Galloway, N.J. – On a beautiful mid-summer afternoon, 187 PGA Professionals and Assistant PGA Professionals descended upon the New Jersey shore and Seaview Resort for the annual Pro-Assistant-Pro Championship. This event pairs the highest ranking PGA Professional at a given facility with each of his or her PGA Assistant Professionals in a better ball of partners event. The tournament was held on both the Bay and Pines course at Seaview Resort with prizes awarded on each course separately.

Leading the way on the Bay course was the team from Radley Run Country Club featuring John Kellogg and Brett Melton. As a team the duo posted two eagles, both carded by Kellogg, and six birdies to finish with a team total of 10-under (61). The score was good enough for a three shot victory over the pair of Paul Viola and Alex Knoll from Bethlehem Golf Club who finished at 7-under (64).  Three teams finished tied for third place after posting scores of 6-under (65). The group featured Tom Michaels and Ben Bewley of Bershire Country Club, Michael Ferguson and Tony Perla from Philadelphia Cricket Club, and Chris Wilkinson and Jared Murosky of Llanerch Country Club.

The Pines Course also featured a clear cut winner after the team of Hugh Matthis and Greg Matthias from Tavistock Country Club finished with a score of 8-under (63). The pair played bogey free while adding eight birdies to give them a two-shot victory over the field. A trio of teams posted scores of 6-under (65) to finish tied for second place. The first team to get to 6-under was Linda Nevatt and Billy Stewart from The ACE Club while the remaining two teams were both from Indian Springs Golf Club. Curtis Kirkpatrick paired with both Steve Sieracki and Brett Fernandes to finish in the second place tie.

The Section would like to thank our sponsors Cutter & Buck, Golf Max, Country Club Editions, and the PGA Tour for supporting this great event. The next event on the Philadelphia PGA calendar is Thursday’s Skee Riegel Senior Open at Radnor Valley Country Club on Thursday, August 3.

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Full Tournament Leaderboard – BAY / PINES

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. – The 2017 edition of the Doylestown Open was once again played at Doylestown Country Club on Friday, July 28. The Doylestown Open is a one-day stroke play event that featured 80 PGA Professionals and three amateur golfers. The tournament served as the 10^th event in the race for the Omega Player of the Year presented by Haverford Trust.

Playing in the tournament’s first pairing, Brett Melton (Radley Run Country Club) posted an impressive score of 5-under (67) to lead the way early. On his round, Melton had seven birdies against two bogeys to give a number for all other competitors to chase.

However, it wouldn’t be long until a player from the field would post a number better than Melton’s 5-under. Playing only two groups behind Melton, Eric Figueroa (McCall Golf & Country Club) got off to a hot start with five birdies and only bogey through his first nine holes to make the turn at 4-under.

“I knew I had something going when I made the turn at 4-under,” commented Figueroa on his round. “I knew that if I could finish the last nine holes at even par I would have a pretty good finish.”

Fortunately for Figueroa his inward nine would yield more than just even par. After a bogey on the 11^th hole, Figueroa would post three consecutive birdies on holes 13-15 to finish with a tournament total of 6-under (66), one shot better than Melton. Unfortunately for Figueroa he would now have to wait more than six hours to see if his number would be good enough for his first tournament win.

The first person to make a run at Figueroa at the top of the leaderboard was defending Philadelphia PGA champion Jordan Gibbs (Gulph Mills Golf Club). Gibbs. Despite having enough birdies to overtake Figueroa, three bogeys, including two late, kept Gibbs from the top of the leaderboard and ultimately he finished in solo fourth place with a 4-under (68).

The next player to try and knock Figueroa from the top spot was Kevin Kraft (Bumble Bee Hollow). Although he had four birdies over his final five holes, it was early bogeys that proved too difficult to overcome. In the end, Kraft finished with eight birdies and three bogeys to finish one shot behind Figueroa in a tie for second place at 5-under (67).

Leading the way in the tournament’s senior division was Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range). With a 3-under (69), Ingraham finished three shots clear of the senior field and notched his fifth senior win of the 2017 season increasing his lead on the Skee Riegel Senior Player of the Year Leaderboard.

In the end Figueroa’s 6-under would be good enough to give him his first Philadelphia PGA tournament win of his career.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to get this first win,” Figueroa said of his accomplishment. “We have so many great players in our Section and to be able to join them in the winner’s circle is such a cool feeling. I want to thank Gary Rodgers and the entire membership of Doylestown Country Club as well as Kevin McClellan for their support today.”

The third event on the Philadelphia PGA’s super senior circuit sponsored by Jani-King was also held as a part of the Doylestown Open. To be eligible for the super senior division a Professional must be 60 years of age or older and in good standing with the PGA of America. Taking home the title in the super senior division was Gary Hardin (Northampton Country Club) who carded an even par (72) to win by one shot over George Forster (Radnor Valley Country Club).

The Section would like to thank the membership and staff of Doylestown Country Club, Kevin McClellan with Cutter & Buck, the PGA Tour and Jani-King for their support of this event.

