Thursday, April 27 2006 11:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Orleans (Louisiana): The PGA Tour returns to New Orleans this week in an event that local officials hope will showcase how far the hurricane ravaged region has come, and how much remains to be done.

The six million-dollar Zurich Classic will be held at English Turn Golf and Country Club, which has required the same kind of rebuilding effort still underway throughout the city.

The course lost more than 300 trees, and all of the greens were destroyed when Katrina hit.

"I think it's extremely important to have the PGA back in full swing here in the New Orleans area," Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco said. "We believe it gives us an opportunity to showcase our city, the efforts that have gone forth that have brought the business sector of the city back up, but it also gives us an opportunity to let people know that we're not where we need to be."

Area began soliciting support from businesses

Once the decision was made in November to host the event, tournament organizers, the PGA Tour and two golfers from the area began soliciting support from businesses.

David Toms, who was born in Monroe, Louisiana, and lives in Shreveport, assured players this week will be special. It didn't take much of a sell for Toms to convince his peers to play.

"I think it's very important that we showcase not only the golf tournament and the golfers, but the city itself and to show that the tourism part of it is up and running and ready for more visitors," Toms said.

The PGA Tour Wives Association donated their time to help gut a flood-damaged house that will be rebuilt.

Masters champion Phil Mickelson donated 250,000 dollars to organizations set up by PGA Tour members Toms, Kelly Gibson and Hal Sutton.