In each event for the Summer 2005 series, first place will be worth $35,000, and the GBT has re-distributed the purse payout to award players more money for lower finishes. It is the GBT's desire to have players who make 100 percent of the tournament cuts to earn back their original investment of $18,500.

"We are in the process of generating additional sponsorship monies for the GBT, but are aware of the immediate need to increase purses," said Golden Bear Tour Executive Director Ken Kennerly.  "Therefore, we are making a commitment to increase the purses to $180,000 for each GBT event and a $300,000 minimum for the Tour Championship."

Also new in 2005, the GBT will add a pro-am event similar to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. The GBT is still in the process of choosing which event to utilize for this unique and entertaining format, but this new event will give GBT players the opportunity to have their friends, sponsors, family, etc. compete in a true pro-am format.

"Since early week pro-ams are an integral part of PGA Tour, it is important for our players to learn how to compete in pro-am formats, and interact with amateurs while at the same time remaining competitive throughout the round," Kennerly added.

Most Golden Bear Tour events for Summer 2005 will begin on Wednesdays. This was designed to allow our players the opportunity to attempt Monday qualifying at either PGA Tour and/or Nationwide Tour events. Since the GBT is a developmental tour, aimed at preparing players for the next level, organizers felt it was important to provide all players opportunity to compete at the highest level and whenever possible, and Wednesday starts on the GBT will allow players the ability to qualify without being penalized financially on their primary tour.

The Golden Bear Tour is celebrating its 10th year of operations, and has enjoyed sold-out fields each season since its launch in 1996. The GBT was founded by Jack Nicklaus to create an arena in which players could come together to compete under tournament pressure while developing their mental skills and physical conditioning. Based on the belief that aspiring PGA Tour players could benefit not only from keen competition on solid golf courses, but also from expert physical conditioning and sports psychology, the Golden Bear Tour and its philosophy have been an annual success story. The response to the Golden Bear Tour has been so overwhelming, including players representing 37 states and 13 countries last year, a Winter Series was launched. Currently, 24 Golden Bear Tour Alumni are competing on the PGA Tour or Nationwide Tour.