Month: June 2022

Hugharts Win 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Parent / Child Championship

June 30, 2022Comments Off on Hugharts Win 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Parent / Child ChampionshipPPGA

Fleetwood, Pa. (June 30, 2022) — PGA Member Rick Hughart of Yardley (Pa.) Country Club and his daughter Taylor teamed to win the 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Parent / Child Championship on a hot and sunny day at Moselem Springs Golf Club.

The Hugharts teamed to record 11 net birdies and one net eagle in the shamble format to finish with a 13-under-par 57 to win the Net Division by three strokes over Bluestone C.C.’s Chris Gardner, PGA, and Mike Gardner; and Spring Ford C.C.’s Rich Steinmetz, PGA, and Lucas Steinmetz. PGA Member Steve Swartz, Lebanon C.C., and son Kobie finished in solo fourth place at 9-under-par. Three teams tied for fifth place.

In the Gross Division, C.C. of Woodloch Springs’ John Pillar, PGA, and his son Alex took top honors with their team score of 7-under-par 63, a round that featured seven gross birdies. The Gardners from Bluestone C.C. finished one stroke behind, followed by the Steinmetz, and Swartz teams at 5-under-par.

The 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Parent / Child Championship is supported by Kevin DePaulis, representing Cobra Golf / Puma Golf, Your Leaderboard, and Levelwear, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Moselem Springs Golf Club, its members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Parent / Child Championship 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

Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Inaugural DeAngelis Pro-Am

June 30, 2022Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Inaugural DeAngelis Pro-AmPPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (June 30, 2022) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is happy to announce the newest addition to its tournament calendar, the DeAngelis Pro-Am. The event, scheduled for Thursday, August 4 at the 1912 Club in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., will honor the late Don DeAngels, PGA, who passed in January 2022.

DeAngelis was elected to PGA Membership in 1978, and played the game with immense talent, winning the 1985 Pennsylvania Open and playing in the 1978 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, Colo., and winning a Section tournament in six straight decades. His most recent win was in September 2021, when he won the 2021 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship’s Super Senior Division, and also shot his age, a 69.

Following DeAngelis’ passing, his family approached the Section in hopes to create an annual event to pay tribute to Don and his career. The event will feature 30 teams comprised of one PGA Professional and three amateurs competing in a two best balls of team format in both Net and Gross divisions. Tee times will run from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m ET. Lunch will also be provided.

PGA Professionals may register their teams for $500 per team. To register, 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, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com

Teams From Pine Valley G.C., Philadelphia C.C. Tie in Weather-Shortened 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship

June 27, 2022Comments Off on Teams From Pine Valley G.C., Philadelphia C.C. Tie in Weather-Shortened 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional ChampionshipPPGA

Cape May Court House, N.J. (June 27, 2022) — Teams representing Pine Valley (N.J.) Golf Club and Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyne, Pa., tied to win the severe weather-shortened 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship at the Shore Club.

Three teams from the event’s morning wave finished tied atop the leaderboard, each with rounds of 5-under-par 67 in the Four-Ball Stroke Play / Better Ball of Partners format. Winning teams included Pine Valley’s David Clark and Matt Episcopo; Clark and Steve Sanderson; and Philadelphia C.C.’s Scott Reilly and David Hicks.

Clark and Chad Ferguson also finished one behind the leaders in fourth place. Sam Ambrose and Nick Iacono of Chester Valley G.C. finished in fifth place.

Ballamor G.C.’s Sean Furman and Colin Roche won the Non-PGA Professional Division with a 2-under-par 70. Furman and Eric Dekarski tied for second place, along with Joe Kogelman and Francis Diodato of GOLFTEC – Moorestown, and Brian Rashley and Michael Mikuta of Bayside Resort Golf Club, at 1-under-par.

Severe weather brought players in off the course at 3:39 p.m., ultimately resulting in the cancellation of the afternoon wave at 5:22 p.m.

The 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship is supported by Evolve Golf, Golf Genius Software, Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG), Trinity Flavors, Galvin Green, StickX, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, the Shore Club, its members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional 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

Learn About the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour’s FUNdamental Tour

June 23, 2022Comments Off on Learn About the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour’s FUNdamental TourPPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour’s FUNdamental Tour is now open to all age divisions so that at no matter what age, people can grow with their golf game. This new tour is aimed at beginner golfers who are not quite at the level to compete on our junior tour and offers shorter yardages and the opportunity to have a caddie. The goal is to provide the tools necessary to aid our beginner golfers with the improvement of their games and the building of their confidence. The emphasis is on having fun and encouraging our golfers to grow their love for the game.

