GREENSBORO, Ga. -- Defending PGA Professional National Champion Chip Sullivan met the media Monday, 57 days before the showcase event for PGA Professionals returns to Georgia for the first time since 1979.

Sullivan, PGA head professional at Ashley Plantation in Daleville, Va., said his victory last summer in Sunriver, Ore., has elevated his career.

"It's been the highlight of my career, as far as being a PGA Professional and being a member of The PGA since 1993," said Sullivan, the featured guest at the 41st PGA Professional National Championship Media Day at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga.

"It's something I've always dreamed about winning and worked hard trying to accomplish. I'm a firm believer that a PGA head professional at their home club should be the best player in the club, and should represent the club that way. So, I've always tried to keep my game at a high level."

Sullivan was joined in meeting the media by PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb, PGA Vice President Jim Remy and Georgia PGA President Jim Arendt. Together, they celebrated the return of the National Championship to Georgia.

The 41st PGA Professional National Championship will be conducted June 19-22, at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga. The National Championship field of 312 players will be contested on the Great Waters Course and Reynolds Landing.

"Being able to say I'm the best professional in the country as a PGA Professional is something I never would have expected, although I've always dreamed of getting there," said Sullivan, who has used two of the six exemptions he earned for winning the 2007 National Championship and has made two cuts on the PGA Tour.

"It's almost like a feeling I can relate to Trevor (Immelman) in winning the Masters," Sullivan said. "You work really hard to win something and when it comes true, you've accomplished your goal. You can then set your sights a little bit higher for the next goal.

"It's nice that I've been able to set new goals and dreams and see what more golf is going to be able to give me. I've loved watching Gary Player and highlights of him winning the '78 Masters.

"He said that your ability as a player is on loan. It's something that you can borrow for a while and you have to appreciate and enjoy it while you have it. That's how I feel right now. I just trying to appreciate what I've done and enjoy it with my family.

"Any PGA Professional can vouch that we have so many responsibilities at our home club, business or family, that being able to get out of the office for a week and compete against the Trevor Immelmans, the Tiger Woods of the world is not only a privilege but a joy to do."