The first time I drove through the Avenue of the Oaks in the Belfair community, I was in awe of the beauty. Belfair is a wonderful asset to our community.

The golf club at Belfair had the privilege to host the 52nd edition of the PGA Club Professional Championship from April 28 to May 1.

All four rounds are being broadcasted live on the Golf Channel. Paul Levy, PGA president, said “Belfair features the elements we look for in this national championship – challenging course, inviting facilities and a staff that embraces an exceptional field.”

James Swift, director of golf at Belfair, said “Belfair as a whole is excited to show the golf world everything Belfair has to offer.”

The West Course, which opened in 1996, was proclaimed by Links Magazine as “the finest set of golf holes in the Lowcountry, if not on the East Coast.”

The East Course, which opened in 1999, is reminiscent of links courses in Scotland.

Golfweek Magazine ranks both courses among the “Best residential courses” in the United States.

More than 600 volunteers are on hand to greet the field and help make the spectators feel at home.

The tournament is comprised of 312 players who advanced from the 41 PGA Section championships, along with past champions.

The format of the tournament is somewhat complex. On Sunday and Monday, all the players competed on each course once.

The low 90 players and ties will play on Tuesday on the West course. The low 70 players and ties will play the final round Wednesday on the West course.

The low 20 scores will advance to the 2019 PGA Championship scheduled for May 16-19 at Bethpage Black in New York.

A side note here is that the largest contingent of women in history qualified for this event. The four – Sherry Andonian, Alexanda Braga, Joanna Coe and Ashley Grier – tee it up with the men from tees approximately 85% of the men’s distance.

Tee times each day start at 7:30 a.m. The event is free to the public. For more information, call 843-757-0715.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com