Year: 2025

Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professionals Capture 33rd Philadelphia Challenge Matches

October 8, 2025Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professionals Capture 33rd Philadelphia Challenge MatchesPPGA

Allentown, Pa. (October 8, 2025) — The Philadelphia PGA Section’s team of 12 PGA of America Golf Professionals defeated the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s amateur team 12 points to 6 points to capture the 33rd Challenge Matches at Lehigh Country Club.

It was a close battle all day with many of the matches coming down to the final few holes. While the Golf Association of Philadelphia has seen improved results in recent years, the Philadelphia PGA Section retains the better overall record, now, at 24-5-4.

The team of Philadelphia PGA Professionals was led by Captain Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay G.C.; Austin Barbin, Chesapeake Bay G.C.; Trevor Bensel, Lulu C.C.; Ross Brown, Fox Hill C.C.; Andrew Cornish, Green Valley C.C.; Kyle Early, Waynesborough C.C.; Michael Little, Clubhouse 54; Joe Kogelman, GOLFTEC- Moorestown; Hugo Mazzalupi, Radnor Golf Foundation; Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; Stephen Swartz, Carlisle C.C.; Riley Wheeldon, Aronimink G.C.

The GAP team included Charlie Barrickman, Radley Run C.C.; Stephen Cerbara, Huntingdon Valley C.C.; Zak Drescher, Bent Creek C.C.; Chris Fieger, Sr., Heidelberg C.C.; Jeff Frazier, C.C.; Jack Irons, Medford Lakes C.C.; Patrick Isztwan, Huntingdon Valley C.C.; Scott Kalamar, Green Pond C.C.; Mark Miller, Philadelphia Cricket Club; Drue Nicholas, Galloway National G.C.; Joseph Tigani, Fieldstone G.C.; Troy Vannucci, Little Mill C.C.

In the single matches, Captain Zach Barbin defeated his opponent Scott Kalamar; Swartz topped Fraizer; Mazzalupi beat Fieger 5&3; Bensel, Wheeldon, Cornish, Little and Kogelman all defeated their opponents 3&2; and Oakley won big over Isztwan with a score of 6&5. The amateurs fought hard in their matches as well with Troy Vannucci, Jack Irons and Joseph Tigani all defeating their opponents Austin Barbin, Kyle Early and Ross Brown, respectfully, 3&2.

In the Four-Ball matches, the PGA Professionals split the matches with the amateurs with both sides winning three matches. PGA Members Swartz and Mazzalupi defeated Frazier and Fieger; Bensel and Wheeldon won 3&2 over Nicholas and Cerbara; and Oakley and Kogelman won 2&1 over Isztwan and Barrickman. For the amateurs Vannucci and Kalamar won 3&2 over the Barbin brothers; Drescher and Miller defeated Cornish and Little 2&1; and Tigani and Irons claimed victory over Brown and Early.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches would not be possible without the support and energy of Robin McCool. McCool was instrumental in getting the matches started 33 years ago and revitalizing them by bringing in support from Jim Wilson of Ping, Jim Ravina of Donald Ross, and our host facility, Lehigh C.C. McCool serves as the honorary captain for the GAP team and serves as honorary chair of the event. Everyone owes Robin a debt of gratitude for all of his efforts.

To view the full 33rd Philadelphia Challenge Matches leaderboard, click here.

The 33rd Philadelphia Challenge Matches is supported by Jim Wilson of Ping, Jim Ravina of Donald Ross, and Kevin McClellan of KM Golf Sales. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Lehigh 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

Playing Through: Tom Carpus, PGA (S2E11)

October 7, 2025Comments Off on Playing Through: Tom Carpus, PGA (S2E11)Featured, PPGA

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

This episode features PGA of America Master Professional Tom Carpus, a tournament official for PGA Tour Champions.

To watch the episode, click on embedded video below.

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

Philadelphia PGA Nominating Committee Announces 2025 Slate of Nominees

October 3, 2025Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Nominating Committee Announces 2025 Slate of NomineesPPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Section’s Nominating Committee has announced its 2025 Slate of Nominees for open District director positions in Districts 1, 3, and 5, and the roles of director of Section affairs, director of tournaments, secretary, vice president, and president. The election is scheduled to take place at our Fall Membership Meeting at Indian Valley Country Club on Monday, October 20. The committee has put forth a slate of endorsed and at-large candidates, as listed below.

2025 Slate of Endorsed Candidates

District 1
Curtis Kirkpatrick, PGA
Medford Lakes Country Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
Kirkpatrick was elected to PGA of America Membership in 2013, and currently serves as the PGA head golf professional at Medford Lakes Country Club in Medford, New Jersey. In the past, he worked as a PGA head golf professional at Indian Spring Country Club in Marlton, New Jersey, and as a PGA assistant golf professional at Deerwood Country Club in Mount Holly, New Jersey. In addition to serving as the District 1 Director on the Section’s Board of Directors, he also has been helping run the PGA HOPE Philadelphia chapter at Indian Springs for the past six years, and has been a member of the Section’s Awards Committee. He has also hosted numerous Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour events and Playing Ability Tests at his facilities. Kirkpatrick says that serving on the Section’s board has been a rewarding experience, and that he is excited to continue contributing to its success. His time on the board has given him a deeper understanding of the organization, and has enabled him to help grow the brand and interact with new PGA Members.
District 3
Jeff Breiner, PGA
Country Club of Harrisburg
(Endorsed Candidate)
Breiner, a PGA Member since 2008, has been the PGA head golf professional at the Country Club of Harrisburg in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, since 2015, and worked as PGA head golf professional at Blue Ridge Country Club in Harrisburg. Prior to those positions, he was a PGA assistant golf professional at Carlisle (Pennsylvania) Country Club and Armitage Golf Course in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Breiner has been a longtime supporter of PGA HOPE Philadelphia, operates a chapter at his facility, and represented the Philadelphia PGA Section and the PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia in this year’s PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. In addition to his role as District 3 Director on the Section’s board, he is also the current Central Counties Chapter president, and serves on the Section’s PGA REACH Philadelphia and Awards committees. He also earned the Section’s Patriot Award in 2021 and PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year in 2011.
District 5
Tom Michaels, PGA
Berkshire Country Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
Michaels, a PGA Member since 2011, is the PGA head golf professional at Berkshire Country Club in Reading, Pennsylvania, and serves on the Section’s Awards Committee, in addition to his role as District 5 Director. Prior to taking the job at Berkshire, Michaels work as a PGA assistant golf professional at Waynesborough Country Club in Paoli, Pennsylvania, and at the Suburban Club in the Middle Atlantic PGA Section.
Director of Section Affairs
Anthony Malizia, PGA
Bidermann Golf Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
Malizia earned his PGA Membership in 2009, is the current PGA head golf professional at Vicmead Hunt Club’s Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Delaware, and the Section’s director of Section affairs. He also serves on the Section’s Awards and Teaching & Coaching committees, and is chair of the Section’s PGA REACH Philadelphia Committee. Prior to Bidermann, Malizia worked as a PGA assistant golf professional at Gulph Mills Golf Club in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, the Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida, and Hunters Run Country Club in Boynton Beach, Florida. Malizia served as a District Director on the Section’s board from 2019-2022. Since 2016, he has served as a member of the support staff at Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters Tournament, 2016-2018; Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals, 2016-present; and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Tournament, 2019-present.
Director of Tournaments
Michael Caldwell, PGA
DuPont Country Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
A PGA Member since 2013, Caldwell currently works as the PGA head golf professional at DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware, and has been a District Director of the past three years. He also serves on the Section’s Awards and Tournament committees. Prior to his work at DuPont, Caldwell worked as a PGA assistant golf professional at Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Delaware, Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, Brandywine Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware, and Hillendale Country Club in the Middle Atlantic PGA Section. Caldwell participates in many Section events throughout the year, averaging about 20 per season.
