Whitcomb: Friends and partners make event great
The Golf Channel is such an important relationship for The PGA of America and what they do when they broadcast this championship is not only promote the play of these players but the message and mission of The PGA of America. When you see the class, integrity and the golf skills of these competitors, you understand why this association is so proud of its members. When you watch this championship on television, you are watching phenomenal golf talent on display. Some of the scores from this week seem almost inconceivable to me they are so impressive.
But at the same time, the Golf Channel's telecast shares the human stories behind the 309 playing professionals who teed it up here this week. From Jim Estes and the wonderful work he does with our Wounded Warriors program to the elite teachers here who work with some of the top touring players to some who have established themselves as great leaders in junior golf around the country, every player has a unique and often inspiring story. It's the culmination of a great year of work by our organization and our members, all celebrated here, all highlighted by our friends at the Golf Channel.
And to the staff and volunteers of Reynolds Plantation, I tip my hat to them because it just doesn't get much better than this. Not only is this setting phenomenal, but the condition of the courses are impeccable, the volunteers have been so helpful and courteous -- you know, I've always been a believer in Southern Hospitality, but the people of Reynolds Plantation really take it to another level. The staff here, headed up by PGA Professional Bob Mauragas, all the way through Ethan Cooper, the superintendent over at Great Waters, really deserve our highest appreciation and gratitude.
Sunday is going to be fantastic, the leaderboard is packed with great players all playing at the top of the game. There are a few different tournaments here, the one obviously is to crown a champion. But the other is to find 20 PGA Club Professionals to compete at this year's PGA Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club. What a great reward for a great week of golf!
One final note. Each year, as is tradition, we have a Saturday night dinner that we share with our friends at the Golf Channel and other invited media guests. Bob Denney, one of the fine communications leaders at The PGA of America, hosts one of the most intense, important and challenging trivia competitions you'll find anywhere. You can call it one of trivia's "major championships." I'm happy to say, I made the cut, though I don't think my performance was championship caliber --- this year. I made a few bogeys here and there, but I'm going home with a nice prize. Next year, I am guaranteeing a better performance.
But as far as the real championship goes, we don't have to wait a year. It comes to a grand conclusion Sunday, and I can't wait. I hope you get a chance to catch the action via PGA.com and the Golf Channel. You'll see why The PGA of America is so proud to show off this incredible event.
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