 1   Eric Figueroa       McCall Golf & CC           32-34--66 -6  
 T2  Brett Melton        Radley Run CC              33-34--67 -5  
 T2  Kevin Kraft         Bumble Bee Hollow          34-33--67 -5  
 4   Jordan Gibbs        Gulph Mills GC             35-33--68 -4  
 T5  Michael Little      Lookaway GC                35-34--69 -3  
 T5  Alex Knoll          Bethlehem GC               36-33--69 -3  
 T5  Stu Ingraham        M Golf Range               35-34--69 -3  
 T8  Jaime Gylan         Royal Manchester GL        35-35--70 -2  
 T8  Mark Parson         Harbor Pines               35-35--70 -2  
 T10 Dave Pagett         Whitemarsh Valley CC       37-34--71 -1  
 T10 Greg Matthias       Tavistock CC               34-37--71 -1  
 T12 Gary Hardin         Northampton CC             35-37--72 E   
 T12 Mike Dynda          LuLu CC                    37-35--72 E   
 T12 Michael Ferguson    Philadelphia Cricket Club  36-36--72 E   
 T12 Mark Anderson       Philadelphia Cricket Club  36-36--72 E   
 T12 John Kellogg        Radley Run CC              37-35--72 E   
 T12 Brian Hollins       Trenton CC                 34-38--72 E   
 T12 Michael Tobiason    Deerfield                  36-36--72 E   
 T12 Ryan McLean         Saucon Valley CC           38-34--72 E   
 T12 Mike Furey          Mahoning Valley CC         35-37--72 E   
 T21 John Allen          Huntingdon Valley CC       35-38--73 +1  
 T21 Mike Moses          Concord CC                 37-36--73 +1  
 T21 George Forster      Radnor Valley CC           37-36--73 +1  
 T21 Brian Bergstol      Shawnee Inn and GR         36-37--73 +1  
 T21 Rick Flesher        Applebrook GC              37-36--73 +1  
 T21 Curtis Kirkpatrick  Indian Springs GC          34-39--73 +1  
 T21 Frank Howell (a)    Doylestown CC              36-37--73 +1  
 T21 John DiMarco        Laurel Creek CC            38-35--73 +1  
 T29 Trevor Bensel       Huntingdon Valley CC       38-36--74 +2  
 T29 Dave McNabb         Applebrook GC              35-39--74 +2  
 T29 Brian Kelly         Bucknell GC                37-37--74 +2  
 T29 Don DeAngelis       Center Square GC           36-38--74 +2  
 T29 Rich Steinmetz      Spring Ford CC             35-39--74 +2  
 T29 Anthony Napoletano  GolfTEC-KoP                34-40--74 +2  
 T35 Eric McNamee        Golf Galaxy - Montgomery   38-37--75 +3  
 T35 Bill Walker         Riverton CC                36-39--75 +3  
 T35 Eric Schultz        Sunnybrook GC              39-36--75 +3  
 T35 Andrew Pierson      Camden County GA           38-37--75 +3  
 T35 Jack Connelly       North Hills CC             39-36--75 +3  
 T35 Isaac Bickel        Sunnybrook GC              39-36--75 +3  
 T35 Greg Farrow         Deerwood CC                36-39--75 +3  
 T35 Kevin Nicholson     White Manor CC             38-37--75 +3  
 T35 Andrew Geesey       Meadia Heights GC          39-36--75 +3  
 T35 Ben Schlesman       Manufacturers GCC          38-37--75 +3  
 T35 Tyler Collet        CC of York                 40-35--75 +3  
 T35 Bob Hennefer        Indian Springs GC          40-35--75 +3  
 T35 Mike Paukovits      St. Davids GC              39-36--75 +3  
 T48 Rick LeBeau         Gulph Mills GC             39-37--76 +4  
 T48 John Spina          Philadelphia Cricket Club  38-38--76 +4  
 T48 Eric Kennedy        Overbrook GC               38-38--76 +4  
 T48 Peter Clarke        Manufacturers GCC          37-39--76 +4  
 T48 Jason Calhoun       LaSalle University         38-38--76 +4  
 T48 Joe Kogelman        GolfTEC Moorestown         37-39--76 +4  
 T48 Andy Fisher         AF Golf Ctr.               37-39--76 +4  
 T48 Jim Parella         Blue Bell CC               40-36--76 +4  
 T48 Chris Atkins        Riverton CC                38-38--76 +4  
 T48 Pat Butkus          Overbrook GC               36-40--76 +4  
 T58 Bill Sautter        Philadelphia Cricket Club  38-39--77 +5  
 T58 Andy Watters        Talamore Country Club      40-37--77 +5  
 T58 Brian Trymbiski (a) Doylestown CC              38-39--77 +5  
 T61 Peter Lovenguth     Silver Creek CC            40-38--78 +6  
 T61 Dave Quinn          Philmont CC                38-40--78 +6  
 T61 Ryan Rigby (a)      Doylestown CC              41-37--78 +6  
 T61 Tony Shields        ACE Club                   39-39--78 +6  
 T65 Ashley Grier        Overbrook GC               39-40--79 +7  
 T65 Frank Palumbo       Rolling Green GC           39-40--79 +7  
 T65 Hugh Reilly         Twining Valley GC          38-41--79 +7  
 T65 Ben Debski          The Springhaven Club       38-41--79 +7  
 T69 Mike Wood           Saucon Valley CC           41-39--80 +8  
 T69 Nathalie Filler     Philadelphia Cricket Club  40-40--80 +8  
 T69 Greyson Rossi       Bayside Resort             40-40--80 +8  
 T69 Kevin Rossi         Lookaway GC                39-36--75 +8  
 T73 Ryan Fiore          Huntingdon Valley CC       41-40--81 +9  
 T73 Evan Mitchell       Spring Mill CC             40-41--81 +9  
 T75 Brad Sanders        Tavistock CC               40-42--82 +10 
 T75 Dustin McCormick    Glen Brook GC              40-42--82 +10 
 T75 Gregg Gipp          Phoenixville CC            40-42--82 +10 
 T78 Joe Ambrose         Paupack Hills G & CC       39-45--84 +12 
 T78 Nick Gorman         GolfTEC Moorestown         42-42--84 +12 
 80  Vincent Kabaso      Cleveland Golf             43-42--85 +13 
 81  J R Delich          Applebrook GC              47-41--88 +16

