Year: 2021

Team Laurel Creek Wins 2021 Club Car / Golf Cars Incorporated Pro-Official Championship

Egg Harbor Township, N.J. (October 12, 2021) — PGA Member Bob Hennefer and amateur Dan Bianco of Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel, N.J., teamed to win the 2021 Club Car / Golf Cars Incorproated Pro-Official Championship at Hidden Creek Golf Club via scorecard matching after tying teams from Glen Brook G.C., Stonewall, and Blue Bell C.C.

Hennefer and Bianco posted a 6-under-par score of 65, a round that featured seven birdies on the Coore-Crenshaw designed golf course. Stonewall’s team, featuring PGA Member Ryan Lagergren and Dick Flannery; Glen Brook’s team of Dustin McCormick, PGA, and Steve Houloose; and Blue Bell’s Joey Pohle, PGA, and Jihad Nicolas; also posted 65s, but came up short in the USGA scorecard matching method employed to determine the winner.

The team from Bidermann G.C., PGA Professional Dean Halterman and Colin Smith finished in fifth place at 5-under-par, while Jacob Hoffer, PGA, and Kirk Meloney of Union League National G.C. finished sixth at 4-under-par.

To view the full 2021 Club Car / Golf Cars Incorporated Pro-Official Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2021 Club Car / Golf Cars Incorporated Pro-Official Championship is supported by Club Car and Golf Cars Incorporated. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Hidden Creek G.C., its membership, management, and host PGA Professionals, and staff, as the event would not be possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Teams Capture Inaugural Philadelphia PGA Doubles Golf Championships

Avondale, Pa. (October 11, 2021) — Five teams captured their respective divisions in the inaugural Philadelphia PGA Doubles Golf Am Championships at Hartefeld National Golf Club to earn berths in the 2021 United States Doubles Golf Am Championships at the Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Fla., on October 31 – November 2. Doubles Golf is a rebranding of golf’s two-player scramble, designed to make golf more relaxed and inclusive.

Amateurs Ryan Winslow, Manufacturers’ G. & C.C., and Joe Rueter, Sandy Run C.C., combined to win the men’s championship by four stokes with a team score of 7-under-par 65. Tina Thatcher, Saucon Valley C.C., and  Mary Barkley, Stonewall, took the women’s championship with a 4-over-par 76, while Pickering Valley G.C.’s Brian Bomalaski and Megan Bomalaski took honors in the mixed championship at 2-over-par.

In the senior championship, Hartefeld National’s own Jim Kearns and John Colven finished with a one-stroke victory at 1-over par. Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort’s James Mack and Jason Mack won the parent-junior championship by one stroke with a 5-under-par 67.

The five winning teams now have the opportunity to play in the 2021 U.S. Doubles Golf Am Championships, beginning on Halloween in South Florida. The Philadelphia PGA Section, in coordination with its 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, PGA REACH Philadelphia, plan to continue its Doubles Golf program in 2022. For more information, speak to your local PGA Professional or contact Devin McKinley via telephone at (770) 558-8437 or email at d.mckinley@leaguegolf.com.

To view the full 2021 Philadelphia PGA Doubles Golf Am Championships leaderboard, click here.

About Doubles Golf
Doubles Golf is a rebranding of golf’s two-player scramble, designed to make golf more relaxed and inclusive. Co-founded by Jack Nicklaus and the originators of Junior League Golf, Doubles Golf is the first format of its kind in the history of golf created in the United States. The format enhances 9-hole rounds which creates speedy play and the opportunity for evening events (tournaments and leagues) at PGA and LPGA member facilities. To learn more, visit doublesgolf.com.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contacts: 

Courtney Curcio, PGA REACH Philadelphia Director, ccurcio@pgahq.com
Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Class of 2021 Playing Legends 

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 11, 2021) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is proud to announce its Class of 2021 Playing Legends, which includes PGA Members John Pillar of the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., Mark Sheftic of Lookaway Golf Club in Buckingham, Pa., and Matthew Kowal, who will be inducted posthumously. The class will be honored at the Section’s Fall Membership Meeting at Green Valley Country Club on October 25.

Established in 1991, the Section’s Playing Legends honorary program recognizes individuals based on criteria set forth by the Philadelphia PGA’s Hall of Fame Committee. One of the main criteria is that individuals must have had success in major events locally or nationally, something that each 2021 inductee has accomplished consistently throughout their careers.

