The 41st PGA Professional National Championship will be conducted June 19-22, at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga. PGA NEWS begins a series recalling key historical moments and past Champions in the history of the showcase event for PGA Professionals.

1971 -- Slammin' Sam Makes His Mark
Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort & Country Club

Sam Snead always considered Pinehurst No. 2 his favorite course. And, the 59-year-old club professional from The Greenbrier in White Sulfur Springs, W.Va., proved he was at home by opening the fourth PGA Professional National Championship with a 67 on the 7,051-yard No. 2 Course and followed with a 65 on the No. 1 Course, which played to 6,129 yards. Snead was in cruise control, finishing with rounds of 74 and 69 for a 275 total and a five-stroke victory over Ron Lettelier and Jerry Steelsmith. Snead, who won a first-place check of $15,000, joined Bob Rosburg as the only players to win both a PGA Championship and The PGA Professional National Championship. The fourth National Championship also had its heartbreaking memories as Eddie Famula opened with a 63 on the No. 1 Course and ballooned to an 81 on No. 2 in the second round, barely making the cut.