Wilderness Ridge Golf: PGA Championship

Wow, what a finish! But then again, you were probably watching just as I was. Congratulations to

Jason Dufner for a record breaking score of 270 (lowest winning score in Oak Hill History) to win the 95^th PGA Championship.

As we entered into the weekend there was lots of talk if Phil or Tiger would emerge from the pack with a great Saturday score, or would Henrick Stenson or Jim Furyk be able to pull away and win their first major. Well, Jason Dufner spoiled everyone’s day with an Oak Hill course record 63 on Saturday and a follow up 68 on Sunday. I was right behind the 18^th green to watch him leave his 12 foot birdie try short for a 62. Amazing display of ball striking!

Sunday Duties:

As I made my way to the courses on Sunday I couldn’t help but wonder who was going to be on the 18^th green with the Wanamaker trophy in about 8 hours. I was stationed at the 9^th green that afternoon as the leaders made their way through to their final nine holes. I was responsible for announcing the approaching players to the gallery as they made their way onto the green. As I watched the players go through I saw some great birdies on the difficult hole and saw players like Scott Piercy and Boo

Weekly make birdie and start to make a charge up the leaderboard only to fall back slightly as they finished their final round.

The ninth hole is a hard uphill dogleg right with a tricky approach and subtly sloping very, very quick green. Kerry Haigh, our Chief Championship Officer for the PGA of America even had to slow a few greens down in order to keep the ball on the putting surface. I would say out of the 2 ½ hours that I watched there were maybe only 3 bogies. As the leaders approached the galleries got larger and larger. Strange to hear some of the expressions that spectators are saying now as soon as a ball is struck, like “MASHED POTATOES”! OR, "RUTABEGA". It kinda drives the players nuts with all the shouting when a ball becomes airborne. Oh well, I guess they are just having fun! Upon completion of my duties I retreated to the clubhouse and then to the 18^th green with one of my fellow BOD’s Scott Brandt, PGA as he fulfilled his duties of announcing players approaching the green.

As the leaders approached the 17^th green our PGA Officers and Board of Directors made their way to the back of the 18^th green to watch the final hole. Once it was evident that Jason was going to be the winner and he tapped in for victory we quickly made our way around the bunkers and onto the putting green for the trophy ceremony. Just a few quick housekeeping things like checking and signing the scorecard. Our Officers and Board were positioned directly behind the Wanamaker Trophy and our President, Ted Bishop announced the winner, thanked the fans and Oak Hill for the use of their course. Jason was a great champion with a heartfelt victory speech. I think he was still a little in shock that he won a major.

Following the ceremony the Wanamaker Trophy was taken to the bottom of the 18^th fairway so group and individual photos could be taken. The photo of our Board of Directors is pasted below (some were missing as their either had to leave early or had continued media duties). We all had the opportunity to shake his hand and congratulate him on being our PGA Champion.

Following a few quick interviews with Golf Channel everyone was ready and waiting for the Champions Toast inside the Oak Hill Clubhouse. The champion receives a few nice gifts such as a gold champions money clip, Omega watch, bracelet for his wife and a huge bottle of Moet champagne. This is a private ceremony where PGA Staff, BOD, Officers and Oak Hill members were invited. I would guess there was close to 100 or so in the room. Brief speeches were made by our President, Ted Bishop, PGA along with the Championship Committee and Oak Hill GM. Jason spoke last and again thanked everyone for a great and memorable week and how much it meant to win at Oak Hills. I think this was sweet redemption after his 2011 loss to Keegan Bradley in Atlanta.

As all the fans filed out of the gates another championship season comes to a close with the 4^th and final major now completed. Next year’s championship will be at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. This is a much closer venue for our Nebraska fans so hopefully you will be able to get tickets and watch some of the best players in the world tee it up.

This was a great week for me and my family and we are so happy that we could attend and be part of the festivities. This is truly an honor that very few PGA members will ever be able to do and I am so grateful for the opportunity to not only represent Wilderness Ridge but also all the members of the Nebraska Section PGA, the Lincoln community and Nebraska golfers all over.

Thanks for tuning in for my daily updates!!

Chris Thomson, PGA

Director of Golf

Wilderness Ridge Golf Club

PGA National Board of Directors