Playing Legends – Class of 2021

John Pillar is the PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., and has consistently been one of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s best players for years. Pillar won the 2009 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at Concord Country Club, the 2014 Pennsylvania State Open at the Country Club of York, the Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship in 2019 and 2020 at Applebrook Golf Club and Concord Country Club, respectively, and the inaugural Pennsylvania Senior Open at Lehigh Country Club in 2021, in addition to over 20 other Section tournament wins. Pillar also qualified and competed in the 1997 U.S. Open, 2017 U.S. Senior Open, 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, 12 PGA Professional Championships and four Senior PGA Professional Championships. In 2004, he was named the Section’s Most Improved Player of the Year, and has also received several professional honors including being named the 2007 Philadelphia PGA Golf Professional of the Year award, 2020 Philadelphia PGA Patriot Award, four Philadelphia PGA Merchandiser of the Year awards in the Resort Category, and the 2019 Philadelphia PGA Patriot Award. Pillar served as Section President in 2013-2014, and current serves on the PGA of America’s Board of Directors representing District 2.

Mark Sheftic, the PGA Director of Instruction at Lookaway Golf Club in Buckingham, Pa., has also seen sustained success on the golf course throughout his career. In addition to his victory in the 2011 Pennsylvania Open at Moselem Springs Golf Club, Sheftic played on three U.S. PGA Cup teams, in 2009 at The Carrick on Loch Lomond in Scotland, where the U.S. won by nine points; in 2011 at CordeValle Golf Club, again winning by nine; and in 2013 at Slaley Hall in England, where the two teams tied. Furthermore, he has played in three PGA Championships, including in 2009 at Hazeltine National Golf Club, 2020 at Whistling Straits, and 2013 at Oak Hill Country Club. Sheftic also won the 2019 Philadelphia PGA F. Edward Debaufre Trophy, which awards the PGA Professional with the lowest season scoring average for their consistently stellar play. Sheftic was also honored in 2011 and 2013, being named the Philadelphia PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year.

Matthew Kowal, named a Philadelphia PGA Playing Legend posthumously, was elected to PGA Membership in 1937 and had a successful playing career in the eary portion of the Section’s history. Working as a PGA Professional at Philmont Country Club in Huntingdon Valley, Pa., Kowal won the 1940 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at Llanerch Country Club and the 1946 Philadelphia Open at his home club. He also finished in second place in the 1947 Philadelphia Inquirer Open at Cedarbrook Country Club, a former PGA Tour event. Kowal servedi in World War II with the Fourth Armored Division, but did compete and win Hawaii Service Championship and the third Army Championship. Following the war, Army Special Services sent Kowal, Lloyd Mangrum, Rod Munday and Horton Smith on a tour playing exhibitions for servicemen. In 1940, he was invited to compete in the Masters Tournament, but did not enter. In 1946, Kowal qualified for the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship, but again chose not to compete.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com

Zac Oakley Wins 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship

Hellertown, Pa. (October 7, 2021) — As the last PGA Professional standing from a field of 47, Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del., won the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship at the Steel Club, his third Section victory of the year and second Match Play title (2019). He also played in the championship match in 2020.

Oakley, a No. 2 seed, defeated No. 13 seed Andrew Turner of Berkshire Country Club in Reading, Pa., definitively, 4 and 2, in the championship match, following his 6 and 5 victory over No. 6 seed Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., in the semifinals.

“I played well today,” Oakley said nonchalantly of his round. “I needed to play well against Andrew; it was a great match.”

Oakley was seemingly in control of his game all week, with two 3 and 2, and two 6 and 5 victories over well-regarded opponents: (31) Dustin McCormick, Glen Brook G.C.; (18) Eddie Perrino, Eagle Rock Resort; (7) Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; McNabb, and Turner. However, it was no more apparent than in the championship match, where he carded eight birdies to Turner’s four.

Oakley’s Match Play Championship win follows victories this season in the weather-shortened Conestoga Classic and Doylestown Open, and all but assures him the title of Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year. Oakley officially captured the captured the 2021 Philadelphia PGA F. Edward Debaufre Trophy on September 27 following the Jack Jolly & Son Championship. The trophy awards the PGA Professional with the lowest season scoring average for their consistently stellar play. Oakley’s 2021 scoring average of 68.93 over 14 rounds is the lowest scoring average since the trophy was commissioned in 1964. Additionally, Oakley’s father, Pete, previously won the award four times (1980, 1984, 1985, and 1999), making them the first father-son duo to win the DeBaufre title.

