Saddle Creek Resort - the 900-acre Castle & Cooke community in Copperopolis, Calif. - announced its expanded practice facility will open in September, featuring new Zoysia turf target greens, additional driving stations and an enhanced short game area with new chipping and putting greens.
The Carter Morrish-designed layout will host the 2006 Northern California Open Championship Sept. 24-27, as the state's best players will match wits and games against the 6,826-yard circuit. Leading up to and following the tournament, the Tour-level practice facility will be utilized by members and resort guests.
"Our members are committed to improving their games and the expanded practice facility provides the forum for honing both their short and long games," says Saddle Creek general manager Bill Troyanoski. "Guests of the resort now have a place to not only warm-up, but to work on their games during weekend and extended stays."
The dense, cushiony Zoysia target greens have a unique texture and contrast reminiscent of the various native grasses used throughout the course. During winter months, the dormant Zoysia set against the deep green rye grass will provide a series of well-defined targets. The new short game area - allowing for full shots up to 90 yards - offers a wide-variety of chipping and pitching options.
In addition to the expanded practice facility, Saddle Creek recently completed a major enhancement project, as the course's 100 bunkers were completely remodeled with new drainage, liners and sand. A new turf management program has the course's bentgrass greens and rye grass fairways, tees and rough in optimum condition heading into the peak fall golf season.
The considerable re-investment in the golf course by owners Castle & Cooke has paid tremendous dividends. For the third consecutive year, Saddle Creek ranked among the Top-10 courses in California in Golfweek's "America's Best Courses 2006" ratings, appearing at No. 9 on the list. It was also included on Golfweek's Top-100 listing of "America's Best Residential Golf Courses." Saddle Creek was included in the 2006/07 ZAGAT listing of "America's Top Golf Courses" and was named one of "The 101 Best Golf Experiences in the West" by Fairways and Greens magazine.
For more information about Saddle Creek Resort, call 800-611-7722 or visit www.saddlecreek.com.
