By Craig Dolch, Special to the PGA of America
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The Assistant PGA Professional Championship commemorates its golden anniversary this week at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where a field of 132 PGA of America Assistant Golf Professionals and Associates will compete on the Wanamaker Course Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 12-15.
Sandra Changkija celebrated early last year when she became the first woman to win the Assistant PGA Professional Championship in the previous 49 editions. Changkija was proud to win the title and make history.
“It’s definitely an honor, but also a privilege,” Changkija said of being the defending champion. “Winning last year was among the top five events and awards I have won. Playing with the men, it’s a different win, obviously, because men play golf differently than women. It’s a great win, just different.”
Her five-stroke victory last year, while historic, wasn’t shocking. The Assistant PGA Professional at Sugar Mill Country Club in New Smyrna Beach, Florida (North Florida PGA), has been named the Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year twice (2025, 2022).
Changkija has sparkled at PGA Golf Club, winning the Women’s Stroke Play Championship three consecutive times (2021-’23), followed by a pair of runner-up finishes. But she had never played the Dye Course until last year’s Assistant PPC. All she had was two practice rounds to learn the nuances of Pete Dye’s unique design.
“To know that my notes and strategy were good enough for the week, gives me a lot of confidence,” Changkija said. “Now we’re back on the Wanamaker Course, which I am very familiar with.”
Changkija also is familiar with lifting trophies, a skill she perfected in college. She won 16 titles at Nova Southeastern University and is the only four-time NCAA Division II Player of the Year (2008-2011).
She turned professional in 2011 and played on the Epson and LPGA Tours for eight seasons until retiring from competitive golf in 2019 to become a PGA of America Golf Professional.
The 37-year-old Changkija took the lead in last year’s Assistant PPC after the second round and maintained it throughout most of the final 36 holes before pulling away.
“You can tell she’s used to playing under pressure and she’s good at it,” said Evan Wartgow (Utah Section), who tied for second last year with Zach Barbin (Philadelphia Section) and Andre Chi (Metropolitan Section).
Changkija continued her stellar play this summer when she led the United States to victory in the fourth Women’s PGA Cup in England. She was the medalist at 6-under 213, and her score counted each of the three days.
“It was a great week,” Changkija said. “Not only winning, but getting to meet Women PGA Professionals from around the world.”
U.S. playing captain Ashley Grier has competed against Changkija, but had an up-close look at her during the Women’s PGA Cup. She was impressed.
“Sandra is the definition of consistency,” said Grier, who’s also in this week’s field. “She’s very disciplined and methodical. She pays attention to the smallest details and doesn’t leave anything to chance. Her swing is so solid.”
Tyler Collet of Vero Beach, Florida, is among the leading contenders. The PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club won the 2025 PGA Professional Championship by a record 10 shots at PGA Golf Club coming down the stretch of this same Wanamaker Course in tremendous fashion.
Players are competing for a $225,000 purse. The four-day, 72-hole stroke play Championship will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after two rounds.
The Champion, provided they’re an eligible PGA of America member, will earn a spot in the 2027 PGA Professional Championship at Streamsong Golf Resort in Bowling Green, Florida, next April.
The Assistant PGA Professional Championship is supported by Golf Channel and Srixon/Cleveland Golf.
PGA Golf Club has hosted the Assistant PGA Professional Championship every year since 1996. The Club has hosted a variety of PGA of America events, including the 2025 and 2021 PGA Professional Championships and the 2003 PGA Cup, as well as numerous Senior PGA Professional Championships, PGA WORKS Collegiate Championships, PGA Winter Championships and the PGA Tournament Series.
For more about the Assistant PGA Professional Championship, visit here.
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