Rep. Schrier Sends Letter to PGA President Encouraging 2022 PGA Championship to Take Place at Sahalee Country Club
ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) today sent a letter to PGA of America President Jim Richerson urging him and the PGA to strongly consider holding the 2022 PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, WA. The PGA announced last week that it would no longer play the 2022 PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.
In the letter, Rep. Schrier touted Sahalee's experience hosting championship golf tournaments, including the 1998 PGA Championship and the 2016 KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Rep. Schrier also highlighted Sahalee's location in the heart of the Seattle-metro area, proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and the 8th Congressional district and the broader Pacific Northwest's embodiment of the PGA of America's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and hospitality.
The full letter is here and below.
Dear Mr. Richerson,
Following last week's announcement that the PGA of America will no longer play the 2022 PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, I write to ask that you strongly consider holding the tournament at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington.
Sahalee's experience hosting championship golf tournaments, along with the Club's proximity to a major regional airport, the Seattle-area's lodging capacity, and the course's unique design showcasing the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest make Sahalee the perfect place to host this event. More importantly, I am proud of the inclusivity our region embodies and know that all members of the PGA community will be welcomed with open arms.
As you know, Sahalee has a long and successful history of hosting championship golf tournaments, including the 1998 PGA Championship. It also hosted the 2002 WGC-NEC Invitational, 2010 U.S. Senior Open, and most recently the 2016 KPMG Women's PGA Championship. The Club's consistent improvements since the 80th PGA Championship two decades ago, as well as its performance in the 2016 Women's PGA Championship, demonstrate its capability and passion for championship level golf.
Sahalee's location in the heart of the Seattle-metro area makes it an ideal setting for a major championship. The course is located just over half an hour from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in the country, which itself is in the process of a significant renovation and modernization process. Sahalee's location provides easy access to restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels to accommodate guests from out of town. Our region's recent investments in improving public transportation will also make accessing the course easier than ever.
Perhaps most importantly, Washington's 8th Congressional district and the broader Pacific Northwest embody the PGA of America's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and hospitality. We welcome all visitors with warmth and enthusiasm, no matter their background.
Sahalee Country Club is the perfect venue for the 2022 PGA Championship. Our region would love the opportunity to welcome you and the fans back to the Pacific Northwest.
Sincerely,
Kim Schrier, MD
Member of Congress