Crossville: Golf championships highlight summer event calendar

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

CROSSVILLE - To say there are a lot of things going on in Crossville this summer would be an accurate statement, but it might be understated. Indeed, there are many events that are drawing people to Crossville, beginning with golf.

Three state golf championships highlight the city’s summer schedule, including the TPGA Senior Men’s Championship, the Tennessee Women’s Open and the Tennessee Team Golf Championship, held at Lake Tansi.

“We are known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee, due in part to the half million rounds played here annually,” said Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham III. “But we are also building quite a reputation by hosting Tennessee championships in three statewide tournaments.”

Senior Men’s Open

The first big tournament of the year is set for May 21-22 at Stonehenge Golf Club in Fairfield Glade, where 156 of the best senior golfers in the Volunteer State will gather for the TPGA Senior Men’s Championship. This is a great opportunity to see championship golf played at a high level.

Stonehenge Golf Club is built in such a way that you can bring your own lawn chair, sit on the hill overlooking the 18th green and watch every foursome finish. Stonehenge Grille and Pro Shop is just a few steps away, and between golf and good food, you can spend your time comfortably. There is even a new deck overlooking the 18th green where you can eat and watch golf at the same time.

Players must be over 50 years old. For more information, go online to www.golfhousetennessee.com and search for the 2012 tournament schedule.

Senior Olympics luncheon

The Upper Cumberland Senior Olympics recognition luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, at the Conference Center in Fairfield Glade. Crossville was the host city for the 2012 Senior Olympics, with events held in May. This luncheon recognizes athletes, sponsors and staff. For more information, call (931) 484-7416.

Tennessee Women’s Open

In July, it will be the ladies’ turn to hit the links, as Stonehenge will once again be the site for championship golf as the Tennessee Women’s Open comes to Crossville. The city of Crossville is the host and primary purse sponsor for both the men’s and women’s tournaments. Dates for this tournament are July 19-21.

“This is a much anticipated event for our community, and we look forward each year to host some of the best women golfers, from not only Tennessee, but some of the best in the country. It’s just one more reason why the city of Crossville is known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee,” Graham said. “We are proud to partner with the TGA, the Fairfield Glade golf staff, and the Glade community, all working together to make this event so special.”

This will be the fourth year for the tournament to be held at Stonehenge Golf Course in Fairfield Glade. It is the ninth straight year for the city of Crossville to host. Defending champ Kendall Martindale, a member of the Vanderbilt golf team, will be in the field to defend her title.

Golf vacation prize package

The city of Crossville and the Tennessee Golf Association has announced a special incentive to this year’s 2012 Golf Capital Tennessee Women’s Open Golf Tournament. Spectators attending final round action will be eligible to register for a vacation package drawing. This year’s event runs from Thursday, July 19-Saturday, July 21, and will be played at the award-winning Stonehenge Golf Club at Fairfield Glade.

The vacation package includes the following: a three-day/two-night stay at the Renaissance Resort in the World Golf Village (St. Augustine, Fla.); round of golf for two on the Slammer & Squire Golf Course; two tickets to the World Golf Hall of Fame and the IMAX Theater; and one half-hour lesson for two at the PGA Tour Golf Academy. You must be present to win.

Waterfest set for July 7

If your family enjoys the outdoors and being on and around the water, you are going to love this new event hosted by Meadow Park Lake.

The first Meadow Park Lake Waterfest & Family Fun Day will be held from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, July 7. Organizers are busy putting together the details. More information will be available later.

“There will be activities for every age,” Marlene Potter, Meadlow Park manager, said. “We are planning several different kinds of boat races utilizing canoes, small boats and kayaks. We are busy getting the boats now. The boat races will be team events, and we are hoping to pair up fathers and mothers with sons or daughters.”

Kid’s Fishing Derby

The lake is also the site for another event, one has been on the calendar for several years and is very popular with the kids. It is the Kid’s Fishing Derby held Saturday, June 9. It is an opportunity for children of all ages to get a feel for fishing and winning prizes for their catch. This is one of Crossville’s most popular summer events.

Fireworks show

Speaking of popular events, July 4 brings the city-sponsored July Fourth Fireworks Show, which begins around 9 p.m. (or just after dark). Attendance figures are in the 10,000 range for this spectacle.

“You can see it from all over town,” marketing director Billy Loggins said. “People have their favorite place to park their cars, many gathering with their friends at the same place. The local radio stations play patriotic music while the fireworks are going off. It is a very impressive display.”

Cumberland County’s award-winning county fair also dominates outdoor fun for 10 days in August and music events at the city-owned Palace Theatre are booked every weekend through next summer. Throw in the Cumberland County Playhouse and Crossville is the place to be this summer.