Year: 2025

A Message From Philadelphia PGA President Bob Hennefer

November 19, 2025Comments Off on A Message From Philadelphia PGA President Bob HenneferPPGA

Dear Philadelphia PGA Professionals,

As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible honor of serving as your Section president. The Philadelphia PGA Section is special because of you — your service, your commitment to the game, and your passion for our profession. Thank you for your trust and support.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Patrick Shine as he steps off the board, and Chip Richter as he assumes the honorary president role, for their leadership, guidance, and friendship. Their dedication to the Section has left a meaningful and lasting impact, and we are all better for their service. I also want to congratulate Eric Kennedy and Dustin McCormick on their election as vice president and secretary, respectively. I look forward to working alongside you as officers for the next two years, as well as the entire Board of Directors.

Earlier this month, Geoff Surrette, Anthony Malizia, Eric Kennedy, and I had the privilege of representing the Section at the 109th PGA Annual Meeting in Frisco, Texas. It is always refreshing and energizing to attend an annual meeting. Our keynote speaker, Captain Charlie Plumb, delivered a powerful and inspirational message on resilience and perspective. We also witnessed the presentation of an honorary PGA of America Membership for Peter Broome of the Acushnet Company — a well-deserved recognition for his decades of support for PGA Professionals.

Presentations from PGA President Don Rea and PGA Chief Championships Officer Kerry Haigh offered insightful reflections on the Ryder Cup at Bethpage, and outlined important improvements and enhancements planned for future Ryder Cups. Additionally, several breakout sessions provided valuable information that we look forward to sharing with our membership. Rea also unveiled an updated version of the classic “PGA Professional” poster many of you may remember — it is now available for download on PGA.org.

Looking ahead, this coming May we will host one of the greatest events in golf: the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. This is our championship — a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Philadelphia PGA Section to shine on a national stage. We are still seeking volunteers and encourage all of you to participate. Your involvement will help showcase the strength and professionalism of our Section to the golfing world. To learn more about volunteering, and to register, click here.

I would also like to recognize two remarkable individuals who have announced their retirements: Assistant Executive Director Barb Creveling, and Membership Director Sue Unger. For over 20 years, Barb and Sue have been cornerstones of our Section office. Their loyalty, dedication, and service have supported thousands of PGA Professionals and helped shape the culture of our Section. Barb and Sue — thank you for everything. You will be greatly missed, and we wish you both the very best in your next chapters.

As we head into the holiday season, I hope each of you enjoys a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving with your families and loved ones. Please know that my door is always open — if you have any questions, suggestions, or simply want to connect, do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving you.

Sincerely,

Bob Hennefer, PGA
Philadelphia PGA President
bhennefer@laurelcreek.org

Pennsylvania Golfers Selected for State Team as part of U.S. National Development Program

November 11, 2025Comments Off on Pennsylvania Golfers Selected for State Team as part of U.S. National Development ProgramPPGA

Team Pennsylvania is represented by 12 junior boys and 12 junior girls. Eight of the team boys and girls members were selected by a points-based system with the remaining four members selected by the Team Pennsylvania Committee at-large using the points as a reference. Team members will earn benefits for the calendar year in which they are selected. Players will need to earn a spot on the team each year.

| Team Pennsylvania Homepage | USNDP Homepage | USNDP FAQs | Boys’ Point Chart | Girls’ Point Chart | Boys’ Standings | Girls’ Standings |

The Top 2 points earners will earn an exemption into the 2026 Sunnehanna Amateur at Sunnehanna Country Club.

Below are the members of Team Pennsylvania for the 2026 calendar year.

Team Pennsylvania – Boys

Name Hometown Graduating Class Home Club/Affiliation
Carson Kittsley Pittsburgh 2027 Oakmont CC
Michael Quallich Pittsburgh 2027 South Hills CC
Charlie Barrickman West Chester 2026 Radley Run CC
Chase Yenser Douglassville 2026 Reading CC
Nico Ward Coraopolis 2028 Montour Heights CC
Sean Curran Newtown Square 2026 Merion GC
Luke McGraw Boalsburg 2027 Toftrees Golf Resort
Bailey Donahue Pittsburgh 2028 Oakmont CC
Nicky Nemo Bryn Mawr 2026 Merion GC
Jack Sacriponte Greensburg 2026 Hannastown GC
Ian Larsen Glenmoore 2027 Honeybrook GC
Colby Komancheck Royersford 2027 RiverCrest GC & Preserve

Team Pennsylvania – Girls

Name Hometown Graduating Class Home Club/Affiliation
Madison Koshko State College 2026 Centre Hills CC
Alyssa Zhang Pittsburgh 2028 Wildwood GC
Kayley Roberts Phoenixville 2026 Phoenixville CC
Mya Morgan Elizabeth 2026 Nemacolin CC
Ellie Benson Venetia 2026 Valley Brook CC
Piper Smith Lancaster 2026 Conestoga CC
Kate Sowers West Middlesex 2026 Tam O’Shanter GC
Jillian Burks Paoli 2027 White Manor CC
Alaina Carson Broomall 2028 Youth on Course
Kiersten Bodge West Chester 2027 Overbrook GC
Cora Hirz Fairview 2026 Lake Shore CC
Myra Tomer Newtown 2030 Youth on Course

Scott Nye, Merion Golf Club’s Director of Championships (formerly Director of Golf for 24 years), serves as Team Pennsylvania’s captain.

