ABOUT THE KITCHENAID SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
The 82nd KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will be played at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, MI May 25-29, 2022. The Championship, one of the most historic and prestigious events in senior golf, not only brings the most accomplished senior golfers to the area, but also provides a variety of family-friendly experiences for all to enjoy.
The 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, May 25: Practice round
Thursday, May 26 – Sunday, May 29: Championship rounds
The PGA of America will once again offer free access to fans ages 17 and under. Each ticketed adult may bring up to four juniors under the age of 17 onto the Championship grounds at Harbor Shores for free each day; no registration for juniors is necessary.
All Active Duty, Military Retirees, Active Reserve, National Guard, Department of Defense civilians and an accompanying guest will also be admitted free of charge to the Championship as part of the PGA of America’s commitment to various military initiatives and remembering the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
KitchenAid is the title sponsor of the Championship, which is held at Harbor Shores every other year. The event was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, making this year’s highly anticipated event even more exciting. KitchenAid is part of Whirlpool Corp., which is headquartered in Benton Harbor.
Fans can learn more about the brand sponsorship and get updates at @KitchenAid_golf or @seniorpgachamp on Twitter. For more information about the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship or to purchase tickets, visit SrPGA.com.
ABOUT ALEX CEJKA (2021 KITCHENAID SENIOR PGA CHAMPION)
The PGA of America and KitchenAid will be hosting 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion Alex Cejka for his first time ever in Benton Harbor on Monday, March 28. Cejka will be touring the area and familiarizing himself with Harbor Shores before he returns to defend his title at the 2022 Championship.
Alex Cejka fled the Czech Republic with his father at age nine, settling eventually in West Germany, where he took up golf and turned professional at age 18. He has fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing on the PGA TOUR from the hardships he and his family suffered under Communism to enjoy the freedom of opportunity in America.
Cejka won three times on the European Tour in 1995 and a fourth event in 2002 before moving to the U.S. He played the PGA TOUR from 2002 to 2011 before losing his status, but regained it in 2015, the year he won the Puerto Rico Open for his lone PGA TOUR victory.
After winning the 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Southern Hills, Alex became the first PGA TOUR Champions player to win his first two major starts since Arnold Palmer, and the first rookie to win two majors since Jack Nicklaus in 1990. It was his second win in his first five starts on PGA TOUR Champions, along with the Regions Traditions.
When he is not golfing, Cejka enjoys fishing, boating and motorcycling.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
Longest Drive Contest
The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship Community Long Drive Contest will take place at Pipestone Indoor Country Club (259 Territorial Road, Benton Harbor) on April 6th from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM ET. Fans of all ages are invited to get in the golfing spirit by participating in a Long Drive simulator contest for tournament tickets and other prizes. Open to the Public. No purchase or sign ups necessary. Prizes will be awarded in different categories. Contestants are encouraged to bring their own driver, but rental clubs will be available. Evelyn Mae’s Barbeque Food Truck will be on hand for the event so bring the whole family. Stop by to take a swing at winning the contest!
KitchenAid Kid Inside the Ropes
Entries are now being accepted for the inaugural KitchenAid “Kid-Inside-the-Ropes” contest in celebration of the upcoming Championship. KitchenAid is searching for two children in Berrien County who embody a love of golf, cooking and community. Winners will be given exclusive access to events surrounding the Championship. Southwest Michigan youth ages 5 to 14 are encouraged to submit a video no longer than two minutes demonstrating why they should be the 2022 KitchenAid “Kid-Inside-the-Ropes”. Interested participants are encouraged to view the full entry guidelines and can submit their videos through the following form: https://forms.gle/KBQyuxaKyQ4dg1hu6.
CHAMPIONSHIP FAN EXPERIENCES
The Makers Trail 19th Hole
The Makers Trail 19th Hole upgraded ticket option offers a fan experience like no other, providing KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship attendees with special access to a covered pavilion with comfortable seating, views of play, televisions to keep an eye on the action, and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy specially crafted beverages. New this year, a beer garden and dedicated food truck have been added to the venue to make this a great gathering spot to watch golf and be with friends. A limited number of daily tickets are available and have sold out in the past. Weekly Makers Trail 19th-Hole tickets are on sale now for a limited time, and include one daily ticket to each Championship round (Thursday through Sunday).
The 2022 Makers represent some of the finest in the Southwest Michigan area:
North Pier Brewing (Benton Harbor, MI)
Watermark Brewing (Stevensville, MI)
Dablon Winery & Vineyard (Baroda, MI)
Round Barn Winery (Baroda, MI)
Journeyman Distillery (Three Oaks, MI)
Peat’s Cider Social (Stevensville, MI)
KitchenAid Fairway Club
KitchenAid always brings unique, culinary fan experiences to this historic and prestigious senior major, and 2022 will be no different. During Championship week, KitchenAid will welcome golf fans and culinary enthusiasts alike to visit the KitchenAid Fairway Club – the centerpiece of the fan experience at Harbor Shores, and the place to learn from the experts, ask questions, be entertained and be inspired. The KitchenAid Fairway Club gives all spectators an opportunity to explore the KitchenAid brand and bring out their inner maker. Celebrity chef demonstration schedules will be announced in the coming weeks.
