As we make our way out of the winter months and inch closer to the 2017 tournament season it is with great excitement that the Philadelphia PGA announces some internal changes with the Section Tournament Staff.

As the Section business continues to expand and in an effort to set up the staff structure for success in the future we would like to announce that Brian Schulte, PGA has been promoted to Tournament Director and Bobby Howie, PGA has been promoted to Assistant Tournament Director.

Although new to the position of tournament director, Schulte is no stranger to the Philadelphia PGA. Schulte came on board as an intern with the Philadelphia PGA in the summer of 2007. After one season as an intern, Schulte was promoted to the position of Junior Golf Director in 2008.

Since the start of the 2008 season, Schulte has guided the Philadelphia Junior Tour (PJT) to increased membership and participation numbers. Schulte has also been instrumental in elevating PJT programming leading to the creation of nationally ranked events, an expanded PJT schedule, and developing PJT specific partners.

Howie starts his third season with the Section and has spent the past two seasons working alongside Brian running Junior Tour operations. He spent the beginning of his career working as an assistant professional at White Manor CC and Wilmington CC.

In his new role, Schulte will lead a staff that includes Bobby Howie, PGA (Assistant Tournament Director), Ellen Berlinger (Tournament Coordinator), Carl Berlinger (Senior Official/Field Director), Russ Stewart (Field Staff Coordinator) and a full slate of tournament operations interns. Under Schulte’s direction, the group will be responsible for all Philadelphia PGA tournament operations including scheduling, course setup, and staffing. The new tournament department will also continue to conduct first-class Junior Tour events as well as Playing Ability Tests (PAT).

“I could not be more excited on being named Tournament Director for the Philadelphia PGA,” said Schulte on his promotion. “I have a passion for administering first class tournaments and I’m truly fortunate to be surrounded by so many talented people that guided me to where I am today.  I’m looking forward to getting to work and serving the Philadelphia Section PGA members in 2017.”

Geoffrey Surrette, PGA, Executive Director adds, “This is a natural progression for our staff. We have been extremely fortunate to have talented and committed people handle our tournament program. As we expand our Foundation operations and my time with tournaments becomes more limited, we needed to make sure our Junior Tour and Professional Tournament Programs continue to receive the attention they deserve. Making these changes now is a great first step in setting us up for success in the future.”

For more information on the Philadelphia PGA and its tournament operations visit – philadelphia.pga.com/tournaments.