Author: Joe

Trevor Bensel Outlasts Field to Win Match Play Championship

Concordville, Pa. – For the third consecutive day the Philadelphia PGA returned to Concord Country Club to for the 2017 Match Play Championship. After two exciting days of golf the field was whittled down from 64 players to just four all looking to capture the season’s final point’s event.

The first semifinal match featured Greg Farrow (Deerwood Country Club) and Trevor Bensel (Huntingdon Valley Country Club). Early in the match the players battled back and forth with each gaining no more than a hole advantage. However with a win on the short par-4 5th hole, Bensel grabbed a 1-up lead and would never relinquish it back. In the end, Bensel closed out Farrow on the 17th hole to win 2&1 and advanced to the finals.

In the second semifinal match Brian Bergstol (Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort) w battled the 2017 Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic champion Andrew Turner (Sunnybrook Golf Club). After winning the first hole to grab a quick 1-up lead, Bergstol did not win another hole until the par-5 14th hole. After taking the lead on the 4th hole, Turner increased his advantage to as much as 4-up before closing out Bergstol on the 16th hole to win 3&2 and set up a finals match with Bensel.

Bensel’s road to the finals featured wins over John Rudolph (2&1), Mickey Sokalski (2-up), Tom Michaels (2&1) and Jakob Gerney (4&3) before his win over Farrow in the semifinals. Turner had wins over Jimmy Maack (5&4), Carson Solien (4&3), Michael Caldwell (4&3) and Dave Quinn (1-up) before beating Bergstol to advance to the finals.

As the finals match got underway, Bensel got off to a quick start with a win on the first hole to grab a quick 1-up lead. However, his lead did not last long as Bensel dropped the second hole to Turner after making a bogey. But after that dropped hole, Bensel went on to win five consecutive holes to lead the match 5-up through seven holes. Turner cut into the lead with a win on the par-3 8th hole before the pair traded pars on the 9th hole giving Bensel a 4-up lead after nine holes.

After making the turn, the pair traded wins with Bensel grabbing the 10th hole and Turner winning the par-3 11th with a birdie. After halving the 12th hole the pair once again traded holes with Bensel winning the par-4 13th and Turner grabbing the par-5 14th. The pair both parred the par-3 15th hole but with the match dormie the halved hole gave Bensel the match 4&3. The win was Bensel’s first Philadelphia PGA tournament win.

“It’s definitely exciting to get my first Philly PGA tournament win”, said Bensel of his Match Play win. “I play matches with the guys at Huntingdon Valley all the time so it’s a format I am comfortable with. I played well in my early matches which gave me a lot of confidence. I want to thank Mike Moses and everyone at Concord Country Club for a great week as well as all of the tournament sponsors for their support.”

The Section would like to thank the membership and staff at Concord Country Club for their hospitality during the week. The Section also thanks event sponsors Omega and the PGA Tour for their continued support of our tournament program.

The next on the Philadelphia PGA calendar is the annual Fall Meeting which, this year, is being held at Cedarbrook Country Club. The meeting is a chance for the Section’s officers to update the membership on all business matters. After the meeting will be the Fall Meeting foursome event, the final tournament of the 2017 season.

Final Match Play Bracket

Match Play Championship Down to the Final Four

Concordville, Pa. – The third and fourth rounds of the 2017 Match Play Championship were played on a near perfect fall day at beautiful Concord Country Club. After surviving the tournament’s first day, 16 players returned in hopes of continuing their success for a second consecutive day.

The morning highlights included the continued run of Mike Furey (Mahoning Valley Country Club) who upset the top overall seed Brett Melton (Radley Run Country Cub) 4&3 to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in his career. That was the only upset in the morning matches as the remaining seven matches all went to the higher seeded player.

After grabbing a quick lunch, the remaining 8 players returned to the golf course for their quarterfinal matches. The first player to punch his ticket to the semifinals was Trevor Bensel (Huntingdon Valley Country Club), who as the 36th seed is the lowest remaining seed to advance. Bensel managed to advance after beating match play veteran Jakob Gerney (Trump National – Philadelphia) 4&3. The next player to join the semifinals was Brian Bergstol (Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort) who battled Ingraham to a 1-up victory which included both players making impressive birdies putts on their 18th hole. Next to join the semifinals was Andrew Turner (Sunnybrook Golf Club) who battled from three holes down to overtake Quinn and win the match 1-up. The final player to advance to the third day was Greg Farrow (Deerwood Country Club). Farrow battled Furey through four extra holes to ultimately win the match on the 22nd hole.

