Game Changers
Matt Borchert Leads the Team of 20 at 2022 PGA Championship
By Keith Stewart, PGA
Published on
Low Club Professional, Matt Borchert of the Team of 20 poses for a photo during the third round of the 2022 PGA Championship.
The dream of many PGA Members is to play in the PGA Championship. The 2022 edition of the Team of 20 completed that Major Championship dream on Friday. Matt Borchert, the PGA Director of Instruction at Isleworth Country Club in Windermere, Florida finished as the low PGA Club Professional. His 36-hole total of 147 (73-74) was just 3 strokes off the cutline.
Matt and I spoke after his round. He was tired and transparent. Borchert shared with me a wonderful take on his week. His first impression of Southern Hills was extremely positive.
“During my practice round, I knew this course would give me an opportunity,” he said. “The PGA did a great job of giving everyone a fair chance of making the cut. There was never point in my week where I felt overmatched.”
He continued, “I think that’s really important. Give the field an excellent test and let it play out.” Matt said he had his moments this week. He was happy with how he played but knows he could have made the cut. “I was just a couple shots off. It’s just a swing or two. I’m proud of myself though, I’m playing with more confidence now than when I was on tour.”
Borchert’s perspective was powerful. He really enjoyed the week and is disappointed its over.
This week was up to him. He knew that coming in and performed accordingly. To be the low PGA Club Professional is a great honor.
Two PGA Professionals finished tied for second place, three shots back of Borchert: Tyler Collet, PGA and Jesse Mueller, PGA.
Tyler Collet, the PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida played well in his second PGA Championship experience. Collet closed with a 71, the best round by a PGA Club Professional at Southern Hills.
PGA Professional Champion Jesse Mueller, who was making his maiden PGA Championship appearance, opened with an eagle on Thursday.
Though no PGA Club Professionals made the cut this year, Matt Borchert will be receiving a crystal bowl, in honor of his finish, on Saturday morning at Southern Hills Country Club.