To learn more about the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour’s FUNdamental Tour, click here.

Philadelphia PGA Section Renews Partnership with Sterling Cut Glass

June 23, 2022Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Renews Partnership with Sterling Cut GlassPPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (June 23, 2022) — The Philadelphia PGA Section today is happy to announce it has renewed its partnership with Sterling Cut Glass, a company that specializes in trophies, awards, and tournament gifts.

As part of the agreement, Sterling Cut Glass has been named a presenting partner of the TaylorMade Classic on Monday, May 16 at Cedarbrook Country Club, and the William Hyndman III Memorial Classic on Tuesday, July 5 at Huntingdon Valley Country Club. Both events are Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year Points Series Events; the TaylorMade Classic is also designated as a Silvercrest Cup qualifier.

Additionally, the Philadelphia PGA Section has agreed to purchase official Section event awards from Sterling Cut Glass for the 2022 season.

“The Philadelphia PGA is glad to renew our partnership with Sterling Cut Glass,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “The company has long supported PGA Professionals in our Section, and around the nation, and we are pleased that it will continue locally here in the Delaware Valley.”

About Sterling Cut Glass
For over 100 years, Sterling Cut Glass has stood as one of the finest glassware and crystal companies in America. You’ll find our exclusive products at prestigious sporting events from the Kentucky Derby to the US Open, and at glittering occasions and awards presentations from coast to coast. We design and source the finest products from top manufacturers and studios worldwide. Then our skilled team of craftsmen carefully transforms each piece with custom etching or engraving to create a unique gift or award tailored to your event or company’s specific needs. From high atop Cincinnati’s historic Art Hill in 1902 to today’s brand new, state-of-the-art facility, our commitment to quality means every project, large or small, will be a sparkling reflection of your great taste and style.

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: 

Matt Frey, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com
John Higinbotham, Sterling Cut Glass, jhiginbotham@comcast.net

Joanna Coe, PGA, Wins 2022 Conestoga Classic in Sudden Death Playoff

June 20, 2022Comments Off on Joanna Coe, PGA, Wins 2022 Conestoga Classic in Sudden Death PlayoffPPGA

Lancaster, Pa. (June 20, 2022) — Philadelphia PGA Member Joanna Coe of Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., won her first Philadelphia PGA Section event, the 2022 Conestoga Classic at Conestoga Country Club, on the second sudden death playoff hole over Braden Shattuck, PGA, of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa.

Coe and Shattuck both turned in 2-under-par 68s to tie PGA Member Eric Kennedy of Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, Pa., who played in the first pairing off No. 1, and set the early clubhouse lead. Kennedy was unable to compete in the playoff, and as a result, finished the event tied for second place with Shattuck.

Coe made an impressive nine birdies during her round, including a stretch of four in a row, but also made three bogeys and two doubles.

“I probably had one of the best putting rounds of my life today,” said Coe of her round, who was also struggling with a laceration on her thumb. “I hit it well, but had a few missed shots because of my thumb, but my putting saved me.”

Coe and Shattuck both parred the first playoff hole, the par-4 ninth, with two world-class up-and-downs from left of the green; Coe played from long-left near the golf car path, while Shattuck played from the left greenside bunker. Coe drained her approximate 20-foot par putt, followed by Shattuck’s six-foot make. Coe made a par on the par-5 10th hole to win.

The event is a Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament and the second Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the year. Beginning this season, the Silvercrest Cup series will include four qualifying events for Philadelphia PGA Professionals, and will culminate in a $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final, hosted at Gulph Mills Golf Club in King of Prussia, Pa. For more information on the season-long race to the Silvercrest Cup, click here. In addition to receiving the winner’s share of the purse, Coe also took home an additional $3,000 from the Silvercrest Cup qualifier bonus pool; Shattuck and Kennedy will share $2,000 for the second place bonus pool.

Eddie Perrino, C.C. of York; Hugo Mazzalupi, Linfield National G.C.; Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C.; Mark Sheftic, Lookaway G.C.; and Greg Rhoads, Rolling Green G.C.; each finished tied for fourth place at 1-under-par

Rolling Green G.C.’s Greg Rhoads won the Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) event after his round of 1-under-par 69. Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C.; David Hicks, Philadelphia C.C.; Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.; and Robert Fenton, Sunnybrook G.C., finished tied for second place at even-par.

