Golf now has its own version of the wildly popular World Series of Poker tournament where amateur and professional poker players battle annually for huge cash prizes in the Main Event. In golf, it's called the U.S. Putting Tour Championship and it takes place in Carlsbad, California in late September.
In the USPT Championship, amateur and professional golfers will compete for a $10,000 cash prize to the winner, the USPT Championship trophy and the title of America's Best Putter. In addition, the winner will qualify for a coveted spot in a 2012 World Putting Tour Championships tournament featuring a first prize of $100,000 in cash.
"The similarities between the USPT Championship and the World Series of Poker are definitely there," said Jim Hartley, president of the putting tour. "Most notably, every golfer in the world has a shot at winning the USPT Championship, just like anyone who plays Texas Hold'em has a shot at winning the poker tournament."
Golfers competing in the
putting championship will play 72 holes in their first round. A total of 72 competitors will advance to Round 2 on Championship Sunday, October 2 at The Crossings, Carlsbad's new city-owned course, which features views of the Pacific Ocean.
Everyone 13 years of age and older is eligible to enter the USPT Championship. There is no handicap requirement either. Golfers from around the world can enter. Professionals from mini-tours as well as PGA club professionals, assistants, directors of golf and instructors are expected to enter the inaugural national
putting competition.
Another similarity with the World Series of Poker is that golfers have two ways to reach the championship. They can qualify for the USPT Championship by winning a qualifying
putting tournament or they can enter the championship directly. To enter, golfers can go to USPuttingTour.com and complete an online entry form.
