Jimmie Austin Golf Course To Host 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links

Jimmie Austin Golf Course, located at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, has been selected by the United States Golf Association as the site of the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. The dates of the championship will be July 13-18.

Designed by Perry Maxwell, Jimmie Austin Golf Course opened in 1951. A renovation by Bob Cupp was completed in 1996. The facility will be hosting its first-ever USGA championship.

Adjacent to the facility’s south end is the Charlie Coe Golf Center (named after the two-time U.S. Amateur champion and six-time American Walker Cupper). The center contains two chipping areas, a 12,000-square-foot bentgrass chipping area with seven bunkers, and both bent- and Bermuda-grass practice greens.

Jimmie Austin Golf Course has served as host to the 1997 NCAA Regionals, the 1997 Oklahoma Amateur and the 1998 Big-12 Women's Championship.

"The University of Oklahoma is proud to be the first Oklahoma golf course and first university facility to host the U.S. Amateur Public Links in 2009," said Stan Ball, director of golf. "Perry Maxwell, our original designer, would be proud as well. Legendary OU alumnus Charlie Coe was very encouraging of this event prior to his passing. I am certain Mr. Coe would be pleased with our association with this prestigious event."

The U.S. Amateur Public Links is open to amateur public course golfers who hold a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 8.4. It is one of 13 national championships conducted by the USGA, 10 of which are solely for amateurs.

Prior to 2009, the U.S. Amateur Public Links will be played at Gold Mountain Golf Course in Bremerton, Wash., from July 10-15, 2006; and at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton, Ill., from July 9-14, 2007.