Year: 2023

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

PGA Member Brian Bergstol Wins 25th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic and $150,000 Prize in Sudden Death Playoff

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (May 30, 2023) — Reigning Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort  in Shawnee on the Delaware, Pennsylvania, won the 25th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic at Sunnybrook Golf Club by tapping in a one-foot par on the first sudden death playoff hole to top Jeff Herb, PGA, of Waynesborough Country Club in Paoli, Pennsylvania. Bergstol’s $150,000 winner’s check is the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections.

Bergstol made four birdies and three bogies en route to a 1-under-par 71 to tie Herb, who finished his round earlier in the afternoon. Bergstol said the course played “super hard,” and went on to remark it was one of the hardest tournament course setups he has played.

Bergstol went on to thank the event’s title partner, The Haverford Trust Company, their founder and director George Connell, Sunnybrook Golf Club and its membership, and staff, for their dedication to the Philadelphia PGA Section and its nearly 900 PGA Professionals.

“I look forward to this event every year,” said Bergstol.

Bergstol has won two of the Section’s biggest tournaments over the course of the nine months, having claimed the 101st Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at DuPont C.C. in September, and now the 25th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic.

To view the full leaderboard, click here.

In the Senior Division, PGA Member Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., took top honors with his 1-over-par round of 73. Green Valley C.C.’s John Cooper, PGA, and PGA Life Member George Forster finished in second place, one stroke behind McNabb. Three PGA Members rounded out the top five at 3-over-par: Barry Dear, Blue Heron Pines G.C.; Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C.; and John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs.

Steve Wetherill Jr. finished with Low Amateur honors after turning in a 1-over-par 73 to top Frank Natale by five strokes.

The 25th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic’s title partner is The Haverford Trust Company. The event is also a Rolex Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year bonus points event. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the Haverford Trust Company, Sunnybrook Golf Club, its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been 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.

About The Haverford Trust Company
The Haverford Trust Company was founded in 1979 on Philadelphia’s landmark Rittenhouse Square. Since our founding, one thing has remained unchanged…our commitment to quality. Haverford has prospered for more than 40 years in a finance industry dominated by giants through our passion and adaptability. With 120+ employees and $13.0 billion* in assets, our size is our advantage. We focus on the essentials: the Quality Investing philosophy whose goal is to provide our clients with the right mix of stability and growth across the market cycle. For more information, visit haverfordquality.com.

*Including assets under management or consultation for The Haverford Trust Company and Haverford Financial Services as of 3/31/23.

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

PGA Associate Zach Barbin Wins 2023 Delaware Valley Open Championship

West Chester, Pa. (May 22, 2023) — PGA Associate Zach Barbin of Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Rising Sun, Md., turned in a 4-under-par 68 to win the 2023 Delaware Valley Open Championship at Radley Run Country Club by one stroke over PGA Members Steve Sanderson, Saucon Valley C.C., Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; and Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C.

Barbin made six birdies en route to his victory, and only had one blemish on his scorecard (a double bogey on No. 10). The lead was at 3-under-par for most of the day, but Barbin made back-to-back birdies on Nos. 15 and 16 to tie, and ultimately take the lead.

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. 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, Barbin also took home an additional $2,500 from the Silvercrest Cup qualifier bonus pool.

Three PGA Professionals tied four fourth place, two strokes behind the winner: Gregg Meyer, Woodstone C.C.; Joanna Coe, Merion G.C.; and Bryan Saxon, Lehigh C.C.

Laurel Creek C.C.’s Dave Quinn fired a 1-under-par 71 to claim a one-stroke victory in the Senior Division over John Spina, Philadelphia Cricket Club. Four PGA Professionals tied for third place at 2-over-par: Hugo Mazzalupi, Linfield National G.C.; PGA Life Member Brian Kelly; Rob Rohrbach, Foxchase G.C.; and Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C.

Kelly, who recently retired from Bucknell G.C., took top honors in the Super Senior Division, bettering six of his fellow PGA Professionals by one stroke: Bill Sautter, Philadelphia Cricket Club; Mike Moses, Concord C.C.; Bob Lennon, Wilmington C.C.; George Forster, Radnor Valley C.C.; Greg Farrow, Deerwood C.C.; and Dave Roberts, Cedarbrook C.C.

The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) held an event concurrently with the Delaware Valley Open, with Barbin also walking away with a winner’s check in that event. Oakley and Knoll finished in second place, followed by Saxon in fourth, and Rusty Harbold, Philadelphia Cricket Club, in fifth place at 1-under-par.

Two amateurs competed in the field this year, with Nathan Myers, Moselem Springs G.C., taking Low Amateur honors with a 12-over-par 84.