There was a three-way tie for first in the Senior Division, with Eddie Perrino, Hugo Mazzalupi, and Rich Steinmetz, each finishing at 1-under-par. John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs; and George Forster, PGA, finished tied for fourth at even-par.

Wayne Phillips, Lehigh C.C., finished at 3-over-par to top the Super Senior Division by one stroke over Bill Sautter, Philadelphia Cricket Club. PGA Life Member Michael Versuk finished in third, five behind Phillips.

The 2022 Conestoga Classic is supported by Jani-King, and Ohana Farm LLC, Silvercrest Asset Management Group, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Conestoga Country Club, its members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2022 Conestoga Classic leaderboard, click here.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament and Silvercrest Cup qualifier on the schedule is the William Hyndman III Memorial Classic on Tuesday, July 5, at Huntingdon Valley Country Club.

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Partnership with Holderness & Bourne

June 20, 2022Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Partnership with Holderness & BournePPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (June 21, 2022) — The Philadelphia PGA Section today is pleased to announce it has partnered with Holderness & Bourne, a company that offers premium apparel and accessories inspired by the game of golf, blending classic style with modern fit and performance.

As part of the agreement, Holderness & Bourne will support the 2022 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am at Lancaster (Pa.) Country Club on Thursday, September 22, providing product for player tee gifts.

“The Philadelphia PGA is happy to partner with Holderness & Bourne,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “Merchandising is a big part of being a PGA Professional, and getting in front of our PGA Professionals, and their members and customers, has become more important than ever, which is why the A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am is ideal for this agreement.”

“We, at H&B, are thrilled to be a part of this event.,” said Holderness & Bourne Mid-Atlantic Sales Representative Conor Grandin. “As a brand that is passionate about the game of golf, this event is a great opportunity to support both Amateurs and PGA Professionals alike.”

About Holderness & Bourne
Holderness & Bourne offers premium apparel and accessories inspired by the game of golf. We blend classic style with modern fit & performance.

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: 

Matt Frey, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com
Conor Grandin, Holderness & Bourne, conor@holdernessandbourne.com

Rich Steinmetz Captures 2022 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac

June 14, 2022Comments Off on Rich Steinmetz Captures 2022 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by CadillacChampionships, PPGA

Medford, N.J. (June 14, 2022) — Rich Steinmetz, PGA, of Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa., captured the 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac at Medford Village Country Club by one stroke over Brian Kelly of Bucknell Golf Club in Lewisburg, Pa., and Terry Hertzog of Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. He finished the championship with rounds of 69-70–139, 5-under-par. Steinmetz will lead five other Philadelphia PGA Members to compete in the 34th Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac, October 13-16, at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M.

The 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac is also supported by Golf Channel and Jani-King.

Entering the final round, Steinmetz held a one stroke lead over Kelly and Greg Farrow of Deerwood Country Club in Mount Holly, N.J., but had to wait an hour and forty minutes longer to tee off No. 1, as severe weather delayed the competition. Once he began his round, he came out firing, making birdie on Nos. 1 and 3.

The top of leaderboard, however, began to tighten, as Hertzog started to make birdies of his own, ultimately finishing the event at 4-under-par. Kelly had a bit of an up and down round which featured two bogeys, a double bogey, and six birdies, including four in a row on Nos. 13-16, to finish with rounds of 70-70–140, tying Hertzog.

Steinmetz had made 10-straight pars until he reached No. 17, where he hit it close to the hole on his approach, and made the birdie putt on the 365-yard par-4.

“I hit it really well,” Steinmetz said of his final round. “I put myself in good spots off the tee, which made it easy, tee-to-green. I hit it close a lot, which helped; it was tough to read these greens. They’re really tricky.”

Steinmetz went on to thank the folks at his home facility, Spring Ford Country Club: the members, and staff, for their support and allowing him to get out and play in competitive events like this championship. He also thanked host club Medford Village Country Club.

His win was even more special, considering it was his first start in a senior championship, as he turned 50 years old in December 2021.

[Click here to view full leaderboard]

PGA Members joining Steinmetz, Kelly, Hertzog, and Farrow in New Mexico include Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C.; and Brendon Post, University of Delaware. Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C., is the first alternate, George Forster, Radnor Valley C.C., is second alternate, followed by Eddie Perrino, C.C. of York, and Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C.

