In a matter of weeks, Cambrian Ridge will play host to some of the best golfers in Alabama when the 2009 Alabama Open comes to town.

“We’re going to have people from all over the state come and play in this tournament,” said Danny Foster, director of marketing at Cambrian Ridge.

“There will be guys from the Hooters Tour and some very good college golfers here,” said Brian Reynolds, director of golf.

There will be some changes made to Canyon and Loblolly before the tournament, such as the tee distances.

“We expect that the course will play about 7,000 yards long, and the average golfer plays at a distance of about 6,200,” Foster said. “We’re also going to have higher roughs and faster greens to make it different from normal.”

The tournament is limited to the first 144 entrants, and about 65 spots remain.

The total purse will be $35,000 to $40,000, and the top professional will take home $12,000.

After two days, there will be a cut to the lowest 60 scores and ties, and everyone making the cut will get a check or gift certificate.

Reynolds said he expects the tournament to have a positive impact on the city.

“You’ve got all these golfers coming in, and a lot of them are bringing family members, so that’s easily 120 to 130 hotel rooms per night,” Reynolds said. “It’ll be good for the city.”

“They’ve also got to have somewhere to eat,” Foster added.

Reynolds and Foster said they also expect to have a couple of local players in the tournament.

“I’m guessing that we’ll have four or five from around here,” Reynolds said.

Entry fees are $500 for the non-affiliated professional residing in the state of Alabama, $250 for Dixie Section PGA professionals in good standing, and $210 for amateurs residing in the state of Alabama.

The entry deadline is 5 p.m. on July 22, and more information can be found at www.dixie.pga.com or by calling Cambrian Ridge at 382-9787.