Month: June 2023

McCormick, Knoll Claim Victory in 2023 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship

Cape May Court House, N.J. (June 26, 2023) — At the Shore Club, PGA Members Dustin McCormick and Alex Knoll of Glenn Brook G.C. in Stroudsburg, Pa., and Michael Ladden, PGA, and Liam McAnally of Whitford C.C. in Exton, Pa., teamed to win the 2023 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Assistant Pro Championship PGA and Non-PGA Divisions, respectively. The event, part of the Section’s tournament series, is supported by GolfForever, StickX, 1764, and the PGA Tour.

Each team consisted of PGA Professionals and assistant professionals from their facilities. The teams participated in a Better Ball of partners format between the lead PGA Professionals and their assistants. The event consisted of a morning and afternoon wave, with a brief weather delay halfway through the afternoon. The teams were able to complete their rounds, while enjoying a beautiful evening sunset.

McCormick and Knoll claimed victory in the PGA Division with their team score of 8-under-par, 64. The team made eight birdies in all, with each making birdie when they needed to. Teams representing Laurel Creek C.C., Bob Hennefer and Dave Quinn; Aronimink G.C., Jeff Kiddie and Christian Hoecker; and Manufacturers’ G. & C.C., Peter Clarke and Rob Wolfers finished tied for second place at 5-under-par.

In the Non-PGA Division, Michael Ladden, PGA, and Assistant Liam McAnally of Whitford C.C. claimed victory at 5-under-par, 67. Aronimink’s Kiddie and Assistant Patrick Allgeier finished second at 4-under-par. The C.C. of Harrisburg’s Jeff Breiner, PGA, and Assistant Tyler Shank, finished closely behind in third place at 3-under.

To view the full 2023 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Assistant Pro Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2023 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Assistant Championship is supported by GolfForever, StickX, 1764, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, the Shore Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support. –Kayla Gutierrez

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, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com
Kayla Gutierrez, Communications Intern, kgutierrez@pgahq.com

PGA Member Bob Lennon Earns First Section Victory at 2023 Conestoga Classic

Lancaster, Pa. (June 19, 2023) —PGA Member Bob Lennon of Wilmington (Del.) Country Club, turned in a 5-under-par 65 at Conestoga Country Club to secure his first Philadelphia PGA Section victory, at age 63, at the 2023 Conestoga Classic by one stroke stroke over seven of his fellow PGA Professionals.

Though Lennon made two bogies, including on his final hole of the day, No. 9, his seven birdies gave him enough clearance over the runners-up: David Hicks, Philadelphia C.C.; Andrew Turner, Berkshire C.C.; Michael Little, Clubhouse 54; Anthony Schweppe, Sittler Golf Center; Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C.; John Lynch, Bidermann G.C.; and Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C.

“It’s about time,” Lennon said in discussing the emotions surrounding winning his first-ever Section event. “My putter isn’t usually too hot, but today I putted great. I started off with four straight birdies, which really got the adrenaline going from the beginning.”

He went on to thank Conestoga Country Club members and staff for letting him compete in the event, as well as the Philadelphia PGA Section staff for organizing the event.

The event is a Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament and the third Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the year. Returning for the second year, 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 Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, 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, Lennon also took home an additional $2,500 from the Silvercrest Cup qualifier bonus pool.

PGA Life Member Brian Kelly finished atop the Senior Division, bettering John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, by one stroke. Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C.; Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C.; and Bill Smith, Berkleigh G.C.; tied for third place at even par. PGA Life Member Michael Versuk took top honors in the Super Senior Division with 3-over-par 73 to better Bill Sautter, Philadelphia Cricket Club, by one stroke. Joe Ambrose, Saucon Valley C.C., and Wayne Phillips, Lehigh C.C., tied for third place at 7-over-par, followed by Darryl Lock, Skippack G.C., at 8-over-par in fifth place.

The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) held an event concurrently with the Conestoga Classic, with Andrew Turner taking the title in a playoff with David Hicks. Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Matt Finger, DuPont C.C.; and Andrew Cornish, Cedarbrook C.C. tied for third place at 2-under-par. Turner also won the Central Counties Chapter event, which was also held concurrently with today’s main event. Dustin Wallis, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, and Terry Hertzog tied for second place one stroke behind Turner, followed by Brian Kelly, Richie Krebs, Briarwood G.C.; and Brian Bergstol, two back.

