The LPGA has partnered with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) to add a full-time agronomist to its tournament operations team.The GCSAA and the LPGA announced the hiring of John Miller, certified golf course superintendent, as the first full-time agronomist for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).
Miller, a 24-year GCSAA Class A member, will assist LPGA tournament operations staff in developing consistent course conditions and serve as a liaison between the LPGA and the host facility golf course management team. He comes from the Golf Club at Yankee Trace in Centerville, Ohio, where he served 14 years as golf course superintendent and hosted the Nationwide Tour's Dayton Open from 1999-2003.
GCSAA is a leading golf organization that has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org
For more information, access GCSAA Fact Sheets at GCSAA.org.
LPGA Tour Championship Presented by Rolex; The Houstonian Golf & Country Club, Richmond, Texas
Par: 36-36, 72
Yardage: 6,650
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Thomas S. Werner, CGCS, 281-340-7225
Course architect, date: Rees Jones, 1999
Golf course builder, date: Wadsworth Golf Construction, 1998-99
Course grasses
Tees: Bermudagrass
Fairways: Bermudagrass
Greens: Bermudagrass
Rough: Bermudagrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts
The Houstonian Golf & Country Club opened in 1999 as a resort/daily fee golf club. The course name came from the Houstonian Hotel and Fitness Club, located in West Houston. In 2001, the club was renamed The Houstonian Golf & Country Club and became a private club. Tennis, swimming, fitness, and a full spa have been added since the club was created.
Shadow Hawk Golf Club is located on the same property and is part of the same management company, Redstone Golf. Both courses were designed by Rees Jones Golf Design.
There are 70 acres of water that encompass both properties. The largest lake is 55 acres and was once an oxbow of Oyster Creek, which is the western boundary. Hunting and fishing were once the original uses for the land, and native Texas pecan trees can be found throughout the two golf courses and frame many of the existing holes.
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Navistar LPGA Classic Presented by Monaco RV; RTJ Golf Trail, Capitol Hill, The Senator, Prattville, Ala.
Par: 36-36, 72
Yardage: 6,546
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Robert A. Wingo, 334-285-9055
Course architect, date: Robert Trent Jones Sr., 1999
Course grasses
Tees: Bermudagrass
Fairways: Bermudagrass
Greens: Bentgrass
Rough: Bermudagrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts
The Senator is a traditional Scottish-style layout. Pot-hole bunkers are situated throughout the 18 holes and mounds 20 to 40 feet high engulf the landscape, cleverly hiding the cart path or any other hole from the fairway. The Senator's bentgrass greens provide exceptional conditions every month of the year.
GCSAA Certified Golf Course Superintendent John Miller serves as the LPGA Tour agronomist. Miller assists the LPGA tournament operations staff in developing consistent course setups and serve as a liaison between the LPGA and the host facility golf course management team. Miller is the LPGA's first, fulltime agronomist.
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CVS/pharmacy LPGA Challenge; Blackhawk Country Club, Danville, Calif.
Par: 37-35, 72
Yardage: 6,212
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Lonnie R. Stevens, 925-736-6500
Course architect, date: Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge, 1982
Most recent redesign/renovation: Damian Pascuzzo, 1999
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass; perennial ryegrass; poa annua
Fairways: Perennial ryegrass; poa annua
Greens: Poa annua
Rough: Kentucky bluegrass; perennial ryegrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts
In the early 1900s the rolling foothill expanse of Mt. Diablo became known as Blackhawk Ranch, where prized thoroughbreds graced the land for decades before Blackhawk Country Club and its two golf courses, the Lakeside and the Falls, were developed on the property in 1979. The 6,700-yard, par 72, 18-hole Falls course is a combination of challenge and beauty. Designed by Ted Robinson, it features five lakes and breathtaking views of Blackhawk and the San Ramon Valley, including a spectacular waterfall backdrop to the second green. Renowned golf course architects Bruce Devlin and Robert Van Hagge originally designed the Lakeside 6,904-yard, par 72, 18 hole championship course.
In 2001 the Lakeside course was redesigned and renovated by the highly acclaimed golf course architectural firm of Graves and Pascuzzo, maintaining optimum use of the natural terrain, elevated tees, water features and hazards. The 18th green, a 10,000 square foot island surrounded by a 4-acre lake, is one of the most dramatic holes found in California.
