Year: 2025

PGA HOPE Military Veteran and 15 PGA of America Golf Professionals to Run TCS New York City Marathon

FRISCO, Texas and NEW YORK (Oct. 1, 2025) – Fifteen PGA of America Golf Professionals and one PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Ambassador will represent the PGA of America REACH Foundation in the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 2. This marathon features more than 55,000 runners, including 10 returning in support of PGA REACH.

For the 9th consecutive year, the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, is an Official Charity Partner of the TCS New York City Marathon—one of 60 adult and youth races produced annually by nonprofit New York Road Runners and one of the largest marathons in the world. Since 2017, PGA of America Golf Professional runners have raised more than $492,000 through the marathon. This year, their collective goal is $130,000.

The PGA REACH Foundation aims to serve youth, Veterans and underrepresented communities through the game of golf. The 16 runners will raise awareness and donations to support programs within the Foundation: PGA Jr. League ScholarshipsPGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and PGA WORKS.

“We are incredibly proud of the 15 PGA of America Golf Professionals and our new addition to the team this year, a PGA HOPE Veteran, who are taking on the challenge of the TCS New York City Marathon to support the PGA of America REACH Foundation,” said PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea Jr., Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona).”Their dedication is truly inspiring, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the New York Road Runners for providing a prestigious platform to raise awareness and support for PGA REACH.”

Team PGA REACH in the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon

  • Alec Bahnick, PGA – Handicapping and Course Rating Manager, Golf House Kentucky – Louisville, Ky., Kentucky PGA Section
  • Scott Chisholm, PGA – COO & Director of Golf, Rolling Green Golf Club – Springfield, Penn., Philadelphia PGA Section
  • Brian Douty – PGA HOPE Veteran – Director of Health Admin Services, U.S. Dept. Of Veteran Affairs – Rice, Minn., Minnesota PGA Section
  • Jason Epstein, PGA – Director of Golf & Athletics, Congressional Country Club – Bethesda, Md., Middle Atlantic PGA Section
  • Ed Gill, PGA – Director of Golf Instruction, The Dominion Club – Glen Allen, Va., Middle Atlantic PGA Section
  • Nathan Kalin, PGA – Director of Golf, Fremont Golf Club – Fremont, Neb., Nebraska PGA Section
  • Nick Knee, PGA – General Manager & Director of Golf, Sandia Golf Club – Albuquerque, N.M., Sun Country PGA Section
  • Hayden Lewis, PGA – Digital Content Coordinator, PGA of America – Frisco, Texas, Northern Texas PGA Section
  • Jason Loomis, PGA – Executive Director, Great River Golf Club – Milford, Conn., Connecticut PGA Section
  • Nick Madden, PGA – Head Golf Professional, Clubs of Cordillera Ranch – Boerne, Texas, Southern Texas PGA Section
  • Kyle Olson, PGA – Product Manager, Golf Genius – Gulf Breeze, Fla., Alabama-NW Florida PGA Section
  • Josh Pius, PGA – PGA Head Professional, Inverness Golf Club – Toledo, Ohio, Illinois PGA Section
  • Brian Seal, PGA – Director of Player Development, Montreux Golf & CC – Reno, Nevada, Northern California PGA Section
  • Henry Stetina, PGA – Assist. Director, New Mexico State University Professional Golf Management Program – Las Cruces, N.M., Sun Country PGA Section
  • William Wallis, PGA – Head Golf Professional, New Haven Country Club – Hamden, Conn., Connecticut PGA Section
  • Scott Yurgalevicz, PGA – PGA Golf Instructor, Philadelphia Cricket Club – Philadelphia, Penn., Philadelphia PGA Section

New York Road Runners is a mission-driven nonprofit that builds healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running. To support other nonprofits’ missions and services, New York Road Runners’ Official Charity Partner Program gives organizations the opportunity to raise funds by offering guaranteed entry to the TCS New York City Marathon for athletes who fundraise on their behalf. Since its inception in 2006, athletes in New York Road Runners’ Official Charity Partner Program have raised more than $600 million for 1,000+ worthy causes.

“New York Road Runners is proud to support the PGA of America REACH Foundation team and the incredible impact they make in the community as they raise important funds to benefit lives through the game of golf as they gear up for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon,” said Christine Burke, NYRR’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Each November, the TCS New York City Marathon and our Official Charity Partner Program are a testament to the transformative power of running and its ability to build community, so it’s incredible to collaborate with a record number of charities this year.”

