2004 Senior PGA Championship To Highlight Memorial Day Weekend At Valhalla Golf Club In Louisville, Ky.

Contact Julius Mason
561-624-8444
jmason@pgahq.com

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (August 6, 2002) - The 65th Senior PGA Championship, the oldest and most prestigious event in senior golf, will be conducted Memorial Day weekend, May 27-30, 2004, at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky.

The Senior PGA Championship, begun in 1937 at Augusta National Golf Club at the suggestion of the legendary Bobby Jones, was conducted in Florida from 1940 through 2000. The Championship perennially features the strongest and deepest international field in senior golf.

"The Senior PGA Championship continues to attract new golf fans as it makes its appearance at many of the premier venues in the country," said PGA of America President Jack Connelly. "We are excited about bringing this premier event to Valhalla Golf Club, which has attracted worldwide attention for hosting two memorable PGA Championships that were extended to playoffs in 1996 and 2000, and a most successful 35th PGA Club Professional Championship this past June."

In 2001, Tom Watson captured the Senior PGA Championship at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J., and Fuzzy Zoeller was victorious last June at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

"The Memorial Day weekend is going to be extra special in Louisville with many of golf's living legends celebrating the holiday at Valhalla Golf Club," said Walt Gahm, General Chairman of the 65th Senior PGA Championship. "We have enjoyed many special moments at Valhalla, and we anticipate the golf fans of Kentucky will again support this major championship which we expect to be one of the best yet in senior golf."

Valhalla Golf Club was designed by Jack Nicklaus, and opened for play in 1986. It is ranked No. 68 by Golf Digest on its 2001-02 list of "America's 100 Greatest Courses." Mark Brooks won the 1996 PGA Championship at Valhalla in a one-hole playoff victory over Kenny Perry. In 2000, Tiger Woods outlasted Bob May after a three-hole playoff to win his second PGA Championship. Last June, Barry Evans won the first PGA Club Professional Championship conducted in Kentucky.

"Valhalla Golf Club is an excellent test for players of all abilities," said Connelly. "It also is situated in a community that features some of the greatest and most supportive sports fans anywhere.

"We look forward to having the living legends of the game showcased in Louisville."

The 64th Senior PGA Championship will be conducted June 5-8, 2003, at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa.