Month: May 2024

Michael Breed, PGA, to Present During Coaches Corner Virtual Discussion

The Philadelphia PGA Section, in coordination with our Teaching & Coaching Committee, recently introduced a monthly Coaches Corner virtual discussion series. The series is designed to stimulate conversations and the sharing of golf instruction best practices among our PGA coaches. While the sessions are geared toward full-time PGA directors of instruction and coaches, they are open to PGA Professionals of any classification. Each session will have a discussion leader from the Teaching & Coaching Committee to help moderate the conversations, while some sessions may include guest speakers.

The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26 at 5:00 p.m. ET, and will be led by PGA of America Golf Professional Michael Breed.

To register for the session, and subsequent dates, click here.

Michael Breed is one of the most dynamic, engaging and entertaining teachers in the game. He is the host of “Course Record with Michael Breed” which airs on CBS prior to coverage of the PGA TOUR.  He is also a regular contributor to CBS Sports HQ.

Michael also hosts “A New Breed of Golf” on Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio weekday mornings from 8-10 AM EST, and “The Best of A New Breed of Golf” weekend mornings from 9-10 EST.  The digital series “A New Breed of Golf” is available on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can also join Michael for “A New Breed of Golf Live” on YouTube every Thursday for a truly interactive live instruction show, featuring Michael answering LIVE questions from the audience.

Michael has led the way in development of digital golf instruction. He further serves as the Chief Digital Instructor for Golf Digest, where he is focused on innovating how the game is taught.  He also oversees the “Golf Digest Best Young Teachers” program.  He previously hosted The Golf Fix, on Golf Channel, their highest rated golf instruction series.  Michael is also a member of the PGA of America and contributes to their digital broadcast of the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup

Golf Digest has ranked him as the top instructor in New York State, and #16 in America. Golf Magazine ranks Michael in the Top 100 Instructors in America, and the PGA of America named him the National Teacher of the Year in 2012.  The Metropolitan PGA Section has recognized Michael for a number of awards, including Teacher of the Year in 2000 and 2009, the only two-time winner of the award. He won the Horton Smith award in 2006, 2007, and 2017 and the Ely Callaway award in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Michael and his wife have two children, and live in Connecticut.

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

Playing Through Web Series: Bob Hennefer, PGA

Welcome to the latest episode of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s new web series, “Playing Through,” where PGA of America Golf Professionals, Section staff, Section partners, and other industry professionals are asked 18 questions about their lives and careers.

This episode features PGA of America Member Bob Hennefer. In addition to working as the PGA director of golf at Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel, N.J., Hennefer also serves as our Section’s vice president.

If you are interested in appearing in a future episode, please complete this form by clicking here. To watch past episodes, 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

PGA of America Golf Professional John Pillar Wins 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic and $100,000 Prize in Playoff

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (May 28, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional John Pillar of the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., won the 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic at Sunnybrook Golf Club on the third sudden-death playoff hole in front of hundreds of fans. Pillar’s $100,000 winner’s check is the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections.

Pillar turned in a 2-under-par 70 in regulation, good enough to tie fellow PGA Members Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green G.C., who recently earned Low Club Professional honors at the 2024 PGA Championship, and Kyle Early of Waynesborough C.C.

Shattuck was eliminated following a bogey five on the first playoff hole, the 390-yard par-4 18th hole; Pillar and Early tied with pars. Both went on to birdie the second playoff hole, including a dramatic 25-footer from Pillar. Pillar took the title and top prize with another birdie on the third playoff hole.

“Winning the Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic is a life changer, to be honest,” Pillar said during the trophy presentation. “I did not know when I was going to win again. At 57 years old, it’s overwhelming, and I am so grateful.”

Pillar is no stranger to the winners circle, having won the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, the Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship, and the Section’s Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2004. He said he’s driving to Indiana on Wednesday to play in a U.S. Open qualifier.

Pillar 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.