The USNDP will provide benefits and recognition to Team Pennsylvania participants. These benefits may include recognition on the USGA/USNDP website and social media, streamlined USNDP grant applications, exemptions into local AJGA events, and access to the official USNDP statistical platform and athlete development resources. Pennsylvania will provide at least two days of athletic development and coaching at a Pennsylvania facility.

GAP

Celebrating Amateur Golf since 1897, GAP, also known as the Golf Association of Philadelphia, is the oldest regional or state golf association in the United States. It serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. The organization’s 345 Member Clubs and 130,000 individual members are spread across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland. The GAP’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.

Delaware Golfers Selected for State Team as part of U.S. National Development Program

November 11, 2025Comments Off on Delaware Golfers Selected for State Team as part of U.S. National Development ProgramPPGA

Team Delaware will be represented by two junior boys and two junior girls. The team members were selected by a points-based system with the other one member of each gender selected by the Team Delaware Committee at-large using the points as a reference. Team members will earn benefits for the calendar year in which they are on the team. Players will need to earn a spot on the team each year.

Below are the members of Team Delaware for the 2026 calendar year.

Team Delaware – Boys

 

Name Hometown Graduating Class Home Club/Affiliation
Jake Hollerback Millsboro 2027 Baywood Greens
Luke LaScala Wilmington 2027 Youth on Course

 

Team Delaware – Girls

 

Name Hometown Graduating Class Home Club/Affiliation
Meredith Finger Wilmington 2026 DuPont CC
Anna Firko Wilmington 2026 Youth on Course

 

GAP

Celebrating Amateur Golf since 1897, GAP, also known as the Golf Association of Philadelphia, is the oldest regional or state golf association in the United States. It serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. The organization’s 345 Member Clubs and 130,000 individual members are spread across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland. The GAP’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.

Two Teams Tie For For First in 2025 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship 

November 10, 2025Comments Off on Two Teams Tie For For First in 2025 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship Featured, PPGA
Cape May Court House, N.J. (November 10, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professionals Ross Brown, Fox Hill Golf Club, and Joe Kogelman, GOLFTEC – Moorestown, tied with Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs Golf Club, and PGA Life Member Rob Rohrbach for the 2025 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship title at Union League National. The teams tied atop the leaderboard at 8-under par.

In a tie for second place at 7-under-par were the teams of Dustin McCormick, Glen Brook Golf Club, and Mike Molino, Elmhurst Country Club; and Aronimink Golf Club’s Patrick Allgeier and Riley Wheeldon. Rounding out the top five: John F. Byrne’s Rocco Sgrillo and Anthony Hoffman, and Atlantic City Country Club’s Bill Hoerr and John Baio.

This event wraps the Section’s 2025 tournament season. Thank you to all of our PGA Professionals and amateur friends who participated in tournaments and courses who hosted our events, as all of our successes are attributed to you!

To view the 2025 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship is supported by Sterling Cut Glass, Maui Jim, Red Arrow Markers, Redvanly, and John Higinbotham. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, the Union League of Philadelphia / Union League National, 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

Braden Shattuck and Joanna Coe Reclaim Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year Titles

November 7, 2025Comments Off on Braden Shattuck and Joanna Coe Reclaim Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year TitlesFeatured, PPGA

Lower Gwynedd, Pa. (November 7, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professionals Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa., and Joanna Coe of Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., have recaptured their titles of Philadelphia PGA Rolex / Haverford Trust Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year, respectively. This year marks Shattuck’s and Coe’s fourth consecutive year of receiving these honors.

Shattuck also earned the Section’s F. Edward DeBaufre Trophy for Scoring Average, for a fourth time, breaking his own low set last year, with a 67.93. Alongside his other victories in the Delaware Open, Delaware Valley Open, and Doylestown Open, Shattuck won his first Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at Concord Country Club in August. To further add to his impressive feats from the year, Shattuck recently won the first stage of Q-School in an attempt to earn membership status on the PGA Tour.

Coe, a major competitor in the Philadelphia PGA Section events, also got to showcase her talents on a national level this season, competing in the 2025 ShopRite LPGA Classic on Seaview’s Bay Course and the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at PGA Frisco in Texas.

