The deadline is rapidly approaching for golfers who want to register to play in Spring Valley Golf Club's invitational tournaments for men and women.
The Men's Invitational on July 26-27 and the Women's Invitational on July 18 are the two largest tournaments held annually at Spring Valley, offering fantastic prizes and competition from golfers throughout the state, said Justin Cirbo, head professional.
"It's the most coveted event out there. It's the big one to win," said Zach Gardner, 19, who joined last year with partner, Aaron Bevans, 18, to beat four-time champions.
"It's a really fun tournament to play in because there's a lot of good competition," Bevans said.
Gardner, who has played golf for six years, and Bevans, who has played for five years, hope to become repeat champions this year. The two former Elizabeth High School golfers thrive on competition and have been serious competitors since they first entered the tournament in 2006, when they won second place.
Women golfers also are eager to play in their annual event.
"I just enjoy golfing so much that I like it a lot," said Denise Wise, who plays with her sister and fellow Elizabeth resident, Lynne Watts. "A lot of it is just meeting new people."
Watts, who coaches the Elizabeth High School girls' golf team, said she enjoys the event because she can play with her sister instead of competing against her.
She said about one-third of the field is made up of players who don't compete in the Spring Valley Women's League. The great prizes, such as $50 cash, $50 gift certificates and golf lessons, even attract women with very low handicaps from the Colorado Women's Golf Association, Watts said.
Cirbo said prizes certainly are one attraction to both events. The first place men's team in each of the three flights won $850 per team in pro shop credit last year, while the top gross team won $930, he said. For women, the top team in every flight won $160 in pro shop credit last year.
Players can also win cash in skins games and horse races, where teams can bet on the team they think will come in first, second or third.
July 20 is the deadline for men to register to compete in the 36-hole, 2-man best ball tournament. Women need to sign up by July 15 to play in their 18-hole, 2-women best ball tournament. Golfers must have handicaps to compete in the tournaments, which are flighted to even the playing field.
The cost of the men's two-day event is $350 per team, which includes greens fees, cart, range balls, prizes, a tournament gift and dinner following Saturday's round. The cost for the women's one-day event is $160 per team, which includes greens fees, cart, range balls, prizes and a luncheon.
Spring Valley is located east of Parker and north of Elizabeth at 42350 County Road 17-21. For more information, call the pro shop at 303-646-4240.