MAJOR COUNTDOWN WHISTLING STRAITS AWAITS WORLD’S BEST
Hospitality – BY DENNIS McCANN –
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.
PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PUTS THE FOCUS ON
Corporate chalets moving closer to the action 2015 event. Add that to strong ticket sales, including the second highest one-month sales total in the tournament’s history, and no wonder 2015 PGA Tournament Director Jason Mengel is grinning from tee to green.
RICK PLEDL
There are lots of reasons why the golf world keeps bringing its most prestigious competitions to Wisconsin, from the world-class courses that serve as major tournament hosts to eager armies of volunteers to a ticket-buying fan base with a voracious appetite for big-time golf. And, of course, there is the hospitality, not only the warm welcome shown by Wisconsin golf fans to their famous guests – and to their less famous entourages – but also that served up, and consumed, in outsize proportions by corporate forces at major tournaments. So it goes at Whistling Straits, which will for the third time host the PGA Championship in 2015, soon to be followed by the U.S. Open at Erin Hills in
Fans take in the action at the 2010 PGA Championship.
PGA Championship corporate chalets.
2017 and, a few years later, the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in 2020. More than a year before the first shot would be fired on the course that hugs rugged Lake Michigan shoreline, PGA officials and host Kohler Co. were delighted to announce that official corporate hospitality sales had exceeded expectations, prompting an expansion to additional hospitality chalets for the Aug. 10-16,
“It’s been fantastic,” he said this fall while describing the forced expansion of hospitality offerings. “We had two very successful PGA tournaments in the past (at Whistling Straits). It’s not like I was blind-sided (by the strong response) but we were very pleasantly surprised. “We’re all very pleased with where we’re at.” One major change in the hospitality program for 2015 is that corporate chalets will be located on the golf course instead of in an adjacent location as in the past. Mengel credited Kohler officials for making changes to the course that would allow chalets on Nos. 9, 17 and 18. When those sites sold out – by mid-summer more than 70 local, regional and national companies had made hospitality commitments for next year’s tournament
PGA OF AMERICA
HOS PITA L ITY – plans were made to place hospitality chalets along hole 15 as well. The effect, he said, is to “bring those venues closer to the action. The end result is going to be some locations that are going to be absolutely amazing.” Mengel said it was PGA of America policy not to identify the corporate groups but said they include businesses in the golf industry as well as some from Wisconsin and the Chicago area. One reason for the robust response was the move closer to the links-style golf course, which offers corporate groups not only the rugged beauty of Whistling Straits but also the rolling blue of Lake Michigan as backdrop for its entertainment offerings. Tournament officials touted the chalets, designed for from 50 to 100 guests, as offering a private environment with the ability to provide customized food, beverage and interior furnishings that allows for corporate branding and entertainment. Other small hospitality packages included Gene Jim Barnes won the first two PGA Championships, held in 1916 and 1919.
The stone clubhouse at Whistling Straits overlooks the ninth and 18th holes on the The Straits Course.
Sarazen Suites along hole 16 and Champions Club tables for 10 along the first hole. Mengel said corporate groups are becoming very creative at how they use both chalets and other entertainment options. Some stick with traditional entertaining of customers and offering sales rewards and incentives to employees. Some companies use the opportunity to roll out new products for customers and other guests – for example, one sponsor in the past has had a new car model on display in its chalet – while others feature customized fur-
Get ready to party like it ’s 1916
The PGA of America – which has grown into the world’s largest sports organization with more than 27,000 members – will celebrate its centennial in 2016. On Jan. 17, 1916, a group of New York area golf professionals, plus some prominent amateur players, gathered at a luncheon at the Taplow Club, located in the former Wanamaker Store in New York City. Making American sporting history was on the menu. Rodman Wanamaker, who owned the store, was among those who wanted to create a professional golf association as a means to promote the still-fledgling sport in America. Also in attendance at that meeting were legendary players Walter Hagen and Francis Ouimet and golf course designer A.W. Tillinghast. A second meeting was held on April 10, 1916, at which
RICK PLEDL
COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.
