GROVE CITY, Ohio — Two Ohio club professional golfers have an opportunity to compete against the best golfers in the world.
What You Need To Know
- Ohio club professional golfer Ben Kern qualified for the 2023 PGA Championship for the second time
- Kern has come far since he made his debut in the PGA Championship in 2018
- The PGA Championship starts on Thursday in Rochester, New York
Wyatt Worthington and Ben Kern are getting ready to take on the field in the PGA Championship.
"It's something we work for,” said Ben Kern.
Kern is the general manager at Hickory Hills, in Grove City outside of Columbus. The 38-year-old club pro made his debut in the PGA Championship in 2018.
Kern tied for 11th in the PGA Club Pro Championship a couple of weeks ago, earning him a spot in the PGA Championship, once again.
"This will be my second time playing a major,” said Kern. “Having that success I did in 2018, it just gives you a little more, I wouldn't say confidence, just that experience of I've been there, done that.”
While competition is fierce, he's more ready than ever.
"It's tough. It can be extremely nerve-racking to be hitting shots in front of so many people. I know what to expect. So, I think I've got a little edge on some of the club pro that will be there."
But win or lose… Kern won't be let down if he's doing what he loves: playing golf.
"I've got nothing to lose,” said Kern. “So, I'm going to have fun and I'm going to play aggressive and have fun with it."
This may be Kern's second time making the 2023 PGA Championship, but hopefully not his last.
"I'm 38 years old. So, there's a lot of guys that have done this all the way in the 50s. So, I'm hoping to mark off a few more of these in the years to come."
The PGA Championship starts on Thursday in Rochester, New York. While Kern is making his second start, it’s the third for Worthington.