Concordville, Pa. – The Philadelphia PGA returned to tournament play on Monday, May 8 for the 2017 TaylorMade Classic. The event featured nearly 130 players and was a combined event with the Section’s Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO).

Although the calendar said May 8, the weather for today’s tournament felt more in line with an early Spring event as players battled brisk temperatures and cool winds. Early in the day Mike Little (Lookaway Golf Club) channeled some goods memories from his 2016 win at Concord Country Club. Little carded three birdies and only one bogey to post a 2-under (69). Playing early in the day and knowing that conditions were tough Little would spend the rest of his day closely watching the leaderboard to see if his score would hold up.

As group after group finished players came close to Little’s 2-under number but no one was able to match his score. That was until Peter Clarke (Manufacturers Golf & Country Club) posted his score. Playing more than five hours after Little began his day; Clarke played a flawless round of golf adding two birdies along the way to finish tied for first at 2-under (69).

With no other players able to match the duo, Clarke and Little headed to the par-5 18^th for the start of a sudden death playoff. Both Clarke and Little found the green in three shots giving each player a chance at birdie. With Clarke first to putt he managed to drain a 35’ putt for his birdie forcing Little to make his downhill putt. Despite his best effort, Little’s putt slid over the right edge giving Clarke the title.

“I’ve put in a lot of hard work this off-season and it feels incredible to have the hard work pay off,” said Clarke on his first tournament win. “Coming into the year it was definitely a goal of mine to win an event. I hope that I can carry this momentum with me throughout the year. I want to thank Bob Fritz and membership at Manufacturers for allowing me to compete as well as my parents for their continued support throughout the year.”

Today was Clarke’s first Philadelphia PGA tournament victory and was twice as nice as his playoff win also gave him the top spot in the PAO TaylorMade Classic event.

In the tournament’s senior division two players finished tied for first. Both Brian Kelly (Bucknell Golf Club) and Greg Farrow (Deerwood Country Club) finished at 1-over (73) and will share the first place prize.

The Section would like to thank our tournament sponsors TaylorMade Golf and our Section representatives Mark Krahe and Jay Junkin as well as Tom Kelly, PGA representing Adidas. Special thank you to Evolve golf for their added support in today’s event.

Tournament play will continue on Wednesday, May 10 when the Section heads to Applebrook Golf Club for the Club Car, LLC / Golf Cars Inc. Pro-Official.

For complete coverage of the Philadelphia PGA be sure to follow us on our Social Media Channels Facebook / Twitter / Instagram.

Full Tournament Leaderboard

Telford, Pa. – The 2017 Delaware Valley Open (DVO) was played on Monday, May 1 at Indian Valley Country Club. The DVO featured nearly 120 Philadelphia PGA Professionals and served as a dual event with the Philadelphia PGA’s Assistant’s Organization (PAO).

As the calendar turned to May, players competing in the DVO were treated to unseasonably warm temperatures however the warm weather came with blustery conditions that made for a difficult test throughout the day.

Playing early in the day Steve Swartz (Regents Glen CC) carded a score that would prove to be the number to chase. Swartz made his way around the par72 6800 yards long golf course at 1-under (71). Swartz posted six birdies, the most of any player in the field, against five bogeys to reach red numbers. However, Swartz would have to wait more than six hours to find out if his score would hold up.

With players coming close to Swartz’s number throughout the day no one was able to match Swartz at 1-under until Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range) finished tied for first. Ingraham paired four birdies, two per side, against three bogeys to finish tied atop the leaderboard. Unfortunately for Ingraham, a prior commitment prevented him from being available for a playoff.

Before was all said and done one more player was able to join the party at 1-under (71). Curtis Kirkpatrick (Indian Spring GC) got off to a hot start with four birdies on his opening nine holes. As Kirkpatrick made the turn he was not able to get the birdie train going again and an untimely bogey on his closing hole dropped him into a tie for first.

With no other players matching the 1-under number Swartz and Kirkpatrick headed back out to the first hole for the start of a sudden death playoff. After both players failed to find the green in regulation it was a sand save that proved to seal the win for Swartz. Finding the greenside bunker Swartz managed to hit his bunker shot to 6 feet before making his par putt to secure his first Philadelphia PGA tournament win.

“I really had no expectation heading into today’s event but I knew that this course would favor a long hitter so that played into my game”, said Swartz on his round. “I’m hoping I can build off of this win and carry some momentum with me through the rest of the season. This is the perfect way to start the week as I begin the next chapter of my PGA career tomorrow at Regent’s Glen CC.”

