Norman, Okla. – The U.S. Golf Association selected the Jimmie Austin Golf Course at the University of Oklahoma as the site of the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship July 13 through 18.
Designed by Perry Maxwell, The Jimmie Austin Golf Course opened in 1951. A course renovation by Bob Cupp was completed in 1996. The course will be hosting its first USGA Championship.
Adjacent to the south end of the golf course is the Charlie Coe Golf Center (named after the two-time U.S. Amateur champion and six-time Walker Cupp winner), which features two chipping areas, as well as a 12,000-square-foot bentgrass chipping area with seven bunkers. Bentgrass and Bermudagrass putting greens also are included.
The 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,” says Stan Ball, director of golf. “Perry Maxwell, our original designer, would be proud as well. Legendary OU alumnus Charlie Coe was 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, open to amateur golfers who are bona fide public course players and hold a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 8.4, 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., July 10 through 15, 2006 and at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton, Ill., July 9 through 14, 2007.