Three other Philadelphia PGA Members earned repeat Player of the Year honors: John Pillar of the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., secured this year’s Robert “Skee” Riegel Senior Player of the Year title; Bill Sautter of the Philadelphia Cricket Club in Flourtown, Pa., earned Super Senior Player of the Year; and Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, was crowned this season’s Central Counties Chapter Player of the Year.

Newly elected PGA of America Member Zach Barbin of Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Rising Sun, Md., won the Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization Player of the Year race having finished second in the PAO season-long match play and winning three PAO events.

Tom Michaels also earned high honors, receiving this year’s Ike Turner Most Improved Player award after an impressive season that included a top-20 finish at the 104th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, and scoring average of 71.86.

The Section is also pleased to announce a special group of honorees, this year’s Playing Legends. They include John D. “Jack” Campbell, Bruce P. Coltart, Ronald “Rod” Munday, Theodore R. “Ted” Turner, and Joe Zarhardt.

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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

PGA of America Golf Professional Bob Lennon and Partner Claim Victory in 2025 Pro-Superintendent Championship

November 6, 2025Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Bob Lennon and Partner Claim Victory in 2025 Pro-Superintendent ChampionshipFeatured, PPGA

Bethlehem, Pa. (November 6, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Bob Lennon and his superintendent partner, John Urbanski were crowned champions of the 2025 Pro-Superintendent Championship. The duo finished atop the leaderboard with an impressive team score of 6-under-par despite bone chilling conditions.

This is the event’s fourth year; it was created to show support not just for our PGA Members and Associates, but also for all of the golf course Superintendents and grounds professionals who take care of our facilities day in and day out.

Second place in the net division saw a tie at four-under-par between the teams of Tom Michaels, PGA, and Justin Miller from Berkshire Country Club and Mike Furey, PGA, and Alex Hague from Saucon Valley Country Club. Four teams tied for fourth place on the leaderboard with a score of 3-under-par: Kennett Square Golf and Country Club’s professional Lamar Saxon and Scott Musser; Philadelphia Country Club’s Scott Reilly, PGA, and Ethan Cairns; Manufacturers’ Golf & Country Club’s Rob Wolfers, PGA, and Brian Maienshein; and Chester Valley Golf Club’s Brett Walker, PGA, and James Bromwell.

Walker and Bromwell also led the Gross Division with a score of 3-under-par. Tied for second, finishing only one stroke back were the teams of  Bob Lennon and John Urbanski out of Wilmington C.C., and PGA Professionals, Bill Hoerr and John Baio from Atlantic City Country Club. Three teams tied for fourth at one-under-par.

To view the full 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Superintendent Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Superintendent Championship is sponsored by Golf Cart Services / E-Z-GO, and supported by Moyer. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Saucon Valley Country Club, its 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

Volunteer to Serve on Philadelphia PGA Committees

November 5, 2025Comments Off on Volunteer to Serve on Philadelphia PGA CommitteesPPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Section is seeking PGA of America Golf Professional volunteers to serve two-year terms on our committees, beginning in January 2026, and ending in October 2027. Should you be interested in getting involved with the Section for one or more of the committees listed below, please complete the form linked below.

  • Education
  • Membership
  • PGA REACH Philadelphia
  • Teaching & Coaching
  • Tournament
  • Women’s
  • Youth Golf

Nominees must be a PGA Member or PGA Associate in good standing. The nomination deadline is Friday, December 19. To submit nominations, click the button below. If you have any questions, please contact Section Membership Director Sue Unger via email at sunger@pgahq.com or telephone at (215) 886-7742.

Volunteer for Committees

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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

PGA of America Golf Professionals Goudie, Parga Tie for 2025 A.B. Thorn Memorial Classic Title

November 4, 2025Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professionals Goudie, Parga Tie for 2025 A.B. Thorn Memorial Classic TitleFeatured, PPGA

Lancaster, Pa. (November 4, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Matt Goudie of Lancaster (Pa.) Country Club and his amateur partner Marc Oliveri tied fellow PGA Member Nick Parga and Benjamin Foster of Old York Road Country Club in Spring House, Pa., at 3-under-par for the 57th A.B. Thorn Memorial Classic title, despite strong winds and chilly temperatures at Lancaster Country Club.

Five teams tied for third place, one stroke behind the winners: Lancaster Country Club’s PGA Professional Rick Gibson and Craig Hornberger; Bent Creek Country Club’s Terry Hertzog and Zak Drescher; the Legacy Club’s Stephen Sieracki and Sal Galati; Sunnybrook Golf Club’s Brad Sanders and Mitch Steelman; and Hanover Country Club’s Parks Price and Shane Henry.

