PREVIEW At press time, the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship was scheduled to be played on its original dates. However, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, please consult SrPGAChampionship.com for up-to-date information. Senior PGA Returns to Southwest Michigan Harbor Shores spurs economic revival BY MATT HARNESS I n advance of its 10th anniversary, The Golf Club at Harbor Shores welcomes the best players on the senior circuit for the KitchenAid Senior PGA Champi-onship, which is slated for May 21–24. It’s the fifth time since 2012 the Jack Nick-laus design, situated on Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline, has hosted the oldest senior major tournament. Located in Benton Harbor, Michigan — roughly our best interest to go above and beyond what’s 100 miles from the Chicago Loop — the resort opened expected.” ● in July of 2010 and has served as a catalyst for eco-Matt Harness is a Chicago-based freelance writer who has written nomic growth for the community. In 2017, the prop-extensively on golf. erty reported a taxable value of nearly $26 million, up from $0 in 2007. “The tournament is an opportunity for us to showcase Harbor Shores and Benton Harbor to a global audience,” said General Manager Josh Doxtator, who was hired in February 2019. “As fun and engaging as the golf course experience is at Harbor Shores, it’s impossible to forget the purpose and history of this project and this commu-nity.” Harbor Shores gives back by housing The First Tee of Benton Harbor, a youth Discover the game development program that reaches more than 1,000 children each year. It’s the orga-nization’s only fully subsidized, on-site Grab your foursome program of its kind. Past champions of the KitchenAid Sen-ior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores include Colin Montgomerie and Rocco Mediate. Paul Broadhurst won in 2018. Ken Tanigawa, who won last year at Oak Hill, is the defending champion. Harbor Shores is also contracted to host the tournament in 2022 and 2024. “We want to accommodate all of our guests who come on site, especially when it comes to staging a major championship,” Doxtator said. “It’s important that people enjoy themselves and leave with a great impression, wanting to visit again. It’s in Master your skills CANTIGNY GOLF APRIL 2020 | CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLFER | 45
Chicago District Golfer April 2020: Page 45
