2013 Senior PGA Championship headed to Bellerive CC in St. Louis

2013 Senior PGA Championship headed to Bellerive CC in St. Louis











PGA.COM April 1, 2013 9:58 AM

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(Burt Remis Photography)


PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The PGA of America has selected Bellerive Country Club of St. Louis, one of America's most storied venues, to serve as the site of the 2013 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and the 2018 PGA Championship. The Championships coincide with the creation of a philanthropic outreach program of The PGA and local Gateway PGA guided by baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and other leaders in the St. Louis business community.


In May 2013, Bellerive Country Club will host its first Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, the most historic and prestigious event in senior golf. Bellerive will become the third venue to host all four of the country's rotating major championships -- the Senior PGA Championship, PGA Championship, U.S. Open and the U.S. Senior Open. Then in August of 2018, Bellerive will host the Centennial PGA Championship.

"Bellerive Country Club is one of the country's premier championship venues that blends experience in staging a major championship, rich tradition, a spectacular golf course and a wonderful region of knowledgeable sports fans to support championships featuring both the legendary and the current finest golfers in the world," said PGA of America President Allen Wronowski. "We enjoyed a memorable PGA Championship at Bellerive in 1992, and we believe that two more special chapters in PGA of America history will be written over championships in 2013 and 2018."

Gov. Jay Nixon heralded the economic impact the Championships will bring to Missourians and the teamwork by which the St. Louis region and the State of Missouri were selected to work with The PGA of America in expanding the Gateway PGA Outreach Program.

"We are thrilled that the State of Missouri will be hosting two of golf's most prestigious major championships in the next few years, placing the Show-Me State once again in the international spotlight while providing a powerful economic boost for the region," said Gov. Nixon. "The partnership between the Gateway PGA Outreach Program and these two Championship events will have a tremendous benefit for Missouri and the people of our state."

Gateway PGA Foundation President Ozzie Smith heads a steering committee composed of Ed Glotzbach, vice chair, Information Services Group Inc.; Michael DeCola, president and CEO, Mississippi Lime Company; Benjamin Akande, dean, George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology, Webster University; and Don Ross, vice chair, Enterprise Holdings Inc.

"The formation of this philanthropic partnership with Bellerive, St. Louis and the State of Missouri is a dynamic alignment of the economic, human and charitable impact of golf with the priorities of the community," said PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka. "Our championships will have a historical and economic impact on the area for the next eight years, but the legacy of the outreach program will impact families in St. Louis and throughout the state for many more years."

Smith, who is in his first year as president of the Gateway PGA Outreach Program, welcomed the partnership with two of The PGA of America's premier championships. The shared mission of The PGA and Gateway charitable foundations is "Improving Lives Through Golf."

"It is wonderful to see the City of St. Louis, which has been a major piece of my heart for so long, connect with golf in such a significant way to bring hope to many who would otherwise not have that opportunity," said Smith. "The Gateway PGA Outreach Program is about opening doors through the influence of golf in enhancing education, the economy and family health and wellness. I could not be more excited for St. Louis in the days and years ahead."

Founded in 1897 as the former St. Louis Field Club in north St. Louis, the membership incorporated as Bellerive Country Club in 1910, taking its name after Louis St. Ange De Bellerive, the last French Commander in North America. That same year, Scotsman Robert Foulis designed a "new" Bellerive in Normandy, where the club remained for 50 years. After half a century, the membership then voted to move west, and Mr. Jones was enlisted to chart a new course. He chose a prime farm location, and the "Green Monster of Ladue Road" opened on Memorial Day, 1960.

In 1965, coinciding with the St. Louis Bicentennial, Bellerive Country Club became the youngest course to host a U.S. Open Championship. Bellerive also has hosted the inaugural U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship in 1981 and the 2008 BMW Championship.

"Bellerive has enjoyed a long and rich relationship with The PGA of America, and are truly honored to be chosen to host their 2013 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and the Centennial PGA Championship in 2018," said Steven Schumm, president of the Board of Governors of Bellerive Country Club. "We are equally excited for the economic opportunity this provides the St. Louis region and the State of Missouri, along with the launch of a new PGA vision for broad-based community benefits through golf and PGA Professionals."

Bellerive, a par-71, 7,547-yard layout, underwent a year-long renovation guided by Rees Jones, son of the late original architect, and was reopened in October 2006.

About The Senior PGA Championship

Begun in 1937 on the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club, the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid is the most historic and prestigious event in senior golf. The Championship brings together both the legends of the game and the newest members of senior professional golf to new audiences throughout the United States. The following venues will host the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid:

2012 The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor, Mich. 2013 Bellerive Country Club, St. Louis, Mo. 2014 The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor, Mich.

