Northfield, N.J. (April 29, 2024) — Pine Valley Golf Club’s David Clark, PGA, and Matthew Zehner, PGA, teamed together to tie Nick Iacono, Merion Golf Club, and Anthony Sebastianelli, Rolling Green Golf Club, in the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Spring Pro-Pro Championship at the famed Atlantic City Country Club.

The duo from Pine Valley combined to make five birdies and an eagle in the Four-Ball, better ball of partners format to finish at 7-under-par, while Iacono and Sebastianelli made seven team birdies to also finish with a 63.

Five teams tied for third place at 6-under-par: Brian Buskirk, HoneyBrook G.C., and Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs G.C.; Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C., and Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C.; the Legacy Club at Woodcrest’s Stephen Sieracki and John DiMarco; Jason Gebhart, the Bridges G.C., and Parks Price, Hanover C.C.; and John Lynch, Bidermann G.C., and Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C.

Congratulations are in order for Southmoore Golf Center’s Jim Muschlitz, PGA, as he made a hole-in-one on Atlantic City C.C.’s fourth hole. He hit a soft 7-iron from 140 yards. Well played, Jim!

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia PGA Spring Pro-Pro 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (April 26, 2024) — PGA REACH Philadelphia, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section,  is proud to announce six recipients of the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship: Sophia DeSantis, Glen Mills, Pa.; Addison Murphy,  Phoenixville, Pa.; Andi Jones, Glenside, Pa.; Tobias Elliott, Garnet Valley, Pa.; Brian Nishimura, Collegeville, Pa.; Jayden Rounbehler, Philadelphia, Pa.
The scholarship program was established in 2019 to promote greater diversity in golf and awards opportunities to junior golfers of different races, genders and socioeconomic statuses. Specifically, golfers receive a free membership to the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour,  7 free tournament entries annually, until the age of 18, and are assigned a PGA of America Golf Professional as a mentor to coach them through challenges they are facing on and off the course.

This year’s class is supported by our partners Women Golfers Give Back and Valley Forge Tourism and Convention. The golf equipment is sponsored by the 1854 Foundation and purchased through Bill Lee, PGA at Cobra Puma Golf.

In addition to the six individuals that will receive the scholarship, PGA REACH Philadelphia has partnered with The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia to provide 16 additional members of The First Tee with two tournament entries and a Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour membership for the 2024 season.

“We are thrilled to announce the selection of six exceptional scholars from our largest pool of applicants. Each recipient embodies not only a passion for the game of golf but also a dedication to academic excellence and community involvement. We believe they will represent our program with distinction and contribute positively to the future of the sport,” said Courtney Curcio, PGA REACH Philadelphia Director.

This year’s scholarship recipients include:

	Sophia DeSantis, 18, has been an avid golfer from an early age. Her hard work and passion for the game of golf has earned her several honors including captain of her high school golf team and a scholarship to play golf at a D1 college.
	Tobias Elliott, 9, is a bright and kind individual who is very close with his family, particularly his twin brother. He is hungry to learn as much as he can and excited to get into the game of golf.
	Addison Murphy, 13, has always loved watching golf with her grandfather. By being on the Philly Junior Tour, she is most excited to make new friends, see new courses and challenge herself.
	Andi Jones, 16, was introduced to golf at a young age and has since advocated to bring a golf team back to her high school. She is eager to use the lessons she will learn by competing in tournaments to better herself and the world.
	Brian Nishimura, 14, is a member of the First Tee of Philadelphia and enjoys the peace golf brings him. He is looking forward to absorbing as much knowledge as possible and growing in confidence as he competes.
	Jayden Rounbehler, 18, is driven to achieve greater heights in his life, especially through his love of learning. He is new to the game of golf and excited for the opportunities ahead of him.

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit pgareachphiladelphia.com To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Courtney Curcio, Director, ccurcio@pgahq.com

Welcome to the latest episode of “At the Turn,” where Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA, shares wisdom and advice from PGA of America Golf Professionals.

This episode’s topic is “We work for the benefit of the doubt,” submitted by Merion Golf Club PGA Head Golf Professional Scott Nye. To watch the episode, click on the below button or screen capture.

For a mobile-friendly (vertical) version of the episode, click here.

If you are interested in appearing in a future episode, please complete this form by clicking 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Thirteen Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professionals will be competing in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship presented by Club Car, Corebridge Financial and Rolex. The championship will be played Sunday, April 28 to Wednesday, May 1, on the Fields Ranch East and West courses at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas.

