The Philadelphia Section PGA’s Golf Marathon 100 Hole Challenge was established by PGA Professionals in the Philadelphia Section to raise money for PGA REACH Philadelphia. In 2019, the Marathon coincided with October’s “Month of Giving” Campaign and participating PGA Professionals, and all other willing supporters, played 100 holes of golf in 1 day, with 1 ball, 1 hole at a time. 

Leading the way in support of the “Month of Giving” were Mike Little and Laura Schiavo, PGA Assistant Golf Professionals at Lookaway Golf Club in Buckingham, PA. Backed by tremendous pledge support from club members and friends, Mike and Laura not only generated substantial donations, but led the entire Philadelphia PGA Section, raising near $23,000 for their one-day marathon round. Little, the 2016 OMEGA Player of the Year of the Philadelphia Section PGA, previously served as the Golf101 instructor for Temple University’s Kinesiology Department from 2009 to 2014 where he introduced over 500 college students to the game of golf.  Schiavo, a graduate of West Chester University with a Bachelor’s Degree in secondary education, is currently in the process of becoming a Class A PGA Professional. Prior to Lookaway, she worked for five years at Golf Galaxy focusing on merchandising, club fitting and golf club repair.  

Complementing the efforts of Mike and Laura at Lookaway Golf Club was club member Scott Hutchinson, who donated $7,600 to the foundation on behalf of the PAO (Philadelphia Assistants Organization) Tour Championship Event. Scott pledged $100 per birdie and $300 per eagle made during the PAO Tour Championship event, which took place on Oct. 14^th, 2019 at Lehigh Country Club. In total, there were 70 birdies and 2 eagles made that day, which accounted for the $7,600 donation. ”It is better to give more than you receive,”Scott stated when asked about his support. Scott has been a big supporter of the PAO, as well as the PGA REACH Philadelphia.

Among the other top fundraisers who helped generate more than $44,000 from the Golf Marathon, were Alec Brown and Eric Keeler ($6,300), PGA Professionals from Gulph Mills Golf Club in King of Prussia, PA, and Dean Kandle ($5,050), PGA Professional from St. David’s Golf Club in Wayne, PA. PGA REACH Philadelphia thanks everyone who participated in the Golf Marathon this year.