pga tour golfers from raleigh nc

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17-year-old golf phenom from Wake Forest draws strength from his family

WAKE FOREST, N.C. (WTVD) -- A 17-year-old in Wake Forest is one of the best young golfers in the world, and his family is part of his strength.

We couldn't speak to Akshay Bhatia on Monday, because he was busy golfing--having teed off around 2:30 for his first round of stroke play at the US Amateur in Pinehurst. But where Akshay goes, so goes his family. Dad Sonny, mother Renu and sister Rhea travel as many places as they can with their savant son/sibling, providing an encouraging backbone as he takes on the best in the world.

Rhea is an accomplished player in her own right, having played for Queen's University in Charlotte. She knows the game and its inherent intricacies and frustrations. She told me she prefers to share insights with her brother when he's practicing, and leaves him largely alone while he's competing, recognizing that he's more than equipped for the challenge. She also said he wakes up every tournament morning "in the zone."

SEE ALSO : Wake Forest resident tracking toward PGA stardom

His mother bears her nerves, if there are any, very quietly. She says her biggest job is just being a mother. Sometimes that means cheering him on after a great performance, sometimes it means encouraging him after a less than stellar outing. Either way, it always includes a hug.

Bhatia is currently the 5th ranked amateur player in the world. To give you an idea how exceptional he is, Jordan Spieth at the same age hadn't yet cracked the top 30.

Of course, having a special talent like Bhatia's requires special care. Sonny and Renu have been very careful not to apply any pressure or expectations on their son, allowing him to flourish and continue to enjoy the game. It helps that he's passionate about golfing and seems preternaturally mature and level-headed for his age. Golf, especially at his level, can be a maddening pursuit, but he never looks flustered.

Bhatia will make his PGA Tour debut in September in Napa, California. It figures to be the start of his rise to professional super stardom. This week though, there's a more pressing prize to pursue. "Shay" would certainly like to add his name among the legends who've won the Havemeyer Trophy as US Amateur champ. But if he doesn't, that's OK too. For the Bhatias, golf is not a zero sum game.

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Where Are They Now?

By shayla martin.

At McConnell Golf the sport of golf is more than just a leisure activity. Members across all 12 clubs train competitively in the hope of one day playing among their idols. Two McConnell Golf members have progressed to amateur and professional levels, and we’re proud to share the recent success of Raleigh Country Club's Grayson Murray and Carter Jenkins.

After receiving a McConnell Golf Junior Scholarship in 2008, Grayson Murray has wasted no time ascending the ranks to the PGA Tour. After the 22-year-old started the year with conditional status on the Web.com Tour and missed the cut in his first event, he tied for 10th place at TPC Wakefield Plantation and then tied for eighth at the BMW Charity Pro-Am. He earned his full-time PGA Tour card for the upcoming season in mid-October by finishing among this year’s top 25 money winners on the Web.com Tour.

“I received the McConnell Golf Junior Scholarship in the eighth grade, and it was perfect timing. It elevated my game so much just getting to go out to Raleigh Country Club every afternoon after school,” said Murray. “I don’t think I would have been the player I am without that scholarship.” The MCG Junior Scholarship is a program designed to offer instruction, practice, and playing opportunities to young golfers who may not have the financial ability to work on their games at first-class facilities. Murray was selected based on his level of talent, need, and commitment to the sport - as well as his proven dedication and value to the future of golf.

A fellow McConnell Golf Scholar is Raleigh native Carter Jenkins, a 2010 recipient who also played in the Rex Hospital Open as an amateur. Like Murray, Jenkins excelled in the amateur and collegiate ranks and is currently playing as a professional on the PGA Canada Tour. A fun fact about Jenkins: He and Grayson Murray were high school golf teammates at Leesville Road High School in Raleigh.

Golf |

22-year-old golfer from Wake Forest earns spot in the 2024 Masters Tournament

A young golfer from Wake Forest has earned a spot at the 2024 Masters Tournament .

22-year-old Akshay Bhatia won the PGA Tour's Texas Open over the weekend, sending him back to Augusta National.

He played there a decade ago, competing in the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at the age of 12.

Sonny Bhatia, Akshay's father, recalled the moment he knew his son was especially talented at only 11 years old.

Akshay came into his bedroom at 2 a.m. one morning and said he had a question, Sonny told ABC11 in 2019.

WATCH | 16-year-old Wake Forest resident tracking toward PGA stardom

"He wanted to know, 'How do you become the best in the world?'" Sonny said.

At 17, Akshay was one of the best junior golfers on the planet. He was the 5th ranked amateur player in the world.

But, Akshay's sights were set much higher than that.

"I want to be the best player in the world," he said. "I want to dominate on the PGA Tour."

At 18, Akshay became a full-time professional golfer. However, choosing to skip college and chase his dreams was not easy for him.

WATCH | 17-year-old golf phenom from Wake Forest draws strength from his family

"College is really hard to give up," Akshay told ABC11 in 2019, "just because of the social aspect of it. Playing with a team and trying to win a national championship sounds like heaven, but I know what I want to do, and I know what I want to pursue."

In 2024, Akshay has his chance to prove it was all worth it and dominate.

The 88th Masters Tournament kicks off in Georgia on Thursday on ESPN.

UNC Chapel Hill

Rex Hospital Open, Triangle’s Top Professional Golf Tournament, Returns in June

May 23, 2022

By Thomas Hughes

RALEIGH, N.C. – May 23, 2022 – The Rex Hospital Open returns to North Raleigh in early June, with 156 professional golfers competing in one of North Carolina’s premier tournaments.

The Rex Hospital Open is the largest and most successful annual charity fundraiser supporting patient care and services at UNC Rex Healthcare. Proceeds from this year’s Rex Hospital Open will benefit the UNC Rex Mobile Mammography Program, which helps underserved patients get much-needed screenings for breast cancer.

It is also an important stop on the Korn Ferry Tour schedule. This year’s tournament, held at The Country Club at Wakefield, will kick off with a Pro-Am on Wednesday, June 1, followed by tournament competition June 2-5. The tournament will feature unlimited free admission for all fans, sponsored by Drive Shack.

“UNC Rex is proud to sponsor the Rex Hospital Open with our other key partners and help bring some of the world’s top golfers to Raleigh,” said Ernie Bovio, president of UNC Rex. “The tournament provides a week of family friendly activities, exciting golf and an opportunity to support our community. We encourage fans to come out and enjoy the fun.”

During the past three decades, charity golf has raised more than $10 million for patients, programs and services at UNC Rex.

Starting in 2023, the tournament will see some big changes:

The tournament’s name will change to the UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH.
After 18 years at Wakefield, the host venue will shift to Raleigh Country Club, another course owned and operated by McConnell Golf. Raleigh Country Club ranks among the top 20 courses in North Carolina and was designed by renowned architect Donald Ross.
The total purse will increase to $1 million for the first time.

The changes will help increase the tournament’s impact, raise more money for charitable initiatives, and attract a broader base of fans from across the state.

“We look forward to an outstanding event this year, as we begin preparations for some exciting changes to the tournament in 2023,” said Dr. Wesley Burks, CEO of UNC Health. “We believe these updates will mark a new start for one of North Carolina’s top professional tournaments, benefitting both golfers and fans alike, while supporting health and wellness in the Triangle region. As someone who loves watching and playing golf, this is a week I look forward to each year.”

“We are grateful for our partnership with UNC Health and all the amazing things they do to make a positive impact in the Triangle,” said Korn Ferry Tour President Alex Baldwin. “We are thrilled about the three-year extension to continue playing the Rex Hospital Open through at least 2025, and we are excited to celebrate the announcement at this year’s tournament. The Country Club at Wakefield has been a great host for nearly two decades, and we’ll continue to build on the event’s history as the tournament changes names to the UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH and moves to Raleigh Country Club next season. As always, we are appreciative of the tournament staff, the volunteers, the club’s members and the hospital staff at UNC Rex for all they do to make this such a special week every year for our Tour.”

Some of the professional golfers expected to compete in this year’s Rex Hospital Open with ties to North Carolina include:

Ben Griffin – Chapel Hill native who played at UNC-Chapel Hill and is now No. 9 on the Korn Ferry Tour Regular Season Points List
Akshay Bhatia – lives in Wake Forest, won the Korn Ferry Tour’s season-opening The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic in January
Trevor Cone – born in Charlotte, lives in Concord, won his second Korn Ferry Tour title Sunday
Stephen Franken – played at N.C. State and is both a native and resident of Raleigh
Will Gordon – born in Davidson
Albin Choi – played at N.C. State and resides in Raleigh
Jonathan Brightwell – graduated from UNC Greensboro
Patrick Cover – played at UNC Wilmington, born in Mooresville

Other highlights of the 2022 Rex Hospital Open:

The 156 professional golfers will compete for a total purse of $750,000, with the champion winning $135,000.
UNC Rex will offer one of its title sponsor exemptions to the top-ranked player in the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Collegiate Ranking.
University of Georgia standout Trent Phillips will make his professional debut.
The Fan Fairway, presented by the Carolina Hurricanes, will offer food trucks and other family activities.
Championship Sunday (June 5) will be Service Appreciation Day, presented by First Citizens Bank, with military vehicles and personnel on site.
STITCH is the presenting sponsor of the Wednesday Pro-Am and also a Premier Partner of the Rex Hospital Open, along with First Citizens Bank, Brasfield & Gorrie and the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Carolina Hurricanes Public Viewing Bench will offer a great view of No. 18 green for spectators.
Food and drink sponsors will be available on site, including Coke, Tito’s and R&D Brewing.

