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The Indiana PGA Professional Championship was held this week as Fort Wayne Country Club hosted the two-day Section qualifier on August 11–12. A strong field of Indiana PGA Professionals teed it up with hopes of qualifying for the 58th PGA Professional Championship, which will be played April 26–29, 2026 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon.
With five qualifying spots and four alternate spots on the line, the competition was tight. Temperatures soared into the upper 80s and low 90s, adding another layer of difficulty to a course already demanding precision and patience.
Among the standout performers was Timothy Wiseman, who entered the week already exempt into the national championship—but didn’t let that slow him down. He fired consecutive rounds of 67 to finish at 8-under par, five shots clear of the rest of the field.
“This event is always circled on my calendar,” Wiseman said with a laugh. “For whatever reason, when it comes around, I play some good golf.”
“Being exempt definitely takes some pressure off,” he added. “You can just go out and play free, and that’s what I tried to do both days.”
Despite the lower stakes for him personally, Wiseman remained focused on executing his game plan.
“It’s easy to get caught up in who’s behind you or what’s happening elsewhere,” he said. “I didn’t look at the leaderboard until 18. I just tried to stick to my own game and trust my intuition.”
For Wiseman, it wasn’t just his ball-striking that carried him through, but his mental toughness.
“Mentally, I was probably as good as I’ve ever been,” he said. “Being in that position with the lead—it’s hard. Anybody who says otherwise isn’t being honest. I just focused on being kind to myself, especially after a bad shot, and then kept going, one shot at a time.”
Also qualifying for the national championship were Jeff Marsh, Dave Pugh, Quinn Griffing, and Franklin Crist. Vince Drahman rounded out the five qualifiers by emerging from a playoff to secure the final spot.
Eric Steger, another player who was exempt into Bandon Dunes, posted an even-par total over the two rounds, showcasing steady play despite intense conditions.
As one of the most prestigious events for PGA Professionals across the country, the 58th PGA Professional Championship promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent. Indiana Golf is proud to send a talented group of players to represent the Section on a national stage next spring.
The Indiana Golf Foundation is proud to announce the successful completion of its $6.5 million capital campaign — a transformative milestone made possible by the generosity and shared vision of the Indiana golf community.
Launched in July 2021, the four-year campaign was rooted in a commitment to growing the game, increasing accessibility, and investing in youth development across the state. The funds raised have already begun to make a tangible impact, most notably with the opening of the Pete and Alice Dye Indiana Golf Center — a 13,000-square-foot facility now serving as the central hub for golf in Indiana.
The Center officially opened its doors on June 5, 2025, with a grand opening celebration attended by community members, donors, and supporters. The new headquarters is home to Indiana Golf’s administrative offices, the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame, and serves as a statewide home for First Tee – Indiana, offering programming, mentorship, and opportunities for junior golfers.
“This is a truly special moment for Indiana Golf,” said Mike David, Executive Director of Indiana Golf. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who believed in this vision from the beginning. Thanks to the generosity of all of our supporters, we now have a home that honors our history, supports our mission, and positions us for continued growth.”
The campaign went far beyond bricks and mortar. It helped fund First Tee programs across Indiana, including critical support for sites like Frederick Douglass Golf Course and the innovative DryveBox Mobile Golf Simulator, which brings golf to communities statewide. It also bolsters educational opportunities through scholarships and grants for First Tee participants, school programs, and community partners.
This success reflects the power of collective giving — a testament to the strength of Indiana’s golf community and its shared belief in the power of the game to shape lives. As the campaign concludes, its impact is just beginning, paving the way for continued progress and opportunity in Indiana Golf for years to come.
