Some people consider the number 13 to be unlucky, but not in the case of the United States Golf Teachers Cup.  The 13^th annual edition of the USGTF’s national championship will be played Monday-Tuesday, September 29-30, 2008, at the beautiful Sandia Golf Club in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The state of New Mexico is the “land of enchantment,” and boasts a rich history of Spanish, Mexican, Pueblo, and Navajo cultures.  Albuquerque itself has a wide array of fine dining options and nightlife, and attractions such as Old Town and the Albuquerque Biological Park, which contains the aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Rio Grande Zoo, and Tingley Beach.

Sandia Golf Club is located on the grounds of the Sandia Resort & Casino, just north of downtown Albuquerque.  Scott Miller designed the course, which is among New Mexico’s finest.  At an elevation of 5,300 feet, those used to playing near sea level will find themselves booming their tee shots far beyond what they normally experience.

Contestants in the United States Golf Teachers Cup will again compete in four divisions:  Open, Senior (50+), Super Senior (60+), and Ladies.  There will also be additional prize money for Super Seniors 70 and over and for Ladies 50 and over.  A minimum purse of $25,000 will be offered, based on a full field of 156 players.  All WGTF Level III and IV members are welcome to attend, and entries will be handled on a first-received, first-served basis.  Level II members are welcome to sign up, but they will be placed on an alternate’s list, and may play in the event the field is not filled by the entry deadline.          

The entry fee of $425 includes two tournament rounds of golf, range balls during tournament days, an opening welcome party at the Sandia Resort, and the closing banquet and awards ceremony at the Sandia Resort.  The entry deadline is Friday, September 19 at 5:00 PM EDT.  Practice rounds are available for $55 on Saturday and Sunday, September 27-28, after 12:00 noon.  Please contact the Sandia pro shop at (505) 798-3990 to arrange tee times.  Those wishing to take a practice round at another time need to contact the Sandia pro shop for availability and rates.  To obtain more information about the golf course, please visit the website www.sandiagolf.com.

The host hotels this year are the Hilton Garden Inn-Journal Center, and the Homewood Suites-Journal Center, and reservations may be made at $89 per night plus tax.  To reserve your room, please call the Hilton Garden Inn at (505) 314-0800, or the Homewood Suites at (505) 998-4663, and mention you are with the United States Golf Teachers Cup.

Hilton Garden Inn-Journal Center Homewood Suites-Journal Center $89 per night plus tax $89 per night plus tax

Remember to mention you are with the United States Golf Teachers Cup!

It may be several years before the United States Golf Teachers Cup is held in this area of the country again so please make plans now to renew old friendships and make new acquaintances at this premier event.  We look forward to seeing you there!

HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES GOLF TEACHERS CUP

HIGHLIGHTS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

1996 – Edward Lee wins the inaugural event, playing out of the Senior division

1997 – Playing both left- and right-handed, Canadian Shawn Clement takes first place at San Luis Rey Downs Golf Course.

1998 – Mark Harman wins his first US Cup.

1999 – Brian Lamberti wins the only US Cup contested over three rounds, played during World Golf Teachers Cup week.

2000 – Mark Umphreyville from California heads east to win at Penn National.

2001 – High winds and firm greens make the scores high, as Mark Harman wins his second title.  The championship adopts a permanent format of two rounds.

2002 – Mark Harman becomes the first to successfully defend his championship.

2003 – Mark Harman, despite missing a 2-footer on the last hole, brings home the three-peat.

2004 – Dave Belling becomes the second Canadian to win the title, following up his victory in the 2003 World Golf Teachers Cup.

2005 – Prevailing in a playoff, Mark Harman captures his record fifth title.

2006 – James Douris from Australia wins in a playoff to become the first player from outside North America to win the championship.

2007 – James Douris successfully defends his championship, and becomes just the second player to win multiple US Cups.