Pete Dye won't host Amateur next year

(June 12) The 1999 West Virginia Amateur's site won't be known for some time, but the Pete Dye Golf Club will not become the permanent host.

James J. LaRosa, president of the golf club, said Thursday there are currently no plans to host the event next year and that the club was not interested in becoming the permanent site.

"There's been no discussion to have it here every year, nor will there be," LaRosa said. "We would welcome the opportunity to host it again in the future."

West Virginia Golf Association President Harold Payne said the group's executive committee will continue planning the 1999 championship calendar.

"We met for three hours Sunday and we'll be meeting in the future," Payne said. "It will probably be October before we have our championships in place."

Payne said the association appreciated the opportunity to host the Amateur at the Pete Dye Golf Club. The tournament concluded Thursday with Lesage's Pat Carter finishing eight strokes ahead of Chapmanville's Michael Veres to win a record-tying fourth straight Amateur.

"Just the chance for our golfers to experience the No. 2 rated modern course in America was a tremendous opportunity," Payne said. "It's been a great experience."

Danny Fisher, executive director of the association, said several other clubs have expressed an interest in hosting the Amateur, but he would not identify the courses.

"Right now we're exploring all of our options," Payne said.

Payne did say the association was interested in holding the West Virginia Open at the Pete Dye Club during the summer of 2000. The open is a three-day, 54-hole event featuring professionals and amateurs.

"We've talked to them about the 2000 Open," Payne said. "We'd love to have it here."

LaRosa said the association has discussed the Open with him, but that the club has not formalized a response.