The state’s oldest professional golf championship, the California State Open Golf Championship, will return to the Temecula Valley in 2006 with the event scheduled for September 26-30 at both Redhawk Golf Club and CrossCreek Golf Club.
The event, which was first played in 1900 and was won by U.S. Open Champion Willie Smith, has a long and storied history. Past champions include Jason Gore (1997 & 2004), Dennis Paulson (1990 & ‘96), Kirk Triplett (1991), Roger Maltbie (1974), Jerry Barber (1959), Gene Littler (1954), Horton Smith (1934) and the legendary Walter Hagen (1915). Past participants include a virtual who’s-who of golf history from John Cook and Corey Pavin to Lloyd Mangrum and Sam Snead. The defending champion is Eric Meichtry of Murrieta who captured the 2005 Championship in an exciting playoff.
“The State Open has been and always will be a great way for people to see some of the game’s rising stars up close and on a more personal level,” said tournament director Brad Stormon. “It’s a fun and relaxed atmosphere, but there is also great competition. We look forward to seeing who will use the Championship to launch their career.”
The 2006 Championship kicks off with Redhawk Golf Club hosting a Pro-Am Pairings Party on Monday, September 25 beginning at 6 p.m. Pro-Am participants will be treated to a gourmet dinner and get to mingle and meet the professionals playing in the tournament.
The 2006 California State Open Pro-Am will tee off at noon on Tuesday, September 26. Teams comprised of a tournament professional and three-amateur partners will compete for a variety of valuable prizes. There will also be a very special post-round party for all the participants. Entry is $300 per amateur player. Entries are available at www.scpga.com or by contacting Redhawk Golf Club directly at (951) 302-3850.
Wednesday is a day of practice for all the competitors with the Championship officially getting underway at both Redhawk and CrossCreek on Thursday, September 28. Players will rotate courses on Thursday and Friday with a cut to the low 60 scores and ties upon the completion of 36 holes. The remaining players will return to Redhawk for the final round on Saturday where a champion will be crowned.
Players who have already committed for the 2006 Championship include six-time PGA Tour Champion and former Ryder Cup team member, Steve Pate, PGA Tour professional Jeff Hart, SCPGA Club Professional Champion Ross Marcano of El Cajon and the defending champion Meichtry.
For more details on the Championship, go to www.scpga.com
or contact tournament director Brad Stormon at 951-544-5881.
