Year: 2018

Bergstol Blisters Course En Route to Shawnee Open Victory

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Shawnee on Delaware, PA – The 67th installment of the Shawnee Open was played on Sunday, October 7 – Monday, October 8 at historic Shawnee Inn and Resort. The tournament, which first began in 1912, features a venerable list of past champions. Although the tournament has been postponed for a variety of reasons throughout its history, it has been contested every year in its current format since 1998 (2006 & 2011 flooding canceled tournament). This year’s tournament featured forty-five competitors from across the Philadelphia Section.

The opening round of the tournament felt less like an October afternoon and more like a late summer day. Playing in the tournament first pairing, Brian Bergstol (Shawnee Inn) posted the number for everyone to chase. Bergstol posted seven birdies and one double bogey en route to an opening round 5-under (67).

At the end of the opening day his closest competition came from a trio of players who finished with scores of 3-under (67). The first to reach the number was current Omega Player of the Year Points leader Billy Stewart (The ACE Club). Stewart was quickly joined by Dave Quinn (Philmont Country Club) and 2007 Shawnee Open champion Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range). Four additional players sat just three shots back after finishing with scores of 2-under (70) on day one.

As play headed into today’s second round, the weather changed dramatically with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees and an on and off misty rain. The weather didn’t cool off Bergstol however as he added another great round with six more birdies and an eagle finishing with a stretch of five threes in a row for a second round score of 8-under (64) and a two-day total of 13-under (131). Bergstol’s pursuers tried to keep pace but in the end his impressive score proved too much to overcome.

After getting it to 5-under for the day, Billy Stewart found some trouble on the par-3 16th hole and dropped back to 4-under for the day and 7-under for the tournament, which is where he finished at the end of the day. Although he did not match Bergstol at the top of the leaderboard, Stewart’s 7-under (137) was good enough for a solo second place finish.

Trailing Bergstol by two shots heading into the final round, Dave Quinn was within striking distance if he could put together a solid round. Quinn did manage to card four birdied in the second round but a double bogey on the tenth hole dropped him from contention and he finished with a 36-hole total of 5-under (139) giving him a fourth place finish. While Quinn fell short in the regular division his 5-under (139) was good enough for the top spot in the Senior Division.

The biggest move of the day came from Dustin McCormick (Glen Brook Golf Club). McCormick followed up his opening round 1-under (71) with an impressive 5-under (67). McCormick played a flawless second round highlighted by five birdies helping him to vault into a third place finish with a two-day total of 6-under (138).

Rounding out the podium behind Quinn in the Senior Division was Dave McNabb (Applebrook Golf Club). McNabb finished five shot better in his second round moving him six spots up the senior leaderboard and into a second place finish. Finishing third in the senior division was George Forster (Radnor Valley Country Club) who followed up his opening round even par finish with a second round 2-under (70) giving him a 2-under (142) total. Forster also took the top spot in the tournament’s Super Senior Division.

The Section thanks the membership and staff of Shawnee Inn and Resort for their continued support of the Philadelphia PGA and the tournament program. The Section returns to action on Thursday, October 11 at Bala Golf Club for the McQuiston Sr. Pro – Jr. Pro Championship.

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Ambrose and Turner Edge the Field at the Fall Pro-Pro Championship

Elverson, Pa. – After a seemingly endless summer of rain, a well-deserved day of sunshine greeted all the teams in the field at French Creek Golf Club for the Fall Pro-Pro Championship. The Pro-Pro Championship pairs two PGA Professionals together in a Four Ball or better ball of partners event. Adding some fun to today’s event, the Philadelphia PGA took a page from the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic and introduced teams with music selected prior to the event.

Setting the pace early in the tournament was the pair of Sam Ambrose (Aronimink Golf Club) and Andrew Turner (Sunnybrook Golf Club). The team got off to a nice start with birdies on three of their first nine holes. However, the pair really made their mark on the back nine at French Creek carding two eagles and two birdies posting 6-under on the inward nine to finish with a team score of 9-under (62) and would now have to wait and see if their score was good enough for a win.

Although teams came close, at the end of the tournament no team was able pass Ambrose and Turner for the top spot. However, a pair of teams shared second place after finishing one shot behind the first place team.