The third and final day of the Match Play Championship will be held Thursday, October 20. The final four players will get their semifinal matches underway at 9:00 AM with the championship match set to be played in the afternoon.

Despite not making it past today’s third round, Brett Melton still managed to earn enough points to secure his first Omega Player of the Year point’s title. Melton will be formally recognized for his performance at Monday’s Fall Meeting at Cedarbrook Country Club.

The Philadelphia PGA continues to thank the membership and staff of Concord Country Club for their support of the Match Play Championship. The Section also thanks our tournament sponsors Omega and the PGA Tour for supporting the Philadelphia PGA tournament program.

Match Play Bracket

McCormick and Quinn Win McQuiston Sr. Pro – Jr. Pro Championship

Philadelphia, Pa. – The annual McQuiston Sr. Pro – Jr. Pro Championship was held at Bala Golf Club on Thursday, October 12. The event, named in honor of longtime PGA Professional and past Philadelphia PGA President Henry McQuiston, pairs one Sr. PGA Professional (age 50 and older) with one PGA Professional in a four-ball, better ball of partners, tournament. With a shotgun start all teams got their rounds underway at 12:00PM with teams battling tough fall-like weather throughout the day.

As teams began to finish, the pair of Jim Muschiltz (Southmoore Golf Club) and Sean Szerencsits (Southmoore Golf Club) quickly rose to the top of the leaderboard. The pair got off to a shaky start as they traded a birdie for a bogey on their opening holes. However, they turned things around quickly adding seven additional birdies including five on holes 1-9 to finish with a team score of 7-under (61).

Unfortunately for the pair their time alone at the top of the leaderboard did not last long. The duo of Dustin McCormick (Glen Brook Golf Club) and Dave Quinn (Philmont Country Club) managed an equally impressive score of 7-under (61) to join in the fun. McCormick and Quinn also got off to a slow start but in the end managed to card eight birdies, including a stretch of four consecutive on their last four holes, against one bogey to share the top spot.

With both teams tied at 7-under at the end of regulation they headed back out to the 18th tee for the first hole of the sudden death playoff. After their approach shots all four players found the green meaning each team had two putts for a birdie. The putts from both McCormick & Muschiltz came up just short before Quinn drained his 15 footer for birdie. Despite his best effort, Szerencsits’ birdie putt just missed as it rolled over the left edge giving McCormick & Quinn the title.

Rounding out the podium Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range) and Andy Watters (Talamore GC) finished two shots back in solo third place with a score of 5-under (63). The duo is a perennial favorite and with each player contributing to the overall team score it is no surprise that they have finished inside the top-5 each of the past three years.

The Section would like to thank the membership of Bala Golf Club for their support. Additionally, the Section thanks Vineyard Vines and Mr. Cory Creland for providing gifts to all participants. The Section will return to action on Tuesday, October 17 for the Match Play Championship at Concord Country Club.

Full Tournament Leaderboard

PGA of America President Paul Levy to Highlight Fall Meeting

2017 Fall Meeting Membership Reports

The Fall Meeting on October 23rd will take place at Cedarbrook Country Club. Our Keynote speaker will be PGA of America President, Paul Levy.  President Levy will discuss the past season and the upcoming PGA Annual meeting along with other Association and industry trends. Please be sure to join us as we close the 2017 Season, celebrate the great play of our Section and Junior Tour Members and hear from our Association’s Leadership.

The deadline to register for the Fall Meeting is Monday, October 16th at 5:00pm. The registration fee will increase by $25 after the deadline so if you are planning on attending please register as soon as you can.

Golf will follow the meeting and a light reception will follow golf. In addition, please see the 2017 Fall Meeting NEW Business Form (Download).  If you would like anything to be discussed, please submit the form prior to the October 18th, 2017 deadline.

Please take this opportunity to register for the meeting on line:

Click Here to Register

2017 Fall Meeting Membership Reports

We look forward to seeing all of you.

Radley Run’s Melton Wins Rain-Shortened Shawnee Open

Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pa. – The 2017 edition of the Shawnee Open was played at the historic Shawnee Inn & Resort. The Shawnee Open has been in existence since 1912, although not always run by the Philadelphia PGA. This year’s edition of the Shawnee Open was the 12th event in the race for the Omega Player of the Year presented by the Haverford Trust Company and was originally scheduled to be played as a 36-hole tournament. However, persistent rains ultimately shortened the tournament to an 18-hole event which still allowed the Section to crown a champion.

