He loves the game of golf…he’s always cool under pressure…and he was one of the original architects to get the PGA of America’s attention and interest in making Harbor Shores not only the site of a major golf championship, but essentially the true home of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. Now…Sam Abdelnour has earned the role of General Chair for the 79th edition of that venerable championship which returns in less than a year.
The 79th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will be contested May 24-27, 2018, at Harbor Shores, marking the fourth time since 2012 that the Championship will be played on the Benton Harbor tract.
Abdelnour, who is Vice President of Sales, North American Region for Whirlpool Corporation, served as Co-Vice Chair for the 2014 and 2016 Championships, both of which were also played at Harbor Shores.
Sam was delighted to take the helm, saying, “On behalf of the Whirlpool Corporation and KitchenAid, it’s an honor to have this opportunity.” He adds, “Our partnership with the PGA of America continues to grow and enables us to market our products in a unique style. The local community has fully embraced hosting this storied Championship, as well as taken advantage of all the wonderful volunteer opportunities.”
The General Chair serves as an ambassador for the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship and heads an executive committee intent on providing a world-class experience for those involved with the event, as well as the Southwest Michigan community.
Abdelnour has spent more than 30 years with Whirlpool, focusing his efforts on merchandising, marketing, management, and sales. Under his leadership, the Benton Harbor-headquartered company has launched several innovations, including the World of Whirlpool brand experience showplace in Chicago, as well as Real Whirled, which provides experiential training for new sales professionals.
A Detroit native, Abdelnour is dedicated to charitable initiatives both locally and nationally, including Habitat for Humanity, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Blossomtime Festival, and the OutCenter.
The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, the most historic and prestigious major championship in senior golf, annually features the strongest field on the PGA TOUR Champions. Anticipated players in the 2018 field include past champions Bernhard Langer (2017), Rocco Mediate (2016), and Colin Montgomerie (2014 and 2015), as well as fan favorites John Daly, Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Steve Stricker.
The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship began in 1937 on the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club. Since then, famed champions such as Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Trevino, Raymond Floyd, and Montgomerie have hoisted the Alfred S. Bourne Trophy, which stands 42 inches high, 18 inches wide, and weighs 36 pounds.
Congratulations to Sam, who will continue to do the championship proud.
One of America’s foremost brands, KitchenAid is the Official Home Appliance of the PGA of America and the title sponsor of the Senior PGA Championship. KitchenAid was founded as a company dedicated to improving one’s lifestyle through its products and proudly aligns itself with golf as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
