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

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.

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

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

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!

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: 

PGA of America Members Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del., and Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa., will each be making their second major championship appearances at the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky.

Both, along with 19 other PGA of America Golf Professionals, earned their place on the Corebridge Financial Team at the PGA Professional Championship last month in Frisco, Texas. Oakley played in his first major championship at the 2022 PGA Championship, while Shattuck led the team as the 2023 PGA Professional Champion at the 2023 PGA Championship.

We hope you will help us root Zac and Braden on as they compete in front of the throngs of fans. If you are unable to attend the championship, we have listed the television broadcast times below.

How To Watch: 2024 PGA Championship

Thursday, May 16
ESPN+: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ESPN: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Oakley: 7:48 a.m. start time
Shattuck: 2:57 p.m. start time

Friday, May 17
ESPN+: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
ESPN: 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Oakley: 1:13 p.m. start time
Shattuck: 9:32 a.m. start time

Saturday, May 18
ESPN+: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
ESPN: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
CBS: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 19
ESPN+: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
ESPN: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
CBS: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

2024 PGA Championship Media Guide
Zac Oakley, PGA: Club/Facility: Bidermann Golf Club, Wilmington, Del.; PGA Championship appearance: 2nd; Philadelphia PGA Section. PGA Assistant and Teaching Professional at Bidermann Golf Club…Playing in his second PGA Championship…T-16 finish in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship clinched a spot on the Corebridge Financial Team in the PGA Championship…Finished T-6 in the 2022 PGA Professional Championship despite coming off a partially torn tendon in his left foot that put him in a cast for about seven weeks. Had just a few weeks to rehab before the Championship began…Earned a start in the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills…Winner, 2023 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship; 2023 Philadelphia PGA Assistant Championship; 2021, ’19 Philadelphia PGA Section Match Play Championship…Won twice during both the 2021 and 2017 PGA Tournament Series at PGA Golf Club…Winner, 2021 Philadelphia PGA Section Player of the Year…Won the 2021 DeBaufre low scoring average title and set the all time lowest Philadelphia PGA Section scoring average of 68.9 for the season…Three-time All-America golfer at Wesley College…Son of Pete Oakley, a PGA life member who won the 2004 Senior British Open and played in six PGA Championships and 11 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championships.Braden Shattuck, PGA: Club/Facility: Rolling Green Golf Club, Springfield, Pa.; PGA Championship appearance: 2nd; Philadelphia PGA Section. PGA Director of Instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club…He is set to make his debut in the PGA Championship…Winner, 2023 PGA Professional Championship; 2022 Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year…Winner, 2022 Philadelphia PGA Doylestown Open…Winner, 2022, ‘21 Burlington Classic…Winner, 2022 Philadelphia PGA Jack Jolly & Son Championship…Winner, 2022 Philadelphia PGA F. Edward DeBaufre Trophy for Scoring Average…Winner, 2021 GALV Lehigh Valley Open…Winner, 2019 Philadelphia PGA William Hyndman III Memorial Classic…Winner, 2018 New England Open…Winner, 2018 Delaware Open…He is a former Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour member, where he won the 2011 and 2012 Boys 16-18 Player of the Year…Played college golf at the University of Delaware…Named the 2011-12 Daily Times Player of the Year in 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

Allentown, Pa. (May 14, 2024) — PGA of America Member Pete Lovenguth of Sandy Run Country Club in Oreland, Pa., led his team of amateurs, Michele Gavaghan, Sue Harrigan, and Judy Morrisey, to a Net Division victory in the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championship Presented by Parx Casino® at Lehigh Country Club.

The team from Sandy Run finished with a 14-under-par 56, bettering Cedarbrook C.C.’s Ron Pine, Lori DiFerdinando, Terry Davis, and April Brashe; and Wild Quail G. & C.C.’s Tyler Spielberger, June Allen, Judy Larson, and Tammy Croce, by two strokes in the one Better Ball of Four format. Five teams tied for fourth place at 11-under-par: Overbrook G.C.’s Eric Kennedy, Danielle DeHoratius, Suzanne Carlin, and Tina Aberant; Springhaven Club’s Ben Debski, Joan Skivo, Irene Waitzman, and Jenna LaMaina; LedgeRock G.C.’s Bill Kindoll, June Maier, Carol Lehman, and Chiara Renninger; Penn Oaks G.C.’s Tom Koenig, Tina Landis, Donna Dalusio, and Dawn Capriotti; and Laurel Creek C.C.’s Bob Hennefer, Christine Blessing, Eileen Burke, and Linda Toogood.