GCSAA Certified Golf Course Superintendent John Miller serves as the LPGA Tour agronomist. Miller assists the LPGA tournament operations staff in developing consistent course setups and serve as a liaison between the LPGA and the host facility golf course management team. Miller is the LPGA's first, fulltime agronomist.
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Samsung World Championship; Torrey Pines Golf Course, South Course, La Jolla, Calif.
Par: 36-36, 72
Yardage: 6,721
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Candice M. Combs, CGCS, 858-552-1634
Course architect, date: William P. Bell, 1957
Most recent redesign/renovation: Rees Jones, 2001
Course grasses
Tees: Bermudagrass; perennial ryegrass
Fairways: Kikuyugrass
Greens: Poa annua
Rough: Perennial ryegrass; kikuyugrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts
Torrey Pines switched from bentgrass to Poa annua on the greens, Kikuyugrass fairways and a Kikuyugrass/ryegrass/Poa annua blend in the rough over the past three years.
The par 5 sixth hole was converted to a par 4 by the USGA for the 2008 U.S. Open and the South course played as a par 71. Some fairways were modified, a graduated rough was in place and different teeing grounds were used with the option of stretching the course to 7,643 yards.
The fourth hole, which runs alongside the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, was moved closer to the cliffs to bring the challenging crosswinds off the ocean more into play and the torrey pine trees guarding the cliffs there, were transplanted to the other side of the fairway. Six of the tees were leveled and enlarged for the championship and the landing area on No. 18 was leveled as well. All the bunkers on the South Course were reshaped and restored, as 2,500 tons of sand has been added. Five new bunkers have been added in the last year and the 615-yard, par 5 No. 13 has a new championship tee that carries 250 yards over a canyon.
Torrey Pines, located in La Jolla, Calif., is one of the nation's premier municipal golf facilities. It is bounded by mountains to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Fog, rain and wind often sweep the seaside courses that were designed by William Bell Sr. in 1957. Prior to becoming golf courses, the land was Camp Callan, a naval training area. The torrey pine tree is indigenous to this area and to Santa Rosa Island. The tree is distinguished by having clusters of five needles.
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P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship Presented by John Q. Hammons; Pinnacle Country Club; Rogers, Ark.
Par: 36-36, 72
Yardage: 6,238
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Todd R. Towery, 479-418-7450
Course architect, date: Don Sechrest/Kansas City, 1989
Course grasses
Tees: Bermudagrass
Fairways: Zoysiagrass
Greens: Bentgrass
Rough: Kentucky bluegrass; fescue
Wildlife on the course
Armadillo; Blue heron; Canada goose; Coyote; Deer; Eagle; Fish; Hawk; Mole; Muskrat; Rabbit; Raccoon; Several different species of birds; Snakes; Squirrel; Turtle; Woodpecker
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CN Canadian Women's Open; Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Par: 35-36, 71
Yardage: 6,445
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: James Beebe, 403-333-6444
Course architect, date: Bill Newis, 1983
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass
Fairways: Poa annua
Greens: Bentgrass
Rough: Kentucky bluegrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts
Priddis Greens is a private golf club located near Priddis in the rolling hills, which provide not only spectacular scenery, but also an opportunity to golf in mature forests and on large, undulating greens. The drive from south west Calgary is less than half an hour.
The course consists of two 18-hole courses named Raven and Hawk. The Club has progressed to its present form in stages. The back nine of the Raven course opened for play in 1985 and the front nine of the Raven course opened in 1991. The front nine of the Hawk course opened in 1986, with the back nine opening in 2003. Currently, 800 members enjoy these scenic courses.
In 1990 to 1994, the Club renovated the then East and South nines, practice facilities, Clubhouse and surrounding area. New designs for bentgrass tees and greens, additional water hazards and sand bunkers were included, maintaining the natural beauty of the area. The result produced a 27 hole championship golf course nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains located 25 km west of Calgary. The golf course has rolling, tree-lined fairways, native flowers and abundant wildlife. This renovation allowed the Club to host the LPGA duMaurier Classic in 1999. In 2005 the front nine of the Raven was fully renovated to put it on par with the rest of the 27 holes.
In July 2003, Priddis Greens was awarded GOLD status in the "Best Private Course in Canada" category by Score Golf Magazine's Golfers' Choice Awards.
In June 2004, Priddis Greens was ranked by Score Golf Magazine as the No. one course in the Calgary area; No. six course in Alberta; No. 16 in western Canada; and No. 45 in Canada.
