California

Rancho Cucamonga Hosts the 2011 State Farm Collegiate Open

The Empire Lakes Golf Course in Rancho Cucamonga hosted the 2011 State Farm Collegiate Open, a golf tournament affiliated with the Collegiate Players Tour (CPT) offered to players ages 17-24. Now in its 18th year, the CPT is designed to provide summer golf competition for college-age men and women in a convenient, affordable and fun way. This was the first time the Collegiate Players Tour (CPT) had come to California.

The event began with the Collegiate Am – golf foursomes consisting of State Farm agents, employees, sponsors, and members of local non-profits. This collaborative effort provided the golfers an experience similar to a Pro Am, an event rarely offered to college-level players.

Both golfers and State Farm Rancho Cucamonga employees were treated to an on-site bar-b-que lunch organized by Agent Melanie Smith-Rice. Baldwin Park State Farm Agent Bruce Jacobsen coordinated the opening Color Guard presentation and an Upland High School student sang the National Anthem.

On Day 2, the tournament continued with golfers playing two more rounds. There were some incredible shots with leaders’ scores hovering at or below par. Golfers then finished the tournament with a final round on Day 3. The “Top Seven” men and women golfers are invited to participate in the 2011 CPT National Championship which will be held August 8-11 at the Texas Star Golf Course in Euless, Texas.

State Farm’s 14-year national sponsorship of the CPT has netted over $1.8 million for charities nationwide, with this year’s tournament generating $30,000 for the local 2011 recipients, the Claremont West End Auxiliary Children's Fund and the Polio Fund of Rotary International.

“The event gets a big thumbs-up - I think it had to be the best tournament in CPT history,” CPT Executive Director Barry Rodenhaver shared.

“Looking back at of the preparation and hard work it took to get the event underway, I’m proud of what we accomplished!” State Farm Agency Field Executive George Fisher said. “From the professionalism of the college players to the gathering of people and volunteers behind the final 18th hole threesome – it was an amazing event.”

There are 11 CPT tournaments that lead to the August nationals. Watch how the 2011 College Players Tour progresses on the CPT home page.