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Rising PGA star coming to Beloit Pro-Am

He wasn’t born until two months after the inaugural Beloit Memorial Hospital Foundation Pro-Am, but 25-year-old Troy Merritt, a rising PGA star, is this year’s featured pro at the 25th annual Pro-Am July 26 at the Country Club of Beloit.

Merritt turned pro in 2008. His first win came at the 2009 Mexico Open on the Nationwide Tour, beating Adam Bland with a 20-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole.

In December, Merritt became only the third golfer to medal at the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament by leading after every round. His 22-under-par bettered veteran Jeff Maggert by one stroke.

This year he’s posted two top-25 finishes in nine PGA events, earning more than $159,000.

The Beloit Pro-Am is a unique event, which hosts 24 of Wisconsin’s top professionals and 96 area amateur golfers.

“We have a pro playing 18 holes with every group, people just love that,” said Foundation President Ann Sitrick. “That certainly is a major difference in our event.”

Since 1989, the Pro-Am has featured a PGA, LPGA or Senior PGA tour player, who plays the par-three 10th hole with each group.

“The people who have played in our event continue to follow our (PGA) golfers,” said Sarah Starmer, Pro-Am coordinator. “Some who aren’t especially avid golfers are on the Internet every day checking the PGA players who have come to our event.”

In 25 years, the Pro-Am has raised more than $1.4 million for the foundation. Proceeds this year will help the hospital purchase equipment for use in coronary bypass surgery.

“The net proceeds we generate for the foundation have been staggering each year,” said 2010 Pro-Am Chairman Keith Kruse. “I would say (our Pro-Am) outclasses any in the state.”

Read more in the April 18, 2010 e-edition of The Stateline News, PAGE 12.