Western Amateur returns to Benton Harbor

BENTON HARBOR – Could this be the end of a long-time Michigan tradition?

The 2008 Western Amateur runs July 28-Aug. 3 at Point O’Woods Golf & Country Club in Benton Harbor, Mich., ending a long tradition with the club. Point O’Woods has hosted the championship annually since 1971, but it will move to another course next year. When, and if, it returns to Michigan, remains to be seen.

The Western Amateur, first held in 1899, traditionally features an international field of top-ranked amateur golfers in a grueling medal and match-play format. The 2007 Western Amateur field included competitors from more than 30 states and five foreign countries. Past champions include Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ben Crenshaw, Curtis Strange, Hal Sutton, Lanny Wadkins and Justin Leonard.

Joining top amateur Rickie Fowler are five more players among the top 10 in the Golfweek Scratch Players World Amateur Ranking: Danny Lee, Kyle Stanley, Rohan Blizard, Matthew Griffin and Rory Hie.

“Amateur golfers worldwide recognize the Western Amateur as one of the elite events on their schedule,” said John Kaczkowski, vice president of tournaments for the Western Golf Association. “We always have a quality field, but with six of the world’s top 10 competing, this year’s competition will be particularly strong.”