Turner advanced to the championship match by defeating No. 16 seed Eric Kennedy of Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, Pa., 2 and 1 in the semifinals.

To view the full 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship bracket, click here.

The 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex, Scott & Karen Hutchinson and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, the Steel Club, its membership, management, and host PGA Professionals, and staff, as the event would not be possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Recap: Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship Day Two

Hellertown, Pa. (October 6, 2021) — The semifinal matches have been set in the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship at the Steel Club. Bettering a field of 47 players, the final four PGA Professionals have earned their way to Thursday, and include: No. 16 seed Eric Kennedy of Overbrook G.C. in Villanova, Pa.; No. 13 seed Andrew Turner of Berkshire C.C. in Reading, Pa.; No. 2 seed Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del.; and No. 6 seed Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pa.

Semifinal Matches
(16) Eric Kennedy v. (13) Andrew Turner

(2) Zac Oakley v. (6) Dave McNabb

Overbrook’s PGA Head Professional Eric Kennedy won the Dick Smith Sr. bracket with an upset; he started his day on Wednesday by bettering his own PGA Assistant Professional, defending champion, and No. 1 seed Trevor Bensel 1 up. Kennedy rode that momentum into his quarterfinal match against No. 8 seed Brian Kelly of Bucknell Golf Club in Lewisburg, Pa., winning 3 and 1. Kelly had previously won his morning match against No. 9 seed Dave Quinn of Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel, N.J., 5 and 4.

Andrew Turner punched his ticket to the semifinals by topping 5 seed Ashley Grier 2 and 1, which also made him the Art Wall Jr. bracket champion. Turner also upset a four seed in Sunnybrook Golf Club’s Brett Walker, winning their morning match 3 and 2. Grier advanced to the quarterfinals Wednesday morning via her 2 and 1 victory against 44 seed Rocco Sgrillo of Blue Bell (Pa.) Country Club.

In the Ed Dougherty bracket, 2019 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Champion Zac Oakley finished his morning match early, defeating 18 seed Eddie Perino of Eagle Rock Resort in Hazle Township, Pa., 6 and 5. He continued his solid play in the quarterfinals against seven seed Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in Shawnee on Delaware, Pa., winning 3 and 2. Bergstol reached the quarterfinals by beating 10 seed Rich Steinmetz of Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa., 3 and 2.

Applebrook’s PGA Head Professional Dave McNabb came through with another upset, bettering Bidermann Golf Club’s Braden Shattuck, a three seed, 1 up, following his 5 and 3 victory over Andrew Cornish of Cedarbrook Country Club in Blue Bell, Pa., in the Henry Williams bracket. Shattuck defeated 19 Mike Moses of Concord Country Club in West Chester, Pa., 2 up.

To view the full 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship bracket, click here.

The 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex, Scott & Karen Hutchinson and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, the Steel Club, its membership, management, and host PGA Professionals, and staff, as the event would not be possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Recap: Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship Opening Rounds

Hellertown, Pa. (October 5, 2021) — Forty-seven PGA Professionals competed in the opening two rounds of the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship today at the Steel Club. The 16 remaining PGA Professionals will continue their play tomorrow, Wed., Oct. 6, with the semi-finals and final match taking place on Thurs., Oct. 7.

To view the full 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship bracket, click here.

Dick Smith Sr. Bracket

In the Dick Smith Sr. bracket, defending champion and No. 1 seed Trevor Bensel, Overbrook G.C., won his match against No. 32 Danie Steyn, Julian Krinsky School of Golf, in 19 holes after his opening round bye. Steyn defeated No. 33 Kevin Edwards, Olde Homestead G.C., in 22 holes in the opening round. Bensel will play No. 16 Eric Kennedy in the third round, following Kennedy’s 2 and 1 victory over No. 17 George Forster. Kennedy and Forster both received byes in the first round.

No. 8 Brian Kelly, Bucknell G.C., will play No. 9 Dave Quinn in the third round following their 3 and 2 wins against No. 25 Nick Iacono, Chester Valley G.C., and No. 24 Kyle Early, Waynesborough C.C., respectively. Iacono defeated Tony Shields, Union League Liberty Hill, 4 and 3 in the opening round, while Early beat No. 41 Michael Ladden, Whitford C.C., 1 up.

