In the 1930s, the Empire State building was constructed, movie theaters offered the first full-color motion picture, scotch tape was introduced, gasoline sold for 17 cents a gallon, and the Inaugural Waterloo Open was held.
This summer, golf fans from across the nation will be celebrating the 75th Annual Waterloo Jaycees Greater Waterloo Open. From July 16-20, hundreds of visitors will converge on the Cedar Valley to experience one of the best sporting traditions the state of Iowa has to offer.
Each year the tournament features a unique experience for everyone involved. The year 2008 will be no different. Fans will enjoy many enhancements specifically designed to commemorate the 75th anniversary.
People of any age can find something of interest at the five-day event. Anyone under the age of 18 can participate in the 5th Annual Don Narveson Youth Clinic at South Hills Golf Course on Wednesday, July 16th. Kids receive hands-on instruction from several professionals playing in this year’s Open, including host pro Monte Meyer of South Hills and John Bermel of Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls. The program includes instruction at the driving range and on the putting green. The Youth Clinic offers a complimentary lunch, door prizes and a gift for all participants.
The Pro/Sponsor two-day event consisting of 70-80 teams begins on Thursday at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course at Byrnes Park. Each team is comprised of one professional and four sponsors. The winning teams are awarded gift certificates. Professionals can take home cash prizes.
The Waterloo Open also offers exciting opportunities for the amateur golfer with an Open Division and Senior Division. With a capacity of 272 competitors, the opening rounds once again will be held at Gates Park and South Hills Golf Courses on Friday and Saturday. Participants will play one day at each course, with the championship round Sunday at Irv Warren.
The event drawing the most crowds takes place Saturday morning. A total of 192 professional golfers from around the world will “tee it up” at Irv Warren, all aiming for the $35,000 first-place check. Sunday’s final round competition is at an all-time high.
The Waterloo Open hosts several special events. The Hospitality Tent provides an opportunity for participating professional golfers, amateurs and sponsors to receive a warm welcome and enjoy some complimentary food and beverages in a relaxed social atmosphere.
For a nominal entry fee, golfers playing the Open can flex their muscles and claim bragging rights for the year at the Long Drive Contest. The top three drives in each division earn the golfer prizes.
Finally, golfers can qualify for the opportunity of a lifetime and a chance at the Million Dollar Hole-In-One Event. One swing on the 18th hole at Irv Warren could net a lucky golfer $1,000,000.
Here are my Top-5 reasons why you should attend the Waterloo Open this year:
5) Food. Bring an appetite and enjoy feasting on a variety of delicious items and cold beverages.
4) Outdoors. After the winter and spring that we have experienced, Iowans should treasure the opportunity to spend a couple of days outside soaking up the sun.
3) Exercise. Burn off some calories walking each hole on the well-groomed public golf courses.
2) Local Entertainment. With gas prices close to $4.00 a gallon, treasure the fact that you don’t have to travel across the country to watch this premier sporting event.
1) Golf. Whether you are watching the amateur competition or the professional tournament, you are going to see some up-and-coming stars that might be playing on the PGA Tour in the near future.
Take advantage of this wonderful local sporting event and help us celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Waterloo Open July 16-20 at the Waterloo Public Golf courses. For more information contact the Waterloo Jaycees, or log onto the tournaments official website: www.waterloojaycees.org/open.
Eric Braley is host and producer of “Panther Sports
Talk,” a weekly UNI Sports TV show airing Sunday
nights on KWWL after the 10:00 news, Monday and
Wednesday nights on Cedar Falls Utilities Cable TV
and Thursday nights on Cedar Falls Community Television.
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