Saddle Creek Resort – the gated, 900-acre Castle & Cooke community in Copperpolis, Calif. – will host the 2007 Northern California Open Championship September 17-19 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. Saddle Creek hosted the event in 2006 to rave reviews from the participants, including winner Gundy Jones. Veteran Saddle Creek PGA Head Professional and accomplished sectional player Chris Bitticks expects the course – in its best condition since opening in 1996 thanks to a new agronomy program - to be up to the challenge.
“This course has always required players to execute shots, and at nearly 6,900 yards, Saddle Creek features plenty of muscle and is not overpowered by power players,” Bitticks says. “There are multiple options off the tee on most holes, and the greens are large enough to utilize a variety of pin positions.”
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 .