EASTON, Pa. – For the second consecutive year, weather played a significant role in the GALV Lehigh Valley Open. Originally set to begin at 8:00am on Monday, July 24 the start of this year’s event was ultimately moved back to 2:00pm that day after significant rain fell in the Lehigh Valley Sunday night and Monday morning. Rain made a second appearance in the tournament’s opening round which forced players to complete their first round on Tuesday morning.

Opening round play resumed at 9:00am with most players having between three and five holes to play. After round one concluded players would have a short break before heading back out for the second and final round. In between rounds the maintenance staff at Northampton Country Club, who in spite of the weather managed to keep the golf course in terrific condition, would set new hole locations and tee positions. Players were also re-paired with the leaders going off of the first hole.

Leading the way after the first round was amateur Cole Miller (New Tripoli, Pa.) who posted an impressive 8-under (64) to lead the field by one shot. However chasing Miller was an outstanding group of Professionals including Michael Tobiason (Deerfield) who finished at 7-under (65), Pat Butkus (Overbrook Golf Club) who was two shots back at 6-under (66). Finishing their opening rounds three shots back at 5-under (67) was a trio of players that included two-time past champion Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range), John Pillar (CC of Woodloch Springs), and Mark Sheftic (Merion Golf Club).

With the second round of the tournament played as a shotgun it was difficult to gauge where each competitor was in relation to the top of the leaderboard. However, whispers began to circulate through the crowds that gathered that Miller may be making a move to separate himself from the field. However what was also unknown was whether or not someone from the field was making a move at Miller and the top spot.

With scores coming in fast and furious at the end of the shotgun one thing became clear, the whispers of Miller playing well were true. Miller posted four birdies and an eagle in his second round which helped him overcome a late bogey to finish with a second round score of 5-under (67) and a 36-hole total of 13-under (131).

What was also true was that there was a player in the field making a significant run at Miller. Merion’s Sheftic, playing in the group behind Miller, knew he had to post a low number to have any chance at grabbing win. Sheftic would give it all he had as he posted nine birdies, including five consecutive on holes 9-13, but a couple of late bogeys would prove costly. When all was said and done Sheftic would finish his second round with a score of 6-under (66) giving him a 36-hole total of 11-under (133) two shots back of Miller.

The win marks the first time an amateur has won the GALV Lehigh Valley Open in the ten year history of the event. All was not lost for Sheftic as he would finish as the tournament’s low PGA Professional.

“It was my first professional win, I have won NCAA tournaments but this is the first time I have ever won an event that featured a field of PGA Professionals”, said Miller on his victory. “It feels great to go up against some of the best players in the area and know that I can compete alongside of them.”

In the tournaments senior division John Pillar would take the top spot finishing the 36-hole event at 8-under (136). Pillar finished three shots clear of second place finisher Brian Kelly (Bucknell Golf Club) who posted a 5-under (139).

The Section would like to thank our title sponsor, the Golf Association of Lehigh Valley and Mr. Karl Gilbert as well as the entire staff and membership of Northampton Country Club for their hospitality.

The Philadelphia PGA tournament calendar continues this Friday, July 28 at Doylestown Country Club for the annual Doylestown Open. For complete coverage of the Philadelphia PGA be sure to follow us online Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

