Colorado golfers are gearing up to play in the annual invitational tournaments for men and women at Spring Valley Golf Club.
The Women's Invitational on July 18 and the Men's Invitational on July 25-26 draw golfers from across the state and even Wyoming, said Justin Cirbo, Spring Valley's head golf professional. Both events are two-person, best ball competitions.
Golfers said they are drawn to the tournaments each year because of the format, the fellow competitors and the prizes, as well as the golf course and its staff.
"Having a two-man team is a different strategy. It's just fun," said Phil Scott, a Parker resident who has played in the tournament for four years. "It's very well run. The staff takes really good care of you. They want everyone to have a good time.
"Playing versus an entire group of people, it's very competitive," he added. "You actually work for it and you practice."
Scott's partner in the tournament, Jeff Sweet of Aurora, said it has become a tradition for the two friends to play in the event.
"I play a lot of courses and a lot of tournaments, but we always pencil Spring Valley in for the end of July," Sweet said. "It's a fun competition. It's just a good weekend."
Castle Rock's Tom Roos, who has played with several different partners over the years, said he enjoys being able to invite a friend to play with him in the competition.
"It's just a fun tournament to play out there," Roos said.
Aurora's Mark Bless agreed.
"It's just a great tournament," Bess said. "It's nice to get out in the country, and we like the course and the staff."
The women golfers said they also enjoy the course, prizes on every hole and the food.
"It's a fun tournament. I love that course to begin with, and the two-person best ball is a great format," said Bunny Ambrose of Aurora. "Great course. Great people playing it. Great food. Not great golf, but who cares."
Libby Matherne of Sedalia said one big difference in the Spring Valley tournament is that prizes are offered on every hole. The competition, friendly competitors and food are an added bonus.
"I like the way they try to make lots and lots of people winners," she added. "The gals are really nice and welcoming, and the food's always really good."
The deadline to sign up for the women's event is July 14. The $85 per person entry fee includes greens fees and cart, range balls, prizes, continental breakfast and lunch, as well as a redeemable 18-hole green fee certificate.
The men's entry deadline is July 20. The entry fee of $350 per team includes greens fees, cart, buffet on Saturday after play, continental breakfast on Sunday, gifts at registration, huge prize purse, hole contests and door prizes. An added bonus this year is that the fee also includes a free practice round on the Friday before the actual tournament.
Golfers must have handicaps to compete in the tournaments, which are flighted to even the playing field. For more information or to register, call the pro shop at 303-646-4240.
Spring Valley is located east of Parker and north of Elizabeth at 42350 County Road 17-21.