“Both Fred and Loren are great additions to our field and we look forward to their return in September,” said Tournament Director Jeff Kleiber.  “Fred enjoyed Cary so much last year that he made a reservation at the Umstead while he was checking out after the tournament.  Loren almost won the SAS Championship back in 2006.  I am sure both would love to get the 315 Charles Schwab Cup points that go with the title here and put them in great position for the 2009 Schwab Cup.”

Funk holds a 218 point lead in the season long Champions Tour points race as he prepares to defend his title at this week’s fourth major championship of the year, the JELD-WEN Tradition.  He scored his only Champions Tour victory of 2009 by firing a final round seven-under-par 65 at the U.S. Senior Open Championship.  Funk set a tournament record by finishing 20-under-par and won by six strokes over Joey Sindelar.  The double points win propelled him into first place on the Charles Schwab Cup points list.  Funk has carded eight top-10 finishes on the Champions Tour, with top performances at The Senior Open Championship (P2), Dick’s Sporting Goods Open (T2), and the Principal Charity Classic (T2). 

Roberts’ major championship victory came by defeating Mark McNulty on the third hole of a sudden death playoff at the 2009 Senior Open Championship in Sunningdale, England.  He rebounded from a missed 8-foot putt for birdie on the second hole to capture the win.  Roberts has also carded eight top-10 finishes for the year with an additional win at The ACE Group Classic in February.  He is currently ranked third in the Charles Schwab Cup race and currently leads the Tour in sand save percentage (70.91%).

Michael Allen, the third major winner of the year, has yet to commit to the SAS Championship.  He has spent the majority of the 2009 season competing on the PGA TOUR and has only played in two Champions Tour events. His only victory of the season came at Senior PGA Championship after receiving a special invite from The PGA of America. 

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 Ultimate Golf Package, 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.  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.