Oklahoma's Jimmie Austin Golf Course To Host 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links

Far Hills, N.J. - Jimmie Austin Golf Course, at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., has been selected by the United States Golf Association as the site of the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. The dates of the championship will be July 13-18.

Designed by Perry Maxwell , The Jimmie Austin Golf Course opened in 1951. A course renovation by Bob Cupp was completed in 1996. The Jimmie Austin Golf Course will be hosting its first USGA Championship.

Adjacent to the south end of the golf course is the Charlie Coe Golf Center (named after the two-time U.S. Amateur champion and six-time Walker Cupper), which features two chipping areas, as well as a 12,000-square-foot bent grass chipping area with seven bunkers. Bent grass and Bermuda grass putting greens are also included.

The Jimmie Austin Golf Course has served as host to the 1997 NCAA Regionals, the 1997 Oklahoma Amateur and the 1998 Big 12 Women's Championship.

"The University of Oklahoma is proud to be the first Oklahoma golf course and first University facility to host the U.S. Amateur Public Links in 2009," said Stan Ball , director of golf. " Perry Maxwell , our original designer, would be proud as well. Legendary OU alumnus Charlie Coe was very encouraging of this event prior to his passing. I am certain Mr. Coe would be pleased with our association with this prestigious event."

The U.S. Amateur Public Links, open to amateur golfers who are bona fide public course players and hold a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 8.4, is one of 13 national championships conducted by the USGA, 10 of which are solely for amateurs.

Prior to 2009, the U.S. Amateur Public Links will be played at Gold Mountain Golf Course in Bremerton, Wash., from July 10-15, 2006; and at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton, Ill., from July 9-14, 2007.