About The PGA Championship

Since its origin in 1916, the PGA Championship has become one of the game's most anticipated major championships, and perennially features the strongest field in golf. The PGA Champions roster featured many of the greatest players from all generations of golf -- from Hagen, Sarazen, Snead, Nelson and Hogan, to Nicklaus, Trevino, Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh. Overall, 71 courses in 25 states (through 2011) have served as a host site for at least one PGA Championship. The latest venues that will host a PGA Championship:

2012 -- Kiawah Island Golf Resort (The Ocean Course), Kiawah Island, S.C. 2013 -- Oak Hill Country Club (East), Rochester, N.Y. 2014 -- Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Ky. 2015 -- Whistling Straits (Straits), Kohler, Wis. 2016 -- Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower), Springfield, N.J. 2017 -- Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, N.C. 2018 -- Bellerive Country Club, St. Louis

About KitchenAid

Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for cooks. Over 90 years later, the KitchenAid brand now offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars. To learn why chefs choose KitchenAid for their homes more than any other brand visit www.KitchenAid.com.

About The PGA of America

Celebrating its 95th year, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission of its founders: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in a multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

Why Tiger Woods Won't Win the Masters

Why Tiger Woods Won't Win the Masters











Rick Woelfel April 1, 2013 12:12 PM









COMMENTARY I The Masters doesn't begin until April 11, but the golf world is already focusing its eyes on Augusta.

This is hardly a new phenomenon, of course, but the anticipation is heightened this year because of the recent efforts of one Tiger Woods, whose play has been attracting attention of late

Woods' victory at the recent Arnold Palmer Invitational was his third this year and the 77th PGA Tour victory of his career. It also put him back atop the world rankings.

It was at Augusta National Golf Club that Tiger Woods truly became Tiger Woods by winning the 1997 Masters at age 21. It's hard to grasp the fact that that was 16 years ago.

The record Woods has compiled, one that includes 14 major championships (including four Masters titles) is truly extraordinary. But he hasn't won a major championship since 2008 and, amazingly, hasn't won a green jacket since 2005.

And the view from here is he won't win one this year, either.

Woods will be the favorite in the eyes of a lot of people, but there are factors working against him. Leaving his off-course issues aside, time has extracted its inevitable toll.

Woods is 37 years old now and his body is feeling the effects of his nearly two decades as an elite athlete. His driver often takes him east to west rather than north to south; through March 26, he was ranked 24th on the PGA Tour in driving distance but just 142nd in driving accuracy.

The real question mark for Woods, however, is his putting. At Bay Hill, he looked like the Tiger of old, rolling in birdie putts from points far and near.

But he was never under serious pressure during the final round and in his two previous wins this season at Riviera and Doral, he seemed less than focused down the stretch.

We're not dismissing what Woods has accomplished already in 2013. But an unanswered question remains.

Does he still have the ability to handle the atmosphere of a major championship? To fight off a challenger or challengers over the last nine holes and all the way to the finish?

A decade ago the answer to that question would have been obvious. But that is no longer the case.

Since Woods last won a major, and certainly since he last won at Augusta, a new group of challengers has emerged who respect his record but are not in awe of it or of him.

We still think Tiger Woods will win another major two. But the 2013 Masters will not be one of them.

Rick Woelfel resides near Philadelphia and edits the Womensgolfreport.net web site. He's picking Matt Kuchar to win the 2013 Masters.

Course Source: Grayhawk (Talon), North Scottsdale, Ariz

Course Source: Grayhawk (Talon), North Scottsdale, Ariz










Derek Harper, The Sports Xchange April 2, 2013 2:00 PMThe SportsXchange


COURSE SOURCE


IN THE PUBLIC EYE: Grayhawk Golf Club - The Talon Course, in North Scottsdale, Ariz.

THE LAYOUT: Phil Mickelson has enjoyed a long relationship with Grayhawk dating back to the opening of the facility in 1988, and Mickelson still carries a Grayhawk logo on his bag. He's friends developer Gregg Tryhus, there are pictures of Mickelson's career highlights throughout the clubhouse and "Phil's Grill" - the restaurant looking out at the Raptor course - is named in his honor.

It stands to reason Mickelson would only associate himself with a top-tier golfing experience, and Grayhawk offers two of the best tracks in the Phoenix area.

We had the opportunity to play Talon, designed by former U.S. Open and PGA Champion David Graham and regularly ranked among the top 100 public courses in the country.

While most of Grayhawk's bigger events are now held on the Raptor course, Talon is steep with its own tradition. It once played host to the semifinals and finals of the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf - now known as the Accenture Match Play Championship.

Talon can be stretched out to 6,973 yards (73.3/146) from the tips, and is still a very challenging test from the green "Palo Verde" tees (6,391/70.8/134). There are five sets of tee boxes in all, down to the "Heather" (5,143/70.1/126). You'll notice from the rankings that Talon is challenging, but it's a fun test and very playable for most anyone.

