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World Series of Poker Golf Winner Mark Ewing Crowned at the Inaugural Event

On May 16, 2007, in a tournament that mixes the betting format of Texas Hold'em poker with the talent of playing golf, a man working as a day trader from Newport Beach, California outwitted top poker players to be recognized as the first ever champion of the World Series of golf.

31 year-old Mark Ewing successfully defeated poker professionals Phil Ivey and Rhett Butler to ensure his victory by wagering all in on his shot at the 373-yard par-4 on the 16th hole of the Primm Valley Golf Club.

Ewing was not sure of the shot but a chip shot and a 3 foot gold putt allowed him to win the $250,000 first prize cash award. The final game of the World Series of Golf was played in a five-some group which paired Ewing with poker pros Phil Ivey and Rhett Butler. The rest of the group was electrician Paul Schuller from Seattle, Washington and former railroad conductor Ken Tanner from Penrose, Colorado.

The World Series of Golf will be televised by NBC Sports on June 23-24, 2007. The World Series of Golf utilizes both the betting format of Texas Hold'em poker and the rules of golf, allowing for high-stakes betting on each hole. The main goal of the golf and poker game is not to achieve the smallest golf score, but rather to get the cash pot on each hole.

Ewing plans to share some of his winnings with his caddie and friend, Mike LeBlanc. With a buy-in cost equivalent to $10,000, the tournament attracted participants from the U.S. and Canada coming from different parts of society.

Some of the well-known participants at the event were Tanya Roberts from Charlie's Angels, Phil Gordon, a poker player and poker book author, Phil Ivey, a 5 time winner of the WSOP and many more.

Poker pro Phil Ivey made the trip from his Las Vegas home to the Primm Valley Golf Club with the use of a helicopter. The closing ceremony for the event was held on May 16, 2007 at the Grand Ballroom of the Mirage. Clint Holmes, Gordie Brown and Zowie Bowie performed at the event.

05/27/2007, Sunday
Sherry Barlow

World Series of Poker Golf Winner Mark Ewing Crowned at the Inaugural Event

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