Rockwall, TX (May 5, 2025) – Not everyone is a big fan of golf, but we all know of the sport. We also know that a lot of our friends and family members sometimes spend a lot of time trying to hit that little white ball and then try to find it after it goes in the weeds or the trees!
We also know that sometimes on the weekends, when we turn on the TV, we see lots of men and women competing in golf tournaments.
And the competition is tough, and these men and women really know what they are doing!
Unlike local golf tournaments held at country clubs where the winner gets a nice trophy, these weekend tournaments result in the winner getting prize money that often exceeds millions of dollars.
In short, golf is both for the amateur who plays for enjoyment and the professional who plays as his or her profession.
For the professional, the PGA tour is the goal. Here various tournaments are held where the PGA tour members (the professionals) compete at the highest level of golf.
Of all the tournaments scheduled each year, the four Major Championship are: 1. The Masters Tournament, 2. The PGA Championship, 3. The US Open, and 4. The British Open.
Only six men have won each of these tournaments in their career; Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan (no relation), Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McElroy.
Not anyone can be a professional golfer playing on the PGA tours.
And at this point in the article, one might ask why all the emphasis on golf?
And here is a big deal for our community.
As listed earlier, the US Open allows both amateurs and professionals to participate in this tournament. It is one of the four most prestigious tournament held each year, and as one would expect, the thrill of just playing in this event is mind boggling.
But how does one get selected and allowed to play in the US Open?
It begins right here in Heath, Texas, at the Heath Golf and Yacht Club on Monday of next week, May 12 at about 7:30 am in the morning.
This local golf course has been selected as one of 100 golf courses in America to host the first stage qualifying site of the U.S. Open.
More than 10,000 hopefuls will compete at the 100 selected courses across America as the opening stage of the U.S. Open.
All of the participants have the same dream: to advance to the grueling 36-hole Final Qualifying event so as to be selected to appear at the Oakmont Country Club for the U.S. Open.
What makes the First Stage Qualifying so special is that it is where unknowns can start the process of being a champion. It’s where the unheard of underdog starts the process of making a name for himself. Anyone good enough can come out of these qualifying rounds as the professional or amateur who has the ability and selection to win one of the four major tournaments of the year.
An exciting lineup of players will be competing at the Heath Golf and Yacht Club including a name known to most of us; former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, Tony Romo.
The event is open to the public at no cost. First T-Time (when they first start playing) is at 7:30 a.m. The event will probably be finished around noon.
To get to the Heath Golf and Yacht Club, go to Heath and then follow the signs to Forney. The Club is about one mile from Heath on the way to Forney.
All are welcome…and be sure to wear your walking shoes as you follow the golfers around the beautiful course right here in our own back yard.
Jerry Hogan is a former Rockwall County Judge who can be reached at jerryhogan@sbcglobal.net or 214-394-4033.
A Broad View by Jerry Hogan: It’s Really a Big Deal added by Melanie M on
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