 1    Cole Miller (a)                             64-67--131 -13 
 2    Mark Sheftic         Merion GC              67-66--133 -11 
 3    Rich Steinmetz       Spring Ford CC         68-67--135 -9  
 T4   Michael Tobiason     Deerfield              65-71--136 -8  
 T4   John Pillar          CC at Woodloch Springs 67-69--136 -8  
 6    Matt Episcopo        Pine Valley GC         71-66--137 -7  
 T7   Greg Matthias        Tavistock CC           68-71--139 -5  
 T7   Kevin Kraft          Bumble Bee Hollow      70-69--139 -5  
 T7   Brian Kelly          Bucknell GC            69-70--139 -5  
 T10  Pat Butkus           Overbrook GC           66-74--140 -4  
 T10  Michael Little       Lookaway GC            68-72--140 -4  
 T10  Dave Quinn           Philmont CC            69-71--140 -4  
 T10  Jeff Fick            Chapel Hill GC         71-69--140 -4  
 T14  Brian Bergstol       Shawnee Inn and GR     71-70--141 -3  
 T14  Dave Pagett          Whitemarsh Valley CC   69-72--141 -3  
 T14  Terry Hertzog        CC of York             73-68--141 -3  
 T17  Stu Ingraham         M Golf Range           67-75--142 -2  
 T17  Kevin Scherr (a)                            71-71--142 -2  
 T17  Ashley Grier         Overbrook GC           72-70--142 -2  
 T17  Alex Knoll           Bethlehem GC           74-68--142 -2  
 T21  Joe Kogelman         GolfTEC Moorestown     68-75--143 -1  
 T21  John Olszewski (a)                          69-74--143 -1  
 T21  Eric Schultz         Sunnybrook GC          69-74--143 -1  
 T21  Gary Hardin          Northampton CC         71-72--143 -1  
 T21  Bob Hennefer         Indian Springs GC      72-71--143 -1  
 T26  Brett Melton         Radley Run CC          72-72--144 E   
 T26  Rob Rohrbach         Foxchase GC            72-72--144 E   
 T26  John Spina           Phila Cricket Club     72-72--144 E   
 T29  Eric Kennedy         Overbrook GC           69-76--145 +1  
 T29  Shawn Matthews       Huntingdon Valley CC   71-74--145 +1  
 T29  Bill Sautter         Phila Cricket Club     71-74--145 +1  
 T29  Billy Stewart        ACE Club               72-73--145 +1  
 T29  Mark Anderson        Phila Cricket Club     73-72--145 +1  
 T29  Mike Paukovits       St. Davids GC          73-72--145 +1  
 T29  J.T. Barker (a)                             73-72--145 +1  
 T29  Steve Swartz         Regents' Glen CC       76-69--145 +1  
 T37  George Forster       Radnor Valley CC       69-77--146 +2  
 T37  Dave Fields          Brookside CC           71-75--146 +2  
 T37  Brendon Post         Univ. of Delaware      71-75--146 +2  
 T37  Andrew Turner        Sunnybrook GC          72-74--146 +2  
 T37  Eric Figueroa        McCall Golf & CC       72-74--146 +2  
 T37  Bill Walker          Riverton CC            74-72--146 +2  
 T37  Sam Ambrose          Aronimink GC           75-71--146 +2  
 T37  Don DeAngelis        Center Square GC       77-69--146 +2  
 T45  Chris Duckett        Saucon Valley CC       72-75--147 +3  
 T45  Curtis Kirkpatrick   Indian Springs GC      72-75--147 +3  
 T45  Robin McCool (a)                            72-75--147 +3  
 T45  John Allen           Huntingdon Valley CC   76-71--147 +3  
 T45  Jason Wilson (a)                            76-71--147 +3  
 T50  Greg Farrow          Deerwood CC            71-77--148 +4  
 T50  Barry Dear           Twisted Dune           74-74--148 +4  
 T50  Nick Vecellio (a)                           75-73--148 +4  
 T50  Mike Furey           Mahoning Valley CC     76-72--148 +4  
 T54  Stephen Sieracki     Indian Springs GC      72-77--149 +5  
 T54  Dave Blichar (a)                            73-76--149 +5  
 T54  John DiMarco         Laurel Creek CC        72-77--149 +5  
 T54  Nick Maff (a)                               76-73--149 +5  
 T54  Michael Caldwell     Bidermann GC           77-72--149 +5  
 T54  Anthony Napoletano   GolfTEC-KoP            77-72--149 +5  
 T60  Rick Flesher         Applebrook GC          74-76--150 +6  
 T60  Ryan Shaughnessy     Woodstone CC           73-77--150 +6  
 T60  Chad Hess (a)                               74-76--150 +6  
 T60  Grant Schumaker (a)                         76-74--150 +6  
 T60  Eric McNamee         Golf Galaxy            75-75--150 +6  
 T60  Joe Coulson (a)                             76-74--150 +6  
 T60  Carlos Fullerton (a)                        77-73--150 +6  
 T67  Dustin McCormick     Glen Brook GC          75-76--151 +7  
 T67  Kevin Edwards        Olde Homestead GC      78-73--151 +7  
 T69  Steve Kluemper (a)                          73-79--152 +8  
 T69  Carson Solien        Aronimink GC           73-79--152 +8  
 T69  Mike Wood            Saucon Valley CC       75-77--152 +8  
 T69  Joe Jasinski (a)                            78-74--152 +8  
 T73  Don Allan            Burlington CC          75-78--153 +9  
 T73  Rick LeBeau          Gulph Mills GC         75-78--153 +9  
 T73  George Frake         Little Mill            76-77--153 +9  
 T73  Evan Notaro (a)                             78-75--153 +9  
 T73  Steve Frederick      Lehigh CC              78-75--153 +9  
 T73  Peter Clarke         Manufacturers GCC      80-73--153 +9  
 T79  Andy Watters         Talamore CC            78-76--154 +10 
 T79  Ryan McLean          Saucon Valley CC       80-74--154 +10 
 T81  Tom Moore            Applecross CC          74-82--156 +12 
 T81  Tony Sarko (a)                              80-76--156 +12 
 T81  Jeff Hudson (a)                             80-76--156 +12 
 84   James Boburka (a)                           75-82--157 +13 
 85   Bill Smith           Mahoning Valley CC     78-80--158 +14 
 T86  Gregg Gipp           Phoenixville CC        76-83--159 +15 
 T86  Collin Seip (a)                             79-80--159 +15 
 88   Peter Lovenguth      Silver Creek CC        76-84--160 +16 
 89   Jacob Siegfried (a)                         77-84--161 +17 
 T90  Alec Cwienkala (a)                          77-86--163 +19 
 T90  Steve Kiefner        Northampton CC         78-85--163 +19 
 T90  Dylan Spadt (a)                             84-79--163 +19 
 93   J R Delich           Applebrook GC          82-82--164 +20 
 94   Justin Tresslar (a)                         77-92--169 +25 
 95   Tony Shields         ACE Club               83-88--171 +27 
 96   Gary Strausser       Riverview CC           89-92--181 +37

