Monthly Archives: April 2024
Wyatt Worthington II Holds Three-Stroke Lead Through Two Days at the 2024 PGA Professional Championship
FRISCO, Texas ー First-round leader Wyatt Worthington II picked up where he left off on Sunday.
The Las Vegas, Nevada, native birdied his opening hole, the par-5, 542-yard first at Fields Ranch East, then added three consecutive pars on holes 2-4 before second round play of the 2024 PGA Professional Championship at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco was suspended due to darkness on Monday.
The PGA Golf Manufacturer Sales Representative at Eastside Golf now leads the 2024 PGA Professional Championship by three shots with the majority of his second round still to be played.
“We were just trying to get as many holes in as possible because tomorrow is going to be a marathon,” said Worthington II. “You definitely have to stay patient and keep the momentum going.”
Worthington II will resume his second round on East’s par-4, 462-yard 5th hole at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday before playing his third round.
“This is a great course and I feel as though there is great competition, too,” said Worthington II. “We’ve still got quite a ways to go. At the end of the day I’m just going to keep my head down and keep plugging along.”
Ben Polland (Jackson Hole, Wyo.) and Jared Jones (Houston, Texas) are tied for second at 5-under while Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth (Fleming Island, Fla.), Zac Oakley (King of Prussia, Pa.) and Danny Balin (White Plains, N.Y.) are four shots back at 4-under. Hayes Farley (Ponte Vedra, Fla.) is also at 4-under, but will complete his second and third rounds on Tuesday.
Polland, the PGA Director of Golf at Shooting Star of Jackson Hole, recorded a 4-under-par 68 to conclude his first round on Monday at Fields Ranch West after rattling off three birdies over his final seven holes.
“It feels better to have a draw like this where you get to roll into the next round when there are delays and you’re playing multiple rounds in one day,” said Polland. “It felt really nice. I had good feels with the putter all day, just needed more to go in.”
The 33-year-old Polland recorded a 1-under-par 71 at Fields Ranch East highlighted by three birdies on the challenging par-5 1st, 3rd and 14th holes.
“I played the par fives very well,” said Polland. “I went for it a couple times. There really aren’t that many opportunities on the East course, but just good wedging left me some good 10-footers.”
Jones followed his opening-score of 3-under-par 69 on West with a solid 2-under-par 70 in the second round at Fields Ranch East.
The PGA Director of Instruction at River Oaks Country Club registered three birdies on the front nine, including back-to-back at the par-4, 341-yard 7th and par-3, 165-yard 8th.
“On eight I was just trying to get it a little past the hole,” said Jones. “I hit it to the bigger part of the green. I was just fortunate to make a long putt there from about 35 feet. I had a great read from my caddie and rolled it in.”
The 38-year-old Jones shot nearly even-par on the back-nine, his lone bogey coming at the par-4 11th.
Connelly-Eiswerth completed her first round Monday morning on West at 4-under-par 68, collecting seven birdies including four in a row on holes 15-18.
The PGA Teaching Professional at San Jose Country Club began her second round on Fields Ranch East’s 10th hole T-2 on the leaderboard. She countered a trio of bogeys with birdies at the par-5, 462-yard 18th; par-5, 496-yard 1st; and par-4, 266-yard 7th holes to shoot even-par 72.
“I came out well this morning so that was nice,” said Connelly-Eiswerth, the 2023 Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year. “A little bit of a slow start, I would say, in the second round. I hit it just fine, but it’s a little bit stressful, not quite as close. It’s definitely more demanding, but I felt good about it.”
Jason Carbone (Cleveland, Ohio) had a hole-in-one at the par-3, 148-yard 17th hole on the East Course. Tim Weinhart (Canton, Ga.) sank an ace with a seven-iron at the par-3, 184-yard 3rd hole on the West Course.
Tuesday’s third round of the 2024 PGA Professional Championship presented by Club Car, Corebridge Financial and Rolex will be broadcast live on Golf Channel from 4-7 pm (CT). Assuming no further delays, Round 3 starting times will be approximately 1:15 – 3:38 p.m. off the first and 10 tees on Fields Ranch East.
Due to the weather delay during round one, the Championship will institute a 36-hole cut to the low 70 scores and ties after the second round concludes on Tuesday instead of 90 scores and ties.
NORTHERN TEXAS PGA HOSTS FIRST PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
This year’s event marks the first edition of the PGA Professional Championship to be conducted with the Northern Texas PGA as the host PGA Section.
