The Passing of the PGA Professional National Championship Cup
From rapidly climbing to the highest of highs, cruising through upside down loops, and then pummeling back to earth, the Sullivan Family has taken the ride of OUR lifetime this year aboard the Golf Express.
And here we are, back at the station, wondering if the ride will ever be so good again.
With Chip's reign as PGA Professional National Champion closed, the tracks ahead look a little smoother. When we turn behind us, we see the intricate tracks of the past year and give thanks for the adventures written on our hearts.
As the ride began last year in June, little did we know how deep the bounty ran within the Walter Hagen Cup. After a year of swimming in that bounty, we have resurfaced for a few days of reflection. At this point, we have peace and joy in our memorable journey.
This week at Reynolds Plantation we are celebrating the voyage of a year as PGA Professional National Champion.
Most importantly, we are honoring the year in which we discovered the TRUE meaning of the PGA of America: family.
The week began with laughs, high fives, and jokes during a welcome reception at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge. Hundreds of PGA members, officers, sponsors, and spouses speckled the lawn where the PGA Cup closing ceremonies were held in September. Amidst the celebration, a friend leaned in to me and said "This is a big reunion for you guys, isn't it?"
That about summed it up.
The branches of the PGA family tree have embraced us this year. Its arms stretch to include officers and their wives, fellow members, writers, photographers and event planners, to name only a few.
We should have noticed the foreshadowing during the week last year in Oregon.
Gail Wronowski and Stefanie Whitcomb were on the tees daily, with their husbands (Alan and Brian, Secretary and President of the PGA) wishing each player a sincere "good luck." Gail went so far as to offer Chip a good luck hug daily; a factor we feel attributed dearly to Chip's stellar play at Sunriver. (At least that's the running joke).
Another symbol of family warmth in the cool Oregonian June came in the form Darlene Remy, wife of PGA Vice President Jim Remy. During the blustery Sunday final round, on the18th green at Crosswater, Darlene offered her sweater to our shivering daughter.
Before our flight ever left Portland, we knew our family had been inducted into something special.
Within a week of returning to Virginia, the Golf Channel was at our home. We were filmed, as a family, for a national television special. At the same time, our hometown declared a "Chip Sullivan Day," and several parties were thrown in Chip's honor.
All the while, we were receiving calls, e-mails, and encouraging hand-written letters from PGA of America members and staff. Knowing the path followed by a National Champion was new to us; our PGA family carefully guided us step by step.
Far preceding travel plans for the PGA Championship, preparations were under way for the PGA Cup Matches. Each delivery from the postman seemed like Christmas as we opened packages from Susan Martin at PGA Headquarters. (Susan is the mastermind behind not only the PGA Cup but also the Ryder Cup, and a wonderful example of the generosity and hard work of the PGA of America). We ripped through boxes like children to see matching uniform pieces, luggage, equipment, and gifts.
Chip and I had always laughed as we watched the Ryder Cup and dreamt of being a "couple" at the Opening Ceremonies; him being on the stage in suits matching Team USA, me sitting with the ladies in our matching sweaters and scarves.
Thanks to the PGA of America, our dream became a reality at Reynolds Plantation last fall. It wasn't the Ryder Cup, but in our opinion, the PGA Cup represented something much more special. The USA and GB&I Teams were made up of working professionals. "Real People" came together in the spirit of PGA brotherhood to compete, and share a bond of fellowship which spanned the globe.
Once again, the PGA had engraved our spirits with new family members, and recollections to last a lifetime.
These 12 months have also granted us PGA Tour exemptions (two of which are yet to come) and the stories which accompanied our travels.
While in New Orleans for the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic, our family returned to Chip's hometown roots. We reconnected with the city which inspired his quest for the Championship in the first place. It felt great to help out the Fore! Kids Foundation and other local charities.
In addition to a Tour career best tie for 33rd finish, Chip basked in the reward of mingling with his childhood hero, Archie Manning. On the Monday following the event, Chip participated in a charity event where he reminisced with his other favorite Mannings, Peyton and Eli. Despite looking like he was from Munchkin land compared to these football giants (pun intended), the day added another jewel to Chip's championship crown.
