A memorable 2008 golf season, complete with a stunning United States' Ryder Cup victory and the first European in 78 years to win a PGA Championship, highlight The PGA of America's Year in Review, which will be presented by Golf Channel, beginning Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 10 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. (ET and Pacific), and with additional re-air Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. ET.
Hosted by Golf Channel commentator Kraig Kann from the PGA Historical Center at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla., The PGA of America's Year In Review will feature a look back at champions, national award winners, the writer's favorite 2008 moments; and how PGA Professionals supported the second annual Patriot Golf Day and a preview of the Association's 2009 schedule.
The PGA's Year in Review features Jay Haas's rally to win the 69th Senior PGA Championship at rugged Oak Hill Country Club, to Ireland's Padraig Harrington, who completed a memorable weekend run at formidable Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Mich., and win the 90th PGA Championship. Harrington became the first European since Scotland's Tommy Armour to win the season's final major.
The United States' victory over Europe to win the 37th Ryder Cup in September at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., ended a nine-year drought and renewed the most compelling event in golf.
The PGA Grand Slam of Golf returned to Bermuda, with Jim Furyk capturing the title in the second consecutive year that the showcase of major champions resulted in a playoff.
The PGA of America's Year-In-Review special also features highlights of national member championships, including:
Michigan's Scott Hebert staging his own back-nine rally in the final round at Great Waters in Lake Oconee, Ga., to win the 41st PGA Club Professional Championship
A review of the 2008 PGA of America national award winners:
- PGA Golf Professional of the Year - Jim Antkiewicz, Aliquippa, Pa.
- PGA Teacher of the Year - Martin Hall, Palm City, Fla.
- Horton Smith Award - Mark Wilson, Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Bill Strausbaugh Award - Clayton Cole, Cherry Hills Village, Colo.
- PGA Junior Golf Leader - Jimmy Headrick of Slidell, La.
- PGA First Lady of Golf - Carol Mann, The Woodlands, Texas
- PGA Distinguished Serviced Award - Dennis Walters, Jupiter, Fla.
- PGA Merchandisers of the Year - (Private Facilities) John Lyberger of Gaithersburg, Md. - (Public Facilities) Mike Woods of Folsom, Calif.; (Resort Facilities) Michael Buccerone, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
About The PGA of America
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.
The Professional Golfers' Association Of America
100 Avenue of the Champions
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
T: (561) 624-8400
F: (561) 624-7865
www.pga.com