The first team to finish with a score of 8-under (63) was John Allen (Huntingdon Valley Country Club) and Trevor Bensel (Overbrook Golf Club). As a team, Allen and Bensel carded one eagle and eight birdies. Unfortunately for the pair it was a pair of bogeys, including one on the penultimate hole that ultimately dropped them from contention.

The second team to finish with a team score of 8-under (63) was the pair of Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range) and Dave Quinn (Philmont Country Club). With a birdie on their first hole, Ingraham and Quinn got off to a fast start however they only managed to add two more birdies on the front nine to make the turn at 3-under. The duo did have more luck on their inward nine carding five additional birdies but their luck ran out on the 17th hole and in the end they fell one shot short of the leaders.

The Section thanks the membership and staff of French Creek Golf Club for hosting the Fall Pro-Pro Championship. We also thank our tournament partners Club Prophet Systems, Sun Mountain, Morell Studios, Evolve Golf, Anderson Ord, and the PGA Tour for supporting the tournament program,

The Section gets back to action tomorrow, Tuesday, October 2 for the annual renewal of the Philadelphia Challenge Cup Matches. The event pits 12 Philadelphia PGA Professionals against 12 of the top amateurs from the Golf Association of Philadelphia in a Ryder Cup style event. This year’s matches will be played at Lehigh Country Club.

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Carpus, Micklewright and Jewson Added as Newest Members of the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame

Philadelphia, Pa. – In mid-September, the Philadelphia PGA’s Hall of Fame committee gathered at the Section Office with the formidable task of selecting the newest members of the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame. After a thorough process of reviewing all the nominated candidates, the committee is excited to announce that Tom Carpus, Peter Micklewright, and Herbert Jewson will become the 41st, 42nd, and 43rd members of the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame. The new inductees will be formally recognized in front of their peers at the annual Fall Meeting on Monday, October 29 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pa.

Tom Carpus was elected to PGA membership in the summer of 1988 and now holds the rank of Master Professional (2004). During his time as a PGA Member Carpus has worked at several facilities including, Rolling Green Golf Club, Greate Bay Country Club, and Kennett Square Golf and Country Club, where he spent the majority of his time. However, Carpus’ contributions as a PGA Professional go beyond the boundaries of the Philadelphia Section. Carpus has served as a member of the PGA of America Rules committee having risen to the level of Chairman during the 2017-2018 seasons. During this time Carpus administered several PGA of America championships as well as Ryder Cup events. This commitment to the rules has led Carpus to his latest endeavor, PGA Tour Champions Rules Official.

Like all members of the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame, Carpus is not just defined by his employment history but also by his service to his fellow PGA Professionals and the community around him. From early in his career Carpus was involved in Section governance having served as a District Director, Director of both Section Affairs and Tournaments before ascending through the ranks of the Executive Committee culminating in his term as Philadelphia PGA President from 2004-2005. Carpus also gives back to his community in leaps and bounds. Since 1999, Carpus has been instrumental in raising more than $350,000 for the American Diabetes Association and the Folds of Honor Foundation through events held at his facilities. Additionally, Carpus volunteered as a mentor for the Variety Club Buddy Program which paired a PGA Professional with a Variety Club child.

“I want to thank the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame Committee and President John Rogers for this great honor”, said Carpus of his nomination. “When John called me, I thought of the many PGA professionals that influenced my career, some of which are members of the Hall of Fame. The Philadelphia Section is rich in history, and I feel very blessed to be a part of the best PGA Section in the country.”

The second inductee into the Philadelphia PGA’s Hall of Fame class of 2018 is Peter Micklewright. Elected to PGA membership in September of 1982, Micklewright has shown commitment to both his fellow PGA Professional and the members he served as the Head Professional of Blue Ridge Country Club in Harrisburg from 1983-2017. In addition to his duties at Blue Ridge, Micklewright also served on various Central Counties Chapter and Section committees including Chapter President and District Director. Micklewright also achieved Master Professional status in 1995, which at the time made him the 145th PGA Professional to accomplish the feat. Micklewright has also been previously recognized for his accomplishments as a PGA Professional. He was twice named the Philadelphia PGA Junior Golf Leader (1989, 1992) as well as the Central Counties Chapter Golf Professional of the Year (1988) and the Philadelphia PGA Golf Professional of the Year (2005).

