Many former BYU golfers and PGA legends participated in Cougar Day on Monday to raise scholarship money for the current golf team.
This year many former golfers attended this biannual event including PGA professionals Johnny Miller, Mike Weir, Mike Reid, Dean Wilson, Keith Clearwater and Daniel Summerhays.
The current men’s team also participated, as well as Maggie Yuan and Maria Yacaman from the women’s team.
Before the tournament started, the PGA professionals held a golf clinic for those participating in the tournament and members of the community. There were many children in attendance with their parents looking to learn from these legendary players.
During the clinic, professionals gave tips on how to perfect the golf swing and shared humorous stories about competing on the PGA Tour.
Miller, who conducted the clinic and now commentates for the PGA Tour, said he loves returning to Provo.
“I like to see all the old BYU players who have done very well,” Miller said. “It’s a reunion. I get to see everybody I only see only every couple years.”
Junior Zac Blair said he was looking forward to playing with the former BYU golfers and helping the team raise money.
“It’s an honor to be out here with all these past players,” Blair said. “It’s great to see friends and play for a good cause.”
Miller said he is impressed with Blair’s golf ability and believes he has a great chance to succeed in the PGA.
“Zac is on schedule to be a tour player,” Miller said. “If he continues to improve, he can be a truly great player by PGA golf standards and that is a great honor.”
Cougar Day was founded in 1974 by former BYU golfer, 1981 NCAA national champion and men’s head coach Karl Tucker. Tucker passed away in 2010 and was honored by those in attendance as someone who has greatly contributed to the BYU golf program.
The golf program has been working for the last few months to find donors to create a scholarship in Tucker’s name.
“We had some sponsors really step up and today we will endow that scholarship for $250,000,” men’s coach Bruce Brockbank said. “BYU golf will be around for a long time with this scholarship.”
Miller said he likes Cougar Day because it is a fun day, and the money raised will go toward a good cause.
“It’s a feel good day and we raised money for the golf team,” Miller said.