“Northern Texas PGA is thrilled to be the host Section for this year’s PGA Professional Championship,” said Northern Texas PGA Executive Director Kelly Gilley, PGA. “For many professionals competing, this week will be their first experience at PGA Frisco. We may be a bit biased, but we believe the combination of great golf courses and Texas hospitality are hard to beat.
“NTPGA enjoys being the neighbor of PGA of America, the PGA Coaching Center, Fields Ranch and Omni PGA Frisco. We would welcome any players and spectators down at the Jerry J. Ransom NTPGA Golf House, the #WhosNext Randy Smith & Dr. Bill Blair Growth of the Game Pavilion or The Ronny Golf Park during their stay.”
In addition to the 10 Northern Texas PGA Members competing, approximately 40 NTPGA Members are volunteering.
The PGA Professional Championship is taking place in the state of Texas for just the second time. The 2022 Championship was contested at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin.
Grand Canyon University and Miami (Ohio) University Crowned 2024 PGA National Collegiate Club Golf Association Spring Co-Champions
Grand Canyon’s Angelo LucianI and Providence’s Logan Jaeger Take Co-Medalist Honors
Championship Website | National Championship Leaderboard | Photos
THACKERVILLE, Okla. – A number of tornadoes with winds over 100 mph passed through the Texoma area Saturday night causing major damage to I35 and surrounding communities. Due to the damage from the tornadoes and for the safety of the players and WinStar staff, the final round of the 2024 National Collegiate Club Golf Association (NCCGA) Spring Championship was canceled and scores from the first round were recognized as final.
With two courses used for the championship – Redbud and Scissortail – two teams and two individuals were recognized as co-national champions. Grand Canyon and Miami (Ohio) are the team co-national champions, while Logan Jaeger of Providence and Angelo Luciani of Grand Canyon are individual co-national medalists.
“We want to thank the WinStar staff who worked tirelessly to put on a great event, but unfortunately, Mother Nature did not cooperate, and we had to cancel today’s final round,” said Branden Thompson, PGA, PGA Lead for the NCCGA. “On the bright side, it gave us the opportunity to crown two champions from both the team and individual competitions.”
Grand Canyon, coached by club president Ryan Woodworth, scored an even par (360) on the Redbud course and led the field by seven strokes.
“The tournament was great. We just had some unfortunate circumstances that came up,” said Woodworth. “We had an idea this may happen with the weather forecast, so one of our goals yesterday was to play well and have the lead at the end of round one in case it did come up. It is unfortunate, but it is out of everyone’s control.”
Miami (Ohio), led by player/club president Kenny Knicker, shot a +14, leading teams who played on the Scissortail course by two strokes. It’s a bit of a full circle moment for Knicker who made the club team as a freshman and now five years later as the club president, led his squad to a spring national co-championship.
“Being the co-champion with Grand Canyon is awesome,” Knicker said. “We shot really well yesterday on Scissortail in really rough conditions with the wind, but we got it together and pulled through. We have a great team.”
Logan Jaeger of Providence, shot a 4-under (68) on Scissortail. Providence is led by PGA Member John Simmons and club president Kevin Legnard. Angelo Luciani of Grand Canyon shot a 4-under (68) on Redbud. Jaeger and Luciani shared medalist honors.
“Congratulations to Angelo, he played phenomenal yesterday and I’m really happy that I can share the co-championship with him,” said Jaeger, a junior. “Of course, it’s disappointing not being able to play today, but with the weather and the parts of the course under water after last night’s tornadoes – for safety and all, it makes sense. Hopefully everyone will get home safely.”
Jaeger and Luciani each were presented a red jacket, plaque and champions’ hat to commemorate their victories. The winning teams each got a plaque, and the members all received a champions’ hat. The nine-player all-tournament team, including Sophie Holland of North Carolina State, was recognized with a pin flag. Holland was one of four women competing in the Championship and was one of 11 players who shot under par on the two courses with a -1 (71). The entire all-tournament team is listed below.
“I would have liked to go out there and ‘prove it’ rather than just competing for one day, but I felt like I played the best golf I could,” Luciani said. “I came out and gave it my all. I have a lot of support and encouragement from family and friends, and that’s what means the most. At the end of the day, it’s a win, but I do hope to get a few more of these red jackets.”
