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The Southwest's Version of the Ryder Cup GolfArizona.com Staff Report  PHOENIX - Twelve representatives from Arizona and Utah will assemble at Wolf Creek Resort in Salt Lake City, Utah from September 26-28 to compete in the 9th annual Arizona/Utah ‘Shootout’. The Southwest’s version of the Ryder Cup, the ‘Shootout’, first held in 1991 at Hidden Valley Country Club in Utah, has been an evenly matched competition. Each team has won four times on its home soil. Arizona tied the series last year at Lake Powell National Golf Club with a convincing 48-24 win. Eight ‘At Large’ members, two seniors (55 and older) and two women make up each team. Of Arizona’s 12 team members, seven will play in the ‘Shootout’ for the first time. Geographically, the team is spread statewide. Three players hail from Tucson, eight from Maricopa County and one from Prescott. The format consists of four-ball, foursome and individual matches during the three-day competition. Utah’s victories have been won easily. In fact, the first contest, an 11-point margin of victory, was Utah’s closest win. Total team points after eight years are relatively close however, with Utah leading Arizona, 294.5 to 281.5. Arizona’s seniors hold a 55-41 edge over Utah, while Arizona’s women trail 63-33 to its northern neighbors. In the four-ball and foursome matches Utah has dominated, but Arizona leads 154-134 in singles play. Each match is worth three points with 72 points awarded throughout the competition. Arizona’s ‘At Large’ team members qualify automatically by winning the Arizona Mid-Amateur and the State Amateur. The next six men on the performance points standings after the Arizona Four-Ball Championship are also invited. The seniors are selected from the winner of the Arizona Senior Divisional Stroke Play Championship and the points standings, while the two women are chosen by committee invitation. All players, with the exception of the women, earn spots on the team. Related links: |
Estrella Mountain Ranch Golf Club