Although he was unable to compete in the tournament’s playoff Ingraham did manage to walk away with a title on the day. Ingraham’s 1-under (71) was good enough for a two-shot victory over Dave Quinn (Centerton GC) in the tournament’s senior division.

Like the tournament proper the PAO DVO event also finished with a tie at the top of the leaderboard. Kevin Kraft (Bumble Bee Hollow) and defending champion Michael Little (Lookaway GC) both finished at even par (72). Unfortunately for Kraft, he was unable to make it back to Indian Valley giving Little the PAO DVO title for the second consecutive year.

The Section would like to thank our tournament sponsors Jack Jolly & Son, Golf Pride Grips, Morell Studios, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA will return to tournament action on Monday, May 8 at Concord Country Club for the TaylorMade Classic.

For complete coverage of the Philadelphia PGA be sure to follow us on our Social Media Channels Facebook / Twitter / Instagram.

Full Tournament Leaderboard

(Pine Hill, N.J.) – The Philadelphia PGA held the first event in the race for the Omega Player of the Year on Monday, April 24 at Trump National Philadelphia. The Callaway Golf TPD Championship featured more than 120 Professionals registered into the Section’s Tournament Player’s Division (TPD). The tournament serves as the first event in the chase for the Omega Player of the Year presented by The Haverford Trust Company.

The TPD Championship was played as a modified stableford tournament with players earning 1 point for any par, 3 points for birdies, 6 points for eagles, 9 points for double eagles, and -1 point for any bogey or worse.

The pace was set early in the day when defending Omega Player of the Year Michael Little (Lookaway Golf Club) posted a total of 22 points. Little’s round included four birdies, including a clutch birdie on his closing hole to post the early lead. As the morning wave went on players came close to matching Little but no one was able to join him at the top of the leaderboard until Jake Gerney (Trump National Philadelphia) used some home course knowledge to also finish at 22 points.

However, as the morning wave came to an end one player was able to separate herself from the field. Ashley Grier (Overbrook Golf Club) carded four birdies and only one bogey to finish with a total of 24 points on the day. Starting her round on the tenth hole, Grier carded two birdies in her first four holes before adding a third on the par 4 18^th hole. After making the turn, Grier added one more birdie on her final hole to give her the 2 point lead.

“I have been trying to shake off the rust since coming back up from Florida in mid-March and have been working with Eric Kennedy to have some positive swing thoughts and it seemed to all come together today, said Grier on her first Section win. “I was able to make a few putts early in my round which settled me down and gave me some momentum. After a season of tournament play in the Philadelphia Section under my belt, I have a lot more confidence going into this season. I want to thank Dave Cartwright and the membership and staff of Trump National Philadelphia for hosting us today, Callaway Golf and Kevin Martin and Laura Manchester for sponsoring the event as well as Eric for being so supportive of his staff and allowing us to participate in Section events. Finally, I would like to thank Anthony for lending me his putter for today’s tournament or I wouldn’t hear the end of it.”

John Appleget (Wildwood Golf and Country Club) was one of the only players in the afternoon wave to make a run at Grier, he posted four birdies in a five-hole stretch but an untimely bogey on his next to the last hole proved to be too much and ultimately finished with 22 points.. However with 22 points, Appleget did take home the top spot in the tournament’s Senior division.

The Philadelphia PGA would like to thank our title sponsor Callaway Golf as well as our Section representatives Laura Manchester and Kevin Martin for their support of today’s event. The next event on the tournament schedule is the Delaware Valley Open being held at Indian Valley Country Club on Monday, May 1.

For complete Philadelphia PGA coverage follow us on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Complete Tournament Results

Wilmington, Del. – The Philadelphia PGA Spring Meeting, the first official event of the Philadelphia PGA calendar, was held Monday, April 3, at DuPont Country Club. Nearly 300 Philadelphia PGA Professionals and Apprentices came together to get reacquainted and get their seasons started.

Philadelphia PGA President, Ian Dalzell (Huntingdon Valley CC) led the meeting which guided all in attendance through the status of the Section’s operations as well as showcased some of the highlights for the upcoming season.

