Willow Point Golf & Country Club Nestled Along the Shores of Lake Martin

HOOVER, AL – The Alabama Golf Association’s 30^th Alabama State Mid-Amateur Championship will be held at Willow Point Golf & Country Club in Alexander City from September 28-30. A full field of 144 players will compete for the title.

Willow Point Golf & Country Club sits on beautiful Lake Martin and boasts incredible scenery. With thick links-style fescue welcoming players on the front nine and stretches of Lake Martin lining the fairways on the back nine, Willow Point Golf & Country Club promises to be a challenge for all competitors. Established in 1964, it has hosted a number of Alabama Golf Association events including the State Amateur Championship, State Mid-Amateur Championship, State Match Play Championship, and the Women’s State Amateur Championship.

The Alabama State Mid-Amateur Championship is competed over 54 holes of stroke play. Following the second round, a cut will be made with the low 60 players and ties for the final round. The player with the lowest 54-hole aggregate score will be crowned the 30^th Alabama State Mid-Amateur Champion. Tee times will begin at 7:30am each day from both the first and tenth tees.

Last year’s event at Burningtree Country Club in Decatur saw Stewart Whitt of Athens claim a four shot victory over 2017 Alabama Men’s player of the Year Matthew Gourgeot. Whitt posted rounds 71–72–67 for a three-under par 210 total score. Both Whitt and Gourgeot will be playing in this year’s championship. Other notable players in the field include recent past champions Clay Guerin of Hoover (2016), Jeff Taylor of Montgomery (2015), Vic Kyatt of Bessemer (2014), Torrie Coghlin of Irondale (2013), Steve Hudson of Birmingham (2010, 12) and Matt Johnson of Dothan (2011).

Media Links:  FIELD | STARTING TIMES | SCORING

Championship History & Records

This year marks the 30th playing of the Alabama State Mid-Amateur Championship and the third time Willow Point Golf & Country Club has hosted the State Mid-Amateur Championship (1996 Stan Sherlin of Montgomery, 2012 Steve Hudson of Birmingham). Stewart Whitt of Athens won the 2017 title at Burningtree Country Club. The Championship was first played in 1989 with Emile Vaughn winning the inaugural event. Mike Greer and Scott Weaver each have 3 victories, with Weaver winning his consecutively (2001-2003).

Scoring Record (since 2011) - 205 (Matt Johnson, Torrie Coghlin, Clay Guerin)

Most Titles: 3 – Scott Weaver (2001, 02, 03) & Mike Greer (1992, 93, 98)

Championship Schedule

Thursday, September 27

All Day: Practice rounds.

9:00am-5:00pm: Player Registration in the Clubhouse Foyer adjacent to the golf shop.

Friday, September 28

Round 1: Tee times at 7:30am & 12:00pm off #1 & #10 tees.

Saturday, September 29

Round 2: Tee times at 7:30am & 12:00pm off #1 & #10 tees.

Cut to low 60 scores and ties.

Field re-grouped according to score.

Sunday, September 30

Round 3: Tee times at 7:30am off #1 & #10 tees.

Awards ceremony immediately following play at scoreboard.

Prizes

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers. Champion will have his name engraved on the Elbert S. Jemison Jr. Trophy and he may take possession of the trophy for the ensuing year. Merchandise prizes are awarded to the top finishers.

Championship Eligibility

Entries were open to any male amateur golfer who is a legal resident of Alabama, has an active GHIN® USGA Handicap Index® at an AGA member club that did not exceed 8.4 and is 25 years of age as of September 28, 2018. Exempt players were accepted at time of registration. Since the field was oversubscribed, non-exempt players were determined by player ranking, past performance and USGA Handicap Index as of September 15, 2018.

Willow Point Golf & Country Club Information

PGA Director of Golf: Matt Sheppard

GCSAA Superintendent: Cole McGinnis

Physical Address: 2544 Willow Point Rd, Alexander City, AL 35010

Club Website: http://www.willowpoint.com/

Golf Shop Phone: 256-212-1409

Golf Shop Hours: 7:00am-Dark

Practice Facility Hours: 7:00am-Dark

Food & Beverage Hours: 11:00am-9:00pm (Stone Grill); 7:00am -2:00pm and 6:00pm-9:00pm (Main Clubhouse)

Championship Yardage: 7067 yards, par 36-36--72

Course/Slope Rating: 73.4/128

Course Architect: Tommy Nichol (1964), Hurdzan & Fry (2002)

Course Turfgrass: Tees/Fairways, Rough (419 Bermuda); Putting Greens (Mini-Verde)

About the Alabama Golf Association (AGA) The Alabama Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1915 whose mission is to serve and promote amateur golf in Alabama. AGA membership consists of over 130 member clubs represented by nearly 18,500 individuals. The activities and services of the Alabama Golf Association are governed by a Board of Directors consisting of Alabama golfers who wish to serve the game and the association through service. AGA is the USGA's liaison for golf in Alabama conducting national championship qualifying, administering the USGA Handicap system including the GHIN Handicap service, course & slope rating and education. The AGA annually conducts 13 championships and team match competitions for men, women, juniors, and seniors. The AGA also conducts Alabama high school golf championships and assists with many collegiate events including the SEC Men's Golf Championship. In addition to competitions, the AGA administers the AGA Women's Scholarship Fund that is dedicated to assisting young female golfers in higher education and supports the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation. Since 1980, the AGA has managed the affairs of the Southern Golf Association which includes conducting the Southern Amateur Championship and Southern Junior Championship, in conjunction with the Board of Directors of the Southern Golf Association. For more information about the Alabama Golf Association, visit www.alabamagolf.org.