Seniors look to Beverly in 2008

Far Hills, N.J. – The United States Golf Association has selected the Beverly Country Club in Chicago, Ill., as the site of the 2008 USGA Senior Amateur Championship scheduled for Sept. 20 through 25.

The Beverly Country Club will be hosting its second USGA championship. Previously, the club hosted the 1931 U.S. Amateur, which was won by Francis Ouimet for his third USGA title. Beverly was founded in 1908 and features tree-lined fairways, difficult greens and the bunkering characteristics of its architect, Donald Ross. Recently, Ron Prichard, a Ross renovation expert, completed a major revision.

Beverly has hosted four Western Open Championships (1910, 1963, 1967, 1970) with winners including Chick Evans, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. In addition, the club has been the site of three Women’s Western Open Championships (1957, 1960, 1965) and the 1943 Chicago Victory National Open Championship, which was viewed as a wartime stand-in for the U.S. Open.

The 2008 USGA Senior Amateur coincides with Beverly’s 100-year anniversary.

“Beverly’s commitment to amateur golf has always been strong,” says club president Joseph E. Nolan. “We are grateful to have been chosen as a USGA host club during our centennial year celebration.”

Prior to 2008, the USGA Senior Amateur will be played at Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, Ind., from Sept. 16 through 21, 2006; and at Flint Hills National Golf Club in Andover, Kan., from Sept. 1 through 6, 2007.

The USGA Senior Amateur is open to amateurs, age 55 and older, who have a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 7.4. It is one of 13 championships conducted annually by the USGA, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.

For more information, contact the championship department at 908-234-2300.