Swope Memorial Agrees to Host Kansas City Amateur Rounds

The Kansas City Golf Association is pleased to announce that Swope Memorial Golf Course has agreed to host the first and second round of this year’s Kansas City Amateur. Swope Memorial has a long tradition of hosting quality amateur and professional competitions. Indeed, historically when the PGA played in town they played at Swope Memorial in the Kansas City Open. Most recently the course hosted the 2005 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship. “We are excited to be able to play our championship at Swope”, said Steve McMillen, KCGA Executive Director. “When we decided we had to move the Championship we looked at several area public courses. The tradition of Swope Memorial and the condition of the course made this an obvious choice.” The courses’ excellent condition is the result of the work of Tony Bertels, the Course Superintendent. “We think the players will find the course conditions exceeded that of the WAPL in 2005.” The KCGA staff has reviewed the course and agrees, the conditions of play will be fantastic!

The reason for having to make the change was due to the ongoing construction project of Ironhorse Golf Club. Ironhorse will be opening this weekend, however due to the weather this winter and spring the rough and green surrounds have not been able to grown in as expected. As a result, the KCGA felt it was important for the Championship and Iron horse to not hold the tournament on the course until it has grown in and met the expectations of players. The KCGA fully expects the tournament to return to Ironhorse for 2009.

With the move to Swope Memorial, the entry fee will remain the same. However the players will get an added bonus of a complimentary round with cart that they will be able to use any time. The Championship will still be conducted July 12-14, with the final round to be held at Blue Hills Country Club.