To support, please visit the Running for REACH team fundraising page.

About PGA of America REACH Foundation

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

Media Contacts:

Jesse Dodson, PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com

Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com

PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley Claims Fourth Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship

Ardmore, Pa. (September 30, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Delaware, successfully defended his title to claim a record fourth Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship. In the final match, Oakley defeated Chesapeake Bay Golf Club’s Zach Barbin, PGA, in 19 holes, on Merion Golf Club’s storied East Course.

Oakley started the day facing off against fellow PGA Professional Kyle Early of Waynesborough Country Club in the semi-finals, prevailing 6 and 5. Barbin earned his place in the final match by defeating Lulu Country Club’s Trevor Bensel, PGA, 4 and 3.

Barbin took the lead early in the final match with a birdie on the par-5 second hole, eventually growing the margin to 3-up through 13 holes. Oakley clawed his way back and won No. 18 to force extra play, and made birdie on the first extra hole (No. 1) to take the title.

Oakley said he had the same game plan for today’s matches as he did in last year’s final: hit fairways and greens, and make pars.

“Zach [Barbin] played great today,” Oakley said following the match. “It was tough. It was up-and-down on the back nine, but I really focused on the last four holes, hung in there, and made a lot of good putts.

“To do it at Merion makes it even more special to win.”

He went on to thank Merion Golf Club, its membership and entire staff for hosting, Bidermann Golf Club, his caddie Steve, and the Philadelphia PGA staff.

Oakley previously won the Match Play in 2019 at Lookaway Golf Club, 2021 at the Steel Club, and 2024 on Merion’s East Course. One-hundred-fourteen PGA Professionals competed in the 2025 edition of the championship, competing throughout the season. En route to his 2025 victory, he bettered PGA Professionals Andy Hewitt, Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club, 6 and 4; Brendon Post, University of Delaware, 1-up; Andrew Turner, Country Club of York, 3 and 2; Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook Golf Club, 2-up; Kyle Early, 6 and 5; and Zach Barbin, 19 holes.

To view the full 2025 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners and Merion Golf 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

PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck Claims Victory at 2025 Delaware Valley Open

Pine Hill, N.J. (September 29, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, rose to victory in the 2025 Delaware Valley Open by finishing an impressive 3-under-par round of 68 at Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia. Today’s event was the last chance for PGA Professionals to earn Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points for the season; Shattuck has now earned three Section victories in 2025 (Doylestown Open, Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, Delaware Valley Open) and holds a significant lead in the race.

The field struggled on the course in south Jersey, with a stroke average of nearly 79. Shattuck however, handled the conditions well, making five birdies following a double bogey on the par-3 fifth hole.

Following the event, Shattuck thanked his best friend and wife, Veoletta, all the members and staff at Rolling Green, the event partners for their support, and the Lord for all the blessings in his life.

Shattuck finished two strokes ahead of five PGA Professionals: Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook Golf Club; Michael Little, Clubhouse 54; Tony Perla, Huntingdon Valley Country Club; Andy Hewitt, Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club; and Riley Wheeldon, Aronimink Golf Club.

Mark Sheftic secured victory in the Senior Division, finishing at 1-under-par, two strokes in front of PGA Life Member George Forster and three ahead of Carlisle Country Club’s Stephen Swartz. Applebrook Golf Club’s Dave McNabb and Wilmington Country Club’s Bob Lennon tied for fourth place at 4-over.

Deerwood Country Club’s Greg Farrow took home the top prize in the Super Senior Division, thanks to his even-par round of 71. The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter finished two strokes behind Farrow.

The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) held an event concurrently with the Delaware Valley Open, with Lulu Country Club’s Trevor Bensel walking away with the win. Finishing at even-par, Bensel bettered the five PGA Professionals who tied for second place by one stroke: Kyle Early, Waynesborough Country Club; Andrew Cornish, Green Valley Country Club; Andrew Turner, Country Club of York; and Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club.

To view the full 2025 Delaware Valley Open leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Delaware Valley Open is supported by Jack Jolly & Son Inc., KM Golf SalesNextevo Naturals, the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners and Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia, 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

Playing Through: Ricky Kline, PGA (S2E10)

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 Member Ricky Kline, the PGA head golf professional at Sittler Golf in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania.

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.

PGA of America Golf Professional Zach Barbin Wins 2025 Philadelphia Players Championship in Sudden-Death Playoff

Buckingham, Pa. (September 22, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zach Barbin of Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Rising Sun, Maryland, made a par in a sudden-death playoff to better Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club, and win the 2025 Philadelphia Players Championship at Lookaway Golf Club.

