Muttitt and Rhind, fresh off PGA Championship, seek more success

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – David Muttitt and Lee Rhind both had a chance to play at the highest level of professional golf in August, competing in the 95th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y.

Both qualified for the PGA Championship by finishing in the top 20 at the 2013 PGA Professional National Championship at Sunriver (Ore.) Resort in late June.

And both Muttitt, PGA assistant professional at Paa-ko Ridge Golf Club in Sandia Park, N.M., and Rhind, PGA assistant professional at Midland (Texas) Country Club, will look to build on their previous experience when they compete in the 37th National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship presented by COBRA PUMA GOLF.

The 72-hole National Championship begins Thursday at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Muttitt, who finished tied for ninth in the 2013 PGA Professional National Championship, missed the 36-hole cut at the PGA Championship by just two strokes.

“It was an incredible week for me and an experience I will never forget,” said Muttitt, who shot an even-par 70 in the second round at Oak Hill Country Club. “I didn’t play my absolute best, but my short game came through and gave me a chance to score well.”

Muttitt, who was born in Dallas but was raised from age 4 in Rugby, England, will be playing in his fourth PGA Assistant Championship. His best finish was a tie for 23rd in both 2009 and 2011.

“I know PGA Golf Club very well and have made the cut two of the three times I’ve played,” said Muttitt. “I just need to go out and play my game and see what happens. It’s going to be fun.” 

Rhind tied for 14th in the 2013 PGA Professional National Championship, earning his first berth in a major championship.

“The PGA Championship was far different from anything I’ve ever experienced playing golf before,” said Rhind. “I didn’t play as well as I wanted to, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and to able to see the way the PGA Tour Professionals work was really eye opening.” 

Rhind is excited to return to PGA Golf Club and the Wanamaker Course, where his best finish in the PGA Assistant Championship was a tie for fifth in 2010. 

“I really enjoy the golf course and I’m looking forward to playing again this year,” said Rhind. “Any time you get to play for a national title it’s a big deal.”

The winner of the 2013 PGA Assistant Championship will collect $9,000 of a $100,000 purse.

Following the first 36 holes of play in the PGA Assistant Championship, the field for the final two rounds will be reduced to the low 70 scorers and ties.

At stake is a berth in the 47th PGA Professional National Championship, June 22-25, 2014, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., at The Dunes Club and the Grande Dunes Resort Course. 

PGA Assistant Championship
For almost 40 years, the National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship presented by COBRA PUMA GOLF has produced outstanding PGA Professionals who have gone onto successful careers in teaching and administering the game, as well as competing at the highest level. Past competitors or champions include: Loren Roberts (Champion, 1979); Fred Funk (Champion, 1984); Rich Beem (third, 1998); Jeff Freeman (T-7, 1998); and Tim Thelen (Champion, 2009).

Since 1996, PGA assistant professionals and apprentices have competed at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., for this National Championship.