With his win, Steinmetz became the 13th PGA Member to win both the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship and the Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship, joining: Dave McNabb, John Pillar, Dave Quinn, Stu Ingraham, George Forster, Stan Dudas, Dick Hendrickson, Marty Furgol, George Fazio, Rod Munday, Bud Lewis, and Clarence Ehresman.

The top 35 finishers in the 34th Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac will earn a spot in the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship, scheduled to be played May 2023, on PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch East course in Frisco, Texas.

Marjorie Jones, the Shore Club, took top honors in the Super Senior Division, finishing at 8-over-par, to better Patrick Keefe, Frog Hollow G.C., by seven strokes.

The 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is presented by Cadillac, and supported by Golf Channel, and Jani-King. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Medford Village C.C., its membership, management, staff, and host PGA Professional staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac leaderboard, click here.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic on June 20 at Conestoga C.C. The Conestoga Classic is also a Silvercrest Cup qualifying event. Beginning this season, the Silvercrest Cup series will include four qualifying events for Philadelphia PGA Professionals, and will culminate in a $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final, hosted at Gulph Mills Golf Club in King of Prussia, Pa. For more information on the season-long race to the Silvercrest Cup, 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

Steinmetz Leads 2022 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac

June 13, 2022Comments Off on Steinmetz Leads 2022 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by CadillacUncategorized
Medford, N.J. (June 13, 2022) — Rich Steinmetz, PGA, of Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa., leads the 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac at Medford Village Country Club by one stroke over Greg Farrow, PGA, of Deerwood Country Club in Mount Holly, N.J, and Brian Kelly of Bucknell Golf Club in Lewisburg, Pa. The championship is also supported by Golf Channel and Jani-King. The top six finishers following tomorrow’s final round will advance to the 34th Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M., on October 13-16.

Eric Kennedy of Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, Pa., and Dave Quinn of Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel, N.J., are tied for fourth place, two behind Steinmetz, going into the final round. Eight PGA Members are currently tied for sixth place.

[Click here to view full leaderboard]

The Shore Club’s Marjorie Jones, PGA, leads the Super Senior Division by six strokes over Patrick Keefe, Frog Hollow G.C., and seven strokes over Joe Ambrose, Saucon Valley C.C., following her 3-over-par round of 75.

One of the highlights from the first round came from Brendon Post, when he recorded a double eagle on the 490-yard par-5 fifth hole. Post used a 3-wood from 228 yards to make his second career albatross. Congratulations, Brendon!
The final round is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, June 14 at Medford Village C.C.

The top 35 finishers in the 34th Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac will earn a spot in the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship, scheduled to be played May 2023, on PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch East course in Frisco, Texas.

The 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is presented by Cadillac, and supported by Golf Channel, and Jani-King. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Medford Village C.C., its membership, management, staff, and host PGA Professional staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac leaderboard, click here.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic on June 20 at Conestoga C.C. The Conestoga Classic is also a Silvercrest Cup qualifying event. Beginning this season, the Silvercrest Cup series will include four qualifying events for Philadelphia PGA Professionals, and will culminate in a $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final, hosted at Gulph Mills Golf Club in King of Prussia, Pa. For more information on the season-long race to the Silvercrest Cup, 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