Playing early in the first round, past champion of the Shawnee Open Mark Sheftic (Merion Golf Club) set the pace. Sheftic played bogey-free carding five birdies along the way to post an impressive 5-under (67) and quickly positioned himself at the top of the leaderboard.

Not far behind Sheftic, Mike Furey (Mahoning Valley Country Club) also found some magic in the tournament’s opening round. Furey was able to overcome a bogey on the final hole of his outward nine by carding four birdies as he made his way back to the clubhouse. Those four birdies combined with two birdies on his opening nine holes got Furey to the 5-under (67) number allowing him to join Sheftic at the top of the leaderboard.

Unfortunately for both Sheftic and Furey there was another player in the field who played a near perfect round of golf. Brett Melton (Radley Run Country Club) was playing in his first Shawnee Open but his performance was that of a seasoned veteran. Melton made the turn at 1-under par but that is when things got exciting. Melton added five additional birdies on consecutive holes (12-16) and finished the opening round with a score of 6-under (66).

Although the tournament was shaping for an exciting day two finish, the work done by Melton in the tournament’s opening round ultimately allowed him to capture his second Philadelphia PGA title (Pro-Am for Wishes). The win also vaulted Melton into the top spot on the Omega Player of the Year leaderboard with only the Match Play Championship left to determine this year’s player of the year.

Although Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range) came up just short in the tournament’s main division after finishing at 4-under (68) he did manage to walk away with a two-shot victory over John Pillar (Country Club of Woodloch Springs) in the tournament senior division, further increasing his lead in the Robert “Skee” Riegel Senior Player of the Year race.

The Shawnee Open was the fourth and final event to feature a super senior division. The super senior division was sponsored by Jani-King and only Philadelphia PGA Professionals age 65 or older are eligible. Finishing in first place in the super senior division was Gary Hardin (Northampton Country Club) who finished at 2-over (74) one shot ahead of Bill Sautter (Philadelphia Cricket Club).

The Section would like to thank the staff of the Shawnee Inn and Resort for their support of the event as well as our event sponsor Golf Cart Specialties.

 1   Brett Melton       Radley Run CC              35-31--66 -6  
 T2  Mark Sheftic       Merion GC                  34-33--67 -5  
 T2  Mike Furey         Mahoning Valley CC         35-32--67 -5  
 4   Stu Ingraham       M Golf Range               35-33--68 -4  
 5   Zac Oakley         Heritage Shores GC         33-36--69 -3  
 T6  Brian Bergstol     Shawnee Inn and GR         36-34--70 -2  
 T6  Kevin Edwards      Olde Homestead GC          35-35--70 -2  
 T6  John Pillar        CC at Woodloch Springs     32-38--70 -2  
 T6  Kevin Kraft        Bumble Bee Hollow          35-35--70 -2  
 T10 Michael Little     Lookaway GC                35-36--71 -1  
 T10 Rick LeBeau        Gulph Mills GC             33-38--71 -1  
 T12 Scott Reilly       Philadelphia CC            34-38--72 E   
 T12 Don Allan          Burlington CC              36-36--72 E   
 T14 John Spina         Philadelphia Cricket Club  35-38--73 +1  
 T14 John Allen         Huntingdon Valley CC       36-37--73 +1  
 T14 Eric Kennedy       Overbrook GC               35-38--73 +1  
 T14 Jeff Fick          Chapel Hill GC             37-36--73 +1  
 T14 Blake Hinckley (a)                            38-35--73 +1  
 T14 Jordan Gibbs       Gulph Mills GC             38-35--73 +1  
 T14 Pat Butkus         Overbrook GC               37-36--73 +1  
 T14 Rich Steinmetz     Spring Ford CC             34-39--73 +1  
 T14 Joe Kogelman       GolfTEC Moorestown         35-38--73 +1  
 T23 Dave Quinn         Philmont CC                34-40--74 +2  
 T23 Gary Hardin        Northampton CC             34-40--74 +2  
 T23 John Roche         CC at Woodloch Springs     39-35--74 +2  
 T23 Vincent Kabaso     Cleveland Golf             39-35--74 +2  
 T27 Bill Sautter       Philadelphia Cricket Club  37-38--75 +3  
 T27 Dustin McCormick   Glen Brook GC              41-34--75 +3  
 T27 Evan Mitchell      Spring Mill CC             38-37--75 +3  
 T30 Harvey Williams    Philly PGA                 34-42--76 +4  
 T30 Don DeAngelis      Center Square GC           38-38--76 +4  
 T32 George Forster     Radnor Valley CC           38-39--77 +5  
 T32 Hugh Reilly        Twining Valley GC          36-41--77 +5  
 T32 Bill Smith         Mahoning Valley CC         39-38--77 +5  
 T32 Bob Lennon         Wilmington CC              37-40--77 +5  
 T36 Frank Palumbo      Rolling Green GC           39-39--78 +6  
 T36 Tony Shields       ACE Club                   38-40--78 +6  
 T38 Anthony Napoletano GolfTEC-KoP                41-38--79 +7  
 T38 Paul Galczyk       Westover CC                42-37--79 +7  
 40  Chris Atkins       Riverton CC                40-40--80 +8  
 41  Dave Fields        Brookside CC               41-41--82 +10 
 42  Andrew Pierson     Camden County GA           40-43--83 +11 
 43  Patrick Spang      Manor Valley CC            40-44--84 +12 
 44  Kevin Shaw         Philly PGA                 48-39--87 +15 

