SAU Graduate Featured in Nationally-Televised Commercial During PGA Championship

RALEIGH, North Carolina – Saint Augustine's University graduate and current PGA golf professional and instructor Gerry Hammond was featured in a nationally-televised commercial this past weekend during the PGA Championship, which drew its highest TV ratings in nine years. Click HERE to watch the commercial.

Hammond was selected among approximately 28,000 golf pros to represent the PGA Journeys program this year. PGA Journeys was designed to emphasize the "Journeys" that PGA professionals take to reach the highest level of their profession and showcase how professionals can help golfers of all skill levels with their own golf "Journeys."

In the commercial, Hammond talks about his golf journey to becoming a successful PGA professional and instructor. He is the founder of Hammond Golf Academy in Gahanna, Ohio, where approximately 80 of his students have gone on to earn college scholarships. Their photos are on the Wall of Fame at the academy.

A 1991 graduate of Saint Augustine's University, Hammond was a standout on the golf team for three years. He played under legendary golf coach Lawrence "Peaches" Coleman, who is in the CIAA Hall of Fame.

"Coach Coleman was like my dad away from home," said Hammond, who has a physical education degree from SAU. "He watched over me and checked me when I was out of pocket. He held me accountable. He was like that for everybody. He did not have to pour so much time into us the way he did, but I thank him for that."

Gerry Hammond Was An Outstanding Golfer During His Collegiate Days At Saint Augustine's. In The Photo, Hammond Is Sitting Next To Hall of Fame Coach Lawrence "Peaches" Coleman. On the Top Left is Chris Brown and the Top Right is Greg Blanks

A golf instructor for 25 years, Hammond started the Hammond Golf Academy in 2011.

Coleman is not surprised by Hammond's success.

"He was a good leader, a talented golfer and a very fine student at Saint Augustine's," Coleman said. "Gerry helped the golf team win a CIAA title during his college career. He has sent us numerous student-athletes out of his academy."

Legendary SAU Athletic Director George Williams is proud of Hammond.

"This is a good example of what Saint Augustine's University is all about – coach and student-athlete relationship," Williams said. "Gerry was not only a great golfer but a great student. We wish him well!"

SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS