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A monthly column from the NYSGA's Executive Director, Bill Moore

Having one of golf’s major championships in our state is always fun, especially when it is in upstate New York.  Oak Hill Country Club has such a rich history, and I’ve been fortunate enough to play it many times over the years.  Being there this week brought back so many great memories.

The first golf tournament I ever attended was the 1989 US Open at Oak Hill.  I remember my Dad and I traveled with a couple of friends for the third round on Saturday, and other than there being a long rain delay my only memory of that day was seeing Jack Nicklaus for the first time.  There is something about seeing your sporting heroes that you never forget, especially as a kid.

If you had told me that day that I would be competing in the next major that Oak Hill was to host - the 1998 US Amateur - I would never have believed you.  But there I was, with my Dad on the bag and my mom in the gallery, standing on the very same tee that Jack did nine years prior.  It was the pinnacle of my playing career and every time I step foot on the property I have so many great memories of that week and the players I was fortunate enough to compete against.

This week I attended the PGA with my oldest daughter Lauren, and got to take her to her first major championship just like my Dad did for me 34 years ago.  We were also invited to attend the Hill of Fame induction ceremony for Jim Nantz, where we met and got our picture taken with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.  I’m pretty sure she is the envy of most of her classmates and it was a day Lauren and I won’t forget anytime soon.

Enjoy the PGA this weekend - Oak Hill has done a fantastic job with the restoration and the course is absolutely spectacular.  If you get the chance to attend with a family member, even better.  The memories will last a lifetime.

Read last month's article: The Distance Debate