Elverson, Pa. – On Thursday 23 teams gathered at French Creek Golf Club for the National Car Rental French Creek Team Stableford. The teams not only had to tame the course, but they had to battle through one of the hottest days of the summer thus far. All teams featured one PGA Professional and three amateurs and played a Stableford points event competing for both Net and Gross division prizes.

In the Net division Jonathan Trauner (GolfTEC Moorestown) and his partners Scott Shawlinski, Skip Gmitter, and Al Silvestri turned in a score of 89 points, which included 7 net eagles, and 4 net birdies, but Shawn Hall (Radley Run CC) and his partners Jerry Shanahan, Mike Roy, and Jeffrey Gressel matched that score. However neither team would win as Brett Melton (Radley Run Country Club) and his amateur partners Alex Kane, Steve Murta, Jr., and Jim Krass finished with 90 points. They also tied for the Gross division top spot but teams can only win in one division.

In the Gross Division Justin Meyers (Golf Genius) and his partners Rob Blari, Gregg Russell, and Scott Blandford handed in their scorecard with 7 birdies and 3 eagles for a total of 81 points. Unfortunately for team Meyers, John Kulhamer (Green Pond Country Club) and his amateur partners Tom Lusto, Charles Leon, Jason Wilson topped the leaderboard. The team carded 11 gross birdies to finish their round with 82 points and the win.

The Philadelphia PGA would like to thank tournament sponsors National Car Rental as well as SynLawn. Additionally the Philadelphia PGA thanks the membership and staff of French Creek Golf Club for their continued support. The Philadelphia PGA’s next event is the GALV Lehigh Valley Open scheduled for Monday, July 24 – Tuesday, July 25 at Northampton Country Club.

Full Tournament Leaderboard

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. – On Monday, July 10 the annual William Hyndman, III Memorial Classic was played at scenic Huntingdon Valley Country Club. The event brought together nearly 140 PGA Professionals to compete in the Section’s eighth Omega Player of the Year Points event, presented by Haverford Trust Company.

Playing in one of the tournament’s opening groups, Robby Bruns (Merion Golf Club) would eventually post a number that would almost be too good to believe. With a bogey on his opening hole, course hole #10, Bruns did not get off to the start he had envisioned but fortunately for Bruns it was one of his few mistakes of the day. With birdies on his next two holes, Bruns quickly overcame his start before adding a third birdie on the par5 15^th hole to make the turn at 2-under. However, the next nine holes are where things really got interesting for Bruns.

As he played his back nine, Huntingdon Valley’s opening nine holes, Bruns would only card one additional par. Bruns would go on to post six additional birdies including four consecutive on holes 6-9 to bring his total for the day to nine and allowed him to easily dismiss the two additional bogeys on his inward nine.

When all was said done Bruns posted an impressive tournament total of 6-under (64) which, as the new Huntingdon Valley competitive course record, would definitely give the rest of the field something to chase.

“I came in to today’s round with a good state of mind and after a nice warmup session my confidence was really high”, said Bruns on his record setting round. “I hit it solidly all day and my group helped to keep me relaxed as we made our way around the course. It honestly felt like I was playing with friends which definitely contributed to my score”

As the tournament turned to the afternoon wave matching Bruns at the top of the leaderboard seemed like a tough task but one player gave it run. John Pillar (Country Club of Woodloch Springs), fresh off his appearance at the US Senior Open, got off to a quick start with three birdies on his outward nine. As Pillar made the turn he would go on to post two additional birdies but combined with his lone bogey, Pillar would finish his day at 4-under (66) two shots behind Bruns which would be the closest anyone would come to the top spot.

Despite finishing second behind Bruns all was not lost for Pillar as his 4-under number would be good enough for a four shot victory in the tournament’s senior division. Finishing behind Pillar was fellow US Senior Open participant Dave McNabb (Applebrook Golf Club) who finished at even par (70).

Bruns picked the right tournament to earn his first Philadelphia PGA tournament win as his 6-under (64) was also good enough for the top spot in the Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) event which was held in conjunction with today’s tournament. Bruns finished 5-shots ahead of a trio of Assistants that all posted scores on 1-under (69).

