[golfgnome]

The PGA of America's PNC -- Professional National Championship -- is the premier event in 'Club Pro' golf. Each year, thousands of the best players in 41 PGA Sections across the country enter qualifiers for this championship. The top 20 finishers in the PNC earn entry into the PGA Championship, one of golf's four 'majors'. Trust me, qualifying for the PNC is a really big deal.

The Georgia PGA Section qualifier was held this past Monday and Tuesday, October 24-25, 2010, at The Manor Club in Alpharetta, Georgia. When the dust settled, Ted Fort and Jeff Hull, both Lynn Blake Certified Master Instructors, had earned their spots in the field. Ted's rounds of 69-70=139 (-5) gave him solo third place, one shot in front of Jeff, who shot 66-74=140 (-4) to finish in a tie for fourth. http://gapga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/g...eaderboard.htm

Meanwhile, Curt Sanders, Lynn Blake Certified Senior Instructor, earned his spot in the three-day Carolinas PGA Section qualifier played September 14-16 at Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville, North Carolina. Curt fired rounds of 78-71-71=220 (+4) and finished T-4. http://carpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/...eaderboard.htm

Great playing, guys. I know how hard you've worked and what this means to you. I'm so proud of you all!

The 2011 PNC will be played next June 26-29, 2011, at Hershey Country Club in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This storied venue hosted the 1940 PGA Championship in which Byron Nelson defeated Sam Snead, 1-up, in the 36-hole final. Its list of former Head Professionals includes the legendary Henry Picard and Ben Hogan. http://www.hersheygolfcollection.com...ts/pga_pnc.php

With three players in the field, ol' Yoda may be buying plane tickets to Hershey!

I have been fortunate to have played in 4 PNCs, 2011 will be my 5th. However, nothing compares to the first time I qualified for this great event. I measure my season by this one event. If I have a great year and do not qualify then I feel like it was all for nothing.

Ted has worked hard for a long time on his game and has shown tremendous improvement. He has always put together some solid rounds but nothing like he did Monday and Tuesday. The 69 he shot was very good, but there were a dozen rounds under 70. The 70 he shot on Tuesday was truly a great round of golf, only a couple of scores better. Dealing with the pressure of trying to qualify for 1 of 7 spots on a pretty tricky course with steady 20-25 mph winds was a huge step up the competitive ladder and I congratulate him for it.

I look forward to the trip to Hershey with Ted and Curt. Hopefully we will make some noise and eat some chocolate! I know Ted will beat me in that contest.