Scramble Champions, U



Back from the brink, Pennsylvanian amateur realizes a ‘dream come true’

to be able to compete in The PGA McGladrey Team Championship

David Strauser of Ligonier, Pa., said his being part of a team that will compete in The PGA McGladrey Team Championship is like a “dream come true.”

That dream carries far more implications for the 30-year-old Strauser, a survivor of a near-death automobile accident.

Strauser is an amateur team member of the Ligonier (Pa.) Country Club unit that will represent the Tri-State PGA Section in The PGA McGladrey Team Championship, Sept. 10-12, at Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort.

Strauser averages 50,000 miles per year on the road as a sales and service engineer for Ceratizit USA Newcomer Products of Latrobe, Pa.

On Feb. 20, 2005, Strauser was returning home alone from yet another long business trip when he fell asleep at the wheel of his automobile. The vehicle careened into a telephone pole some five miles from his home.

He suffered a broken pelvis, two broken hips and crushed all of the lower lumbar in his back. When he awakened in the hospital, golf was the furthest thing on his priority list.

“I am lucky to be alive,” said Strauser. “I went through rehabilitation at Barkley Rehabilitation Center in Greensburg, Pa., just to be able to walk.”

Remarkably, Strauser was able to return to work in May 2005, and began to attempt a round of golf by July of that year.

“I haven’t been able to say that I am close to feeling back to normal until now,” he said. “In fact, I’m about 95 percent.”

Strauser was a scratch handicap player prior to the accident and has had to alter his golf swing to accommodate a left hip that continues to cause him pain. He occasionally walks with a limp, and has to make frequent trips to the chiropractor.

“I’ve altered my golf swing, and had to shorten it,” said Strauser, who claims a 2 handicap following his recovery. “I have lost about 20 to 30 yards off the tee.”

Whether he likes or not, Strauser has a daily reminder of his good fortune.

“I pass the accident scene every day I head to work,” said Strauser. “I just count my blessings.”

Strauser began playing golf at age 12 through his father, and grew up in the shadow of The King – Arnold Palmer.

Strauser got a caddie job at Palmer’s home club, Latrobe Country Club, and later advanced through such duties as clubhouse attendant and “unofficial” assistant professional. During the winter, he would live with Palmer’s family at Bay Hill Golf Club in Orlando, Fla.

“I owe a lot to Mr. Palmer and how great he and his family were to me,” said Strauser. “Thanks to Mr. Palmer, I was able to meet and play with many Tour professionals growing up.”

A 1999 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Strauser has another milestone that he will be preparing for a month after The PGA McGladrey Team Championship.

“I’m getting married in November,” he said.

The PGA McGladrey Team Championship is the first grassroots best-ball championship conducted by The PGA of America. World-renowned Pinehurst Resort will host the National Championship field on Courses No. 2, 6, and 8.

The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Golf Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.

About RSM McGladrey

RSM McGladrey is a leading professional services firm providing accounting, tax and business consulting. RSM McGladrey operates in an alternative practice structure with McGladrey & Pullen LLP, a partner-owned CPA firm that delivers audit and attest services. Through separate and independent legal entities, they work together to serve clients’ business needs. Together, the companies rank as the fifth largest U.S. provider of accounting, tax and business consulting services (source: Accounting Today), with 8,000 professionals and associates in nearly 100 offices. RSM McGladrey Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen LLP are member firms of RSM International, an affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms. RSM McGladrey is the official accounting, tax and business consulting firm of The PGA of America.

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