Philadelphia PGA Wins 27th Challenge Matches

For the 27th time teams from the Philadelphia PGA and the Golf Association of Philadelphia got together to compete in the Philadelphia Challenge Matches, a Ryder Cup style event that pits the top Philadelphia PGA Professionals against the top amateur golfers from Philadelphia. For the second consecutive year these matches were played at Saucon Valley Country Club.

The teams played 12 singles matches and 6 four-ball matches (better ball of partners) concurrently with a total of 18 points up for grabs. As the owners of the Cup, the Philadelphia PGA only needed 9 of the 18 points to retain the title while the Golf Association of Philadelphia needed to earn 9 ½ points to regain the title.

Both the individual matches and the four-ball matches were competitive but ultimately the Philadelphia PGA was able to win both sessions on their way to a fourth consecutive Challenge Match victory. The Philadelphia PGA won the singles matches 7-5 and the four ball matches 3.5-2.5 en route to a 10.5-7.5 victory. The is the 25th for the Philadelphia PGA bringing their record to 25 – 2.

Challenge Match Results

Two Teams Share Top Spot at the Fall Pro-Pro Championship

Clarks Summit, Pa. – On a picture perfect fall afternoon, the Philadelphia PGA returned to the Country Club of Scranton for the annual Fall Pro-Pro Championship. This is the third consecutive year that the Section traveled above the Pocono Mountains to the Country Club of Scranton for the Pro-Pro Championship which paired two PGA Professionals together in a Four Ball or better ball of partners event.

Playing early in the day the team of Michael Little (Lookaway Golf Club) and Kevin Kraft (Bumble Bee Hollow Golf Center) looked to recapture the magic the propelled them to victory at the Spring Pro-Pro Championship. The pair got off to a slow start with bogeys on two of their first three holes but their fortunes changed quickly as they birdied eight of their next ten holes. After a bogey on the tough par-4 16th hole the pair finished strong after Kraft drained a 50 foot eagle putt from the back of the par-5 18th hole. When all was said and done the duo would finish with a 7-under (65).

Their time at the top of the leaderboard by themselves would not last long as they were quickly joined by the team of Pat Butkus (Overbrook Golf Club) and Jeff Herb (Waynesborough Country Club). Playing just two groups behind Kraft and Little the duo of Butkus and Herb also got off to a slow start. As a team they made the turn at 1-under, but as they made their way back to the clubhouse the turned things around. The pair made four birdies and also added an eagle on the par-5 12th hole to finish their round at 7-under (65).

As play went on no other team was able to join the two teams at 7-under and in the end they shared the first place crown. A pair of teams also shared third place with a score of 4-under (68). The first team to reach the number was Justin Alunni (Glen Oak Country Club) and his partner Darryl Lock (Skippack Golf Club). They were eventually joined by the team of Cleve Coldwater (Glenmaura National Golf Club) and his partner Harvey Williams.

Once again the Section would like to thank the membership and staff of the Country Club of Scranton for hosting the Fall Pro-Pro Championship. The Section also thanks our tournament sponsors Club Prophet Systems, Sun Mountain, and Morell Studios for their support of the tournament program.

The next event on the tournament calendar is the Philadelphia Challenge Cup Matches on Thursday, October 5 at Saucon Valley Country Club where the Philadelphia PGA professionals will try to defend their title against the top amateurs of the Golf Association of Philadelphia.

