Winings set to defend title at Greater Cedar Rapids Open
Marion, Iowa // July 7, 2011
Former University of Kentucky star Andy Winings will return to Hunters Ridge Golf Course in Marion, Iowa, later this month to defend his 2010 Greater Cedar Rapids Open (GCRO) championship title. A native of Brownsburg, Ind., Winings won the 12th Annual GCRO, shooting a 12-under par 204 to hold off Greg O’Mahony of Tequesta, Fla., by one shot. Winings, who also won the Waterloo Open in 2009, posted a 1-under par 71 in the final round to earn the $20,000 first place prize.
O’Mahony, who played in the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic in March at Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., also will return to the three-day, 54-hole tournament, which is set to tee off on Friday, July 22, and conclude with the final round on Sunday, July 24. The field, which is still being set, will consist of about 108 professionals and senior professionals, and an elite group of amateurs. The tournament will have its usual local flavor with 2009 Champion Sean McCarty (Solon) returning and four-time amateur champion Nate Dunn (Hiawatha) also expected to compete. Additionally, local favorites Bill Hoefle (Marion) and Luke Slaymaker (Center Point), among several others, are expected in the field.
The GCRO, established in 1999, provides a showcase for aspiring professional golfers from around the world while also benefiting area non-profit organizations. Through 2010, the tournament has given back more than $100,000 to organizations throughout the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City Corridor.
According to Jim McPartland, tournament co-founder, the GCRO has helped open the door for several professional golfers, including 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson (2001 GCRO Champion) and 2010 Puerto Rico Open Champion Derek Lamely (2005, 2008 GCRO Champion). However, the event would not be possible without the hospitality and cooperation of the community.
“Like most not-for-profit organizations and events, we simply can’t operate without volunteers,” said McPartland. “We rely very heavily on people in the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City Corridor and surrounding areas to work more than 200 shifts during our tournament. It’s a great opportunity to see some outstanding golf, while also giving back to the community.”
For information about the tournament, visit www.gcropen.com or call Co-Founder Jim McPartland at 319-310-5745. If you would like to volunteer at this year’s tournament, call Gregg Klocke at 319-533-2256 or send an email to gklocke@aegonusa.com. Emails also can be sent to gcropen@gmail.com.