Whitcomb Blog: We're off to a flying start
You know, when the PGA of America states that its membership represents the experts in the game and business of golf, events such as this showcase it like nothing else in the world. We have 312 elite players, not just good players, but elite. Twenty of them will play this year in the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club. That's as high a level of golf as you can get. And these players earned their way into this field.
I don't mind telling you that I'm a bit envious of the playing skills I'm witnessing around the course. But these guys also represent the best in growing and promoting the game. The time they spend off the course, managing their facilities and teaching other players, that only reinforces the tremendous passion these players have for golf. That's inspiring to me, it really is.
Before one shot was played, we had already had a great week. One of the great announcements of the week was the renewed commitment and agreement we have with the Golf Channel to showcase this event and the work of PGA Professionals, and the wonderful and compelling stories that these players bring with them to this championship. From Bob Gaus, who played in last week's U.S. Open, to the 12 outstanding players who were part of that historic PGA Cup team that brought the Llandudno Trophy back home after defeating the Great Britain & Ireland team here last year, there is a seemingly endless supply of wonderful stories to share.
And I have some tremendous stories already!
On Tuesday night, we had a Player's Party & Dinner. Every year, this gets better and better as we get a chance to connect with some great friends and meet many new ones. As I tell people all the time, no matter who you are, whether you're a new member or an Association Officer, you are still a member of just one section. But here, you meet and befriend players from 43 states and 41 PGA Sections. Other than employment, we are very much a fraternity. And the fraternal bonds that you create and share here are some of the strongest and most important in the world. I truly respect and appreciate that bond.
On Wednesday night, Chip Sullivan hosted our Champions Dinner. The Sullivans (Chip and Kari) went all out, emphasizing their New Orleans roots with a Mardi Gras-themed dinner -- complete with plenty of crawfish and Bananas Foster Crème Brulee. And my one word review: Wow.
And now we're playing golf, rewarding 20 players with an invitation to compete at The PGA Championship and one player with a championship title that will alter his life. And I encourage you all to watch the coverage on the Golf Channel and follow it here on PGA.com -- it's going to be some of the best, most exciting and most entertaining golf you could hope to watch.
And no matter who comes out on top or with the coveted invitation to Oakland Hills, I'm so very proud to around so many different winners.
Thanks for reading. I'll report back tomorrow.
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