Philadelphia PGA Accepting 2022 Award Nominations

June 9, 2022Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Accepting 2022 Award NominationsPPGA
Nominations for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2022 awards class are now being accepted by the Section’s Awards Committee. To nominate a PGA Professional for one of the 2022 awards listed below, please complete the form by clicking the below button. The nomination deadline is August 29, 2022.
  • Golf Professional of the Year
  • Teacher & Coach of the Year
  • Professional Development Award
  • Bill Strausbaugh Award
  • Player Development Award
  • Youth Player Development Award
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category
  • Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
  • Patriot Award
  • Deacon Palmer Award
  • Golf Salesperson of the Year
Descriptions for each award are listed below. Any questions about the awards nomination process should be directed to Sue Unger, Member Services Administrator, at sunger@pgahq.com or (215) 886-7742.
Award Descriptions
Golf Professional of the Year:  The Golf Professional of the Year award bestows special recognition on a PGA Member who has performed outstanding services as an overall PGA Professional. As one of the highest honors the Philadelphia PGA Section can bestow, candidates must possess outstanding qualities of leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf. Individuals honored with the Golf Professional of the Year award will be held as a model PGA Professional.  Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate has developed the image , reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members as a PGA Professional;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the Association and game of golf, as well as  helping to further educate and train their fellow PGA Professionals;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game of golf.
Teacher & Coach of the Year: The Teacher & Coach of the Year award bestows special recognition on a PGA Member who has performed outstanding services as a golf teacher and coach. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the game of golf, as well as helping to further educate their fellow PGA professionals with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
  • Candidate must have attended or conducted a minimum combined total of 10 national teaching workshops, teaching / coaching summits or Section teaching workshops or teaching / coaching summits within the last 15 years.
Professional Development Award: The Professional Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who personally displays a strong desire for lifelong education to include outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of education and training PGA Professionals;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America and the game of golf to further educate and train fellow PGA Members, Associates, and industry stakeholders;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
  • Candidate must be one of the following: Master Professional, Certified Professional, served as an Associate Subject Matter Expert (SME), adjunct PGA faculty member, or have conducted and/or taught at a minimum combined total of 10 national education programs / workshops (to include PGA PGM) or Section education programs / workshops within the last 10 years.
Bill Strausbaugh Award: The Bill Strausbaugh Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character, and leadership through a commitment to mentoring and making significant impacts on the careers of PGA Professionals. In the spirit of the award, “mentoring” shall be defined as: “Mentoring is supporting professionals to manage their own development so they can maximize their PGA career potential. The PGA mentor empowers, enables, advises, challenges, and encourages professionals to enhance their professional skills, strengthen their level of service, improve
their work performance, and become the PGA Member that they aspire to be.” Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America in the effort to further the careers of fellow PGA Professionals as a mentor, counselor, teacher and advisor;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of leadership and service to the Association, individual PGA Professionals, and the community at-large;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry within the specific area of employment and club relations.
Player Development Award: The Player Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA
Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development. The award considers the PGA Professionals growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and national levels in the player development arena, and the meaningful impact made at the facility. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in player development as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of player development;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of player development;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry in the effort to grow meaningful participation in the game.
Youth Player Development Award: The Youth Player Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional, who had displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of youth player development. The award considers the PGA Professionals focus on youth through their growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and national levels in the youth player development arena, and the meaningful impact made upon youth through the introduction and participation in the game. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in youth player development efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of youth player development;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of youth player development; Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, as well as a proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for youth to learn, play and participate in the game.
Merchandiser of the Year (Private, Public and Resort Categories): The Merchandiser of the Year award is designed to recognize those PGA Professionals who have excelled as business persons / merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The PGA honors PGA Professionals in three categories: Private, Public, and Resort facilities. Minimum criteria: Demonstration of skills in planning of sales by presenting products to their market on a timely basis, and through the use of specialized merchandising techniques that include display and advertising.
Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: The Assistant Golf Professional of the Year award recognizes an PGA Assistant Professional who displays extraordinary service and commitment at their facility and within the industry. The award considers a professionals focus on facility operations, section and/or community service and growth of the game. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must be a PGA Member in good standing;
  • Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member;
  • Demonstration and acknowledgement as an individual of outstanding leadership and strong moral character.
Patriot Award: The Patriot Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must currently by a Class A Member in good standing and involved in military programming efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of contribution and support to the United States Armed Forces and Active Duty and Reserved personnel and veterans;
  • Candidate must have displayed proven interest, concern, and ability to provide opportunities and experience for active duty, reservists, and veterans to learn and play golf;
  • Candidate must have shown an ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of service to the military;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, and proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for military personnel to learn, play and participate in the game.
Deacon Palmer Award: The Deacon Palmer Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership, in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life. This individual is an unsung hero / heroine at their facility and in their community, who serves to inspire, empower and assist other, both inside and outside of the game. Minimum criteria:

  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing and/or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years combined;
  • Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member, demonstrating outstanding leadership traits, and strong moral character;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire, empower, and encourage success and achievement in individuals regardless of obstacles, disabilities, and personal challenges or otherwise;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to be PGA of America, fellow PGA Professionals, their facility, and the community in the effort to enhance and improve the quality of life for all individuals;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry.
Golf Salesperson of the Year: The Golf Salesperson of the Year award recognizes a sales representative who shows a first class level of service to the industry and the PGA Professionals they serve within the Section. Consideration should be given to support in any way of the Section, charity or community.

Contact: Sue Unger, Philadelphia PGA Section, sunger@pgahq.com, (215) 886-7742