The Section would like to thank our tournament sponsors The Hyndman Family, Jack Jolly & Son, Golf Pride and Morell Studios.

About William Hyndman, III

William Hyndman, III was one of the most accomplished amateur golfers in the history of the sport. Hyndman’s golfing accolades started at a young age winning the 1935 Philadelphia Amateur at the age of 19. However, that was only the start of Hyndman’s presence on the Philadelphia golf scene. Hyndman accumulated three Philadelphia Amateur titles, ten Patterson Cup crowns, and six Silver Crosses. Hyndman also had nine Masters Appearances and to this day is one of only three people to record a hole-in-one on the legendary par-3 12^th at Augusta National. By the time Hyndman ended his golfing career he had competed in 50 USGA Championships, including being a member of five Walker Cup teams as well as two US Senior Amateur titles. Hyndman maintained his golfing prowess, even at the age of 76, when he carded a 4-under-par (66) at Huntingdon Valley CC.

 1    Robby Bruns        Merion GC                  31-33--64 -6  
 2    John Pillar         CC at Woodloch Springs    32-34--66 -4  
 T3   Jordan Gibbs       Gulph Mills GC             35-34--69 -1  
 T3   Eric Kennedy       Overbrook GC               35-34--69 -1  
 T3   Zac Oakley         Heritage Shores GC         34-35--69 -1  
 T3   Curtis Kirkpatrick Indian Springs GC          34-35--69 -1  
 T3   Kevin Kraft        Bumble Bee Hollow          34-35--69 -1  
 T8   John Bierkan       Aronimink GC               33-37--70 E   
 T8   Shawn Matthews     Huntingdon Valley CC       36-34--70 E   
 T8   Dave McNabb        Applebrook GC              34-36--70 E   
 T8   Chris Krueger      Kings Creek CC             37-33--70 E   
 T12  Brett Melton       Radley Run CC              35-36--71 +1  
 T12  John Allen         Huntingdon Valley CC       35-36--71 +1  
 T12  Trevor Bensel      Huntingdon Valley CC       36-35--71 +1  
 T12  Brian Kelly        Bucknell GC                34-37--71 +1  
 T12  Andy Watters       Talamore Country Club      35-36--71 +1  
 T12  Michael Tobiason   Deerfield                  36-35--71 +1  
 T12  Alex Knoll         Bethlehem GC- Monacacy     36-35--71 +1  
 T12  Pat Butkus         Overbrook GC               35-36--71 +1  
 T12  Stu Ingraham       M Golf Range               36-35--71 +1  
 T21  Ashley Grier       Overbrook GC               35-37--72 +2  
 T21  Brendon Post       University of Delaware     36-36--72 +2  
 T21  Dan Marz           Huntingdon Valley CC       35-37--72 +2  
 T21  Andrew Turner      Sunnybrook GC              36-36--72 +2  
 T21  Jordan Shuey       West Shore CC              36-36--72 +2  
 T21  Billy Stewart      ACE Club                   38-34--72 +2  
 T21  Don DeAngelis      Center Square GC           35-37--72 +2  
 T21  Brian Bergstol     Shawnee Inn and GR         37-35--72 +2  
 T29  Matthew Hillier    Pine Valley GC             35-38--73 +3  
 T29  Bill Sautter       Philadelphia Cricket Club  35-38--73 +3  
 T29  Steve Swartz       Regents' Glen CC           35-38--73 +3  
 T29  Rusty Harbold      Philadelphia Cricket Club  36-37--73 +3  
 T29  Andrew Diesel      Manufacturers GCC          36-37--73 +3  
 T29  Bob Hennefer       Indian Springs GC          40-33--73 +3  
 T29  Jeff Bonicky       Sea Oaks GC                36-37--73 +3  
 T29  Kevin Nicholson    White Manor CC             36-37--73 +3  
 T29  Dave Quinn         Philmont CC                37-36--73 +3  
 T38  Michael Little     Lookaway GC                35-39--74 +4  
 T38  Joe Kogelman       GolfTEC Moorestown         35-39--74 +4  
 T38  Gary Hardin        Northampton CC             37-37--74 +4  
 T38  Mike Furey         Mahoning Valley CC         37-37--74 +4  
 T42  Terry Hertzog      CC of York                 37-38--75 +5  
 T42  Eric Figueroa      McCall Golf & CC           38-37--75 +5  
 T42  Greg Farrow        Deerwood CC                37-38--75 +5  
 T42  Joey Pohle         Blue Bell CC               37-38--75 +5  
 T42  Frank Palumbo      Rolling Green GC           35-40--75 +5  
 T42  Ryan McLean        Saucon Valley CC           38-37--75 +5  
 T42  Rich Steinmetz     Spring Ford CC             38-37--75 +5  
 T42  Don Allan          Burlington CC              37-38--75 +5  
 T42  Barry Dear         Twisted Dune               38-37--75 +5  
 T42  Carson Solien      Aronimink GC               35-40--75 +5  
 T42  Sean Szerencsits   Southmoore GC              37-38--75 +5  
 T53  John DiMarco       Laurel Creek CC            39-37--76 +6  
 T53  Eric McNamee       Golf Galaxy - Montgomery   37-39--76 +6  
 T53  George Forster     Radnor Valley CC           38-38--76 +6  
 T53  Rick Flesher       Applebrook GC              37-39--76 +6  