Four players finished tied for fourth place at 1-under par: Michael Little, Clubhouse 54; Rusty Harbold, Philadelphia Cricket Club; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; and Stephen Swartz, Carlisle C.C..

Pillar finished atop the Senior Division as well, bettering Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., by two-strokes. Five PGA Professionals finished tied for third place at 1-over-par.

Ian Natale finished with Low Amateur honors after turning in a 1-over-par 73 to top Binney Wietlisbach by one stroke.

To view the full leaderboard, click here.

The 26th 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 CompanySunnybrook 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

About Haverford
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 140+ employees and $13.4 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 12/31/2023.

Contacts: 
Matt Frey, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com, (215) 481-9086
Katie Karsh, Braithwaite Communications, katie@gobraithwaite.com, (610) 755-8682

Corebridge Financial Team of PGA of America Golf Professionals to Compete in 84th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

BENTON HARBOR, Michigan (May 22, 2024) – The 84th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship returns for a historic sixth time to Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where the Corebridge Financial Team of PGA of America Golf Professionals will compete against the world’s best senior golfers.
The Corebridge Financial Team at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship includes the top finishers in the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Championship held last October at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
“Our incredible PGA of America Golf Professionals who comprise the Corebridge Financial Team have combined for 130 starts in the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “Their resilience on the course is matched by their passion for their tenured careers on the lesson tee, in the golf shop and in their respective communities. They love to compete and they love to help others enjoy the game. We wish them the best of luck at Harbor Shores.”
Corebridge Financial’s partnership with the PGA of America includes the title sponsorship of three PGA of America Member teams, formerly known as the Team of 20 (PGA Championship); Team of 35 (KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship); and Team of 9 (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship). Each group is now recognized as the Corebridge Financial Team.
Bob Sowards, PGA, the Director of Instruction at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio, will lead the team as champion of the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Championship. One of the Association’s most accomplished competitors, he won the PGA of America Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year award five times, including in 2023, as well as four PGA of America Professional Player of the Year honors. He has been a member of 15 Corebridge Financial Teams competing in both PGA Championships and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championships.
Sowards finished T-5 in the 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club, and even held the lead in the second round. He made the cut at the 2023 Championship at PGA Frisco and also competed in 2022 and 2019.
Among other notables beginning play Thursday:
David Hutsell, PGA, Lead Instructor at Baltimore Country Club, played in the 2010 and ’11 PGA Championships. He finished T-26 in the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Championship to earn a place on the Corebridge Financial Team at Harbor Shores. He’s competed in 10 PGA Tour events and has won three PGA Professional Championships (2010, ‘11, ‘15). In 2020, Hutsell was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and has gone through several rounds of cancer treatments. He is currently in remission.
Tracy Phillips, PGA, Director of Instruction at Cedar Ridge Country Club in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, comes into the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship after making his PGA Championship debut last week at age 61. A Member of the PGA of America since 1992, Phillips stopped playing competitive golf for 20 years (1988-2008) following a collegiate golf career at Oklahoma State University. He finished T-8 in the PGA Professional Championship to earn a spot on the Corebridge Financial Team, and made the cut in the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at PGA Frisco.
Tim Weinhart, PGA, the Director of Instruction at Heritage Golf Links in Tucker, GA, finished T-9 in the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Championship to earn his spot on the Corebridge Financial Team. He previously played in six major championships: five PGA Championships (2002, ’05, ’06, ’08, ’09) and the 2012 U.S. Open. He made the cut at both the 2022 and 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championships, including finishing as low PGA of America Golf Professional in 2023 at PGA Frisco. Weinhart is one of only four players to win the “Georgia PGA Grand Slam”: Georgia Open, Georgia PGA Championship, Atlanta Open and Georgia PGA Match Play Championship.
2024 Corebridge Financial Team:

Don Berry, PGA (Rogers, Minn.) – Edinburgh USA Golf Club, Minnesota Section

Greg Bisconti, PGA (South Salem, N.Y.) – The Saint Andrew’s Golf Club, Metropolitan Section