Straits joins exclusive club
niture, carpets and décor. Companies are limited only by imagination and budget, Mengel said. Such major tournament entertaining comes with major price tags. A 100-person chalet for the fourday tournament, including tournament tickets and a host of other perks, was priced at $270,000, exclusive of food and beverage and other entertainment offerings. A 50-person chalet was priced at $165,000, 30-person Sarazen Suites at $99,000 and 10-person Champions Club tables at $35,000. One incentive for corporate customers was that
time a constitution and bylaws were accepted for the Professional Golfers’ Association of America in New York City, which would become the PGA of America. The association had 78 members to start, including 35 who were considered charter members because they attended the first meeting in January. The PGA’s two-pronged emphasis hasn’t changed in almost 100 years. The association still exists to promote interest in the game and to elevate the standards of the golf professional’s vocation. The first PGA Championship, won by Englishman Jim Barnes, was held in October 1916 with a trophy and purse donated by Wanamaker. Barnes also won the second PGA Championship, which wasn’t held until 1919 due to World War I.
Unlikely as it seems for a golf facility that opened as recently as 1998, Whistling Straits is on the verge of becoming one of the most often-visited PGA Championship venues in history. After Whistling Straits’ first PGA Championship in 2004, Kohler Co. CEO Herbert V. Kohler signed an agreement with the PGA of America to host two more PGA Championships (2010 and ’15), plus the 2020 Ryder Cup, ensuring Wisconsin’s place on the major championship rota for years to come. Thus, the 2015 PGA Championship will mark the event’s third visit to Whistling Straits and its fourth to Wisconsin. After the final putt drops at The Straits next August, only Southern Hills CC in Tulsa, Okla., will have hosted more PGA Championships (four) than Whistling Straits. The other three-time hosts are Atlanta Athletic Club in Georgia, Oakland Hills CC in Michigan, Oakmont CC in Pennsylvania, Firestone CC in Ohio, Oak Hill CC in New York and Valhalla CC in Kentucky. Valhalla CC hosted its third PGA Championship in August. The PGA of America has announced the sites for its marquee championship through 2020. They are: 2015 Whistling Straits (Straits Course), Sheboygan, Wis.
2016 Baltusrol GC (Lower Course), Springfield, N.J. 2017 Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, N.C. 2018 Bellerive CC, St. Louis, Mo.
2019 Bethpage State Park (Black Course), Farmingdale, N.Y. 2020 TPC Harding Park, San Francisco.
purchasing hospitality packages for the PGA in 2015 included first-right-of-refusal for on-course hospitality at the 2020 Ryder Cup. The same incentive was offered to PGA volunteers and certain
Visit Kohler year-round As the 2014 Wisconsin golf season winds to a close, the folks at Destination Kohler are beginning to focus on wintertime events and gastronomic delights. Following are a few tasty events on the upcoming Destination Kohler calendar:
Fall Adventure Getaway
NOV. 14-16 This weekend-long event at River Wildlife, Kohler’s wilderness preserve, teaches outdoor skills such as trap and skeet shooting, bird hunting and fishing. However, accommodations – at either the American Club or Inn on Woodlake – are anything but rustic. Corporate chalets will move closer to the action in 2015.
ticket buyers. Ultimate Foursome packages, for example, offered buyers the opportunity for direct access to tickets for the Ryder Cup instead of going through the usual lottery. In addition to the strong hospitality response, Mengel said selling out season grounds tickets more than a year before the tournament is consistent with the experience of previous PGA Championships and likely what organizers of the U.S. Open and Ryder Cup can reliably expect. “I think it’s part of the passion (for golf), not just for the state of Wisconsin but also the Midwest.” When play begins Aug. 10, 2015, defending champion Rory McIlroy and fellow competitors will find themselves surrounded by throngs of fervent fans. In Wisconsin, where golf is concerned, that’s how we roll. For more information about the 2015 PGA Championship, visit www.pgachampionship.com, become a fan of the PGA Championship on Facebook or follow @PGAChampionship on Twitter.