Graham and course architect Gary Panks designed the course to place a premium on driving the ball accurately. Most fairways are lined with swaths of bush-ridden desert on both sides, and while water rarely comes into play, almost every green is protected by multiple bunkers and features a tiered putting surface.

Talon weaves its way through the property with beautiful views of the McDowell Mountains while blending into its natural surroundings. Nothing about Grayhawk feels forced - it's extremely well maintained, but it's not a resort-style course, which many golfers will appreciate.

Miss left or right off the tee and you'll find trouble. The areas surrounding the large putting surfaces are generous, but bunkers come into play around 15 of 18 greens.

GENERAL MANAGER: Joe Shershenovich

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: Two pre-round thoughts to keep in mind - the fairways are bigger than they appear, and don't be fooled by the massive greens.

Talon is certainly a course you'll score better on the first time around if you play with someone familiar with the layout. From the opening tee shot, fairways often look significantly smaller than they are - and local knowledge keys you into which side they open up on.

The 385-yard Par-4 first hole isn't long from the green tees, but it gives a good feel for the experience at Talon. There's more landing area to the right than it appears off the tee box, but an accurate drive leaves a short iron in to a big green. It's a common theme with six par-4s under 400 yards but featuring tight landing views from the box.

Sixteen of 18 greens are at least 34 feet deep, and nearly all feature multiple tiers. So while the landing surfaces are very large, they're also deceptive because three-putts are commonplace without solid approach shots. Pay attention to the pin locations and avoid the mindset of simply attempting to hit the putting surface.

One of the highlights of the front nine is the 465-yard par-5 third hole. It features a strong dogleg left and is reachable in two with a well-placed drive down the left-hand side. The green is 34-feet deep, but is also elevated and protected by deep bunkers on the front right that you want no part of.

The par-3 eighth hole is a ball-striking test. There are no bunkers to contend with and plenty of room to miss the green, but at 189 yards it requires a well-hit long iron to avoid a testy up-and-down for par.

The front nine closes with another excellent par-5 that runs 507 yards. The green is protected by a deep bunker stretching from the front right all the way around behind the back right side.

Talon's back nine was built around several deep box canyons that provide some unique layouts and a bit of a different flair from the front nine.

The par-4 13th hole is appropriately named "Heaven or Hell." At 277 yards it is drivable, although the wind often is in your face off the tee. It requires a 235-yard carry over a canyon and is 250 to the front edge of the green. Miss short right and you're in the hazard. Miss left and there are five bunkers protecting the three-tiered green. The landing area is small, but the potential reward is an eagle putt.

Take in the Mesquite, Palo Verde and Ironwood trees that line the course as you traverse through the inward nine.

Water only comes into real play on one hole - but there is 360 degrees of it.

The par-3 17th is a pretty island green. At 114 yards from the green tees it's a short iron to a green that is 32-feet deep, so the danger is minimal as long as you don't let the vision of carrying the water - and stopping before it on the back side - paralyze your brain.

The par-5 18th is an excellent closing hole. Playing 552 from the green tees with a dogleg right protected by a string of reachable bunkers, it's not a two-shot hole for most. The fairway is undulating, creating many uneven stances for your approach shot. But the green is 36 feet deep and inviting for a closing birdie.

After the round, grab a pint at Phil's Grill, or the new Italian restaurant, Isabella's Kitchen, which has a big patio facing out to the 10th tee box and the 18th green.

OTHER COURSES IN THE AREA: It's hard to go wrong in the Phoenix area, and there are more courses than even the locals have time to get tired of.

Many of the top facilities feature two courses worthy of lining up a 36-hole day for, including Troon (Pinnacle, Monument) and TPC (Stadium, Champions) in Scottsdale, We-Ko-Pa (Cholla and Saguaro) in Fort McDowell and the Boulders (North, South) in Carefree.

Talking Stick, owned by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, is another Troon establishment with a pair of consistently top-ranked tracks.

WHERE TO STAY: There are a number of rentals available in the Grahawk community - www.vrbo.com is an excellent resource to see what is available during your stay.

For those seeking a quality hotel or resort, the Four Seasons in the Pinnacle Peak area is just a few miles north and around more excellent golf courses. Ten minutes to the south, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princes and the Sheraton Desert Oasis are walking distance to TPC Scottsdale, along with the Hilton Garden Inn and Zona Resort Suites.

There is also a wealth of more budget-friendly options centrally located for avid golfers, including a pair of Residence Inns and a Marriott Courtyard in the North Scottsdale area.

Woods loses momentum after hitting flagstick

Woods loses momentum after hitting flagstick











PGA.COM April 13, 2013 1:12 AM

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Tiger Woods, after taking a penalty stroke when his balls struck the flagstick and rebounded into a …


By Paul Newberry, Associated Press


AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Tiger Woods knew this day should've turned out so much better.

