Will return for first time in 20 years to commemorate anniversary of
epic championship match with Tiger Woods
(FORT WORTH, Texas) – Escalante Golf, boutique owner-operator of high-end clubs and courses, announces Steve Scott, 1996 U.S. Amateur Finalist, will return to Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club (North Plains, Ore.) April 6-7, 2016.
The visit marks Scott’s first trip to Pumpkin Ridge since he fell to Tiger Woods in an epic, sudden-death playoff 20 years ago. To commemorate one of golf’s most-famous matches, Scott will host a clinic for club members and share some of his greatest recollections of the championship.
“I can’t wait to return to Pumpkin Ridge; memories and feelings that have been locked away the last two decades will undoubtedly come flooding back,” says Scott, who is now a renowned teacher and PGA Head Professional at storied Paramount Country Club in New City, N.Y. “To see what Tiger accomplished upon turning professional shortly after our 38-hole match and know I took him to the limit is an experience I’ll always cherish.”
One-on-one media interviews with Scott – either at or in advance of the April event – are available by request.
“We’re honored to host Steve for his first visit to Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club since 1996,” says David McDonald, President of Escalante Golf, which purchased a controlling interest in the club last October. “His name and Pumpkin Ridge are inextricably linked with a legendary moment in golf history that we’re looking forward to revisiting.”
Scott’s return exemplifies Escalante’s pledge to celebrate Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club’s proud heritage. This is complemented by a multi-year plan to make significant investments in infrastructure to preserve the club for future generations.
More than $2 million in agronomic and strategic improvements to the club’s Witch Hollow and Ghost Creek courses are planned. Updates to clubhouses, restaurants, pro shops, maintenance facilities and other infrastructure are also being considered.
This twofold approach coincides with a renewed focus on attracting members who share an appreciation for great golf, service and camaraderie. Membership to the Witch Hollow course – annually ranked among the U.S.’s Top 100 by Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine and Golfweek – also includes preferred access to Ghost Creek, one of country’s Top 100 public courses according to Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine.
A non-resident membership option is available for those who maintain a legal residence outside a 150-mile radius of Pumpkin Ridge.
Adds Scott: “I’m really excited to see some old friends at Pumpkin Ridge and to meet some of the newer members and spend time at a place very near and dear to my heart. It’s great to be heading back to Oregon.”
Opened in 1992 just northwest of Portland, Pumpkin Ridge features 36 holes designed by former Golf World “Golf Course Architect of the Year” Bob Cupp with input from former protégé John Fought.
Witch Hollow has hosted many prestigious championships. They include the aforementioned 1996 U.S. Amateur, as well as the 1997 and 2003 Women’s U.S. Opens. Set in the shadows of the scenic Tualatin Mountains, the 7,017-yard par 72 is well-defended by mature fir, maple, oak and ash trees.
The par 71, 6,871-yard Ghost Creek course meanders through wetlands punctuated by lush stands of trees. Undulating fairways, immaculate greens, thought-provoking bunkering and the ever-present Ghost Creek are other hallmarks. Past venue of NIKE TOUR and LPGA events, its list of champions includes David Duval and Suzann Pettersen.
Two 20,000 square-foot clubhouses, a 17-acre practice area, learning center, full-service restaurants and extensive banquet space are other Pumpkin Ridge calling cards. Less than 30 minutes from downtown Portland, a short distance to Portland International Airport (PDX) and Vancouver, Wash., and just over three hours from the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan Area, Pumpkin Ridge is conveniently accessible to Pacific Northwest golfers.
For more information: membership@pumpkinridge.com, 503.647.2515
About Escalante Golf
Founded in 1991, Escalante Golf is a boutique owner and operator of 17 luxury golf properties across nine states. The Fort Worth, Texas-based company has quietly assembled an impressive collection of exclusive clubs in key markets. Many have hosted several prestigious amateur and professional golf tournaments including the U.S. Mid-Amateur Golf Championship, the Charles Schwab Cup, the WGC Match Play Championship and the Shell Houston Open. The firm’s culture emphasizes personal service, integrity, long-term stability and operational excellence. Operating partners David McDonald, Elcio Silva, Robert Silva and David Matheson direct the Escalante team.
For more information: www.escalantegolf.com, 817.386.9721.
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Stephen Reynolds
Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group
ssharp@buffalobig.com
sreynolds@buffalobig.com
BuffaloBIG.com