Even when his schedule was jammed pack with club events Micklewright found time to give back to his community and to his family. In 1985, Micklewright was the co-founder of the Harrisburg Golf for Kids Day. While that program does not exist in name, the structure set up by Micklewright can be found in the current day Boys and Girls Club event. Micklewright also coached youth sports including baseball, basketball and when he was told that the golf program in the Susquehanna Township School District was going to be shut down because of lack of funding, Micklewright volunteered his time to keep the program going. Perhaps the biggest impact Micklewright had on an individual was with his son Peter Micklewright, a PGA Professional in the Tri-State Section. Micklewright’s son began working with him at Blue Ridge Country Club and continues to implement many of the professional and life lessons his father taught him at his facility, Edgewood Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pa.

“It’s is an amazing honor and a culmination of my entire career”, said Micklewright on being inducted in the Hall of Fame. “To be included on a list as prestigious as this is a great feeling. To be recognized by your peers for the work that you have done for more than 30 years is truly humbling.”

The final inductee into the Hall of Fame class of 2018 is Herbert “Herb” Jewson. Born in Ireland in 1890, Jewson moved to the United States in 1913 to serve as an apprentice to Ben Nicholls at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club. Jewson ultimately was elected as a member of the PGA of America in 1916. After Whitemarsh Valley, Jewson had brief stints at Woodbury Country Club (1916-1917) and Huntingdon Valley Country Club (1919) before settling in at Roxborough Country Club, site of present day The ACE Club. During his 40 years at Roxborough, Jewson served as Head Professional, General Manager and Superintendent.

Jewson service to the Philadelphia PGA goes beyond his work at any one facility. Jewson was a founding member of the Section when it was established on December 2, 1921. Jewson also served on the Section’s Executive Committee as its Secretary, Treasurer and twice as Section President, the only Section member to have that distinction. Jewson was also a PGA of America Vice-President, now titled District Director, from 1924-1925 and 1927-1928.

Billy Stewart Uses Late Surge to Capture His First Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship

Concordville. PA – September 21, 2018 – Billy Stewart (The ACE Club), is the winner of the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, at Concord Country Club. Stewart will lead 12 Philadelphia PGA Professionals to compete in the 52nd PGA Professional Championship, next April 28 – May 1, 2019 at Belfair in Bluffton, South Carolina.

Stewart came into the third and final round of the Championship with a four shot lead but as he made his way around the Flynn designed course he got off to a slow start. Through sixteen holes Stewart had posted 15 pars and 1 bogey and was sitting at 5-under for the Championship. However, Stewart saved his best for the final two holes. On the seventeenth hole, Stewart made a lengthy downhill putt for birdie. While on the eighteenth Stewart reached the closing par-5 in two and after two putts he carded his second consecutive birdie bringing him to 7-under (207) for the Championship.

While a number of players gave it their best shot throughout the day, only one managed to temporarily grab the lead. Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range) found himself at the top of the leaderboard after the twelfth hole, thanks in large part to the four birdies he had made up to that point. However, a bogey on the sixteenth hole coupled with birdies by Stewart on holes 17 & 18 ultimately dropped Ingraham from the top spot and a chance at his third Philadelphia PGA Championship although it was good enough for a solo second place finish.

The biggest move of the day came from Brian Hollins (Links Golf Club). As play began on day three, Hollins found himself at 2-over and in 22nd place. However, when play ended Hollins had moved up nineteen spots after he posted a championship best 5-under (66) moving him from 22nd place into solo third place.

When all was said and done Stewart was able to walk away as the Champion of the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, the first of his career. Along with Ingraham and Hollins, Stewart will be joined by Mark Sheftic (Merion Golf Club), Mike Ladden (Whitford Country Club), Rusty Harbold (Philadelphia Cricket Club), George Forster (Radnor Valley Country Club), Terry Hertzog (Country Club of York), Rich Steinmetz (Spring Ford Country Club), Alex Knoll (Bethlehem Golf Club), Mark Anderson (Philadelphia Cricket Club) and Ashley Grier (Overbrook Golf Club), the only female professional playing in the Championship, who birdied the first sudden-death playoff hole to win a spot in the National event next year.  She has already earned a spot in the KPMG  Women’s PGA Championship also in 2019.

