Watch Shawnee’s Touring Pro Tee Off In U.S. Open

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 (Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania) — The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort’s touring golf pro, Brian Bergstol, will tee off at The U.S. Open, in Torrey Pines, California on Thursday, June 12^th at 12:12 pm, and can be watched on NBC.

During Brian’s practice round, he scored an even par on the front nine and three over on the back. These practice scores are impressive because last year’s winner, Angel Cabrera, was able to clinch the championship with a score of five over par. In 2007, Tiger Woods finished third in The U.S. Open at six over par.

In yesterdays practice round, Brian was paired with Charles Howell, a seasoned PGA pro and winner of numerous tournaments, including the Nissan Open by defeating Phil Mickelson in a playoff.

Bergstol, 23, of Mt. Bethel, PA, is Shawnee’s first pro since Sam Snead to qualify and play at the U.S. Open. In addition, Brian is the only player from the Philadelphia section of the PGA that is playing at the Open this year.

The Philadelphia section of the PGA has over 800 members and covers Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and the entire state of Delaware. The last golf pro to play in The U.S. Open from the Philadelphia section of the PGA was John Demarco in 2004.

Brian began playing golf later than most of his colleagues. At age 15 he was competing against golfers that were more experienced than him. Unlike Bergstol who taught himself golf, many of his competitors also took lessons and were coached by local golf professionals.

The Shawnee Inn was his high school’s course, and it is also where he formed a relationship with the resort. Since then, Brian has been working in the golf shop, giving lessons, and sharpening his own game. With his handicap of five better than scratch it is obvious that the work is paying off.

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is proud of Brian’s success, and wish him the best of luck at the U.S. Open.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Shawnee’s management; please contact Jeromy Wo, Public Relations Coordinator at: (570) 424-4050 ext. 1409 or visit ShawneeInn.com.