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Texas teaching pro takes title at PGA Professional Championship in Oregon
TL;DR
Jesse Droemer, a teaching pro from Texas, won the PGA Professional Championship in Oregon. He secured the title with a crucial par on the 18th hole after a strong performance, including a key shot on the 17th hole.
Key points
- Jesse Droemer won the 2026 PGA Professional Championship.
- The championship took place at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon.
- Droemer made a crucial 8-iron shot on the 17th hole.
- He secured the title after both players parred the 18th hole.
- Droemer was tied for the lead through 16 holes.
Mentioned in this story
Jesse DroemerPGABandon Dunes Golf Resort
BANDON, Ore. – It was the kind of beautiful shot golfers dream about. Pure contact, the ball soaring against a blue sky and sliding just a touch a right before touching down on the green near the flagstick on the closing stretch at iconic Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. And it was all propelled by a late bathroom break and a quick walk back into the fairway that left little time to overthink a pressure-packed situation.
This particular shot, an 8-iron from 173 yards, had significant meaning. Jesse Droemer, a teaching professional at Riverbend Country Club near Houston, was tied for the lead through 16 holes in Wednesday’s final round of the PGA Professional Championship. His lead had been as many as three during the back nine, but he had been run down by Ben Kern. Droemer needed to make something happen.
On No. 17 of the resort’s Bandon Dunes course, Droemer faced a challenging shot into the green with the flag tucked on the left behind a knob as strong winds blew off the left. He nailed that 8-iron to within birdie range. He missed the putt and settled for a par, but that proved to be enough. Kern, playing in the final group behind Droemer, soon after landed his approach on the right side of the putting surface and watched the ball slide off the green into the rough. Kern’s ensuing bogey gave Droemer a one-shot lead, and after both players parred the 18th, the title was Droemer’s.
Jesse Droemer won the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon.
What were Droemer’s thoughts as he left the 17th tee on his way to what would prove to be the tournament-deciding shot? Probably not what you would think, as Droemer explained after receiving the trophy.
“Well, honestly, I had to use the restroom so bad, I had to run from the tee over to the Porta Potty that was like 200 yards away,” Droemer said with a smile. “[Caddie Carl Everts] got the number, and I said, ‘Give me a yardage,’ and he had it, and I just stepped up and hit the shot. No time to think, just react. I do think that was one of the shots of the tournament, for sure.”
After nearly holing a 77-yard approach shot into the par-5 18th that set up the winning par, Droemer finished with a 2-under 70 in the final round, good for a 4-under total of 283. Kern, of South Bloomfield, Ohio, shot 71 in the final round to finish in second place at 3-under. Michael Kartrude of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, was third after a closing 70 and a 2-under total. It was the second straight day of strong breezes that at times surpassed 20 mph, causing havoc for club selection and making it tough to hole putts of any length.
Q&A
Who won the 2026 PGA Professional Championship?
Jesse Droemer won the 2026 PGA Professional Championship.
What significant shot did Jesse Droemer make during the championship?
Jesse Droemer made an 8-iron shot from 173 yards on the 17th hole, which was crucial for his victory.
Where was the PGA Professional Championship held in 2026?
The 2026 PGA Professional Championship was held at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon.
What was the final outcome of the championship match between Droemer and Kern?
Jesse Droemer finished with a one-shot lead after both he and Ben Kern parred the 18th hole.