Full Tournament Leaderboard

Hertzog Comes from Behind to Capture the 96th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship

Tony Leodora Interviews 96th PPGA Champion Terry Hertzog


Mount Laurel, N.J. – September 21, 2016 – Terry Hertzog (Country Club of York), is the winner of the 96th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, at Laurel Creek Country Club. Hertzog will lead 13 Philadelphia PGA Professionals to compete in the 51st PGA Professional Championship, next June 17-20, 2018 at Bayonet Black Horse in Seaside, California.

Hertzog’s charge to the top of the leaderboard was slow and steady but in the end it proved to be the method best suited for him. Hertzog found red numbers on holes 5, 10 and 11 and after 36-hole leader Perla was unable to capture the magic from day two Hertzog quickly found himself in the mix for the Championship.

Other names tried to play their way into the top spot including a pair of past champions, Jordan Gibbs and Dave Quinn. Gibbs got to 2-under after 15 holes but a pair of bogeys on holes 16-17 dropped him from contention for a second consecutive title. Quinn also found himself at 2-under after 15 holes but similar to Gibbs, a bogey on the difficult 16th hole proved too much to overcome.

Although Hertzog trailed the leader by seven shots heading into the final round consistent play throughout the week, especially in today’s round ultimately vaulted him to the top of the leaderboard with a championship total of 2-under (210). Dave Quinn (Philmont Country Club) was the Championship’s runner-up, after carding a three day total of 1-under-par 211. They are joined by Jordan Gibbs (Gulph Mills Golf Club), Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range), Rich Steinmetz (Spring Ford Country Club), Tony Perla (LedgeRock Golf Club), Billy Stewart (The ACE Club), Brett Melton (Radley Run Country Club), Brendon Post (Univ. of Delaware), Alex Knoll (Riverton, N.J.), Mark Sheftic (Merion Golf Club), Rusty Harbold (Philadelphia Cricket Club), and Dave McNabb (Applebrook Golf Club).

The win was Hertzog’s third Philadelphia PGA Professional title becoming the tenth Philadelphia PGA Professional to accomplish the feat. George Smith (1929-30, 1932), Charles Schneider (1933, 1937, 1939), Henry Williams, Jr. (1949, 1953, 1958), Stan Dudas (1955, 1959, 1968), Art Wall, Jr. (1956, 1962-63, 1965, 1971), Dick Smith, Sr. (1974, 1977, 1981-83), Rick Osberg (1985, 1989, 1992), Brian Kelly (1995, 2000, 2005), and Rich Steinmetz (2007, 2010-11).

“It feels really amazing to get this win today”, commented Hertzog on his Championship. “I honestly didn’t think I had a chance heading into today but I wanted to put together a good round to qualify for the PGA Professional Championship next June. I played really well early in the day and that helped offset some blemishes late in the day. It’s a great feeling and I’m so thankful to the staff and membership at Laurel Creek for allowing us to use their facility the last few days.”

96th Philadelphia PGA Championship Leaderboard

LedgeRock’s Perla Surges Into the Lead at the 96th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship

Mount Laurel, N.J. – In stark contrast to what players had to battle in their opening rounds, the weather conditions for the second round of the 96th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship were near perfect giving all in the field the chance to post a low number.

One player taking full advantage of the relatively benign conditions was Tony Perla (LedgeRock Golf Club). After an opening round 1-under-par Perla was looking to make a move and put himself in a good position heading into the Championship’s final round. Perla not only put himself into prime position he catapulted himself into the lead after a tournament best 7-under par (64). Perla played a flawless round of golf at Laurel Creek while adding an eagle and five birdies along the way to grab the 36-hole lead. Perla’s two-day total of 8-under (69-64-133) is five shots clear of the field.

Sitting in second place is defending champion Jordan Gibbs (Gulph Mills Golf Club). Gibbs carded an even par (71) is his opening round at Laurel Creek and as his championship shifted to Burlington Country Club for the second round he needed to make move. Gibbs got off to a fast start with birdies on his first three holes. Gibbs would go on to add one additional birdie but coupled with a lone bogey Gibbs would finish his second round at 3-under (67) giving him a 36-hole total of 3-under (71-67-138).

Although overnight leader Brendon Post (Univ of Delaware) could not find the same success that vaulted him to the top of the leaderboard after round one he did play well enough to maintain a spot within the top three. Post had a relatively uneventful round with one birdie and one bogey but a hiccup on the tough par-5 14th hole dropped Post into a third place tied with past champion Terry Hertzog (CC of York). Hertzog posted an impressive 3-under (68) in his second round today at Laurel Creek to put him in red figures at 1-under (72-68-140) after 36-holes.

