The 2023 PGA Professional Championship tees off Sunday April 30th – Wednesday May 3rd on the Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. Competing are 312 PGA Professionals representing the 41 PGA Sections. The top 20 finishers receive an automatic invitation to play in the 105th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club (East Course), Pittsford, New York, May 18-21, 2023.
Representing the Pacific Northwest PGA are Jeff Coston of Semiahmoo G&CC, Derek Berg of PNW Golf Academy, Jerrel Grow of Pronghorn Club at Juniper Preserve, Ross Kukula of Arrowhead Golf Club, Russell Grove of North Idaho College, Mitch Runge of The Home Course, Corey Prugh of the Community Colleges of Spokane, Colin Inglis of Shadow Hills Country Club, Austin Hurt of Wing Point Golf & Country Club and Tim Feenstra of Broadmoor Golf Club. Good luck, gentlemen!
Made the Cut:
- Colin Inglis: 73-69-70-72–284 – team of 20
- Russel Grove: 72-71-76-66–285 – team of 20
- Derek Berg: 74-71-73-69–287
- Jerrel Grow: 71-75-72-73–291
Round 1 & 2 scores:
- Austin Hurt: 74-75
- Tim Feenstra: 74-77
- Jeff Coston: 76-74
- Corey Prugh: 76-72
- Ross Kukula: 77-77
- Mitch Runge: 79-78
The 2023 PGA Professional Championship will be held at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico from Sunday, April 30th to Wednesday, May 3rd. This premier event will feature 312 PGA Professionals representing 41 PGA Sections, with the top 20 finishers receiving automatic invitations to the 105th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club (East Course) in Pittsford, New York from May 18th to May 21st, 2023.
For many players, qualifying for the National PPC is a goal every year. “I don’t play as much as I once did, but playing and trying to qualify for the National PPC is a goal every year,” stated Jerrel Grow.
Last year, Colin Inglis, Austin Hurt, and Tim Feenstra placed in the top 20 at the PGA Professional Championship, earning spots in the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills CC. Colin Inglis described playing in last year’s PGA as “an unbelievable experience” and emphasized the importance of being patient and taking it day by day. Austin Hurt expressed his honor and gratitude at competing against the nation’s best professionals, stating that, “This time around we hope to enjoy the process and continue to stay patient in what is sure to be a challenging environment.” Tim Feenstra added that “Qualifying for the PGA Championship last year was a dream come true,” while also jokingly stating that he will stick with his day job.
Jeff Coston, who has qualified for the PGA Professional Championship six times previously, expressed his love for competing and preparing for golf tournaments. “My son Kyle will be caddying for me, which is awesome.”
Derek Berg, Corey Prugh and Russell Grove have also qualified for the PGA Professional Championship in the past, with all three players eager for the competitive challenge. “It’s such a great event and a wonderful experience competing with the best in the country,” said Derek Berg. Corey Prugh called it “a great test,” with Russell Grove adding, “and it’s always a great learning experience that can help us further improve the players we teach and coach.”
Mitch Runge and Ross Kukula are new to the national championship field this year. Mitch Runge said that making the PPC validates the long days and practice and “I can’t be more excited or proud to be a part of it this year.” Ross Kukula shared how he was physically incapable of playing from 2019-2021 and how qualifying for this tournament was also a form of validation for hard work. “It’s confirmation that I can do this the rest of my career after thinking I’d never play in tournaments again,” said Ross Kukula.
We wish all these talented players the best of luck in the 2023 PGA Professional Championship!