There were many references Friday to the “Chamber of Commerce kind of day” weather the region enjoyed at the 79th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. What some people may not realize is what an amazing day it was for the young people enrolled in the Benton Harbor Area School system as well.
In addition to the major announcement of a new $25,000 Jack & Barbara Nicklaus Scholarship (the story of which is available at this link: https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/jack-barbara-nicklaus-kitchenaid-srpga-scholarship-established-in-benton-harbor/) the school’s athletic department scored a huge boost as the PGA of America and the team at KitchenAid delivered a check for $100,000 during a Community Leaders breakfast session several hours before Jack Nicklaus arrived at Harbor Shores.
Championship Director Ryan Ogle, Whirlpool Chairman Jeff Fettig, and PGA of America President Paul Levy presented the oversized ceremonial check to school officials at the conclusion of the breakfast session in the PGA Hospitality Tent alongside the Harbor Shores Clubhouse overlooking the first tee.
Ogle opened the Community Leaders session thanking the communities that make up Michigan’s Great Southwest and welcomed State Rep Kim LaSata and State Senator John Proos, who said, “We are blessed by the strong communities that we have who work together cooperatively to make a difference. There is a great deal of recognition at the state level of the area also.” Proos added, “The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is a fine partner in this weekend’s championship. They have helped to underwrite some of the activities that are happening here today, as well.” The Senator also applauded the vision of Whirlpool’s Jeff Fettig and “all those who have made the Harbor Shores dream come to life, and the impact it has made on our community.” He concluded, “We appreciate the work that allows Michigan’s Great Southwest to shine so brightly on the national stage this weekend.”
Tournament Executive Chairman Sam Abdelnour alluded to the weather, saying, “What a glorious couple of days, and our community has never looked better. Thank you all to the leadership of our community, and the support you’ve given to the Senior PGA Championship. There is no better cause to advance economic development across southwest Michigan than what we are doing here this week. It is the best story we have as people around the world look in on us.”
Paul Levy, President of the PGA of America told the crowd, “It’s great to be back in Michigan’s Great Southwest, thanks for this Chamber of Commerce weather.” Levy also noted, “An event like this is not possible without the support of the local communities, and all of you in this room. Those yellow lanyards being worn by those who have volunteered all four events over the past eight years are wonderful. The communities play a vital role in reaffirming the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship status as the most historic and prestigious event in all of Senior Golf.”
Levy also announced that later this year Harbor Shores will host it’s first ever PGA Junior League program in coordination with the First Tee of Benton Harbor. He says, “What’s exceptionally noteworthy, is that six junior league teams will be playing out of Harbor Shores and all 72 junior golfers will be playing free of charge thanks to KitchenAid, and PGA REACH.”
He also reported, “On the military front later this year, Harbor Shores will be conducting it’s first PGA HOPE (Help Our Patriots Everywhere), using the connection between our professionals and military, to use the game of golf to rehabilitate mental and physical wounds from serving our country.”
Levy encouraged Championship ticket-holders to experience the field of flags, and join the North Berrien Scottish Rights group at the first tee for taps and a 21 gun salute early on Sunday morning.
Saying, “The PGA loves being in Michigan, we love the people of Michigan, we love the communities of Southwest Michigan, and I hope you know how grateful, on behalf of all the 29,000 men and women who make up the PGA of America, how happy we are to be here,” Levy turned things back to Ryan Ogle for the big announcement.
Ogle called for a ceremonial check and said, “It’s my pleasure to announce that in partnership with KitchenAid and the PGA of America and on behalf of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, a donation of $100,000 to the Athletic Department of the Benton Harbor Area Schools.” The check was presented to School Board Chair, Marletta Seats, Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad, First Tee Director and new BH Golf Coach Ebon Sanders, and Benton Harbor Head Football Coach Eliot Uzelac, who are shown in the photo along with Sam Abdelnour and Deb O’Connor from KitchenAid, PGA Chief Paul Levy and Championship Director Ryan Ogle.