Director of Tournaments
Joanna Coe, PGA
Merion Golf Club
(At-Large Candidate)
Coe was elected to PGA Membership in 2017, is a LPGA Professional, and earned the PGA of America’s inaugural Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year in 2019. Currently the PGA director of instruction at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, she has also worked as the PGA director of instruction and PGA assistant golf professional at Baltimore Country Club in the Middle Atlantic PGA Section. Coe has competed in six KPMG Women’s PGA Championships, and as played on Women’s PGA Cup United States Teams. Additionally, she currently serves on the Section’s tournament committee, and has served on the Middle Atlantic PGA Section’s Tournament Committee, the PGA of America’s Championships and PGA Coach Amplification committees. She appeared in the PGA of America’s rebrand / “We Love this Game” and PGA Coach+ campaigns, and has worked as an on-course television broadcast reporter in four PGA of America championships. Coe also earned the Section’s Women’s Player of the Year award three times. She says that serving on the Section board is an opportunity to give back to a Section that has supported her professional and competitive journey. With a background that includes over 100 starts on the LPGA Symetra Tour, seven major championship appearances, and multiple Section and national awards, she brings a competitive perspective that aligns with the mission of advancing tournament golf and professional development. Her experience as the PGA director of instruction at Merion Golf Club, combined with her involvement on the Tournament Committee and 2026 PGA Championship Committee, has given her a strong understanding of the Section’s goals and how to contribute meaningfully. She is passionate about supporting both the growth of our tournament programs and the continued education of our PGA Professionals. From leading high-level instructional teams and hosting national speakers, to contributing content for PGA Magazine and ESPN+, she has remained committed to advancing the profession and raising the profile of our Section. She says she looks forward to the opportunity to help shape the future of the Philadelphia PGA through strategic service, collaborative leadership, and a deep respect for the competitive spirit of the game.
Secretary
Dustin McCormick PGA
Glen Brook Golf Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
McCormick became a PGA Member in 2013, is currently the PGA head golf professional at Glen Brook Golf Club in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and the Section’s current director of tournaments. Prior to joining Glen Brook, he worked as the PGA head golf professional at Wolf Hollow at Water Gap Country Club in Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania. He also served as a District Director on the Section’s board for four years. McCormick was named the Section’s PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2023 and Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category in 2018.
Vice President
Eric Kennedy, PGA
Overbrook Golf Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
Kennedy was elected to PGA Membership in 2005, and works as the PGA head golf professional at Overbrook Golf Club in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Prior to being elected the Section secretary, he served as the Section’s director of tournaments, and as a District Director, and currently is a member of the Section’s Youth, Education, Membership, and Tournament committees. Kennedy was named the Section’s PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2015, and the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2014 and 2023. Prior to Overbrook, Kennedy served as PGA head golf professional at the Callawassie Island Club in the Carolinas PGA Section, and PGA assistant golf professional at Secession Golf Club in the Carolinas, and Sea Pines, also in the Carolinas Section. Kennedy says that it is everyone’s duty and responsibility to give back to the PGA of America, our Philadelphia Section and our fellow PGA Members. He says he is humbled and honored that his fellow PGA Professionals would want him to serve on their behalf; he loves being a PGA Professional and helping others achieve their lifelong goals.
President
Bob Hennefer, PGA
Laurel Creek Country Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
Hennefer became a PGA Member in 2008, and currently serves as the PGA director of golf at Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Before Laurel Creek, he worked as the PGA head golf professional at Indian Spring Country Club in Marlton, New Jersey, and at Links Golf Club in Marlton, New Jersey, PGA general manager at White Oaks Country Club in Newfield, New Jersey, and PGA assistant golf professional at the Legacy Club in Cherry Hillm New Jersey, and Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point, New Jersey. Hennefer was awarded the Section’s PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award in 2017, and Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category in 2015, and currently serves on on the Section’s Employment, Hall of Fame, and PGA REACH Philadelphia 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 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Resolution No. 1 for 2025 Philadelphia PGA Fall Membership Meeting

