Lakeshore Open Now Officially Golf’s 5th Major Tournament

Las Vegas, NV • It’s been called golf’s toughest course, but that hasn’t stopped some 60 to 80 players from competing in the Lakeshore Open tournament for the past 10 years. And this year, the tournament can now officially claim the title of “Golf’s 5th Major” with the filing of a federal trademark application.

“I started using ‘Golf’s 5th Major’ from the first competition in 2000 – sort of tongue-in-check,” said tournament committee chairman Philip Tom. “But after 15 seasons, the committee voted unanimously to make it official,” he added.

The setting for the Lakeshore Open is the world’s first professionally designed 18-hole golf course that is completely contained on a residential property. The course is played entirely with one club of a player’s choice – hence its reputation as golf’s toughest course.

Tom pioneered the concept in 1998 when he developed a prototype course at his lakeside Seattle home that took him two years to perfect. In 2004, Tom acquired a home in the legendary Scotch 80s neighborhood of Las Vegas. Using what he learned in Seattle, he developed the present course in a just a few months. But there was something missing.

“I always wanted to do some charity work,” said Tom, “so I connected with Southern Nevada Make-A-Wish® and offered to donate the tournament entrance fees to their cause, and they accepted.” “It’s been great working with them,” he added.

“Through his Lakeshore Open golf event, tournament chairman Philip Tom has been raising money for us since 2001,” said Caroline Ciocca, (title) of Southern Nevada Make-A-Wish®. “We appreciate all that Phil and his players have done for us over the years and look forward to a continuing relationship,” she added.

The Lakeshore Open Golf Tournament was founded in 2000 by Philip D. Tom — a.k.a. “The Chairman ”— to benefit the Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Southern Nevada, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Lakeshore Open Golf Tournament Chairman Philip D. Tom is a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner and local Las Vegas celebrity.

As a former Indiana basketball and baseball star, Phil is an avid sports fan and low handicap golfer. He also has over 25 years as a financial advisor.

For more information about the Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Southern Nevada, visit snv.wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.