The inaugural national championship in putting, the U.S. Putting Tour Championship, kicks off in one week at The Crossings in Carlsbad, California with a diverse field of amateurs, professionals, men, women, and golfers from 13 to over 60.
While there are separate prizes for amateurs (merchandise up to a $750 retail value) and professionals (a top cash prize of $10,000), all golfers will compete together in a quest to become America's Best Putter.
"I'm intrigued to see who comes out on top," said USPT president, Jim Hartley. "Logically, you think it will be a pro, either a tour pro or a club professional, but you never know; it might just be an amateur who steps up, and will it be a man or a woman?"
Hartley said that while there are about 150 golfers entered thusfar, the format of the seven-day
putting event can accommodate more participants. He indicated that the first six days of the
golf championship are Round 1 days. Golfers can choose to play their first round on any one of those six days and select one of three start times for their two and a half-hour round.
Seventy-two golfers will make it to Round 2 on October 2nd and this number will be reduced to 24 for the final round on the afternoon of the same day. The overall
putting champion will win the title and the USPT Championship crystal trophy.
Golfers can register online at the USPuttingTour.com website. The tournament also will accept walk-up entries throughout the week, subject to space being available. More information can be obtained by emailing info@usputtingtour.com.