For more information, including details on how to volunteer and reserve tickets, visit rexhospitalopen.com .

ABOUT THE REX HOSPITAL OPEN

Professional golfers from around the world travel to The Country Club at Wakefield each year to participate in the Korn Ferry Tour’s Rex Hospital Open. The tournament’s charitable efforts, coupled with its family and fan-friendly environment, attract thousands of golf fans each spring. In 2017 the Rex Healthcare Foundation was named Charity of the Year on the Korn Ferry Tour for its community efforts. During the past three decades, charity golf has raised more than $10 million for patients, programs and services at UNC Rex Healthcare.

ABOUT THE KORN FERRY TOUR

Founded (1990), owned and operated by the PGA TOUR, the Korn Ferry Tour identifies and develops golf’s next stars, preparing them to compete and win on the game’s biggest stage. The Korn Ferry Tour, which has served as a path to the PGA TOUR since its inception, began providing 50 PGA TOUR cards annually in 2013. Each season, the top 25 players secure PGA TOUR cards via the Korn Ferry Tour’s regular season and an additional 25 players secure promotion through the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. With more than 600 PGA TOUR titles, 27 major championships and six FedExCup Champions, Korn Ferry Tour alumni make up over 80 percent of the PGA TOUR’s current membership. To learn more about the PGA TOUR, the Korn Ferry Tour and to follow the season-long quest for a PGA TOUR card, visit PGATOUR.COM or follow the Korn Ferry Tour on social media.

Six Korn Ferry Tour events are televised annually on GOLF Channel in the United States, with tournament programming also available via 22 linear TV partners in 170-plus countries and territories. Over 70 hours of live coverage is available in 130-plus countries and territories. Programming is also available via the OTT platform GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR in every market outside of the United States (240-plus countries and territories), excluding China, Korea and Russia, with live coverage

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Cary Corbitt, PGA

Cary Corbitt, PGA, also known as “Mr. Hilton Head” by some, has been a member of the Carolinas PGA for forty-six years, spending the entirety of his career down in the Lowcountry. Cary spent three years as Head Professional of Sea Pines – Atlantic Dunes & Heron Point, three years as Director of Golf and Head Professional at Sea Pines – Harbour Town, Atlantic Dunes & Heron Point, thirteen years as Director of Golf of those three courses and Sea Pines Country Club, seventeen years as the Director of Sports Operations for Sea Pines Resort, and finished out his last eight years in the business as the Vice President of Sports and Operations before retiring in 2022. Cary’s achievements and accomplishments set him apart from his peers. He leads by example for all who know him, and his coworkers can vouch for his leadership skills as a key team player. In the 1980’s he was Co-Founder of the HHI Junior Golf Association and helped start a junior scholarship program that has benefitted many juniors from the area. More recently, when it was thought that a First Tee program should be developed in Hilton Head, Cary was eager to serve on the committee to develop the plan. He has received numerous honors and awards over the years including being twice named Hilton Head PGA Chapter Professional of the Year, and he was inducted into the Lowcountry Golf Hall of Fame in 2016. At a Section level, Cary has been named the Resort Merchandiser of the Year and the Golf Professional of the Year in 1997 and received the Section’s Bill Strausbaugh Award in 1998.

He was also the co-founder of the Lowcountry Chapter of the Carolinas PGA, co-founder of the Lowcountry Chapter of the Carolinas Junior Golf Association, and coordinated and instructed youth summer golf camps for over 15 years. His philanthropic nature and desire to serve his community and those around him have granted him a permanent spot in the Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame.

Bill Lytton, PGA

William “Bill” Lytton, PGA has been a member of the Carolinas PGA for fifty-four years. He spent his time in the Section as the Head Professional at Benvenue Country Club in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and as both the Director of Golf and Teaching Professional at Hyland Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Bill graduated from the University of North Carolina and held jobs at clubs/courses in Charlottesville and Pinetops before Rocky Mount.

Bill served as the Carolinas PGA Vice President from 1985-1986, President from 1987-1988, and served at the National Level as the District 10 Director from 1988-1989. He served on several committees including the PGA National Section – Affairs committee, PGA Tournament and Competition committee, PGA Hall of Fame committee, Carolinas Club Relations committee, and the Carolinas Education committee as both a Chair and member. He received the Carolinas PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award in both 1985 and 1986 and was named the Carolinas PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1990.

In his years of serving as Club Professional, he worked with many capable assistants, at least five assistants grew to full membership in PGA. He grew the youth program from three active players to ninety active players at Benvenue Country Club and was actively involved with the Sandhills Junior Golf program.

1981 - Dugan Aycock
1981- Henry Picard
1981 - Donald Ross
1982 - Johnny Palmer
1983 - Purvis Ferree
1983 - Clayton Heafner
1984 - Jimmy D’Angelo
1985 - Grant Bennett
1985 - J. Fairley Clark
1985 - Orville White
1991 – Joe Ellis Maples
1992 - Aubrey Apple Sr.
1993 - Ed Bullock
1993 - Charles Farlow
1993 - Randy Glover
1993 - Al Goodrich
1993 - Melvin Hemphill
1994 - Tommy Card
1994 - Joe Cheves
1994 - Palmer Maples
1995 - Gary Schaal
1995 - Luke Veasey
1996 - Buck Adams
1996 - E. Harvie Ward
1997 - Joe Davis
1997 - Roger Watson
1998 - Jim Ferree
1998 - Don Padgett
1999 - Bruce Sudderth
1999 - Henry Poe
2000 - D. Sherrill Austin
2000 - Norman Flynn
2001 - Hamp Auld
2001 - Gene Hamm
2002 – Bill Clemmer
2002 - Will Mann
2007 - Bob Boyd
2007 - Rod Myers
2008 - Terry Florence
2009 - Jim Westbrook
2010 - Mike Harmon
2011 - John Derr
2012 - Grover Bullin
2013 - Peggy Kirk Bell
2014 - Charles E. King
2015 - Ed Ibarguen
2016 - Ron Schmid
2018 – Bobby Howard
2019 - Jerry Hogge
2020 - Rick Murphy
2021 - Zack Veasey
2022 - Tim Moss

Aycock served more years as President of the CPGA than anyone before or since. He was in office from 1948-58 and again from 1966-68. Additionally, he was a PGA of America Vice President from 1959-61 and was voted PGA of America Professional of the year in 1957. Aycock donated much of his time to promoting the game and to aiding fellow PGA Professionals during times of personal crisis.

Born November 28, 1907 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Picard came to Charleston CC in 1925 as an assistant professional. He won the Carolinas Open four times before taking the tour by storm. In addition to his numerous titles, he was a member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 1935, ‘37, ’39, and ’41.

Picard was also a widely respected teacher, who held professional positions at Hershey CC in Hershey, Pennsylvania and Canterbury CC in Cleveland, Ohio after ending his tour career in 1950.

A longtime resident of Charleston, SC he was elected to membership in the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 1961. Picard is also a member of the SC Athletic, SC Golf and Carolinas Golf Halls of Fame.

In 1900, Ross moved to Pinehurst CC and later became interested in golf course architecture. He went on to design, build, or remodel over 600 courses, including Pinehurst No. 2, Seminole, Dunedin Inverness, and Oak Hill.

As a player, Ross won the inaugural North & South Open in 1903 and repeated those victories in 1905 and 1906. He was inducted into the PGA/World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977 and into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame in 1981.

The playing record of Palmer, who was born in 1918, is impressive. At the local level he won the CPGA Section Championship five times and the Carolinas Open on three occasions. On the PGA Tour, he was an eight-time winner, with his credits including the Canadian Open, the Colonial National Invitational and the Tam O’Shanter World Open when it was the richest event in golf. Palmer also played on the U.S. Ryder Cup Team.

Palmer, a tail-gunner in a B-29 during World War II, was noted for his steady hand and accurate aim – traits the he also carried to his golfing career. He is a member of the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame and the NC Sports Hall of Fame.

Feree considered himself lucky that he had worked at Pinehurst with the great professional/architect Donald Ross and with the great administrator Richard Tufts. Under Ross, he ran the No. 1 course during the summer; under Tufts, he ran the handicap system of the Carolinas Golf Association and also scheduled and conducted the CGA tournaments.

In 1942, he became head professional at Old Town in Winston-Salem and inherited the job of secretary-treasurer of the CPGA. He served in that position for 24 consecutive terms.

Ferree, the 1969 CPGA Professional of the Year, won the 1944 CPGA Section Championship/Carolinas Open, a combined event hosted by Old Town at his own urging.

In addition to winning two Carolinas Open titles and the CPGA Section Championship, Heafner won the Colonial National Invitational, the Jacksonville Open, and two Mahoning Valley Opens on the PGA Tour. However, he is the best remembered for his runner-up performances in two U.S. Opens – one to Cary Middlecoff at Medinah in 1949 and the other to Ben Hogan at Oakland Hills in 1951. He also played on two U.S. Ryder Cups teams and in seven Masters.

Heafner, who was born near Charlotte in 1914, served as an assistant professional in South Boston, VA, and at Sedgefield CC in Greensboro, where under Orville White, he developed his ability as a first rate player. He owned Eastwood GC in Charlotte, which he left to his three children after dying of a heart attack at age 47.

D’Angelo, who was born in 1909, was involved in the creation of the famous Dunes Golf & Beach Club and served as its first professional; helped organize the South Carolina Chapter of the CPGA; was involved in attracted the Golf Writers Associations of America Championship to the Dunes Club; and became publicity director for Golf Holiday, a promotional organization, after retiring from his post at the Dunes Club in 1968.