Rounding out the top five at the end of day two a pair of champions sit within striking distance at even par (141). Dave McNabb (Applebrook Golf Club) got to even par with scores of (73-68-141) while Dave Quinn (Philmont Country Club) got there with a (71-70-141).

In addition to competing for the championship’s top prize and the William B. Packer trophy, players are also competing for a spot in next summer’s 51st PGA Professional Championship which is being held at the Bayonet Black Horse in Sunriver, California. There are several players within striking distance of the leaders but there are also more than 15 players within three shots of a qualifying spot.

The final round of the 96th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship will get underway at 8:00 AM at Laurel Creek Country Club with the tournament leaders teeing off at 12:30 PM.

For continued coverage of the 96th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship coverage you can visit philadelphia.pga.com or on social media @PhiladelphiaPGA / #PPGAChamp

Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship

Sep 19 – Sep 21, 2017
Individual Professional Media Results

1    Tony Perla         LedgeRock GC           69-64--133 -8   
 2    Jordan Gibbs       Gulph Mills GC         71-67--138 -3   
 T3   Brendon Post       Univ of Delaware       68-72--140 -1   
 T3   Terry Hertzog      CC of York             72-68--140 -1   
 T5   Dave McNabb        Applebrook GC          73-68--141 E    
 T5   Dave Quinn         Philmont CC            71-70--141 E    
 T7   Rusty Harbold      Phila Cricket Club     70-72--142 +1   
 T7   Billy Stewart      ACE Club               75-67--142 +1   
 T7   Brett Melton       Radley Run CC          71-71--142 +1   
 T10  Chris Krueger      Kings Creek CC         75-68--143 +2   
 T10  Rich Steinmetz     Spring Ford CC         74-69--143 +2   
 T10  Mark Sheftic       Merion GC              73-70--143 +2   
 T10  Stu Ingraham       M Golf Range           74-69--143 +2   
 T14  Alex Knoll         Bethlehem GC           72-72--144 +3   
 T14  Bill Sautter       Phila Cricket Club     74-70--144 +3   
 T14  Greg Farrow        Deerwood CC            75-69--144 +3   
 T14  John Bierkan       Aronimink GC           71-73--144 +3   
 T18  Ashley Grier       Overbrook GC           75-70--145 +4   
 T18  Rob Shuey          Colonial GC            72-73--145 +4   
 T18  Pat Butkus         Overbrook GC           72-73--145 +4   
 T21  Mike Molino        The CC of Scranton     74-72--146 +5   
 T21  Sam Ambrose        Aronimink GC           71-75--146 +5   
 T21  Mike Ladden        Whitford CC            74-72--146 +5   
 T21  Kirk Deyer         Philadelphia CC        72-74--146 +5   
 25   Jakob Gerney       Trump National GC      73-74--147 +6   
 T26  Rick Gibney        Colonial GC            79-69--148 +7   
 T26  John Cooper        Green Valley CC        68-80--148 +7   
 T26  Don DeAngelis      Center Square GC       79-69--148 +7   
 T26  Brian Kelly        Bucknell GC            74-74--148 +7   
 T26  John Pillar        CC at Woodloch Springs 80-68--148 +7   
 T26  John Rudolph       Fieldstone GC          75-73--148 +7   
 T32  Terry Hatch        Hidden Valley GC       74-75--149 +8   
 T32  Chip Richter       Carlisle CC            73-76--149 +8   
 T32  Dave Pagett        Whitemarsh Valley CC   74-75--149 +8   
 T32  John DiMarco       Laurel Creek CC        72-77--149 +8   
 T32  John Appleget      Wildwood Golf & CC     79-70--149 +8   
 T32  Dean Halterman     Galloway National GC   75-74--149 +8   
 T32  George Forster     Radnor Valley CC       75-74--149 +8   
 T32  Shawn Matthews     Huntingdon Valley CC   77-72--149 +8   
 T32  Mike Grabosky      Heidelberg CC          75-74--149 +8   
 T32  Bob Hennefer       Indian Springs GC      80-69--149 +8   
 T42  Anthony Malizia    Bidermann GC           76-74--150 +9   
 T42  David Morano       CC of York             81-69--150 +9   
 T42  Jeff Bonicky       Sea Oaks GC            76-74--150 +9   
 T42  Curtis Kirkpatrick Indian Springs GC      78-72--150 +9   
 T42  Dave Fields        Brookside CC           74-76--150 +9   
 T42  Don Allan          Burlington CC          75-75--150 +9   
 T42  Joe Kogelman       GolfTEC Moorestown     79-71--150 +9   
 T42  Dan Marz           Huntingdon Valley CC   76-74--150 +9   
 T42  Peter Lovenguth    Silver Creek CC        73-77--150 +9   
 T42  Robby Bruns        Merion GC              72-78--150 +9   
 T52  Dustin McCormick   Glen Brook GC          74-77--151 +10  
 T52  John Spina         Phila Cricket Club     76-75--151 +10  
 T52  Hugh Matthis       Tavistock CC           75-76--151 +10  
 T52  Mark Parson        Harbor Pines           79-72--151 +10  
 T52  Eric Schultz       Sunnybrook GC          74-77--151 +10  
 T52  Gregg Gipp         Phoenixville CC        72-79--151 +10  
 T52  Andy Fisher        Frosty Valley CC       75-76--151 +10  
 T52  Michael Caldwell   Bidermann GC           76-75--151 +10  
 T60  Kevin Nicholson    White Manor CC         78-74--152 +11  
 T60  Eric McNamee       Golf Galaxy            77-75--152 +11  
 T60  Carson Solien      Aronimink GC           75-77--152 +11  
 T60  Richie Krebs       Outdoor CC             73-79--152 +11  
 T60  John Allen         Huntingdon Valley CC   76-76--152 +11  
 T60  Michael Little     Lookaway GC            77-75--152 +11

