The 2005 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship will take place at Shaker Run Golf Club, pending the finalization of a contract between the United States Golf Association and the club.

        “We're very excited,” said Greater Cincinnati Golf Association communications director Scott Seward. “Any USGA event is an important event. It brings the attention of the golf world to wherever that event is being held.”

        The event will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the GCGA, which probably helped the Lebanon course land the tournament.

        “I think that was a very important part of our presentation,” Seward said. “We faced some heavyweight competition, some nationally known golf courses.”

        Among them was Pinehurst, North Carolina's storied course. Jim Cissell, sectional committeeman for the Publinx Championship, said 25 golf courses sought the event, the winner of which earns a berth in the Masters.

        USGA representatives visited Shaker Run, the top-ranked course in Ohio by Golf Week magazine, six weeks ago. They looked not only at the course but also at the club's meeting rooms and 300-seat banquet facility. The availability of hotel rooms also was a factor.

        “I think it had the facilities they wanted, plus the quality golf course,” said David Brooks, president of Vintage Golf Company, which manages Shaker Run.

        Cissell, Hamilton County clerk of courts and former member of Cincinnati City Council, said it could take four months to finalize the contract.

        This year, 156 players played in the Publinx, which wraps up in San Antonio today.

Check out our Tristate golf guide for a directory and features on local courses, coverage of the Men's and Women's Met, and other news.

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