To view the full 2025 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am supported by The Noble Group, and Ohana Farm LLC. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Lancaster 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

Upcoming Education Events at Sheftic Performance Center

October 30, 2025Comments Off on Upcoming Education Events at Sheftic Performance CenterPPGA

PGA of America Golf Professional Mark Sheftic will be offering two education sessions at the Sheftic Performance Center (540 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 125, Fort Washington, PA 19301) in the coming weeks:

Face-to-Path Putting Workshop With Michael Little, PGA
How to Use Technology to Help Evaluate a Player’s Stroke

Saturday, November 15
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sheftic Performance Center
540 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 125, Fort Washington, PA 19301

Cost: $79.99 per person
Capacity: 30 spots

Michael Little is the only Level Two Quintic Ball Roll Certified Instructor in the Philadelphia area. Little is an accomplished golf professional recognized for both his teaching and competitive playing achievements. He has competed in numerous regional and national PGA events, earning victories and top finishes across the Philadelphia Section PGA. A two-time Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year, Michael has represented the section in prestigious national tournaments. His blend of competitive experience and instructional expertise makes him uniquely qualified to help golfers elevate their game, especially when it comes to integrating technology into putting analysis and improvement. Event highlights: Hands-on session using Quintic Ball Roll with Michael Little, PGA; Insightful demonstration on using technology to analyze the putting stroke; Practical tips to improve your putting performance; and Q&A.
Golf Body Optimization Workshop with Ryerson Stinson
Unlock Your Golf Potential: Body Screening & Evaluation

Saturday, December 13
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sheftic Performance Center
540 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 125, Fort Washington, PA 19301

Cost: $79.99 per person
Capacity: 30 spots
Ryerson Stinson is an Occupational Therapist and Clinical Specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as the founder of OutPerform Golf. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT (2011/2013), where he also played Division 1 for the Bobcats. With over 10 years of clinical experience, Ryerson is a Board-Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and holds multiple specialty certifications in the golf, training, and performance space—including TPI M3 Certified, SFMA, K-VEST, and NASM Golf Fitness Specalist. He is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and a presenter at numerous national and international conferences (AOTA, ASHT, Pulvertaft Hand Centre, and more). Ryerson’s passion for education is evident through his role as lead instructor for the JHH Orthopedic Upper Extremity Module and as a faculty member for both the Johns Hopkins Hand Therapy Fellowship Program and the Physical Therapy Orthopedic and Sports Residency Programs. OutPerform Golf was created by orthopedic rehabilitation specialists with a passion for golf and sports performance. Ryerson and his team have spent years training athletes of all levels—from tour professionals to weekend warriors—helping them achieve optimal results through excellent teamwork and efficient feedback systems. Their approach focuses on: 1. Understanding each athlete’s baseline and needs; 2. Creating a feedback system that matches their learning style; and 3. Re-assessing and refining the process over time. OutPerform Golf assessments are designed to identify your body’s current strengths and weaknesses as they relate to golf. Ryerson will clearly communicate your results and work with your teaching professional or coach onsite. As part of your team, he will help you develop an efficient plan to sustainably optimize your body-swing connection. Event Highlights: Expert Insights: Learn from Ryerson’s extensive clinical and golf-specific experience; Personalized Assessments: Demonstration and explanation of comprehensive movement screenings, with additional clinical pearls and insights; Hands-On Demonstrations: Experience practical techniques for improving your understanding of the body-swing connection and neuromuscular re-education as it pertains to the golf swing; Collaborative Approach: Work with both Ryerson and your teaching professional to develop a customized improvement plan; and Cutting-Edge Knowledge: Benefit from the latest research and feedback systems used by top clinicians and the athletes they work with.

PGA of America Golf Professionals Frank Bensel and John Pillar Qualify for 2026 Senior PGA Championship

October 27, 2025Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professionals Frank Bensel and John Pillar Qualify for 2026 Senior PGA ChampionshipFeatured, PPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 27, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professionals Frank Bensel of Galloway (N.J.) National Golf Club and John Pillar of the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., have secured their places on the Corebridge Financial Team, and will compete in the 2026 Senior PGA Championship, April 16-19, at the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla.

Both PGA Members qualified as a result of their play in last week’s Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Bensel tied for 19th place at 1-over-par with rounds of 73-73-74-69–289, while Pillar tied for 32nd place at 3-over-par, thanks to his rounds of 71-75-74-71–291.

Corebridge Financial broadened its partnership with the PGA of America to include the title sponsorship of the Corebridge Financial Team at the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

Bensel and Pillar were part of an eight-player-strong contingent representing the Philadelphia PGA Section in the 2025 Senior PGA Professional Championship. The group also included: Terry Hertzog, Bent Creek Country Club; Brian Kelly, Titleist Fit Crew; Dave McNabb, Applebrook Golf Club; Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook Golf Club; Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford Country Club; and Stephen Swartz, Carlisle Country Club.

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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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