The West Virginia Amateur Championship features the top 100 amateur golfers from across the state. With The Greenbrier Classic scheduled for July 26 through Aug. 1, the Amateur, previously held in early August, moves to June.

“The Greenbrier has been a terrific partner with the WVGA. We know what a positive impact The Greenbrier Classic will have on The Greenbrier and the entire state,” said Ken Tackett, executive director of the WVGA. . By making the adjustment in dates, we are able to continue the great tradition of holding our West Virginia Amateur Championship there and we couldn’t be happier.

"I am sure the Amateur competitors will be excited to play The Old White just weeks before the Classic, knowing that the world’s greatest golfers will be following in their footsteps,” he said. “The Greenbrier’s commitment to golf, from their staff to the courses, is unmatched tee to green and I am confident the 2010 Amateur will be another exciting event.”

Competitors in the Amateur will face new challenges on the resort’s Old White Course. Six new tees, on holes 2, 11, 13, 15, 16 and 17, are being created to lengthen the course to over 7,000 yards. In addition, the fairways on 4, 9, 10 and 17 will be narrowed and new bunkers added to 11 and 17. Also, on holes 16 and 17, the bluegrass rough along the green will be converted to bent grass, creating a challenging collection area which will require a more skilled recovery. The practice tees and putting greens at the resort will also be enhanced. The new putting green will have L 93 bent grass, the same that is used on The Old White Course.

Robert Harris, director of sports and recreation for The Greenbrier added, “Since 1916, The Greenbrier’s courses have challenged our state’s best players and in 2010, they will be among the few to play the renovated Old White prior to The Greenbrier Classic. This could well be the most exciting Amateur in the 90-year history of the West Virginia Amateur, with the best players in the world testing the Old White course just four short weeks after this year's event.”

For additional information on the 2010 West Virginia Amateur Championship, please contact Ken Tackett, Executive Director, at 304.391.5000 (office), (304) 543-9842(Cell) or via e-mail at ktackett@wvga.org. Entry forms will be available in early 2010 at www.wvga.org.

77th West Virginia Open

West Virginia Open will return to the Kanawha Valley and Sleepy Hollow Golf Club July 14-16. Last time it was held at the 7,000 yard, par 72 Teays Valley club was in 2002 when Brad Westfall secured his fourth and fifth State Open titles. Wells Fargo will be the title sponsor for the tenth year in a row, supporting the State Open Championship.

Mid-Amateur Championship

The Mid-Amateur Championship will return to Pete Dye Golf Club in 2010, August 20-22. This match play Championship is for amateur golfers over the age of 25 and designed for the player who is out of college and working full-time. Michael Veres of Man looks to defend his title over a crowded field of contenders including Pat Carter and Tim Fisher.

Junior Championships

The Junior Amateur will be conducted at Guyan Golf and Country Club July 7-8. Brian Anania the 2009 Junior Player of the Year and defending Champion returns to defend his title at the prestigious Guyan Golf and Country Club in Huntington. The Junior Match Play will institute regional qualifying in 2010 at Big Bend Golf Club and Moundsville Country Club Saturday May 8, one-week before the Match Play Championship site. Evan Muscari of Pineville will defending his title over a star studded field of top-junior golfers at Parkersburg Country Club. The Top Flite Junior Tour (TFJT) heads into its 27 Season with 16 regular season events scheduled including 2 stops at the Greenbrier Resort. With the addition of the Greenbrier Classic (PGA Tour event) added to the golf schedule in late July, the TFJT Tour Championship moved from the Greenbrier back to Parkersburg Country Club. "We are excited to see the Tour Championship return to its birthplace of the tour, Parkersburg Country Club, as well see the Greenbrier Resort play host to two regular season stops," said Brad Ullman, director of Junior Golf. The purpose and mission of the TFJT is to provide an affordable tournament golf experience for juniors in West Virginia.

Senior Championships

The WV Senior Series continues in popularity and visits several new spots in 2010 including the Lakeview Resort and Riviera Golf Club in Lesage. Harold Payne, 2009 Senior Player of the Year lead the way with victories in 2009 and claiming 6 Little General Low Round of the Day honors. Greg Darby and the Little General Stores sponsored this low round award and will continue in 2010. The Senior Amateur will be conducted at Parkersburg Country Club in Vienna. This 5 day, stroke play and match play championship is a marathon of golf for the State’s seniors. The Senior Four-Ball returns to the Twisted Gun Golf Club in 2010, where Steve Fox and Harold Payne hope to defend their title.

Women’s Championships

The Women’s amateur will be conducted at the Pines Country Club in Morgantown and the Senior Amateur at Edgewood Country Club in Sissonville. New for the ladies in 2010 is the addition of a Club Team Championship in April at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke. Caroline Ramsey and Nicolle Flood-Sawczyszyn both return to defend their titles in 2010.

For the complete 2010 Schedule follow this link: http://www.wvga.org/Championships/Register/2010%20Schedule.pdf