Putt-Putt FunHouse in Webster to Host 2018 Professional Putters Association National Championship

Posted on

Putt-Putt FunHouse to Host the 2018 Professional Putters Association National Championship Week

The PPA National Championship Week begins September 10, 2018 and continues until Friday, September 14

Putt-Putt golf may typically remind you of a warm summer night with friends, but soon the game will be on the national stage at the 59th Annual Professional Putters Association (PPA) National Championship. 

The country’s best Putt-Putt golfers will compete for over $35,000 in prizes from September 10 – 14 at Putt-Putt FunHouse in Webster.

ABOUT PPA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN WEBSTER

Putt-Putt FunHouse, chosen because of their courses that meet and surpass the required standards, is hosting the National Championships for the second time. 2007 was the first time the event took place in Webster, when Rick Baird won the National Championship. Rick Baird is one of only four players to score a perfect game in the history of the PPA.

“We are honored to host the 59th Annual PPA National Championship,” explained Jim Saxe, co-founder of Putt-Putt FunHouse with his wife Carole. “The chance to host the PPA’s most prestigious event at our facility for the second time is remarkable.”

This year’s week-long event includes a National Doubles event on Monday, the $12,000 Western Open on Tuesday, a $5,000 Senior Tournament on Wednesday and Thursday, and the $25,000 National Championship Wednesday through Friday.  A PPA membership is required to take part in this tournament.

“Mini-golf is a game of luck, whereas Putt-Putt is a game of skill,” explained Joe Aboid, PPA Commissioner and National Tournament Director.

For every 350,000 perfect bowling games, there is one perfect Putt-Putt game.  PPA was founded in 1959 to recognize the skill it takes to play Putt-Putt and for the purpose of marketing and promoting Putt-Putt golf courses around the world. The winner of the first tournament won a 1959 Cadillac and since, over $8.5 million of prize money has been awarded at the tournaments.

PARTICIPANTS TO INCLUDE VARIETY OF ATHLETES

Adam with his father, Alan, and brother, Wade

Among those stepping up to the green is amateur putter Adam Sahmel, who says he’s “just a guy who lives life to the fullest embracing his Cerebral Palsy.”  Adam was born with “CP,” but that has not stopped him from competing in the Amateur Putters Association (APA) since 1998. 

His father, Alan and brother, Wade also play and will be competing in this year’s PPA championship.

Cerebral Palsy is a loss or impairment of motor functions which can affect body movement, muscle coordination, muscle control, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance – all important for a golfer/putter.

Sahmel normally uses his wheel chair to get around, but when he’s on the putting green, he uses his walker.   When it is time for him to putt, he keeps one hand on his walker for balance, and uses the other to putt. 

Other notable athletes:

  • Brice Bergesen is local and has been playing for more than 40 years. He is a former Putt-Putt owner and is a Hall of Fame member.
  • Geoffrey Mosk is the Southwest Putting Tour chairman and will be a favorite to win the national championship.
  • Randy Reeves is the defending national champion and hall of fame member.
  • Greg Newport is the 4th and last player to have shot a perfect score of 18.
  • Bob Marcellino won the national championship title 50 years ago. He will not be a heavy favorite but still plays and loves the game for more than 50 years. 

 For more information, go to http://proputters.org. 

Featured photo credit: proputters.org

 

Events