Whitcomb Blog: A great start to a great event

In his second blog from the 40th PGA Professional National Championship, PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb marvels at the Sunriver Resort courses, the staff, the volunteers and even the caddies. And, he says, it's only going to get better.

SUNRIVER, Ore. -- It must be pretty evident that I'm happy today, because a number of people have commented about the smile that seems permanently affixed on my face. But why wouldn't I be beaming? This is the type of day that I knew we would have when this event was announced -- a gorgeous first day of summer that coincides with the first day of the 40th PGA Professional National Championship.

Is this setting typical for Central Oregon? Yes, it is. The entire Pacific Northwest is a real hidden gem, and its exciting to see more and more people finding out about us. It's not just the golf courses and the climate, but even more, the people who make this such a wonderful host for this National Championship.

I need to take a moment to share a note about the staff at the Sunriver Resort. They have been working for over a year to get this facility ready for this championship -- and it really shows. Michael Sizemore, the Director of Golf here at Sunriver, and his staff have done such a tremendous job. Tony Blasius is the Head Professional and should be congratulated on all the work he's done. And I can't say enough about Jim Ramey's work, the Director of Golf Course Maintenance. These events don't just magically appear and work themselves out. It takes great perseverance and dedication. And they have definitely shown that.

And of course, that doesn't even touch on the over 700 volunteers here to help run this championship. Or the 312 caddies here to work the tournament. We are fortunate to have such a great group and wonderful community support to ensure the success of such an important event.

One more item on Sunriver that I'd like to note. The facility has hosted a number of big events: the Men's and Women's NCAA finals, Shell's Wonderful World of Golf, and the AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions; but now with this tournament, the Jen-Weld Tradition (a Champions Tour major) in August, and the USGA Senior Women's Amateur in September, you are seeing more national organizations wanting to bring premier events to this region. And they should. Just watch our coverage on GOLF CHANNEL and you will see what the buzz about this course and this area is about. The growth of the game here is a big deal, trust me.

As I watched the players today, I'm still amazed at the talent I see in these PGA Professionals. Everyone knows these players have all kinds of ability, but it's always a treat to watch them from a viewer perspective and see how good they really are.

Even more, each of these players has a great story behind them. For example, take Mike Zinni. He is a PGA member out of the Minnesota Section. He is an outstanding guy who happens to serve on the Board of Directors for the PGA of America. So on Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., he sits in the board meeting and actively takes part, brings great ideas and promotes really thoughtful discussion. Then he takes off the coat and tie and throws on his golf shirt, goes out and shoots 3 under to sit near the top of the leaderboard. Is that not what being a part of the PGA is all about?

I have one final note about today that might explain the big smile I am wearing. I am hosting some friends and colleagues at my Lost Tracks course later for a day of golf and camaraderie -- again, hallmarks of being a part of this wonderful organization. Then, I'm throwing a surprise early birthday party for my wife while we have so many close friends all here. So yes, it's going to be a really good evening for us.

I couldn't have drawn it up any better. We are enjoying great golf at a great course with amazing weather and our close friends. Not a bad way to start the Championship! And it's only going to get better.