The PGA Professional Championship, the national championship for PGA of America Golf Professionals from across the country, features a 312-player field representing all 41 PGA of America Sections. The top 20 finishers will earn a spot on the Corebridge Financial Team to compete two weeks later in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, from May 13-19.

Defending Champion Braden Shattuck is set to make his second appearance in the PGA Professional Championship after becoming the 11th individual in the championship’s history to win in his first appearance. The PGA Director of Instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, shot 9-under-par 279 to win by one shot last May at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.

The PGA of America Members representing the Philadelphia PGA Section include:

• Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C., Springfield, Pa.
• Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C., Oreland, Pa.
• Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware, Pa.
• Robert Fenton, Sunnybrook G.C., Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
• Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C., Stroudsburg, Pa.
• Chris Krueger, Kings Creek C.C., Rehoboth Beach, Del.
• Danny Lewis, Philadelphia (Pa.) Cricket Club
• Michael Little, Clubhouse 54, North Wales, Pa.
• Michael Meisenzahl, Little Mill C.C., Marlton, N.J.
• Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C., Wilmington, Del.
• Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C., Lafayette Hill, Pa.
• Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., Royersford, Pa.
• Billy Stewart, Union League Liberty Hill, Lafayette Hill, 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

PGA of America Special on CBS – "We Love to Play this Game" – Debuts Saturday, April 27 at 2:30pm ET from PGA of America on Vimeo.

FRISCO, Texas (April 24, 2024) — In partnership with the PGA of America and CBS Sports, the CBS Television Network will air the half-hour special “We Love to Play this Game” on Saturday, April 27th at 2:30 p.m. ET.

The PGA of America consists of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who dedicate their careers to coaching, managing and growing the game of golf—all while playing it at a high level. Each year, Members of the Association take advantage of numerous opportunities to qualify for PGA of America major championships and compete with the world’s best in the men’s and women’s game.

Narrated by Amanda Balionis, the special presentation highlights the unique stories of six PGA of America Golf Professionals and their respective journeys to compete in the PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship or KPMG Women’s PGA Championship as part of the Corebridge Financial Team.

“The PGA of America is excited to share the stories of six incredible PGA of America Golf Professionals who shine a positive light on our entire Association,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “The special will expound on their impressive accomplishments such as Michael Block, PGA, finishing in the top-15 at the PGA Championship, Kim Paez, PGA, becoming the first female professional to win the Southwest PGA Section Championship and much more. Thanks to the platform CBS provides, their efforts on and off the course will be displayed front and center. We’re grateful for our partnership with CBS Sports, who will broadcast a 34th consecutive PGA Championship next month.”

PGA of America Golf Professionals Featured in “We Love to Play this Game” include:

• Braden Shattuck, PGA, Director of Instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, was on track for a career as a Touring professional when a car accident sidelined his plans with injuries. Now a PGA of America Golf Professional, he’s considered one of the best young teachers in the Philadelphia PGA Section, and his love for competing lives on. He won the 2023 PGA Professional Championship and earned his way into the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. As PGA Professional Champion, Shattuck earned six PGA Tour starts for the 2024 season.
• Michael Block, PGA, Head Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California, experienced a storybook 2023 that included a T-15 finish at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in May. His performance captivated the sports world and was highlighted by a final-round hole-in-one on the par-3, 151-yard 15th hole. His performance earned him a spot in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla next month.
• Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth, PGA/LPGA, Teaching Professional at San Jose Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida, won the 2023 Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Award. She became the first woman to win a PGA Tournament Series event in its 46-year history and in her four years as a PGA of America Coach she’s become a shining example of competing at a high level. She now prepares to compete in her fifth-straight KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in June.
• Jerry Haas, PGA, Men’s Golf Coach at Wake Forest University, was an All American at Wake Forest, and in 1985 finished 31st in the Masters as an Amateur. With initial plans to follow in the footsteps of his uncle and Masters champion Bob Goalby, and his older brother Jay, a 9-time winner on the PGA Tour and two-time KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion, Jerry’s golf journey instead led to coaching at his alma mater, where he’s become one of the most successful college golf coaches in the country.
• Kim Paez, PGA, Player Development Director for Ping and Teaching Professional at Cave Creek Golf Club’s Reid West Golf Academies in Phoenix, Arizona, became the first woman to win the Southwest PGA Section Championship, earning an exemption into the 2024 PGA Professional Championship. Thanks to a 4th-place finish in the 2024 PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship, she secured the last remaining spot on the Corebridge Financial Team and will showcase her talent at Sahalee Country Club in June to compete in her first Major at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
• Bob Sowards, PGA, Director of Instruction at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio, is one of the most decorated players among the ranks of PGA of America Golf Professionals. He has won nine national PGA of America Awards, including four PGA Professional Player of the Year (2003-05, ‘14) and five Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year (2018, ‘19, ’21-‘23) recognitions. His play continues to shine as a frequent member of the Corebridge Financial Team at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

