Lancaster, Pa. (September 26, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Michael Little of Clubhouse 54 in North Wales, Pa., and his amateur partner Buddy Hansen, turned in a team score of 5-under-par 65 at Lancaster Country Club to win the 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am by one stroke over Peter Clarke, Manufacturers’ G. & C.C., and Andy Beittel.

The annual tournament was first played in 1936 under the moniker “Lancaster Pro-Am,” and has since changed to its current name to memorialize A.B. Thorn, Lancaster’s former PGA Head Professional, who also held the Section’s first vice president position in 1942-1944.

Little and Hansen combined for seven team birdies and two bogies in the Four-Ball Better Ball of Partners format. Little made five birdies with his own golf ball, with Hansen making two of his own.

Two teams tied for third place at 3-under-par: John Lynch, Bidermann G.C., and Jay Whitby; and Bill Kindoll, LedgeRock G.C., and Brock Kovach. Four teams tied for fifth place at 2-under-par, including Michael Chanaud, Peninsula G. & C.C., and Roy Kiscaden; Robert Fenton, Sunnybrook G.C., and Marc Mandel; Andy Stewart, Bon Air C.C., and Justin Henry; and Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs G.C., and Brandon Raihl.

To view the full 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am is presented by Noble Advisors, Penfold Golf, and Ohana Farm LLC. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Lancaster 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.

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. (September 25, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is happy to announce a new partnership with Noble Advisors, an investment company that focuses on various aspects of real estate.

As part of the agreement, Noble Advisors will sponsor the 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am on Thursday, September 26, at Lancaster (Pa.) Country Club, site of the 2015 and 2024 U.S. Women’s Open Championship.

“We are fortunate to bring Noble Advisors into our partnership family,” said Philadelphia PGA Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “Their support will help improve one of our most popular pro-ams, and boost the prize purse for both our PGA of America Golf Professionals and their amateur partners.”

“The company’s owners are members at Lancaster Country Club,” said Noble’s Investor Relations Officer Terry Hertzog, PGA, “so it makes a lot of sense for us to partner with the Section and the A.B. Thorn event.”

About Noble Advisors
Founded in 1992, Noble Advisors is an investment company that focuses on various aspects of real estate, now managing over $125 million of capital.  The Noble Group has three main focuses: Private Lending for business loans secured by real estate; the acquisition of performing and non-performing mortgage loans secured by real estate; and the purchase, renovation and sale of single-family residential properties.  To learn more or inquire about investing, contact Terry Hertzog at (717) 271-8317. To learn more, visit nobleweb.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

Buckingham, Pa. (September 23, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del., turned in a 7-under-par 65 at Lookaway Golf Club to win the 2024 Philadelphia Players Championship by three strokes over a plethora of talented golfers.

Oakley made a strong statement on his front nine, carding two eagles, two birdies and no bogies. He held steady on his back nine, making two birdies and only one bogey to propel him to victory.

“This is a signature event for our Section,” Oakley said after his round. “You always want to win one of the big ones. I’m happy with how I played, and am proud of my round today against the best PGA Professionals in our Section.”

Oakley went on to thank his family, Scott and Karen Hutchinson, Lookaway Golf Club, Levelwear, Strackaline, and the Secton.

The championship’s presenting partner, Scott and Karen Hutchinson have helped to make the event’s purse one of the Section’s largest, at nearly $29,000, with $5,000 going to the champion.

Eight PGA Professionals tied for second place at 4-under-par: Kyle Early, Waynesborough C.C.; Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C.: Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C.; Andrew Cornish, Cedarbrook C.C.; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C.; Mark Parson, Harbor Pines G.C.; and Brian Buskirk, HoneyBrook Golf Club.

Three PGA Professionals tied for first place at 4-under in the Senior Division: Dave McNabb, Rich Steinmetz, and Mark Parson. Fourth place went to Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C., who was only one stroke back. Overbrook G.C.’s Eric Kennedy rounded out the top five at 1-under-par.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia Players Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia Players Championship is presented by Scott & Karen Hutchinson, and is supported by Levelwear and StrackaLine. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Lookaway 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.

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. (September 18, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is happy to have Penfold Golf sign as a new partner for the 2024 season. Penfold Golf is a British company specializing in golf balls, accessories and equipment.

They will be a sponsor for the A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am on September 26, 2024 at Lancaster C.C. They also extend their support to the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour.

We are excited to have Penfold Golf sign with us this season” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “It’s really great to have a local company support the Section and our programs. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Gavin and his team at Penfold!”