To view the full 2023 Conestoga Classic leaderboard, click here.

The 2023 Conestoga Classic is supported by supported by Jani-King, KM Golf SalesOhana Farm LLC, Silvercrest Asset Management Group, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Conestoga Country Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament on the schedule is the 2023 GALV Lehigh Valley Open at Berkleigh Golf Club in Kutztown, Pa., on Monday, July 10 – Tuesday, July 11. The fourth and final Silvercrest Cup qualifier is the 2023 Doylestown Open at Doylestown (Pa.) Country Club, scheduled for Friday, July 28.

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 Member Joanna Coe Competes in KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

Please join us in congratulating PGA Member Joanna Coe of Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., for qualifying for the 2023 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, June 22-25, at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J.! She earned her spot in the major championship via her second place finish in the 2022 LPGA Professionals National Championship at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va.

Next week’s championship will mark Coe’s sixth start in a major (five KPMG Women’s PGA Championships and the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open). She also earned recognitions as the inaugural (2020) Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year, and 2022 Philadelphia PGA Women’s Player of the Year, and currently has a commanding lead in this year’s Section Women’s Player of the Year points race.

Good luck, Joanna…play well! We know you will make our Section proud! To send Joanna well wishes, click here.

To learn more about the 2023 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, ticket information, and television times, 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

Sheftic and Komancheck Teams Claim Victory in 2023 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Parent Child Team Championship

Elverson, Pa. (June 15, 2023) — PGA Member Mark Sheftic of Sunnybrook Golf Club in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., and his son Ty, claimed victory in the 2023 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Parent / Child Team Championship Net Division at French Creek Golf Club, topping fellow PGA Member Rusty Harbold, Philadelphia Cricket Club, and his father Randy, in a match of cards. Both teams tied at 14-under-par, 57.

Each team consisted of one PGA Professional and family member, who competed in the team shamble event. The team shamble format consisted of each team member hitting a drive, selecting the best drive, and playing their own ball into the hole.

The father / son duo representing Carlisle Country Club, PGA Member Steve Swartz and his son Kobie Swartz, finished in third place, one stroke behind.

In the Gross Division, PGA Member Jamie Komancheck of RiverCrest Golf Club and Preserve in Phoenixville, Pa., and his son Colby, took top honors, finishing at 10-under-par, bettering Birdermann Golf Club’s Anthony Malizia, PGA, and his father Tony; and PGA Associate Matt Finger, DuPont C.C., and his daughter Meredith, by four strokes.

To view the full 2023 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Parent/Child leaderboard, click here.

The 2023 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Parent / Child Team Championship is sponsored by Kevin DePaulis Golf Sales and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, French Creek Golf Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support. –Kayla Gutierrez

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, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com
Kayla Gutierrez, Communications Intern, kgutierrez@pgahq.com

Rich Steinmetz Successfully Defends Title in Weather-Shortened 2023 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac

Mohnton, Pa. (June 14, 2023) — Rich Steinmetz of Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa., successfully defended his title in the weather-shortened 2023 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac at LedgeRock Golf Club on Wednesday. He finished the championship with rounds of 70-36–106, 2-under-par.

The 2023 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac is also supported by Golf Channel and the PGA Tour.

The final round was suspended at 1:30 p.m., as severe weather rolled into the area, bringing heavy rain, hail, wind, and lightning. After evaluating the course, and weather forecast, the rest of the final round and shortened the event to 27 holes. Steinmetz topped two fellow PGA Members by one stroke: Rob Shuey, Colonial Golf and Tennis Club in Harrisburg, Pa.; and Hugo Mazzalupi, Linfield (Pa.) National Golf Club.

“Winning any event two times in a row is really special,” Steinmetz said of his defense. “There is a little more added pressure on you, as defending champion, and you feel like all the eyes are on you. It’s nice to be able to perform and get the job done.”

In addition to his play in Philadelphia PGA Section events, Steinmetz also competed in last month’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at PGA Frisco in Texas.

He went on to thank the Spring Ford Country Club members and staff for letting him compete in the championship, as well as his family, who are currently traveling overseas.