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Safeway Classic Presented by Coca-Cola; Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, Ghost Creek Golf Course, North Plains, Ore.
Par: 37-35, 72
Yardage: 6,546
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: William C. Webster, CGCS, 503-647-4747
Course architect, date: Robert Cupp, 1991
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass; poa annua
Fairways: Bentgrass; poa annua
Greens: Bentgrass; poa annua
Rough: Perennial ryegrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts
While the LPGA event is played on Ghost Creek course, Pumpkin Ridge's Witch Hollow course will host part of the pro-am on Wednesday and Thursday, and remain open for member play throughout the tournament.
GCSAA Certified Golf Course Superintendent John Miller serves as the LPGA Tour agronomist. Miller assists the LPGA tournament operations staff in developing consistent course setups and serve as a liaison between the LPGA and the host facility golf course management team. Miller is the LPGA's first, fulltime agronomist.
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The Solheim Cup; Rich Harvest Farms, Sugar Grove, Illinois
Par: 36-37, 73
Yardage: 6,670
GCSAA Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Jeff D. VerCautren, 630-556-3315
Course architects, date: Jerry Rich and Greg Martin, 1999
Most recent redesign/renovation: Jerry Rich, 2008
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass; poa annua
Fairways: Bentgrass; poa annua
Greens: Bentgrass; poa annua
Rough: Kentucky bluegrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts
Rich Harvest Farms is the home of the Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois. Rich Harvest has also hosted over 40 amateur events and will be hosting the 2015 Wester Amateur and the 2016 Western Junior.
Wildlife on the course
Beaver; Blue heron; Canada goose; Coyote; Deer; Eagle; Fox; Groundhog; Hawk; Mole; Muskrat; Quail; Rabbit; Raccoon; Redfox; Snakes; Squirrel; Turkey; Turtle; Woodpecker; Several different species of birds
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U.S. Women's Open; Saucon Valley Country Club, The Old Course, Bethlehem, Pa.
Par: 36-35, 71
Yardage: 6,740
GCSAA Class A Director of Golf Courses and Grounds: James T. Roney, Jr., 610-758-7145
Course architect, date: Herbert Strong, 1922
Most recent redesign/renovation: Tom Marzolf, 2008
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass; poa annua
Fairways: Bentgrass; poa annua
Greens: Bentgrass
Rough: Kentucky bluegrass; perennial ryegrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts
In 1920, sixteen Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, business leaders, including a core group from Bethlehem Steel Corporation, acquired 205 acres of farmland lying along the Saucon Creek to establish a country club with "a golf links and other facilities for athletic sports."
Although he never held an official Club office, Eugene Gifford Grace is long regarded as the Club "Patriarch." He selected the renowned golf course architect, Herbert Strong, to design the original 18-hole Saucon Course. Over the ensuing years, relatively minor revisions were made to it by Eugene Grace, Perry Maxwell, and William Gordon, but essentially the same championship course, conceived by the English-born Strong, challenged the U.S. Senior Open in 2000.
Begun in 1951, a second 18-hole course was completed in 1957. Appropriately, it was named the Grace Course in honor of Mr. Grace, Honorary Chairman of the Board. Designed by the father-and-son team of William and David Gordon, it was significantly different from the Saucon Course, which then became known as the Old Course.
In 1997, the nation's leading course-ranking panel voted Saucon Valley's courses Nos. 4 (Grace), 7 (Old) and 8 (Weyhill) in Pennsylvania.
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Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic Presented by Kroger; Highland Meadows Golf Club, Sylvania, Ohio
Par: 34-37, 71
Yardage: 6,428
GCSAA Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Daniel K. Salois, 419-882-6492
Course architect, date: Harold Weber, 1925
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass; poa annua
Fairways: Bentgrass; poa annua
Greens: Bentgrass; poa annua
Rough: Bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass; perennial ryegrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts
Highland Meadows was designed by Harold Weber, a nationally prominent amateur golfer after the property was purchased September 15, 1925. The original prospectus gave a total of 140 acres of high rolling land through which the Ottawa River quietly meanders. It is believed that this description resulted in the club's name. The original lay-out of the golf course is how the LPGA plays the course, however the membership plays with the nine reversed.
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Wegmans LPGA; Locust Hill Country Club; Pittsford, N.Y.
