Trio of Met Open Champions Qualify for PGA Championship

ELMSFORD, N.Y. (May 1, 2024) -- Past Met Open champion Ben Polland, now the PGA of America Director of Golf at Shooting Star in Jackson Hole, Wyo., earned a four-shot victory in the PGA Professional Championship, which was contested at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas for the first time. The win served as redemption for Polland, who in 2015 held the 54-hole lead but finished as runner-up to Matt Dobyns. Polland turned in a 2-under 286 for the championship, finishing as the lone player under-par.

Related: PGA Professional Championship Results

Polland opened the championship with rounds of 68-71-71, with his first round taking place on Fields Ranch West and the next two on East as he built a three-shot advantage. The field faced windy, challenging conditions to close the championship. A bogey-double bogey sequence on Nos. 4-5 quickly brought Polland back to the field, with three-time Met Open champion Andy Svoboda making an early run. Polland settled in though, playing the remainder of his round in 1-over behind two birdies and three bogeys for a final round 76.

As 2024 PGA Professional champion, Polland is one of 20 PGA of America members that will now advance to Valhalla Golf Club for the PGA Championship, May 13-19.

Svoboda, now in his first year at Butler National Golf Club in Illinois, finished tied for second at 1-over 289 for the championship.

Dobyns, the 2019 Met Open champion, carded a final round 73, bouncing back from a third-round 80 to finish tied for 16th at 5-over 293 and earn his spot at Valhalla.