He was named Myrtle Beach Citizen of the Year in 1974 and was officially designated the Grand Strand’s “Mr. Golf.” He is a member of several halls of fames.

Bennett, a pilot during World War II who later became a chemical salesman, started his PGA career as head professional at New Bern G&CC. He later served at Florence CC, at Range End in Harrisburg, PA, at the CC of SC in Florence, and at Wildewood CC in Columbia.

Bennet served nearly 30 years as a member of the USGA Junior Committee, was a past junior chairman for the PGA, was twice named SC Professional of the Year, was CPGA Professional of the Year in 1956, and was inducted into numerous sports halls of fame.

Clark derived most of his pleasure in teaching. He once said, “I enjoy every phase of the golf business, but none more that teaching.”

He turned professional in 1927 and served as head professional at Fort Bragg Officers Club for 28 years, until his retirement in 1975. He was named CPGA Professional of the Year 1968.

His accomplishments included winning the CPGA Section Championship in 1945, the Carolinas Open in 1938 and ’45, the SC Open in 1953, ’54, and ’55, and the Mid South at Pinehurst in 1935. In addition, he played in the Masters in 1935 and ’36, tying for the 15th in 1936. As a teacher, his pupils included Clayton Heafner, who achieved an impressive record on the PGA Tour.

White was named Golf Professional Emeritus at Midland Valley Country Club in Aiken, where he was once part owner. He also served at Sedgefield CC in Greensboro and Forsyth CC in Winston-Salem.

Among the courses to his credit as a designer are Boone GC, Gaston CC, Midland Valley CC, CC of NC, CC of SC, CC of Orangeburg, Pinehurst No. 5, Whispering Pines CC Forest Oaks CC, Greensboro CC (Carlson Fam), Red Fox CC, Cedar Rock CC, Grandfather Mountain CC, Walnut Creek CC, and the Wellman Club.

Maples was a past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, a 39-year member of the PGA, and a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association upon his passing in 1984.

Dedicated to the growth of golf and the ideals of sportsmanship that the game displays, Apple was an accomplished player having competed in the PGA Championship and several Greater Greensboro Opens. He is the holder of three course records in North Carolina.

Active in civic affairs and charitable endeavors, Aubrey served the Carolinas Section as an officer for eleven years, including the office of the President from 1962-65. He was named Professional of the Year in the Carolinas Section in 1965. He served on numerous PGA of America committees and has been a delegate from the Carolinas Section to the National Meeting twenty times. He was instrumental in starting and organizing the Section senior tournament program.

Bullock served as head professional at the Surf Golf & Beach Club from 1960-71. He then supervised construction and operated the 54-hole Myrtle Beach National complex where he remained until his retirement in 1986. Credited as one of the movers and shakers in the growth of Myrtle Beach golf, Bullock contributed greatly to the area being recognized as the “Coastal Golf Capital of the World.”

Well known for the professionals who trained under his direction, Bullock was recognized by his peers as CPGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1972.

Farlow served for 21 years at Starmount Forest GC, frequent site of the Greater Greensboro Open. An accomplished player, he qualified for the U.S. Open eight times and made the cut four times. He also qualified for the PGA Championship five times. Farlow won the CPGA Section Championship in 1940 and the Carolinas Open in 1955. He captured the CPGA Senior Championship in 1962.

Farlow served 40 months in the Army during World War II as a member of General George Patton’s tank division. Following his discharge, he settled into the job at Starmount Forest. Farlow later became head professional at Oak Island in Southport on the NC coast and concluded his career as a teaching professional at green valley country club in his beloved Greensboro. Farlow was the CPGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1978 and passed away in 1979 at the age of 70.

Serving at clubs in Charleston, Summerville, Johnsonville, and Clinton, SC, Glover garnered many Section titles including eight SC Opens, five SC Chapter titles, and two Carolinas Opens. Glover was named the CPGA Player of the Year a record seven times. In 1975, ’76, and ’80, he played for the winning United States team in the PGA Cup matches against Great Britain and Ireland.

As Section Tournament Chairman and Vice President from 1977-1980, Glover was instrumental in establishing policy and procedures for the Section’s tournament program, considered the finest in the PGA. This modest, soft-spoken professional is a member if the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame, SC Golf Hall of Fame, and SC Athletic Hall of Fame.

Goodrich was voted CPGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1966, and he was widely known for his fundraising efforts coming to the financial aid of several of his fellow professionals. He was a proficient player, teacher, businessman, and promoter. He captured the 1963 CPGA Pro-Pro Championship with his long-time friend Chuck Alexander.

Best known for his teaching, some of Hemphill’s prize students included U.S. Open Champion Jack Fleck, Master’s Champion Tommy Aaron, Canadian and U.S. Amateur Champion Gary Cowan, and PGA Tour standout Gardner Dickenson. Jack Fleck spent two weeks with Hemphill just prior to his playoff victory in the 1955 Open over Ben Hogan.

Hemphill was a skilled left-handed player capturing the 1958 SC Open at the CC of Charleston. A fun-loving man, Hemphill was a great saxophone player. He had his own orchestra in Columbia during World War II. At one time, he was offered the lead sax position with the Jimmy Dorsey Band. Hemphill was honored by the CPGA as its Golf Professional of the Year in 1961. He was inducted into the SC Golf Hall of Fame, along with his sister Kathryn, in 1980 and passed away that same year at the age of 72.

An expert on the Rules of Golf, Card was the PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1971, and the Section’s Horton Smith Award recipient in 1979 for promoting PGA education. Instrumental in the formation of the CPGA senior tournament program, the Section’s Senior Player of the Year award was named in his honor in 1993.

A 39-year member of the PGA of America, Card passed away in 1992.

A four-time winner of the CPGA Section Championship and the 1964 Carolinas Section Golf Professional of the Year award, Cheves spent most of his career at Mimosa Hills CC, a Donald Ross designed jewel in Morganton, NC. He served as head professional at Mimosa Hills for 30 years from 1951 until his retirement in 1981. He is the co-founder of the American Golf Association, which stages senior tournaments throughout the nation each year.

Cheves biggest thrill in competitive golf came in the 1978 PGA National Seniors’ Championship at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. At the end of 72 holes, Cheves found himself tied for the lead with Joe Jiminez and Manuel de la Torre. Jiminez prevailed in the ensuing playoff with a birdie on the first hole.

Cheves remained an active player regularly bettering his age in Section senior events and golfing frequently with legendary amateur Billy joe Patton, also of Morganton. He was inducted into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame in 1989 and passed away in 2007.

When he was 19 years old, Maples served as head professional at Pinehurst CC in winter and spent summers at the Roaring Gap Club in Roaring Gap, NC, a mountain course completed by Donald Ross. He then took the head professional job at Benvenue CC in Rocky Mount, NC, where he lived with his new bride, Elsie Patria, from 1929-58.

Harvie Ward was his most famous student, but he helped many people learn the game at Benvenue and many of the smaller surrounding courses, serving as “Pro” on his days off for those who had no professional. The CPGA Teacher of the Year Award was named in his honor in 1979. Palmer Maples passed away in 1979 in Charlotte, NC, just before attending a golf seminar.

Pine Lakes CC in Myrtle Beach was Gary’s first assignment as head professional in 1975. He became involved in CPGA activities almost immediately thereafter serving as the Section’s Secretary/Treasurer from 1981-84 and President in 1985-86. Gary was honored for his efforts in PGA education by being awarded the Section’s Horton Smith Trophy in 1978 and ’80, and he garnered the Section’s ultimate award 5 1985 when he was named CPGA Golf Professional of the Year.

Gary’s service to the PGA and his fellow professionals continued on a national level when he was elected to the PGA of America’s Board of Directors 5 1987. In the fall of 1988, Gary won a dramatic election for Secretary and served six years as a National Officer. He became the first CPGA Section member to be elected President of the PGA of America in 1992.

An operator of multiple golf courses in SC. Gary is active in Myrtle Beach area charitable and civic affair. He served as a director of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, helped establish the popular Myrtle Beach Junior Golf Program, and established the Gordin Collegiate Classic, a NCAA Division III tournament at Deer Track GC. In 2010, Schaal was inducted into the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame.

In 1960, Veasey was hired to run the Hillandale GC in Durham. He stayed for 28 years serving as head professional / general manager / superintendent. Veasey worked hard at his craft, and his Hillandale golf shop received national attention in 1978 by Sports Illustrated as it is recognized as the best golf shop in America. Veasey’s business acumen was becoming legendary as he won the PGA of America’s Merchandiser of the Year Award in the Public Course category in 1987 and 88. He won the CPGA Merchandiser of the Year Award a record 12 times in the 1970s and 80s. In 1988, Veasey was honored by his peers as the CPGA Golf Professional of the Year.

An active course superintendent, Veasey served as President of the Triangle Golf Course Superintendents Association in 1968 and served on the NC Turfgrass Association Board for 15 years. A competent player Veasey competed in two Greater Greensboro Opens and fired a career low 64 at Hillandale. He was also a successful mentor to seven eventual PGA head professionals who worked under his direction.

Adams had a most successful career in golf. He was the head professional at CCNC for 28 years from 1963-91. Adams also served the CPGA as Vice President and Treasurer in the mid-1970s. Additionally, he sat on the Section’s Club Relations Committee for more than 20 years.