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Billy Stewart Grabs 36-Hole Lead at 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship

Concordville, Pa. – In somewhat of an anomaly the September rains were not in the forecast for a second consecutive day as players got set for the second round of the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship. For round two, players switched courses, meaning those players who played Concord Country Club on day one moved to Whitford Country Club on day two and vice versa.

After opening with a 1-under (70) at Concord Country Club, Billy Stewart (The ACE Club) knew he left a couple shots out there. However, as Stewart made his way around Whitford Country Club, he capitalized on every opportunity he found. Stewart posted two birdies on his outward nine and added five additional birdies coming back to the clubhouse, but a bogey on the par-4 18th hole dropped him back to 5-under (67) for the day and 6-under (137) for the Championship.

“For me I tried to limit any mistakes and just play my game,” said Stewart of his second round. “I was able to make a lot of putts which always helps. I got it going on the back nine and even though I made a bogey on the last hole I still feel really good about my round today.”

The player sitting just behind Stewart   is no stranger to Philadelphia PGA Championships. Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range), is a two time winner of the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship and, after carding a second round 3-under (68), he has positioned himself to make a run at a third Championship crown. Ingraham made his way around Concord Country Club carding five birdies and only two bogeys to get to 3-under (140) for the Championship.

There are a pair of players who find themselves just four shots back as they head into the third and final round. The first to reach 2-under for the Championship was Dave Quinn (Philmont Country Club). Quinn started day two at 2-under after posting an opening round (70) at Whitford Country Club. Quinn got off to a fast start in round two with four birdies through eleven holes but a tough stretch on holes 12-14 ultimately dropped him back to even par for the day keeping him at 2-under for the Championship.

The second player to reach 2-under for the Championship was Jeff Fick (Chapel Hill Golf Club). Fick headed into round two at even par after posting a 71 at Concord CC in the opening round. Fick had better luck in round two as he found himself 3-under for the day and the Championship as he played the par-3 17th hole. Unfortunately for Fick he carded his lone bogey of the day dropping him back into a third place tie at 2-under (141).

Overnight leader Rusty Harbold (Philadelphia Cricket Club) was unable to capture the magic that propelled him into the lead after 18-holes. Harbold carded a 5-over (76) at Concord Country Club dropping him back to 1-over (144) for the Championship. Despite losing the lead, Harbold is still in prime position to grab one of the twelve spots that are up for grabs in the 52nd PGA Professional Championship.

With nine players currently tied for the twelfth and final qualifying spot and another twelve within two shots of the last spot, tomorrow’s final round is shaping up to have a lot of fireworks.

The final round of the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship will get underway at 8:00 AM at Concord Country Club with players going off of both tees and the leaders teeing off at 9:40 from the first tee.

For continued coverage of the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship coverage you can visit philadelphia.pga.com or on social media @PhiladelphiaPGA / #PPGAChamp

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Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Rusty Harbold Sets Pace at 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship

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Concordville, Pa. – After heavy rains delayed the start of the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship more than 24 hours, the opening round got underway on Wednesday, September 19 at both Concord Country Club and Whitford Country Club. The field for the first round was split between the two facilities.

The Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is a must play event for all Sectional Professionals. At stake this week is the Section’s top prize the William B. Packer trophy, awarded to the Championship’s top finisher. Additionally, Professionals are competing for one of 12 spots into next year’s 52nd PGA Professional Championship at Belfair in South Carolina.

Playing early in the day at the Championship’s secondary course, Whitford Country Club, Rusty Harbold (Philadelphia Cricket Club) carded, what was ultimately, the best score of the opening round. Harbold had an up and down opening nine holes reflected in only a single par on his outward nine. On the other eight holes, Harbold traded four birdies and four bogeys and ultimately made the turn at even par. As he played his way back to the clubhouse, Harbold managed to get things dialed in as he posted five birdies against only one bogey to finish with a 4-under (68).

“It was just one of those days”, said Harbold of his round. “If you look at the score card my round was a little up and down on the front nine but I was able to make some putts so I never really got down on myself. On the back nine, I hit some really good wedges and gave myself a lot of chances which I was able to capitalize.”

