Beem's wife gives birth, so he can defend his PGA Championship crown

Rich Beem can concentrate on defending his PGA Championship title now that his wife has given birth to their first child.

Beem, who held off Tiger Woods down the stretch to win last year's final major at Hazeltine National Golf Club, had said the pregnancy might force him to skip the tournament this year -- or leave early.

But Michael Waide Beem was born Friday morning. The baby was due Aug. 16, the day of the third round of the tournament.

"When we win a big tournament, our first reaction is usually, 'It hasn't sunk in yet.' Well, fatherhood has sunk in, and it's awesome," Beem said, according to his management company's Web site.

Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y., will host the PGA Championship on Aug. 14-17.