Grand Canyon – 2024 NCCGA Spring Team Co-Champion – E (360) (Redbud Course)
Coach and Club President: Ryan Woodworth
Assistant Coach: Mike Mueller
Angelo Luciani
Dillyn Schmidke
Lucas Hughes
Mark McCabe
Aaron Moore
Brandon Winters
Kaden Boyter
Caden Martinsen
Miami (Ohio) – 2024 NCCGA Spring Team Co-Champion – +14 (374) (Scissortail Course)
Club President: Kenny Knicker (player)
Eli Yofan
Eric Schall
Connor Warns
Kyle Gruley
Luke Johnson
Kenny Knicker
Mac Milenius
Dom Sortor
2024 NCCGA Spring Individual Co-Champions
Logan Jaeger, Providence, -4 (68) (Scissortail course)
Angelo Luciani, Grand Canyon, -4 (68) (Redbud course)
2024 NCCGA Spring All-Tournament Team (listed alphabetically by school)
Top Four Scores from both Redbud and Scissortail Rounds
Carson Cusick, Arkansas, – E (72) Scissortail
Robert Peacock, Arkansas, -1 (71) Scissortail
Lucas Hughes, Grand Canyon, -2 (70) Redbud
Angelo Luciani, Grand Canyon, -4 (68) Redbud
Dillyn Schmidke, Grand Canyon, -2 (68) Redbud
Sophie Holland, North Carolina State, -1 (71) Scissortail
Logan Jaeger, Providence, -4 (68) Scissortail
Ethan Mangum, William & Mary, E (72) Scissortail
Cade Barone, Texas A&M, -2 (79) Redbud
2024 PGA Buying Summit set for July 29-31, at Omni PGA Frisco Resort and the Home of the PGA of America
Three days filled with product sourcing, brand meetings and education sessions; nights offer fun golf experiential and industry networking events across PGA Frisco campus.
FRISCO, Texas — The 2024 PGA Buying Summit will return to the Omni PGA Frisco Resort (Texas) and the Home of the PGA of America, July 29-31. More than 150 curated golf brands will showcase Spring 2025 apparel collections, accessories and golf products to influential buyers and PGA of America Golf Professionals during three packed event days, which feature open ballroom exhibits, ONE2ONE buying appointments, extensive educational programming, and nighttime golf experiential and networking events across the spectacular PGA Frisco campus.
Following last year’s highly successful event launch at the Home of the PGA of America, the 2024 Summit will have use of additional campus facilities, including equipment and technology education sessions in the newly opened PGA of America Coaching Center Powered by T-Mobile and the event’s Welcome Reception and Live Fashion Show at the resort’s Panther Creek Pavilion. A new golf retail education track also has been added to the PGA Education Conference and nightly networking and experiential golf events will cap busy days of business, including the event’s new Summer Jam, a nighttime concert and golf festival experience across golf, dining and retail destinations of the Monument Realty PGA District.
More than 150 top and emerging golf brands are participating in exhibit ballrooms and include companies such as 7Diamonds, A.PUTNAM, Ashworth, Ben Sherman/Stella Parker, Bobby Jones/Sunice, Clayton & Crume, Dunning Golf, Faherty Brand, Featherie, Fury Athletix, GN Collection, Hari Mari, Holderness & Bourne, Johnnie-O, Levelwear, Mizzen & Main, PAC Golf, Original Penguin, Rhone, TUMI, Turtleson, Vineyard Vines and many more. The Summit Exhibitor Directory is updated regularly at PGABuyingSummit.com.
“Following the tremendous success of the event launch at PGA Frisco last year, we are excited to return and introduce additional programs across new facilities at PGA Frisco” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President Marc Simon. “The timely, focused environment of the PGA Buying Summit, combined with the fun experiential nighttime events, provides all attendees with a unique mid-season opportunity to stay on top of retail trends, gain business insights, deepen professional connections and share in the passion for the game at a beautiful destination.”
Open exclusively to golf buyers, PGA of America Golf Professionals and golf industry executives, PGA Buying Summit registration and housing will open in early May 2024. Learn more and share your email address for registration/hotel opening notifications at PGABuyingSummit.com.
PGA of America and CBS Sports Present “We Love to Play this Game”
CBS Special to feature PGA of America Golf Professionals’ ability to play at high level amidst career in golf industry
FRISCO, Texas — In partnership with the PGA of America and CBS Sports, the CBS Television Network will air the half-hour special “We Love to Play this Game” on Saturday, April 27th at 2:30 p.m. ET.
The PGA of America consists of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who dedicate their careers to coaching, managing and growing the game of golf—all while playing it at a high level. Each year, Members of the Association take advantage of numerous opportunities to qualify for PGA of America major championships and compete with the world’s best in the men’s and women’s game.
