SANTA ANA PUEBLO, N.M. -- Course knowledge may be two of the most over-used words in a professional golfer's vocabulary, but it translates to volumes of vital information when you are about to play championship golf in the high desert at approximately 5,052 feet above sea level.
That is the setting for a 312-player field this weekend, as they converge upon Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs in the 42nd PGA Professional National Championship, June 28 through July 1, in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M. The Championship returns to Santa Ana Pueblo after a 2003 visit when Twin Warriors served as sole host.
"You will find most players who have never played in the high desert gain a lot of course knowledge after their second round here," said Derek Gutierrez, host PGA Professional at Twin Warriors Golf Club. "With the type of players coming here, it would not surprise me that someone from the desert region or West Coast would do well here. It all depends on how one adapts."
The 7,493-yard, par-71 Twin Warriors Golf Club joins nearby Santa Ana Golf Club - measuring 7,217 at par-71 in partnering for the Championship, presented by Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra; and Club Car. It marks the first PGA Professional National Championship utilizing the Sunday through Wednesday format.
Golf Channel will broadcast live to an international audience, as the field representing 43 states and 41 PGA Sections competes for a $550,000 purse in the showcase event along the Rio Grande River.
The field will be trimmed to the low 70 scorers and ties following Monday's second round, with the final two rounds contested at Twin Warriors Golf Club.
The low 20 scorers will earn a berth in the 91st PGA Championship, Aug. 13-16, at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. The Championship also will determine the 10 members of the 2009 United States PGA Cup Team, which faces Great Britain & Ireland, Sept. 18-20, in the 24th PGA Cup at The Carrick in Loch Lomond, Scotland.
Defending Champion Scott Hebert of Traverse City, Mich., will be joined by 10 past Champions in the quest for another Walter Hagen Cup: Barry Evans of Charleston, W.Va. (2002); Jeff Freeman of Windermere, Fla. (1999); Darrell Kestner of Glen Cove, N.Y., (1996); Ron Philo Jr. of Amelia Island, Fla. (2006), Steve Schneiter of Sandy, Utah (1995); Mike Small of Champaign, Ill. (2005); Chip Sullivan of Troutville, Va. (2007); Tim Thelen of College Station, Texas (2000, '03); John Traub of Oakland Township, Mich. (1980) and Brett Upper of Scottsdale, Ariz. (1990).
There are three New Mexico resident professionals - all from the Albuquerque area - in the Championship: Scott Gates of Four Hills Country Club; Bill Harvey of Arroyo del Oso Golf Course; and Bob May of Las Campanas in Santa Fe. May is not to be confused with the player by the same name who took Tiger Woods to extra holes to determine the 2000 PGA Championship. This Bob May is a 44-year-old PGA assistant professional from Rio Rancho, N.M., who works in Santa Fe.
"The New Mexico players have all played our facilities many times and know it well, but I believe that the other fine players joining us also will adapt well to the altitude and judging the club selection needed," said Gutierrez, who also is the secretary of the Sun Country PGA Section. "What will be challenging for all players is the length, the challenging rough, getting used to the green speed and wind that will creep out of nowhere."
Hebert has had a year to enjoy a National Championship, and also sampled Twin Warriors Golf Club when he was guest at a media day last fall at Santa Ana Pueblo.
"There's so much that comes with winning the National Championship, it takes a while to sink in," said Hebert, the PGA head professional at Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Mich. "It's been a great year and I will enjoy coming to New Mexico as the defending champion. The facilities are excellent."
Twin Warriors was already in The PGA of America record books as the longest course setup in the history of PGA Championship events, playing to 7,624 yards for the 2003 National Championship. This year's shorter yardage is partly due to a course setup change, with the downhill eighth hole playing as a 498-yard par-4 instead of a 586-yard par-5.
Twin Warriors will be eclipsed as the longest Championship course in PGA of America history in August when Hazeltine National Golf Club plays to 7,674 yards for the 91st PGA Championship.
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; 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.
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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 multi-billion dollar golf industry.
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