Copperopolis, Calif. - Saddle Creek Resort - the gated, 900-acre Castle & Cooke community in the scenic California Foothills - will host the 2006 Northern California Open Championship Sept. 24 to 27 on its award-winning Carter Morrish-designed golf course.
One of the most storied and prestigious tournaments in the state, the Northern California Open has been contested since 1920 and boasts a roster of past champions that includes Tony Lema and Peter Jacobsen. Last year's winner, Robert Hamilton of Carmichael, Calif., posted a final three-day score of 68-69-67-204.
Longtime Saddle Creek PGA head professional and accomplished sectional player Chris Bitticks expects the course - coming off a major bunker enhancement project and expansion of the practice facility - to be up to the challenge.
"Saddle Creek forces players to think their way around the course, but at nearly 6,900 yards presents enough muscle that it's not overpowered by long hitters," Bitticks says. "The routing provides a number of options off the tee and places an emphasis on approach shots to tiered greens. The new-look bunkers provide additional definition from tee to green and a more consistent surface to hit from."
The event is open to all golf professionals, and amateur golfers with a 3.4 USGA index and below. For more information, visit the Northern California PGA website, www.ncpga.com, email info@ncpga.com or call 707-449-4742. For more information about Saddle Creek Resort, call 800-611-7722 or visit www.saddlecreek.com .
