Iowans Prepare for 2025 Senior PGA Championship at Congressional

CORALVILLE, Iowa (KCRG) – The excitement builds as the 2025 Senior PGA Championship kicks off on May 22 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. Three Iowans will compete in this prestigious event, with Sean McCarty and Jeffrey Schmid representing Brown Deer Golf Club in Coralville.

This year marks McCarty’s second appearance at the Senior PGA Championship. The West Branch native, who has spent 25 years at Brown Deer Golf Club, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s still a major. All the top names are there, so it’s fun.” McCarty is hoping to bounce back after struggling last year due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.

“It’s always nerve-wrecking. It’s a big crowd, you’ve got the big names there, and the course conditions are tougher,” McCarty said. However, his preparation has been robust. “I’ve played more this year than I have in a long time. I haven’t practiced this much in I don’t know how many years, but I’ve got high expectations,” he added.

Joining McCarty is Schmid, who is making his fifth appearance at the Senior PGA Championship. Echoing McCarty’s sentiments, he noted, “The last couple of years I’ve made the cut, so I’ve played better and better.” Schmid, who has been with Brown Deer as a PGA Teaching Professional since 2018, expressed a bittersweet realization of the limited time left in his competitive career.

“You want to get back there, and I’m getting older, so I don’t know how many years I’ve got left,” Schmid said. Both McCarty and Schmid play a significant role in player development and enjoy teaching at the course. “I probably love teaching more. I think I’m more of a natural teacher,” Schmid commented, highlighting their commitment to grow the game.

This week, they both prepare to tackle the challenging course at Congressional, a venue with a rich history of hosting top-tier golfing events. The championship will take place over four days, concluding on May 25, and both Iowans are eager to face the competition.

“It’s going to be a battle,” McCarty acknowledged. As they tee off, both players aim not only to compete against the field but to support each other in their shared passion for golf.