By JACK McNEELY, CJ Publisher
Commonwealth Journal
Somerset
June 27, 2009 06:23 pm
—
Every year a handful of club professionals earn the opportunity to walk alongside golfing greats like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els on the pristine grounds of the PGA Championship.
This week local club professional Erich Moberly can play his way into next year’s final Major tour event if he finishes in the top 20 of the annual PGA Professional National Championship at Twin Warriors Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M.
“Obviously I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in our club professional championship this year,” said the 37-year-old Moberly.
Moberly qualified for this week’s national club pro championship when he finished tied for 7th in the 2008 Kentucky Section Championship at renowned Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.
“I’d love to finish in the top 20 and have a chance to play against the elite touring pros next year,” added Moberly, a fixture at Eagle’s Nest Country Club for the past 13 years as either its head professional or an assistant. “I believe it’s every club professional’s dream to play in the PGA Championship.”
It won’t be easy.
A field of more than 300 club professionals tee off today in their 42nd National Championship. Nearby Santa Ana Golf Club – which can be extended to 7,298 yards – will be utilized over the course of the first two rounds. The final two rounds, however, will be played at Twin Warriors, a monster 7,736-yard, Par 72 layout.
The field will be trimmed to only 70 players after two rounds. The average cut line in recent years has been even par.
Not known as a power hitter from the tee, Moberly must rely on his short-game prowess, particular his putting. He left Somerset Wednesday and has played three practice rounds since arriving in New Mexico.
“Obviously the distance does not play into my game. But the ball goes farther out there so I will be relying on my caddie,” Moberly explained.
This year’s showcase event for club professionals will be televised live by media partner Golf Channel. First-round coverage begins at 4 p.m. today.
Meanwhile, the 2010 PGA Championship is scheduled Aug. 9-15 at 7,515-yard, Par 72 Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis.
Moberly is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University. He and his wife, Natasha, have three children: Elsa, 11, Halston, 3, and Mazie, 3 months.
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Photos
Erich Moberly