Pinehurst Resort assistant pro Kelly Mitchum finished off a stellar week of golf Wednesday to qualify for the PGA Championship for the third time in the last eight years.

In his final round he posted a 71 to finish at 5-under par and in a tie for -second at the 45th PGA Professional National Championship contested at the Bayonet Golf Course in Seaside, Calif. With the performance he secured a spot in the PGA Tour's fourth and final major championship of the season, which will be played at the Ocean Course at Kiawah, S.C., Aug. 9-12.

Making his first trip to the PGA Championship since back-to-back berths in 2005 and 2006, Mitchum finished eight strokes in back of winner Matt Dobyns, who shot 70 to finish at 13-under to win the national championship. Rod Perry had a 69 to tie Mitchum at 5-under.

Mitchum has excelled several times on the national championship stage. A lead instructor and Class A member of the PGA of America, he has played professionally on the Nike Tour, the Canadian Tour and various mini-tours. His past accomplishments include winning the 2004 and 2006 Carolinas' PGA Section Championships, 2003 and 2005 South Carolina Opens and the Carolinas' Section Player of the Year honors for 2000, 2004 and 2005.

The PGA Professional National Championship is for golf club professionals and teachers who are members of the Professional Golfers' Association of America. It has been held by the PGA of America since 1968.