Adams was the “dean” of golf professionals in the Carolinas because he hired and trained so many apprentices who eventually became head professionals. Many of the most prestigious golf facilities in the nation now employ one of his former assistants. He was honored by his fellow professionals by being named CPGA Golf Professional the Year in 1976 and the recipient of the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 1985,’89, and ’91.

An accomplished player, Adams won the 1969 Section Championship and the 1984 Section Senior Championship.

Amateur victories include the 1949 NCAA Division 1 individual title, the 1952 British Amateur Championship, two U.S. Amateur Championships (1955 and 561 and the 1954 Canadian Amateur Championship. Ward is the only person in history to win these four tournaments. He was also part of three U.S. Walker Cup teams (1953. 55, and 59), winning all six of his matches.

Ward played in 19 professional majors. Highlights include two top-10 finishes at the Masters tournament (8. in 1955 and 4. in ’57) and a tie for 7th at the 1955 US. Open.

After turning professional in 1974, Ward had less success, but he did capture the 1977 NC Open. He continued to play occasionally on the Senior PGA Tour from 1980-90. Ward’s career was then more focused on being a club professional and golf instructor. His best-known student was three-time major winner Payne Stewart. Ward held positions at Foxfire CC, Grand Cypress GC, lnterlachen GC and Pine Needles Lodge to GC Ward was also inducted into the NC Sports and the Carolinas Golf Reporters Association Halls of Fame.

Davis earned the distinction of being the first CPGA Professional to be named a PGA Master Professional with only six others earning that distinction before him nationwide. Davis was one of the most respected golf professionals in SC, something that helped him to be elected as CPGA President for the years of 1959-61. In 1963 the Section further honored him as its Golf Professional of the Year.

Davis was also elected to the SC Golf Hall of Fame in 1991.

Watson is a native of High Point, NC and a graduate of High Point Univ. where he was an All-American.

In 1966 Watson chose to become a club professional. He served at the CC of NC as an assistant and quickly moved up to become the head professional at Sapona CC and then MacGregor Downs CC Watson won the 1969 NC Open the 1975 and 76. CPGA Section Championships and numerous other local and Section events. In 1975 and 76, he was a member of the victorious U.S. PGA Cup Team. Watson competed in the 1974 U.S. Open and several PGA Championships. He later became a member of the Senior PGA Tour and had some success.

Watson is also well known as a businessman. He has been recognized several times as one of the top ten most influential people in the golf business. He has been involved in the development, management, and ownership of more than 60 golf courses for 43 years. He has founded five successful golf partnerships and developed some of the finest golf courses in North Carolina. At last count, there are over 125 PGA head professionals around the country who trained under Watson’s leadership.

Watson is also a member of the NAIA and NC Sportswriters Halls of Fame.

Ferree turned professional in 1955 and played on the PGA Tour (winning the 1958 Vancouver Open Invitational), The Senior PGA Tour (winning the 1986 Greater Grand Rapids Open and 1991 Bell Atlantic Classic), and the Grand Champions Tour (winning nine times). Other victories included the 1961 Jamaica Open, 1962 Panama Open, 1963 Maracaibo Open, 1966 CPGA Section Championship, and the 1967 Georgia PGA Section Championship. He was regarded as one of the very best in the game tee-to-green.

One of the most interesting notes about Ferree’s career is that his silhouette was selected to be the logo of the Senior PGA Tour.

Padgett, affectionately known as “Padge,” began his professional career in 1949 at American Legion GC where he also caddied as a child. He was elected to PGA membership in 1955. He held positions at clubs from coast to coast. Padgett was a leader wherever he went. He served three terms as President of the Indiana PGA Section and one as the PGA of America President from 1977-78, a period that was marked by the expansion of the Ryder Cup Matches to include players from continental Europe, the development of the professional education programs, and the creation of the Junior PGA Championship.

Padgett’s final stop was at the famed Pinehurst Resort & CC. He was named Director of Golf in 1987. The No. 2 course went on to host two PGA Tour Championships, the 1994 U.S. Senior Open, and the 1999 a. 2005 U.S. Opens.

Many knew Padgett as a teacher, player, merchandiser, facility manager, businessman, and ambassador of the game. He referred to himself as an activist. He stated, “I don’t sit around and talk about what ought to be. I try to figure out how I can make it be.”

Padgett received many accolades during his career including the 1961 Indiana PGA Section and PGA of America Professional of the Year awards, induction into the Indiana and Carolinas Golf Halls of Fame, the Card Walker Award for outstanding contributions to junior golf in the U.S., and the title of Executive V.P. of Golf Emeritus at Pinehurst Resort & CC.

Sudderth worked at Blowing Rock CC and Gaston CC before becoming a tour official. During that time, he earned the distinction of PGA Master Professional and served the CPGA as President from 1982-83.

He was honored by his peers a number of times when he received the CPGA 1980 Golf Professional of the Year Award: the 1982, ’84, and ’91 Bill Strausbaugh Award; and the 1988 and ’91 Teacher of the Year Award.

Poe became a professional in 1937. He became an assistant professional at Winged Foot GC and then succeeded Byron Nelson at Redding CC in 1940. Poe remained there until 1966, when he was hired to build and operate three golf courses in Alabama. After retiring, Poe moved back to his native state in 1985.

A PGA Member for more than 50 years, Poe was active in PGA affairs for both the Carolinas Section and PGA of America. He was it five-time President of the Philadelphia PGA Section in the 1950s was it PGA of America Director from 1957-59, and chaired the PGA’s Annual Meeting from 1958-69. He served as Treasurer of the PGA from 1970-72, as Secretary from 1973-74, and as President from 1975-76. His legacy as PGA President was establishing the National Junior Golf Foundation and the PGA Business Schools for apprentice professionals.

Poe served as a member of the Masters Rules Committee for 10 years and as a Director of the PGA Tour Policy Board from 1971-76. He is also it member of the Philadelphia PGA and Carolinas Golf Halls of Fame.

Austin turned professional in 1964 at the age of 21, working as a shop assistant at Catawba CC in Hickory. He became head professional at Lake City CC in 1965. In 1969 he returned to Catawba CC as head professional and remained for 19 years. Austin was then director of golf at the renowned Wade Hampton Golf Club.

His tireless service to the CPGA includes a three-year term as President from 1980-82, preceded by a three-year term as Vice President, and a three-year term as Secretary. Austin also served three years as V.P. for the Western NC Area. While President of the Section, he started the benevolent and relief fund for Section Members and established the CPGA Hall of Fame. Austin chaired the NC Heart Fund Pro-Am for several years, raising thousands of dollars for heart research programs. In 1983 Austin was the CPGA Golf Professional of the Year.

Flynn is a former president of the SC Chapter of the CPGA and was selected as the SC Chapter Professional of the Year in 1980. Flynn received the CPGA Golf Professional of the Year award in 1981. He was the Section’s Tournament Chairman from 1975-76 and President from 1978-79.

Flynn was an accomplished player, capturing the SC Open in 1967, the Carolinas Open in 1970, and several senior titles. He was a member of the Palmetto Cup Team in 1991 and the honorary captain at the matches in 1998. Flynn is also a member of the SC Golf Hall of Fame.

Auld was an excellent player, capturing the 1968 CPGA Section Championship, the Carolinas Open in 1971, the 1972 CPGA Pro-Pro Championship with Randy Glover, and the CPGA Senior Championship in 1985 and ’86. He finished 5th in the first U.S. Senior Open at Winged Foot in 1980. At the age of 71, Auld captured his last senior title at the Pinewood Senior Open.

A multi-talented athlete in high school, Hamm joined the Navy after graduation in 1943. In 1946, he took a job as an assistant golf professional at a nine-hole course in High Point. He also served at New Bern CC under Ellis Maples, at Pinehurst CC under Ellis’ father Frank, and later at Hilma CC. His first design was a nine-hole course in 1949 at the Washington Yacht & CC in Washington, NC where he also served as head professional and course superintendent. He went to Durham in 1956 to work on the construction of the Duke Univ. GC.

Hamm was an accomplished player having qualified for the 1958 PGA Championship and 1960 U.S. Open. While designing Sea Gull GC in Pawleys Island, SC, Hamm won the 1966 NC Open. He also won the 1977 and ‘78 CPGA Senior Opens at Beechwood, one of his course designs.

Clemmer served with Security Forces in the U.S. Air Force with tours of duty in Vietnam (67-68) and Spain (69-70) being discharged as a SSgt. He was elected to the PGA in 1976 and served as an assistant under Bruce Sudderth at Gaston C.C. from 1973-1978. He was the General Manager and Director of Golf at Cowans Ford C.C. on Lake Norman from 1978-1998. Bill has worked for the PGA Tour as a Rules Official on the Champions Tour since 1998.

He has been an instructor on the PGA Education Faculty since 1990, teaching at numerous PGA Business Schools and PGA/USGA Rules workshops and has served on the PGA Rules of Golf Committee since 1988. Bill has officiated at over 40 of golf’s major championships including 26 PGA Championships, Masters, U.S. Open, and Senior British Open.

Service to the CPGA includes Tournament Chairman (1986-1988), Secretary (1989-1991), Vice President (1992-1993) and President (1994-1995). Additionally Clemmer served as District 10 Director representing Carolinas, Kentucky, and Middle Atlantic Sections on the PGA Board of Directors from 1996-1998.

Clemmer received the 1992 CPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award and the 1993 CPGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. In 1999 he obtained PGA Specialty Certification in the Rules of Golf and obtained his Master Professional status in Executive Management.

Also in 1985, Mann was elected to the CPGA Board of Directors. In 1989, he was elected Section Secretary, leading to his election as President for the 1992-93 term.