Chip also coined a joke that week with one of the PGA Tour's best: Rich Beem. Frequently around the course and clubhouse you could hear Rich yell to Chip, "I may be a PGA Champion, but Ladies and Gentleman, this is Chip Sullivan: PGA Professional National Champion." With Beem acting awestruck, Chip would toss back "Don't be nervous, Rich!"
All joking aside, many people echo the sentiment found in this exchange. Being the PGA Professional National Champion is a VERY special experience. The adventures on Tour only add to the concept of "family" within the PGA. The greatest of the great on Tour recognize the amazing gift given by, and represented in, the PGA of America.
This year has also grown our family by putting us in the position to give back to the community. Through Chip's position as National Champion, he has heightened international awareness of Hemochromotosis and Diabetes. People who live with these illnesses have reached out to Chip with thanks, eager to have someone who shared their plight for wellness.
Chip now serves on the Blue Ridge District Board of Directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Due to his title, Chip was asked to serve as the National Spokesperson for the Iron Disorders Institute, helping serve those with medical illnesses such as Hemochromotosis. In addition, he also works as spokesperson for Valley Character, an organization founded to promote Character Counts and the seven pillars of character within America's youth.
Chip's reign may be ending this week, but the plentiful opportunities to give back are only just beginning. We look forward to extending the blessings of Chip's reign by serving our community, and nation, with grateful hearts.
Beyond our nation, Chip's title has taken him to the Far East when he represented the PGA of America as the first National Champion to accept an invitation to compete in the Japan PGA Championship.
Traveling to Japan gave Chip a new definition of "foreign." His play was more than commendable, with a tie for 18th finish. However, without the help from his family in the JPGA, Chip, and my father (Tom Hall, caddie extraordinaire) would have been lost in a Tokyo train station.
The pattern of "family" once again presented itself in Japan, because of the championship crown. We re-visited the immeasurable value of being a member of the PGA. Whether your membership slates you as an American, Japanese, or GB&I, it seems there is a common thread of respect and companionship that stands beyond definition.
And here we are again, in a new June sun, visiting the PGA Professional National Championship.
The family is present and going strong.
I ran into Stefanie and Megan (daughter of Brain and Stefanie) Whitcomb, along with our dear Gail Wronowski, at the grocery store, buying trail mix for "the guys." They wrote individual messages for the players on each bag, and stood on the tees handing out their gifts topped with good luck hugs.
The officers were on the course voicing sincere well wishes. Fellow professionals dolled out compliments to their competitors with sincere voices. We joked around the course, throughout birdies and double bogeys.
Never was there a finer group of gentlemen and ladies joining together for a common cause.
It's our family, and we are proud to be a part of it.
Brain Whitcomb, President, often alludes to the PGA Professional National Championship title as bearing life altering weight. He is absolutely correct.
Years before, Chip and I traveled to this event feeling extremely intimidated.
Each year, Chip entered the tournament with angst, wondering why he couldn't "beat those guys," and poking me under the table saying, "There's so-and-so. He's BIG time." I was often prodded to "mind my P's and Q's." All in all, we wondered if our family would ever "fit in."
This year has taught us that the PGA of America is not an intangible, ivory tower echelon.
The biggest treasure of the year comes in the realization that the PGA of America is an approachable, tangible FAMILY. The PGA is formed by spirits of human kind, searching for the common good brought about by growing the game of golf.
Even though we won't hold the title, both the Sullivan and The PGA of America families will continue on the same congenial and prosperous path.
Chip won't be hoisting the Walter Hagen Cup this Sunday. It is someone else's turn. Never fear, we won't let the blessings of the 2007 PGA Professional National Championship leave our hearts or minds. Our personal Walter Hagen Cup will serve as a beacon to lead us towards the better good for years to come.
This past year will never be taken for granted.
This past week, the cup was passed -- full of bounty, responsibility, and respect.
The Sullivans have one remark for the Scott Hebert, the well-deserved 2008 PGA Professional National Champion:
"Welcome to the family."
Kari Sullivan is the wife of 2007 PGA Professional National Champion Chip Sullivan
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