“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the Philadelphia PGA section. As an official licensee of the PGA of America, it’s crucial for us to connect closely with PGA Professionals and local sections,” said Gavin Perrett, CEO of Penfold Golf. “Philadelphia, where our US base is located—with myself residing in Havertown and our distribution center in East Falls—holds special significance. Known for its robust golf scene and passionate golfers, Philadelphia is an ideal starting point for Penfold as a genuine golf brand with an authentic heritage in the game.”

About Penfold Golf
Penfold Golf is a company founded in 1927 who specializing in golf balls, equipment and iconic accessories. They are dedicated to balancing the unique style and performance of their products, while keeping their rich history alive.

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

Mount Laurel Township, N.J. (September 18, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professionals Joanna Coe, Merion G.C.; Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C.; Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; and Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook G.C.; have each advanced to the semi-final matches of the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship, and are all that remain of the 120 PGA Professionals who have been competing in the event since May. The semi-final and final matches are scheduled for Wednesday, October 2 at the famed Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa.

Sixteen PGA Professionals began their day at Laurel Creek Country Club to vie for the four semi-final slots. Tavistock C.C.’s Mike Meisenzahl, PGA, defeated defending champion Michael Little, Clubhouse 54, 1-up, in the Dick Smith Sr. Bracket. Reigning Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion Joanna Coe bettered this year’s Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Champion, John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, 6 and 4. In the Art Wall Bracket, Zac Oakley defeated Merion G.C.’s Matthew Durham 1up, while Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C., conceded his match to Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.

Rolling Green G.C.’s Braden Shattuck, PGA, topped Laurel Creek C.C.’s Dave Quinn, PGA, 3 and 2, in the Ed Dougherty Bracket, while Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C., defeated Patrick Allgeier, Aronimink G.C., 2 and 1. In the Henry Williams Bracket, DuPont C.C.’s Matt Finger defeated Merion G.C.’s Grant Gardiner 5 and 3. Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook G.C., bested the University of Delaware’s Brendon Post 3 and 2.

Joanna Coe claimed victory in the Round of 8, topping Mike Meisenzahl 2 and 1. Zac Oakley, the 2023 Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion, defeated Trevor Bensel 3 and 2. Dave Pagett bettered Braden Shattuck 2-up, and Mark Sheftic beat Matt Finger 5 and 3, to earn their spots in the semi-finals.

Coe will face off against Oakley in the semi-finals at Merion G.C. on October 2, followed by the match of Pagett vs. Sheftic. The winners will meet in the final match that afternoon.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship results, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our Round of 16 and Round of 8 host, Laurel Creek 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.

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

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 17, 2024) – The PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable
foundation of the PGA of America, has announced the 2024 class for the PGA WORKS Fellowship.
The PGA WORKS Fellowship, established in 2017, provides the opportunity for a one-year paid
immersion in a PGA of America Section’s Foundation operations. PGA Sections oversee the 41 regions
of the PGA of America across the United States and help create the network of communication and
community for PGA of America Golf Professionals and amateur golfers nationwide.

The PGA WORKS Fellowship is one of the most valuable entry-level opportunities for individuals from
diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry. The
Fellowship gives recent college and university graduates a first-hand look at everything that a career
in the $102 billion golf industry can provide.

The primary responsibilities of this year’s 27 PGA WORKS Fellows will be to support and execute
philanthropic initiatives for the charitable foundations of their respective PGA Sections. This includes
assisting with marketing, communications and fundraising activities, as well as PGA HOPE
programming for Veterans and junior golf initiatives such as PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt.

“Our PGA WORKS Fellowship program has become an incredible resource for recent college graduates
to get their foot in the door within the golf industry and make real contributions to their local
communities and PGA of America Sections,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA
Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “The Fellows experience how meaningful
a career in golf is and the majority continue down that path following their Fellowship. I’m looking
forward to seeing the future success of our 27 Fellows.”
As part of PGA WORKS’ mission, Fellows are encouraged to continue their careers in golf following
their fellowships with direct access to both PGA of America Career Consultants and mentors to help
them achieve their career goals. In the history of the PGA WORKS Fellowship, 82 percent of all
Fellows have acquired jobs within the golf industry, and 85 percent have acquired full-time positions
upon completing their fellowship. 56 percent of fellows have secured jobs at a PGA Section.

