Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open

WICHITA, Kan.- Rich Morris, who was described as a player to watch at last year's Wichita Open, has received an invitation to play on a Sponsor's Exemption in the 2007 Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open. The PGA Nationwide Tour event will be played at Crestview Country Club August 2-5.  Kevin Durkin, of Indian Trail, NC, has received the other Sponsor's Exemption for the tournament.

Rich Morris, originally from El Dorado, KS, tied for 21st in last year's Wichita Open. Last week, he had a successful outcome at The Rex Hospital Open in Raleigh, NC where he tied for 9th place. He will be playing in the Rochester Area Charities Showdown in Minnesota this weekend. In his sixth year as a pro, Morris resides in Fayetteville, AR and is looking forward to returning to Wichita to play in front of his hometown crowd.

Kevin Durkin also played last year in the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open. In his eighth year as a pro, he has been a part of the PGA Nationwide Tour for five years and has led the Wichita Open on two separate occasions.

"My wife and I love the event and the golf course. We've created close friendships with the people there and being able to get (the exemption) is an honor," said Durkin concerning his approaching return to the tournament.

The South Central Section of the PGA is organizing the Qualifying Tournament to be played at Tallgrass Country Club on Monday, July 30th. This will fill about 14 player spots and is open to all professionals and any amateurs with a certified handicap index of 2.0 or less. Entry fee is $350. For more information call 918-357-3328.