National Finals Brings Record Field to Hilton Head, Oct. 27-28

HILTON HEAD, S.C. – The island of Hilton Head will host its largest golf tournament ever when the Amateur Golf Tour conducts its 2007 National Championship in late October.

A field of approximately 600 golfers from across the country will converge on the island Oct. 27-28 for the tour’s national finals. The championship will be contested on a half dozen courses, including three at Palmetto Dunes Resort and two at Port Royal Plantation. The sixth course is Oyster Reef Golf Club.

This marks the second straight year the AGT has hosted its national championship on Hilton Head Island. Last year’s event drew just under 500 golfers and encompassed five courses. The overall champion was Joe Jaspers of Charlotte, N.C., who fired a course-record 67 on the Robert Trent Jones course at Palmetto Dunes in the final round.

“We expect another competitive tournament throughout all five flights. Guys are grinding these last weeks of the season to earn enough points to qualify for the National Championship,” said tour president Dennis McCormac. “The players who came last year really enjoyed Hilton Head Island. In addition to world-class golf, it offers great beaches, restaurants and activities.”

The record number of participants will be gunning for a total purse of at least $15,000 in gift certificates in the 36-hole stroke play championship. In addition to the Saturday and Sunday rounds, golfers have the opportunity to arrive early for practice rounds from Oct. 22-26.

“This is a big event. Not just for our tour members, but also their families,” McCormac said. “Guys are bringing their wives and children. It’s evolved into a family event over the last decade, with the number of spectators increasing as well.”

New this year is a Friday welcome reception for participants and their families at the new clubhouse at Port Royal Plantation. Tour sponsor Perks & Pats is hosting the reception and will award a free golf vacation to any AGT golfer who makes a hole-in-one during the championship.

“We’ve given away about a dozen so far this year,” said Perks & Pats owner Charles Daniels. “They get two nights in a major hotel, two rounds of golf, and tickets to local attractions at more than 70 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.”

For information on the Amateur Golf Tour’s 2007 National Championship, visit www.amateurgolftour.net or call (704) 844-8264.

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