 T53  Michael Ferguson   Philadelphia Cricket Club  36-40--76 +6  
 T53  Sam Ambrose        Aronimink GC               40-36--76 +6  
 T53  Ryan Lagergren     Stonewall                  41-35--76 +6  
 T53  Mark Parson        Harbor Pines               37-39--76 +6  
 T53  Dave Fields        Brookside CC               39-37--76 +6  
 T62  John Spina         Philadelphia Cricket Club  38-39--77 +7  
 T62  Rick LeBeau        Gulph Mills GC             38-39--77 +7  
 T62  Matt Episcopo      Pine Valley GC             39-38--77 +7  
 T62  Mickey Sokalski    Philmont CC                36-41--77 +7  
 T62  Tom Carpus         Kennett Square G & CC      39-38--77 +7  
 T62  Chris Atkins       Riverton CC                40-37--77 +7  
 T62  Jaime Gylan        Royal Manchester GL        39-38--77 +7  
 T62  Ben Debski         The Springhaven Club       37-40--77 +7  
 T62  Nick Gorman        GolfTEC Moorestown         38-39--77 +7  
 T62  Bob Lennon         Wilmington CC              37-40--77 +7  
 T62  Chris Duckett      Saucon Valley CC           37-40--77 +7  
 T62  Michael Rushin     Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club  38-39--77 +7  
 T62  Bill Smith         Mahoning Valley CC         40-37--77 +7  
 T62  Greg Matthias      Tavistock CC               40-37--77 +7  
 T76  David Clark        Pine Valley GC             37-41--78 +8  
 T76  David Sandberg     Pine Valley GC             39-39--78 +8  
 T76  Kevin Fairchild    Greate Bay GC              38-40--78 +8  
 T76  Jeff Herb          Waynesborough CC           40-38--78 +8  
 T76  Michael Caldwell   Bidermann GC               39-39--78 +8  
 T76  Mark Anderson      Philadelphia Cricket Club  41-37--78 +8  
 T76  Jack Brennan       Mountain View CC           37-41--78 +8  
 T76  Kevin Edwards      Olde Homestead GC          38-40--78 +8  
 T76  Mike Dynda         LuLu CC                    40-38--78 +8  
 T76  Jeb Boyle          Centre Hills CC            36-42--78 +8  
 T86  Mike Paukovits     St. Davids GC              40-39--79 +9  
 T86  Eric Schultz       Sunnybrook GC              40-39--79 +9  
 T86  Stephen Sieracki   Indian Springs GC          42-37--79 +9  
 T86  Mike Wood          Saucon Valley CC           36-43--79 +9  
 T86  Dave Pagett        Whitemarsh Valley CC       40-39--79 +9  
 T86  Anthony Napoletano GolfTEC-KoP                38-41--79 +9  
 T86  Jimmy Maack        Kimberton GC               40-39--79 +9  
 T93  John Rudolph       Fieldstone GC              39-41--80 +10 
 T93  Jason Calhoun      LaSalle University         38-42--80 +10 
 T93  Jason Duckworth    Huntingdon Valley CC       40-40--80 +10 
 T93  Ben Schlesman      Manufacturers GCC          40-40--80 +10 
 T97  Chris Wilkinson    Llanerch CC                41-40--81 +11 
 T97  Evan Mitchell      Spring Mill CC             39-42--81 +11 
 T97  Vincent Kabaso     Cleveland Golf             39-42--81 +11 
 T97  Gregg Gipp         Phoenixville CC            41-40--81 +11 
 T97  Dustin McCormick   Glen Brook GC              38-43--81 +11 
 T97  Jeff Van Etten     Hanover CC                 39-42--81 +11 
 T97  Steve Kiefner      Northampton CC             42-39--81 +11 
 T104 George Frake       Little Mill                43-39--82 +12 
 T104 Dean Halterman     Galloway National GC       41-41--82 +12 
 T104 Andrew Pierson     Camden County GA           41-41--82 +12 
 T107 Jim Smith          Philadelphia Cricket Club  41-42--83 +13 
 T107 Matt Brown         Whitemarsh Valley CC       40-43--83 +13 
 T107 Jim Parella        Blue Bell CC               40-43--83 +13 
 T110 Tony Shields       ACE Club                   41-43--84 +14 
 T110 Steve Frederick    Lehigh CC                  38-46--84 +14 
 T112 Jesse Hackett      Kennett Square G & CC      40-45--85 +15 
 T112 Ron Pine           Whitemarsh Valley CC       42-43--85 +15 
 T112 Paul Galczyk       Westover CC                40-45--85 +15 
 T115 Bill Walker        Riverton CC                39-47--86 +16 
 T115 Brian Dionisio     Aronimink GC               42-44--86 +16 
 T115 Kevin Rossi        Lookaway GC                42-44--86 +16 
 T115 Hugh Reilly        Twining Valley GC          42-44--86 +16 
 T119 Kevin Duffy        Riverton CC                40-47--87 +17 
 T119 Chris Gardner      Bluestone Country Club     46-41--87 +17 
 T119 J R Delich         Applebrook GC              41-46--87 +17 
 T119 Joe Ambrose        Paupack Hills G & CC       39-48--87 +17 
 123  Peter Clarke       Manufacturers GCC          41-47--88 +18 
 124  Moe Gola           Huntingdon Valley CC       43-47--90 +20 
 125  Jonathan Trauner   GolfTEC Moorestown         45-48--93 +23 
 126  Keith Clawson      Waynesborough CC           48-47--95 +25 