Along the way, he received the CPGA Golf Professional of the Year, the Bill Strausbaugh, and the Horton Smith Awards. He served on several national committees before being elected PGA Secretary in 1994, leading to his service as PGA President 1999-2001. Mann was only the second PGA President who never served on the national Board of Directors. As a result of his commitment to the PGA of America and his focus on helping fellow PGA Professionals, the Association progressed in the areas of education, employment, and communications. Mann’s concern for his fellow Members and his determination to help improve their profession was the motivation behind his years of service.

During his 27-year playing career, Boyd competed on the PGA Tour and the European Senior Tour where he captured the Senior Open of Spain in 2005. Boyd also participated in 10 PGA Championships, five U.S. Open Championships, and was a member of the 1990 and 2000 PGA Cup Teams.

To honor his competitive spirit, winning attitude, and professionalism, the annual award presented to the top playing CPGA Professional for the year was named in his honor in 2008.

Boyd was a Life Member of the PGA of America and worked at golf clubs in Pinehurst, Charleston, Isle of Palms, Florence, Hilton Head, and Wilmington.

After graduating from Ohio Wesleyan in 1961, Myers was head coach at Ohio State Univ. for seven seasons before taking over the Duke Univ.’s men’s golf team in 1974. During his 34 years with the Blue Devils, Myers guided Duke to 30 tournament victories, one ACC Championship, and seven NCAA Championship appearances. In 2005, he was selected as the ACC Coach of the Year and Golfweek’s National Coach of the Year. While at the helm of the Duke men’s golf team, Myers coached 16 All-Americans, nine Academic All Americans, 24 All-ACC selections, and three ACC individual champions. In 2007, the team’s golf training center was named after him and an endowed athletic scholarship was created in Myers honor.

During his 37 years as a Member of the PGA of America, Myers was a Master PGA Professional, served on the staff of the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy, was a member of the PGA Rules Committee, and officiated at every Masters Championship from 1995-2003 Myers was a president and treasurer of the Golf Coaches Association of America and a former chairman of the NCAA Golf and USGA Rules Committees.

In 2007, Myers received the Labron Harris Sr. Award which is presented to the college or high school coach and PGA Professional whose support A the game through teaching, coaching, and involvement in the community has helped ensure the continued growth of the game and represent the finest qualities the game has to offer. He is also a member of the Golf Coaches Association, Ohio Wesleyan Sports, and Springfield (OH) High School Halls of Fame.

Florence quickly became an active Member of the CPGA. serving on his first CPGA commit. in 1980 and shortly thereafter being elected as Vice President of the SC Chapter of the Section in ’81. From 1980-92, he was a member of 12 other committees both for the Chapter and the Section, served on the CPGA Board of Directors, and was also an instructor at PGA workshops and USGA Rules seminars. Additionally, Florence directed more than 100 charity events and volunteered for various community organizations.

Florence was also a proficient player. As a former All-American at Gardner-Webb Univ. he won the 1975 CPGA Assistant Professional Championship, the SC Open twice in 1976 and ’78, and well over 20 other tournaments. He qualified for the PGA Professional National Championship 16 times and participated in four PGA Championships, one U.S. Senior Open, and two Senior PGA Championships.

All of the competition did not distract Florence from his career. He worked at Wild Dunes for 23 years before becoming the head professional at Bulls Bay GC. He had numerous assistants move on to become successful head professionals.

Florence was recognized by h peers as the CPGA Resort Merchandiser of the year four times (1987, ’88, ’92, and ’95). Additionally, he was named the 1992 CPGA Golf Professional of the Year and inducted into the Carolinas and SC Golf Halls of Fame. One would be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t appreciate and respect the soft-spoken man.

Westbrook began his career as an assistant in the Tennessee PGA Section. He came to the Carolinas to become the head professional at Florence CC and then the same at Carmel CC. Westbrook retired from that position after 29 years. During all that time, he touched the lives of countless future experts in the game and business of golf through friendship and a passion for the game of golf. Westbrook stated that having such an impact was his most rewarding achievement as a PGA Professional.

Westbrook received the CPGA’s 1997 Bill Strausbaugh, 1981 and ’91 Private Merchandiser, and 1986 Golf Professional of the Year Awards. In 1981, he won the Carolinas Open. Westbrook served the Section on various committees and as Treasurer and Secretary from 1978-79 and 1979-81 respectively.

Westbrook’s career as an expert teacher, player, leader, manager, merchandiser, and, most importantly, mentor set a standard of excellence for all PGA Professionals.

Harmon held positions at Palmetto Dunes and Moss Creek Plantation before accepting the position of Director of Golf at Secession GC. He cited the growth of Secession as his crowning achievement on the professional level and stated, “I think the Lord put me right where I needed to be.”

Harmon served the CPGA on its Board of Directors. He received the Section’s 2000 Private Merchandiser of the Year, 2003 Horton Smith, 2005 Bill Strausbaugh, and 2007 Golf Professional of the Year Awards. The PGA of America also honored Harmon as its 2004 Private Merchandiser of the Year and 2006 Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient. He hoped that his many activities and accolades inspire young professionals to follow a similar line of service and dedication.

Derr’s lifelong love of the game began at a two-hole course in western NC built for him by his father. His passion for golf, combined with his talent as a writer, helped Derr earn the opportunity to cover the 1935 Masters tournament (in only its second year) for the Gastonia Gazette. From 1935 until 2001, Derr covered the tournament in print, on radio, and on television. He is one of the few reporters who have done so. Derr eventually earned the positions of Sports Director for the CBS network and Director of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Throughout his career, Derr received numerous accolades including the Golf Writers National Journalism and Masters Major Achievement Awards. He also belongs to the Carolinas Golf Writers and NC Sports Halls of Fame. Derr even received the Bronze Star for his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

In 1975, Derr was asked to temporarily become the CPGA, Executive Director while the Section searched for a permanent employee. The proposed term of three months turned into 10 years of service. After his retirement in 1984, he continued to serve as Special Counsel to the Section for a number of years.

Derr saw it all in the game of golf and experienced more in the world than one person could ever imagine. He had more stories to tell than there was time. His vivid memory could provide insight on some of the most powerful leaders and famous celebrities of the 20th and 2Ist centuries. Age never slowed him down, proven by his first hole-in-one at the age of 92.

Following his retirement from Wilson CC, Bullin continued to grow the game by teaching lessons for the Wilson County Parks and Recreation Department and developed fundraisers for underprivileged youth in the area. He is currently an active supporter of the Mulligans Fore Kids Golf Tournament, which helps give children with disabilities a second chance.

Bullin was elected Carolinas PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1962. He served on the CPGA Board of Directors from 1964-1966. Wilson Country Club annually gives to Golf Scholarship at Barton College in his name. The Grover Bullin Endowed Scholarship was established in 1989, at the time of his retirement, and is used in place of institutional aid to a member of the golf team.

Throughout her career, Peggy Kirk Bell has been an ambassador for the game of golf to many generations. In 1953, Bell and her late husband Warren “Bullet” Bell took over Pine Needles Lodge &Golf Club in Southern Pines, NC and developed the resort into what it is today. Under the leadership of Bell, Pine Needles has turned out some of the top PGA Professionals in the Carolinas. The resort is also credited with bringing national attention to the Pinehurst area by hosting three U S. Women’s Open Championships in 1996, 2001, 2007, and 2022.

Some of Bell’s significant honors include 1961 LPGA Teacher of the Year, Golf Digest’s “One of the Six Best Women Teachers in the World; Winner of the first LPGA Senior Championship, 1990 LPGA’s Ellen Griffin Rolex Award, 2004 inductee into Golf Magazine’s World Golf Teacher Hall of Fame (first woman), and 1950 USDA Curtis Cup Team Member. She currently serves as the Chairwoman for the largest girl’s golf tour in the country, the Peggy Kirk Bell Golf Tour.

King has received several awards throughout his distinguished career. He was honored as the 2001 CPGA and 2002 PGA of America Resort Merchandiser of the Year and was the recipient of the 1991 CPGA Professional of the Year Award, the 1999 and ’94 Bill Strausbaugh Awards, and the 1996 and ’89 Horton Smith Awards.

King served the Carolinas Section as a Board of Directors Member, Secretary, Vice President, President, and Honorary President. He assisted or led the following CPGA Committees: Hall of Fame, Constitution, Education, Membership, Assistants, and Junior Golf. On the National level, he sat on the PGA of America’s President’s Council and Education Committee.

All of his accolades and accomplishments are noteworthy. However, King takes just as much pride in his history of mentoring and training the Golf Professionals of tomorrow. He has helped dozens of PGA Interns find employment in the golf industry and has placed many of his Assistants in Head Professional positions around the country. Such devotion to others has earned King the enduring respect of countless club members. employees. and industry leaders.

In April 1988, he was hired by Duke athletic director, Tom Butters, to serve as the General Manager and subsequently, the PGA Director of Golf at Duke University Golf Club. 2015 marks his 27th year at the facility. In his 32 years as a PGA Member, Ed has won numerous awards on both a Section and National level. He received the PGA National Bill Strausbaugh Award in 1995 and the PGA National Horton Smith Award in 1998.

The Bill Strausbaugh Award recognizes a PGA member who has made significant contributions through the mentoring of PGA Professionals and impacting their careers. The Horton Smith Award is designed to recognize PGA golf professionals for their outstanding and continuing contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA golf professional. At a National level, receiving one award is an incredible honor; receiving two is a rare and remarkable accomplishment.

