Year: 2024

Philadelphia PGA Section Proud to have Visit Delco as a Premier Partner

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

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

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

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

Contacts:

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Partnership with COBRA PUMA GOLF

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (April 12, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is happy to announce that it has renewed its partnership with COBRA PUMA Golf.

As part of the partnership, COBRA PUMA Golf will support all areas of the Philadelphia Section including the Junior Tour Awards Banquet and donating equipment to the PGA REACH Philadelphia Diversity Scholars. As part of the agreement, they will also be sponsoring the Fall Meeting on Monday, October 28, at Medford Village C.C.

“The Philadelphia PGA is excited to renew our partnership with COBRA PUMA Golf,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “Having Section professional Bill Lee drive the support is really special. We love how Cobra Puma continues to engage with every part of our Section operation and PGA Reach.Bill Lee, PGA, representative from COBRA PUMA Golf, stated, “Cobra’s 50+ years of commitment to innovation and performance consistently produce products that preform on the very highest level the game has to offer.  This year’s product line and the launch of the new Dark Speed family of products is a perfect example Cobra’s R&D excellence. Puma has rapidly emerged as one of the industries leading Apparel and Footwear brands.  With a strong commitment to high quality performance fabrics, and a keen sense for design, Puma fashion has opened the doors of many of the very best facilities in the country. Comfortably Bold –  If you have not seen Puma in a while, you will be impressed.”

About COBRA PUMA GOLF

COBRA PUMA GOLF is a leading golf brand that designs and develops superior-quality golf equipment as well as stylish, high-performance golf apparel, footwear, and accessories. It was founded in 1973 and has a history of bringing innovative and high-quality golf equipment to the market, including the first utility wood, the BafflerTM. PUMA Golf was founded in 2005 and focuses on a sport-lifestyle positioning, with all products based on technology combined with industry-leading fashion, helping golfers Look Better. Feel Better. Play Better.’ COBRA PUMA GOLF was formed in April 2010 and has some of the world’s top golf talent on staff, including Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland, and Lexi Thompson. Our goal at COBRA PUMA GOLF is to bring our ‘game enjoyment’ message to life through our products, athletes, campaigns, and experiential events. We believe the game of golf should be colorful, innovative, stylish, and most of all, fun. With everything we do and every product we create, our goal is to bring the COBRA PUMA GOLF game enjoyment lifestyle to golfers everywhere.

Contacts: 

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

Wins 2024 Philadelphia PGA Tournament Players Division Championship

Mount Laurel Township, N.J. (April 22, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Sam Ambrose from Chester Valley Golf Club in Malvern Pa., finished with a 4-under-par 67 and 30 Stableford points to win the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Tournament Players Division (TPD) Championship at Laurel Creek Country Club by 3 points over Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club. The tournament is the Section’s first Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year event of the year.

The Modified Stableford format awarded points as follows: Double Bogey or higher, – 1 point; Bogey, 0 points; Par, 1 point; Birdie, 3 points; Eagle, 6 points; and Double Eagle, 9 points.

Ambrose finished with three birdies in a row, totaling eight for his round. This is his first points event victory and when asked about his round he said, “Winning a points event has been a goal of mine since coming into the Section and it means a lot that I was able to achieve that in a competitive field. I would like to thank the members at Chester Valley, the Section staff and my beautiful family for all of their support.”

Third place was a tie between Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C., and Greyson Rossi, the Peninsula G. and C.C. at 26 points. One point behind in fifth place from GOLFTEC-Moorestown was Joe Kogelman.

In the Senior Division, Rich Steinmetz from Spring Ford C.C. claimed first place scoring 22 Stableford points, defeating Chris Krueger from Kings Creek C.C. by one point. In a tie for third place with 20 points was Brian Kelly from Bucknell G.C. and John Pillar from the C.C. of Woodloch Springs. Rounding out the top five in the Senior Division was our new event sponsor, Hugo Mazzalupi with 19 points.

To view the full 2024 TPD Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia PGA Tournament Players Division Championship is presented by the Radnor Golf Foundation, and supported by Mason Dixon Distillery, and KM Golf Sales. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Laurel Creek 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

Peninsula Golf & Country Club Takes First in 2024 Southern Delaware Pro-Am Presented By Parx Casino®

Dagsboro, Del. (April 18, 2024) — The local team from Peninsula Golf & Country Club led by PGA of America Golf Professional Jesse Williams took first place in the 2024 Southern Delaware Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino® during a beautiful spring day at Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club.

In the one Best Ball of Four format, Williams and his team of amateurs, Wayne Creeden, Dick Hogarth and Steve Hammond shot an impressive 13-under-par 58 in the Net Division. Three strokes behind was the team from Maple Dale C.C. consisting of Chris Brosius, PGA, and amateurs Art Giangrant, Fred Eason and Mike Hall. Three teams tied for third place at 8-under-par.

