Helton tees off at national Senior PGA event

River Bend Country Club pro Randy Helton will put his skills and talent to a major test when he competes in the 21st Senior PGA Professional National Championship starting today at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

The 264-player field features PGA Professionals at least 50 years of age.

Helton advanced to the event after a second place finish in one of the 41 PGA Sections that was held at Stones River Country Club in Murfreesboro back in August.

He was the club pro at River Bend for 10 years then become at the pro at Stones River for nine seasons before returning to River Bend one year ago.

Playing in tournaments such as this one has become a habit for Helton and his success in tournament play is impressive.

In Tennessee's section, Helton won Player of the Year in the early 1990's and has finished runner-up 11 times.

The first two rounds will be played today and Friday, then the field will be cut to 70 players for the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

The total purse for this event is $285,000 with the winner taking home $20,000.

There are more perks other that money on the table.

The low 35 finishers will qualify for the 2010 Senior PGA Championship May 24-30, at Colorado Golf Club near Denver.

The top eight finishers, including ties, will receive exemptions into the 2010 Senior PGA Professional National Championship.

In addition, the top five finishers will be exempt into the Champions Tour National Finals at TPC Scottsdale, provided they have submitted an entry by the entry deadline.

Over the past few months Helton has worked on his game in preparation for this event.

"I have to give my wife (De) credit. The only tournament she went to this year she talked to me about my swing and that was one of my wins this year so I have to give her a little bit of the credit," Helton said. "She kind of keeps me in line. I guess after being married for 30 years she knows my swing better than anybody. She'll be walking every step of the way with me this week so hopefully she can keep an eye on my golf swing."

Helton shot a 4-under par on his first practice round on Tuesday and is really playing well right now.

"I'm excited about playing in this tournament and hopefully I've have a little success," Helton said. "I've played against a lot of these guys over the years and there are a lot of good players in this tournament."

Helton is scheduled to tee off at 12:27 p.m. CST today and 8:27 a.m. Friday.

Leader board updates can be viewed at www.pga.com.