Tournament for former NC State golfer

Kelly Mitchum has played in more than 20 PGA Tour events, but never one quite like this week’s Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte.

Mitchum, a lead golf instructor at Pinehurst Golf Academy, would not be in the Wells Fargo field had it not been for the death of Mike Townsend, a head golf professional from Kiawah Island, S.C., who was killed in a car accident last summer.

Townsend’s victory in the 2015 Carolinas PGA Section Championship had earned him the Wells Fargo spot at Quail Hollow Club.

Mitchum in March won the Carolinas PGA Head Professional title, and with it Townsend’s Wells Fargo berth.

Donations to the Michael Townsend Trust Fund can be made by pledging a dollar amount for the number of birdies or pars made by Mitchum during the tournament, or with a one-time contribution.

Golfer Kelly Mitchum, who is playing the Wells Fargo in place of the late Mike Townsend Townsend, a Garner native and former Methodist University All-America, was the head pro at the Kiawah Island Club’s Cassique course.

With a four-shot victory over fellow Kiawah Island Club pro Charles Frost in the Carolinas PGA Section championship on July 30 in Myrtle Beach.

A ceremony honoring Townsend was held in August, when Carolinas PGA Section pros gathered to hit ceremonial tee shots into “Lake Townsend” at Bryan Park Golf Course in Greensboro.

Mitchum, 45, has played in the PGA Championship four times and will be competing in his 25th career PGA Tour event.