Mount Laurel, N.J. – In stark contrast to what players had to battle in their opening rounds, the weather conditions for the second round of the 96th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship were near perfect giving all in the field the chance to post a low number.

One player taking full advantage of the relatively benign conditions was Tony Perla (LedgeRock Golf Club). After an opening round 1-under-par Perla was looking to make a move and put himself in a good position heading into the Championship’s final round. Perla not only put himself into prime position he catapulted himself into the lead after a tournament best 7-under par (64). Perla played a flawless round of golf at Laurel Creek while adding an eagle and five birdies along the way to grab the 36-hole lead. Perla’s two-day total of 8-under (69-64-133) is five shots clear of the field.

Sitting in second place is defending champion Jordan Gibbs (Gulph Mills Golf Club). Gibbs carded an even par (71) is his opening round at Laurel Creek and as his championship shifted to Burlington Country Club for the second round he needed to make move. Gibbs got off to a fast start with birdies on his first three holes. Gibbs would go on to add one additional birdie but coupled with a lone bogey Gibbs would finish his second round at 3-under (67) giving him a 36-hole total of 3-under (71-67-138).

Although overnight leader Brendon Post (Univ of Delaware) could not find the same success that vaulted him to the top of the leaderboard after round one he did play well enough to maintain a spot within the top three. Post had a relatively uneventful round with one birdie and one bogey but a hiccup on the tough par-5 14th hole dropped Post into a third place tied with past champion Terry Hertzog (CC of York). Hertzog posted an impressive 3-under (68) in his second round today at Laurel Creek to put him in red figures at 1-under (72-68-140) after 36-holes.

Rounding out the top five at the end of day two a pair of champions sit within striking distance at even par (141). Dave McNabb (Applebrook Golf Club) got to even par with scores of (73-68-141) while Dave Quinn (Philmont Country Club) got there with a (71-70-141).

In addition to competing for the championship’s top prize and the William B. Packer trophy, players are also competing for a spot in next summer’s 51st PGA Professional Championship which is being held at the Bayonet Black Horse in Sunriver, California. There are several players within striking distance of the leaders but there are also more than 15 players within three shots of a qualifying spot.

The final round of the 96th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship will get underway at 8:00 AM at Laurel Creek Country Club with the tournament leaders teeing off at 12:30 PM.

For continued coverage of the 96th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship coverage you can visit philadelphia.pga.com or on social media @PhiladelphiaPGA / #PPGAChamp

Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship
Sep 19 – Sep 21, 2017
Individual Professional Media Results