As play continued at Whitford Country Club the closest anyone got to Harbold’s score was a trio of 1-under (71s). The first to get to that number was Brendon Post (Univ. of Delaware) who reached the number after carding six birdies and five bogeys. Next to join the group at 1-under was Rob Shuey (Colonial Golf Club). Unfortunately for Shuey it was a late bogey that dropped him back to 1-under. The final player to shoot 1-under at Whitford was Mark Sheftic (Merion Golf Club). Sheftic, like Shuey, was thwarted by a late bogey.

Leading the way at Concord Country Club was Bob Hennefer (Indian Springs Golf Course). As he made his way around the outward nine, Hennefer traded one birdie and one bogey and found himself at even par through his first nine holes. However as he started his inward nine, Hennefer carded two quick birdies on holes 10 & 11. After Hennefer dropped a shot on the par-3 15th hole he came to the 18th hole at 1-under. After two great shots, Hennefer had a chance to post the second eagle of the day at eighteen. When his putt found the bottom of the cup Hennefer finished with a 3-under (68) and jumped into second place after round one.

Finishing one shot behind Hennefer and two shots behind first round leader Harbold were a pair of players who carded scores of 2-under (69). Reaching the 2-under number first was Hugo Mazzalupi (Patriots Glen National Golf Club) who birdied his first hole and his final two holes to reach the number. The next player to finish at 2-under was Brett Melton (Radley Run Country Club). Melton posted two birdies and one bogey on each of his nines to end the day at 2-under.

“I am not going to put a number on tomorrow’s round”, said Harbold. “I will keep with my routine and just see what happens.”

Players will now switch courses for the Championship’s second round. At the end of round two, the field will be cut to the low 60 players and ties who will return to Concord Country Club on Friday for the third and final round.

For complete coverage of the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship be sure to follow the action on philadelphia.pga.com or via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@PhiladelphiaPGA) or the #PPGAChamp.

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Philadelphia Section’s Biggest Event, the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, Set to Return to Concord Country Club

Concordville, Pa. – A familiar site will play host to the Section’s biggest event as Concord Country Club gets set to welcome more than 140 Philadelphia PGA Professionals for the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship. This will be the seventh time, the first since 2015, that Concord Country Club has hosted the Championship. Previous Championships held at the Chester County golf course include the 1927 Championship won by Joe Coble, the 1932 Championship won by George Smith, the last of his three titles, the 86th PPGA Championship won by Rich Steinmetz (2007), who also won the 89th PPGA Championship at Concord (2010), the 88th PPGA Championship won by John Pillar (2009) and finally the 94th PPGA Championship won by Dave McNabb (2015).

Competitors in this year’s field will not only be looking to have their name etched on the historic William B. Packer trophy joining legends like George Smith, Art Wall, Jr., and Dick Smith, Sr., but they will also be looking to qualify for one of twelve spots in the 52nd PGA Professional Championship to be held at Belfair in Bluffton, South Carolina April 28 – May 1, 2019.

Championship week will get underway with the annual Mariniello Tournament of Champions Pro-Am on Monday, September 17. The Pro-Am, named in honor of Vince Mariniello, past Variety – The Children’s Charity of Delaware Valley President and longtime friend of the Philadelphia PGA, will bring together more than twenty teams helping to generate significant donations to the charity.

The opening rounds of the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship will be played on Tuesday, September 18 and Wednesday, September 19 at both Concord Country Club as well as the Championship’s second host facility, Whitford Country Club in Exton, Pa. The Championship field will be split between the two facilities with competitors playing one round at each course. At the end of play on day two, the field will be cut to the low 60 players plus ties with all players returning to Concord Country Club for the third and final round.

The final round will get underway in the morning with players just inside the cut line leading the way allowing the tournament leaders to play together in the final parings in the early afternoon. At the conclusion of play, ties for the overall championship as well as any qualifying spots will be settled via a sudden death tiebreaker.

In the field at this year’s tournament field will be ten past champions including, Rich Steinmetz, John Pillar, and Dave McNabb who all captured a Section crown at Concord Country Club. Additionally, defending champion, Terry Hertzog will look to become only the sixth person and the first since Steinmetz in 2010-2011, to successfully defend his title.