To view the full 2023 Delaware Valley Open Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2023 Delaware Valley Open Championship is supported by supported by Jack Jolly & Son Inc.Jani-KingMizunoOhana Farm LLCSilvercrest Asset Management Group, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Radley Run 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 and Silvercrest Cup qualifier on the schedule is the 25th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic at Sunnybrook Golf Club in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., on Tuesday, May 30.

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

Shattuck’s First Major Sure to be a Memorable One

By Jeff Babineau

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Braden Shattuck knows what it’s like to watch the game of golf be taken away from him. While playing the mini-tours and chasing professional golf aspirations in Florida four years ago, Shattuck, now 28, was involved in a car accident in which he herniated two discs in his back. Walking became a painful challenge, and he had serious doubts that golf would be a part of his future.

For a player who loved to play and practice, and no stranger to 12-hour days spent working on his game, Shattuck could not swing a club for the better part of two years. Once healthy, he returned to the game in a different role, gaining his PGA of America A-14 designation a year ago and taking on duties as the director of instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club, just outside of Philadelphia.

This week, he has a tournament to play in upstate New York. He is in the first group of the day at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill. Shattuck got here by winning in his PGA Professional Championship debut at Twin Warriors Golf Club in New Mexico earlier this month, one of 20 club professionals to make it through and earn a berth in the PGA at storied Oak Hill, which is playing host to its fourth PGA Championship.

Asked if could imagine being here as a participant considering where he was four years ago, Shattuck said, “I could definitely imagine it. But I didn’t think it would actually happen.”

It was two years after the accident that Shattuck was able to play nine holes, and even then, he couldn’t practice. He came up with a makeshift, overhauled swing that he said feels almost as if it belongs to somebody else. He utilizes a weaker grip with his top left hand and changed his swing path to be more upright.

Shattuck will play in Thursday’s opening group alongside Shaun Micheel, who won the PGA at Oak Hill in 2003, and New Zealand’s Steven Alker, last year’s Kitchenaid Senior PGA champion. Shattuck, who played one year of college golf at Delaware before chasing the mini-tour circuit, shot 9-under 279 to win by a shot at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs.

“Yeah, for a while there I thought golf might be out of the question,” Shattuck said, looking back to his 2019 accident in which the car he was traveling in was t-boned by another driver at an intersection. Beyond the herniated discs, he sustained a concussion and experienced nerve issues in his legs. “You kind of rely on uncertainty there for a while, and it kind of sucks. But yeah, definitely the goal was still to get back here.”

Rolling Greel held a watch party for Shattuck’s final round, with about 50-60 members on edge as they watched. Several are expected to make the six-hour drive to upstate New York to see him compete.

Shattuck is one of 12 first-timers among the 20 PGA pros who compose the Corebridge Financial PGA Team. As national champion, he will get six starts on the PGA Tour beginning in 2024. Asked for his goal for this week at a demanding Oak Hill test, Shattuck said it would be to play his way into the weekend. “I don’t think it’s reasonable to think I can win the golf tournament and beat the best players in the world,” he said, “but I think I can definitely make the cut this week.”

Scott Chisholm, director of golf at Rolling Green, where Shattuck teaches, said it’s a busy week at the club, with several events scheduled, but a lot of folks will be taking a keen interest in how Shattuck fares in his first major championship. Chisholm said Shattuck has no weaknesses in his game, and carries enough length to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with top tour pros from around the world.

Best yet, Shattuck’s participation has sparked some nice energy back at his home club.

“The members are excited for Braden,” Chisholm said. “I know his lesson book is certainly filling up right now.”

How to Watch the PGA Championship

Thursday, May 18
7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on ESPN+
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on ESPN

Friday, May 19
7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on ESPN+
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday, May 20
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on ESPN+
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on ESPN
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on CBS

Sunday, May 21
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on ESPN+
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on ESPN
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on CBS

Philadelphia PGA Members Hold Crucial Roles at PGA Championship 
In addition to Braden Shattuck, PGA, making the first stroke in the 2023 PGA Championship (7:00 a.m. on No. 1), several other Philadelphia PGA Members will hold crucial roles in the championship, including:
  • Jeff Kiddie, PGA: the reigning PGA Golf Professional of the Year, past Section president, and Aronimink G.C. PGA head professional serves on the PGA Rules Committee and will work as a rules official this week at Oak Hill C.C.
  • Tom Carpus, PGA: a past Section president and current PGA Tour Champions rules official also serves on the PGA Rules Committee, and will assist the PGA of America as an official this week, in addition to joining the CBS Sports Network and Paramount+ teams on their broadcasts.
  • Alice Miller, PGA: a major champion, Section Rules Committee chair, and DuPont C.C. PGA golf instructor, Miller serves on the PGA Rules Committee and will join Kiddie and Carpus on the Rules team at the championship.
  • John Pillar, PGA: the current PGA District 2 director, past Section president, and C.C. at Woodloch Springs PGA Director of golf, will serve as an official starter on the tee, and will announce players as they approach their final green.
  • Joanna Coe, PGA: the current Section Women’s Player of the Year, inaugural Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year, and Merion G.C. PGA director of instruction, will work alongside PGA Members to assist the ESPN and ESPN+ crews on their broadcast commentary.
  • Scott Chisholm, PGA: the Rolling Green G.C. PGA head professional is in attendance this week as Braden Shattuck’s PGA coach, helping him prepare to compete in his first major championship.

