Scott Hebert of Traverse City, Mich., mounted a back nine charge to rally from a three-shot deficit and win the 41st PGA Professional National Championship.
The 39-year-old Hebert, a PGA head professional at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme, Mich., birdied five of his first seven holes of the back nine for a closing 4-under-par 68 and a one-stroke victory in the showcase event for PGA Professionals.
Hebert wore DryJoys Tech style #53502 during his dramatic final round triumph. He was one of more than 180 players (58%) who helped make FootJoy the #1 shoe at the elite event.
Check out this story in the Oakland (MI) Press to hear Scott reflect on this special win and even more special news in his personal life.
Hebert, who had endured a personal drama a week earlier with the premature birth of his daughter, was noticeably calm and composed as he crafted a memorable final round for a winning total of 12-under-par 276 on the 7,043-yard Great Waters layout.
Hebert picked up the Walter Hagen Cup for his work and a check of $75,000 from a total purse of $550,000. He will be leading a delegation of 20 PGA Professionals to his home state of Michigan for the 90th PGA Championship, Aug. 7-10, at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Mich.
“This means everything to me, and it’s the greatest thing that I’ve ever won,” said Hebert. “To play there [his home state] will be extra special. That atmosphere is going to be incredible and fun to be around.”
Hebert said that he could not wait to contact his wife, Laurie, who had been released from the hospital just a day after he arrived for a practice round at the National Championship.
“My daughter (Susie) wasn’t due until July 12, “said Hebert, a six-time Michigan Open champion. “But, she was doing well when I had left to come here, and her health was never in danger. She just needed time to spend time in the hospital to develop a little more. To be honest, I was surprised how well I hit it, but I was happy to be here.”
