Strong Play and Record Performances Highlight the 2010 NPGT National Open Championship, sponsored by Arnold Palmer Golf Management
The National Open Championship for the National Pro Golf Tour (NPGT) presented by Arnold Palmer Golf Management wrapped up Friday at the Primm Valley Resort and Golf Club in Nipton, CA, just south of Las Vegas. Great conditions and strong performances marked the culmination of the 2010 NPGT tour, with Richard Lee of Chandler, AZ finishing in the top spot at 25 under par. Other notable performances came from both Scott Harrington of Portland, OR, and Cameron Yancey from Blackstone, VA, who both posted a tour record of 62, just 2 shots over the course record. Finishing second, at 24 under was Harrington, and third went to Tom Murray of Jacksonville, FL who finished at 22 under. The four day tournament carried a purse of $95,000, and Lee took home $23,500 as the first place payout. Mark Murphy of Arnold Palmer Golf Management was on hand to present the check to Lee.
In the final interview of the tournament, tour owner Larry Lunsford commented, “What a sense of satisfaction I have at this moment, knowing that our staff is able to put on an event of this caliber. It is especially gratifying to have received such an overwhelming response from the players.”
When asked how he was able to achieve such an exceptional score, Scott Harrington commented, “The Tom Fazio designed Desert Course suited his game.” Commenting on the relationship between Palmer and the NPGT, as well as the success of the Championship, Harrington said, “I would thank them for the opportunity to experience this level of play and camaraderie. It was a great tournament.”
Southeast Regional Director Sean Steele of Neptune Beach, FL, commented on the impact of the Championship tournament. “The success of the inaugural National Open has opened doors for 2011 and beyond.”
The concept behind the NPGT came from tour owner Larry Lunsford’s passion for both the game and the players. Operating under the umbrella of Arnold Palmer Golf Management, and recognizing the difficulty of access to tournament play by professional golfers, Larry came up with the concept of bringing the tour to the players. Through affiliations with Regional Directors throughout 16 regions of the US, the NPGT hosts many tournaments in locations that are accessible to developing pros.
Established in 16 major markets throughout the US, the NPGT is an opportunity for both professional golfers and elite amateurs. By providing a tour that is both affordable and convenient, the NPGT hopes to open up as much opportunity as possible for the professional golfers. The NPGT also serves as a natural “transition” experience for amateurs, tracking to become professionals.
In addition to offering incentives to players through affiliations with major companies, such as Hertz, Jet Blue and Choice Hotels International, the NGPT will be sponsoring 3 players for the 2011 season. Though there are similar regional tours located in TX, AZ and the southeast area of the US, there is nothing like it on a national level. The National Open Championships is in many ways the event that recognizes the efforts of players in 2010, and sets the tone for what’s to come in 2011.
For more information on the NPGT, upcoming events and the 2011 season, visit the NPGT website at http://www.nationalprotour.com.
Media Contact: Eva Mangas Nightingale
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