Narrated by Amanda Balionis, the special presentation highlights the unique stories of six PGA of America Golf Professionals and their respective journeys to compete in the PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship or KPMG Women’s PGA Championship as part of the Corebridge Financial Team.
“The PGA of America is excited to share the stories of six incredible PGA of America Golf Professionals who shine a positive light on our entire Association,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “The special will expound on their impressive accomplishments such as Michael Block, PGA, finishing in the top-15 at the PGA Championship, Kim Paez, PGA, becoming the first female professional to win the Southwest PGA Section Championship and much more. Thanks to the platform CBS provides, their efforts on and off the course will be displayed front and center. We’re grateful for our partnership with CBS Sports, who will broadcast a 34th consecutive PGA Championship next month.”
PGA of America Golf Professionals Featured in “We Love to Play this Game” include:
- Michael Block, PGA, Head Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California, experienced a storybook 2023 that included a T-15 finish at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in May. His performance captivated the sports world and was highlighted by a final-round hole-in-one on the par-3, 151-yard 15th hole. His performance earned him a spot in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla next month.
- Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth, PGA/LPGA, Teaching Professional at San Jose Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida, won the 2023 Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Award. She became the first woman to win a PGA Tournament Series event in its 46-year history and in her four years as a PGA of America Coach she’s become a shining example of competing at a high level. She now prepares to compete in her fifth-straight KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in June.
- Jerry Haas, PGA, Men’s Golf Coach at Wake Forest University, was an All American at Wake Forest, and in 1985 finished 31st in the Masters as an Amateur. With initial plans to follow in the footsteps of his uncle and Masters champion Bob Goalby, and his older brother Jay, a 9-time winner on the PGA Tour and two-time KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion, Jerry’s golf journey instead led to coaching at his alma mater, where he’s become one of the most successful college golf coaches in the country.
- Kim Paez, PGA, Player Development Director for Ping and Teaching Professional at Cave Creek Golf Club’s Reid West Golf Academies in Phoenix, Arizona, became the first woman to win the Southwest PGA Section Championship, earning an exemption into the 2024 PGA Professional Championship. Thanks to a 4th-place finish in the 2024 PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship, she secured the last remaining spot on the Corebridge Financial Team and will showcase her talent at Sahalee Country Club in June to compete in her first Major at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
- Braden Shattuck, PGA, Director of Instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, was on track for a career as a Touring professional when a car accident sidelined his plans with injuries. Now a PGA of America Golf Professional, he’s considered one of the best young teachers in the Philadelphia PGA Section, and his love for competing lives on. He won the 2023 PGA Professional Championship and earned his way into the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. As PGA Professional Champion, Shattuck earned six PGA Tour starts for the 2024 season.
- Bob Sowards, PGA, Director of Instruction at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio, is one of the most decorated players among the ranks of PGA of America Golf Professionals. He has won nine national PGA of America Awards, including four PGA Professional Player of the Year (2003-05, ‘14) and five Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year (2018, ‘19, ’21-‘23) recognitions. His play continues to shine as a frequent member of the Corebridge Financial Team at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
Additionally, the special will re-air five times between April 30 and May 11 on CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) in primetime on the following days (all ET): April 30 at 6:30 p.m., May 2 at 8:00 p.m., May 3 at 6:30 p.m. and May 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Midnight Golf Program Selected for PGA of America Places To Play Donation
PGA of America REACH Foundation to donate $250,000 to renovate new home of Midnight Golf in Detroit
FRISCO, Texas and DETROIT – The PGA of America announced today that the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the charitable foundation of the Association, will donate $250,000 to Detroit’s Midnight Golf Program through the Community-Based Grant initiative of PGA Places To Play.
The charitable donation will aid in the renovation of a 30,000-square-foot building, developing a golf instruction area within the soon-to-be home of the Midnight Golf Program in midtown Detroit. This new facility will provide a permanent location for the program, which has previously been located in various venues throughout Detroit. Construction of the building is estimated to be completed October 1, 2024.
Midnight Golf, founded by Reneé Fluker in 2001, is a 30-week program that helps 250 high school seniors a year make the transition from high school to, and through, college. The program focuses on life-skills training, proactive coaching, long-term mentoring and the discipline of golf in order to succeed in college, their careers and beyond.
Since 2001, nearly 4,000 Midnight Golf Program participants have been admitted to more than 140 colleges and universities across the United States. Participants boast a 70% college graduation rate, four times that of Detroit students without support.
