Brother Michael A. Strain, Mississippi State ’05, achieved a life-long dream of playing in the 54th PGA Professional Championship at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa on April 17, 2022. This accomplishment, however, did not come easily, and Strain faced a long road of challenges. Towards the end of 2019, Strain started to notice some health issues. Strain and his family were shocked to find out he had been diagnosed with stage three colon cancer.
Even though Strain was in the middle of his chemotherapy treatments, coinciding with the rising fears of the COVID-19 pandemic, that did not stop him from thinking about his golf dreams.
Golf has always been a part of Strain’s life, from graduating from Mississippi State University’s PGA Program to working as the GM/COO of Detroit Golf Club and the Ivanhoe Club in Chicago. He is currently serving as the GM and COO of Dunwoody Country Club outside Atlanta.
In mid-July 2020, just one week after finishing his chemotherapy, he started to participate in golf tournaments. He continued practicing and participating throughout 2020. Finally, towards the end of 2020, Strain decided to compete in the PPC tournament, which he qualified for in 2021.
Despite the obstacles, Strain felt closer to his family and the game than ever before. His dedication and commitment to his dreams led him to the 2022 PGA Professional Championship.