October 2, 2025Comments Off on Resolution No. 1 for 2025 Philadelphia PGA Fall Membership MeetingPPGA

As we prepare for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s annual Fall Membership Meeting at Indian Valley Country Club in Telford, Pa., on Monday, October 20, please take some time to review Resolution No. 1, listed below. This is a crucial step to ensure you’re informed and prepared for the discussions at the meeting.

2025 Resolution 1
September 23, 2025

Proposed by: Staff
Subject: Independent Directors

Relevant Sections:  
Article VI – Board of Directors: Section 6.03. (g) Number of Directors and Term of Office – Independent Directors ARTICLE IX – OFFICERS

We would like to alter the language to make it possible to place a current eligible Section member to an independent director position. As the current language is written, it only allows for non-Section members to be elected to an independent position. This change will give the board more latitude to add a deserving Section member that otherwise would have to wait for an open District director position.

Current Reading:
Article VI – Board of Directors:
Section 6.03.
g. Two (2) independent directors, who are not members of the Section, shall be elected by the Executive Committee from a list of one (1) or more names submitted by the president.

Proposed Amendment:
Article VI – Board of Directors:
Section 6.03.
g. Two (2) independent directors shall be elected by the Executive Committee from a list of one (1) or more names submitted by the president. At least one (1) independent director will be a non-Section member.

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

Philadelphia PGA Announces Team for 33rd Philadelphia Challenge Matches

October 2, 2025Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Announces Team for 33rd Philadelphia Challenge MatchesPPGA
Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 2, 2025) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is pleased to announce its 12-member team for the 33rd Philadelphia Challenge Matches. The competition, played annually between top Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professionals and Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) amateurs, will be contested on Wednesday, October 8 at the beautiful Lehigh Country Club in Allentown, Pa. The team from the Philadelphia PGA will be led by a new captain this year, Zach Barbin, PGA, from Chesapeake Bay Golf Club.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches would not be possible without the support and energy of Robin McCool. McCool was instrumental in getting the matches started 33 years ago and revitalizing them by bringing in support from Jim Wilson of Ping, Fairway & Greene, and our host facility, Lehigh C.C. McCool serves as the honorary captain for the GAP team and serves as honorary chair of the event. Everyone owes Robin a debt of gratitude for all of his efforts.

The 12 PGA Professionals representing the Philadelphia PGA Section include:
Zach Barbin, PGA (C)
Chesapeake Bay Golf Club

Austin Barbin
Chesapeake Bay Golf Club

Trevor Bensel, PGA
Lulu Country Club

Ross Brown, PGA
Fox Hill Country Club 

Andrew Cornish, PGA
Green Valley Country Club

Kyle Early, PGA
Waynesborough Country Club
Joe Kogelman, PGA
GOLFTEC – Moorestown

Michael Little, PGA
Clubhouse 54

Hugo Mazzalupi, PGA
Radnor Golf Foundation

Zac Oakley, PGA
Bidermann Golf Club

Stephen Swartz, PGA
Carlisle Country Club

Riley Wheeldon, PGA
Aronimink Golf Club
Philadelphia PGA Challenge Matches Team

Zach Barbin, PGA, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club – Barbin, a newly elected PGA Member, will serve as this year’s Captain. He currently sits second on the leaderboard for the Section’s Player of the Year race, and third in the DeBaufre Scoring Average rankings with an impressive 68.73 average. Barbin’s stellar performance includes a recent victory at the Philadelphia Players Championship, 10 top-10 finishes, and a fourth-place finish at his first Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, earning him a spot in next year’s PGA Professional Championship.