Par: 35-37, 72
Yardage: 6,328
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Richard W. Slattery, 585-427-7060
Course architect, date: Seymour Dunn, 1927
Redesign/renovation: Ron Prichard, 1997-2000
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass
Fairways: Bentgrass
Greens: Bentgrass
Rough: Kentucky bluegrass; perennial ryegrass; fine fescue
Interesting and historical course-related facts
The 18th hole at Locust Hill is called "All Dunn" to celebrate the legacy of the course architect, Seymour Dunn ...This traditional course has small greens and narrow fairways. Locust Hill course architect, Seymour Dunn, a native of Prestwick, Scotland, was a member of one of the most distinguished families of golf professionals and course designers to have ever influenced the game of golf. Seymour was the second son of Tom Dunn, one of the most prolific designers of his era who held a strong belief that a cross hazard, or cross bunker, was the foundation of strategic design.
In 1894, at age 12, Seymour journeyed to America to apprentice with his older brother John Duncan Dunn as an assistant at Ardsley-on-Hudson. During the next 12 years, Seymour concentrated his efforts on developing his playing skills and learning the technical characteristics of a proper golf swing. In his time, Seymour Dunn was recognized as on of the finest teachers of golf fundamentals. He was sought out by players such as Jim Barnes, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen and Joe Kirkwood in their efforts to sharpen their skills.
In 1906, Dunn settled permanently in Lake Placid, N.Y., as a golf professional at the Lake Placid Country Club. He wrote several instruction books on the golf swing, and developed several golf courses in northern New York state, one of those being Locust Hill ... To learn more about Locust Hill visit the Club's Website at www.locusthill.org.
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McDonald's LPGA Championship Presented by Coca-Cola; Bulle Rock Golf Course; Havre de Grace, Md.
Par: 36-36, 72
Yardage: 6,633
GCSAA Golf Course Superintendent, contact: William D. Lewis, 410-939-8887
Course architect, date: Pete Dye, 1998
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass; poa annua
Fairways: Bentgrass; poa annua
Greens: Bentgrass; perennial ryegrass
Rough: Kentucky bluegrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts
Named after the first thoroughbred horse brought to America, the name Bulle Rock signifies the strength of the 235 acres. The name goes back to the 1730s when James Samuel Patton brought to this continent Bulle Rock, a stud horse that would become known in history as the "father of all thoroughbred horses" in America. Some years later, Patton's granddaughter, Cassandra Durbin, received a male colt from the same bloodlines as part of her dowry when she married Richard Sappington, owner of Blenheim Stud Farm in Northern Maryland, the site where the golf course is now located. Cassandra's colt was named in honor of her grandfather's stud, Bulle Rock. And so when Blenheim Stud Farm became a golf club, the legendary horse's name seemed a perfect choice for a legendary course. And thus the slogan as well: "Named for a Thoroughbred, Designed by a Legend." Designed by Pete Dye, Bulle Rock has long been considered the region's best player's course and the top ranking public course in Maryland. Zagat readers have also ranked Bulle Rock among the nation's Top 50 golf courses.
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LPGA State Farm Classic; Panther Creek Country Club; Springfield, Ill.
Par: 36-36, 72
Yardage: 6,608
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: William T. Smith, 217-546-1469
Course architect, date: Hale Irwin, 1990
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass; poa annua
Fairways: Bentgrass; poa annua
Greens: Bentgrass; poa annua
Rough: Kentucky bluegrass; perennial ryegrass; fescue
Wildlife on the course
Blue heron; Bobcat; Canada goose; Coyote; Deer; Fish; Fox; Hawk; Mole; Muskrat; Pheasant; Quail; Rabbit; Raccoon; Several different species of birds; Snakes; Squirrel; Swan; Turtle
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LPGA Corning Classic; Corning Country Club; Corning, N.Y.
Par: 36-36, 72
Yardage: 6,223
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Dennis A. Fitzwater, 607-936-3711
Course architect, date: Thomas Winton, 1919
Redesign/renovation, date: Forse Design, 2004
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass; poa annua
Fairways: Bentgrass; poa annua
Greens: Bentgrass; poa annua
Rough: Kentucky bluegrass; perennial ryegrass; fescue
Interesting and historical course-related facts
Corning Country Club holds the distinction of being the longest hosting club of the same professional golf event, with 2009 being the 31st consecutive year. The event has had the same corporate sponsor, Corning, Inc., for all 31 years.
