Callaway Golf PGA Assistant Championship, a Tournament of Champions

The Callaway Golf PGA Assistant Championship, which celebrates its 34th edition, Nov. 11-14, at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., marks 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. Here is a look at some of the past champions and their continued success throughout their professional careers: - 2009 Champion Tim Thelen of College Station, Texas, also a two-time (2000, ’03) PGA Professional National Champion. - 1992 Champion Bill Loeffler of Highlands Ranch, Colo., also captured the 2007 Senior PGA Professional National Champion. - 1982 and 1987 Champion, Darrell Kestner of Glen Cove, N.Y., won the 1996 PGA Professional National Champion. - 1986 Champion Robert Thompson of Huntsville, Texas, is the reigning Senior PGA Professional National Champion. - 1984 Champion Fred Funk owns eight PGA Tour victories and three senior major championships. - 1979 Champion Loren Roberts also has eight PGA Tour victories as well as four senior major championships. - And finally, Rich Beem, who finished third in 1998, won the 2002 PGA Championship. The Championship features 126 PGA assistant professionals and apprentices. The format was changed in 2010 to include the top-4 finishers from last year’s Championship as well as 122 players who advanced through their Section Championship. Also a stake, provided the Champion meets eligibility requirements, is a coveted spot in the 44th PGA Professional National Championship, June 26-29, 2011, at Hershey (Pa.) Country Club. Following the first 36 holes of play, the field for the final two rounds will be reduced to the low 70 scorers and ties. Callaway Golf returns as the title sponsor for the second consecutive year.