DID NOT FINISH

 WD   Ryan Nuechterlein  Kennett Square G & CC                    
 NC   Mike Mack          Burlington CC

York, Pa. – A predication of a stormy forecast threatened the Philadelphia PGA’s Pro-Scratch Championship at the Country Club of York. The event would mark the first time the Section would return to the course in over a decade. However, with the odds seemingly against the tournament only a small rain shower in the afternoon hampered the players in the field. The Pro-Scratch Championship is a two-man team consisting one PGA professional and one amateur at scratch.  

Playing in the second tee time in the morning John Spina (Philadelpha Cricket Club) and his son J.T. scored an impressive number of 9-under (63) and thought they had to wait all day to see if anyone would come close to their score. However, shortly after the Spinas turned in their score, Rusty Harbold (Philadelphia Cricket Club) and his amateur partner Aaron Fricke jumped to the top of the leaderboard with 12 birdies and 6 pars on their scorecard to score an even more impressive 12-under (60).  

At the end of the day the score stood and Harbold and Fricke would become the champions. Congratulations goes to Jacob Hoffer’s (The Union League Golf Club) amateur partner A.J. Jaskel who scored an ace on the 166 yard par 3, 17th.

The Philadelphia PGA would like to thank our newest sponsor, PXG, along with the membership and staff of the Country Club of York for making the Pro-Scratch Championship a success. The Philadelphia PGA will be back in action on Monday July 10 for the William Hyndman, III Memorial Classic at Huntington Valley Country Club. 

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Lancaster, Pa. – After a one-year hiatus the AB Thorn Memorial Pro-Am once again returned to the Philadelphia PGA tournament schedule. The long time event was not played in 2016 due to inclement weather and scheduling conflicts. However, as players returned to the rolling hills of Lancaster Country Club this year they were treated to a near perfect golf course which helped the difficulties brought on by the hot and humid temperatures. The AB Thorn is played as a four-ball (better ball of partners) tournament with each team consisting of one PGA Professional and one amateur playing to a scratch handicap.

Early in the day the team of Mike Bell (LedgeRock Golf Club) and his partner Scott Mayne posted the first score of note in today’s tournament. Bell and Mayne carded four birdies on their round, two from each player, but a lone bogey on difficult par-4 11^th hole proved to be costly. When all was said and done Bell and Mayne finished with a team score of 3-under (67) which was good enough for a top-2 finish but was ultimately one shot shy of the top spot.

As the morning wave came to a close a second team made a run for the tournament’s top spot but like the duo of Bell and Mayne they also fell one shot short. The team of John Spina (Philadelphia Cricket Club) and his partner Kevin Kelly got off to a fast start after posting a score of 3-under through their opening nine holes. However, as they made their way to the back nine they were unable to get anything going and finished with nine consecutive pars to finish the day at 3-under (67).

Playing in the group immediately following Spina and Kelly, the team of Michael Ferguson (Philadelphia Cricket Club) and his partner John Brennan managed to break through the growing log jam at 3-under and post a score one shot better. Ferguson and Brennan made their way around the par-70 course flawlessly. As a team they carded two birdies, both by Ferguson, and one eagle, carded by Brennan to finish at 4-under (66).

As the teams in the afternoon wave made their way around it became clear that they were on the tougher side of the draw. With temperatures remaining hot and humid the windy conditions that came through in the afternoon made it tough to hold shots as the greens became firm. Only one team in the afternoon wave made a run at the top of the leaderboard. Josh Bashore (Lebanon Country Club) and his partner Stuart Hanford made a late charge carding two birdies over their final three holes but no holes left to play they had to settle for a score of 3-under (67) and tie for second place.

In the end Ferguson and Brennan’s score of 4-under held up and gave the duo a one shot victory and the 2017 AB Thorn Memorial Pro-Am crown.

Special congratulations to Kevin Kelly of Philadelphia Cricket Club on carding a hole-in-one on the par-3 17^th hole at Lancaster Country Club. Kelly used a 6-iron on the 160 yard hole to accomplish the feat. It was Kelly’s fifth career hole-in-one but his first in tournament competition.

The Section thanks our tournament sponsors Mizuno Golf, Greg Norman Apparel and Morell Studios for their continued support of the Philadelphia PGA tournament program and specifically the AB Thorn Memorial Pro-Am. Additionally, the players and staff thanks the members and staff of Lancaster Country Club for their outstanding hospitality.

The Philadelphia PGA tournament offices will be closed July 1-4 in observance of the July 4 holiday. The offices will reopen on Wednesday, July 5 and the next tournament on the schedule is the Pro-Scratch Championship at Country Club of York on July 6.

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