The course is relatively short and ball management is key. The tree lined fairways and thick rough make it a must to place the ball correctly from the tee, while the greens are guarded with deep grass-faced bunkers. GCSAA Certified Golf Course Superintendent John Miller serves as the LPGA Tour agronomist. Miller assists the LPGA tournament operations staff in developing consistent course setups and serve as a liaison between the LPGA and the host facility golf course management team. Miller is the LPGA's first, fulltime agronomist.
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Sybase Classic Presented by ShopRite, Upper Montclair Country Club, Clifton, N.J.
Par: 36-36, 72
Yardage: 6,413
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Michael Brunelle, 973-417-8199
Course architect, date: Robert Trent Jones, Sr., 1956
Redesign/renovation, date: John Harvey, 2009
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass; poa annua
Fairways: Bentgrass; zoysiagrass
Greens: Bentgrass; poa annua
Rough: Bentgrass; Kentucky bluegrass; perennial ryegrass; fescue
Interesting and historical course-related facts:
As one of America's outstanding country clubs, Upper Montclair Country Club has a compelling history. It has been called a "second home" to some of the greatest golfers in the game, as well as by many well-known celebrities and famous sports professionals. In 1901, the Club consisted of five holes that were carved out of farmland in Aacquacknonck Township. It has since become the city of Clifton, N.J. The Club was formed by a group of golf enthusiasts called the Upper Ten Club. The leader of this illustrious group of outdoor athletes was Dr. Morgan W. Ayers, UMCC's founding president.
The first club house was located next to the original five-hole course. It was a discarded fire house that was moved to the site near the Erie Railroad Station requiring the temporary removal of overhead wires on trolley tracks. The course grew mainly as it purchased adjacent land as it became available. In 1916, there were 18 holes covering about 6,000 yards, 300 members, and a handsome $25,000 "fire-proof" club house that later burned to the ground. The course was originally designed by a well-known golf coure architect, A.W. Tillinghast.
In 1929, just weeks after "Black Friday," the club house which constitutes the footprint for the current building was completed.
The Club survived the Depression thanks to financings made possible by member John Schumann, Jr., then chairman of General Motors Acceptance Corp. Eventually, the course grew to 36 holes, but was later scaled back to 27 when two bisecting major highways (Garden State Parkway and Route 3) were developed.
In the 1950s, another well-known golf architect, Robert Trent Jones, brought dramatic changes to the three nine-hole courses, always keeping 18 holes for play at all times. And, the play was not just from members. Notables such as Babe Ruth, Annie Oakley, Bob Hope, and countless others were seen on the Club's fairways and greens. As a result of the many NFL Cadillac tournaments in recent years, practically every professional football player who has ever picked up a golf club has played the course.
But more importantly to the folks who love the game is that fact the UMMC is the only golf club to have held tournaments for the PGA, the LPGA and Senior PGA. As a result, the biggest names in golf over the years have all come to Upper Montclair to show their competitive spirit and talents.
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Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill; Kingsmill Resort & Spa, River Course
Williamsburg, Va.
Par: 36-35, 71
Yardage: 6,315
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: D. Brad Pegram, 757-253-3906
Course architect, date: Pete Dye, 1975
Redesign/renovation, date: Pete Dye, 2004
Course grasses
Tees: Bermudagrass; perennial ryegrass
Fairways: Bermudagrass; perennial ryegrass
Greens: Bentgrass
Rough: Bermudagrass; perennial ryegrass; fine fescue
Interesting and historical course-related facts:
In 2004 Kingsmill's River Course was renovated by the original golf course architect, Pete Dye. All green complexes, tee complexes and fairway bunker complexes were rebuilt. Several fairways were recontoured and a new irrigation system was installed. The project resulted in a practically new golf course. Kingsmill Resort and Spa, on the banks of the James River in historic Colonial Williamsburg, is built on the site of several 17th and 18th century plantations.
Only three miles downstream from the 1607 Jamestown Island settlement sits the signature hole, the par-3 17th. This hole was constructed on what was once the main port of entry for goods entering the Virginia colony. This par 3 runs along the edge of the James River with the teeing area located adjacent to a 1775 fortification area which guarded the Customs House and the chief landing area serving Colonial Williamsburg thoughout the 18th century. The 177 yard hole requires a tee shot across the valley into a long green, guarded by bunkers and the James River on the right side.
The 17th hole sits adjacent to the site of a tavern which served the 18th century sailors landing in Colonial Virginia.
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Kraft Nabisco Championship; Mission Hills Country Club, Dinah Shore Tournament Course, Rancho Mirage, Calif.
