The Florida Swing |
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| By Charlie Schroeder | |
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Page 2 of 3 Westin Innisbrook Resort, Tampa Bay The Tournament: Tampa Bay Championship (formerly Chrysler Classic) Defending Champion: As of press time, the tourney hasn’t been played. 2007 Dates: March 5-11 (800) 456-2000 | www.innisbrookgolfresort.com | www.pgatour.com/tournaments Did you know? Curtis Strange once said, “I could play this course [the Copperhead] for the rest of my life.” The Copperhead Course is beloved by PGA Tour pros and visitors alike, because it isn’t a typical flat, Floridian layout. E. Lawrence Packard’s design took advantage of the area’s 70-foot elevation changes. Packard also designed the resort’s other courses. LPGA Tour Stops Reunion Resort, Reunion The Tournament: Ginn Open Defending Champion: Mi Hyun Kim 2007 Dates: April 9-15 (888) 418-9611 | www.reunionresort.com | www.ginnopen.com Did you know? Tom Watson’s Independence Course is his first Florida design. Palmer, Watson and Nicklaus have built courses at this resort just 20 miles from Orlando. One nine from the Palmer and Watson combined to make the composite course used at last year’s Ginn Open. Nicklaus’ course is set to open later this year. Champions Tour Stops  The Raven at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, DestinThe Tournament: The Boeing Championship Defending Champion: Bobby Wadkins (203, 10-under) 2007 Dates: May 7-13 (800) 622-1038 | www.sandestin.com | www.theboeingchampionship.com Did you know? Wadkins, who never won on the PGA Tour, has won three times on the Champions Tour. The Sandestin Resort near Pensacola has four courses, including Robert Trent Jones, Jr.’s Raven Course. Opened in 2000, it was rated Best New Course in Florida. Routed through pine trees, wetlands and marshes, it features large bunkers reminiscent of legendary architect, Alistair MacKenzie. TPC Tampa, Tampa The Tournament: Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am Defending Champion: Jerry Pate (202, 11-under) 2007 Dates: February 12-18 (813) 949-0091 | www.tpc.com | www.outbackproam.com Did you know? Pate’s 2006 win was his first since 1982. Designed by Bobby Weed, this stadium-style course stretches from 5,036 to 6,898 yards. It opened in 1991 and is routed around natural wetlands, cypress heads and numerous ponds and lagoons. |
