Shark’s Tooth Golf Club, the St. Joe Co. property in Panama City Beach, Fla., was selected by the United States Golf Association and the Florida State Golf Association to host a U.S. Open local qualifier on May 12.
In selecting Shark’s Tooth for the local qualifier, the USGA and FSGA cited the course’s championship caliber layout and commitment to maintaining “tour level” conditions. The course’s trademark, traditional green complexes feature tightly mowed surrounds, and will provide entrants with a variety of short game options. Shark’s Tooth is routed along the banks of Lake Powell, a Florida Outstanding Waterway, with a number of holes featuring unobstructed views of the water. The 7,204-yard layout is hosting a U.S. Open local qualifier for the fifth time in six years.
“We take great pride in our affiliation with the USGA and FSGA and we’re honored to be involved in the 2008 U.S. Open competition,” says John Johnson, Shark’s Tooth general manager. “Shark’s Tooth will challenge the area’s best players while providing a fair test of golf from tee to green.”
The U.S. Open, the second-oldest USGA championship by a single day, is the jewel of USGA competitions. The event has evolved into one of the most prestigious championships played with many of the game's greatest players having captured this coveted title. The event is open to professionals and amateurs with a handicap index of 1.4 or lower. The Open is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the USGA, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs. The 2008 tournament will be contested at Torrey Pines South Course in La Jolla, Calif. June 9-15.