New Jersey PGA Professionals to compete for qualification in 2012 PGA Championship; Golf Channel to provide exclusive event coverage June 24-27
PISCATAWAY, N.J., June 22, 2012…The New Jersey Section, PGA of America (NJPGA), the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, today announced that 11 PGA Professionals will represent the state of New Jersey at the 45th PGA Professional National Championship, The PGA of America’s showcase event for PGA Professionals, June 24 -27, 2012, at Bayonet Black Horse, overlooking the scenic Monterey Peninsula in Seaside, Calif.
The 2012 PGA Professional National Championship features a $550,000 purse and the Champion’s name will be inscribed on the coveted Walter Hagen Cup, which is enshrined at the PGA Museum of Golf in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Additionally, the top 20 PGA Professionals will qualify for the 2012 PGA Championship, the PGA TOUR’s final major, August 9-12, 2012, at the famed Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C.
The following NJPGA Section PGA Professionals will be competing for the 45th PGA Professional National Championship and a spot in the field at the 2012 PGA Championship:
Name Club Current Residence
Bill Britton Trump National G.C. Rumson
Mike Burke Montammy G.C. Towaco
Chris Dachisen North Jersey C.C. Warren
Frank Esposito Brooklake C.C. Florham Park
Matthew Freitag Hamilton Farm G.C. Long Valley
Brian Gaffney Rumson C.C. Rumson
Damien Hamlett New Jersey National G.C. Annandale
Sam Kang Farmstead Golf C.C. Rockaway
Michael Labrutto Greenacres C.C. Cranford
Mark Mccormick Suburban G.C. Middletown
Edward Whitman Knickerbocker C.C. Blairstown
The Bayonet and Black Horse Courses will be used during the Championship’s first two rounds, and the Bayonet will host the final two rounds. Bayonet will play 7,105 yards and to a par of 36-36-72, while Black Horse will play to 6,904 yards to a par of 36-36-72. Following the first 36 holes of stroke play, the field will be reduced to the low 70 scorers and those tied for 70th place. Those players will compete in the final two rounds at Bayonet Course. In the event of a tie for first place upon completion of play, there will be a hole-by-hole playoff beginning on the 18th hole. If the tie remains, play continues to Hole 16, and 17, and is repeated until a winner is determined. A playoff to break the tie for the low 20 scorers will begin on Hole 10, and continue through 18, if necessary.
A field consisting of approximately 300 PGA Professionals representing all 41 PGA sections will compete at The 45th PGA Professional National Championship. The Golf Channel, an exclusive media partner, will provide 11 hours of broadcast coverage from June 24-27.
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, Bruce Fleisher and Bob Sowards.
For more information on the NJPGA, please visit www.newjersey.pga.com.
About The PGA of America
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: 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 PGA enables its 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. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, 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. As The PGA nears its centennial, The PGA brand represents the very best in golf. The New Jersey Section is one of 41 geographic sections throughout the country and has been in operation since 1925.
Contact:
Tara Olivo (tara@mastrocomm.com)
Ari Edelman (aedelman@mastrocomm.com)
Mastro Communications @ (732) 469-5700