Steinmetz will lead six other Philadelphia PGA Members to compete in the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac, October 24-25, at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., including: Rob Shuey; Hugo Mazzalupi; John Allen of Squires Golf Club in Ambler, Pa.; Dave McNabb in Malvern, Pa.; Stu Ingraham of MGolf Range & Learning Center in Newtown Square, Pa.; and Terry Hertzog of Bent Creek Country Club in Lititz, Pa. Championship alternates are: John Cooper of Green Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hill, Pa.; PGA Life Member George Forster in Blue Bell, Pa.; Terry Hatch of Royal Oaks Golf Course in Lebanon, Pa.; Chris Krueger of Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach, Del.; and Eric Kennedy of Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, Pa. While McNabb tied for fifth place, he was already exempt for the championship, thanks to his made cut in the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

The top 35 finishers in the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac will earn a spot in the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship, scheduled to be played May 2024, at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Mich.

Lehigh Country Club’s Wayne Phillips, PGA, dominated the Super Senior Division, topping PGA Life Member Michael Versuk by seven strokes.

To view the full 2023 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2023 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship is presented by Cadillac, and is supported by the Golf Channel and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, LedgeRock Golf Club, its membership, management, staff, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic, which is also the third Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the season, on Monday, June 19, at Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.

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, Shuey Lead 2023 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac Entering Final Round

Mohnton, Pa. (June 13, 2023) — Defending champion Rich Steinmetz of Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa., and fellow PGA Member Rob Shuey of Colonial Golf and Tennis Club in Harrisburg, Pa., are tied for the lead at 2-under-par in the 2023 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac at LedgeRock Golf Club. The championship is also supported by Golf Channel and the PGA Tour.

The top six finishers following tomorrow’s final round will advance to the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on October 24-25. Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pa., is already exempt for the championship, thanks to his made cut in last month’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at PGA Frisco in Texas.

Steinmetz, who also competed in this year’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, made four birdies and two bogeys en route to his opening round 70. Shuey made five birdies, including on four of his last five holes, to tie the lead. Hugo Mazzalupi, Linfield National G.C., is in third place, one stroke behind the leaders, followed by four PGA Members tied for fourth place at even par: Brendon Post, University of Delaware; Chris Krueger, Kings Creek C.C.; Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C.; and John Allen, Squires G.C.

The final round is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, June 14 at LedgeRock G.C. To view the full 2023 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship leaderboard, click here.

The top 35 finishers in the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac will earn a spot in the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship, scheduled to be played May 2024, at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Mich.

The 2023 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship is presented by Cadillac, and is supported by the Golf Channel and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, LedgeRock Golf Club, its membership, management, staff, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic, which is also the third Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the season, on Monday, June 19, at Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.

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

PGA Associate Louis Kelly Wins 37th Burlington Classic With Birdie Fourth Hole of Sudden Death Playoff

Westampton, N.J. (June 5, 2023) — PGA Associate Louis Kelly of Gulph Mills Golf Club in King of Prussia, Pa., birdied the fourth sudden death playoff hole to win the 37th Burlington Classic Pro-Am presented by WSFS Bank, and the Mike Mack Cup, at Burlington Country Club, topping Anthony Sebastianelli of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa. The event is also supported by Jani-King.

Kelly, who had previously worked as a assistant professional at the host club, turned in the second-lowest score of the final round, a 1-under-par 69, to finish the event at 139, one-under, to post the clubhouse lead. Sebastianelli entered the final round tied for the lead with Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., at 4-under-par, but finished with a 3-over-par 73 to tie Kelly. The final round of the event played much more difficult than in the first round, with the average score around 80.

Kelly’s final round was bested only by Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, who finished with a 2-under-par 68, ultimately tying for third place with Andrew Cornish, Cedarbrook C.C., and Rich Steinmetz. Kelly’s round featured three birdies and an eagle.

Corey Katzen recorded rounds of 72-78–150 to finish as low amateur and win the Marotto Medal by seven strokes over Josh Feldschnieder, and eight over Pete D’Angelo.

Rich Steinmetz took home top honors in the Senior Division, finishing at even par, bettering PGA Life Member George Forster and the University of Delaware’s Brendon Post by two strokes. PGA Life Member Michael Versuk took home the top prize in the Super Senior Division, bettering Bill Sautter, Philadelphia Cricket Club, by five strokes.

To view the full 37th Burlington Classic Pro-Am leaderboard, click here.

