Schooley recreates his incredible chip-in birdie on 18 to win

WINCHESTER, KY (August 1, 2023) – After a third-place finish in this event last year, Juniper Hill Head Professional Kirk Schooley, PGA claimed the 2023 victory in dramatic fashion at Winchester Country Club. He won the event by one, with a total score of 1-under, and claimed a spot in the 2023 Senior Professional PGA Championship.

After an opening round 72 gave him a one-shot lead going into the final day, Schooley and Steve Cox, PGA, General Manager at Larue County Golf Course, spent most of the last day battling it out for first place. The lead shifted throughout the day, with the two repeatedly matching each other's scores. After heading to the final hole tied, Schooley sunk an impressive chip for birdie to claim victory. Both shot 71 today, with Schooley totaling 143 for the tournament and Cox 144.

Schooley fired nothing worse than a bogey throughout the tournament and totaled 7 birdies overall. He also shot matching 35s on the back nine each day. Cox ties him for the most birdies.

Joining Schooley and Cox at the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Championship is Bruce Oldendick, PGA, Head Professional at Pendleton Hills. Oldendick, a former champion of this event, shot 75-71-146 for a 2-over par total. The championship is held at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, October 26-29, 2023. 


NOTES & STATS

• The back nine featured both the easiest and most difficult holes of the tournament. The easiest, par-5 12, averaged .03 strokes over par. The hardest, par 4 17, averaged .82 strokes over par. 
• Competitors totaled 61 birdies but just one eagle on the par-5 third hole courtesy of Vincent Prather, PGA.
• The front nine proved more difficult than the back, averaging 39.95 compared to 38.65.
• The overall scoring average for the tournament was 78.6, with a difference of 2.73 strokes between the averages of both days. Day 1 saw a scoring average of 79.95 compared to 77.22 on day 2.