ROCHESTER, NY – MAY 16: Anthony Cordes of the Corebridge Financial PGA Team hits his tee shot on the third hole during a practice round before the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/PGA of America)
On May 3, 2023, Anthony Cordes, PGA, an Assistant Golf Professional from Cherokee Town & Country Club qualified for the PGA Championship with his T17 finish at the PGA Professional Championship in New Mexico. He along with 19 others, are in Rochester, NY at Oak Hill as part of the Corebridge Financial PGA Team of 20 PGA Professionals.
We were able to sit down with Anthony ahead of his PGA Championship debut and have a little Q&A…
Q – Has the membership at Cherokee Town & Country Club rallied around this?
A – Absolutely, the support and well wishes has been unbelievable to say the least. Our Membership has been incredible in my journey to Oak Hill. I cant thank them enough for allowing me to represent our club on golfs biggest stage.
Q – Who is your caddie? Did you have Pete or Chad go through a grueling obstacle course or is it a family member or another friend?
A – My caddie is Challen Morgan, his parents are Members of Cherokee and I’ve been working with him for 6 years on his golf game. We have a great time together and he makes me laugh which helps me stay relaxed. He has caddied for me in the last 3 PPC’s. He’s done a great job and I look forward to another great week with him.
Q – How many family members and friends will be in the gallery?
A – Just me and my caddie this week. A few members may come up from Cherokee but I’m not sure yet.
Q – Did you get to play with any big name players in your practice round?
A – Yes, on Tuesday I played with Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington which was incredible. They were both great to chat with but also encouraging on any questions I had for them. Wednesday I got to play with Matt Fitzpatrick and Thomas Pieters which was also great. They were both super easy to chat with and we laughed a lot as well.
Q – What’s your prep plan for the morning tee time on Thursday and how does that differ from your afternoon tee time on Friday?
A – I got to the course around the time I would warm up and play on Thursday today (Wednesday) to prep my mind and body for the temperature and conditions we would face. Per usual for me I will start with putting then go hit balls to warm up and then hit a few more putts before we head to the course.
Anthony tees off at 9:12am on Thursday for Round 1 and at 2:37pm on Friday for Round 2. We wish him all the best and more importantly to have fun! You may view the PGA Championship leaderboard by CLICKING HERE.