Greatest Golfer programs are under way

Staff report

Today officially launches the second year of Greatest Golfer and Greatest Golf Holes of the Valley presented by Farmers National Bank.

The golf programs began in 2010 and encountered great community interest — starting with the weekly golf holes feature then closing with the summer-ending tourney.

The programs have been expanded for 2011, and it all starts today.

The Greatest Golf Holes of the Valley looks to salute golf holes in the five-county area with a weekly print and online feature. Last year’s inaugural “18 Greatest Golf Holes” was selected by a Vindicator panel.

This year, golfers get to choose the 18 top holes by going to the Greatest link on vindy.com. We have collected more than 60 holes for you to examine.

Over the next four weeks, we will collect votes. You are invited to vote every week. Each Monday, we will select one registered voter for free entry into the Greatest Golfer of the Valley tourney.

The top golf holes will start appearing Tuesdays in The Vindicator starting May 3, which is also when we will open registration for the Greatest tourney.

Last year, 100 golfers participated — men and women, aged 18 and over — and six winners were crowned, led by Mike Porter of Tippecanoe Country Club.

With more than 160 golfers projected, the 2011 version is expanded to two more courses — Youngstown Country Club and Reserve Run Golf Course.

They will join Mill Creek Golf Course and Trumbull Country Club in hosting the opening rounds on Aug. 26-27. Finalists will converge on Aug. 28 on The Lake Club for the finals.

“The Lake Club is excited to host the final round of the Greatest Golfer of the Valley tournament for the second straight year,” PGA Head Professional Michael Ferranti said. “We’re eager for a great championship Sunday for both the players and spectators.”

In 2011, the Greatest also will launch a Greatest Junior Golfer of the Valley tournament. Qualifier tourneys will be held in June and July at area courses, including Tamer Win Golf and Country Club, Cortland, Tam O’Shanter of Pennsylvania, Hermitage, and Diamond Back Golf Course, Canfield.

Pre-registration is open now on vindy.com. Official registration opens May 3 when all details will be announced for the adult and junior events.