Scheduled for December 9th through December 13th, the Merrill Lynch Shootout is one of the most exciting and popular golf tournaments there is. Hosted by the golf champion Greg Norman, the tournament is called the Shark Shootout and is sponsored by Merrill Lynch. Greg Norman has always been known as the Shark in his technique in the game of golf. The tournament also benefits the Cure Search National Childhood Cancer Foundation, the primary charity that donations are given to by the Shootout.

The Shootout will be played at the Tiburon at the Ritz-Carlton Country Club in Naples. What a beautiful place to start with and adding the excitement of such a great golf tournament makes that destination even better than ever. The course is highly unique and offers a challenge to every level of skill. Designed by Greg Norman himself, the course spreads out on many acres of prime Florida soil, but only 90 acres are used for actual play. One interesting fact about the Tiburon course is the absence of tall grass in the rough areas of play. Although this may sound good, those who hit a ball into the rough may witness that ball rolling further out of bounds due to the lack of the tall grass. One thing about this is that players will be more aware of their tee off. The Tiburon course has 36 holes that are dived into two 18-hole courses.

Another great amenity for this years' Shark Shootout is the availability of a Player Pass. With this pass, guests will be able to enjoy benefits like discounts on Greg Norman clothing, all day play with a lunch voucher included, and much more. If you are making plans to attend the 2009 Shark Shootout, be prepared to stay awhile and have a lot of fun.

The champions that have been born at the Shark Shootout are many. The tournament is played in pairs with Scott Koch and Kenny Perry taking the win in 2008. Greg Norman was also a winning champion in the Shark Shootout in the 1998 tournament with Steve Elkington. The purse for a champion at the Shark Shootout in 2008 was $365,000 for each in the winning pair. Who knows what the purse will be this year, but every dollar will; be earned through a skill and certain patience in the most challenging game there is...golf.

Teaming as a pair in a golf game can mean a much more interesting game. The team can play what is called the Modified Alternate Shot. For instance, at the tee, both players hit a drive shot. The better of the two shots is chosen. The player whose shot was chosen doesn't hit next, but the other player does. Then the shot goes to the player whose drive shot was chosen. This is how the first round of the Shark Shootout is played. The second round is played by the Better Ball games rules which mean each player on the same team, plays only his ball and whichever ball scores the lowest, which is the score for that hole. The second round in the Shark Shootout is played like this. The third and final round of the Shark Shootout is played under the rules of the ball called Scramble. Each player on a team hits a drive on every hole. The second shot is hit from where the best shot was chosen, and from there the second shot is chosen and so on until that hole is played. Leave it to the Shark for such intrigue in a tournament.