Art Wall Jr. Bracket

No. 1 seed Brett Walker, Sunnybrook G.C., will face off against No. 13 Andrew Turner, Berkshire C.C., in the third round following their victories against No. 29 Dave Fields, Brookside C.C., 3 and 2; and No. 20 Ross Brown, Fox Hill C.C., 1 up. Fields overtook No. 36 Rick Flesher, Lehigh C.C., 2 and 1 in the first round; Walker had a bye. Brown beat Bryan Saxon, Lehigh C.C., 2 and 1 in the opening round, while Turner had a bye.

After her opening round bye, No. 5 Ashley Grier, Overbrook G.C., defeated No. 28 Casey O’Reilly, Sandy Run C.C., 5 and 3, and will face No. 44 Rocco Sgrillo, Blue Bell C.C., in the third round. O’Reilly beat No. 37 Greg Gipp, Phoenixville C.C., 1 up in his opening match, while Sgrillo beat No. 12 Terry Hertzog, Merion G.C., over 19 holes in the second round following his opening bye.

Ed Dougherty Bracket

No. 2 seed Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C., will play No. 18 Eddie Perino, Eagle Rock Resort, tomorrow morning. Oakley received a bye in the first round and topped No. 31 Dustin McCormick, Glen Brook G.C., 3 and 2 in round two. McCormick beat no. 34 Travis Deibert, Doylestown C.C., in round one, 2 up. Perrino, who benefited from a first round bye, took out Dustin Wallis, Honey Run G.C., 8 and 7.

Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort’s Brian Bergstol, a No. 7 seed, will face No. 10 Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., tomorrow after his match was conceded on the 11th hole by No. 26 Steve Sieracki, Woodcrest C.C. Sieracki first defeated No. 39 Kevin Rossi, Lookaway G.C., 2 up; Steinmetz had a first round bye, but beat No. 23 Andy Watters, Talamore C.C., 5 and 4. Watters topped No. 42 George Frake, Moorestown Field Club, 5 and 4 in the opening round.

Henry Williams Bracket

In the Henry Williams bracket, No. 3 Braden Shattuck, Bidermann G.C., and No. 19 Mike Moses, Concord C.C., will play against each other in the morning following their victories over No. 35 Matt Finger, 4 and 2, and No. 14 Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C., 3 and 1, respectively. Finger beat No. 30 Bob Hennefer, Laurel Creek C.C., 4 and 2. Pagett received a bye in the first round, while Moses took out No. 46 Joe Ambrose, Saucon Valley C.C., 7 and 6.

No, 6 Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., will meet No, 43 Andrew Cornish in the morning after he beat No. 38 Andrew Geesey, Regents’ Glen C.C., 2 and 1 in the second round. Geesey No. 27 Bill Smith, Berkleigh G.C., 2 and 1 in round one. Cornish finished 1 up over both No. 11 Mike Furey, Saucon Valley C.C., in the second round, and No. 22 John Spina, Philadelphia Cricket Club, in the opening round.

The 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex and Scott & Karen Hutchinson. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, the Steel Club, its membership, management, and host PGA Professionals, and staff, as the event would not be possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Ship Sticks Named Presenting Sponsor of Philadelphia PGA Travel Pro-Ams

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 5, 2021) — The Philadelphia PGA Section today announced a partnership with Ship Sticks, a company whose mission is to make golf travel simpler, easier, and more affordable.

As part of the agreement, Ship Sticks becomes a Presenting Sponsor of Philadelphia PGA Travel Pro-Ams and will support the Section’s Spring Membership Meeting, and their corresponding pro-pro golf event.

“The Philadelphia PGA thrilled to be working with Ship Sticks,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “The company provides a great service for our PGA Professionals and their customers, allowing them to travel with ease.”