Past Fellows have gone on to work for Titleist, the First Tee, the Texas Golf Association and the PGA
Tour, among other golf companies and sporting organizations. Additionally, several Fellows work full-
time in PGA Section Offices across the country. Others have continued their education in graduate
school.
Currently, four PGA WORKS Fellows Alumni have landed jobs working for the Association at the Home
of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas: Cameron Dinkins, PGA WORKS Leader; Iyannei Miranda, PGA
WORKS Program Coordinator; Caroline Riggs, PGA REACH Events Coordinator; and Cameron Jones,
Membership Representative.

2024 Class of PGA WORKS Fellows

Maddy Anderson; Waukesha, Wis.; Western Illinois University (UG) / University of Wisconsin-
Whitewater (Masters); Wisconsin PGA Section
Amber Bogle; Lincoln, Neb.; Bellevue University; Nebraska PGA Section
Hannah Corso; Winchester, Mass.; University of Massachusetts Amherst; New England PGA Section
Kika Dzoan; Tracy, Calif.; Metropolitan State University of Denver; Colorado PGA Section
Rachel Dupree; Shreveport, La.; Oral Roberts University; South Central PGA Section
Camryn Eddy; Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Kentucky; Gateway PGA Section

Aron Gianchandani; Watchung, N.J.; Muhlenberg College; New Jersey PGA Section
Hayley Guilinger; Thomson, Ill.; Culver Stockton University (UG) / Western Illinois University
(Masters); Michigan PGA Section
Taylor Harvey; Phoenix, Ariz.; Prairie View A&M University (UG) / Delaware State University
(Masters); Sun Country PGA Section
Jordan Haynes; Lithia, Fla.; Florida State University; Georgia PGA Section
Emily Jones; Cleveland, Ohio; University of Dayton; Northern Ohio PGA Section
Abbie Kludt; Hettinger, N.D.; Dickinson State University (UG) / Syracuse (Masters); Western New
York PGA Section
Presley Ladner; Canton, Miss.; Louisiana State University; Gulf States PGA Section
Carli Lynch; Needham, Mass..; Methodist University; South Florida PGA Section
Kara Madden; Leesburg, Va.; University of Mississippi; Middle Atlantic PGA Section
Destiny McLeod; Philadelphia, Pa.; Penn State University; Kentucky PGA Section
Nic Mendez; Pembroke Pines, Fla.; University of Central Florida; North Florida PGA Section
Vuyo Mondi; Northcliff, South Africa; Arizona State University (UG) / Ohio State (Masters); Southern
Ohio PGA Section
Alexandra Mudie; Dundee, Scotland; William Carey University (UG) / University of Southern
Mississippi (Masters); Southern Texas PGA Section
Seely Murphy; Albany, Ga.; Georgia Southern University; Northern Texas PGA Section
Zoe Rogers; Shelton, Conn.; Saint Michael’s College; Metropolitan PGA Section
Amanda Schaare; Clinton, Mich.; University of Michigan (UG) / Wake Forest University (Masters);
Intersport
Nyah Singh; Nassau, The Bahamas; Lincoln University; Indiana PGA Section
Cami Terkildsen; Wheaton, Ill.; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Carolinas PGA Section
Cassandra Vogel; Bellefonte, Pa.; Millersville University; Philadelphia PGA Section
Casey Ware; Fulton, N.Y.; Syracuse University; Central NY PGA Section
Valentina Wilson; San Diego, Calif.; Penn State University; Southern California PGA Section

For more information on PGA REACH, visit PGAREACH.org.

About PGA WORKS
PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. Funded as one
of the pillars of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the
PGA of America, PGA WORKS leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events, and the
PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from all backgrounds to pursue key
employment positions across the golf industry. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org.

About PGA of America REACH Foundation
The PGA of America REACH Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of
America. The mission of the Foundation is to positively impact the lives of youth, military and
diverse populations by enabling access to PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA Sections
and the game of golf. For more information on the PGA of America REACH Foundation, visit
PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Instagram, X, formerly known as Twitter and find us on
Facebook.

Media Contacts:
Jesse Dodson, PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com, 801-995-0684
Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com, 732-546-4325

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (September 18, 2024) — Following the conclusion of the third annual Silvercrest Cup at Union League Liberty Hill on September 16, Silvercrest Asset Management Group, an investment advisor providing asset management and family office services to high net worth individuals and select institutional investors, made significant donations to PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Philadelphia PGA Section, and the J.Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust, the official charitable arm of the Golf Association of Philadelphia.

Silvercrest gifted both foundations $10,000 each to use towards achieving their individual missions and goals. PGA REACH Philadelphia’s mission is to positively impact lives through the game of golf, focusing on three core pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity & Inclusion.

