A tip from the pro: Champions Tour golfer visits MCC

Will Stewart photo

Champions Tour golfer Sammy Rachels, second from right, shares some golfing advice with McMinnville Country Club Members Don Heath, Yogi Powers and Earl Hines following a round at the club Thursday afternoon.

Rachels, a pro since 1972 with three Champions Tour victories under his belt — including the 2001 BellSouth Senior Classic and Transamerica, as well as the 2002 Bruno’s Memorial Classic championship — was taking a break from tour play this week, and traveled to Warren County for a few days, and a few rounds, with friends. During this season on the Champions Tour (formerly the Senior PGA Tour), Rachels has amassed over $269,000, and is tied for 50th on the tour money list.

This year’s highlights for the Florida native included his first top-10 finish of the year, a tie for sixth at the 3M Championship. Rachels was among the leaders throughout the final round of that event, but an errant shot into the water dropped him back in the final standings. He also led the Farmers Charity Classic this year after one round.

Pictured discussing Rachels’ point of contact after launching a drive are, from left, are Heath, Powers, Rachels and Hines.