Wisconsin Holiday Market
NOV. 21-23 Kohler’s 34th annual Holiday Market attracts artisans from across the Midwest. Vendors offer items such as holiday decorations, handmade toys, clothing, sweets and other food items. Admission is free with an overnight stay at the American Club or Inn on Woodlake.
In Celebration of Chocolate
FEB. 6-8, 2015
COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.
COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.
HOS PITA L ITY
Participants are promised three days packed with “cocoa-themed events” at this third annual event held the week before Valentine’s Day. Includes live music and other entertainment, unique dining experiences and, of course, lots of chocolate.
CHAMPIONSHI P E X HIBI T
PGA Championship exhibit visits Milwaukee Golf enthusiasts and history buffs can get a jacket (which commemorates him becoming the unique look at the PGA Championship through Disfirst professional career grand slam winner), as well covery World’s "Innovations in Golf: The PGA Cham- as his bucket hat, shirt, pants, tie and shoes. pionship Exhibit." Visitors even have the chance to test their own On display in downtown Milwaukee are some of golf skills through the use of a golf simulator. the rarest artifacts and memorabilia Discovery World is located at 500 that trace the tradition and evoluN. Harbor Drive in Milwaukee. The THE EXHIBIT PAYS tion of the PGA Championship and exhibit is open Tuesdays through HOMAGE TO its champions. Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and WHO WON The exhibit features historic items Saturdays and Sundays from 10 THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP and authentic replicas spanning a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed from Jim Barnes' hickory driver used AT BLUE MOUND CC IN on Mondays. Discovery World admisMILWAUKEE IN 1933 sion is: $16.95 for adults, $14.95 for to capture the inaugural PGA Championship in 1916, to John Daly's seniors 60 and over, $12.95 for "Grip It 'N Rip It" driver, used in winning the 1991 children 3-17, $10 for active duty military and $9.95 PGA Championship, to Tiger Woods' iconic Scotty for college students. Admission is free for children Cameron putter from 1999. under the age of 3. It also pays homage to Gene Sarazen, who won The PGA exhibit is scheduled to remain open until the PGA Championship at Blue Mound CC in April 2015. For more information, click here or call Milwaukee in 1933. The display features Sarazen's (414) 765-9966.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DISCOVERY WORLD/CHRISTOPHER WINTERS
Sarazen,
Cutting the ribbon for the opening of the PGA Championship Exhibit at Discovery World this past summer were, from left: Joel Brennan, Discovery World CEO/president; David Kohler, president of Kohler Co. and general chairman of the 2015 PGA Championship; and Jason Mengel, championship director for PGA of America. At left is the Gene Sarazen display.
Gene
The focus of the sports world returns to the Wisconsin shores of Lake Michigan at Whistling Straits in August of 2015 for the 97th PGA Championship. Remaining tickets are now on sale! Visit pgachampionship.com for more details on available tickets and volunteer opportunities. Whistling Straits is also the proud host of the 2020 Ryder Cup.
THIS IS MAJOR THIS IS THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 10 - 16, 2015 • WHISTLING STRAITS • KOHLER, WISCONSIN
© 2014 The PGA, PGA Championship and Ryder Cup names, logos and marks are a trademark of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America.
Limited tickets remain for ‘15 PGA Championship The PGA of America and Kohler Co. have announced that only daily tickets remain available for the championship, including limited quantities of the popular championship-round daily tickets. Both Wanamaker Club and season grounds tickets are now sold out for the PGA Championship’s third visit to Whistling Straits, Aug. 10-16, 2015, in Kohler. Golf fans considering purchasing daily championship-round tickets are encouraged to act fast. Those tickets sold out in advance of the 2014 PGA
DURING THE CHAMPIONSHIP, GROUNDS ACCESS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
complimentary
juniors
Championship at Valhalla GC and are expected to again for the 2015 event. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. “Tickets for the 2015 PGA Championship at
The Wanamaker Club.