Within the Section itself; Ed has the honor of receiving the Carolinas PGA Horton Smith Award in 1990, 1998, and 2004; the Carolinas PGA Teacher of the Year Award in 1991 and 2003; and the Carolinas PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award in 2001. The Hall of Fame Award is his 10th Award as a PGA Professional and his 8th Section Award. Additionally, Ed has been on the Golf Magazine Top 100 Teachers in America list since 2001, as well as being listed as one of the North Carolina’s Top Instructors by Golf Digest Magazine.

From his longtime efforts at Duke, to his ability to hold numerous Section and National Committee positions while also serving as an officer in the Carolinas Section, he still finds time to volunteer with other golf associations, and to share his passion to grow this great game.

It wasn’t until 1999 that Ron began his life-changing, 16-year role as Executive Director of the Carolinas PGA Section – a position he assumed both at the Myrtle Beach, SC and Greensboro, NC offices. Ron was pivotal in developing a strong relationship with the Bryan Foundation to relocate the Carolinas PGA Section Office to Greensboro and develop a beautiful, new headquarters at Bryan Park Golf Course.

During his time at the Section, Ron not only made a commitment to the PGA’s largest section but to many worthy organizations as well. This includes Play Golf America, Patriot Golf Day and the Folds of Honor Foundation, The First Tee, Adaptive Golf, and Drive, Chip and Putt — a program he still volunteers with at the Section level even after having retired in December 2015. While at the Section, Ron was also a member of the Executive Director Committee, Play Golf America Committee, Scholarship Committee, PGA Communications Committee, Awards and Honors Committee, Hall of Fame Committee, Finance Committee, Education Committee, Code of Ethics Committee, and Sponsors Committee, bolstering an even greater commitment to the Association and its members. Ron embraced all of these initiatives and more while proudly wearing the PGA badge, and continues to today as a PGA Life Member.

Adding to these accolades are also supplemental awards and achievements that Ron has earned over the years including, The President’s Council Award on Growing the Game from 2005-2007, leading the Carolinas PGA Section to win a National Herb Graffis Award in 2007, launching the Section’s most celebrated annual event, the Merchandise Show, and, on top of that, being a chief supporter for the Folds of Honor Foundation, of which he helped the Section to garner over $3,000,000 in donations between 2007 and 2015 (raising $500,000 alone in one year from over 150 Section facilities). Ron’s ability to grow the game and the Section so immensely over the years speaks volumes to his commitment as a PGA Member and to his passion for golf.

Early in his career, Bobby was very influential with the South Carolina Chapter. In 1967 he was President of the Chapter and grew membership from 40 to 120 golf professionals.

Howard served at the Carolinas PGA President from 1969-1970. In this time, he influenced many professionals and made some lasting impacts on the Section. One of the most notable moves during his presidency was his responsibility for acquiring the land and building our Section’s new Headquarters Office in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Along with this change, he appointed a Committee to re-write the CPGA Constitution, implementing many significant changes for the Carolinas. “I was elected as President in the Carolinas and I got a couple colleagues to help me re-write the constitution,” said Howard. “We divided the Section into three chapters; South Carolina had their own and North Carolina had two chapters. This allowed South Carolina Professionals to continue playing their tournaments as they had been, but allowed them the ability to become a national PGA Member. That was one of my proudest accomplishments.”

In conjunction with being a great leader, Bobby was a great player. In 1970, Bobby won the Carolinas Pro-Pro Championship with Bobby Mitchell. He also holds the course record at the Country Club of Charleston with a 62. He was an advocate for playing the game, as he was responsible for the first $1,000 South Carolina Open and the first $10,000 Carolinas Open. As a testament to his overall great leadership, professionalism, and playing ability, Howard won the Carolinas PGA Golf Professional of the Year award in 1971 after only 6 years as a PGA Member.

Bobby owned and operated five golf courses across the Carolinas and was extremely gracious when it came to allowing access to his facilities. In 1972, Bobby became the first golf professional in South Carolina to allow a minority golf team to practice and play at his facilities at Sedgewood Golf Club in Columbia, SC. The South Carolina State golf team had no place to go but Bobby welcomed them with open arms. Opening up his facility to this team was not his only move to welcome all to the game. His club in NC, Broadmoor Golf Links, was the first club to welcome the Skyview Open, a legendary African American tour event.

Bobby’s work in the 1970’s was not done as he began work on the National Hagen Committee in 1971 in starting and conducting the Walter Hagen Cancer Society Tournament in South Carolina. He worked with this for many years, sending SC winners to the National tournament in Florida. As a National Committee Member through 1983, Bobby helped raise $2.8 million for the fight against cancer.

“It means a lot [to be inducted] because I know practically every one of the Hall of Fame Members. I can think back and it gives me a lot of fond memories,” says Howard, when reflecting on his career and the numerous connections he has made. “I really enjoyed serving as President for a couple years, being on the Executive Committee for 14 years, and have enjoyed being a PGA Professional for nearly 52 years.”

A Virginia native, Jerry Hogge started his career in golf in 1972 at Argyle Country Club as an Assistant Professional. He later went to Lakewood Country Club and in 1975 became Vice President and Director of Golf for the Canaan Valley Golf Resorts soon before pursuing his PGA membership. Hogge began his professional career when he was elected into membership in 1977. Once he earned his membership, he not only spent most of his time as a member in the Carolinas but has solely dedicated his career to the PGA Golf Management Program at Methodist University over the past 32 years.

The PGA Golf Management Program at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC would not be the caliber program it is today if it were not for Mr. Hogge. In 1987, Hogge began his career with the program, taking over as Director and implementing many changes and enhancements through adversity in accreditation and acceptance. Two of his goals when he came to Methodist University 32 years ago were to erect a building to house the program and build a golf course for the PGA students. With inspiration spurred from dissonance in his vision, Hogge established this as his “Field of Dreams.” Developments such as these, along with many other personal and professional development models for his students, Hogge’s perseverance and persistence led the program to its accreditation by the PGA of America in 1999.

At the Section level, Jerry Hogge is a multi-award winner, earning the 1999 Carolinas PGA Horton Smith Award for his efforts and “outstanding contributions in the area of developing and improving education opportunities for the PGA Professional.” In 2001 he earned the Carolinas PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award, given annually to a PGA Professional who has “distinguished themselves by mentoring fellow PGA Professionals, contributions to their community and to local charitable organizations, and overall promotion of the game of golf and the Association.” Subsequently, Hogge won the National PGA of America Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2002.

National Committees have had the honor of having Hogge serve with them over many years. From 2002-2004, Hogge served on the National Education Committee. Following this, from 2004-2006, he served as a National Education Task Force member. From 2007-2008, Hogge served on the National Employment Committee and Council. His dedication to committees in these spaces confirms his belief that “employment and education are the foundations of any profession.”

Hogge is described in many words by those he has encountered and impacted throughout his career. Descriptors include mentor, colleague, teacher, leader, father, grandfather, friend – the list goes on. As a faith-based man, Hogge leads by example and has a servant heart that has shone through for many years. With over 1,100 graduates to come out of the golf program, his impact has multiplied across the industry. In the community, Hogge’s reach is vast. He has served as a Sunday School teacher for 28 years and when he is not spending time with PGA professionals, students, or parents, the Shoebox Ministry for Samaritan’s Purse is one of his true joys.

As a humble servant to his Section, Association, and community for over 42 years, Hogge is very deserving of this honor. The timing could not be more perfect as Hogge transitioned from his 32 years of service as Director of his prized PGA Golf Management program to Director Emeritus, appointed by the University. Describing his own leadership ability as “inspiring students and my fellow PGA professionals by being committed to education and change,” he has certainly lived this out. For his numerous contributions to the game, the Carolinas PGA is honored to welcome such an outstanding PGA Professional as the 49 th Inductee into the Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame.

Murphy’s promotion of the game was just beginning as he continued for years to create opportunities for numerous juniors to get involved with golf while serving as a leader and example for other PGA Professionals and Associates. “Leadership for me is being a doer every day. I would describe my leadership mindset and ability as taking a challenge and tackling it with a well thought out plan and executing it; never being afraid to make a mistake,” says Murphy. “Leadership is helping others achieve their personal best.”

This leadership philosophy was lived out perfectly when Murphy was hired to assist the Country Club of Bogota in Bogota, Colombia from 1995-1999. His work in teaching and coaching youth golf in the United States was noticed all the way in Colombia as he was brought on to assist with their golf operation, grow their youth programming, and mentor eight Colombian Golf Professionals in an effort to make them better instructors. One of Murphy’s largest impacts there came when he helped build the CC of Bogota daily youth clinic participation from roughly 45 kids to over 160 kids.

His service to the Carolinas Section as a leader has been profound. He has served on numerous committees, beginning in the 80’s until present day. His Board service kickstarted when he assumed the role of Carolinas PGA Secretary in 2002 and subsequently move into the Carolinas PGA President role in 2006. This position allowed him the insight into the Section leadership’s decision to sell the longtime Section Headquarters property in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 2008. Murphy was instrumental in building a team of support in the Greensboro area which created a team of key leaders who were able to create a highly desirable business arrangement and site location for the new headquarters which was unanimously approved by the Carolinas PGA Board in 2011.

