“One of the most important parts of preparing for a successful tournament is ensuring that your champion returns to defend his title,” said Tournament Director Jeff Kleiber. “Eduardo is a very exciting golfer and he turned in tremendous performance last year. We have some great opportunities available now to watch Eduardo and the legends of the Champions Tour in September, and we encourage fans to act now to reserve their spot.”

Romero (68-67-66=201) became the first Champions Tour player to win three times in 2008 by capturing the SAS Championship title. He shot in the 60s all three rounds and topped second-place finisher Tom Kite by three strokes. Romero also won at The Broadmoor, the site of the 2008 U.S. Senior Open, by four strokes. That win qualified him for the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black this week. This will be the seventh U.S. Open of his career. He tees off the 10th tee at 8:17 a.m. Thursday.

The 54 year-old Romero feels good about his game despite the lofty challenge of the 7,426 yard layout. “I'm hitting it good yesterday, and then my game is fantastic. I'm still hitting it straight and hit it good…and good confidence, very relaxing.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.saschampionship.com (no fees attached!) or by calling (919) 531-GOLF (4653). Limited quantities of the SAS Championship Six Pack, including two weekly tickets and 18 discounted golf vouchers, are available for $99. Eagles’ Nest 17th Green Skybox tickets are available for $79 per ticket or two for $125 through June. Eagles’ Nest tickets include admission to the 17th green skybox, buffet and open bar.

The SAS Championship and Triangle area have become one of the most popular stops on the Champions Tour, annually drawing elite fields and tremendous community support. Visit www.saschampionship.com for more information.