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T H E C O U R S E : Originally designed by renowned course architect A.W. Tillinghast, the club and course are rich in history. Nearly 120 years old, Baltusrol lies at the base of Baltusrol Mountain in Springfield, NJ. Its two courses, upper and lower, are annually ranked among the nation's top 100. The lower course will offer a variety of challenges for golfers this year as various adjustments (such as the removal and additions of several bunkers) have been made since the 2005 Championship was held there. Even the course's par 3's are a surprising challenge, perhaps none more stunning than its fourth hole which can play out to 199 yards. Considered one of the country's premier golf clubs, the National Park Service has recently declared it a historical landmark. Cannon explains, "There's a lot of history here. Baltusrol was founded in 1898, but in over a hundred years, they've never thrown a bad party." A Symbol of the PGA Standing next to the 27 pound Wanamaker Trophy in person was an experience all its own. It has that Golden Era feel that you just can't fake. The trophy itself stands 28 inches high and is 27 inches across at its widest point. It was created in 1916 when Rodman Wanamaker put up the money to hold the first PGA Championship, and of course, to create the trophy. In October of 2015 I attended the Taste of the PGA Championship at Baltusrol, and in doing so, met with 2016 PGA Championship Director, Ryan Cannon. Cannon himself has been living here and coordinating the event for over two years, and as a member of PGA of America for 16 years, he works with as many as 3,700 volunteers (and thousands of others) in order make the PGA Championship at Baltusrol happen. "There's a certain culture and lifestyle associated with a major championship," says Cannon. And the colossal scope of it all really hits you when you walk the grounds at Baltusrol. Even if you could care less about golf, the level of effort and detail that's put into everything is truly mind-blowing. While there are a number of ways one can approach an event like the PGA Championship, the primary reason for the Taste of the PGA is to showcase the various hospitality options the event offers. Over 100 companies are expected at the Championship, and as investors, these companies receive their own private, customizable entertainment environment for the event itself. These temporary facilities, which will cover a combined 300,000 square feet, can be used by investors to strengthen community relations, meet with donors or entertain clients throughout the week. Now that's face time. The Championship's three different styles of structures, which take 12 weeks to build, range from 75 to 100-person tents to double decker buildings constructed with an all glass front. "Our corporate hospitality clients should expect a return on their investment in this Championship," says Cannon. The corporate offerings at the PGA Championship really reiterate what it's all about, and that is growing interest and participation in the game of golf; bringing people together and engaging with the community. Cannon explains, "If someone comes to the event and visits the driving range later that week, for us, that's a success." In addition, the PGA Championship itself is not "brought to you by" anyone— there are no affiliates. That's what a modern major championship means, and to have it right here in our backyard, is something we can all take ownership of. VUE ON LIFESTYLE V U E N J . C O M 81

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