect haven for golfers. Many of the Bahamian |
| and "Friends" star David Schwimmer. Celebrities from | | | | courses are designed by world-famous golf |
| the sports and entertainment industries come out to | | | | architects. The Four Seasons Resort Emerald Bay |
| revel in the competitive spirit of the game and the | | | | Golf Club opens up onto the beautiful waters of |
| boisterous festivities. They take time to pose with | | | | Emerald Bay and was designed by famous golf |
| fans and sign an autograph or two while working on | | | | architect Greg Norman. The Lucayan Golf Course on |
| their handicap. | | | | Grand Bahama Island is designed by Dick Wilson and |
| MJCI 2007 | | | | features Tif dwarf grass, a type of Bermuda grass |
| Bahamas' celebrity golf tournament is like no other. In | | | | that allows for faster putting. Right next door is the |
| 2007, The MJCI celebrated its sixth year in the | | | | Reef Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jr., |
| Bahamas, and was held from January 17th to the | | | | where the golfing experience is spread over 7,000 |
| 21st. The Paradise Island Tourism Development | | | | yards and features water hazards on the majority of |
| Association (PITDA) signed on as the Presenting | | | | its holes. |
| sponsor, with Icon International, Jordan Brand, Nassau | | | | |