For more information about Ship Sticks, visit shipsticks.com. PGA Professionals looking to learn more about the Section’s partnership with Ship Sticks, please contact Section Communications Director Matt Frey, PGA, at mfrey@pgahq.com.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com

Philadelphia PGA Announces Team for 29th Philadelphia Challenge Matches

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (September 29, 2021) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is proud to announce that its 12-member team for the 29th Philadelphia Challenge Matches has been finalized. The competition, played annually between top Philadelphia PGA Professionals and Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) amateurs, is slated to take place on October 14 on Saucon Valley Country Club’s Grace Course in Bethlehem, Pa. Twenty-twenty Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year Michael Little will lead the Section’s team as captain.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches would not be possible without the support and energy of Robin McCool. McCool was instrumental in getting the matches started nearly 30 years ago and revitalizing them by bringing in support from Jim Wilson of Ping, Jim Ravina of Donald Ross, and our host facility, Saucon Valley C.C. McCool serves as the Honorary Captain for the GAP team and serves as Honorary Chair of the event. Everyone owes Robin a debt of gratitude for all of his efforts.

The 12 PGA Professionals representing the Philadelphia PGA Section include:

  • Michael Little, PGA (C)
    Lookaway Golf Club
  • Trevor Bensel, PGA
    Overbrook Golf Club
  • Brian Bergstol, PGA
    Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort
  • George Forster, PGA
    Philadelphia PGA
  • Mike Furey, PGA
    Saucon Valley Country Club
  • Brian Kelly, PGA
    Bucknell Golf Club
  • Chris Krueger, PGA
    Kings Creek Country Club
  • Hugo Mazzalupi, PGA
    Patriots Glen Nat’l. Golf Club
  • Dave McNabb, PGA
    Applebrook Golf Club
  • Zac Oakley, PGA
    Bidermann Golf Club
  • Braden Shattuck, PGA
    Bidermann Golf Club
  • Dustin Wallis
    Honey Run Golf Club
Philadelphia PGA Challenge Matches Team
Michael Little, Lookaway G.C. – Little has won two Section events in 2021: the TPD Championship at Little Mill C.C. and the Spring Meeting Pro-Pro at Rolling Green G.C., and has finished in the top 10 seven times. He was also one of 13 Philadelphia PGA Members to compete in the 2021 PGA Professional Championship at PGA G.C. in Port St. Lucie, Fla., in April. As the 2020 Section Player of the Year, Little will serve as Philadelphia PGA Captain for the 29th Philadelphia Challenge Matches.

Trevor Bensel, Overbrook G.C. – Bensel has racked up three Section wins in 2021, including the Philadelphia Players Championship at Lookaway G.C., the Pro-Scratch Championship at Saucon Valley C.C., and the Spring Pro-Pro Championship at West Shore C.C., as well as one Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) victory. He is slated to compete in the 2022 PGA Professional Championship at OMNI Barton Creek in ​Austin, Texas, next April, thanks to his play in the 100th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at Aronimink G.C. and Applebrook G.C.

Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & G.R. – In 2021, Bergstol captured three Section titles, including the TaylorMade Classic at French Creek G.C., the Conestoga Classic at Conestoga C.C., and the Spring Pro-Pro Championship at West Shore C.C., and took the top spot in the U.S. Open qualifier at the Steel Club. He also qualified for the 45th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA G.C. this November through his play in the National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship. Bergstol has also won two PAO tournaments and currently leads the race for the PAO Player of the Year.

George Forster, Philadelphia PGA – Forster is one of three senior members of the Section’s team, has one Senior Division victory in 2021, the Doylestown Open at Doylestown C.C., and has qualified in the 2022 PGA Professional National Championship via his play in the 100th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship. He has four top 10s in 2021 and an additional eight top in Senior Division competitions.

Mike Furey, Saucon Valley C.C. – Furey will have a “home-field advantage” for the 29th Philadelphia Challenge Matches as a PGA Assistant Professional at Saucon Valley. His play in 2021 has been consistent, with seven top 10 finishes in Section tournaments, including at the 100th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, with his play leading to a first alternate position for the 2022 PGA Professional Championship.
Brian Kelly, Bucknell G.C. – Kelly is the second senior member of the Section’s team and has had a good year on the course. He won the 2021 Pro-Am for Wishes at Penn Oaks Golf Club and has finished in the top 10 in seven other events. On the Senior Division side, he has one victory, at the Philadelphia Players Championship. Kelly is currently in the second position in the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Robert “Skee” Riegel Senior Player of the Year race, and will compete in the 33rd Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA G.C. in October, thanks to his runner-up finish in the 2021 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship.

