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Highlands Today

Ladies Take Their Swings At AM Title

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: November 22, 2007

AVON PARK — Next to the tee: the resurrection of the Highlands County Women's Amateur golf tournament.

The once popular annual event, which was last held in 1989 at SpringLake Golf Resort, is being brought back by Highlands Ridge North assistant director of golf Melissa Doorlag.

Doorlag, an outstanding golfer herself, played in the last event and thinks that the time is right for a return.

"The tournament was discontinued because of lack of participation, but there has been an increase in the number of women golfers in the county who play at a high level," Doorlag said. "There is a Highlands County men's amateur, and I think it's time for the women to have their own event."

The tournament will be held Dec. 8-9 at Highlands Ridge North and the event is open to any female golfers who are Highlands County residents.

The entry fee is $80 and includes 18 holes of golf each day, free range balls, yardage books, awards, lunch and more.

There is no age limit and handicaps are not required since the two-day tournament will be flighted after the first day of play.

"I think this tournament is long overdue because I've had several women ask me about hosting an event just for the women golfers in Highlands County," Doorlag said. "The quality of their play is excellent, and since there is no age limit, I hope a lot of the high school golfers sign up to play."

Highlands Ridge North is one of the most demanding courses in the area and it hosted the Highlands County Ryder Cup and the Highlands County Men's Amateur last month.

The women will play from the red tees, which measure 5,800 yards with a par of 72.

"The course is in great shape and will be set up fairly," Doorlag said. "We've got some entries, but we have room for anyone that wants to play.

"It's a tournament that we're looking forward to hosting, and we're hoping for a good turnout."

For more information, contact Doorlag or Highlands Ridge North professional Mike Lamere at 453-9991.

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