For complete coverage of the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship be sure to follow us on our Social Media Channels Facebook / Twitter / Instagram by using the #PPGAChamp

First & Second Round Tee Times:

Concord Rd 1 Tee Times
Concord Rd 2 Tee Times

Whitford Rd 1 Tee Times
Whitford Rd 2 Tee Times

Steve Swartz Defends Delaware Valley Open Title With Win at Deerwood

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Westhampton, N.J. – Nearly four months after it’s originally scheduled date, the Delaware Valley Open (DVO) was finally contested at Deerwood Country Club on Tuesday, September 11. With a field consisting of nearly 80 players from across the Philadelphia PGA everyone playing in today’s event was happy to have a long enough break from the rainy weather to play golf.

Playing in the tournament’s first group, Mike Little (Lookaway Golf Club) got things started quickly after posting a score of 5-under (65). Little’s round got off to a slow start with a bogey in his opening hole but recovered quickly to post three birdies, making the turn at 2-under. As he played his way back to the clubhouse Little added four additional birdies against only one bogey to reach the 5-under number.

However, Little’s lead did not last long. Playing only four groups behind Little, Andrew Turner (Sunnybrook Golf Club) also carded a 5-under (65). Like Little, Turner got off to a slow start with bogeys on his first two holes. Fortunately for Turner that is where his troubles ended. Over his last sixteen holes, Turner posted seven birdies bringing his score to 5-under and joining Little at the top of the leaderboard.

Unfortunately for Little and Turner defending champion Steve Swartz (Out Door Country Club) has his sights set on another DVO title. After pars on his first three holes Swartz notched a birdie on the par-3 4th hole. Swartz added two more birdies on the outward nine to make the turn at 3-under. Swartz also added three birdies on the back nine for a total of six, and was also one of only two players (Mike Wheeler) to play bogey-free, giving him an 18-hole score of 6-under (64). Not only did Swartz grab a one shot lead he also managed to tie the competitive course record at Deerwood Country Club at the same time.

Playing just behind Swartz, Eric Kennedy (Overbrook Golf Club) made a charge at the top spot but a late bogey proved too much to overcome. Kennedy was 5-under on the day as played Deerwood’s par-5 17th hole. Kennedy had no blemishes on his card up to that point but an untimely bogey dropped him back to 4-under and despite a birdie on the closing hole he was still one shot short of Swartz’ 6-under score.

After Kennedy, no player in the field managed to get closer than two shots to Swartz and in the end he walked away with his second consecutive Delaware Valley Open crown. The first player to accomplish that feat since Dave Quinn did so in 2011-2012.

“I have been practicing my irons the last couple of weeks in preparation for next week’s Championship”, said Swartz on his round. “It is always nice to get a win considering the caliber of players we have in our Section. This will definitely give me some confidence heading into Concord CC and the Championship. I want to thank all of the sponsors for their support of today’s event.”

A pair of players shared the top spot in the tournament’s senior division. Dave McNabb (Applebrook Golf Club) and Greg Farrow (Deerwood Country Club) both carded scores of 4-under (66). Both players paired five birdies against one bogey en route to a shared senior title. The pair finished two shots ahead of Don Allen (Burlington Country Club) and Brian Kelly (Bucknell Golf Club) who finished with scores of 2-under (68).

Host Professional Greg Farrow also finished in the top spot in the tournament’s super senior division. Farrow’s 4-under number was one shot better than the 3-under (67) put up by Don DeAngelis (Center Square Golf Club).

The Section would like to thank our tournament sponsors Jack Jolly & Son, Golf Pride Grips, Morell Studios as well as the membership and staff of Deerwood Country Club. The Philadelphia PGA returns to action on Monday, September 17 with the Mariniello Tournament of Champions Pro-Am followed by the 97th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship September 18-20.

For complete coverage of the Philadelphia PGA be sure to follow us on our Social Media Channels Facebook / Twitter / Instagram.