Chris Krueger, Kings Creek C.C. – Krueger has finished in the top 10 six times, four of which were in the top five. His best finish in a Section event this year was a tie for second place in the Delaware Valley Open at Concord C.C.

Hugo Mazzalupi, Patriots Glen National G.C. – Mazzalupi’s, 2021 season has been consistently good if nothing else. In addition to his appearance in the 2021 Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale G.C., Mazzalupi qualified for the 2022 PGA Professional Championship via his play in the 100th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, following his play in this year’s championship. He has 10 top 10 finishes in Section events, and another 13 in Senior Division events, including a division win at the 2021 TaylorMade Classic.

Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C. – McNabb currently leads the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Robert “Skee” Riegel Senior Player of the Year race, and already locked up the Section’s 2021 Senior Scoring Average title with an average of 70.93. He won the 2021 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship and will compete in this year’s Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA G.C. McNabb also took the top spot in the 2021 Skee Riegel Senior Open at Radnor Valley C.C., in addition to his Senior Division win in the William Hyndman III Memorial Classic at Huntingdon Valley C.C. He tied for fifth place in the 100th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship and will play in the 2022 PGA Professional Championship in Texas. McNabb also competed in the 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Southern Hills C.C.

Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C. – Oakley captured the 2021 Philadelphia PGA F. Edward Debaufre Trophy, which awards the PGA Professional with the lowest season scoring average for their consistently stellar play. Oakley’s 2021 scoring average of 68.93 over 14 rounds is the lowest scoring average since the trophy was commissioned in 1964. Additionally, Oakley’s father, Pete, previously won the award four times (1980, 1984, 1985, and 1999), making them the first father-son duo to win the DeBaufre title. He currently leads the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year race, thanks in part to his two Section wins this season: the Doylestown Open and Conestoga Classic. His second place finishes in the 100th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship and 2021 National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship earned him playing spots in the 2022 PGA Professional Championship and 2021 National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship. This year, Oakley finished in the top ten 13 times in 19 events, six of which were second place finishes.

Braden Shattuck, Bidermann G.C. – Shattuck has four wins in 2021, including the Delaware Open, Burlington Classic, GALV Lehigh Valley Open, and Conestoga Classic. He has 10 top 10 finishes, six of which were top fives. Shattuck finished fourth in the DeBaufre Scoring Average at 70.31, and is currently second in the Section’s 2021 Player of the Year race.

Dustin Wallis, Honey Run G.C. – Wallis has accumulated four top 10 finishes in 2021, including his best finish, a tie for fourth place in the William Hyndman III Memorial Classic at Huntingdon Valley C.C.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches was established in 1991 pits two 12-person teams, including at least two senior contestants, from GAP and the Philadelphia PGA Section in a concurrent individual match and better-ball match. Each match is worth one point. Ties are halved. The Philadelphia Section leads the series, 21-3-4. There were no contests in 2019 and 2020 due to severe weather and the COVID-19 pandemic.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Pillar and Bergstol Successfully Defend Philadelphia PGA McQuiston Senior Pro-Junior Pro Championship

Philadelphia, Pa. (September 30, 2021) — Philadelphia PGA Professionals John Pillar of the C.C. of Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., and Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in Shawnee on Delaware, Pa., successfully defended the Philadelphia PGA McQuiston Senior Pro-Junior Pro Championship on a crisp autumn day at Bala Golf Club.

Pillar and Bergstol followed their record-breaking performance in 2020 (11-under-par 57) with a team score of 9-under-par, 59. The team combined for nine birdies and zero bogies enroute to their second sub-60 round in the event to give them the edge by one stroke over second place finishers Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C.; and Travis Deibert, Doylestown C.C.

Rob Rohrbach, Foxchase G.C.; and Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs G.C.; finished in third place at 7-under-par, while John DiMarco, Woodcrest C.C.; and Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; finished in fourth at 6-under. Don Allan, Burlington C.C.; and Stephen Sieracki, Woodcrest C.C.; and Jeff Kiddie, Aronimink G.C.; and Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C.; rounded out the top five with 5-under-par 63s.

The 2021 McQuiston Senior Pro-Junior Pro Championship is supported by Bala Golf Club and Vineyard Vines. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Bala G.C., its membership, management, and host PGA Professionals, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2021 McQuiston Senior Pro-Junior Pro leaderboard, click here.

