Westchase to Host Inaugural Hillsborough County Amateur

Westchase Golf Club, one of Tampa, Florida's most popular daily-fee courses, will host the inaugural Hillsborough County Amateur Golf Championship. The event, presented by the Suncoast Classic Sports Association, will be held December 1-2, 2007.

"The Hillsborough County Amateur was created to provide a fun, yet competitive event for golfers in the Tampa area," said Clay Thomas, the course's general manager. "We are excited to host this inaugural event and look forward to crowning the first ever Hillsborough County Amateur Champion at Westchase Golf Club."

The tournament is run by the Suncoast Classic Sports Association, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to financially support and develop athletic programs for youth and adults in the Tampa Bay area. Their primary source of funding is the Classics Invitational Golf Tournament, now in its 15th year and held each spring at Westchase. Charities supported by SCSA in past years include: the Marty Lyons Foundation, Clearwater Little League Challenger Program, Countryside Youth Soccer Tops Program, the First Tee of Clearwater and the Classic Kids Clinic, a golf clinic for underprivileged youth.

"Our goal with presenting the Inaugural Hillsborough County Amateur Championship at Westchase Golf Club is to provide an opportunity for amateur golfers of all abilities to compete for the right to be honored as the County Champion," said John Veghte, SCSA president. "We look forward to crowning this years champion and establishing a tradition for years to come."

The entry fee for the Hillsborough County Amateur is $175 per player and includes:

* Two tournament rounds of golf with cart at Westchase Golf Club
* Practice balls prior to play
* Two meals per day
* Opportunity to win awards and prized for each flight.

Entrants will compete for the right to be being crowned the first-ever Hillsborough County champion. The event is open to all amateurs in the region (regardless of county residence). A USGA handicap is required as the event will be flighted.

Participants can register online at www.westchasegc.com or by calling the Westchase golf shop at 813/854-2331.    

Located just minutes north of the Tampa Airport, Westchase is home to 18 holes designed by architect Lloyd Clifton. Originally opened in 1992, the 6,710-yard, par-72 layout winds through 213 acres of lakes, natural wetlands and conservation areas.

This summer, Westchase completed an enhancement program that resulted in improved playing conditions, new putting surfaces as well as a comprehensive clubhouse remodel.