Golf Nut of the Year Returns Trophy

Contact Kolleen O'Meara
Sleeping Bear Press
734-475-4411 ext. 240
omearak@sleepingbearpress.com

CHELSEA, Mich. (March 4, 2002) -- Golf Nut of the Year for 2001, Ivan Morris sent the celebrated trophy back to the Golf Nuts Society in the United States after custom officials required him to pay $248 in duty tax. According to the Limerick Leader, Morris couldn't understand why he had to pay the duty on the trophy, so he refused the shipment.

Morris explains, "I told them to send it back and now I am going to officially receive it at the U.S. Open."

Morris won the highly sought after Golf Nut of the Year award in January, as he easily beat the nearest competitor by 10,145 points to finish with a total of 55,120 points to become the first international member to win. He earned points by repeatedly placing golf above family, friends, and work. For instance, Morris was the official scorekeeper for Tiger Woods when he played an exhibition round at Ivan's Limerick Golf Club in 2000. He was able to "talk golf" with Woods throughout the round, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any golf nut which earned him 2000 points.

Morris also earned 5,000 points for writing Only Golf Spoken Here published by Sleeping Bear Press in March 2001 -- the best-selling golf book in Ireland's bookstores and golf shops. Morris may be on his way to another title next year as his latest book with Irish caddie John O'Reilly, The Life of O'Reilly, was just released by Sleeping Bear Press.

Ivan Morris is a member of Ballybunion, Lahinch, and Limerick Golf Club in Ireland. He is a single-digit player, has participated in numerous local and international amateur tournaments over the past forty years, and is still in search of the perfect round. Morris and his family make their home in Limerick, Ireland.

For more information about either of Morris' books, The Life of O'Reilly and Only Golf Spoken Here or to schedule interviews with Morris, please contact Kolleen O'Meara at Sleeping Bear Press, 734/ 475-4411 ext. 240 or via email at omearak@sleepingbearpress.com.