(November 15, 2012) -- Seven-time Grand Slam Champion and tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe has agreed to play in the first annual Necker Cup, joining world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, the Bryan Brothers, and other current and past ATP players in the Premier Tennis Travel hosted pro-am on Sir Richard Branson’s private island, Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands.
The 53-year-old McEnroe is currently leading the standings of the PowerShares Champions Tour with wins over Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, Jim Courier and Michael Chang.
Additionally, Necker Cup organizers at Premier Tennis Travel have announced that current ATP veteran, former World No. 2 and 2012 Comeback Player of the Year Tommy Haas has signed on to play in what is being billed as the world’s most exclusive pro-am. A former Australian Open and Wimbledon semifinalist, Haas has won 14 career ATP singles and doubles titles, as well as a silver medal in the 2000 Olympic Games.
Amateurs can book a space in the Necker Cup Pro-Am by calling (001) 800.376.0975 or visiting www.neckercup.com. In addition, you can register to play in the Rosewood Little Dix Bay Legends Tennis Camp at www.neckercup.com/legends, which will take place at the same time nearby at the world-renowned resort at Virgin Gorda and will be hosted by Grand Slam doubles winners, the Jensen Brothers and noted tennis coach, author and father to the world’s No. 1 doubles team, Wayne Bryan.
The Necker Cup is also pleased to announce the naming of official Necker Cup artist Stephen Gamson, a world-renowned American artist known for his unique style that is easily recognized for its bold iconic symbols and mass appeal. In 2010, Gamson was named the official Birthday Artist for the City of Miami and his work has been featured at the ATP Sony Ericsson Open tennis event. He was commissioned by Prince Albert II for the 67th Monaco Grand Prix and his art has been featured on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.
Each evening will end with a unique cocktail and dinner experience concluding with an “End of the World” awards dinner, party and auction on Dec. 12 at Rosewood Little Dix Bay where the Legends Tennis Camp participants will have a chance to meet with Sir Richard and mingle with the past and current tennis stars.
Auction bidders can win a hitting session with Andre Agassi, tickets to the finals of the Australian Open that includes a VIP tour and meeting Roy Emerson, presidential box seats at The French Open that includes a hitting session with Cedric Pioline, tickets to the final rounds of The Masters Golf Tournament, lunch with film director Oliver Stone, an African Safari and much more. Anyone can bid in The Necker Cup auction by visiting ibidmobile.net/vu. One hundred percent of all donations from the auction will directly benefit the local BVI community, Virgin Unite, the National Tennis Foundation, Novak Djokovic Foundation and other ATP and WTA player charities.
In addition to the tennis, Necker Cup participants will get to learn from some of the world’s most successful business leaders at the Virgin Unite Leadership Retreat with Sir Richard Branson. He will be joined by former Costa Rican President Jose Maria Figueres and Sylvia Alice Earle, named the first recipient of the Time Magazine Hero for the Planet. The oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer is also an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. Sir Richard and his guests will discuss the role of Mother Nature and how business can play a role in protecting and valuing our planet.
For more information on the Necker Cup call 800.376.0975 or visit the website at: www.neckercup.com. Check the following sites for more information on Premier Tennis Travel (www.Premiertennistravel.com), Life Time Fitness (www.lifetimefitness.com) or Necker Island (www.neckerisland.com).