Wilmington Country Club to Host 2013 Palmer Cup
NORMAN, Okla. – Wilmington Country Club, known for its strong commitment to championship amateur golf, will play host to the 2013 Palmer Cup. The annual Ryder-cup style competition will be contested June 7-9. The Club’s South Course will have the honor being tested by the world’s best collegiate golfers from the United States and Europe in this three-day long tribute to one of golf’s greats and longtime friend of Wilmington Country Club, Arnold Palmer.
Located in scenic Wilmington, Del., the 111 year-old Wilmington Country Club currently sits on 335 acres of land acquired from Henry Francis duPont’s Winterthur property. Robert Trent Jones was charged with the initial design and construction of the Club’s South Course which opened for play in 1959 and has been frequently recognized as one of the nation’s great courses. Keeping with the Club’s long history of re-investment and to keep pace with the evolution of the game, the South Course underwent an extensive renovation in 2009, led by golf course architect Keith Foster.
The Club’s ties to amateur golf date back to 1965 when the Club hosted the United States Junior Amateur Championship. Subsequently, the Club has had the opportunity to host amateur championships on four additional occasions including the 1971 U.S. Amateur, the 1978 U.S. Boys and Girls Junior Amateur Championships and most recently the 2003 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship.
The Club is excited for the opportunity to welcome the best in the world of amateur golf while honoring Mr. Palmer’s lifelong dedication and support to the growth and tradition of the game.
“We’re very pleased to hold the Palmer Cup at Wilmington Country Club,” said Palmer Cup Chairman Jim Awtrey. “The South Course is an outstanding match play course and should provide a tough challenge. Wilmington is one of the finest clubs in America, has a long relationship with Arnold and continues the Palmer Cup tradition of playing at some of the world’s top venues.”
The United States leads the Palmer Cup series 8-7-1.