IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Randy Stutzman
March 5, 2013 (561) 624-8438
& Bob Denney
(561) 624-8582
NORTHERN VIRGINIA’S CREIGHTON FARMS RETURNS TO HOST
2013 SOUTHWORTH SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Northern Virginia’s scenic Creighton Farms in Aldie, Va., will return as host of the 2013 Southworth Senior PGA Professional National Championship presented by Mercedes-Benz, Oct. 10-13. River Creek Club in Leesburg, Va., will also return as the co-host of first and second round play.
The 264-player field will be composed of senior PGA Professionals representing the 41 PGA Sections, and will compete for a total purse of $285,000 on both courses over the first two rounds of play.
Creighton Farms, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, will again host the final 36 holes of competition.
Southworth Development, with headquarters in Newton, Mass., is now in its third year of title sponsorship.
“The PGA of America has been blessed to have a committed title sponsor and outstanding host venues in Northern Virginia to present this national championship for an accomplished field of senior PGA Professionals,” said PGA of America President Ted Bishop. “The Southworth Senior PGA Professional National Championship continues a popular tradition for our member professionals. Last year’s finale ranked among the best clutch shots anywhere in golf. We anticipate another great Championship this fall.”
Last year at Creighton Farms, Jim Woodward of Oklahoma City, Okla., secured a one-stroke victory by hitting a career approach shot on the par-5 18th hole to within tap-in range for an eagle.
Creighton Farms, a par-72, 7,410-yard layout that opened in 2008, was one of two private courses in the world to achieve recognition by Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine, and Travel Leisure Golf in the same season. In 2009, Golfweek selected Creighton Farms among its “Best New Private Golf Courses.”
Creighton Farms reflects the Nicklaus trademark of a challenging design, focusing on course management strategy and precision rather than power.
“We are delighted that River Creek and ClubCorp will again join Southworth Development and Creighton Farms in hosting the Southworth Senior PGA Professional National Championship,” said David Southworth, president and CEO of Southworth Development. “These two exceptional courses will provide players with many distinct challenges as they compete for this prestigious title. I’m sure it’s going to be an enjoyable and memorable week for everyone.”
River Creek Club, with six of its 18 holes positioned along the Potomac River, is a challenging, 7,036-yard, par-72 layout, was designed by Ault, Clark & Associates, with Tom Clark of Marshall, Va., the lead architect. River Creek Club debuted in 1997, and is one of the facilities in the network governed by ClubCorp. River Creek Club features large undulating greens as its signature and most prominent set of challenges.
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Begun in 1989, the Senior PGA Professional National Championship is modeled after the PGA Professional National Championship, with a field of 50-and-older senior PGA Professionals who advanced through 41 Section Championships conducted from July through September each year.
The top 35 finishers in the National Championship earn a berth in the 75th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, May 22-25, 2014, at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Mich. In addition, the top five finishers will be exempt into the final stage of the 2013 Champions Tour National Finals.
Since its debut, many participants in the Senior PGA Professional National Championship have used their success in the event as a springboard to a Champions Tour career.
About Southworth Development LLC
Southworth Development LLC is a privately held company specializing in the development of residential resort and hospitality-branded real estate communities. Founded by David Southworth, Southworth Development’s expertise includes master-planned community development; asset management; golf course construction management and resort and golf operations management. In 2006, Southworth Development took a quantum leap forward when Joe Deitch, a longtime close friend of David Southworth, joined the company as a co-owner and visionary partner. Together they have worked to position the company to succeed in the dramatically changing world of real estate and resort development.
Through Southworth’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Southworth Golf and Southworth Europe Ltd., Southworth has become a leader in the international resort and golf development industry serving communities in the United States, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, and Scotland.
About The PGA of America
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.