Two Arizona Assistant Pros qualify for Nationals

By William Godfrey

Michael Hopper, PGA, and Travis Childress, PGA, earned their way to play in the National Car Rental Assistant PGA National Championship in Port St. Lucie, Florida later this year. 

Hopper, 31, Assistant Pro at Lookout Mountain Golf Club, shot rounds of 67-70 at the qualifying event to defeat 45 players at Encanterra Country Club on Monday, August 10, 2015. His first place finish came with a winner’s check of $2,200 and earned him his third trip to the Florida finals.    

Childress, 30, Papago Golf Club Assistant Pro, shot the identical score, but lost a sudden death playoff on the first extra hole. He got the other qualifying spot, however, with his 2nd place showing and a $1,400 payday. Childress shared what it meant in a telephone interview, “There are a lot of really good players in this Section and I am just happy to represent the Southwest Section in the event.” It will be Childress’ inaugural trip to the National Championship.  

Encanterra Country Club, located in the San Tan Valley, hosted the event. Mike Martino, PGA, Tournament Director of the Southwest Section PGA explained, “Encanterra opened up their club to us on a Monday, when it is normally closed.  They were great hosts and even had name plates for each player on the driving range. The head professional, Mark Black and his staff were terrific,” said Martino, “The tournament had a great championship feel.” 

 

For additional information and to follow the 2015 National Car Rental Assistant PGA event starting on October 29, 2015, go to www.southwest.pga.com.