 1    Tony Perla         LedgeRock GC           69-64--133 -8   
 2    Jordan Gibbs       Gulph Mills GC         71-67--138 -3   
 T3   Brendon Post       Univ of Delaware       68-72--140 -1   
 T3   Terry Hertzog      CC of York             72-68--140 -1   
 T5   Dave McNabb        Applebrook GC          73-68--141 E    
 T5   Dave Quinn         Philmont CC            71-70--141 E    
 T7   Rusty Harbold      Phila Cricket Club     70-72--142 +1   
 T7   Billy Stewart      ACE Club               75-67--142 +1   
 T7   Brett Melton       Radley Run CC          71-71--142 +1   
 T10  Chris Krueger      Kings Creek CC         75-68--143 +2   
 T10  Rich Steinmetz     Spring Ford CC         74-69--143 +2   
 T10  Mark Sheftic       Merion GC              73-70--143 +2   
 T10  Stu Ingraham       M Golf Range           74-69--143 +2   
 T14  Alex Knoll         Bethlehem GC           72-72--144 +3   
 T14  Bill Sautter       Phila Cricket Club     74-70--144 +3   
 T14  Greg Farrow        Deerwood CC            75-69--144 +3   
 T14  John Bierkan       Aronimink GC           71-73--144 +3   
 T18  Ashley Grier       Overbrook GC           75-70--145 +4   
 T18  Rob Shuey          Colonial GC            72-73--145 +4   
 T18  Pat Butkus         Overbrook GC           72-73--145 +4   
 T21  Mike Molino        The CC of Scranton     74-72--146 +5   
 T21  Sam Ambrose        Aronimink GC           71-75--146 +5   
 T21  Mike Ladden        Whitford CC            74-72--146 +5   
 T21  Kirk Deyer         Philadelphia CC        72-74--146 +5   
 25   Jakob Gerney       Trump National GC      73-74--147 +6   
 T26  Rick Gibney        Colonial GC            79-69--148 +7   
 T26  John Cooper        Green Valley CC        68-80--148 +7   
 T26  Don DeAngelis      Center Square GC       79-69--148 +7   
 T26  Brian Kelly        Bucknell GC            74-74--148 +7   
 T26  John Pillar        CC at Woodloch Springs 80-68--148 +7   
 T26  John Rudolph       Fieldstone GC          75-73--148 +7   
 T32  Terry Hatch        Hidden Valley GC       74-75--149 +8   
 T32  Chip Richter       Carlisle CC            73-76--149 +8   
 T32  Dave Pagett        Whitemarsh Valley CC   74-75--149 +8   
 T32  John DiMarco       Laurel Creek CC        72-77--149 +8   
 T32  John Appleget      Wildwood Golf & CC     79-70--149 +8   
 T32  Dean Halterman     Galloway National GC   75-74--149 +8   
 T32  George Forster     Radnor Valley CC       75-74--149 +8   
 T32  Shawn Matthews     Huntingdon Valley CC   77-72--149 +8   
 T32  Mike Grabosky      Heidelberg CC          75-74--149 +8   
 T32  Bob Hennefer       Indian Springs GC      80-69--149 +8   
 T42  Anthony Malizia    Bidermann GC           76-74--150 +9   
 T42  David Morano       CC of York             81-69--150 +9   
 T42  Jeff Bonicky       Sea Oaks GC            76-74--150 +9   
 T42  Curtis Kirkpatrick Indian Springs GC      78-72--150 +9   
 T42  Dave Fields        Brookside CC           74-76--150 +9   
 T42  Don Allan          Burlington CC          75-75--150 +9   
 T42  Joe Kogelman       GolfTEC Moorestown     79-71--150 +9   
 T42  Dan Marz           Huntingdon Valley CC   76-74--150 +9   
 T42  Peter Lovenguth    Silver Creek CC        73-77--150 +9   
 T42  Robby Bruns        Merion GC              72-78--150 +9   
 T52  Dustin McCormick   Glen Brook GC          74-77--151 +10  
 T52  John Spina         Phila Cricket Club     76-75--151 +10  
 T52  Hugh Matthis       Tavistock CC           75-76--151 +10  
 T52  Mark Parson        Harbor Pines           79-72--151 +10  
 T52  Eric Schultz       Sunnybrook GC          74-77--151 +10  
 T52  Gregg Gipp         Phoenixville CC        72-79--151 +10  
 T52  Andy Fisher        Frosty Valley CC       75-76--151 +10  
 T52  Michael Caldwell   Bidermann GC           76-75--151 +10  
 T60  Kevin Nicholson    White Manor CC         78-74--152 +11  
 T60  Eric McNamee       Golf Galaxy            77-75--152 +11  
 T60  Carson Solien      Aronimink GC           75-77--152 +11  
 T60  Richie Krebs       Outdoor CC             73-79--152 +11  
 T60  John Allen         Huntingdon Valley CC   76-76--152 +11  
 T60  Michael Little     Lookaway GC            77-75--152 +11