U.S. putting championship coming to Carlsbad

CARLSBAD — A specialized golf tournament is coming to town and it is open now to interested participants.
The U.S. Putting Tour will hold its first national putting championship at The Crossings at Carlsbad in September, according to the tour’s founder and Carlsbad resident, Jim Hartley.
The championship is open to all golfers ages 13 and up. Golfers will compete for a first prize of $10,000, the title of America’s Best Putter and the championship trophy. Other cash and merchandise prizes will be awarded to top finishers.
“One of the most interesting aspects of the USPT Championship is that any golfer has a chance to win a putting tournament,” Hartley said. “A person doesn’t have to drive the ball 300 yards or hit spectacular iron shots to be a great putter.”
The USPT Championship will feature three rounds of putting, all of which will take place on The Crossings’ large, two-tiered practice putting green. Competitors will play 72 holes in each of the first two rounds while attempting to advance to the final round, to be played Sept. 30.
Hartley said he was inspired to create the putting championship by seeing so many average golfers who are outstanding putters. “I’ve always admired those golfers who could putt really well,” he said. “And I wanted to give them a chance to win a national golf championship without having to play in an age group, a handicap division, or a men-only or women-only tournament.”
Hartley encourages anyone interested in entering the championship to do so now, in order to ensure themselves a spot. Individuals can print out an entry form or enter online at USPuttingTour.com. The entry fee is $100. Golfers have the option of competing for the cash prizes or as amateurs.
Companies interested in sponsoring the USPT Championship can contact Hartley at [email protected]. Hartley said the championship will have an official charity, to be announced.