Eric Bogar, PGA (Houston, Texas) – Golfcrest Country Club, Southern Texas Section

Craig Bowden, PGA (Bloomington, Ind.) – Indiana PGA Life Member, Indiana Section

Jeff Brehaut, PGA (Park City, Utah) – Utah PGA Life Member, Utah Section

Jason Caron, PGA (Greenlawn, N.Y.) – Mill River Club Inc., Metropolitan Section

Jim Carter, PGA (Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Southwest PGA Life Member, Southwest Section
Paul Claxton, PGA (Claxton, Ga.) – Richmond Hill Golf Club, Georgia Section

Frank Esposito, PGA (Florham Park, N.J.) – Mountain Ridge Country Club, New Jersey Section

Ray Franz, PGA (Mount Pleasant, S.C.) – Daniel Island Club, Carolinas Section

Greg Gregory, PGA (Joshua, Texas) – Southern Oaks Golf Club, Northern Texas Section

Jeff Hart, PGA (Solana Beach, Calif.) – Southern California PGA Life Member, Southern California Section

Scott Hebert, PGA (Traverse City, Mich.) – Traverse City Golf & Country Club, Michigan Section

Gregory Hiller, PGA (San Antonio, Texas) – TPC San Antonio, Southern Texas Section

Jason Hrynkiw, PGA (Ormond Beach, Fla.) – Oceanside Country Club, North Florida Section

David Hutsell, PGA (Lutherville, Md.) – Baltimore Country Club, Middle Atlantic Section

Ed Kirby, PGA (North Kingstown, Ri.) – The Aquidneck Club, New England Section

Chad Kurmel, PGA (Okemos, Mich.) – Michigan State University, Michigan Section

David Ladd, PGA (West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Champions Club at Summerfield, South Florida Section

Brad Lanning, PGA (Hortonville, Wi.) – Rise Up Golf Consulting, Wisconsin Section

Brad Lardon, PGA (Santa Fe, N.M.) – The Club at Las Campanas, Sun Country Section

Ryan Malby, PGA (Kalispell, Mont.) – Pacific Northwest PGA Life Member, Pacific Northwest Section
Sean McCarty, PGA (Solon, Iowa) – Brown Deer Golf Club, Iowa Section

Todd McCorkle, PGA (Fort Worth, Texas) – Old Overton Club, Northern Texas Section

Dave McNabb, PGA (Newark, Del.) – Applebrook Golf Club, Philadelphia Section

Alan Morin, PGA (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) – The Club at Ibis, South Florida Section

Rick Morton, PGA (Jacksonville, N.C.) – Rock Creek Golf & Country Club, Carolinas Section

Birk Nelson, PGA (Eugene, Ore.) – Orange Whip Golf & Fitness, Pacific Northwest Section

Rod Perry, PGA, (Port Orange, Fla.) – Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club, North Florida Section

Tracy Phillips, PGA (Tulsa, Okla.) – Cedar Ridge Country Club, South Central Section

Chad Proehl, PGA (Urbandale, Iowa) – Sugar Creek Golf Course, Iowa Section)

Jake Reeves, PGA (Knoxville, Tenn.) – Fox Den Country Club, Tennessee Section

Micah Rudosky, PGA (Cortez, Colo.) – Conquistador Golf Course, Colorado Section

Robert Russell, PGA (Stilwell, Ks.) – Nicklaus Golf Club At LionsGate, Midwest Section

Jeffrey Schmid, PGA (Iowa City, Iowa) – Brown Deer Golf Club, Iowa Section

Steve Schneiter, PGA (Sandy, Utah) – Schneiter’s Pebblebrook, Utah Section

Rob Sedorcek, PGA (Ballwin, Mo.) – Family Golf & Learning Center, Gateway Section

Mick Smith, PGA (Summit, Wis.) – Mick Smith Golf, Wisconsin Section

Bob Sowards, PGA (Dublin, Ohio) – Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club, Southern Ohio Section

