Gulf Shores Open Brings Golfers and Awareness to the Alabama Gulf Coast

GULF SHORES, AL, August 28, 2010 (Press-News.org) The Gulf Shores Open, part of the Golf Channel Amateur Tour, was held on August 21st and 22nd at the Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club, a Gulf Shores Golf Association golf course. Drawing awareness and interest in the local golf and the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area in general, the Gulf Shores Open was added to the AM Tour in June and attracted golfers from around the nation.

One such golfer, Valentine Stype from Long Island, New York, canceled his participation in a Pennsylvania tournament to play in the Gulf Shores Open instead. "I said to my wife, you know we should really come on down...and spend some money here to help out the people because with the oil spill and so forth, they're hurting," Stype stated in an interview at the Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club.

In addition to playing in the tournament, Stype and his wife planned to turn their first visit to Gulf Shores into a week-long vacation. "The people have been just great and we're going to spend the week here and it's going to be really nice," Stype stated.

The sentiment was shared among many golfers. According to the Golf Channel's website, participating golfers reported positive experiences. As one golfer stated, "The experiences and memories from this tournament are worth much more than the contribution I brought to the coast." Another reported that "if we can help the Gulf Coast get on the right track by attending more of these events, count me in," and one referred to the tournament as "the best major of the year."

Tournament participants and Golf Channel staff paid accolades to the Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club as well, with participants making comments such as "Best staff and best facility played all year," and "These are the best greens, I have ever putted on." The Golf Channel's website also states that "The venue could not have been better and the hospitality was off the charts."

ABOUT THE GOLF CHANNEL AMATEUR TOUR
The AM Tour is a series of golf tournaments that take place at various golf courses across the country. The Tour is open to amateur players of all ages and abilities, and aims to provide a professional tournament experience for participating golfers.

ABOUT THE GULF SHORES GOLF ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1995, the Gulf Shores Golf Association is dedicated to promoting Alabama's Gulf Coast as a golf vacation destination that combines 9 signature golf courses with a broad array of lodging options including everything from resort-style & "national chain" hotels, to well appointed "on-site" golf condominiums, to luxury beach-front homes & condos.

The 9 signature golf courses, designed by greats such as Arnold Palmer and Jerry Pate, are all conveniently located within easy driving range of the accommodations. The association features customized stay & play golf packages.

For detailed information on the GSGA, the area's golf courses and the golf packages offered by local accommodations, call (888) 815-1902 or visit http://www.golfgulfshores.com.

Founded in 1995, the Gulf Shores Golf Association is dedicated to promoting Alabama's Gulf Coast as a golf vacation destination. For detailed information on the GSGA, the area's golf courses and the golf packages offered by local accommodations, call (888) 815-1902 or visit http://www.golfgulfshores.com.