The Nationwide Tour heads east for the final three events of the year. This week is the Chattanooga Classic in Chattanooga. Next week is the Miccosukee Championship in Miami, Fla., and the Nationwide Tour Championship follows at Daniel Island in Charleston, S.C.
The Chattanooga Classic has been on the schedule since 2003, and Black Creek Club has routinely been one of the favorite stops on the Nationwide Tour because of the multiple scoring opportunities. In the six-year history of the event, the lowest winning score is 28 under, set by Kyle Reifers and Brandt Snedeker in 2006. The highest winning score is 17 under -- the lowest for most events.
Last year, Black Creek Club was the third easiest course on the 2008 schedule. No course saw more eagles (84), and only one course had more birdies (1,868) over four days.
Arjun Atwal, 2008 winner, managed to hit an astonishing 94 percent of the greens in regulation. He missed four greens over four days. Almost as impressive, Atwal finished sixth in putting, averaging 1.706 putts. He and Webb Simpson, a Monday qualifier, were tied at 24 under after 72 holes. Atwal defeated Simpson with a birdie on the first extra hole.
So the recipe for winning the Chattanooga Classic is the same as every other week -- hit every green in regulation and make the putt, however the difference is: It is feasible at Black Creek Club.
** The Nationwide Tour Chattanooga Classic is the PGA’s leading proving ground for the “Stars of Tomorrow”.
Previous iconic golf stars from the Chattanooga Classic include the 2009 USGA U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover and runner-up Ricky Barnes.
The first round begins Thursday and the tournament continues through the finals on Sunday.
Discounted tickets are available online before Thursday at www.chattanoogaclassic.org.
At the golf course, tickets are $6 daily and $15 weekly.
For further information, please call 423 756-2211 or visit www.chattanoogaclassic.org.
Public parking is available with shuttle service to the tournament.
Volunteer opportunities are still available.
(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net)