Tim Weinhart, PGA (Canton, Ga.) – Heritage Golf Links, Georgia Section
The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, golf’s most historic and prestigious senior Major Championship, will be contested May 23-26 and broadcast on Golf Channel and NBC. The action can also be taken in through srpgachampionship.com and by following @seniorpgachamp on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About 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

Braden Shattuck, PGA, Breaks Bellewood Country Club Course Record to Win 2024 Delaware Valley Open

Pottstown, Pa. (May 20, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa., broke Bellewood Country Club’s course record to win the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Delaware Valley Open with an 8-under-par 63. Coming off an impressive finish at the PGA Championship in Kentucky, where he earned Low Club Professional honors, Shattuck bettered Louis Kelly of Gulph Mills Golf Club by two strokes. The tournament is a Philadelphia PGA Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event, and the second Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the year.

Shattuck made eight birdies and zero bogeys en route to surpass Bellewood’s course record by two strokes, which was made even more impressive by the fact that he drove 10 hours from Louisville, Ky., following the PGA Championship’s trophy ceremony, in order to make his 2:30 p.m. tee time today. To watch Shattuck accept the Low Club Professional trophy, click here.

“I didn’t get into too much trouble today,” Shattuck said of his round. “I had a lot of short clubs in my hand, which made it a little easier, having a 130-yard approach compared to 230 yards at Valhalla.”

Returning for the third season, the Silvercrest Cup series will include four qualifying events for Philadelphia PGA Professionals, and will culminate in a $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final on September 16, hosted at Union League Liberty Hill in Lafayette Hill, 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, Shattuck also took home an additional $2,500 from the Silvercrest Cup qualifier bonus pool.

“It’s amazing,” when asked about his Silvercrest Cup bonus. “We’re fortunate that they take care of us through the Silvercrest Cup final and qualifier bonuses. I am personally very thankful for Silvercrest and Allen Gray for what they do for us. I couldn’t be happier.”

Shattuck went on to thank the Rolling Green members and Rolling Green PGA Director of Golf Scott Chisholm for being so supportive, the Philadelphia PGA Section staff, his fiancée, family, and friends, for being there when he needs them.

“Being on the road for a long time can be hard, and I’m lucky to have everyone around supporting me,” said Shattuck.

The University of Delaware’s Brendon Post and Sandy Run C.C.’s Trevor Bensel tied for third place at 4-under-par. Seven PGA Golf Professionals tied for fifth place at 1-under-par.

Brendon Post, PGA, topped the Senior Division leaderboard at 4-under-par, bettering fellow PGA Professionals Terry Hertzog, Bent Creek C.C., and Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C., by three strokes. Pete Lovenguth, Sandy Run C.C., and Bill Walker tied for fourth place at 1-over-par.

The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter, PGA, took the top prize in the Super Senior Division, finishing at 2-under-par, five strokes ahead of a trio of PGA Professionals: PGA Life Members Wayne Phillips and Michael Versuk, and Greg Farrow, Deerwood C.C. PGA Life Member J.R. Delich, 82, finished in fifth place and turned in a round of 78, making it the 400th time he has shot or bettered his age on the golf course. Well played, J.R.!

The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) held an event concurrently with the Delaware Valley Open, with Louis Kelly emerging victorious. Trevor Bensel finished in second place two behind Kelly. Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs G.C., and Robert Fenton, Sunnybrook G.C., tied for third place at 1-under-par. Fifth place was rounded out by Matt Finger, DuPont C.C., Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay G.C., and Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C., all of whom shot even-par 71s.

To view the full 2024 Delaware Valley Open leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia PGA Delaware Valley Open is supported by Jack Jolly & Son Inc., Tasc PerformanceSilvercrest Asset Management GroupJani-KingOhana Farm LLC, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners and Bellewood Country Club, its membership, management, and staff, 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 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

Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck Earns Low Club Professional Honors at 2024 PGA Championship

Shattuck, Wells head home with a trove of highlights and memories

By Jeff Babineau, PGA Pool Reporter

PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck expects the usual barrage of questions when he gets back on the practice tee at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, where he is PGA Director of Instruction.

