Midwest Senior PGA Professional Championship The spotlight then shifted to Hallbrook Country Club, which graciously hosted the Senior, Assistant, and Women’s Professional Championships. For the Senior Professional Championship, it was Robert Russell who continued his remarkable season. Fresh off qualifying for the National PGA Professional Championship at Silo Ridge, Russell doubled down on his success by winning the Midwest Senior PGA Professional Championship, cementing himself as one of the Section’s most consistent and decorated players. Russell’s victory was earned against a strong field of seasoned competitors who know what it takes to win at this level. He will lead a formidable team to the National Senior PGA Professional Championship in Port St. Lucie, Florida, this October. Joining him are Steve Gotsche, a former PGA TOUR professional; John Lanham, a longtime competitor with a wealth of experience; and Rob Wilkin, a familiar name among Midwest golf circles and no stranger to seeing his name on trophies. This talented group will surely be a force on the national stage. •••••• Midwest PGA Junior Tour Wraps Inaugural Season in Springfield Area with Strong ParticipationThe Midwest PGA Junior Tour celebrated a successful first year, following the transition from the long-standing Southwest Missouri Junior Golf Association. The 2025 season marked an exciting new chapter for junior golf in the Springfield, Missouri, area, and the numbers told a story of tremendous engagement and growth. The tour featured four age divisions and welcomed 244 junior members, many of whom showcased their talents across a series of competitive and fun-filled events. Over the course of the season, the Junior Tour hosted nine tournaments, drawing an impressive 742 total participants. PGA REACH Midwest, the charitable foundation of the Midwest PGA Section, expressed excitement over the strong turnout and the enthusiasm from players and families. “We are thrilled with the participation in our first year running the Junior Tour,” said Adam Greeno, the Executive Director of the Midwest PGA and PGA REACH Midwest. “The commitment from the players, parents, and host facilities created a fantastic atmosphere. We’re looking forward to building on this foundation and expanding opportunities for junior golfers in the years ahead.” The transition to Midwest PGA ownership promises continued growth, more playing opportunities, and an expanded platform for junior golfers to develop their skills while fostering a lifelong love for the game. With a successful inaugural season complete, the future looks bright for junior golf in the Midwest. •••••• Midwest PGA Professional ChampionshipSilo Ridge Golf & Country Club in Bolivar, Missouri, provided a picture-perfect stage for the 2025 Midwest PGA Professional Championship. The course’s rolling terrain and championship-level setup challenged every aspect of the players’ games, but it was Austin Jarchow who rose to the occasion. Jarchow, capturing his first Midwest PGA Professional Championship, showed remarkable composure throughout the event, combining steady ball striking with a clutch short game. His win not only added his name to the Section’s storied history but also secured his place in the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes, one of the most iconic venues in the country. He won’t be heading to Oregon alone. Robert Russell and Ryan Dunham carded standout performances of their own, grinding through pressure-packed moments to earn their national qualifying spots. Together, this trio will carry the Midwest PGA banner to Bandon Dunes in April 2026, with their eyes set on competing against the very best PGA Professionals from across the country. •••••• Midwest Assistant PGA Professional ChampionshipAlso contested at Hallbrook, the Midwest Assistant PGA Professional Championship showcased the next wave of talent within the Section. In a dramatic playoff finish, Tradgon McCrae emerged victorious over seasoned competitor Chris Thompson, securing his first Midwest Assistant Professional title. Chris Rasmussen and Dakota Soukup stamped their tickets to the National Assistant PGA Professional Championship with outstanding performances over 36-holes. We look forward to watching them rise to the top of the leaderboard while representing the Midwest PGA at the PGA Golf Club in Port. St. Lucie, FL, November 13-16. |