Golf pros wind their way to Wine Country Championship


Pro Golfer lines up a perfect shot at the Wine Country Championship

Todd Fischer of Pleasanton is looking forward to playing at the 2008 Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship, April 3-6, when Northern California’s premier golf, food and wine event returns to The Course at Wente Vineyards. “It’s very nice to come home. Everyone loves to be in the Bay area,” says Fischer. “It’s a local event and we have a lot of supporters out here. So I really want to do well!” Other prominent Northern California golfers at the event will include Matt Bettencourt of Modesto, Jeff Brehaut of Los Altos and Spencer Levin of Elk Grove. Joining them will be Ricky Barnes of Stockton, who also played in last year’s event, finishing in a tie for 20th.

The third annual Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship (LVWCC) will, we’re told, attract an international field of 144 players for the sixth event of the 2008 Nationwide Tour season which began January 24. The Tour opened in Panama, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia before coming to the USA.

The Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship is one of two main fundraising activities by the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation. The Foundation which was established in 1994, has now donated more than $2.5 million to Bay Area children’s charities. While they raise funds for local charities that improve the lives of children, they also help increase awareness of Livermore Valley wine country. The Foundation’s two annual events are produced in conjunction with the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, together with the support of generous sponsors and countless volunteers.

Chris Conway, Tournament Director for the Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship tells us that the major beneficiary of the event this year will be the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center (LVPAC), as well as several other non-profit organizations and educational foundations. Len Alexander, Director of LVPAC says, "We're delighted that the Winegrowers Foundation has chosen the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center as one of the primary beneficiaries of the Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship at Wente. The generous support of the Foundation helps LVPAC to retire the construction debt on the new Bankhead Theater. Both LVPAC and the Wine Country Championship are about recognizing the unique arts, entertainment and sports opportunities available here in the Livermore Valley. We look forward to many years of working with the Championship and the Foundation."

a classic shot of the beautiful expansive golf terrain

The Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship will be the 6th event and the only Northern California stop for the Nationwide Tour which has been recognized as a virtual extension of the PGA Tour. Owned and operated by the PGA Tour, the Nationwide Tour will be in its 19th season in 2008, when players will compete for a record $18.95 million in prize money. The LVWCC features a total purse of $600,000, with $112,500 going to the winner. The Course at Wente Vineyards has been recognized as one of the most challenging courses of the Tour. According to information on PGATOUR.com, it had three of the toughest holes on the Nationwide Tour in 2007. To quote, “Because the top 10 toughest holes were all par-4s, only one eagle was made. It was made at the 487-yard ninth hole at the The Course at Wente Vineyards.” Opened in July 1998, the 18-hole Championship course was designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman. It offers a diversity of play that includes three distinct topographies including native woodlands, mature vineyard and rolling hills of natural grasslands.

The Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship is a fantastic opportunity for bay area golf enthusiasts to visit the lovely Livermore Valley wine country in early spring. And to watch some of the world’s top professionals play. It promises to be a tournament week filled with great golf action, excellent wine, gourmet food, music and special events. Visit the Diablo Magazine Food & Wine Pavilion and taste the wonderful vintages from some of Livermore Valley’s top wineries. Enjoy local gourmet foods as well. The selection of food and wine change each day. Don’t forget to check out the Viking Home Chef Demonstration Stage to learn and watch demonstrations on cooking, wine, cheese and more! And finally, make time to explore the AT&T Tech Pavilion, presented by Logitech and marvel at some of the latest gadgets on display here.

So mark your calendars now. April 3rd to April 6th for this not-to-be-missed event! The Tournament Pass is $20.00 and gets you into the event all four days, April 3-6, 2008! Daily Tickets are available at the gate only (price is per person):Thursday, April 3, 2008 - $5.00,Friday, April 4, 2008 - $5.00, Saturday, April 5, 2008 - $10.00, Sunday, April 6, 2008 - $10.00. 

Philippa Coelho
The Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship
Thursday, April 3, 2008 - Sunday, April 6, 2008 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM 

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