The PGA of America’s championship season is underway and our first stop in 2025 is the 57th edition of the PGA Professional Championship presented by Club Car, Corebridge Financial and Rolex, which takes place at our own PGA Golf Club (Wanamaker and Ryder courses) in Port St. Lucie, Florida, from April 27-30.
This month’s PGA Magazine cover story takes an in-depth look at the largest all-professional national championship. It features 312 of our most accomplished playing PGA of America Members representing all 41 PGA Sections in a 72-hole stroke play format, competing for the famed Walter Hagan Cup and so much more.
The PGA Professional Champion will earn a spot in the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, along with entry into six PGA TOUR events over a 12-month period and a berth on the 2026 U.S. PGA Cup Team. In addition to our champion, the low 20 scorers at PGA Golf Club will also earn the right to tee it up at the 2025 PGA Championship – serving as our Corebridge Financial PGA Team – representing the Association at the highest level of competitive play.
Founded in 1968, the PGA Professional Championship is broadcast live on Golf Channel each year. It shines a bright light on our profession by showcasing the best players among our more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals, while profiling PGA Members who are making a difference in their communities and the game.
One of the exciting storylines from 2024 was Ben Polland, PGA, the Director of Golf at Shooting Star of Jackson Hole in Teton Village, Wyoming, who finished at 2-under-par 286 to win the 56th PGA Professional Championship at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco — the first time the event was hosted at the home of the PGA of America. The only competitor to finish the four rounds under par, Polland was the first player from the Rocky Mountain PGA Section to win the PGA Professional Championship. Ben, who went on to shoot a 69 in the second round of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club – finishing at even-par and missing the cut by one stroke – is now preparing for another opportunity on the national stage.
Additionally, 2024 Corebridge Financial PGA Team members Jeremy Wells (South Florida Section) and Braden Shattuck (Philadelphia Section) made the cut at the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club and enjoyed the opportunity to compete on the weekend at the PGA Championship, alongside the best players in the world.
Playing the game at a high level is critical to our profession, and we are so proud of all PGA of America Members who compete with pride and passion at the chapter and Section levels, and have earned their way into our national championship.
Every year, our PGA of America staff based in Frisco, Texas, looks for ways to enhance every aspect of the tournament. And thanks to the live broadcast on Golf Channel, we can bring the most compelling PGA Member performances and storylines to life, while elevating the benefits of our profession and showcasing the passion and dedication of PGA of America Golf Professionals for audiences around the world.
We encourage all of you to follow along at pgaprochampionship.com and watch your fellow members compete in this great event to see who will lift the historic Walter Hagen Cup and be recognized among the best players in the sport.
Good luck to all of the participants. You do so much to represent our fellow members and this great Association. Thanks and God bless.
Sincerely,