About Henry J. McQuiston Jr., PGA
Henry J. McQuiston Jr. was born in Philadelphia in 1932 and grew up next to the Chester Valley Golf Club where his family lived. He and his two brothers played golf at Chester Valley and worked for  superintendent Dick Murphy. McQuiston graduated from West Chester State Teachers College in 1954 and then served two years in the United States Army. After being discharged from the Army, he went to work as a schoolteacher. In 1958 he turned professional and worked at Chester Valley while playing some tournaments on the PGA Tour during the summer months and still teaching school the rest of the year. In 1960 he took the job as the assistant at the Bala Golf Club and two years later he became the head professional. In 1968 McQuiston finished in a tie for second in the Section Championship losing in a three-way playoff and in 1971 he was second in the Philadelphia Open losing a playoff. He qualified for the 1962 PGA Championship, the 1963 U.S. Open and the 1984 PGA Senior Championship. McQuiston qualified for the PGA Tour tournament at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club ten times and made the cut three times. McQuiston was a member of eleven Challenge Cup teams that competed against the Middle Atlantic Section. He qualified for the Club Professional Championship four times and the Senior Club Pro Championship once. In 1970 McQuiston and several other Section members built the Avalon Golf Club and operated it until they sold out in 1986. He was elected as the 20th president of the Section in 1973 and 1974 after having served as the second vice president for two years. McQuiston was the head pro at Bala for thirty-seven years after which he continued on as the pro emeritus at the club. In 2004 McQuiston’s name was added to the Section’s Senior Pro-Junior Pro Championship, which had been held at the Bala Golf Club for over 20 years. He was the Section’s “Golf Professional of the Year” in 1997. In 2005 he was inducted into the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Noah Firestone Wins 2021 Jack Jolly & Son Championship; Oakley Captures 2021 DeBaufre Scoring Average Title

Fleetwood, Pa. (September 27, 2021) — Philadelphia PGA Professional Noah Firestone of Galloway National Golf Club in Galloway, N.J. won the 2021 Jack Jolly & Son Championship at Moselem Springs Golf Club on the first hole of a sudden death playoff against Eddie Perrino of Eagle Rock Resort.

Firestone teed off in the first group of the championship and fired a 3-under-par 67 to set an early clubhouse lead. He made five birdies and two bogies on a course that played difficult in the steady wind and featured slick greens. Perrino followed shortly with a 67 of his own, and the two waited nearly seven hours until the last groups finished before the playoff began on No. 1. Firestone made a par four against Perrino’s five.

“It’s a great feeling to get my first win of the season,” Firestone said following his playoff victory.

Mike Furey, Saucon Valley C.C.; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; and Trevor Bensel, Overbrook G.C.; tied for third place, two strokes behind at 1-under-par. Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C., finished in sixth place at even par. Six players tied for seventh at 1-over.

Firestone’s play also won him the Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) event by two strokes over Furey, Bergstol, and Bensel.

Perrino’s round earned him top honors in the Senior Division, topping Quinn by three strokes, and four over Brian Kelly, Bucknell G.C.; and Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C.; Kelly and PGA Life Member Michael Versuk tied atop the Super Senior Division, each shooting 1-over-par 71s. Don DeAngelis, Spring Ford C.C., and George Forster tied for fifth place two strokes back.

Following his round in the event, Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del. officially captured the 2021 Philadelphia PGA F. Edward Debaufre Trophy, which awards the PGA Professional with the lowest season scoring average for their consistently stellar play. Oakley’s 2021 scoring average of 68.93 over 14 rounds is the lowest scoring average since the trophy was commissioned in 1964. Additionally, Oakley’s father, Pete, previously won the award four times (1980, 1984, 1985, and 1999), making them the first father-son duo to win the DeBaufre title.

Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pa., officially captured the Philadelphia PGA Senior Stroke Average title, with an average of 70.93 over 15 rounds this season. The Section congratulates both Oakley and McNabb on their consistently good play this year!

The tournament also saw PGA Life Member J.R. Delich shoot his age (80) for the 321st time in his career. Congratulations, J.R…great playing!

The 2021 Jack Jolly & Son Championship is supported by Jack Jolly & Son Inc., Ohana Farm LLC, Jani-King, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Moselem Springs G.C., its membership, management, and host PGA Professionals, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2021 Jack Jolly & Son Championship leaderboard, click here.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com