Edgewood's Berner finds his 'dream job'

When the West Virginia Open golf tournament last stopped atEdgewood Country Club in 1998, Craig Berner was the club's assistantpro.

The Open is returning to Edgewood this year and Berner will have anew perspective on the prestigious event, scheduled for June 21-23.He's now head pro at the highly regarded Sissonville course.

"It will be a little different but nothing dramatic," said the 28-year-old Berner, who took over a month ago after Scott Davis left forScarlet Oakes Country Club in Poca. Berner worked under Davis forseven years.

Berner was out of town when he learned Davis was leaving andfigured another Edgewood assistant pro, Dave Wentz, would step intothe club's top teaching spot.

Wentz, however, elected to accompany Davis to Scarlet Oakes.

"Once he went with Scott, everything just fell into place," saidBerner, a 1994 graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School. "Everythingturned out good for both sides."

A Charleston native who moved to Buckhannon at age 8, Berner is inhis dream job.

"I love it," he said. "I wouldn't change it for anything.

"The members have been very supportive. They've been great to workwith."

Edgewood Country Club has close to 1,000 members. Around 250 to300 of them play golf.

Berner said they will not see many changes in the day-to-dayoperations at the club. There isn't a need to make a lot of changes,he said.

"Scott did a great job at this place," said Berner, who hopes tohire Sissonville native Phillip Holley as one of his assistant pros.

Berner, who played collegiately at Davis & Elkins, knows a thingor two about Edgewood's layout.

He shot an even-par 72 under rugged conditions at last year's U.S.Open qualifier at Edgewood to finish tied for second.

His best round ever on the course in non-tournament play: 64.

Berner wouldn't mind pulling a score like that out of his hat whenthe W.Va. Open rolls into Kanawha County in June.

Of course, everyone expects a little more out of the head pro onhis home course.

"It will be a little different as far as expectations," Bernersaid.

Sportswriter Tom Aluise can be reached at 348-4871 or by e-mail attoma@dailymail.com