Sandy Run’s team also finished atop the Gross Division leaderboard at 8-under-par, thanks in part to Lovenguth’s seven birdies. They were followed by the Wild Quail team at 7-under-par. Lehigh C.C. own’s Josh Tremblay, Laura Manchester, Patty Cox, and Michelle Cox, finished at 6-under-par, and tied Hanover C.C.’s Parks Price, Audrie Sasse, Steph Naymick, and Kelly Riggle. Debski’s Springhaven team finished in fifth place with at 5-under-par.

View the full 2024 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championship leaderboard by clicking here.

The 2024 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championship is presented by Parx Casino®, and is supported by Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, and Ohana Farm LLC. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners and Lehigh 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

Glenside, Pa. (May 7, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Dave Pagett of Whitemarsh Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hill, Pa., defeated Danny Lewis of Philadelphia Cricket Club at Saint Martins, in a sudden death playoff at North Hills Country Club to win the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Connelly Cup Head Golf Professional Championship. Both shot a three-under-par round of 68 to earn their spots in the playoff.

The Connelly Cup is named in honor of Jack Connelly, a past president of both the PGA of America (2001-02) and Philadelphia PGA Section (1983-84). Connelly was also inducted into the Section’s Hall of Fame in 2000, and PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2005.

The playoff began on No. 18, a 350-yard par-4 that features a treacherously steep green; both players made par, and headed back to the tee. Padgett made an eight-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole to claim victory.”

“I played really solid today, especially with an eagle on No. 15, and several other birdies along the way,” said Pagett. “My goal was to remain patient and positive throughout the day and it paid off.”

Jeff Kiddie, Aronimink G.C., finished in third place at 1-over par. Greg Wingate, Sunnybrook G.C., shot a 2-over-par 73 for fourth place. Four PGA Professionals tied for fifth place.

Kiddie also secured first place in the Senior Division, bettering Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C., by two strokes. In a tie for third with a 4-over score of 75 were John Pillar, C.C. of Woodloch Springs and John Cooper, Green Valley C.C. Brian Kelly earned solo fifth in the Senior Division with his score of 76.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia PGA Connelly Cup Head Golf Professional 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

The United States Department of Labor (DOL) has announced its final rule change to employee exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule, “Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees,” raises the minimum salaries to qualify for certain FLSA overtime exemptions and provides for updates to the earning thresholds every three years based on up-to-date wage data. The final rule calls for an initial threshold increase to take effect by July 1, 2024, and then the full increase to take effect by January 1, 2025. 

PGA Career Services position: The PGA Career Services department highly recommends seeking the advice and counsel of an attorney to support your compliance efforts. It is important for employers to remember that some states have different duties and salary basis tests, and some require a daily overtime premium to be paid.

Regulation snapshot (click here to review the full regulation): The final rule changes the minimum weekly salary to qualify for one of the FLSA’s three white-collar overtime exemptions (executive, administrative, or professional) from $684 to $844 effective 7/1/2024. That minimum weekly salary then increases to $1,128 effective 1/1/2025.

In addition, the final rule changes the salary level to qualify for the highly compensated employee (HCE) exemption from $107,432/yr. to $132,964/yr. effective 7/1/2024. Then, effective 1/1/2025, the minimum annual salary increases to $151,164/yr.

This final rule does not change the existing job duties requirements of the FLSA’s three white-collar exemptions or HCE exemption. Information about the existing job duties requirements can be found by clicking here.

Since the first changes are scheduled to be effective July of this year, employers should move quickly to assess the classification status of their workers. As with previous attempts to modify overtime requirements, the final rule is likely to face legal challenges before it becomes effective.

Leaders in the golf industry should understand the potential sensitivity surrounding this topic. Examples to consider include:

• If there is a change in pay for any employees, the message for their team of employees, who are the heart of their facility, and the connection to the consumers (members and guests) should be reviewed so they do not feel like they are being demoted or of less value.
• For some employees, there could be a stigma if they have a new procedure to clock in/out.
• This may also be the time to provide an education about the budget/finances of the facility. Understanding the revenues and expenses (including payroll) required to meet the financial expectations of the stakeholders. Just because the government increases the minimum salary requirements, does not necessarily equate to decreasing the stakeholders’ financial expectations.
• Consider evaluating the impact on your budget based on the reality of hourly-based pay versus salary-based pay. Do you have a good idea of the hours worked by current salary-based staff to calculate the budget impact if pay changes to hourly-based?

Are there state laws or regulations that supersede this? The short answer is yes. For example – if the state law minimum salary amount is greater than the federal minimum salary amount. Please review your state or commonwealth’s website for their minimum salary and overtime regulations.

A question about the 10 p limit for commission included in the minimum salary amount. Is this determined on a weekly or annual basis? The 10 percent commission payment may be completed on an annual basis. Click here for the DOL’s website to answer questions on commissions.