In the Gross Division, two teams tied for the top prize at 4-under-par: Chris Brosius, PGA from Maple Dale C.C. and his amateurs Art Giangrant, Fred Eason, Mike Hall, and Brooks Massey, PGA, Chris Lowe, Dave Bloodsworth, and Chad Otwell from Heritage Shores Golf Club (Williams’ Peninsula team finished 8-under for their Gross score). Three teams tied for third place one stroke behind.

To view the full leaderboard for the 2024 Southern Delaware Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino®, click here.

The 2024 Southern Delaware Pro-Am is presented by Parx Casino®. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals would like to thank our host, Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club, their members, management, staff and host PGA of America Golf Professional, Andy Hewitt, 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 Section Accepting Award Nominations

Nominations for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2024 awards class are now being accepted by the Section’s Awards Committee. To nominate a PGA of America Golf Professional for one of the awards listed below, please complete the form by clicking the below button. The nomination deadline is August 25.

  • Golf Professional of the Year
  • Teacher & Coach of the Year
  • Professional Development Award
  • Bill Strausbaugh Award
  • Player Development Award
  • Youth Player Development Award
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category
  • Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
  • Patriot Award
  • Deacon Palmer Award
  • Golf Salesperson of the Year

Descriptions for each award are listed below. Any questions about the awards nomination process should be directed to Section Membership Director Sue Unger at sunger@pgahq.com or (215) 886-7742.

Submit Nominations
Award Descriptions
Golf Professional of the Year:  The Golf Professional of the Year award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Member who has performed outstanding services as an overall PGA Professional. As one of the highest honors the Philadelphia PGA Section can bestow, candidates must possess outstanding qualities of leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf. Individuals honored with the Golf Professional of the Year award will be held as a model PGA of America Golf Professional.  Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate has developed the image , reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members as a PGA Professional;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the Association and game of golf, as well as  helping to further educate and train their fellow PGA Professionals;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game of golf.
Teacher & Coach of the Year: The Teacher & Coach of the Year award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Member who has performed outstanding services as a golf teacher and coach. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the game of golf, as well as helping to further educate their fellow PGA professionals with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
  • Candidate must have attended or conducted a minimum combined total of 10 national teaching workshops, teaching / coaching summits or Section teaching workshops or teaching / coaching summits within the last 15 years.
Professional Development Award: The Professional Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional who personally displays a strong desire for lifelong education to include outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of education and training PGA Professionals;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America and the game of golf to further educate and train fellow PGA Members, Associates, and industry stakeholders;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
  • Candidate must be one of the following: Master Professional, Certified Professional, served as an Associate Subject Matter Expert (SME), adjunct PGA faculty member, or have conducted and/or taught at a minimum combined total of 10 national education programs / workshops (to include PGA PGM) or Section education programs / workshops within the last 10 years.
Bill Strausbaugh Award: The Bill Strausbaugh Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character, and leadership through a commitment to mentoring and making significant impacts on the careers of PGA Professionals. In the spirit of the award, “mentoring” shall be defined as: “Mentoring is supporting professionals to manage their own development so they can maximize their PGA career potential. The PGA mentor empowers, enables, advises, challenges, and encourages professionals to enhance their professional skills, strengthen their level of service, improve
their work performance, and become the PGA Member that they aspire to be.” Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America in the effort to further the careers of fellow PGA Professionals as a mentor, counselor, teacher and advisor;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of leadership and service to the Association, individual PGA Professionals, and the community at-large;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry within the specific area of employment and club relations.
Player Development Award: The Player Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development. The award considers the PGA Professionals growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and national levels in the player development arena, and the meaningful impact made at the facility. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in player development as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of player development;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of player development;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry in the effort to grow meaningful participation in the game.
Youth Player Development Award: The Youth Player Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional, who had displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of youth player development. The award considers the PGA Professionals focus on youth through their growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and national levels in the youth player development arena, and the meaningful impact made upon youth through the introduction and participation in the game. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in youth player development efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of youth player development;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of youth player development; Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, as well as a proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for youth to learn, play and participate in the game.
Merchandiser of the Year (Private, Public and Resort Categories): The Merchandiser of the Year award is designed to recognize those PGA of America Golf Professionals who have excelled as business persons / merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The PGA honors PGA Professionals in three categories: Private, Public, and Resort facilities. Minimum criteria: Demonstration of skills in planning of sales by presenting products to their market on a timely basis, and through the use of specialized merchandising techniques that include display and advertising.

Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: The Assistant Golf Professional of the Year award recognizes an PGA of America Assistant Golf Professional who displays extraordinary service and commitment at their facility and within the industry. The award considers a professionals focus on facility operations, section and/or community service and growth of the game. Minimum criteria:

  • Candidate must be a PGA of America Member in good standing;
  • Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member;
  • Demonstration and acknowledgement as an individual of outstanding leadership and strong moral character.
Patriot Award: The Patriot Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must currently by a Class A Member in good standing and involved in military programming efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of contribution and support to the United States Armed Forces and Active Duty and Reserved personnel and veterans;
  • Candidate must have displayed proven interest, concern, and ability to provide opportunities and experience for active duty, reservists, and veterans to learn and play golf;
  • Candidate must have shown an ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of service to the military;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, and proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for military personnel to learn, play and participate in the game.
Deacon Palmer Award: The Deacon Palmer Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership, in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life. This individual is an unsung hero / heroine at their facility and in their community, who serves to inspire, empower and assist other, both inside and outside of the game. Minimum criteria:
  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing and/or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years combined;
  • Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member, demonstrating outstanding leadership traits, and strong moral character;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire, empower, and encourage success and achievement in individuals regardless of obstacles, disabilities, and personal challenges or otherwise;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to be PGA of America, fellow PGA Professionals, their facility, and the community in the effort to enhance and improve the quality of life for all individuals;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry.
Golf Salesperson of the Year: The Golf Salesperson of the Year award recognizes a sales representative who shows a first class level of service to the industry and the PGA Professionals they serve within the Section. Consideration should be given to support in any way of the Section, charity or community.

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: Sue Unger, Membership Director, sunger@pgahq.com

Philadelphia PGA Section Accepting Board Nominations

The Philadelphia PGA Section is seeking nominations for our Board of Directors, including officers, Director of Section affairs, and District Directors in Districts 2, 4, and 6. The election is scheduled to take place at our Fall Membership Meeting on October 28.

  • District 2 Director 
    District 2 includes the entire state of Delaware.
  • District 4 Director 
    District 4 includes Pennsylvania’s Bradford, Carbon, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lycoming, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northcumberland, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.
  • District 6 Director 
    District 6 includes Pennsylvania’s Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Bucks (South of Route 202) counties.
The nomination deadline is Monday, August 21, at 11:59 p.m. To submit nominations, click the button below.

The membership, officers, and board would like to thank District Directors Michael Caldwell, Mike Molino, Scott Chisholm, and Tom Gilbert for their service on the board. All three are eligible to run and serve another term.

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 Section Accepting 2024 Hall of Fame Nominations

Nominations for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2024 Hall of Fame class are now being accepted. To nominate a PGA of America Golf Professional for this prestigious honor, please complete the form linked below. The nomination deadline is August 19.

Nomination Guidelines

  • Nominee must be a PGA of America Member with a minimum of 25 years of PGA Membership;
  • Nominee must have been a Philadelphia PGA Member for a minimum of 10 consecutive years;
  • Nominee must identify as one or more of:
  • Philadelphia PGA Past President;
  • Philadelphia PGA officer with a minimum of 10 years of service;
  • PGA of America national award winner;
  • Philadelphia PGA award winner;
  • PGA Tour, LPGA Tour or PGA Tour Champions winner;
  • Ryder Cup team member;
  • PGA Professional Championship winner; and / or
  • Senior PGA Professional Championship winner

Note: Each nomination must be submitted by a minimum of two PGA of America Golf Professionals in order to be considered by the Hall of Fame Committee.

Any questions about the Hall of Fame nomination process should be directed to Section Membership Director Sue Unger at sunger@pgahq.com.

Submit Nominations

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: Sue Unger, Membership Director, sunger@pgahq.com

ShopRite LPGA Classic Seeking PGA of America Golf Professional Volunteers for Official Scoring

The 2024 ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer is seeking PGA of America Golf Professional volunteers to work the scoring areas at Seaview on Friday, June 7 – Sunday, June 9.

Philadelphia PGA Members and Associates will be stationed in the scoring tents on hole Nos. 9 and 18 to review, verify, and record each LPGA Tour member’s official scorecards. This is a great opportunity to build your resume and interact with some of the world’s most elite players. PDR credits will also be provided to those who volunteer.

If you are interested in becoming a scoring volunteer for this year’s ShopRite LPGA Classic, please click on the button below and complete the form. A tournament representative or Section staffer will contact selected volunteers as the event nears.

Volunteer

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

New Web Series: At the Turn

The Philadelphia PGA Section is excited to announce a new web series, “At the Turn,” where Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA, shares wisdom and advice from PGA of America Golf Professionals.

The debut topic is “External reinforcement is temporary,” submitted by Section Secretary and Overbrook Golf Club PGA Head Golf Professional Eric Kennedy. To watch the episode, click on the below video.

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

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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