Ocean Course of Kiawah Island
to host Senior Championship in 2007

TravelGolf.com Staff Report

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (May 26, 2004) - The Ocean Course of Kiawah Island, S.C., the site of a dramatic Ryder Cup Matches in 1991, has been selected to host the 68th Senior PGA Championship, May 24-27, 2007.

The 7,296-yard Pete Dye-designed Ocean Course opened in 1991, and quickly earned a niche among Golf Digest's list of "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses" and GOLF Magazine's "Top 100 Courses in the United States." The site of the 1997 and 2003 World Cup of Golf, The Ocean Course also will host the 2005 PGA Club Professional Championship.

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"The PGA of America is proud that the premier event in senior golf, the Senior PGA Championship, will be staged at another world-class venue - The Ocean Course," said PGA of America President M.G. Orender. "Since its debut to the golf world, The Ocean Course has produced its own special aura and stands as a bridge to many of the legendary and most challenging courses. We anticipate one of our greatest Senior PGA Championships in 2007."

Considered one of Dye's most superb designs, The Ocean Course offers a natural links-style environment with water hazards coming into play on at least 16 of 18 holes. Ten holes are directly on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, while the remaining eight are routed through the surrounding dunes and marshes. There are ocean views on every hole. The course underwent a remodeling project by Dye in 2002, which included expanding the tee boxes and moving the 18th green 40 yards closer to the ocean. In 2003, Seashore Paspalum salt-tolerant grass was installed on the greens.

"We are very excited and proud to stage an event of the stature of the Senior PGA Championship at The Ocean Course, and to welcome the golf world to our new luxury hotel and spa - The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island," said Prem Devadas, managing director of Kiawah Island Golf Resort. "The Ocean Course, with its ever-present ocean winds and unmatched beauty, will offer a spectacular venue to challenge the game's legendary players and is certain to provide dramatic moments to rival its storied past."

The oldest and most prestigious event in senior golf, the Senior PGA Championship brings together a 156-player field that features the deepest international line-up of players 50 years and older. The Championship began in 1937 at Augusta National Golf Club at the invitation of legendary Bobby Jones. Since its origin, the Senior PGA Championship has perennially featured many of golf's legendary players and the newest members of senior professional golf.

The 65th Senior PGA Championship will be contested May 27-30, 2004, at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., and features 24 players who have combined for 75 major championships. Tickets to the 65th Senior PGA Championship are available by calling 1-800-PGA-TCKT (742-8258), or by visiting www.seniorPGA2004.com

Future Senior PGA Championships
• 66th Senior PGA Championship Laurel Valley Golf Club, Ligonier, Pa. May 26-29, 2005
• 67th Senior PGA Championship TBA
• 68th Senior PGA Championship The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, S.C. May 24-27, 2007

For more information on The Ocean Course and Kiawah Island, visit: www.kiawahresort.com

The PGA of America, founded in 1916, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.