SMI News - Chip Sullivan, 2007 PGA Professional National Champion, Signs with Sports Management International, LC

February 20, 2009

RICHMOND, VA — Another great Virginia professional golfer, Chip Sullivan of the Roanoke Valley, signed with Richmond-based Sports Management International, LC (SMI), a professional sports management and marketing firm specializing in golf.

Chip's outstanding play at the 2008 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament earned him a spot on the Nationwide Tour for the 2009 season. Such success is no surprise when you consider his record: 2007 PGA Professional National Champion; first reigning PGA Professional National Champion to represent the United States competing in the Japan PGA Championship; first PGA Club Professional in 35 years to finish under par at the PGA Championship with his 2004 performance at Whistling Straits in the 86th PGA.

High achievements in golf are not new for Chip. As a junior golfer Chip was a two-time Louisiana State Junior Champion (beating John Daly his junior year). In college, Chip played for nationally ranked Ole Miss, where he won the individual title in the prestigious Southeastern Conference Championship his senior year.

David Maraghy, CEO of SMI noted: "We had the privilege of working with Chip when he played the PGA TOUR in 1997, and we are thrilled to be associated with him again. If you follow golf in the Mid-Atlantic region you know Chip is a terrific player who has excelled in State Opens and all levels of PGA competition. He is a proven player who will do well on the big stage".

Chip is very active with the PGA of America. He is a proud member of the PGA National Tournament Committee, the PGA.com National Advisory Board, as well as Chairman of the Middle Atlantic PGA Southern Chapter Tournament Board. He is a member of the Roanoke Valley Golf Hall of Fame.

For More Information Contact:
David Maraghy
SMI
804-874-0835
dmaraghy@aol.com