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Atlanta Athletic Club

Friday, August 12, 2011

Stricker's Record Tying 63 Takes PGA Lead

Wisconsin native comes near record in first round at Johns Creek.

Steve Stricker is a step closer to filling the only hole remaining in his impressive career resume. The self-effacing man from Wisconsin honed in on his first major championship Thursday, tying a PGA Championship record by shooting 63 in the first round to take the first-round lead at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Stricker shot a 7-under 63, becoming the 11thplayer in tournament history to match that score. He tied the competitive course record set by Mark O'Meara at the 2001 PGA Championship and leads Jerry Kelly, his close friend and fellow Cheesehead, by two shots. “You know, 63 is that number that no one has gotten under,” Stricker said. “But I never really thought about it at all today. (Caddie Jimmy Johnson) told me after I missed the …

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Tiger Woods, Other PGA Players Talk Course, Caddies, Competition

PGA officials speak to golf's economic impact.

As PGA Championship practice rounds were under way Tuesday and Wednesday at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, some notable players and officials took a few minutes to address questions. The tournament begins Thursday at the Atlanta Athletic Club. The first pairings tee off on No. 1 at 7:30 a.m. and on No. 10 at 7:35 a.m.  Golfing superstars Tiger Woods and Adam Scott fielded questions regarding their recent caddy controversy, while also addressing the difficulty and condition of the the club's Highlands Course and competing in the Georgia heat. Scott spoke about returning to play so soon after his recent win at the Bridgestone Invitational with Steve Williams, Woods' ex-caddy. Woods, meanwhile, addressed returning to form after …

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

PGA Fans Find Ways to Stay Cool

It's August so it's supposed to be hot, but how do the pros always look so cool?

Even though the temperatures registered in the mid 90s, it didn't stop the estimated 30,000 golf enthusiasts from enduring the heat Tuesday in Johns Creek for the chance to see their favorite players. Fortunately, the PGA Championship organizers were thinking ahead and anticipating Georgia's August sultry weather and installed a few cool features to allow fans to escape the heat - at least temporarily. The misting station near the practice putting green was a popular spot for spectators as were the fans mounted atop the bleachers overlooking the 18th green. The fans also spray a cool mist. A number of spectators were willing to climb to the top of the stands to take full advantage of the electric fans. We caught up with two young men …

Monday, August 8, 2011

Fans Guide To Enjoying PGA Championship

Whether or not you are attending the event at Johns Creek, you can still take part in the experience.

When the PGA Championship comes to the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek this week (Aug. 8-14), thousands of spectators will watch golf's last major of 2011. And even if you are not attending the main event, you can still experience the excitement by taking in exhibits or special programs in various locations throughout the metro area. So ticket holder or not, here's your championship cheat sheat: Tickets: Even though ticket sales have seen a quick increase in the last few days following news that Tiger Woods would likely compete, tickets are still available at PGA.com.  Bring Your Children: Each adult with tickets will be allowed to bring up to four children ages 17 and under. Junior tickets can be obtained at the will call office at …

PGA Announces Pairings for First Two Rounds

Tiger Woods returns to major championship competition Thursday morning at Johns Creek.

Tiger Woods' return to major golf competition begins Thursday when he tees off at 8:35 a.m. on the 10th hole in the opening round of the 93rd PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club, the PGA of America announced. The four-time PGA Champion will play the first two rounds with 1997 PGA Champion and 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III and 2008 PGA Champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland. The group tees off on Friday at 1:45 p.m. on the first hole.  South African Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters Champion, will be joined by Northern Irishmen Rory McIlroy, the 2011 U.S. Open Champion, and Darren Clarke, the 2011 Open Champion. The trio tees off on Thursday at 1:45 p.m. on the first tee and Friday at 8:35 a.m. on the 10th tee.  …

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Mickelson Gets in Practice in Atlanta

'Lefty' will be among those competing in the upcoming PGA Championship at Johns Creek.

Four-time major champion Phil Mickelson and his famous left-handed swing could be seen Tuesday getting in some practice at the Atlanta Athletic Club in advance of next week's PGA Championship. The top 100 of the 102 best golfers in the field (as ranked by the Official World Golf Ranking – OWGR) are scheduled to compete in Johns Creek on Aug. 11-14.  This will be the second-best field in all of golf, only beaten by the 2002 PGA Championship. Mickelson is the PGA Tour's third all-time money winning leader with $62.8 million in career earnings. He is No. 5 in 2011 winnings with $3.18 million.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Tiger Woods Practices Monday in Atlanta

Famous golfer is in Johns Creek to prep for the PGA Championship next week.

Following news that Tiger Woods would likely compete in the PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, the golfer was spotted at the club Monday getting in some practice rounds. PGA of America shared with Patch these shots, posted on the organization's PGA Championship Facebook page. On Friday, Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, said in a PGA Of America-issued statement that Woods would play in the event the week of Aug. 8 if there are "no complications" related to his recent leg injuries. Woods is scheduled to compete this week in a tournament in Akron, Ohio. He finished tied for fourth in the 2011 Masters but has not played a full schedule since while recovering from leg injuries.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Golf's 4th Major Coming to Suwanee Area

The PGA Championship will be played at the Atlanta Athletic Club in August.

For golf enthusiasts it doesn't get any better -- in just two months, 156 of the top professional players will be teeing it up near Suwanee to compete in the PGA Championship, golf's fourth and final major of the year. It will be the third time that the Atlanta Athletic Club, now in the Johns Creek area, will hosts the professional tournament, set for Aug. 11-14. The club is one of only five to host the PGA Championship three or more times. The defending champion, Martin Kaymer from Germany, played the Highlands course for the first time on Monday. And as expected, he found the championship course has been set up to test the best golfers in the world. Winning on this course, said Kaymer, will require precision and sometimes keeping the …

Saturday, June 4, 2011

PGA History Exhibit To Come Near Suwanee

Johns Creek seeks volunteers to staff the welcome center and greet exhibit visitors.

The PGA Championship returns to the Atlanta Athletic Club in 2011 for the third time in its now 93 years running. It brings with it to Johns Creek some of golf’s most legendary memorabilia, including Tiger Woods’ shoes, Walter Hagen’s walking stick and a straw hat worn by Sam Snead—and acclaimed artifacts—like Jack Nicklaus’ putter that helped him capture the 1980 PGA Championship and Phil Mickelson’s wedge that clinched his victory on the 18th hole in 2005.  Recognized as "A History of the Season's Final Major,” the traveling PGA Championship History Exhibit reveals the origin, tradition and history of the PGA Championship and traces its past 92 champions from Jim Barnes capturing the Wanamaker Trophy in 1916, through Martin Kaymer’s …

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Want a Front Seat at the PGA? Volunteer Opportunities are Available

300 volunteer spots remain for PGA Championship in August.

When the 93rd PGA Championship rolls into the area Aug. 8-14, the event will depend on support from some 3,500 volunteers. Taking place at the Atlanta Athletic Club, about 300 volunteer spots remain to date. According to Ryan Cannon, open volunteer duties include player transportation, manning the merchandise tent and the leaderboard committee.  "We get folks participating who are avid golfers themselves, and those who like to be part of big events in town," the championship director said. "We have something for everybody. You can be inside the ropes or inside in the air conditioning — it depends on what you are looking for. We certainly guarantee a good experience." Volunteers will work three or four four-hour shifts for the week and will…

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