The PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, is hosting the 2025 PGA Professional Championship. The field is stacked with 312 of the best club pros in the country. It not only includes the defending champion Ben Polland, but also past champions like Alex Beach (2019) and Michael Block (2014). The stakes are higher than ever, with not just a significant prize on the line but also exemptions into PGA Tour events.

The total purse for the week is $715,000, with the champion earning $60,000. Aside from that, the winner will also get exemptions into six PGA Tour events over the next year and the Walter Hagen Cup. The top-20 finishers will also secure a coveted spot in the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club. In case of a tie, there will be a playoff to determine the final top 20. So, the prize money isn’t the only thing to look forward to.

Interestingly, the tournament’s name comes with a very rich history. Starting back in 1968, the PGA of America was initially named as PGA Club Professional Championship. It was Howell Fraser who won the first edition of the tournament, having a four-stroke lead over Chuck Malchaski and Bob Rosburg. Years after that, the tournament got a new name as the PGA Professional National Championship in 2006.

However, a decade after that, there was again a slight change in the name. The PGA of America renamed the event the PGA Professional Championship in 2016, and it has kept the name ever since. Currently, Ben Polland is tied for 31st after the second round. Considering that his title defense looks challenging at the tournament. So, if not the defending champion, who has a chance of pocketing $60,000?

Who can win the PGA Professional Championship?

Tyler Collet was off to a very good start, carding nine birdies in the first round on Sunday. He maintained his form and shot a 67 in the second round and is currently leading the charge. The golfer has a three-stroke lead over Michael Block, so he can’t let go of his grip; otherwise, things could go south for Collet. Especially considering Block is looking to win again after 11 years. At the same time, Collet looks confident and said, “I am putting well, making it to mid-rangers.” 

Aside from these two, Jesse Droemer and Jesse Mueller are also looking strong this week. Both of them are tied for third. However, as compared to Mueller, Droemer is looking in better form after the second round. He shot a 68 in both rounds, and it shows consistency in the performance. As for Jesse Mueller, he indeed shot a 65 in the first round, but things didn’t look good for him in the second round, and he finished with a 71.

Who are you rooting for at Port St. Lucie, Florida? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!