Fifteen years have passed since Mark Wilson, a native of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, claimed victory at the 2011 WM Phoenix Open amid frost delays and a memorable display on the par-3 16th hole. The event concluded on a Monday with Wilson defeating Jason Dufner in a sudden-death playoff, marking his second win that year and part of a remarkable run across five PGA Tour events. Now 51 and pursuing opportunities on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, Wilson shares vivid recollections of weather challenges, fan interactions, and the enduring pull of competition.
Weather Delays and Iconic Moments Define the Victory
Frost delays pushed back every round, with none starting before 9:30 a.m. during a notably cold week. Wilson paired with Jerry Kelly and Rocco Mediate for the opening rounds, then resumed the third round from the 10th hole around 10 a.m. Sunday. Reaching the 16th near noon, his caddie Chris Jones produced two cheeseheads from the bag; they donned them en route to the green, drawing boos from some fans while tossing the items into the crowd. Wilson later wished he had kept his on for the putt but prioritized the shot. Darkness suspended play on the 14th hole after the Packers-Steelers Super Bowl had begun, prompting a quick media session so Wilson could watch Aaron Rodgers lead Green Bay to a 31-25 win.
A Clutch Finish and Lasting Breaks in Pressure Situations
Monday morning brought the completion of five holes, where Wilson tied Dufner at 18-under par. On the 18th, he aimed right to avoid water but pulled his drive, watching anxiously as it carried into a fairway bunker—a fortunate break amid adrenaline. This set up the playoff birdie on the second hole. Wilson credits such moments to luck alongside skill, noting how wins often hinge on these turns. His career highlights include four of five PGA Tour victories that year, underscoring a peak period now viewed through the lens of time.
Aging Challenges Persist on PGA Tour Champions
Residing in Greenville, South Carolina, Wilson holds conditional status on the PGA Tour Champions after placing 63rd on the 2025 Charles Schwab Cup points list. For the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida, he sits as second alternate, prepared for Monday qualifying. At 51 and slimmer than his prime 150 pounds, he confronts familiar golfer struggles: diminishing power and efficiency despite a sharp short game and dedicated practice. "Deterioration" captures the shift, yet he persists, scraping scores through putting prowess reminiscent of his youth at 14. Competition remains a draw, fueling readiness whenever called upon.
Spring Signals Arrival for Wisconsin College Golf Programs
College schedules mark spring's onset for Wisconsin teams. University of Wisconsin and Marquette men begin Monday at the 54-hole Puerto Rico Classic at Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande, facing strong fields including top-ranked Virginia and No. 2 LSU. UW plans four more events before Big Ten Championships May 1-3 at Pumpkin Ridge in North Plains, Oregon; Marquette follows suit ahead of Big East titles May 2-4 at Riverton Pointe in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Badger women open at Arizona Thunderbird Intercollegiate in Tucson, meeting Stanford among 15 teams, with six additional outings to Big Ten play April 24-26 at Oakmont in Glendale, California. UW-Green Bay men head to Northern Ireland March 14-21 for practice, then Don Benbow Butler Invitational March 30-31 in Indianapolis, ranked third in Horizon League preseason behind Wright State and Oakland; their women, fourth behind Youngstown State, Oakland, and Purdue-Fort Wayne, start March 23-24 at NKU Spring Julie in Batavia, Ohio. League championships await both April 25-27 at El Campeon Course in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.
Milwaukee Golf Show Evolves with VIP Perks
The 2026 Greater Milwaukee Golf Show, March 13-15 at MOSH Performance Center in Franklin, partners with Vibez Golf Club and reinstates Potawatomi Hotel Casino seminars. A new $50 VIP package enhances general admission with a dozen Bridgestone balls, contest access, Potawatomi reward coupon, free round at Old Hickory, and discounts at Brighton Dale Links and Petrifying Springs. Limited to 500, it aligns with show director Glen Turk's vision of an "ultimate golf party." Tickets available at greatermilwaukeegolfshow.com.
eBay Spotlights Ryder Cup Memorabilia
A caddie vest linked to Phil Mickelson's longtime assistant Jim "Bones" Mackay appears on eBay, featuring an American flag design, Mickelson's name, and "USA" from an unspecified Ryder Cup. Such items draw collectors seeking tangible links to pivotal events in golf history.
