Corebridge Financial is a proud Official Partner of the PGA of America and the 2025 PGA Championship. Corebridge Financial is also the sole provider of the PGA's Golf Retirement Plus Program, helping the 29,000 PGA Professionals working at courses across the country retire with financial peace of mind.
Each year, local club professionals face off for a chance to play in the PGA Championship. This year, Corebridge’s own Dr. Brett Wells, Head of People Analytics, will be caddying for Steve Friesen, a former professional golfer and current Director of Instruction at Firethorn Golf Club, who will compete in the PGA Professional Championship in Port St. Lucie, Florida April 27 – 30. If Steve finishes in the top 20, he will advance to the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in May as a member of the Corebridge Financial Team.
To follow the action at the PGA Professional Championship, tune in to the Golf Channel or visit the event website: https://www.pga.com/events/pga-professional-championship.
We recently sat down with Steve and Brett to learn more about the game of golf, the joy it brings to generations of families and how beginners can get started.
Q: Steve, when did you fall in love with golf?
A: I started playing golf when I was seven years old with my big brother who had an early interest in the game. My dad learned how to play so he could take us out to the course. The three of us played a lot together, especially as I got older.
Q: Steve, early in your career, you played on several mini-tours and also played on what is today’s Korn Ferry Tour. What was it like to win your first championship?
A: I won my first tour event in 2011 at the Price Cutter Charity Championship. It was my first Korn Ferry Tour title, and it felt magical. There were so many great players on that Tour and it was an absolute honor to win.
Q: Steve, what would it mean to you to qualify for the PGA Professional Championship?
A: It would be a dream come true. Although I’ve played in a PGA Tour event, I’ve never played in a major championship so it would be very cool to attain that goal.
Q: Steve, how does Corebridge’s support of the PGA help golfers like you?
A: It’s a huge help from a financial perspective. The financial support provides a stipend that helps supplement income that would otherwise have been lost by being away from work. Without Corebridge’s support, many of us might have missed out on this awesome opportunity.
Q: Brett, you met Steve at Firethorn Golf Club and you will be caddying for him at the 2025 PGA Professional Championship. What does this opportunity mean to you as an avid golfer?
A: This is a dream come true for me as a golfer and a friend. I met Steve seven years ago, and my son and I take golf lessons from him. We have become good friends and have bonded over our love of golf. Our kids also play competitive golf together so that is an added bonus. Caddying for Steve is a chance to support someone I admire and share in a big moment for both of us. I look forward to seeing him shine and supporting him in any way I can.
Q: Brett, what advice do you have for beginners who are interested in playing golf?
A: Basic instruction goes a long way. Work with your local PGA of America golf professional to get your grip and setup right. The game can be challenging, so try not to get frustrated and just focus on having fun. And, lastly, get out there and play – every swing is a step forward!
