In my fifty-plus years as a PGA Professional, whether as a Player, Administrator, Journalist, Broadcaster, or Blogger, I’ve played in, administered, and covered hundred’s Golf Tournaments globally. I’ve journeyed to and visited most of the famous and celebrated Golf cities, states, and countries worldwide.
Including the 2022 PGA Championship contested this past week at the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which Justin Thomas won in a playoff to capture his second PGA title.
Full disclosure.
Of all the places I’ve been to, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is my least favorite destination spot anywhere. There are so many things that are not pleasing or likable about the city or state.
These are just a few examples.
The weather is deplorable. Miserly hot and humid in the spring and summer. Massive thundershowers, lightning, and tornados are routine. And can sneak up without the slightest warning.
The city reeks of an ever-present and sharply distinct petroleum smell that permeates the air, environment, and setting while a cloud of unescapable dust covers its entirety.
And its nightlife consists of knock-off barbeque joints and lowlife honky tonks trying to mimic and overhaul Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys’ Western Swing music from the fifties.
None of it works for me.
So why, you ask? Do the United States Golf Association, The PGA of America, and The PGA Tour keep returning to a God-forsaken Indian reservation, in the middle of the dust bowl, Oil Capital of the world?
One reason, and one reason only.
For all its negatives Tulsa, Oklahoma, has one of the finest Championship Golf Courses in the world.
Seventeen Major Golf Championships since 1945 have been contested over the magnificent Perry Maxwell design, including three United States, Opens and five PGA Championships, including the one just concluded. The most PGA’s of any courses present-day. The list of Champions who have prevailed on this golf course read like a veritable who’s who in the world of golf.
TigerWoods, Nick Price, Babe Zahartais, Dave Stockton, Raymond Floyd, Tommy Bolt, Hubert Green, Alex Cejka, Retief Goosen, Tom Lehman, and now Justin Thomas join this esteemed list of great Champions.
I had the opportunity to listen to Justin’s Championship interview after his play on Sunday.
Please, Listen Here.
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