Remaining ticket options
Daily Grounds Tickets Individual daily grounds tickets are available for practice rounds on Monday ($30), Tuesday ($30) and Wednesday ($40), and for Championship rounds on Thursday ($90), Friday ($95), Saturday ($95) and Sunday ($95).
Whistling Straits have sold very quickly across all categories, so for any fans who have been waiting to purchase tickets, now is the time,” said 2015 PGA Championship Director Jason Mengel. “In addition to the limited number of daily tickets available, we also have only a handful of volunteer positions remaining, which give golf enthusiasts the opportunity to have one of the most unique experiences in major championship golf.” During the championship, complimentary grounds access will also be available on a daily basis for juniors (up to four children, age 17 or younger, accompanied by a ticketed adult) and select military personnel (active, military retirees, Reservists and civilians with Department of Defense ID).
PGA OF AMERICA PHOTOS
T I CKE TS
V OUL UNTE E R
Remaining volunteer opportunities going fast in new 'Championship Shops' A great way to get a first-hand look at the 2015 PGA Championship is to become a volunteer. As Whistling Straits gears up for the championship on Aug. 10-16, 2015, a limited number of volunteer positions are still available for the Merchandise Committee where volunteers will be assisting in the “Championship Shops.” Volunteers on the Merchandise Committee will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of roles, including cashiers, inventory managers and greeters in the climate-controlled, 36,000-squarefoot merchandise facility. The shopping facility will offer exclusive items, apparel and limited-edition gifts throughout championship week. Volunteer assignments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Adult volunteers, age 22 and up, are asked to work three to four four-hour shifts and are required
to pay a $204.75 volunteer fee. In exchange for this fee, volunteers receive: 4Volunteer uniform (golf shirt, headwear and outerwear). 4Preferred parking. 4Meal and water vouchers. 4The official 97th PGA Championship program. 4Personalized volunteer credential, which will provide access to the grounds all seven days of the championship. Volunteers who complete all assigned shifts earn the opportunity to register as a volunteer for the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits prior to the general public. Click here to submit your volunteer application. Several positions for junior volunteers at the championship – as standard bearers and scoreboard operators – have already been filled.
PGA CHAM PI ONS HIP WI NNERS Rory McIlroy Jason Dufner Rory McIlroy Keegan Bradley Martin Kaymer Y.E. Yang Padraig Harrington Tiger Woods Tiger Woods Phil Mickelson Vijay Singh Shaun Micheel Rich Beem David Toms Tiger Woods Tiger Woods Vijay Singh Davis Love III Mark Brooks Steve Elkington Nick Price Paul Azinger Nick Price John Daly Wayne Grady Payne Stewart Jeff Sluman Larry Nelson Bob Tway Hubert Green Lee Trevino Hal Sutton Raymond Floyd Larry Nelson Jack Nicklaus David Graham John Mahaffey Lanny Wadkins Dave Stockton Jack Nicklaus Lee Trevino Jack Nicklaus Gary Player Jack Nicklaus Dave Stockton Raymond Floyd Julius Boros Don January Al Geiberger Dave Marr
Valhalla GC Oak Hill CC The Ocean Course Atlanta Athletic Club Whistling Straits Hazeltine National GC Oakland Hills CC Southern Hills CC Medinah CC Baltusrol GC Whistling Straits Oak Hill CC Hazeltine Nat'l GC Atlanta Athletic Club Valhalla GC Medinah CC Sahalee GC Winged Foot GC Valhalla GC Riviera CC Southern Hills CC Inverness Club Bellerive CC Crooked Stick GC Shoal Creek CC Kemper Lakes GC Oak Tree GC PGA National Inverness Club Cherry Hills CC Shoal Creek CC Riviera CC Southern Hills CC Atlanta Athl. Club Oak Hill CC Oakland Hills GC Oakmont CC Pebble Beach GL Congressional CC Firestone CC Tanglewood GC Canterbury GC Oakland Hills CC PGA National GC Southern Hills CC NCR CC Pecan Valley CC Columbine CC Firestone CC Laurel Valley CC
2004
Vijay Singh of Fiji won his second PGA Championship title in 2004 at Whistling Straits, following his 1998 win at Sahalee CC.
