The 86 th Northern California Open will have the Largest Purse in the History of the Event

TUOLUMNE, CA (July 14, 2006)- The 86 th Northern California Open, brought to you by Black Oak Casino, will be held September 25 - 27 at Saddle Creek Resort, Copperopolis, California.

This prestigious three-day event will offer a $65,000 purse. This is the largest purse in the history of the event. "This prize represents more that an 80% increase over last year," said Nancy Maul, NCPGA Tournament Director. Maul credits sponsors like Black Oak Casino, Nike Golf and Sun Dog Eyewear, for making this award a reality. "It's really a testament to the quality of the field to see these wonderful changes taking place."

The Northern California Open Championship began in 1920 and has been under the combined direction of the Northern California PGA and Northern California Golf Association since 1962. It includes a Senior Open Championship to be played at Diablo Grande Resort ( Patterson , CA ) with the NCO Pro-Am and Northern California Open Championship to be conducted at the nationally-ranked Saddle Creek Resort in Copperopolis , CA .

Past tournament champions include such legendary golf pros as George Archer, Roger Maltbie, Peter Jacobsen and David Sutherland.

All professionals and amateurs with a 3.4 or less handicap index are invited to enter. Entries for both the Northern California Open and the NCO Pro-Am are available at www.ncpga.com on July 15 th .

-MORE-

For more information about Black Oak Casino, or to learn more about current gaming promotions, please visit www.blackoakcasino.com or call 1-877-747-8777. Black Oak Casino is located in Tuolumne, just 7 miles east of Sonora , off Highway 108.

For more information about the Northern California Open Championship and Pro-Am supporting charitable golf effort please visit www.ncpga.com .

###