WINTER GARDEN, Fla. -- Orange County National has been named by the PGA TOUR as the host site of the 2007 PGA TOUR Qualifying-School finals November 28 – December 3, 2007. Orange Country National has held two previous PGA TOUR Qualifying School finals in 2003 and 2005.
“We are pleased to meet the stringent course and facility requirements set by the Tour to once again host one of the most important weeks on the PGA TOUR calendar,” said Bruce Gerlander, general manager, Orange County National. “It is a great week of golf for fans to come and watch. The players’ emotions run all over the board with each hole because of the significance one birdie or bogie can make in earning their card.”
The field will consist of one hundred and sixty aspiring PGA TOUR professionals chasing their dream on Orange County National’s championship golf courses: Panther Lake and Crooked Cat. The grueling week consists of six days and 108 holes of mind-draining, pressure packed golf. The top 30 players will move on to the PGA TOUR in 2008.
“The previous two times Orange County National has hosted the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament Finals proved to be an excellent venue for staging the competition. The Crooked Cat and Panther Lake courses are similar in design and conditioning, and provide a fair and challenging test,” said Steve Carman, director qualifying tournament. “The Orange County National staff allows us to narrow the fairways and grow the rough, and they have made several enhancements with the addition of new trees, bunkers and tees. Even though the facility is close to Orlando, the greatest benefit for the players will be zero distractions during the competition from traffic or airplanes. We look forward to returning to Orange County National this year."
Panther Lake is a 7,350 yard course sprawling out over rolling meadows, through native pines, over wetlands and lakes, and up and down elevation changes of up to 60 feet. Each hole is framed with fairway bunkers, trees and water hazards, and the large contoured elevated greens are also well guarded. Conversely, the 7,493 yard Crooked Cat provides golfers with more of a links-style look featuring wide landing areas with native heather and mounds framing the fairways. Wayward shots can end up in one of the many pot bunkers, and on windy days a variety of shots is required.
Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge is a 45-hole Phil Ritson, Dave Harman and Isao Aoki designed golf complex located in the greater Orlando area. In addition to two championship golf courses, there is a 42-acre world-class practice facility and 9 hole short course, a 22,000 square foot clubhouse with a restaurant, lounge, meeting rooms and an award winning golf shop. On-site lodging and meeting space are also available. For more information on Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge call 888 727 3672 or visit www.ocngolf.com.
Media Contact: Jackie Beck, 860.304.3643, jackiebeck00@hotmail.com