Rick Murphy’s name is not only well-known across the Carolinas but is also tied to significant National impact. Murphy served on the National Board of Directors as the District 10 Director from 2013-2016. One of the most significant accomplishments during his tenure was when he jumped at the opportunity to help PGA Members provide more value to their employers, grow participation, and drive additional revenues. This was the driving factor for his creation and development of the PGA of America Inaugural Youth & Family Golf Summit in 2014. This summit has expanded to a two-day PGA Global Youth & Family Summit and has continued every other year under Murphy’s leadership as Chairman. Transitioning his passion back to the Carolinas Section, Murphy developed a similar Carolinas PGA Fall Teaching & Coaching Summit, as well as a Teaching Summit hosted each year in conjunction with the Carolinas PGA Annual Meeting, which he has helped oversee for the past four years.

At the conclusion of his service on the National Board of Directors, Murphy witnessed the creation, growth, and quick success of PGA Jr. League. His passion for youth development closely aligned with the goal of the program so he suggested the creation of a PGA Junior League Advisory Team in 2016. This team would be comprised of highly engaged PGA Members from across the country to assist in the program’s growth and serve as conduits for local PGA Professionals hosting PGA Jr. League across the country. Murphy served as Chairman of this Advisory Team from 2016-2018.

To this day, Murphy is actively involved as a host for PGA of America Junior Golf Camps, has served as a First Tee facility, and has engaged with Special Olympics Athletes at his facility for over 18 years. All his years of service have earned him numerous Carolinas Section awards, including the 2016 PGA Professional Development Award, 2009 & 2001 Teacher of the Year Award, 2008 Golf Professional of the Year Award, 1987 Junior Golf Leader Award, and a five time winner of the Junior Golf Promoter of the Year.

One of the most rewarding moments of Murphy’s life to date has been running for PGA of America Secretary in 2016 and 2018. His motivation: “I wanted to continue to serve our PGA Members and our Association into the future and wanted to have the opportunity to help improve the lives and careers of our PGA Members and to grow the game of golf.”

A colleague summarized Rick Murphy’s service perfectly: “Rick has {accomplished all his goals} through unselfish service, mentorship and giving of his knowledge, passion, and most importantly, friendship.” There is no better embodiment of all it means to be a PGA Professional, serve your Association, and promote the game of golf than Rick Murphy. Murphy says, “My hope is that I have made a positive impact on PGA Members’ lives and their careers.”

Murphy will be inducted into the CPGA Hall of Fame, tentatively scheduled on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Greensboro Country Club – Irving Park. This ceremony will take place during the Club Car CPGA Awards & Honors Dinner where the Section annually celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding CPGA Professionals.

Zack was recruited into the golf business by his long-time mentor Luke Veasey, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Hillandale Golf Course in Durham, NC after attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he studied Political Science. Zack had learned to play the game and to grow an appreciation for the golf business while growing-up and working at Hillandale as a teenager. During his time as Head Golf Professional and as Director of Golf at Hillandale Golf Course, Veasey and his team had several accomplishments to further the growth of golf to minority groups in the area. These accomplishments included partnering with the Bull City Golf Club Foundation. His team also founded the Bull City Youth League. He made Hillandale the home course of North Carolina Central University and grew the diversity of the game by hiring LPGA and African-American PGA Professionals. Over one-million rounds of golf were played at Hillandale Golf Course during his twenty-two years at the course.

During his time at Hillandale Golf Course, he was Carolinas PGA Public Merchandiser of the Year ten times, PGA of America Merchandiser of the year twice, Carolinas PGA Golf Professional of the Year, and recipient of the PGA Professional Development Award and Bill Strausbaugh Award. He served on the Carolinas PGA Board of Directors for seven years, including two years as the Carolinas PGA President. He also served on the PGA of America Board of Directors for three years and on several Carolinas PGA and PGA of America Committees, often as the Chairperson. Following his years at Hillandale Golf Course, Veasey became a managing partner of Global Value Commerce in 2006.

Board of Directors

Rex Hospital Open returning to Raleigh Country Club in 2023

After 18 years at the country club at wakefield plantation in north raleigh, the popular korn ferry tour event will return to the final design of renowned architect donald ross that put raleigh on the golfing map. the tournament’s name will change to the unc health championship presented by stitch and the total purse will increase to $1 million for the first time, helping raise more money for charitable initiatives and attract a broader base of fans from across the state..

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RALEIGH, NC (May 2022) — After 18 years at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation in North Raleigh, the REX Hospital Open will return in 2023 to the site that put Raleigh on the golfing map: Raleigh Country Club. RCC, which opened in 1948 just east of downtown Raleigh, is the final design of legendary architect Donald Ross and annually ranks among the state’s best layouts.

The REX Hospital Open is the largest and most successful annual charity fundraiser for the health system and an important stop on the Korn Ferry Tour schedule. During the past three decades, the event has raised more than $10 million for patients, programs and services at UNC REX Healthcare.

In 2023, the tournament’s name will change to the UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH and the total purse will increase to $1 million for the first time. The changes are expected to help increase the tournament’s impact, raise more money for charitable initiatives and attract a broader base of fans from across the state.

Both Raleigh Country Club and The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation are owned by McConnell Golf .

“Our main reason for moving the tournament is to get closer to downtown and attract new fans,” said McConnell Golf CEO John McConnell.

McConnell Golf is the largest owner of premier private clubs in the region with a portfolio comprised of 13 18-hole, private golf courses, one semi-private and one nine-hole course in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

In 2003, McConnell purchased RCC to help preserve golf’s historic place. The McConnell Golf portfolio includes three other classic Ross designs in addition to RCC — Greensboro’s Sedgefield Country Club, which annually plays host to the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship, Country Club of Asheville and Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville, Tenn., which has played host to the Korn Ferry Tour’s Visit Knoxville Open the past two years.

McConnell Golf is the only individual golf course proprietor in the world that owns four Ross-designed courses. In 2020, McConnell Golf completed a major renovation of its historic RCC golf course, overseen by architect Kyle Franz. The focus of the project was retaining the integrity of Ross’s original design while allowing more challenges for today’s long-hitting players. The RCC renovation cost approximately $5.5 million, funded entirely by McConnell Golf, making it one of largest recent privately funded investments in East Raleigh. There were no member assessments.

Raleigh Country Club boasts a rich history of hosting professional and amateur championships:

The club hosted an LPGA event from 1966-1974. From 1966-1970, the tournament was called the Raleigh Ladies Invitational. From 1971-1972, it was called the Raleigh Golf Classic and from 1973-1974, it was called the American Defender Raleigh Classic. Judy Rankin, Carol Mann and Kathy Whitworth were some of its notable champions.
From 1998 to 2000, RCC hosted the Nike Tour/Buy.com Tour Carolina Classic prior to the move to Wakefield Plantation in 2001. Now the event returns back to RCC in 2023. Winners were Brian Bateman (1998), Vance Veazey (1998) and Mark Hensby (2000). Jimmy Green shot a first round 60 (29-31) to set the old course record in 1998 before finishing second. Green’s scorecard is on a plaque in the RCC Trophy Room.
The 2008 North Carolina Amateur Championship at RCC was won by Jack Fields on Father’s Day with his father on his bag, caddying. Fields set the then-course record with a final round 63 that included an eagle on No. 8 and double eagle on No. 12. His 3-wood/metal is on display at the home office of the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA).
The 2013 North Carolina Mid-Amateur Championship at RCC was captured by North Carolina amateur sensation Scott Harvey.
In addition, numerous McConnell Golf scholarship recipients have come through RCC including Grayson Murray, Carter Jenkins, Ryan Nagy and Blake McShea. RCC’s junior members of note include Cyrus Stewart and Stephen Franken.

Now, Raleigh Country Club prepares for the next chapter of its professional championship golf history.

About McConnell Golf McConnell Golf, founded in 2003, is currently the largest owner of private clubs in the region. McConnell Golf’s stable of premier private clubs (comprised of 13 18-hole, private golf courses, one semi-private and one nine-hole course) in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia include Raleigh Country Club in Raleigh, N.C., Sedgefield Country Club and The Cardinal by Pete Dye in Greensboro, N.C., The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation in Raleigh, N.C., Old North State Club in New London, N.C., Treyburn Country Club in Durham, N.C., The Reserve Golf Club in Pawleys Island, S.C., Musgrove Mill Golf Club in Clinton, S.C., Brook Valley Country Club in Greenville, N.C., Porters Neck Country Club in Wilmington, N.C., Country Club of Asheville in Asheville, N.C., Providence Country Club in Charlotte, N.C., Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville, Tenn. and The Water’s Edge Country Club in Penhook, Va. McConnell Golf also operates the 27-hole public Raleigh Golf Association.