He was cruising toward the end of the second round at the Masters on Friday, in a share of the lead and looking every bit like the player who would be in control heading to the weekend.

Then, with one tough break at the 15th hole, everything changed.

Woods struck the flagstick and wound up in the water, forcing him to scramble for bogey. A three-putt at the final hole left him with another bogey. Instead of leading, he found himself three shots behind 36-hole leader Jason Day of Australia.

"The sun was in my eyes, so I knew I started the ball on the flag," Woods said. "I didn't know if I cut it enough, but evidently it was a really good one."

Too good, in fact.

The ball struck the stick with a resounding thud, which sent it back into the pond in front of the green. After taking his penalty stroke, Woods needed a brilliant do-over just to salvage bogey. The unfortunate bounce seemed to take all the momentum out of his round.

Woods finished with a 1-under 71 for a 3-under 141 overall.

He's still in contention heading to the weekend, but seemed a bit stunned that his name wasn't higher on the leaderboard.

"I really swung the club well and didn't really get a lot out of this round," Woods said. "Granted, these conditions were tough. It was swirling all over the place."

Even playing in the afternoon, when the wind picked up significantly after a rainy, overcast morning, Woods got off to a stellar start. There was a stretch of three birdies in four holes on the front side. After a gust caught his tee shot at the par-3 12th, he pulled off a brilliant up-and-down from the back bunker to keep pace with the leaders.

He figured to have a good shot at birdie after laying up about 90 yards from the hole at the 15th, leaving him just a soft wedge over the pond.

Unfortunately for Woods, it didn't work out.

"I felt like I played really well today and the round should've been in the 60s."

At least Woods managed a better finish than Dustin Johnson, who tumbled off the leaderboard with a 76 after being up by two strokes. Johnson was the victim of a double-bogey at the 15th (he also dunked one in the pond), a bogey at the 17th, and another double-bogey at the 18th. Then there's Sergio Garcia, who was the 18-hole leader but also soared to a 76, nary a birdie on his card.

Compared to them, Woods is in much better shape.

"There's a long way to go," said Woods, again cheered by his girlfriend, Olympic ski champion Lindsey Vonn. "We've got 36 holes and this is a tricky test."

He's faced more daunting 36-hole deficits in two of his four Masters victories, but Saturday's round will likely go a long way toward determining whether he's donning a green jacket for the fifth time on Sunday.

Woods has never won any of his 14 major championships without holding at least a share of the lead going to the final round.

But if he plays like he did on Friday, he likes his chances.

"I really played well," Woods said. "The score is not indicative of quite how well I played."

Augusta National gives Tiger Woods two-shot penalty for bad drop

Augusta National gives Tiger Woods two-shot penalty for bad drop











PGA.COM April 13, 2013 10:56 AM

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Tiger Woods' drop after his ball bounced off the flag stick on hole No. 15 and bounded into the water …



By DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- Tiger Woods got a reprieve Saturday in the Masters when he was given a two-shot penalty for a bad drop but allowed to stay in the tournament.

Woods' shot on the 15th hole of the second round hit the flag stick and bounced back into the water. He took his penalty drop two yards behind where he hit the original shot, which was a violation of the rules.

Augusta National added the two-shot penalty to his score, meaning he had a 73 instead of a 71 and now is five shots out of the lead. Officials said he was allowed to stay in the tournament under a new rule that keeps players from being disqualified based on television evidence.

©2013 by STATS LLC and Associated Press.

Augusta National Official Statement on Tiger Woods penalty

Augusta National Official Statement on Tiger Woods penalty











PGA.COM April 13, 2013 11:05 AM



AUGUSTA, Georgia (AP) -- Tiger Woods was assessed a two-stroke penalty Saturday for his drop in the second round of the Masters, but was not disqualified. Below is the Masters' statement on the decision:

"Yesterday afternoon, the Rules Committee was made aware of a possible Rules violation that involved a drop by Tiger Woods on the 15th hole.

"In preparation for his fifth shot, the player dropped his ball in close proximity to where he had played his third shot in apparent conformance with Rule 26. After being prompted by a television viewer, the Rules Committee reviewed a video of the shot while he was playing the 18th hole. At that moment and based on that evidence, the Committee determined he had complied with the Rules.

"After he signed his scorecard, and in a television interview subsequent to the round, the player stated that he played further from the point than where he had played his third shot. Such action would constitute playing from the wrong place.

"The subsequent information provided by the player's interview after he had completed play warranted further review and discussion with him this morning. After meeting with the player, it was determined that he had violated Rule 26, and he was assessed a two stroke penalty. The penalty of disqualification was waived by the Committee under Rule 33 as the Committee had previously reviewed the information and made its initial determination prior to the finish of the player's round."

-- Fred Ridley, Chairman, Competition Committees

©2013 by STATS LLC and Associated Press.