“The impact Reneé and her team have had on the lives of young adults in Detroit is hugely inspiring. We are heartened by the fact that she has chosen golf as the vehicle to teach lifelong lessons and light the pathway towards bright futures,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “We are incredibly proud to play a small part in the future success of Midnight Golf as the program encompasses all of the best aspects that we love about this game.
“I am incredibly grateful to the PGA of America REACH Foundation for their generous support of the Midnight Golf Program,” said Reneé Fluker, Midnight Golf Program Founder and President. “This contribution marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide transformative opportunities for young people throughout Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan. With this investment, we are poised to create a lasting impact in our community, empowering our participants to reach their fullest potential.”
The Michigan PGA Section, one of the Association’s 41 Sections, has been involved with Midnight Golf since its inception. In addition to providing financial support, a group of PGA of America Golf Professionals from the Section teach the golf instruction portion of the program every week.
“The Michigan PGA is very proud of our long-standing involvement with the Midnight Golf Program,” said Michigan Section PGA Executive Director Kevin Helm. “Everyone involved in the program from Reneé Fluker, to the mentors, board of directors, PGA of America Coaches, and staff has an incredible passion for helping young men and women in the city of Detroit. It has been rewarding to see the program grow to where it is today without sacrificing at all the quality of the program and the incredible results. The program is truly a life-changing experience for each participant. Thank you to the PGA of America REACH Foundation for this incredible gift that will help create a permanent home where the program will continue its great work for many years to come.”
In its mission to impact lives through the game of golf, the PGA of America REACH Foundation is committed to ensuring golf becomes more accessible. PGA Places To Play creates new opportunities to support facilities and sustain affordable access to the game for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
PGA Places To Play is supported by a $14 million endowment fund of charitable contributions to the Foundation’s DRIVE IT FURTHER Capital Campaign, annually providing three grants of $250,000 per facility.
Three facility categories are available for consideration:
- PGA of America Spectator Championship legacy Project Model: A facility within the market of a PGA of America spectator championship such as the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and a domestic Ryder Cup.
- Community-Based Innovation Model: Innovative facilities and concepts that open doors to underserved communities in the game through elements aligned with PGA of America REACH Foundation’s charitable mission.
- 9 or 18+ Hole Failing Public Facility: Facilities that are operated by a local charitable organization or a municipality in danger of being replaced by a “better alternative use.”
Midnight Golf is the sixth recipient awarded through the Places To Play program. Previous facilities are Genesee Valley Golf Course in Monroe County, New York; Inspiration Golf Range in Springfield Township, New Jersey; Clearview Legacy Foundation in East Canton, Ohio; Page Belcher & Mohawk Golf Courses in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and City Swing Golf Truck in Washington D.C.
Places To Play is one of four pillars within the PGA of America REACH Foundation, joining PGA Jr. League, PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and PGA WORKS.
USGA Accepts More Than 10,000 Entries for Third Time in U.S. Open History
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. – Defending champion Wyndham Clark, and all the Official World Golf Ranking® top 50, are among the 10,052 entries that have been accepted by the United States Golf Association (USGA) for the 124th U.S. Open Championship at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C. The U.S. Open will be held at the venue for the fourth time from June 13-16.
This is the third time in championship history that the number of entries has exceeded 10,000. The record was established last year when 10,187 entries were accepted for the championship at The Los Angeles (Calif.) Country Club. In 2014, 10,127 entered to play in the 2014 U.S Open at Pinehurst No. 2. This year, entries were accepted from golfers in all 50 states, including 381 from host state North Carolina, as well as Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and 70 foreign countries.
“The U.S. Open’s two-stage qualifying process is unique among major championships in that it provides thousands of professional and amateur golfers worldwide an opportunity to earn a place in the 156-player field,” said USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer. “The USGA is excited to once again showcase Pinehurst Resort and Country Club’s Course No. 2 while welcoming fans to what has become the home of American golf.”
Clark, of Denver, Colo., posted a one-stroke victory over 2011 champion Rory McIlroy on the North Course at The Los Angeles Country Club. His 72-hole total of 10-under-par 270 made him the fifth consecutive champion to make the U.S. Open his first major title. Clark, now ranked No. 4 in the Official World Golf Ranking®, leads a total of 52 players who are currently exempt from qualifying (see list below).
Besides Clark, 10 other U.S. Open champions are fully exempt: Bryson DeChambeau (2020), Matt Fitzpatrick (2022), Lucas Glover (2009), Dustin Johnson (2016), Martin Kaymer (2014), Brooks Koepka (2017, 2018), Rory McIlroy (2011), Jon Rahm (2021), Jordan Spieth (2015) and Gary Woodland (2019).