With Shattuck, 29, having just played in his second PGA Championship, his students will want to know what his nerves were like; who he played with; and what he did to keep himself calm. This time, he will have a new question to answer: What was it like to play on the weekend at a major?

He and Jeremy Wells, a 33-year-old Director of Instruction at Cypress Lake Golf Club in Fort Myers, Florida, were the two PGA Golf Professionals from the 21-man Corebridge Financial Team who made the 36-hole cut at the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. Wells and Shattuck each were competing in their second PGA Championship, having made it to Oak Hill a year ago, and this time they saw the championship all the way through.

Both experienced highs and lows at Valhalla, but were departing Kentucky far richer for their experience. Who might benefit the most? Those lucky golfers that they teach back home.

Shattuck, winner of the 2023 PGA Professional Championship, shot a closing 3-over 74 on Sunday, managing to close out his week with three hard-earned pars to finish 72 holes in red numbers. At 1-under 283, he earned honors as the Low PGA of America Golf Professional.

“This week has been obviously awesome,” said Shattuck, whose golf career was put on hold five years ago when he was involved in a terrible car accident that herniated two disks and took him out of golf for two years. “This is the first cut I’ve made [in a big pro event], and I just happened to do it at a major.”

Wells finished on a tough note, making a triple-bogey 8 at the par-5 18th early Sunday, but it did little to dampen his memorable week-long experience. Competing elbow to elbow with the best players in the world is something he had dreamed about since starting the game at 5 years old back in Virginia. He tried the pro game for a bit, but discovered what others who try it find out: Golf is really, really hard.

Making the cut at Valhalla was something that two-time major champion Jon Rahm did not do, that U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick did not do, that six-time major champion Phil Mickelson did not do. That is, perform well enough to make it to the third round of the championship.

“What did it look like?” asked Wells Sunday afternoon, when asked to recount those starry aspirations of his youth. “It looks like this. Beautiful days playing great golf courses in front of hundreds, thousands of people. Lots of fun.”

Wells has three children 7 and under, and two of them were in Kentucky to watch their dad play. He had quite a week, sharing it with his former roommate and teammate from the College of William & Mary, Spencer Kushner, who caddied for him. His parents were at Valhalla, too. One highlight came on Wednesday, when Wells was looking to play nine holes and then get some rest. As he stood waiting to hit on the 10th tee, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Scheffler’s Ryder Cup teammate, Max Homa, stepped up to join him.

Wells’ dad, Leigh Wells, said that did wonders to relax his son for Thursday’s first round, when he shot 69.

Wells said he drew inspiration, as many PGA of America Golf Professionals have, from the T-15 performance of PGA Professional Michael Block last May at Oak Hill. One thing he will take with him home to Florida is the desire to play more golf with his students, and not just watch them hit balls on a practice tee.

He also hoped that a great week in Kentucky leaves a lasting impression on his son, Mason, and daughter, Chloe, who were troopers all week, joining their mom, Melissa, in watching their father play his rounds.

“I hope they learn, my kids especially, just the amount of hard work that goes into this,” Wells said. “Got to hang in there, whatever it is in life. If you continue to stay focused and refine it through time, you can always get better. And we’re going to do that again for next year, or for the next opportunity.”

Shattuck wore a ribbon to honor his friend Dustin Wallis, member of the Philadelphia PGA Section whose life ended unexpectedly, and much too soon, at age 45 last month. Asked if Wallis would have approved of his showing at Valhalla, Shattuck said, “I think so… I think so. Hopefully he’s proud.”

For both Shattuck and Wells there will be plenty of time down the road to savor their great week, but on Monday, there was golf to play. Wells was trying to get back for a South Florida PGA Section event on Monday; Shattuck faced driving 10 hours home to Pennsylvania, hoping to make a time for a Section event at Bellwood, which is a Silver Crest Cup qualifier.

