Kiawah Island, SC – The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island (S.C.) Golf Resort, renowned for its spectacular ocean vistas from virtually every hole, will boast a new clubhouse that will be utilized for the first time at the 68th Senior PGA Championship.
The 24,000-square-foot facility, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, of New York, is positioned adjacent to the 18th green. It features a "wrap-around" back deck that offers panoramic views of the golf course and Atlantic Ocean.
The clubhouse will accommodate a 156-player premier field for the 68th Senior PGA Championship, May 24-27, 2007. The facility will then become full service in mid-June for resort guests and members. "The design concept was that the clubhouse be built with the intention of pure golf," said Kiawah Island Director of Golf Brian Gerard. "We also made it a goal that when it was completed, it would look as if it had been sitting in the dunes for 100 years. It is truly beautiful, and we are very proud of how it has turned out."
The clubhouse has a spacious player’s lounge, locker room and meeting facility on the second floor. "The clubhouse is something that complements the Ocean Course, and it will make for a memorable visit for guests, as well as members," said Gerard, winner of the 2006 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award for resort facilities.
68th Senior PGA Championship Notes:
* The 156-player field commitments currently feature defending Senior PGA Champion Jay Haas, and five other past Champions: Hale Irwin (1996, ’97, ’98, 2004); Gary Player (1986, ’88, ’90); Mike Reid (2005); Tom Wargo (1993); and Tom Watson (2001).
* There are nine major Champions in the field including: Irwin, Player, Watson, Hubert Green, Tom Kite, Larry Nelson, Jerry Pate, Bill Rogers and Craig Stadler.
* The Senior PGA Championship, making its first visit to The Ocean Course and the state of South Carolina, will serve as the focal point for a volunteer field of 1,600, which was completed in February, and now has a waiting list.
* Gerard was pleased with the "test runs" of shuttle buses that were made to provide traffic flow on the island. "The ride will be between 12 to 15 minutes and has been used before during events here, such as the World Golf Championships-World Cup in 2003," he said. "There is a spacious parking lot on the entrance to the island — and that has served us well in the past."
Begun in 1937, the Senior PGA Championship is the oldest major Championship in senior golf. It was first played at Augusta (Ga.) National Golf Club at the invitation of the legendary Bobby Jones, and has since become the most prestigious title in senior golf — with a past Champions roster that features virtually all the greatest players in golf.
Tickets to the 68th Senior PGA Championship are available by calling 800-PGA-GOLF (800-742-4653) or by visiting www.seniorPGA2007.com.
The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions. Today’s PGA Professional is the public’s link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.
For more information on Kiawah Island Golf Resort and The Ocean Course, go to www.kiawahgolf.com
Contact:
Michael Vegis
843/768-2749
mike_vegis@kiawahresort.com
Julius Mason
561/624-8444
jmason@pgahq.com