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6/12/2003

When you think professional golf tournaments, you think Pebble Beach or Augusta-both places with storied golf tradition and amazing beauty. When you think of professional golf, Toledo may not automatically come to mind. Yet, Toledo is home to one of the finest and legendary courses in professional golf 's history. This summer, Toledo's golf tradition will continue to grow as the U.S. Senior Open tees off at The Inverness Club June 23-29.

If Toledo can draw major tournaments such as the U.S. Senior Open and the PGA Championship, it must be a great community to live! But Inverness Club is only part of Toledo's golf story. Golfers, from professionals to beginners, will love the variety and history that golf in Toledo offers - whether teeing off at our private courses such as Inverness Club or one of the many other great public courses in the area. Courses in the area range in difficulty, length, features, and design. A sampling of the most well-known public courses include the following:

Perhaps one of the most beautiful golf course in the area is located at the Maumee Bay State Park. Maumee Bay Resort features a links style design, by internationally-known, Toledo-native Arthur Hills. The regional qualifying tournament for the U.S. Open is held on this challenging and beautifully manicured course. In addition to the outstanding golf course, the resort has all the amenities for a perfect weekend golf trip.

The historic and internationally recognized Ottawa Park, more than 100 years old, is believed to be the oldest municipally-owned golf course in the country. The par 5, fourth hole has been featured in various publications, including the USGA's official magazine, for its challenging and interesting design.

The Legacy, another Arthur Hills course, is located just north of the Ohio border in Ottawa Lake, MI. The 72-par, 18- hole course is a golfer's dream come true.

It is a links style design on Southern Michigan farmland, with winds that put an extra emphasis on a player's shot making abilities. The timber-framed clubhouse sits high above the course, with excellent views of almost every hole and a restaurant that serves food so good that it attracts a steady clientele of non-golfers.

If a golfer is seeking a members-only feel on a public course, South Toledo Golf Club is the answer. This course, established in 1925, was once part of a country club, but has since been opened to the public. Its layout and atmosphere still carry that private course feeling. For those who want to practice in the off-season, the club has a large golf dome, which houses a driving range and putting green.

One layout often not given the credit it deserves is the Detwiler Golf Course. It was Arthur Hills' second design, built in 1971. The par-71 course has four par-5's and on the back nine, three par-3's. The key to success on this course is understanding how to play the wind.

More people choose The Whiteford Valley Golf Course not only because it is beautifully manicured and has a wellstocked pro shop, but also because it features four 18-hole courses. This is just a small sampling of the public courses the area offers. Once you add the numerous private courses, Toledo becomes a golfer's sanctuary.

This is just one more element to the quality of life Toledo offers those who live, work and play here!