What Are You Looking Forward to in This 2019 Golf Season?
What Are You Looking Forward to in This 2019 Golf Season?
By Dr. Eric C. Wilson, PGA Legacy Master Professional
Executive Director of Golf Operations
Keiser University College of Golf
As in most years, I look forward to golf’s major championships. This year, with the newly revamped schedule, it is going to be even more exciting. The Players Championship (TPC) kicks off the “serious” season in March, and, while not considered a major championship, TPC Sawgrass with the island green 17th hole venue, and the strength of field make it a compelling challenge.
The Players Championship defending champion is Webb Simpson. Next comes what some consider the ultimate major championship: The Masters Tournament at Augusta National in April. When this event arrives, the golf season is officially ON! The Masters Tournament defending champion is Patrick Reed.
Moving into May, The PGA Championship now follows The Masters and precedes the U.S. Open and is being played on the challenging Bethpage Black Golf Course. The PGA Championship defending champion is Brooks Koepka. June remains the traditional month for The U.S. Open, and Brooks Koepka will defend his title at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Brooks is seeking his third straight U.S. Open, and he is attempting to become only the second player to ever win three in a row – Willie Anderson accomplished this feat in 1903-1905.
The fourth official major, The Open Championship, will be played in July at Royal Portrush Golf Club, a demanding links course ranked number 12 in the world by Golf Magazine. The Open’s defending champion is Francesco Molinari.
While The Open is the culmination of the major championship season, there is still one more exciting event that will take place in October – The Presidents Cup. This international team match play event will be held at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, the site of the International Team’s only victory in 1998 (out of 12 competitions). The United States is the defending champion, having won by a score of 19-11 in New Jersey in 2017. For golf fans, it doesn’t get much better than this.
So, pull up the recliner, put on the popcorn, and enjoy the 2019 golf season!
If you’d like to study with Dr. Wilson and other PGA Master Professionals, contact The College of Golf today.
