The Upper Valley is host to one of the most prestigious collegiate sporting events in the world. Every year, the Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic is hosted by the El Paso County Club and sponsored by the Sun Bowl Association.

Since 1974, this one-of-a-kind NCAA golf tournament has pitted truly great collegiate talent in the only head-to-head golf competition. Rather than playing along with thier teamates; this is the only professional-like tournament to see who is the "best of the best".

The list of players is always very impressive as is the caliber of the play. The alumni list is also a "Who's Who" of professional golf... who have gone on to earn roughly $1 Billion on the professional tour. They include the late Payne Stewart, Jerry Pate, Steve Elkington and John Daly. Add to this impressive list... past champions... Ricky Barnes (2000), Notah Begay (1994), David Duval (1991), Matt Kuchar (1999), Davis Love III (1984), Chris Nallen (2003), Jerry Pate (1974) and Tiger Woods (1995).

The tremendous growth in stature of this fine tournament has always been dependent upon sponsorship. And since 2002, Western Refining has stepped up to the plate and seen to it that the bar is raised each and every year.

In fact the scholarship money generated by this golf tournament has increased and now has surpassed the $600,000 mark for participating institutions. Each university is awarded a $1,000 scholarship if a golfer from that school competes in the tournament.

Adding to the "El Paso Can Too!" mentality; Western Refinery founder and CEO Paul Foster has been a strong force in maintaining the high standards of this event and as Foster states, "Each year it just gets better and better."

In fact, this tournament has put El Paso very much on the world golf map. With the huge success of the Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic, now completing it's 33rd year; it is still "the best of the best" according to Bob Stull, UTEP's Althetic Director. And only here can they go after the crown as individuals instead of as members of their team.

And you couldn't ask for a better spot to play a late November golf tournament than at the beautiful greens of the El Paso Country Club.

Last year, Chris Kirk from the Univeristy of Georgia won the tournament and is seen here accepting the trophy from Paul Foster, CEO of Western Refinery.

  (Photos: Brax - Valley Publishing Company)

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