Winner announced for TPC San Antonio hole design

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SAN ANTONIO -- Brian Fitzgerald's design for par-3 13th hole at the AT&T Canyons Course earns personal tour of course with architect Pete Dye during construction process

Brian Fitzgerald

Brian Fitzgerald of Hendersonville, N.C. has been named the winner of TPC San Antonio's unique "Design A Hole" contest. Beginning in July, amateur golf course architects were invited to submit hand-sketched, original designs of the 210-yard, par-3 13th hole on the AT&T Canyons Course at TPC San Antonio, which is being designed by the legendary Pete Dye. As the winner, Fitzgerald will receive a trip to TPC San Antonio to tour the course with Dye prior to the club's scheduled opening in March 2010 and be involved in the design of the 13th hole.

Fitzgerald's design was selected by a team of judges led by Dye, his wife Alice, and Steve Wenzloff, Vice President of PGA TOUR Design Services, Inc.

"After reviewing all of the entries, Brian Fitzgerald's stood out because of his attention to the natural contours of the land and the ecologically sensitive nature of the golf course," said Dye. "Alice and I were struck by Brian's respect for the Texas Hill Country characteristics and his ability to still design a challenging hole that was feasible to build in this type of terrain."

Brian Fitzgerald's description of No. 13

Using the natural contour of the land, the green will be a reverse "Redan" design, lower and more receptive on the left going to a higher more difficult pin back right but with more green space. The green is protected by a pot bunker front center and a classic row bunker behind. Running diagonally in front of the green is a dry river rock bed, an ecologically sensitive feature recognizing the aquifer issues of the San Antonio area. The result is a challenging test for the professional and a playable and visually exciting hole for the amateur.

Fitzgerald, an avid golfer with a 4 handicap at Champions Hills in Hendersonville, N.C., was thrilled to have his design selected. He names the 14th hole at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff, Ill., which was designed by Seth Raynor, as his favorite golf hole. Fitzgerald began playing golf with his six brothers in Johnny Revolta's junior golf program at Evanston Golf Club in Skokie, Ill., and enjoys watching players compete on the PGA TOUR.

"I am truly honored to have had my design considered, let alone selected as the winner," said Fitzgerald. "I have been a fan of Pete Dye's for many years, and to have the opportunity to meet him, let alone get a personal tour of the course and get his insight about design philosophy, is something I never would have dreamed of."

In 2007, construction crews broke ground on TPC San Antonio's AT&T Canyons Course as well as the adjacent AT&T Oaks Course, which is being designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman. TPC San Antonio is part of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa that is currently under construction.

When complete, TPC San Antonio will offer one of the most unique golf experiences in the state -- featuring two premier golf courses designed by two of the world's most innovative golf course architects, along with an array of outstanding amenities.

Champions Tour member Bruce Lietzke is collaborating with Dye on the design of the AT&T Canyons Course, a par-72, 7,406-yard layout featuring wide fairways, stately stands of oak and cedar trees and sweeping panoramic vistas. Numerous environmental elements distinct to the Texas Hill Country are also being incorporated into the course design, in an effort to minimize its impact on the environment.

"With the goal of crafting a course that fits harmoniously with its surroundings, we took full advantage of the dramatic vistas, indigenous flora and beautiful rolling terrain to create a memorable golf experience for members and resort guests," said Dye, who will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Fla., on Nov. 10.

PGA TOUR member Sergio Garcia lent his unique perspective in assisting Norman on the design of the par-72, 7,522-yard AT&T Oaks Course. Like Dye, Norman's design philosophy is underscored by environmental sensitivity and a deep reverence for nature. Great care was taken to incorporate the distinct nuances and indigenous flora of the natural Hill Country topography into the course design, to create a compelling, strategically diverse layout for golfers of all skill levels.

"The topographic subtleties of the rolling Texas Hill Country terrain, framed by magnificent stands of mature live oaks, create a pristine natural setting that is as playable as it is beautiful," Norman said.

TPC San Antonio will be accessible to private club members and guests of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. For membership information, please visit www.tpc.com/sanantonio.