Whitcomb Blog: Enjoying friends and family at home

In the latest entry of his blog, PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb shares all the fun he's having with this big event essentially in his back yard. He's got a house full of people, and is busy socializing and enjoying the tournament.

SUNRIVER, Ore. -- A few people have asked me about the surprise party we had for my wife last night. What a great time we had. It's just so wonderful to have PGA Professionals and friends from around the country to come and socialize and celebrate with us.

My wife may not have been excited about turning one year older, but she had a great time celebrating it -- as we all did. It was an unbelievable thrill for me and Stefanie to share that with close friends from around the country.

Speaking of great friends and PGA Professionals, we are fortunate enough to have a few staying with us at our home in Bend. I half-wondered if all the festivities might take away from their focus in playing in this National Championship. Well, my good friend Bob Sowards, who is one of the players staying with us, erased that worry in a hurry this morning as he tied the course record at the Meadows Course with a 65! Way to go, Bob!!!

I want to emphasize that point here a little bit. These players are world-class players, but there is a distinction that we should all recognize and appreciate. These guys have other responsibilities that are part of their daily lives. I find it amazing that they can play at this level and still be at the top of their professions in other areas.

For example, Bob Ford is as gracious and classy a gentleman as you could ever hope to meet. He also happens to be the Head Professional at one of the world's great golf facilities there at Oakmont Country Club -- as the world witnessed last week when he was the host of the U.S. Open. And amazingly, he's now out here competing as a top player.

Even more, our course superintendent from Lost Tracks, Corey Beelke, happens to be caddying for Mr. Ford this week. And I tell you, Corey, who is a PGA Professional, is having such a great time. Not only is he enjoying his time with Mr. Ford, but he's also learning and experiencing how tremendous it is to watch a person who handles himself in such a dignified and graceful manner.

Another player I have such great admiration for is Mike Malaska. Mike is renowned all over the world as one of the best golf instructors you could find anywhere. And here he is showing he can be one of the best players as well. That's simply awe-inspiring.

One more quick note about Mike. I saw Mike the other day on the lesson tee -- and it struck me that here was one of the great teachers of golf getting a lesson from Dick Smith. It goes to show you, no matter how great you are or how much you know, you can always learn from a PGA Professional. It was a heartwarming scene for sure.

Tonight I have another dinner to attend, but I'm going to be sure and spend as much time out on the course as I can watching and enjoying the performances of these great players -- and of course, taking in the beauty and grandeur of the Sunriver Resort. There's not a better place for me to be, that's for sure.