2009 PGA Championship Game

August 10th-16th 2009 brings the PGA of America back to Hazeltine National, a private golf club, after a 7-year absence.  Back in 2002 was the last time the PGA graced the greens of Hazeltine when Rich Beem defeated Tiger Woods. 

Hazeltine National Golf Club, located in Chaska Minnesota, original founder of this prestigious golf course mission was to supply a location that was suitable for national championships with strict adherence to a membership that held the sport of golf in high regards to the rules and traditions of the sport of golf.  Not only were their expectations to hold the sport and all aspect of the sport in the highest of regards but the conduct of its members were to be impeccable as well.

Totton P. Heffelfinger accomplished this task when founded the Hazeltine course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.  This was not an easy task, many obstacles attempted to block his way from financial difficulties and long periods of inactivity.  Perseverance paid off.  Hazeltine, now 46 years later from the greens opening in 1962, has had the world’s top professional golfers grace its greens. 

Hazeltines’ course has gone through modifications from the first tee off, in attempts to ensure it was meeting all the necessary needs, requirements, and challenges for professional championship games.  Since the passing of Jones Sr., his son Rees Jones has taken over the Hazeltine National Golf Club keeping his fathers dedication alive. 

The first real professional championship game to tee off at Hazeltine was the Women’s U.S. Open in 1966.  Since then Hazeltine has hosted nine major tournaments to date.  Sandra Spuzich took the trophy in 1966 for the Women’s U.S. Open; Tony Jacklin took the 1970 Men’s U.S. Open hosted at Hazeltine.  Hollis Stacy, on the return of the Women’s U.S. Open left with the trophy in 1977.  In 1983 Billy Casper secured the title for the U.S. Senior Open at Hazeltine and on return of the Mens’ U.S. Open in 1991, Payne Stewart walked away with a hefty pocket of money and the trophy.  In 1994, the first U.S. Mid Amateur Championship was played on Hazeltines greens where Tim Jackson sealed the win.  Then came the 2002 first ever PGA Championship game to tee off in Hazeltine where Beem made championship history birding the last four holes, with the most current championship game played on Hazeltines greens being the U.S. Amateur in 2006 won by Richie Ramsey. 

The coming 2009 PGA Championship should prove to be just as memorable at Hazeltines National Golf Club.  The PGA Championship holds a rich history with previous champions like Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Phil Mickelson, Bryon Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, Lee Trevino, and Tiger Woods.  Will Tiger take the 2009 PGA Championship after being out for surgery?  The greens are open and the possibilities are without limits.  However, one thing is a positive, the 2009 PGA Championship game will definitely be a crowd pleaser. †