RICK PLEDL PHOTOS
2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965
1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941
Bobby Nichols Columbus CC Jack Nicklaus Dallas Athletic Club Gary Player Aronimink GC Jerry Barber Olympia Fields CC Jay Hebert Firestone CC Bob Rosburg Minneapolis GC Dow Finsterwald Llanerch CC Lionel Hebert Miami Valley CC Jack Burke Jr. Blue Hill CC Doug Ford Meadowbrook CC Chick Harbert Keller GC Walter Burkemo Birmingham CC Jim Turnesa Big Spring CC Sam Snead Oakmont CC Chandler Harper Scioto CC Sam Snead Hermitage CC Ben Hogan Norwood Hills CC Jim Ferrier Plum Hollow GC Ben Hogan Portland GC Byron Nelson Moraine CC Bob Hamilton Manito G&CC No Championship played due to WWII Sam Snead Seaview CC Vic Ghezzi Cherry Hills CC
1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1917-18 1916
Byron Nelson Hershey CC Henry Picard Pomonok CC Paul Runyan Shawnee CC Denny Shute Pittsburgh Field Club Denny Shute Pinehurst CC Johnny Revolta Twin Hills CC Paul Runyan Park CC Gene Sarazen Blue Mound CC Olin Dutra Keller GC Tom Creavy Wannamoisett CC Tommy Armour Fresh Meadows CC Leo Diegel Hillcrest CC Leo Diegel Five Farms CC Walter Hagen Cedar Crest CC Walter Hagen Salisbury Golf Links Walter Hagen Olympia Fields CC Walter Hagen French Lick Springs Gene Sarazen Pelham CC Gene Sarazen Oakmont CC Walter Hagen Inwood CC Jock Hutchison Flossmoor CC James M. Barnes Engineers CC No Championships played due to WWI James M. Barnes Siwanoy CC
2010
Germany’s Martin Kaymer lept onto the major championship stage with his win at Whistling Straits in 2010.
JIM KELSH
The videoboard captures Steve Stricker’s attempt to land a golf ball on the midfield “W” at Camp Randall Stadium. Stricker attempted the 135-yard shots on the platform just to the left of the videoboard. Jason Mengel, 2015 PGA Championship director, wears the blue vest at Stricker’s right on videoboard image.
Stricker takes aim for 2015 PGA Championship Halftime at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison is usually reserved for the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, but the 2015 PGA Championship recently got “top” billing thanks to the UW Athletic Department, the PGA of America and PGA Tour pro Steve Stricker. During the Oct. 11 football game between the Wisconsin and Illinois, Stricker – a Wisconsin native and 1990 Illini grad – swung his golf club from high atop the stadium’s video board, with a goal of landing a ball on the midfield Motion W logo. Stricker attempted the 135-yard trick shot three times with 80,000 enthusiastic fans watching. The 1998 PGA Championship runner-up came VERY close
(within 30 feet on one shot!), but ultimately the amazing view was the winner. Golf fan Bob Beggs, of Fitchburg, was selected at random from thousands of fans who registered to win two VIP Wanamaker tickets to the 2015 PGA Championship if Stricker hit the target, but happily accepted a pair of Sunday tickets to the championship as his consolation prize after getting to watch the attempts in person next to Stricker. Stricker went on Twitter afterward and tweeted his reaction: “Never hit in front of 80,000 people before! @UWBadgers @IlliniAthletics #nervous.” You can watch the attempts by clicking here.
PUBLISHER John Hughes | jhughes@wisgolfer.com GENERAL MANAGER Jim Kelsh | jkelsh@wisgolfer.com
EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1435 E. Main St. Madison, Wisconsin 53703 (608) 280-8800 Toll-free (800) 685-0036 www.wisgolfer.com
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ON THE COVER: Martin Kaymer goes for the green en route to his victory at the 2010 PGA Championship. (Photo courtesy of the PGA.) Published by Killarney Golf Media, Inc. in conjuction with the Wisconsin State Golf Association and the Kohler Co.