“We are thrilled to have a dedicated partner like Silvercrest to support our foundation,” said PGA REACH Philadelphia Director Courtney Curcio. “Their commitment to the game of golf, and our local communities will help our grow our programming this year and into the future.”

Donations to PGA REACH Philadelphia help fund valuable and effective programs like PGA Jr. League, PGA HOPE Philadelphia (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) for U.S. military veterans, and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarships.

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.

Lafayette Hill, Pa. (September 16, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Anthony Sebastianelli of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa., turned in a 6-under-par 66 at Union League Liberty Hill to win the third annual Silvercrest Cup by two strokes over Cedarbrook C.C.’s Andrew Cornish.

Sebastianelli made eight birdies and two bogeys on a cool and breezy day.

“I hit it pretty well, and putted well today,” Sebastianelli said following his round. “There were times in the round where it could have gotten away from me, but my caddie kept me relaxed. It was difficult with the wind, and the greens were very quick; [Union League Liberty Hill] was a great test of golf today.

“It means the world to win the $15,000 first-place prize,” continued Sebastianelli. “We are extremely fortunate to have Silvercrest a part of our Section. Every event that Silvercrest is involved with is special, not just today, but all of the qualifiers too.”

He won the fourth and final Silvercrest Cup qualifier this season at the Doylestown Open in July.

Sebastianelli went on to thank Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Mr. Allen Gray, his wife Emily, his caddie, the membership and staff at Rolling Green, Union League Liberty Hill, and the Section.

The Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the PGA of America’s 41 geographical managing entities, and Silvercrest Asset Management Group, an investment advisor providing asset management and family office services to high net worth individuals and select institutional investors, partnered to create the Silvercrest Cup, a new tournament series for Philadelphia PGA Professionals in 2022. Fifty-four PGA Professionals earned their place in the $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final via a points system drawn from their performance in four qualifying events; the top eight amateurs on the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s (GAP) William Hyndman III Player of the Year list were also invited to compete. Sebastianelli’s $15,000 in earnings is one of the most lucrative winner’s checks on the Section’s tournament calendar. In addition to the final purse, each of the four qualifying events included a bonus pool of $4,000, shared between each qualifier’s champion and runner-up.

Four PGA Professionals tied for third place at 2-under-par: Michael Little, Clubhouse 54; Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.; Joe Kogelman, GOLFTEC – Moorestown; and Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.

Sunnybrook G.C.’s Mark Sheftic, PGA, took home the top prize in the Senior Division, finishing at even-par to better four PGA Professionals by one stroke: Brian Kelly, Titleist Fit Crew; PGA Life Member George Forster; Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C.; and Terry Hertzog, Bent Creek C.C.

Thanks to his 1-under-par round of 71, Blue Bell C.C.’s Buddy Hansen earned Low Amateur honors, bettering Merion G.C.’s Patrick Knott and Jake Haberstumpf, Ledgerock G.C., by two strokes.

While the Silvercrest Cup rewards playing excellence of Philadelphia PGA Professionals and top amateurs, the series also provided significant donations of $10,000 to the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, PGA REACH Philadelphia, and the GAP’s J.Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust.

To view the full 2024 Silvercrest Cup leaderboard, click here.

The third annual Silvercrest Cup is presented by Silvercrest Asset Management Group. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Union League Liberty Hill, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, 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.

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

Philadelphia, Pa. (September 11, 2024) — It was an electric day as eleven of the best women PGA of America Golf Professionals gathered at Union League Golf Club at Torresdale for the 2024 Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship. The victory went to Joanna Coe, PGA, of Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., who shot an impressive even-par 70, despite a challenging course and tricky greens. Coe, who was just selected to the 2024 Women’s PGA Cup Team, managed to make three birdies during her round to become the first two-time Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion.

“I know Donald Ross as an architect and he can be difficult,” said Coe. “It’s usually if you’re above the pin, it’s going to be really difficult up and in; if you’re above the pin putting, it’s going to be lightning. I just kept that in mind the whole time and tried not to get too cute on anything.” Coe also extended gratitude to her husband Ryan for being so supportive and a terrific dad to their newborn daughter Jenny, and for giving her the opportunity to continue doing what she loves.

Only one stroke behind Coe was 2023 Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion Tessa Teachman, Aronimink G.C. Brittany Weddell, Green Valley C.C., finished at 2-over par. In a tie for fourth were PGA Members Megan Leineweber, Stonewall Links; and Patty Post, University of Delaware.

To view the full 2024 Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is sponsored by KM Golf Sales, and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, 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.

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