Published: July 17, 2008 08:31 pm         

Women's Open nears its tee time

Saturday-Wednesday, July 19-23, are big days for the Crossville and Cumberland County, as the Golf Capital of Tennessee Women's Open Championship makes its fifth straight appearance at Bear Trace Cumberland Mountain.

Activities begin Saturday at 1 p.m. with the annual pro-am to benefit Cumberland County Junior Golf, with the practice round slated for Sunday and the tournament set for Monday-Wednesday.

As of Thursday morning, 102 players, including former champions Sara Jacobs and Kathleen Robinson, are in the field for the tournament; however, defending champion Karen Davies is absent.

"As the general manager and PGA professional of the Bear Trace Cumberland Mountain golf course, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Golf Capital of Tennessee Women's State Open," said Kelvin Burgin.

"This year's tournament is a landmark event, as well be celebrating the 10th anniversary of this prestigious championship. The city of Crossville, Cumberland County, the state of Tennessee, the Tennessee Golf Association and Tennessee State Parks have worked diligently to bring you this spectacular event. We are all honored to host this championship and we welcome you to our area.

"During your stay, I feel you will agree that the golf course is in wonderful condition. The maintenance crew deserves a round of applause as they have worked through some difficult times to provide you with championship caliber playing conditions.

"So, as the pro-am and championship proper draw near, I offer you some hints and pointers in playing our Jack Nicklaus signature facility. Read carefully, and I wish you all the best of luck and I hope you enjoy your stay on the Cumberland Plateau."

Hole #1: The par 4 opening hole can be shortened by long hitters who successfully clear the fairway bunker on the right. The second shot should be hit a little long to avoid the bunkers guarding the front of the green.

Hole #2: Downhill par 4 has no fairway bunkers and should be an ideal landing area to set up the difficult second shot. The second shot plays one club longer than the yardage as it is all uphill. Avoid the pot bunkers short of the green as bogeys or worse await approach shots that land there.

Hole #3: This difficult and lengthy par 4 plays all uphill. The right side of the fairway sets up the best approach, which plays all uphill, but you must avoid the fairway bunker on the right to attack the hole location.

Hole #4: This short par 5 is the setting for great excitement. Eagles to others are often found lurking on this hole. Find your way to the green by avoiding all of the bunkers, but do not hit a shot over the green.

Hole #5: This is a mid-iron par 3 that's guarded by two very deep, pot bunkers on the left. The smart play is short and right.

Hole #6: This is a short par 4 guarded in front with a deep pot bunker. Hit a half club longer to avoid this hazard and set up a birdie opportunity.

Hole #7: This beautiful par 4 is the "signature hole." Hit your tee shot to the plateau, remember, too close of a second shot is bad here. The green is protected by layered flagstone, which forces a full carry second shot. Don't be short.

Hole #8: This majestic par 3 played as the easiest hole during the 2007 tournament. Avoid the deep ravine guarding the front of the green and this should set up a wonderful birdie chance.

Hole #9: This long demanding par 5 requires three accurate shots for any real birdie chance. Difficult to read green is the only real surprise on this hole.

Hole #10: This par 4 requires a tee shot down the left side to reach a level lie. Favor the left on the your approach shot.

Hole #11: (This) reachable par 5 plays downhill off the tee and you should favor the right side. Avoiding the greenside pot bunkers should offer an excellent birdie opportunity.

Hole #12: This is a true risk/reward par 4. A drive over the fairway bunker leaves a wedge (shot), but the smart play is hybrid or fairway metal to lay up short of the bunker and into the widest section of the fairway. Second shot should favor the left as all approach shots run right when they land.

Hole #13: This is the most difficult driving hole on the course. This par 4 requires an accurate tee shot and second shot. The green is guarded by a stream filled with native grasses and plenty of danger. Second shot should favor the right side.

Hole #14: This short par 3 requires a well struck iron shot. Short is the best place to miss, as trouble awaits left, right or long. The green is very tricky and difficult to read.

The green is really fast if putting towards the bunkers.

Hole #15: This par 5 offers the best chance at birdie on the back nine. The best angle to the green is from the left side. Do not hit approach shot long or left.

Hole #16: This long par 3 is very deceptive. Favor the left side or a little long. There is a backdrop long and left that can bounce errant shots closer to the putting surface.

Hole #17: Avoid the fairway bunkers at all cost. Approach shot is a full carry over a ravine. Do not be short. The green is the most difficult on the golf course. Accept a par and move on.

Hole #18: Long uphill demanding par 4 played as the toughest hole in the 2007 open. Scoring average for the field was 4.80. This is truly where the tournament will be won or lost. Avoid the pot bunkers guarding the green to set up you best chance to make par.