Media Contacts Martin Armes (919) 608-7260, [email protected] Brad King (336) 306-9219, [email protected]

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Men's Golf April 11, 2024

This Week in ACC Men’s Golf

In the latest edition of the Bushnell/Golfweek Division I Coaches Poll, released on March 22, five ACC teams are in the top 25, as North Carolina leads the way at No. 1. Florida State is No. 10, Virginia is No. 12, Georgia Tech is No. 15 and Duke is No. 25. Notre Dame, Louisville and Wake Forest are receiving votes.
In the latest National Collegiate Golf team rankings according to Scoreboard powered by Clippd, five ACC teams are in the top 25 with North Carolina leading the way at No. 3. Florida State is No. 6, Virginia is No. 13, Georgia Tech is No. 16 and Duke is No. 24. Wake Forest (No. 29) and Notre Dame (No. 31) are just outside the top 25.
In the latest National Collegiate Golf individual rankings, two ACC players rank in the top 10, as Florida State’s Luke Clanton is No. 2, while Georgia Tech’s Christo Lamprecht is No. 6. The UNC tandem of David Ford and Maxwell Ford are No. 17 and No. 21, respectively. UVA’s Ben James (No. 26) and North Carolina’s Austin Greaser (No. 30) are just outside the top 25.
In the latest PGA TOUR University rankings, seven ACC players are in the top 25, including three in the top 10. Georgia Tech’s Christo Lamprecht leads the way at No. 2, while North Carolina’s Austin Greaser and Dylan Menante are No. 5 and No. 8, respectively. Florida State’s Frederik Kjettrup is No. 11, Wake Forest’s Michael Brennan is No. 16, FSU’s Cole Anderson and Brett Roberts round out the rankings at No. 19 and No. 21, respectively.
ACC teams have won seven tournaments this spring season, capped off by North Carolina’s win at the Augusta Haskins Award Invite. North Carolina has earned three team wins, while Clemson, FSU, Louisville and Notre Dame also have claimed team titles this spring.
Headlined by a pair of individual titles, Florida State sophomore Luke Clanton was named the ACC Men’s Golfer of the Month for March. Clanton became the first ACC player to win back-to-back individual titles during the spring season and the first from FSU since 2021.
To open April, Clanton won his third straight individual title at the Lewis Chitengwa Memorial. Including Clanton’s three wins, ACC players have combined to win nine individual titles through the spring season.
Seven ACC players were named to the watch list of the 2024 Ben Hogan Award presented by PNC Bank. The list includes David Ford (North Carolina), Maxwell Ford (North Carolina), Austin Greaser (North Carolina), Ben James (Virginia), Christo Lamprecht (Georgia Tech), Dylan Menante (North Carolina) and Sebastian Moss (Louisville).
The Final Fall Watch List for the Fred Haskins Award saw four ACC golfers honored: David Ford (North Carolina), Maxwell Ford (North Carolina), Christo Lamprecht (Georgia Tech) and Sebastian Moss (Louisville).

Mariners’ Cal Raleigh has fighting words for John Schnieder after game-winning blast

Cal Raleigh has the Blue Jays' number and he's not shy about celebrating it.

By Jake Kleiner | Apr 11, 2024

Wednesday afternoon in Toronto — as Cal Raleigh stepped up to bat at the beginning of the 10th inning in a game tied up, the atmosphere among Toronto Blue Jays fans was undoubtedly tense.

Over his four years in MLB, the Seattle Mariners ' catcher has become a known nemesis for the Jays, a reputation he further solidified in Toronto that Wednesday afternoon. Facing left-hander Tim Mayza, Raleigh, a switch-hitter batting right-handed, launched a first-pitch sinker right into the Mariners' bullpen in right field, igniting a pivotal five-run 10th inning for his team.

This event marked Raleigh's ninth home run during the regular season against the Blue Jays and his tenth overall, counting a two-run homer in the first inning of Game 1 in the 2022 AL wild-card series. Coming into the game, Raleigh boasted a career 1.043 OPS against Toronto, with the Blue Jays being his most frequent home run victims in the majors. Following a game in April last season where Raleigh hit two home runs against them, Blue Jays' manager John Schneider remarked on Raleigh's performance, suggesting effectiveness comes down to execution. Per City News Toronto, he said, "He's not very tough to pitch to when you execute."

How exactly did Cal Raleigh Respond?

Raleigh, responding to Schneider's past comments post-game, highlighted the tension, clapped back and said:

"I know a lot of guys have beef with him in this league, so his comments aren't surprising. I don't have much to say. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all, if you don't want it to come back on you."

Asked if he heard the comments by John Schneider last year, Raleigh said: "I know a lot of guys have beef with him in the league. So his comments aren't surprising. I don't have much to say. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all, if you don't want it to come… — Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) April 10, 2024

Since his MLB debut on July 11, 2021, Raleigh trails only Aaron Judge and Anthony Santander in home runs hit against the Blue Jays. His extra-inning homer also equaled a franchise record for the Blue Jays, matching the most home runs allowed through the first 13 games of a season, a record set by the 1978 team.

Despite a marginally better start than the 1978 Blue Jays, the 2024 team faces a clear challenge in curbing home runs, both from Raleigh and the broader MLB, to improve their standing.

Akshay Bhatia squanders six-shot lead, still wins Valero Texas Open in playoff; next stop Masters

Daily Wrap Up

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It was a wild finish on so many levels.

McCarthy was six shots behind going to the back nine at the TPC San Antonio when he birdied eight of the nine holes – including the last seven – making a 12-foot birdie for a 9-under 63. Bhatia had to make his birdie putt from the same range to have a chance.

He made it for a 67, raising his arms to shake them in his clutch moment. And that's when he felt his shoulder – which he says has given him trouble before – pop out of its socket.

Bhatia hit his tee shot and laid up with a 5-iron on the par-5 18th in the playoff.

McCarthy, playing in his 174th PGA TOUR event without winning, was first to play and chunked a wedge so badly that he immediately hung his head. The ball came up some 20 yards short into the middle of a creek.

And then Bhatia called for treatment, jogging off the course briefly to get his shoulder taped. He returned and hit a wedge to 6 feet. Needing three putts to win, he holed it to win for the second time on the PGA TOUR.

“Man, what a crazy, crazy day,” Bhatia said.

Akshay Bhatia wins in dramatic fashion at Valero

The 22-year-old Bhatia, who turned pro five years ago, won at the Barracuda Championship last summer. It was held as an Additional Event during The Open Championship, so it did not get him into the Masters.

This one did, his first trip to Augusta National. And it came 10 years after Bhatia played in the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at the home of the Masters. Now he gets to play on more than just the 18th green, and he fulfilled his mother's wish.

“This is awesome,” he said. “It's hard to win out there as it showed today. My mom's birthday was April 1 and her wish was to go to the Masters.”

Akshay Bhatia's interview after winning Valero

McCarthy had already earned his spot from finishing in the top 50 in the world last year, but all that mattered in this moment was that elusive PGA TOUR trophy. He lost in a playoff last year at the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday to Viktor Hovland.

This might have been even more crushing given the circumstances. McCarthy looked to have no chance after Bhatia, who started the final round with a four-shot lead, birdied three of the opening four holes and stretched his advantage to six shots at the turn.

There was a two-shot swing on the 10th when Bhatia missed a 5-foot par putt and McCarthy, one of the best putters on tour, holed an 18-footer for birdie. Bhatia answered with a birdie on the 11th, and then it was the McCarthy Show the rest of the way.

He made a 30-footer on the 12th, drilled a 5-iron on the long par-3 13th to 4 feet, made from 10 feet on the par-5 14th, holed a 40-foot chip on the 15th and closed within one shot with a 12-foot birdie putt on the 16th.

Bhatia missed a 5-foot birdie putt on the reachable par-4 17th – McCarthy got up-and-down from the rough for birdie – and they were tied going to the 18th.

McCarthy made his birdie putt first, and stood to the side, as close as he has been to winning. And then Bhatia delivered a clutch moment of his own to match him at 20-under 268, forcing a playoff that ended badly for McCarthy.

Akshay Bhatia and Denny McCarthy hole clutch putts to force playoff at Valero

“Wish I could have had that wedge shot back there,” McCarthy said. “I backed off a couple times. There was a bug on my ball and some noise in the stands and a bug jumped back on my ball. I probably should have backed away again, but I thought I could kind of not let it distract me and maybe it did a little. Maybe a learning experience for me.”

Rory McIlroy closed with a 66 to finish alone in third in his final event before the Masters, the one major keeping him from the career Grand Slam.

McIlroy was runner-up and won in consecutive weeks in Dubai to start the year. This was his first top 10 on the PGA TOUR.

“I'm in a better spot than I was a few weeks ago,” he said. “It was nice to see a round like this today, nice to play a golf tournament where ... I’m obviously going to finish quite a few shots behind Denny and Akshay, but still, I played pretty solid in some tough conditions.”

He finished nine shots out of the playoff.

Bhatia will be the first Drive, Chip & Putt finalist to play in the Masters. The competition has been one of several innovations from Augusta National. It also started the Asia-Pacific Amateur, where a young champion Hideki Matsuyama went on to capture a green jacket.

“I got the goal I had in mind,” Bhatia said.

That includes a trip to Augusta National. His also qualifies for the U.S. Open with his second PGA TOUR victory, and he moves to No. 34 in the world.

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COMMENTS

Category:Golfers from North Carolina
This is a non-diffusing subcategory of Category:American golfers. It includes golfers that can also be found in the parent category, ... Golfers from Raleigh, North Carolina‎ (13 P) Pages in category "Golfers from North Carolina" The following 52 pages are in this category, out of 52 total. ...
Category:Golfers from Raleigh, North Carolina
Pages in category "Golfers from Raleigh, North Carolina". The following 13 pages are in this category, out of 13 total. This list may not reflect recent changes .
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Rex Hospital Open returning to Raleigh CC in 2023
From 1971-1972, it was called the Raleigh Golf Classic and from 1973-1974, it was called the American Defender Raleigh Classic. Judy Rankin, Carol Mann and Kathy Whitworth were some of its notable champions. From 1998 to 2000, RCC hosted the Nike Tour/Buy.com Tour Carolina Classic prior to the move to Wakefield Plantation in 2001.
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Shop PGA TOUR Superstore in Raleigh, NC for the best selection of golf and tennis equipment and apparel in the Raleigh/Durham area. Buy online, pick up in store today. ... Whether you're an expert or a beginner, our PGA-certified golf instructors can coach you to play the best on every hole. Starting at $79.99 for adults Book a lesson
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