Andrade Plans to Test His Skills Again at Ojai
Defending champion Billy Andrade, winner on the PGA Tour last week in the Bell Canadian Open, has committed to play in the EMC Golf Skills Challenge on Nov. 9 at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa.
John Daly and Peter Jacobsen, regular participants in the $500,000 event, are also confirmed. The rest of the eight-player field will be announced during the next few weeks.
The Skills Challenge, a made-for-television event, tests the field in long drive, mid-iron shot, trouble shot, fairway bunker shot, pitch shot, putting, greenside bunker shot and short-iron shot.
Money is awarded based on placing in each event and also for final standings.
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The Chatsworth Golf Center, a full practice facility and pro shop, had its grand opening Wednesday.
With a 54-tee driving range, putting greens and chipping areas, it is believed to be the largest practice facility in the Valley-Ventura County region.
Lessons are available from the staff of teaching professionals, including head professional Garry Finneran.
Driving range hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cost of a medium bucket is $5.
Chatsworth Golf Center is located at 9760 Topanga Canyon Blvd., one block south of Lassen. Information: (818) 341-GOLF.
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Oliver Rheinfurth of Northridge shot three-under-par 69 on Monday at Brighton Crest Country Club in Fresno and qualified for the U.S. Mid Amateur Championship on Oct. 3-8 at NCR Country Club in Dayton, Ohio.
After nearly two years of planning and design, the Southern California PGA unveiled its innovative website, www.SCPGA.org, last week.
Highlighting the site is the online golf lesson feature in which visitors can download video tapes of the golf swing. Each lesson takes about one to two minutes to download, depending on modem speed, and can be viewed through Quicktime and Real Audio.
News and information is available and an e-mail address is posted so visitors may direct questions to PGA professionals.
A comprehensive listing of golf courses will be in place by the end of the month. That listing will provide phone numbers, addresses, directions and greens fees for courses, and help interested parties locate a PGA professional for lessons.
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The Easter Seals San Fernando and San Gabriel Valley services will host a golf tournament Oct. 3 at Rancho Duarte Golf Course in Duarte.
The $65 entry fee includes lunch and prizes. Proceeds benefit Easter Seals, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities.