CCN to Host Qualifying Round for the U.S. Open
The Country Club of Naples has been selected to host the Local Qualifying Round for the 112th United States Open Championship conducted by the United States Golf Association. The 18-hole qualifier will be held at CCN on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Approximately 75 to 80 professional and amateur golfers are expected to participate and they will be attempting to earn one of approximately five (5) spots in Sectional Qualifying play that will take place in early June. The U.S. Open itself will be held at the Olympic Club (Lake Course), San Francisco, Calif., June 14-18, 2012. Rory McIlroy from Holywood, Northern Ireland is the defending champion.
In the past, the Local Qualifying round in SW Florida has attracted PGA Tour players, club professionals and low-handicap amateur golfers from the region and around the country.
The qualifier is conducted by the Florida State Golf Association. CCN’s role is to provide the championship-caliber venue, which we now can do thanks to our 2009 golf course restoration project; provide support services under the direction of Tony Franklin, such as practice facility set-up, arrange practice rounds for the contestants, and have carts available for officials; under Shawn Witmer’s guidance, have food service available for players and members who are encouraged to come to the club and enjoy the action; and have Bill Davidson prepare the course in his customary outstanding fashion.
Players may play a practice round the week prior to the event. So if you see a Tour Pro or young college player warming up on the range or playing in the group near you, welcome them to CCN and then watch as they launch 300-yard drives. This will be a great opportunity to see how our new 6,800-yard course, playing “firm and fast” just like the USGA likes it, holds up to the finest professionals and amateurs in Florida.
CCN members are encouraged to come out to the Club and watch the action. Although the date falls in reciprocal season, so golf is available elsewhere, why not come out and watch some really great golf on your new course?