For the week of June 2, 1999  thru June 8, 1999  

Elkhorn will host Idaho Open golf

Big tournament due July 28-30


Elkhorn Golf Course’s new clubhouse is scheduled to open around July 1, about three weeks before the Idaho Open golf tournament returns to Elkhorn’s championship golf course for the first time in 17 years.

"Holding the Idaho Open at Elkhorn is a good way to get some exposure," said head pro Mark Swift. "We want to show people we’re making strides and to show that Elkhorn remains one of the premier golf courses in the state of Idaho."

Dates for the 1999 Idaho Open are Wednesday through Friday, July 28-30. "We’re hoping we can have the tournament stay at Elkhorn for a couple of years," said Swift.

This year’s 54-hole Rocky Mountain PGA tournament features 120 pros and the top 24 amateurs who apply with handicap indexes of 5.0 or less. The field will be cut to the low 90 and ties after 36 holes.

Practice rounds are July 24-27, with registration taking place Monday, July 26. Entry deadline is July 14 (call 622-3309 or 208-939-6028).

After opening to the public in 1974, Elkhorn Golf Course hosted the Idaho Open seven of the next eight years.

Idaho Open winners at Elkhorn in 1975 and 1976 were Tom Storey of Las Vegas, Nev. and Dave Shipley of Ogden, Utah. Jerry Breaux of Eagle Hills (Boise) won the $11,000 tournament in 1978, and Jim Blair of Ogden took the title in 1979.

For one year, the Idaho Open changed to a 72-hole format in 1980. The winner was Tom Ducey of Jackson Hole, Wyo. It returned to its traditional 54-hole format in 1981, and Hillcrest’s Ron Ptacek prevailed.

In 1982, Mike Hamblin, 22, of Twin Falls, became the first amateur to win the Idaho Open in the seven years it was held at Elkhorn. His 54-hole total of 69-72-71 for 212 remains the Elkhorn tourney record.

In 1983 the tournament moved to Highland Municipal Golf Course in Pocatello and started rotating around the state. In 1998, it was staged at Jackpot (Nev.) Golf Club and Twin Falls Municipal Golf Course.

Elkhorn’s director of golf is David Hardison. Head pro is Swift. Ryan Zenor is assistant golf pro and Tommy Sanderson is Elkhorn’s teaching professional.

 

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