As the 2023 PPC champion, Shattuck still has three PGA Tour exemptions upcoming in 2024. He hopes to play Rocket Mortgage, John Deere and Barracuda. In challenging times, he can just harken back to his play at Valhalla.

About 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

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

Root for Dave McNabb as He Competes in the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

PGA of America Member Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pa., will be making a major championship appearance at the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Mich., on May 23-26.

McNabb qualified via their play in last year’s Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., where the top 35 finishers earn exemptions into the men’s senior major. McNabb has played several major championships, including in last year’s year’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, where he made the first-ever competitive hole-in-one at PGA Frisco in Texas.

Rich Steinmetz of Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa., had also qualified, but unfortunately had to withdraw due to an injury. Steinmetz, the two-time Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Champion, and a past PGA Championship competitor, made his senior men’s major championship debut at last year’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

We hope you will help us root Dave on as he competes in front of the fans in Michigan. If you are unable to attend the championship, we have listed the television broadcast times below.

How to Watch: 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

Thursday, May 23
Golf Channel: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
McNabb: 2:19 p.m. start time

Friday, May 24
Golf Channel: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
McNabb: 8:54 a.m. start time

Saturday, May 25
NBC: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 27
Golf Channel: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
NBC: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship Media Guide

Dave McNabb, PGA: PGA Head Golf Professional at Applebrook Golf Club… Finished T-26 at the 2022 Senior PGA Professional Championship to earn a spot on the Corebridge Financial PGA Team… Finished runner-up in the 2017 PGA Professional Championship, losing a two-hole playoff to Omar Uresti at Crosswater Club in Sunriver, Oregon… Also finished in the top 20 at the PGA Professional Championship in 2013 (T-9) and 2014 (T-12)… Earned spots in the PGA Championship in 2013, ‘14, and ‘17… Also played in four KitchenAid Senior PGA Championships (2017, ‘19, ‘21, ‘22)… Played in the 2017 and ‘22 U.S. Senior Opens… Member of the 2017 U.S. PGA Cup Team… Played in the Senior PGA Professional Championship in 2022 (T-26), 2021 (T- 14), 2020 (T-16), 2018 (T-11), and 2016 (T-28)… Winner, 2021 Philadelphia PGA Skee Riegel Senior Open… Winner, 2021, ‘18 Philadelphia PGA Senior Professional Championship… Winner, 2015 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship… Winner, 2018, ‘13 Callaway TPD Championship… Winner, 2012, ‘05 Delaware State Open… Winner, 2016, ‘05, ‘04, ‘97 Philadelphia PGA Section Head Professional Championships… Winner, 2013 Philadelphia PGA Golf Professional of the Year… Winner, 2021, ‘20, ‘18 Philadelphia PGA Section Senior Player of the Year… Held top Philadelphia PGA Section DeBaufre Scoring Average in 2016 (70.90)… Led Philadelphia PGA Section Senior Scor- ing Average in 2016 (70.90) and 2021 (70.93)… Did not play competitive golf from a young age, including high school and college… In 1993, he left his hometown Mount Clemens, Michigan, and moved to Delaware, where he began his career in the golf profession… A nine-year member of the Philadelphia PGA Board of Directors.

Rich Steinmetz, PGA: PGA Head Golf Professional at Spring Ford Country Club… Finished T-24 at the 2022 Senior PGA Professional Championship to earn a spot on the Corebridge Financial PGA Team… Finished T-9 in the 2005 PGA Professional Championship and T-15 in 2010… Earned starts in the 2005 PGA Championship at Baltusrol and the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits… Member of the 2005 U.S. PGA Cup team… Winner, 2022 Philadelphia PGA Section Senior Professional Championship… Winner, 2011, ‘10, ‘07 Philadelphia PGA Section Championship… Winner, 2009 Philadelphia Open… Winner, 2006 Philadelphia PGA Section Match Play Championship… Winner, 2022 Philadelphia PGA Senior Player of the Year… Winner, 2006 Phila- delphia PGA Player of the Year… Winner, 2004 Philadelphia PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year… Winner, 2004 Philadelphia PGA DeBaufre Scoring Average… At age of 16, played in the Optimist Jr. World Championships at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California… As a junior golfer, he twice won the Philadelphia Jr. PGA… He was a two-time PAC 10 Champion and qualified three times for the PIAA State Championships during high school.