Scottie Scheffler, who is No. 1 in the OWGR® and has already this year claimed his second Masters Tournament, The Players Championship and the Arnold Palmer Invitational, is among the OWGR’s top 50 who all filed entries. Scheffler, the co-runner-up in 2022 at The Country Club, in Brookline, Mass., will compete in his seventh U.S. Open.
Local qualifying, conducted over 18 holes at 109 sites in 44 U.S. states and Canada, will take place between April 22-May 20. Those players who advance will join a group of locally exempt players in final qualifying, which will be conducted over 36 holes at 10 U.S. and three international sites. The final stage will be held in England, Japan and Texas on May 20, and 10 are scheduled for Monday, June 3: two in Ohio and one each in California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon and Canada.
To be eligible, a player must have a Handicap Index® not exceeding 0.4, or be a professional. Brett Seward, a 25-year-old professional from Orlando, Fla., submitted his entry one minute and 47 seconds before the deadline of 5 p.m. EDT on April 10. Preston Mohon, a 16-year-old amateur from Southlake, Texas, was the first entrant on Feb. 21.
The championship’s youngest entrant is 12-year-old Beck Patrick, an amateur from Houston, Texas. Keith Crimp, a 74-year-old amateur from Ellensburg, Wash., is the oldest.
The number of fully exempt players will increase with the inclusion of the top 60 points leaders and ties from the OWGR®, as of May 20 and June 10. The winner of the PGA Championship (May 16-19) and any multiple winners of PGA Tour events that award a full-point allocation for the season-ending Tour Championship will also earn exemptions. Also, the top five players in the 2024 FedExCup Standings as of May 20 who are not otherwise exempt, will secure a place in the field.
Additionally, U.S. Open exemptions will be awarded to the top two players from the 2023 Race to Dubai Final Points List, who are not otherwise exempt, as of May 20, and the top player from the 2024 Race to Dubai Rankings, who is not otherwise exempt, as of May 20. The winner of the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship (must be an amateur) will also earn a spot in the field.
The U.S. Open was previously hosted by Pinehurst No. 2 in 1999 (won by Payne Stewart), 2005 (won by Michael Campbell) and 2014 (won by Kaymer). As an anchor site, Pinehurst will also host the U.S. Open in 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047.
More information about the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, including local and final qualifying schedules, is available at usopen.com.
The list of the 52 golfers who are fully exempt into the 2024 U.S. Open (as of April 18):
| Keegan Bradley | a-Stewart Hagestad | Rory McIlroy |
| Sam Burns | Brian Harman | Phil Mickelson |
| Patrick Cantlay | Tyrrell Hatton | Taylor Moore |
| Wyndham Clark | Russell Henley | Collin Morikawa |
| Corey Conners | Max Homa | Jon Rahm |
| Jason Day | Viktor Hovland | a-Gordon Sargent |
| a-Santiago De la Fuente | Sungjae Im | Xander Schauffele |
| Bryson DeChambeau | Dustin Johnson | Scottie Scheffler |
| Nick Dunlap | Martin Kaymer | Adam Schenk |
| Austin Eckroat | a-Bryan Kim | a-Neal Shipley |
| Harris English | Si Woo Kim | Cameron Smith |
| Tony Finau | (Joohyung) Tom Kim | Jordan Spieth |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | Brooks Koepka | Sepp Straka |
| Tommy Fleetwood | Ben Kohles | Nick Taylor |
| Ryan Fox | a-Christo Lamprecht | Justin Thomas |
| Rickie Fowler | Min Woo Lee | Gary Woodland |
| Lucas Glover | Shane Lowry | |
| Emiliano Grillo | Hideki Matsuyama |
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort to host 2031 PGA Championship
2029 Junior PGA Championships to be held at The Ocean Course and Turtle Point
FRISCO, Texas & KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – The PGA of America announced today that The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, will host the 2031 PGA Championship. Additionally, the 2029 Girls and Boys Junior PGA Championships will be contested at The Ocean Course and Turtle Point Golf Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
The 113th PGA Championship, scheduled for May 2031, marks the third time the strongest field in golf will compete for the Wanamaker Trophy along South Carolina’s coast.
The Ocean Course previously hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships and will join elite company as just the ninth course to host three or more PGA Championships. The PGA of America also conducted the 1991 Ryder Cup, 2005 PGA Professional Championship and the 2007 Senior PGA Championship there.