The 37th Burlington Classic Pro-Am is supported by Burlington Country ClubWSFS Bank, and Jani-King. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Burlington C.C., its membership, management, staff, host PGA Professional Mike Mack, Tournament Chair John M. Hanuscin, and the entire 2023 Burlington Classic Pro-Am Committee, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic, which is also the third Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the season, on Monday, June 19, at Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.

About the Burlington Classic Pro-Am
The Burlington Classic Pro-Am was founded in 1986 by Mike Mack, PGA, Joe Fattorini, Leroy Peacock, Rex McWilliams, Chip Miller, George Hilt, and Donald “Butch” Eckman. The event quickly became one of the most popular events on the Philadelphia PGA Section’s tournament calendar, and is now a Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year Points Event.

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

PGA Professionals Long, Nicholson Lead Witczak, Wenger, and Phillips to Victory in 37th Burlington Classic Pro-Am

Westampton, N.J. (June 4, 2023) — PGA Professionals Matt Long of Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa., and Kevin Nicholson, Sandy Run Country Club in Oreland, Pa., led their team of amateur partners Mark Witczak, Mark Wenger, and Warren Phillips, to victory in the 37th Burlington Classic Pro-Am presented by WSFS Bank at Burlington Country Club. The event is also supported by Jani-King.

On a cool, breezy day, the winning team combined for four net eagles and 17 net birdies in the two net best balls of five format, finishing with a net team score of 115, 25-under-par, to better to better the four teams that finished three strokes behind: PGA Professionals Joanna Coe, Merion G.C.; and Francis Diodato, GOLFTEC – Moorestown;  and amateurs Brian Carlis, Carl Schmidt, and Nate Barrett; and PGA Professionals Andrew Turner, Berkshire C.C.; and Greg Rhoads, Rolling Green G.C.; and amateurs Parth Patel, Dave Derlin, and Brian Thomas; PGA Professionals Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay G.C.; and Rob Wolfers, Manufacturers’ G. & C.C.; and amateurs Joe Duarte, Ken Fairchild, and John Melton; PGA Professionals Mike Mack, Burlington C.C.; and Mike Thompson, Tim Irons, Dave Reilley, and Sean Smith; and PGA Professionals John DiMarco, Legacy Club at Woodcrest; and Geoff Surrette, Philadelphia PGA Section; and amatuers John Hanuscin, Jim Hanuscin, and Frank Gilanelli.

Three low amateurs from the first round advanced to the final round to compete for low amateur honors and the Marotto Medal on Monday, June 5, alongside the PGA Professional field. Corey Katzen sits at 2-over-par, followed by Josh Feldschnieder, and Pete D’Angelo, who both finished with 73s.

The individual PGA Professional event will also conclude on Monday, and Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., and Anthony Sebastianelli, Rolling Green G.C., are tied for lead at 4-under-par. Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C., and Alex Willey, Manufacturers’ G. & C.C., are one stroke behind, while Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C., and PGA Life Member Brian Kelly round out the top five at 2-under-par. The low PGA Professional will be awarded the Mike Mack Cup, which was introduced for the first time in 2021.

Steinmetz’s 66 also puts him on top of the Senior Division leaderboard, leading Hatch by one stroke, followed by Kelly at 2-under-par, Brendon Post, University of Delaware, at 1-under-par, and PGA Life Member George Forster at even-par.

Kelly’s round gives him a two-stroke lead over Forster and Deerwood C.C.’s Greg Farrow, in the Super Senior Division. Wilmington C.C.’s Bob Lennon is in fourth place at 2-over-par, followed by Burlington C.C.’s Don Allan at 3-over.

The 37th Burlington Classic Pro-Am is supported by Burlington Country ClubWSFS Bank, and Jani-King. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Burlington C.C., its membership, management, staff, host PGA Professional Mike Mack, Tournament Chair John M. Hanuscin, and the entire 2023 Burlington Classic Pro-Am Committee, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 37th Burlington Classic Pro-Am leaderboard, click here.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic, which is also the third Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the season, on Monday, June 19, at Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.

About the Burlington Classic Pro-Am
The Burlington Classic Pro-Am was founded in 1986 by Mike Mack, PGA, Joe Fattorini, Leroy Peacock, Rex McWilliams, Chip Miller, George Hilt, and Donald “Butch” Eckman. The event quickly became one of the most popular events on the Philadelphia PGA Section’s tournament calendar, and is now a Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year Points Event.

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