Par: 36-36, 72
Yardage: 6,673
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: David R. Johnson, 760-202-4531
Course architect, date: Desmond Muirhead, 1970
Course grasses
Tees: Bermudagrass
Fairways: Bermudagrass; Kentucky bluegrass
Greens: Bermudagrass; perennial ryegrass; poa trivalias
Rough: Bermudagrass; perennial ryegrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts:
The Kraft Nabisco Championship is one of two tournaments (Masters) that has been played on the same golf course (Dinah Shore Tournament Course) since its inception in 1972. The Kraft Nabisco Championship, formerly the Colgate-Dinah Shore and the Nabisco Dinah Shore, celebrated its 34th anniversary in 2003. Designated a "major" tournament by the LPGA in 1983, the traditional victory leap into Champions Lake at the 18th hole has evolved into one of the most thrilling finishes in all of professional golf.
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J Golf Phoenix LPGA International Presented by Mirassou Winery; Papago Golf Course, Phoenix, Ariz.
Par: 36-36, 72
Yardage: 6,711
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Thomas M. Wolff, 602-663-883
Course architect/date: Billy Bell, 1962
Redesign/renovation, date: Billy Fuller, 2008
Course grasses
Tees: Overseeded bermudagrass
Fairways: Overseeded bermudagrass
Greens: Bermudagrass
Rough: Bermudagrass
Interesting and historical course-related facts
Papago Golf Course, owned by the City of Phoenix, Ariz., was long considered the finest public golf course in the state. It was designed by well known golf course architect William Francis (Billy) Bell, who learned his craft from his father, William Park Bell. They collaborated on many highly rated California courses.
Perhaps best known among the nearly one hundred courses to Billy's credit is Torrey Pines in San Diego. He also designed Tucson Country Club and Wickenburg Country Club. Papago Golf Course opened in 1963 and hosted the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in 1971. Papago also has been home to Phoenix Open Qualifying. In 1977, Jack Snyder, Phoenix resident and golf course architect, provided some modest redesign to Papago Golf Course.
The course was closed for play on April 4, 2008 for renovation, with an investment of some $5.8 million dollars.
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MasterCard Classic Honoring Alejo Peralta Presented by Nextel; Bosque Real Country Club; Huixquilucan, Mexico
Par: 36-36, 72
Yardage: 6,887
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Alejandro Campoy, 011-52-55-1084-9500
Course architect/date: Von Haggen, 1994
Course grasses
Tees: Bentgrass
Fairways: Perennial ryegrass
Greens: Bentgrass
Rough: Perennial ryegrass
Wildlife on the course
Blue heron; Muskrat; Rabbit; Several different species of birds; Snakes; Turtle
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SBS OPEN at Turtle Bay; Palmer Course at Turtle Bay Resort, Kahuku (Oahu), Hawaii
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,560
GCSAA Class A Golf Course Superintendent, contact: Michael Honma, 808-293-5225
Course architect/date: Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, 1993
Course grasses
Tees: Seashore, paspalum
Fairways: Seashore, paspalum
Greens: Seashore, paspalum
Rough: Seashore, paspalum
Interesting and historical course-related facts
The Palmer Course, previously known as The Links at Kuilima is a links designed course constructed in 1990 and opened in 1992. It is located on the North Shore of Oahu in the small town of Kahuku, which has been noted for its diverse agriculture and sugar plantation.
The Palmer Course is the first golf course to host a professional golf event on Seashore paspalum turfgrass, which stands the tests of turfgrass management in a saltwater climate.
Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay are the designers of this breathtaking, scenic course, which is engulfed by three miles of water features, all well stocked with various species of fish. The golf course sits between the majestic Ko'olau Mountains and the pristine and oft times raging Pacific Ocean.
The course was built upon a marsh known as the Punahoolapa Marsh, which also serves as an endangered species bird sanctuary. The wetland refuge was established in 1976 and is primarily devoted to the recovery of Hawaii's four endemic waterbirds; Hawaiian stilit, Hawaiian moorher, Hawaiian coot and the Hawaiian duck.
Holes 15, 16, 17 and 18 were once used by the Army Airforce for a landing strip to accommodate the B-17's and B-24's used during World War II. Holes 5, 6 and 13 were used for the housing area for the military personnel. During the war, a railroad ran through this land, and it has been said that 13 rail cars were loaded daily with sand and unloaded in Waikiki at Fort DeRussy Military Beach for the duration of the war.
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