“We are ecstatic to bring the Junior PGA Championships and PGA Championship to The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in 2029 and 2031,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing. “Past PGA Championships at Kiawah Island have provided no shortage of memorable moments and historic performances, all taking place along a breathtaking coastal setting. The Ocean Course’s challenging layout and rich history make it an ideal destination for our Championships.”
At the 2021 PGA Championship, 50-year-old Phil Mickelson became the oldest men’s major champion in golf history. He registered a final-round 1-over-par 73 to finish at 6-under-par and clinch the two-shot victory.
The 2012 PGA Championship saw a 23-year-old Rory McIlroy cruise to a record-setting victory. The Northern Ireland native posted a 6-under-par 66 on Sunday to finish at 13-under-par 275. McIlroy’s eight-stroke victory surpassed the PGA Championship record for victory margin set by Jack Nicklaus in 1980.
The 1991 Ryder Cup proved to be a significant moment in the history of golf’s greatest team event. Following an intense, drama-filled two days, the three-day contest came down to the final hole of the final match between Hale Irwin and Bernhard Langer.
With the U.S. holding a 14-13 lead and the match tied, Langer needed to win the 18th to capture a full point and secure the 14-14 tie for Europe to retain the Cup. Following Irwin’s bogey, Langer’s six-foot putt for par narrowly missed, resulting in a 14 ½ to 13 ½ victory for the home team.
The Junior PGA Championships, two of golf’s major championships for juniors, continue to serve as a springboard for many of the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour’s biggest stars. Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Speith and Justin Thomas competed in past editions while past Girls Junior PGA winners include Inbee Park, Yuka Saso, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang.
“We are proud to again be selected as the host course for the 2031 PGA Championship,” said Kiawah Island Golf Resort President Roger Warren, PGA. “The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Pete Dye’s brilliant seaside design, will present a formidable challenge for the strongest, all-professional field in major championship golf. We are confident our partnership with the PGA of America and the local community will produce another world class event.”
The Ocean Course, designed by Pete and Alice Dye from 1989-91, is widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in the country. Located on the easternmost end of Kiawah Island, it boasts the most seaside holes in the Northern Hemisphere with 10 hugging the Atlantic and the other eight running parallel to those. Although the course was originally planned to sit behind the dunes, Alice Dye suggested raising the entire course to give players unobstructed views of Kiawah Island’s stunning coastline on every hole.
The Ocean Course has consistently ranked among Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest and 100 Greatest Public Courses in the United States, including 24th (100 Greatest) and third (100 Greatest Public) in 2023-24.
2024 PGA National Club Championship to be Hosted at Reynolds Lake Oconee in Georgia
Men’s divisions will compete March 1-3, 2025;
Women’s divisions to be contested March 8-10, 2025
FRISCO, Texas ー The 2024 PGA National Club Championship will be conducted at Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia, in March 2025.
The PGA National Club Championship features amateur club champions from facilities with a PGA of America Golf Professional. Winners of any 2024 club championship nationwide that are submitted by their PGA of America Golf Professional will be eligible to receive an invitation to compete.
“The PGA of America is thrilled to bring the PGA National Club Championship to Reynolds Lake Oconee next March,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. “This Championship continues to showcase the best amateur club champions from across the country while shining a light on the PGA of America Golf Professionals who helped elevate their games. We are proud to provide a first-class experience for these champions.”
The National Club Championship comprises six divisions, each competing in a three-day, 54-hole stroke play competition. The divisions for women and men include: Open (any age), Senior (50+ years old) and Legend (65+ years old).
Located about 85 miles east of Atlanta, Reynolds Lake Oconee features six carefully crafted golf courses, 11 restaurants, a unique sporting ground, one of the only lakefront Ritz-Carltons in the world and all the recreational and culinary amenities befitting a world-class private club. GOLF Magazine continues to rank two of the Reynolds courses in America’s Top 100 and four of the courses in the top 10 in Georgia.
“Reynolds Lake Oconee is excited to welcome and partner with the 2024 PGA National Club Championship,” said Reynolds Lake Oconee Director of Golf Wes Forester, PGA. “We look forward to hosting a great event and highlighting all that our club and community has to offer.”
Competition rounds will take place on Reynolds’ Great Waters, Oconee and National (Ridge and Cove) courses, designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, Rees Jones and Tom Fazio, respectively.
TaylorMade, supporting partner of the PGA National Club Championship, will host competitors throughout the championship at The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee, one of only two TaylorMade facilities in the country offering an integration of superior equipment technology with golf instruction.