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

25th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic Returns to Sunnybrook Golf Club on May 30 with Nation’s Largest First Place Prize for Any PGA Section Member Tournament

Radnor, Pa. (May 17, 2023)  With the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide sections, the 25th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic returns to Sunnybrook Golf Club in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., on May 30. One-hundred-thirty-two PGA Professionals will vie for the $150,000 first-place prize money, a 50 percent increase in first-place prize money since the tournament was last held in 2021.

“Our entire team at Haverford is thrilled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic, and to sponsor and honor the positive impact PGA Members have on the game of golf throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region,” said Joe McLaughlin, Chairman & CEO of Haverford Trust. “PGA Professionals play such an integral role in growing and managing the game and business of golf, and we appreciate their passion for a sport played by tens of millions of men, women and children of all ages.”

“The Philadelphia PGA Section thanks Mr. George Connell and Haverford Trust for the opportunity to bring together PGA Professionals to compete for a $150,000 first place prize,” said Geoff Surrette, Philadelphia PGA Section Executive Director. “Year after year, our participants get a tour-level experience at this legendary event, and that’s incredible.”

The tournament was last won in 2021 by Parks Price, PGA Professional from the Country Club of York in York, Pa., and first-time Haverford PGA Classic attendee. The tournament resumes after being postponed in 2022 due to inclement weather. Price won a three-man playoff in dramatic fashion by draining a long birdie putt on the first sudden death playoff hole, besting Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club and Brett Walker of Sunnybrook Golf Club. Price’s 25-foot birdie putt on No. 18 topped Oakley’s 20-foot birdie that came up short and Walker’s 12-footer that slid left. Price, Oakley and Bidermann all finished regulation at 4-under-par with an overall score of 68 in a pool made up of 132 players (120 PGA Professionals and 12 Amateurs).

For more information on the 25th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic, click here.

Haverford Trust Company Chairman & CEO Joe McLaughlin (left); President Binney Wietlisbach (second from left); and Founder & Director George Connell (right) present the 24th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic winner’s trophy and $100,000 first-place check to PGA Member Parks Price (second from right) of the Country Club of York in York, Pa.

Tournament Facts
Tournament Name: The Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic
Sponsor: The Haverford Trust Company
Date: Monday, May 30, 2023
Venue: Sunnybrook Golf Club, 398 Stenton Ave., Plymouth Meeting, Pa., 19462
Course Yardage: 6,893
Course Par: 72
Host PGA Professional: Mr. Gregory W. Wingate, PGA
Total Purse: $167,600
First Place Prize: $150,000
Defending Champion: Parks Price, PGA, Country Club of York; 4-under-par 68, won in playoff, No. 18, birdie 3
2021 Runners Up: Zac Oakley, PGA, Bidermann Golf Club; Brett Walker, PGA, Sunnybrook Golf Club; 4-under-par 68, lost in playoff, No. 18, par 4
Field: 148 (132 PGA Professionals, 16 amateurs)

Past Champions Eligible to Play
Dave Quinn, PGA – 2001, 2005
Dave Roberts, PGA – 2002
George Forster, PGA – 2008, 2019
Hugh Reilly, PGA – 2011
Scott Reilly, PGA – 2012
Billy Stewart – 2013
Rusty Harbold, PGA – 2014
Dave McNabb, PGA – 2016
Andrew Turner, PGA – 2017
Mark Parson, PGA – 2018
Parks Price, PGA – 2021

Social Media Hashtag#haverfordclassic

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. For more information about the Philadelphia Section PGA, visit www.philadelphia.pga.com.

About The Haverford Trust Company
The Haverford Trust Company was founded in 1979 on Philadelphia’s landmark Rittenhouse Square. Since our founding, one thing has remained unchanged…our commitment to quality. Haverford has prospered for more than 40 years in a finance industry dominated by giants through our passion and adaptability. With 120+ employees and $13.0 billion* in assets, our size is our advantage. We focus on the essentials: the Quality Investing philosophy whose goal is to provide our clients with the right mix of stability and growth across the market cycle. For more information, visit haverfordquality.com.

*Including assets under management or consultation for The Haverford Trust Company and Haverford Financial Services as of 3/31/2023.