Countdown to PGA Professional National Championship begins

In 1984, Bill Schumaker of Columbia City, Ind., arrived in South Florida in October with a steady game and one of 360 players in the field assembled at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Then 34, Schumaker posted an opening-round 73, which left him well back and tied for 43rd place. He climbed up the leaderboard with rounds of 69, 72 and 70, which landed him a playoff with Gary Ostrega of Colonia, N.J. Schumaker birdied the first extra hole to capture the PGA Professional National Championship. To date, he is the only Indiana PGA Section member to win the Championship. The victory propelled Schumaker to capture that year's PGA Professional Player of the Year honors. This month, at French Lick (Ind.) Resort, Schumaker, now 60, will add to his PGA Professional National Championship record. The PGA head professional since 1977 at Crooke Lake Golf Course in Columbia City will make his 29th appearance in the National Championship. The PGA Professional National Championship is presented by Titleist, FootJoy; and Club Car. Don't miss the action on Golf Channel -- All Times Eastern Sunday, June 27 - 7:30--9:30 p.m. (Tape Delayed) Monday, June 28 - 3:30--6:00 p.m (Live) Tuesday, June 29 - 3:30--6:00 p.m (Live) Wednesday, June 30 - 3:30--6:00 p.m. (Live)