The 2004 Michleob ULTRA Golf Tour's National Championship came to a close after 72 holes of exciting competitive golf. nearly 400 golfers competed across three courses: Westin Mission Hills, Marriott's Shadow Ridge, and Landmark Golf Club.

Conditions were superb for Sunday’s final round for the top 100 qualifiers at Landmark Golf Club, arguably the most difficult layout of all the courses during the week.

Low gross total for the event, and Nicklaus Flight medallist honors went to Gerry Simoni of San Diego. Simoni carded at 72-hole total of 296 (77-77-68-74) Simoni’s 4-under 68 at Westin Mission Hills on Saturday was the low round for the week. In a close second was Mike Nance of Atlanta with a 302 (75-77-75-75), followed by Tony Brown of Columbus (74-78-74-78--304).

Palmer Flight champion was Sarasota’s Scott Austin (82-76-77-78—313). After a rough first round, Austin rallied the final three rounds, “I didn’t get off to a great start, but just kept grinding and managed to pull out the win.”

Second and third place went to R.J. Opliger from Kansas City (80-77-82-79—318) and Bruce Moscovciak (79-79-76-84—31), respectively

Jacksonville’s Dwayne Cribbs won the title for the Hogan Flight by shooting a four-round total of 322 (77-85-78-82). Cribbs was followed by Rick Ramsey of Cincinnati (84-83-77-81—325) and third round leader Jeffrey Luhn of Chicago (77-81-80-88—326).

Mark Lee of Kansas City (88-78-85-84—335) maintained his second round lead to capture the Sarazen Flight title by 5 strokes over Kirk Guthrie of Dallas (85-82-87-86—340). Third place honors went to Washington DC’s Charlie Waters (83-87-84-87—341).

The title of Jones Flight National Champion went to Kevin Bradley of Jacksonville with an event total of 348 (79-91-94-84). Charles Roberts of Jacksonville finished second (88-90-86-87—351) followed by Palm Springs local Rick Adams (78-89-101-89—357) and Chicago's Mark Giebelhausen (91-82-89-95—357).

Atlanta’s Scott Ford brought home the hardware by carding a four-round total of 359 (86-92-92-89). Ford bested Tampa’s Wayne Kuntz (95-84-92-90—361) by 2 strokes. Third place in the flight went to Todd Hornsby of Kansas City (91-83-98-97—369).

Two notable highlights of the National Championship event came during Friday and Sunday’s rounds at Landmark Golf Club. On Friday, Hogan Sr. player Tom Moore of Indianapolis, IN carded an ace on the signature 15th island green with an 8-iron from 139 yards. It was Moore’s first hole in one in his career, which includes 8 years on the Michelob ULTRA Golf Tour. On Sunday’s final round, Tony Brown of Columbus holed out from 203 yards with a 5 iron on Landmark’s par three 13th to score the second ace for the event.

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The 2004 Michleob ULTRA Golf Tour's National Championship will comprise the largest field in the Tour's history. An estimated 400 golfers will be competing over 4 days to see who, in each flight, is the NATIONAL CHAMPION.

Tour players will be gathering from all corners of the US to compete in 12 flights (6 standard and 6 senior) in a 72-hole, medal play event with a cut after the 54th hole. The National Champions of each flight will be crowned after their final round on Sunday at the prestigious Landmark Golf Club.

For more details on the National Championship tournament format click HERE. Or you can view a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

In addition to competitive golf, there will be various event-related parties and events throughout the entire Championship Week.

The host courses for this exciting event are sure to challenge the players with their layouts as well as provide ideal golfing conditions surrounded by stunning views of the California desertscape. Players within each respective flight will be battling it out for the title of 'National Champion' at both The Westin Mission Hills Player Course and Landmark Golf Club (North).

Just a short drive from downtown Palm Springs, The Westin Mission Hills Resort is located in a prime 360-acre setting in sunny Rancho Mirage, surrounded by charming landscaped courtyards and extensive waterways. This resort was named one of the top 75 golf resorts in the U.S. by Golf Digest magazine. Superb golf is available on two championship courses. The Gary Player signature course will be a co-host of the 2004 National Championship.

Landmark Golf Club, host of the final round of the 2004 National Championship, is one of the premier courses of the Palm Springs Desert Resorts area. Open to the public, the unique design sets the fairways amidst rolling dunes of wildflowers and foothills of natural desert terrain offering dramatic views of the valley below.

Players will be competing on the challenging North Course, former home to the PGA TOUR's Skins game from 1998 - 2002.

In the event of a larger than expected field or other issues, we will be utilizing Marriott's Shadow Ridge golf course in Palm Desert.

Tour Members can qualify to compete in the National Championship in a variety of ways. First and foremost, competitors must be 2004 members of the Michelob ULTRA Golf Tour. Other qualification options are as follows:

1) Win your local Tour's point race within your flight. 2) Win your local Tour's championship or season-ending event (see your local Tour Director for details). 3) Place 1st or 2nd in any regional 2-day major event.

If you have any questions on your status for qualification for the championship, contact your local Tour Director. For more information on qualification and registration go HERE.

Fairfield Inn in Palm Desert
Ph: 760 341 9100 - Rate: $78.00 + tax
Fairfield Inn in Palm Desert is centrally located to all Championship Week courses and within walking distance to Palm Desert Shopping District. Must mention your are with the MUGT for rate.

Rancho Las Palmas Marriott Resort and Spa
Ph: 760 568 2727 - Rate: $99.00 + tax
The Rancho Las Palmas is a Four Star resort and spa. Located within 10-20 minutes of all courses played. Terrific shopping and entertainment within minutes. Great MUGT rate for this Four Star resort.

Holiday Inn Express
Ph: 760 340 4303 - Rate: $79.00 + tax
Holiday Inn Express is located between 5 and 20 minutes of all courses for the National Championship. Must mention rate code MIC.

Car Rental
The Tour has organized a preferred rental rate for all Championship Week participants through Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Vist the MUGT deal page for more details (PIN is 'THE').

Golf Bag/Luggage Delivery
Why lug heavy or bulky items on a trip? Why wait in long airport check-in and security lines? Sports Express will have your skis, golf clubs, bikes, snowboards, gear bags, luggage or other items picked up at your home, office or other location and delivered to your destination. Sports Express is an official sponsor of the 2004 Championship Week.

The following practice round information is subject to change at any time, so please check back regularly for updates.

Landmark Golf Club (North) - (760) 775 2000
Rounds available from Sept 23rd up till the 1st Round. Play for $75 + tax weekends and $60 + tax weekdays.

Westin Mission Hills (Player) - (760) 328 3198
Available for practice from Sept 27th up till the 1st Round. Play for $45 + tax.

Marriott's Shadow Ridge golf course - (760) 674 2700
Available for practice from up till the 1st Round. Play for $57.

The are various options for those interested in participating in this year's Sir Elford Cup or National Championship. Packages are customizable and range from a Lead Sponsor over both events down to as minor as Closest to the Pin sponsorship. Contact at the National Office for more information on Championship Week sponsorship opportunities.