Additionally, the special will re-air five times between April 30 and May 11 on CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) in primetime on the following days (all ET): April 30 at 6:30 p.m., May 2 at 8:00 p.m., May 3 at 6:30 p.m. and May 11 at 7:00 p.m.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contacts:
Jesse Dodson, PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com
Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com

Click here to view 2024 field.

Click here to access the media hub.

FRISCO, Texas (April 23, 2024) ー For the first time, the PGA Professional Championship will be contested at the new home of the PGA of America, Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco.

The 2024 PGA Professional Championship presented by Club Car, Corebridge Financial and Rolex, will be played Sunday, April 28 to Wednesday, May 1, on the Fields Ranch East and West courses.

The PGA Professional Championship, the national championship for PGA of America Golf Professionals from across the country, features a 312-player field representing all 41 PGA of America Sections.

The top 20 finishers will earn a spot on the Corebridge Financial Team to compete two weeks later in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, from May 13-19.

Defending Champion Braden Shattuck is set to make his second appearance in the PGA Professional Championship after becoming the 11th individual in the Championship’s history to win in his first appearance.

The PGA Director of Instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, shot 9-under-par 279 to win by one shot last May at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.

As he prepares to defend his title in Frisco, Shattuck remains proud of his ability to block out the noise during his memorable 2023 performance.

“I was able to stay surprisingly calm on the course,” said Shattuck. “Off the course might have been a different story, but on the course I was abnormally calm. It’s something I’ve been working on for a long time so it was really cool to see how the mindset shift affected me under the gun.”

Shattuck, who plans to play several nine hole practice rounds to familiarize himself with Fields Ranch East and West Thursday through Saturday, is aware of the heightened expectations that come with being the defending champion.

“People place expectations on you once you win it,” said Shattuck. “I just try to have the same expectations, same approach and see what happens.”

Shattuck is one of 15 past PGA Professional Champions in this year’s field. He will be joined by Alex Beach (2019), Rich Berberian Jr. (2016), Michael Block (2014), Matt Dobyns (2012, 2015), Scott Hebert (2008), David Hutsell (2011), Darrell Kestner (1996), Jesse Mueller (2022), Rod Perry (2013), Ron Philo Jr. (2006), Jeff Roth (1993), Steve Schneiter (1995), Bob Sowards (2004) and Ryan Vermeer (2018).

The Northern Texas PGA Section will be well represented with 10 Members competing. Brandon Bingaman (Gleneagles Country Club, Plano), Spencer Dillard (Preston Trail Golf Club, Dallas), Robby Bruns (Trinity Forest Golf Club, Dallas), Robert Shields (The Winsford Group, Tyler), Brian Norman (Lakewood Country Club, Dallas), Nic Ishee (Preston Trail Golf Club, Dallas), Kent Graham (Gleneagles Country Club, Plano) and Matt Ryba (Preston Trail Golf Club, Dallas) qualified through the Section’s PGA Professional Championship at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco in August 2023.

J.J. Killeen (Red Feather Golf & Social Club, Lubbock) and Gabe Reynolds (Topgolf Dallas, Dallas) were previously exempt following their PGA Professional Championship finishes in 2023.

Bingaman captured the Northern Texas PGA Professional Championship in a one hole playoff after shooting even par 69-75.

“I felt like I played really well,” said Bingaman. “I would chalk it up to a ball striker’s golf course. I won shooting even par and that tells you it’s a golf course that can jump up and bite you at any time. I just want to go in and compete. That’s my main focus right now.”

Additional notables in the field include Michael Block, the PGA Head Golf Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California. He finished T-2 in the 2023 PGA Professional Championship en route to an appearance in the 2023 PGA Championship, where he memorably took low club professional honors finishing T-15.

Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth, the 2023 Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year representing the North Florida PGA Section, is making her third consecutive appearance. Bob Sowards, the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year, is also in the field and returns to PGA Frisco following a T-70 finish in the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, contested at Fields Ranch East.

The PGA Professional Championship has served as a showcase event for PGA of America Golf Professionals since 1968. The field consists of past Champions, the top 20 players and ties from the previous year’s Championship as well as players qualifying through Section Championships.

The Championship, which offers a $715,000 purse, will have a 36-hole cut Monday to the low 90 scorers and ties, and a 54-hole cut Tuesday to the low 70 scorers and ties.

The second, third and final rounds will be broadcast live on Golf Channel, including 4-7 pm (CT) on Monday, April 29, and Tuesday, April 30, followed by 3-6 pm on Wednesday, May 1.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contacts

Greg Dillard, PGA of America, 561-308-8013, gdillard@pgahq.com

Alan Cox, PGA of America, 972-214-8274, acox@pgahq.com

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (April 11, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is happy to announce that it has signed Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board (VFTCB) as a Premier Section Partner. The VFTCB is a non-profit membership sales and marketing organization which actively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County, Pa.

Valley Forge and Montgomery County will resume their role as a Presenting Partner of the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour, and support all women’s initiatives including a new all female PGA HOPE Chapter at Huntingdon Valley C.C., the Women’s Section Championship and the Spring and Summer Pro-Lady Team Championships. Their continued support of PGA REACH Philadelphia will be shown this year through the sponsorship of the foundation’s pro-am on September 30, at Laurel Creek C.C. and the PGA REACH Philadelphia Diversity Scholars. New to their partnership this year is their patronage for Off the Green, which is a new golf docuseries.

“We would like to thank Mike Bowman and the entire team at Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board.” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “The past few years working with them have allowed us to partner and grow our great initiatives to provide more opportunities to showcase women and diversity in golf.”

“Here at the VFTCB, we’re beyond proud to once again partner with the Philadelphia PGA,” said Mike Bowman, President & CEO of the VFTCB. “This group truly represents class in golf, and since Montco is home to 50 of the most historic and top-ranked courses in the country, it’s such a natural fit to connect with these folks. Plus, we both believe in the commitment to supporting women, diversity, and youth in the sport.”

For those looking to learn more about the Section’s partnership with Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, please contact Section Communications Director Matt Frey, PGA, at mfrey@pgahq.com.

About Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board is a private, non-profit membership sales and marketing organization which actively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by promoting patronage of its member hotels, restaurants, attractions and services. The Board represents more than 500 member businesses throughout Southeast Pennsylvania, and is funded from a combination of Pennsylvania grants, membership dues, and a tax imposed on visitors occupying the county’s more than 9,400 hotel rooms. For more information, visit valleyforge.org.

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (March 13, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is pleased to announce that it has signed Visit Delco as a Premier Section Partner. Visit Delco is the official tourism promotion agency for Delaware County, with the mission of helping drive the economic vitality of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, as a dynamic tourism destination.

As part of their partnership, Visit Delco will be supporting the 103rd Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at Rolling Green G.C. on August 26-28. Visit Delco will also be a title partner for a PGA HOPE chapter in Delaware County. In addition, Visit Delco will sponsor the PGA REACH Philadelphia Pro-Am.

“Executive Director Steve Byrne and the entire team at Visit Delco have made a wonderful investment in our programming this year.” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “They have elevated their support to become a premiere partner and that has allowed us to impact our PGA HOPE outreach along with our Section Championship which is being held in Delco at Rolling Green GC.”

“As a longtime sponsor of the Philadelphia Section, it was an easy decision for Visit Delco to increase our support of the PGA HOPE chapter in our home county, which provides the introduction of golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military, enhancing their overall well-being.” Stated Steve Byrne, Executive Director of Visit Delco. “As an organization, we are dedicated to supporting and honoring the more-than 25,000 proud Veterans who call Delaware County home, and our enhanced partnership with the PGA section will help us build momentum in advance of the PGA Championship coming to Aronimink in 2026”.
About Visit Delco
Visit Delco is the official tourism arm of Delaware County. Their mission is to drive the economic vitality of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, as a dynamic tourism destination by promoting the abundance of diverse experiences, and present the region, as a welcoming place to visit, meet, stay, and play.

Contacts:

Matt Frey, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com