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Message from President John Rogers

As everyone has experienced, this season had an exuberant amount of rain which delayed, postponed, or cancelled many club events throughout the Section. One report indicated that during a stretch of 100 days, there were 51 days with some sort of measurable precipitation. As we all know, those days are lost forever and not recoverable moving into the Fall.As the summer of 2018 comes to an end shortly, I wanted to share some thoughts from, “A Message from the President”.

The Section would like to extend a special thanks to all of the Professionals who conducted a Pro-Am or event making our tournament schedule a success. Additionally, a congratulation to all winners and participants for those events. A special congrats is given to Dave McNabb for capturing the Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship as well as Zachary Kempa for his Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship win. McNabb and Kempa will lead a strong contingent of Philadelphia PGA qualifiers to their respective National Championships later this year.s. Full President’s Message


Message from Past President – Harry Hammond

I am going to highlight some names of former Philadelphia Section professionals who I greatly respected as I began my career in golf. Let’s see how many you recognize?

William Palumbo, Terl Johnson, John Long, Joe Aneda, Chet Munson, Al Nelson, are some of many who had a huge influence on me as a young man breaking into the golf business. The names mentioned here where either my employer/mentor (William Palumbo) or area professionals who I credited with something important in adding to my growth in our golf industry.

Almost all of these gentlemen have passed, but they where respected PGA Golf professionals at clubs such as Kennett Square, DuPont, DuPont/LLoviers, Newark, Radley Run and Whitford. Full Hammond Message / College Coaching for PGA


Message from Past President – George McNamara

Many thanks to President Rogers for the opportunity to share some of my observations and experiences. Next year will mark my 50th year as a PGA Member, it’s amazing how quickly time goes by and how much more there is to learn.   I have watched the Section as well as the National PGA grow. They are both financially secure providing many programs to its Members.

Golf is an extraordinary game and always will be. Our Industry has NOT shown growth for many years. Few new courses are being built and many all over the world are closing. Our jobs, with few exceptions, appear to me to be financially the same as they were 20 years ago. Full McNamara Message

Teams from Woodstone and Philadelphia Cricket Club Win at Lincoln Summer Pro-Lady Team Championship

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. – The annual Lincoln Summer Pro-Lady Team Championship was held on an extremely hot and humid summer day at Sunnybrook Golf Club. Despite the challenging weather, 43 teams from across the Philadelphia PGA, featuring one PGA Professional and three female amateurs gathered at the beautiful Montgomery County golf course. The Lincoln Pro-Lady Team Championship featured both a Gross and Net competition.

Leading the way in the Net division was the team from Woodstone Country Club led by PGA Professional Ryan Shaughnessy and his partners Jane Moyer, Donna D’Amore, and Joy Wallace. Each member of the group contributed multiple birdies en route to a team net score of 16-under (56) good enough for a two shot victory over a pair of teams from the Philadelphia Cricket Club. The first Philadelphia Cricket Club team to reach 14-under was the first group out in the morning wave featuring PGA Professional Jim Smith, Jr and his partners Jean Fitzpatrick, Julie Kelly, and Kristen Fireman. However, they were joined late in the day by a second team from the Philadelphia Cricket with PGA Professional Michael Ferguson and partners Marji Goldman, Joanne Bidwell, and Becky Sanderson.

All was not lost for Ferguson and his partners as they did take the top spot in the tournament’s Gross Division. Although the team from Woodstone finished at 8-under (64) net, while Ferguson and partners finished at 7-under, tournament rules prevent them from winning in both divisions meaning Ferguson and partners claimed the top spot. Finishing one shot behind the team from the Philadelphia Cricket Club was a pair of teams who finished at 6-under (66). Eric Kennedy, PGA of Overbrook Golf Club and partners Kathy Wiley, Karen McFadden, and Joann Fisher reached the number in the morning wave while the team with PGA Professional Mark Parson (Harbor Pines Golf Club) and partners Kelly Parson, Linda Parson, and Stephanie Harris did so in the afternoon.

The Section thanks our tournament partners Lincoln Motor Company, SynLawn and Hole-in-One USA as well as the membership and staff of Sunnybrook Golf Club for their support of the Philadelphia PGA and the Pro-Lady Team Championship.

The Section now heads into a one week hiatus before returning to action for the Delaware Valley Open at Deerwood Concord Country Club on Tuesday, September 11.

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