Thelen shatters scoring record en route to seven-shot victory

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The record books were rewritten Sunday at the 33rd Callaway Golf PGA Assistant Championship, as Tim Thelen of New Ulm, Texas, fired a final-round 4-under-par 68 for a 265 total.

Thelen broke the 72-hole Championship scoring record of 270 by five strokes, previously held by Kyle Flinton of Edmond, Okla., who set the mark in 2003. Thelen also came within a stroke of the largest margin of victory record, winning by seven strokes. The record of eight strokes was also set by Flinton, in 2005.

PGA apprentice Sean Dougherty of Overland Park, Kan., finished second overall.

"I got off to a hot start again today with birdies on the first two holes," said Thelen, who also broke the 36- and 54-hole scoring records. "After I got off to a good start, I just coasted in and didn't make any big mistakes."

The 48-year-old PGA assistant professional at The Falls Golf & Country Club admitted this year's Championship produced some of his best tournament play ever.

"I really don't think I could have scored any better then I did," said Thelen, who also owns two PGA Professional National Championship titles. "I made four bogeys all week, and on this golf course it's hard to do because there is trouble lurking everywhere."

Thelen, who is one of the oldest players in the Championship, was able to stick to his game plan despite not being able to hit the ball as far as many of the younger players.

"I got a couple more years before I move up a tee box," said Thelen. "These guys are bombing it by me but I stick to my plan of hitting greens and making putts. This victory is very gratifying."

Thelen, who collected $9,000 for his victory, will attempt to win his third PGA Professional National Championship at the 43rd PGA Professional National Championship, June 27-30, 2010, at French Lick (Ind.) Resort.

Dougherty, PGA apprentice at Milburn Country Club, was extremely pleased with his play.

"I played well but Tim played better," said Dougherty. "I enjoyed being able to play with him today. He is one great player."

Dougherty, who shot a final-round 68, will look to build on that confidence in the near future.

"I can take all of this confidence in my game into next year and future events," said Dougherty, who was competing in his second PGA Assistant Championship."My play this week was as good as any tournament I have ever played in at all. I kept my emotions in check all week and played solid golf with no real hiccups."

Martin Maritz of Broken Arrow, Okla., fired a sparkling final-round 66 to grab third place overall.

Defending champion Kyle Voska, PGA assistant professional at Sharon Woods Golf Course in Cincinnati, Ohio, fired a final-round 72 and finished in a tie for 39th place.

The field also included Greg Bisconti of South Salem, N.Y., the PGA assistant professional at St. Andrews Golf Club in Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., who earned Low Club Professional honors in the 91st PGA Championship in August at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. He fired a final-round 67 and finished in a tie for 10th place.

The field was trimmed to the low 70 scorers and ties, with 76 players advancing at 4-over-par 148 to play the final two weekend rounds at the Wanamaker Course.

The $100,000 Championship marked Callaway Golf's debut as title sponsor.

The PGA Assistant Championship continues a tradition of excellence in bringing together some of the most talented players in The PGA of America as well as being models of the caliber of members who make up the world's largest working sports organization. Past champions include past Ryder Cup Team members Fred Funk and Loren Roberts, and past PGA Professional National Champions Darrell Kestner and Bruce Zabriski.

About The PGA of America
Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

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