TULSA, Okla. -- Learn from some of the amateur greats in Oklahoma golf during the Oklahoma Senior State Amateur Championship at the Cherokee Hills Golf Club May 21-24. This prestigious tournament is one of the top four amateur events in the state and is organized by the esteemed Oklahoma Golf Association.

The Oklahoma Senior State Amateur Championship consists of a player pool of the best amateur golfers in Oklahoma that must have an active established USGA Handicap Index of 8.5 or less and be age 50 or older. The qualifying round will begin with 90 players for 64 seeds on 18 hole Stroke Play on Monday. Match play begins on Tuesday with Rounds 1 and 2. Rounds 3 and 4 will be on Wednesday, and the Semifinals and Finals on Thursday. The talented winner receives an impressive trophy from the Oklahoma Golf Association.

“The main reason we chose Cherokee Hills is that it is a very challenging course that will definitely test the competitors’ skills,” said Mark Felder, Oklahoma Golf Association director. “We also chose this location because we want the players to be able to relax and enjoy the amenities at the Cherokee Casino Resort after a great day on the golf course.”

This year’s tournament is featuring several notable amateur players from right here in Green Country. The defending Oklahoma Senior State Amateur champion, Bob Fouke of Broken Arrow, will be defending his title against a very competitive field, including Bill Helmar and Mike Alsup, both of Tulsa. Fouke, a multi-OGA champion is also the two-time defending senior amateur stroke play champion. Alsup is a past OGA mid-amateur champion and Helmar competes regularly in the British Senior Open.

Cherokee Hills Golf Club is one of the premier golf courses in Oklahoma. After its $3 million renovation completed in the summer of 2004, this distinctive, 70-par course has matured magnificently and is in stunning condition. Cherokee Hills encompasses 170-acres with a spectacular view of Tulsa’s skyline. The course’s natural beauty lends itself perfectly to the contoured fairways, rolling greens, and challenging bunkers.

For more information regarding the Oklahoma State Senior Amateur Championship, visit www.okgolf.org.

For more information on Cherokee Hills Golf Club and Cherokee Casino Resort, visit www.CherokeeCasino.com or call (800) 760-6700.

Amanda Clinton
Media Relations Coordinator
Cherokee Nation Businesses
(O) 918.384.6944
(C) 918.497.6336