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

Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck Plays Weekend at 106th PGA Championship

Louisville, Kentucky (May 18, 2024) – PGA of America Golf Professionals Braden Shattuck (Philadelphia PGA Section) and Jeremy Wells (South Florida PGA Section) made the cut at the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. It’s the first time since 2021 that more than one PGA of America Golf Professional will play the weekend at the PGA Championship.

Shattuck, the PGA Director of Instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, made the cut after missing last year in his first  appearance in the PGA Championship.

Beginning the second round on the 10th hole, Shattuck got off to a quick start with birdies on holes 11-13. He made the turn at 2-under, however bogies on holes 3 and 4 nudged him outside the cutline. He needed at least one birdie over the final two holes to get within the top-70 and ties to reach the weekend. The birdie came on the par-3 8th hole (his 17th of the round) courtesy of draining a 35-footer.

On the par-4 9th, he found the fairway bunker off the tee and a greenside bunker with this approach. He stared down a 4-footer then holed it for par.

“The cup looked like the size of a thimble on that last 4-footer,” Shattuck said, smiling, “but, thankfully, it found its way to the middle.”

Shattuck had to rebuild his swing due to a car accident in 2019, herniating two disks in his back and unable to swing a golf club for two years. He won the 2023 PGA Professional Championship to play at Oak Hill, where missing the cut last year left him wanting more.

This will be his first time playing the weekend of a Major Championship as part of the Corebridge Financial Team.

“That’s something you take a lot of pride in,” he said. “It’s nice to represent the PGA of America out here.”

Shattuck began his third round at 1:34 p.m. ET off the 10th tee paired with S.H. Kim and Stephan Jaeger.

Wells (2-under), the PGA Director of Player Development at Cypress Lake Golf Club in Fort Myers, Florida, finished his second round Saturday morning after play was suspended due to darkness on Friday.

A good night’s rest isn’t always easy to come by for a father of three. Trying to sleep with two holes still to play to make his first cut at the PGA Championship may be even harder.

“We woke our kids up at 4:30 to get to the golf course,” Wells said. “We were in blankets in the clubhouse. Yeah, didn’t sleep very well but it wasn’t the first time I felt that way.

“Fortunately, I got to play 8 and 9 this morning, which are kind of normal holes here. But even still, I knew I was going to have to stand over a couple 3-footers.”

With a two-putt par on the par-3 8th hole, Wells had a shot to spare to make the 1-under cut on his 36th hole, alleviating some stress for the 2-footer that finished his even-par round.

Wells made the Corebridge Financial Team in 2023 at Oak Hill, but missed the cut. Making the weekend this year was the ultimate goal.

“We have a Section Championship which leads to the National Championship (PGA Professional Championship) which leads to the PGA Championship, and then you have a cut at the PGA Championship,” Wells said. “Now that I’ve made this cut, hopefully some of the pressure is off because these next two days are kind of the goal for my year. I’m fortunate enough to get this far to the PGA Championship.”

Wells will begin his third round at 1:01 p.m. ET off the 10th tee paired with 2010 PGA Champion Martin Kaymer (2-under) and Tyrell Hatton (2-under).

The last time more than one PGA of America Golf Professional made the cut at the PGA Championship was 2021 at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, when Ben Cook (Michigan Section) and Brad Marek (Northern California Section) played the weekend.

