May 9 to May 11 for the first annual Samuel L. Jackson Celebrity Golf Tournament.

While the list of big-name stars remains a closely-guarded secret, Mr. Tom Godber of Canadian Connection -- the company promoting the event -- confirmed the the Island's premier publicly-owned course has been booked to host the charity classic.

Mr. Godber said the list of celebrities attending would be announced within a few weeks from Montreal, where Mr. Jackson is shooting his next movie. Some names tossed about in earlier reports include Sean Connery, Heather Locklear, Sylvester Stallone, Kevin Costner, and Eddie Van Halen.

Meanwhile the list of sponsors has changed as well, he said. Rafael Hotels (owners of the Elbow Beach) are on board, as is the Bank of Butterfield. ACE Insurance, Price Waterhouse, and Oleander Cycles have also thrown their weight behind the event; the Department of Tourism will help provide marketing muscle.

The list of international sponsors and media outlets has yet to be made public though there have been some changes there as well, he said.

The event kicks-off with a one-day corporate challenge on Friday, May 9. That is to be followed by a Celebrity Amateur on Saturday and a Celebrity Challenge on Sunday. All events will be free to the public, he said. The group plans to hold a press conference this morning at 11.45 a.m. on the steps of City Hall.

FUND RAISERS FNR