Austin Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club – Barbin currently sits in fifth place on the DeBaufre Scoring average rankings with a 69.82. He has had four top-10 finishes so far this season, in addition to tying for sixth place at the Delaware Open. He also is currently sitting first on the Philadelphia Assistant’s Organization’s Player of the Year List.

Trevor Bensel, PGA, Lulu Country Club – Bensel, a familiar face in the competitor’s ring, started off his season by winning perhaps the most high stakes event of the year, the Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic. He currently sits fourth in both the Player of the Year Standings and Debaufre Scoring Average Rankings and has six top-10 finishes for his season.

Ross Brown, PGA, Fox Hill Country Club – An active presence in Section events, Brown has already secured five top-20 finishes this season, placing him 27th on the Player of the Year points list. His game has been especially dominant in the Central Counties Chapter, where his six top-10 finishes have earned him the number eight spot on their points list.

Andrew Cornish, PGA, Green Valley Country Club – Currently holding the 10th spot on the Player of Year Points list, Cornish has one victory so far this season, winning the 2025 GALV Lehigh Valley / Reading Open and breaking the course record at Berkleigh Golf Club where he shot nine-under-par. On top of the victory, Cornish has another seven top-25 finishes.

Kyle Early, PGA, Waynesborough Country Club – Early has had a steady season thus far finishing in the top third of the field in every event. He holds the 13th spot on the Player of the Year List and has an impressive 72.27 scoring average. Early also has one victory in the Philadelphia Assistant’s Organization events, where he is currently ranked fifth in their Player of the Year race.

Joe Kogelman, PGA, GOLFTEC – Moorestown – Kogelman retains a scoring average of 72.54 and is in the 26th spot on the Player of the Year points race. He is a fierce competitor with seven top-25 finishes under his belt. Kogelman’s steady play is a testament to his determination, and he is a player to watch as he continues to climb the rankings.

Michael Little, PGA, Clubhouse 54 – A two-time Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year (2016, 2020), Little is a fierce competitor, holding the seventh spot on the Player of the Year list. He also holds the sixth position for the Debaufre Scoring Average with a 70.14, and has one victory so far this season at the Jack Jolly & Son Championship.

Hugo Mazzalupi, PGA, Radnor Golf Foundation – Currently ninth on the Senior Player of the Year list and 10th on the Senior Scoring Average Rankings, Hugo is a consistent competitor on the course. He has one victory in the Senior Division, at the Burlington Pro-Am Classic and several more top-30 overall finishes.

Zac Oakley, PGA, Bidermann Golf Club – Oakley, a highly decorated champion in our Section and fresh off of a victory at the Match Play Championship, is currently is in third for the Player of the Year Points Race. His resume also includes two top finishes in the Delaware Open and at the 104th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship. His scoring average of 70.57, puts him ninth on the Debaufre Rankings.

Stephen Swartz, PGA, Carlisle Country Club – Swartz is a dominating player in our Central Counties Chapter, currently holding the top spot in their Player of the Year Race having tied for first at the 2025 Srixon Invitational at Dauphin Highlands, and claiming seven other top-five finishes in chapter events this season.

Riley Wheeldon, PGA, Aronimink Golf Club – A new player to our Section this year, Wheeldon has made his name known, claiming two victories at The Hutch and Pro-Am for Wishes, as well as finishing in second at the 104th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship. He holds the fifth spot in the  Player of the Year and is in second for Debaufre Scoring average with a 68.36.

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 Fairway Feed (S1E4)

October 1, 2025Comments Off on The Fairway Feed (S1E4)PPGA

Welcome to the Fairway Feed, the Philadelphia PGA Section’s video bulletin designed to keep you connected, informed, and engaged with everything happening within our PGA of America Golf Professional community.

Think of the Fairway Feed as your regular dose of essential Section news, delivered directly to your inbox monthly. We’ll be sharing timely updates on tournaments, events, educational opportunities, member news, and important announcements you won’t want to miss.

To watch the newest episode, click on the embedded video below.

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