PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.—Defending Champion Chip Sullivan of Troutville, Va., who went halfway around the world in May to test his skills in the Japan PGA Championship, will lead a field of 312 players representing 43 states in The 41st PGA Professional National Championship, June 19-22, at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga.
Sulllivan, 43, became the first reigning National Champion to compete in the Japan PGA Championship, May 15-18, finishing tied for 18th and competing as the only American in the field. He returns to Reynolds Plantation this month, a site where last September he helped the United States rally defeat Great Britain & Ireland and capture the PGA Cup on the Oconee Course.
“I have a lot of special memories from having helped win back the Llandudno Trophy in the PGA Cup,” said Sullivan, the PGA director of golf at Ashley Plantation in Daleville, Va. “I look forward to taking my whole family in a few weeks and defending my title. I always said that whoever wins the Championship this year will have a heck of a fun ride enjoying the perks that comes with winning. It has been a wonderful experience for me and my family and I wish that everyone could have the same experience.”
Sullivan will be joined by 10 other past Champions in the field, along with 12 Georgia PGA Professionals.
The Georgia contingent features: Tommy Brannen of Martinez; Randy Brooks of Cumming; Jeff Hull of Watkinsville; Greg Lee of Athens; 2007 Georgia PGA Champion Matthew Peterson of Watkinsville; Brian Puterbaugh of Johns Creek; Sonny Skinner of Sylvester; Clark Spratlin of Cumming; Craig Stevens of Dallas; Brian Stock of Augusta; Tim Weinhart of Alpharetta; Don Williams of Gainesville and Rob Williams of Valdosta.
Past Champions returning to the National Championship include: Wayne DeFrancesco of Columbia, Md. (2001); Barry Evans of Charleston, W.Va. (2002); Ron McDougal of Eatontown, N.J. (1992); Ron Philo Jr. of Amelia Island, Fla. (2006); Steve Schneiter of Sandy, Utah (1995); Bill Schumaker of Columbia City, Ind. (1984); Mike Small of Champaign, Ill. (2005); Sullivan; Tim Thelen of College Station, Texas (2000, ’03); John Traub of Oakland Township, Mich. (1980); and Brett Upper of Scottsdale, Ariz. (1990).
Making its sixth appearance in Georgia and first since 1979, the PGA Professional National Championship brings together a field of 312 contestants representing The PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections.
In 2008, the National Championship field will compete on both Reynolds Landing’s 6,926-yard, par-72 layout, and the 7,043-yard, par-72 Great Waters, which also will be host for the final two rounds of the Championship. The PGA Professional National Championship, which carried a $550,000 total purse this year, is broadcast live all four rounds by Golf Channel.
Following 36 holes of play, the field will be trimmed to the low 70 scorers and ties.
The low 20 scorers earn berths into the 90th PGA Championship, August, 7-10, 2008, at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Mich.
In addition to the Walter Hagen Cup, the PGA Professional National Championship winner also receives an exemption into the next five PGA Professional National Championships, a spot on the 2009 PGA Cup Team and exemptions into six PGA Tour events over a 12-month period.
Established in 1968, The PGA Professional National Championship roster of Champions includes past and present Tour professionals: Sam Snead, Bob Rosburg, Don Massengale, Ed Dougherty, Larry Gilbert and Bruce Fleisher.
The PGA Professional National Championship is presented by Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra; Buick and Club Car. Golf Channel is an exclusive media partner, and the PGA Tour is the Supporting Sponsor of PGA of America Member Championships. The 41 Section Championships and the National Championship offer a combined purse of $1.5 million.
Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold; to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.
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