Golf Over Graduation - Tim and Chandler Cantwell
In September of 2024, Tim Cantwell, PGA, qualified for the 2025 Senior PGA Championship after finishing T17 in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship, allowing him to make his second career Senior PGA Championship start.
Incredibly proud and honored by the achievement, Cantwell was later faced with a nightmare decision: His 18-year-old son Chandler had his high school graduation on the Friday of the Major.
A Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Tour member for over five years, Chandler knew what the opportunity meant to his Dad. In talks with his son, Tim told Chandler he would fly back down for the graduation to ensure he doesn't miss this moment for his son.
In response, Chandler said, “No, Dad. I want to come up there, I want to watch you play, and I want to experience it with you.”
With full support, the entire Cantwell family made the trip to Congressional Country Club for the 85th Senior PGA Championship.
After an opening round of 5-over 77, Tim’s chances of making the cut had become slim as he sat in 105th place. In watching the round, Chandler noticed a flaw in his Dad’s putting stroke and offered him a tip following the round.
“Dad, you just are not staying down through your putting stroke,” Chandler shared. The two went over to the putting green to practice before a vital second round.
With his newfound confidence on the putting green and a better understanding of the course, Tim bounced back in an inspiring way, matching the second-round low score of the day with a 4-under 68, catapulting him over 70 spots up the leaderboard to make the cut.
The difference was the putter, Tim said proudly. “Chandler deserves a lot of credit for that Friday round, I putted really well.”
With a lifetime dedicated to golf and over 30 years of playing professionally, Tim was headed to the weekend for the first time in a Major Championship.
“I love the opportunities PGA of America gives to play,” Tim said. “It means a lot to me to compete.”
After 20+ years of caddying at Seminole Golf Club while playing full-time, Tim transitioned to a full-time career with the PGA of America in 2019, serving as a Teaching Professional at PGA National Golf Club.
Since then, Tim has won the 2022 South Florida PGA Professional Championship, qualifying him for the Puerto Rico Open on the PGA TOUR. He has also secured wins at the 2024 E-Z-GO South Florida Open, 2024 South Florida Senior Open, and 2025 Florida Senior Open.
During his time at Seminole, Tim was encouraged by longtime Head Professional Bob Ford, PGA, and current Head Professional Matt Cahill, PGA, to enter the PGA program, a move for which Tim is incredibly thankful.
Lastly, Tim could not be more thankful for the opportunities PGA National gives him to teach while taking advantage of every playing opportunity that comes with being a PGA of America Golf Professional.


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