Elijah Craig, the official bourbon partner of the National Club Championship, will host happy hours on-site.
Dunning Golf is the championship apparel partner of the National Club Championship and will supply participants with premier apparel items.
For more information on the PGA National Club Championship, visit the championship website.
PGA of America Expands Sponsorship with Anheuser-Busch
Renewed relationship will extend Michelob ULTRA’s status as Official Beer Sponsor of the PGA Championship to 2025 Ryder Cup and PGA of America
FRISCO, Texas ー The PGA of America and Anheuser-Busch announced today a multi-year sponsorship extension in which Michelob ULTRA will remain the “Official Beer Sponsor” of the PGA Championship through 2026, while securing the same title for the 2025 Ryder Cup and the PGA of America.
Michelob ULTRA, a PGA Championship sponsor since 2018, will continue to be the lead beer brand at one of men’s golf’s four major championships, supplemented by several leading brands from Anheuser-Busch’s vast portfolio.
“We are thrilled to expand upon our successful relationship with Michelob ULTRA by welcoming the brand as the Official Beer Sponsor of the PGA of America,” said PGA of America Senior Director, Global Partnerships Luke Reissman. “Michelob ULTRA’s continued presence at the PGA Championship and 2025 Ryder Cup will undoubtedly elevate our spectator experience and beverage portfolio.”
Michelob ULTRA will continue to deliver its signature Michelob ULTRA Athletic Club at both the PGA Championship and 2025 Ryder Cup, providing a premium space for all spectators to enjoy. In addition, Michelob ULTRA will launch the first Michelob ULTRA Greenside Viewing venue, overlooking the 18th Green. A sold-out ticketed venue during Championship Rounds will be open to the public Monday – Wednesday and will provide premium views to the finishing hole at Valhalla Golf Club.
“Golf has a dedicated and passionate fanbase, especially around the sport’s tentpole moments,” said Matt Davis, VP of Partnerships, Anheuser-Busch. “We’re thrilled to continue to focus on this fandom in our extended sponsorship with PGA of America across the 2025 Ryder Cup and PGA Championship. Michelob ULTRA is the perfect brand for these moments – bringing Superior Access to fans across the country.”
As part of the “Superior Access” platform, Michelob ULTRA will give fans a chance to get even closer to the action with greenside seats and other prizes. Fans can stay tuned to Michelob ULTRA’s social channels for more information.
The 2024 PGA Championship returns to Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Kentucky for the 106th edition, May 16-19. The 2025 PGA Championship will take place at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina while Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania will host the 2026 PGA Championship.
The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held in September at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York for the 45th edition.
Lexus Partners with PGA of America as the Official Vehicle for Three Spectator Championships and PGA Frisco
PLANO, Texas (April 3, 2024) — Lexus continues to diversify and strengthen its golf partnership strategy with a new addition from a historic name. Today, the luxury brand announced a new partnership with the PGA of America as the Official Vehicle of the PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. In addition, the Lexus will become the Official Vehicle of PGA Frisco, in close proximity to Lexus headquarters.
The partnership also includes on-site activation rights at each of these major Championships, vehicle fleets for players, and high traffic vehicle displays to provide spectators the opportunity to interact with new Lexus products. At the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Lexus will prominently display three Lexus courtesy vehicles available for guest transport while on property.
For more than 30 years, Lexus has intentionally entered strategic partnerships that align with luxury intenders’ interests – from fashion and design to hotel partnerships, unique culinary experiences and sporting events. Lexus has long-held partnerships in the golf space, and as the game evolves, the brand mirrors the direction of the game as it aims to reach a younger, more diverse audience. As the brand gains on its goal of reaching young, affluent luxury buyers, Lexus looks to new opportunities and partnerships that take foundational brand elements and modernize for the ever-evolving consumer.
“Lexus is excited to expand our golf partnership strategy to include a storied institution that shares our same focus of modernizing the golf space,” Kevin Higgins, General Manager of Lexus Marketing said. “Partnering with the PGA of America allows Lexus to expand our reach and engage with new audiences while also providing an excellent platform to showcase our brand and exciting new vehicle lineup.”
“We are proud to welcome Lexus as the Official Vehicle for three of our spectator championships and our new home, PGA Frisco,” said PGA of America Senior Director, Global Partnerships, Luke Reissman. “Lexus is committed to creating amazing experiences for its customers, mirroring our desire to provide top-tier experiences for spectators and guests alike.”