Both Barbin and McNabb each finished their rounds in regulation with scores of 7-under-par 65, setting up the playoff. Barbin’s round featured an eagle, nine birdies, and two bogeys.

“I played great golf today,” Barbin said after the conclusion of the playoff. “I’ve been playing very nicely the past few weeks, and 7-under on any golf courses is really good, so I’m very pleased with that.

“I always want to thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ, my wife, my family, Scott and Karen Hutchinson for all they have done for the Section, our partners, Lookaway Golf Club, and the Section staff.”

The championship’s presenting partners, Scott and Karen Hutchinson have helped to make the event’s purse one of the Section’s largest, at over $28,000, with $6,000 going to the champion.

Wilmington Country Club’s Ryan Rucinski tied for third place with    LuLu Country Club’s Trevor Bensel at 5-under-par. Michael Little, Clubhouse 54, and Andrew Cornish, Green Valley Country Club, tied for fifth place, three strokes behind the winner.

McNabb took home the top prize in the Senior Division, bettering Sunnybrook Golf Club’s Mark Sheftic and John Cooper by five strokes. Brian Kelly, Titleist Fitcrew, and Frank Bensel, Galloway National Golf Club, tied for fourth place at 1-over.

After the trophy presentation, event partner Scott and Karen Hutchinson presented the Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia, a $20,000 donation, to support PGA HOPE Philadelphia clinics.

To view the 2025 Philadelphia Players Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia Players Championship’s present partners are Scott and Karen Hutchinson, and is supported by Anderson Ord, Callaway Golf, and Destination Kohler. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Lookaway Golf Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event is the Delaware Valley Open at Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia on Monday, September 29.

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 Golf Professional Michael Little Wins 2025 Jack Jolly & Son Championship

Mount Laurel Township, N.J. (September 8, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Michael Little of Clubhouse 54 in North Wales, Pennsylvania, finished with a 5-under-par 66 to win the 2025 Jack Jolly & Son Championship at Laurel Creek Country Club by one stroke over Zach Barbin of Chesapeake Bay Golf Club. Today’s win is Little’s first Section win of the season.

Little had previously won this championship in 2016 at Concord Country Club. The field had its hands full with the course and its setup today, with the scoring average nearing 78; Little, however, had a hot start, going 5-under on the front nine, and finished even on the back nine.

“It was nice to have everything come together today,” Little said after signing his scorecard. “I only missed one green, and the putter was hot today, which helped.”

Little went on to thank his wife, kids, Jack Jolly & Son Inc., Kevin McClellan, everyone at Clubhouse 54, Laurel Creek Country Club, the Section staff, and to fellow PGA Members Mark Sheftic and John Bierkan for the recent help on his game.

Riley Wheeldon, Aronimink Golf Club, finished in third place, three behind Little. Five PGA Professionals tied for fourth place at 2-under-par: Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green Golf Club; Austin Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club; Trevor Bensel, LuLu Country Club; Rocco Sgrillo, John F. Byrne Golf Course; and Scott Chisholm, Rolling Green Golf Club.

Spring Ford Country Club’s Rich Steinmetz earned top honors in the Senior Division, bettering two PGA Professionals by two strokes: Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook Golf Club; and John Pillar, Country Club at Woodloch Springs. Terry Hertzog, Bent Creek Country Club, finished in fourth place at 2-over.

The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter finished with a 2-under-par 69 to top the Super Senior Division by two strokes over Deerwood Country Club’s Greg Farrow and finished five ahead of PGA Life Member Wayne Phillips.

The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) held an event concurrently with the Jack Jolly & Son Championship, and Zach Barbin walked away with the top prize at 4-under-par. Barbin’s brother Austin tied for second place with Trevor Bensel and Rocco Sgrillo, John F. Byrne Golf Course, at 2-under-par. Pine Valley Golf Club’s Matt Zehner finished in fifth place with an even-par round of 71.

To view the 2025 Jack Jolly & Son Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Jack Jolly & Son Championship’s title partner is Jack Jolly & Son Inc., and is supported by KM Golf Sales / Kevin McClellan. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Laurel Creek Country Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event is the Philadelphia Players Championship at Lookaway Golf Club on Monday, September 22.

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: Nick Biondi, PGA (S2E9)

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 Member Nick Biondi, the PGA director of instruction at Radley Run Country Club in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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.