Former PGA Tour and now Champions Tour golfer comes to Duel in the Desert

The year was 1979, the setting was the first round of the U.S. Open and Lon Hinkle was teeing off on fairway No. 8 of Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.

With Chi-Chi Rodriguez and Greg Norman in the group, Hinkle and Rodriguez made the discovery that cutting through an opening through the 17th fairway shortened the two dog-leg par 4.

Hinkle hit a one-iron onto the 17th fairway and and a two-iron onto the No. 8 green to shoot a birdie. Hinkle finished the round with a one-under 70, sharing the lead with four other golfers.

"It was a slow news day and the USGA made a big deal out of it," Hinkle said about a tall Black Hill spruce that was planted in the opening.

Hinkle has made his career as a professional golfer, starting with the PGA 1972 and joined the Champions Tour in 1999.

He has a career winning of $1,875,352 between the PGA and the Champions Tour and has four victories to his name.

In 1978, he won the first NBC New Orleans Classic, in 1979, he won the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am and followed up with a World Series of Golf victory.

Hinkle will rub shoulders with the golfers of the Columbia Basin at the Duel in the Desert Celebrity Golf Tournament on Aug. 6 and 7.

Bringing along his style of golfing and teaching methods. Using the acronym "G.A.S.P." (Grip - Aim - Stance - Position), Hinkle believes have maintained his longevity in the professional golfing world.

"If you can get those things to automatic you have a chance," Hinkle said.

Hinkle is best known for his long drives and was the National Long Drive Champion in 1981 with a drive a little over 338 yards.

"I have always been a long hitter and have always hit it far," Hinkle said. "I show people you don't have to hit it hard, but with good contact and swinging smooth you can do those thing."