Corebridge Financial broadened its partnership with the PGA of America to include title sponsorship of the PGA of America Member teams, formerly known as the Team of 20 (PGA Championship); Team of 35 (KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship); and Team of 9 (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship). Each group will now be recognized as the Corebridge Financial Team.

The PGA Championship continues May 18-19 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. You can stream, watch or listen on the networks of CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount, ESPN, ESPN+ and SiriusXM Radio.

About 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

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

Shattuck Makes the Cut at the PGA Championship

Louisville, Ky. (May 17, 2024) – PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa., has made the cut at the PGA Championship which is being played at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. He had a steady round on day one, finishing with an even par, 71. For his second round, he finished at 1-under-par and is currently sitting tied for 68th going into the weekend. He will tee off Saturday at 1;34 pm off of hole 10. To follow along with him, click here. Good luck and great rounds Braden!

Twenty-Sixth Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic Returns to Sunnybrook Golf Club on May 28 With Nation’s Largest First Place Prize for Any PGA Section Member Tournament

Radnor, Pa. (May 15, 2024) — With the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections, the 26th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic returns to Sunnybrook Golf Club in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., on May 28.

One hundred thirty-two PGA of America Golf Professionals will compete for the $100,000 first-place prize money, last won by Brian Bergstol, PGA of America Golf Professional at Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. The professionals will be joined by 16 amateurs.

“We are both proud and excited to be celebrating 26 years of this one-of-a-kind tournament, which brings together PGA of America Golf Professionals from some of the most esteemed courses in our region,” said Joe McLaughlin, Chairman & CEO of Haverford Trust.

“The Philadelphia PGA Section thanks Mr. George Connell and the entire Haverford Trust team for bringing together PGA of America Golf Professionals year-after-year to compete in this legendary invitational,” said Geoff Surrette, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section Executive Director. “We’re excited to welcome 132 PGA of America Golf Professionals and 16 up and coming amateurs on May 28.”

The tournament was last won in 2023 by Brian Bergstol, PGA Professional from Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in Shawnee on Delaware, Pa. Bergstol made four birdies and three bogies en route to a 1-under-par 71 to tie Jeff Herb, PGA, of Waynesborough Country Club, who finished his round earlier in the afternoon. Bergstol defeated Herb on the first sudden death playoff hole, finishing 1-under-par with an overall score of 71 in a pool made up of 148 players (132 PGA of America Golf Professionals and 16 Amateurs).

For more information on the 26th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic, visit golfgenius.com/pages/4554948.

Haverford Trust Company President, Keith Aleardi (left); Founder & Director, George Connell (second from left); Chairman & CEO, Joe McLaughlin (right); present the 25th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic winner’s trophy and $150,000 first-place check to Brian Bergstol, PGA Professional from Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in Shawnee on Delaware, Pa.

TOURNAMENT FACTS
Tournament Name – The Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic
Sponsor – The Haverford Trust Company
Venue – Sunnybrook Golf Club – Plymouth Meeting, Pa. / Yardage – 6,893 Par 72
Host Professional – Gregory W. Wingate, PGA
Total Purse – $167,600 / 1st Place Prize – $100,000
2023 Champion – Brian Bergstol, PGA (Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort) Score – 1 under par (71), won in playoff
2023 Runner Up – Jeff Herb, PGA (Waynesborough Country Club) Score – 1 under par (71), lost in playoff
Field – 148 (132 PGA of America Golf Professionals, 16 amateurs)

PAST CHAMPIONS ELIGIBLE TO PLAY:

Dave Quinn, PGA – 2001, 2005
Dave Roberts, PGA – 2002
George Forster, PGA – 2008
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
George Forster, PGA – 2019
Parks Price, PGA – 2021
Brian Bergstol, PGA – 2023

SOCIAL MEDIA: #haverfordclassic

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

About Haverford
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 140+ employees and $13.4 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 12/31/2023.

Contacts: 

Matt Frey, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com, (215) 481-9086
Katie Karsh, Braithwaite Communications, katie@gobraithwaite.com, (610) 755-8682