I hope everyone had great time with family and friends around Christmas and New Year’s.
It is time for me to get back to the golf course and competing on the PGA TOUR. That means it is off to Palm Springs to start the year at the Career Builder Challenge, site of my fifth win on the PGA TOUR back in 2012. I hear it too…a five year dry spell. Time to change that!
Two early Christmas presents came my way when the Waste Management Phoenix Open and the Honda Classic both called to ensure me I would have a sponsor’s exemption into their events. So with those and likely getting into the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am, January and February will be busy for me. Having opportunities to compete on the PGA TOUR is something I will always be grateful for but more so this year as I don’t have the luxury of picking my schedule.
One big change on the PGA TOUR in 2017 is that we have a new commissioner in Jay Monahan, taking over for Tim Finchem, who was at the helm for 22 years. One interesting fact is that the PGA TOUR has only had four commissioners in its 47 year history. Tim did wonders for the PGA TOUR and left it in great hands for Jay, who is up for the challenge to make the TOUR even better.
My three years on the PGA TOUR policy board are officially up, but I do have one remaining year on the board for USA Golf, which helps with those competing American golfers in the Olympics, Paralympics and Pan America games. It is rewarding to give my input into any player issues that come up when planning for these events. Last year was the most time consuming but was super exciting that Matt Kuchar brought home a medal for the USA.
Finally, you may have noticed on my website that Amy and I are teaming up with our friends Dan and Ramona Ustian to host the Tee Up a Harvest event at Rich Harvest Farms October 8-9. I am super excited to have Jim Furyk join me to benefit Blessings in a Backpack in the Chicagoland area. There is a fun Sunday evening dinner event and a golf outing on Monday. Click on my homepage for the event details as there are lots of sponsorship packages available.
I wish you all a happy and healthy 2017 and how about even a hole in one!
Mark
