R1 & R2 100th PGA Championship Pairings
Riverside, Iowa – The 2018 golf season has been one to remember for Iowa PGA Member, Sean McCarty. Beyond the success he has seen playing in Iowa PGA events, McCarty has accomplished two life-long goals, one of which will become a reality tomorrow.
McCarty will make his first career PGA Championship appearance tomorrow at the 100th PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. Having been a Professional golfer since 1996, playing in a Major Championship has always been on McCarty’s radar.
“Playing in a major has always been a dream of mine,” said McCarty. Getting to play with the top players in the world makes it more exciting.”
McCarty earned his spot in the 100th PGA Championship with a T2 finish at the 51st PGA Professional National Championship in June at the Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Course in Seaside, California.
“I was excited to finish T2,” said McCarty. “My goal was to get in the top-20. I was a little frustrated I didn’t birdie the last hole. It would have been interesting to see how things might have finished being that close to having a chance to win.”
The PGA Championship will mark the second PGA TOUR event for McCarty this season. In July, McCarty made his fourth-career appearance at the John Deer Classic. McCarty secured his spot in the John Deere Classic with a T4 finish at the first John Deere Classic Pre-Qualifier and followed up with a 7-under-par 65 in the Open Qualifier to finish T2 and claim one of the four spots into the John Deere Classic.
McCarty made the 36-hole cut at the John Deere Classic for the first time in his career following a two-day tournament total of 3-under 139. Sitting right on the cutline, McCarty birdied the ninth hole (his final hole) in the second round to get back to 3-under-par and make the cut.
“Another goal I’ve had was to get through Monday qualifying for the John Deere (Classic),” said McCarty. “I also wanted to make the cut for once at the John Deere (Classic), so it was nice to finally do that. TPC Deere Run has always been tough for me to walk and play well.”
McCarty missed the 54-hole at the John Deere Classic and finished the tournament at 2-under-par 139. Although he missed the second cut, the John Deere Classic lifted McCarty’s confidence for the PGA Championship.
“I have been playing well this year in section events as well as at the national level,” said McCarty." “Playing in the John Deere Classic really gave me some confidence for this year. Knowing I can compete with the TOUR players has really prepped me for the PGA Championship.”
The 2018 season has featured a lot of top-finishes for McCarty, who has won four Iowa PGA events this season and finished in the top-5 two other times. McCarty recently finished second in the Iowa PGA Professional Championship, T7 at the Waterloo Open and T15 at the Cedar Rapids Open.
“My game has been pretty solid all year,” said McCarty. “My goal this year was to improve my driving accuracy and putting consistency, which I have. “They still need some work, but it is better than in past years.”
Combining his skill, confidence and the setup of Bellerive Country Club, McCarty is looking to continue his successful year at the 100th PGA Championship.
“My goal is to make the cut and finish well on the weekend,” said McCarty. “I have played Bellerive Country Club and I like how it sets up for my game.”
McCarty makes his PGA Championship debut tomorrow at 7:06 a.m. His second round gets started Friday afternoon at 12:31 p.m. He is paired with Brandt Snedeker and Haotong LI for the first two rounds. The Iowa PGA will provide tournament updates on its website and social media pages.
