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Omar Uresti Taking Heat After Winning PGA Pro Championship

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After a player wins a major championship at any level of golf, they are typically met with congratulations and support from their fellow golfers. This was not the case for Omar Uresti this past week, however.

Uresti competed in the PGA Pro Championship and won the tournament on the second playoff hole against Dave McNabb, the head pro at Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The victory guarantees Uresti a spot in the PGA Championship and six other PGA events. Instead of being the celebrated winner, Uresti was instead criticized for participating in the championship that is meant for club professionals and teachers.

For those who are unaware, the PGA Pro Championship is intended to give dedicated course professionals and instructors that are a part of PGA of America the opportunity to compete for a spot in a few PGA TOUR events, most notably the PGA Championship. The criticism for Uresti comes from the fact that he isn’t a club professional or instructor. He earned his PGA of America status for being a member of the PGA TOUR for 20 years.

Since Uresti was a professional on both the PGA TOUR and Web.com Tour, earning $4.6 million in that time, many believe that it was unfair that he was able to compete against club professionals. Instead of turning their anger towards Uresti, players may want to criticize the rule that allows Uresti to participate. When the PGA of America allowed 20-year veterans of the PGA TOUR to earn lifetime status, they likely didn’t anticipate one of those veterans to compete in section events.

With all of the criticism surrounding him and the PGA of America, Uresti is disappointed by the reaction of his peers. He stated that it is especially disheartening because “A lot of people don’t know what I do on the side. Not that I’m a full-time shop guy. But I have some kids and juniors who I teach on the side.”

Seeing all the backlash that Uresti has received along with the PGA of America, it will be interesting to see if there is a rule change to limit players of his caliber from competing in sectional events. For now, however, Uresti will be playing on the PGA TOUR representing PGA of America members.


Cover Image via PGA.com

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