Gold Coast Eagle Distributing lands major role at World Champions Cup

With the announcement Thursday that Anheuser-Busch has become the official beer partner of the World Champions Cup, comes a high level of excitement at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing of Lakewood Ranch.

"This is a big thing for us, great news," said Hugh Shields, the marketing administrator at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. "We are going to be the supplier, and it's very exciting."

The World Champions Cup is a new event sanctioned by the PGA Champions Tour that will be an international competition similar to the Ryder Cup. Team USA, Team Europe and Team International will compete Dec. 7, 8, 10 at The Concession.

"This is going to draw (golf fans) from Tampa, St. Pete, and Fort Myers," Shields said. "It is going to be a nice economic impact for the area."

Shields said Gold Coast Eagle Distributing owner John Saputo loves to get involved whenever a positive event comes into the community.

"John is just so passionate about anything positive," Shields said.

The event will be covered by ESPN and ABC.

The lineup of golfing legends will be impressive and already includes the captains of the three teams — Jim Furyk (Team USA), Darren Clarke (Team Europe), Ernie Ells (Team International).

Tickets go on sale on Labor Day.