The Section was honored to have two guest speakers present at the meeting. The first was Tom Henderson, PGA who is the new PGA of America District 2 Director. District 2 encompasses the Philadelphia PGA, New Jersey PGA, and Metropolitan PGA Sections. Henderson spoke on the various PGA of America initiatives as well as updated the attendees on the programs affecting each Section. Henderson also spoke on the upcoming District 2 Teaching and Coaching Summit at Fiddler’s Elbow.

The second speaker was Tricia English who was representing the Fold of Honor Foundation. English shared her touching and inspiring story of the loss of her husband and how the Folds of Honor and the PGA Professionals who support the initiative have truly made an impact in her family’s lives.

The meeting also gave the Section a chance to recognize the most recent award winners. Although all award winners will be formally recognized at the 2^nd annual Philadelphia PGA Awards Gala on Sunday, November 12.

The meeting concluded with Executive Director Geoffrey Surrette, PGA announcing some of the changes that have occurred at the Section office since last year’s Fall Meeting. Surrette reintroduced Brian Schulte, PGA as the Section’s new Tournament Director and also talked about the new structure for tournament operations. The Section also launched their new digital directory which is housed in the Philadelphia PGA mobile app.

With the meeting ended, some of the attendees focused their attentions on the season’s first event, the Spring Meeting Pro-Pro Scramble. Played on both courses at DuPont Country Club (DuPont and Nemours) the scramble format allowed for an easy transition into the tournament season as most players had not competed since the end of last season. Taking home the top spot on the DuPont course was the pair of Joe Kogelman (GolfTEC-Moorestown) and Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range) who carded a 12-under (59) to win by one shot. On the Nemours course, the team of John Appleget (Wildwood Golf&CC) and Rich Steinmetz (Spring Ford CC) took the top spot by two shots after finishing with a score of 9-under (61).

The Section’s Central Counties Chapter and Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) will both hold their respective spring meetings on Monday, April 10 at Centre Hills CC and Manufacturers Golf & CC.

Spring Meeting Tournament Results

For more information on the Philadelphia PGA – philadelphia.pga.com.

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.

The Mindside: Sports & Performance Psychology

Come and spend the day with Sports & Performance Psychologist Dr. Bhrett McCabe. The day will have a very interactive presentation and also includes a copy of his book “The Mindside Manifesto”.

Dr. McCabe is a practicing Sports & Performance Psychologist who works with numerous athletes from the PGA and LPGA Tours, NFL, NBA, MMA, and serves as the sports and performance psychologist for one of the largest and most successful Division I college athletic departments in the country. Dr. McCabe has recently authored The MindSide Manifesto: The Urgency to Create a Competitive Mindset in order to help athletes, coaches, and leaders compete to the best of their ability. Dr. McCabe has published several academic journal articles, presented numerous scientific presentations, as well as provided insight and authored numerous articles for trade magazines such as GOLF Magazine, Golf World, and ESPNW, among others.

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PGA Junior League Golf is a fun, social and inclusive opportunity for boys and girls, ages 13 and under, to learn and enjoy the game of golf from PGA and LPGA Professionals.  Like many other recreational youth sports, participants wear numbered jerseys and play on teams with friends.

Earlier this month the Section’s Special Awards Committee was once again faced with the challenging task of deciding who amongst all deserving nominees would be awarded a Philadelphia PGA special award. When all was said and done the Committee was able to arrive at the 11 individuals who they thought best deserved to be recognized for their accomplishments.

The Philadelphia PGA’s top honor, Golf Professional of the Year, was awarded to first-time award winner Robert Kleckner of Linfield National Golf Club. Kleckner was elected to PGA membership in 1995 and since that time has spent countless hours serving the game of golf. After serving as both an Assistant PGA Professional and Head Professional Kleckner also added golf course owner to his resume when he purchased Linfield National Golf Club in Linfield, Pa.

In addition to fulfilling all of the traditional duties of a PGA Professional, Kleckner has also gone above and beyond to further the game of golf as well as his community at large. Kleckner has made Linfield National available to both high school and collegiate golf teams in addition to hosting an annual Philadelphia Junior Tour event helping to foster the game at the youth level. Kleckner has also facilitated multiple Patriot Golf Days in addition to several local charity events which shows his commitment to service. Finally, Kleckner has mentored many Assistant PGA Professionals showing his dedication to the profession.

“I am truly humbled and honored to accept this award, said Kleckner on his honor. It is humbling because the Philadelphia Section has so many outstanding professionals who inspire me daily and I am honored to be a part of such a distinguished group of professionals. There are many people along my journey who have helped me become the PGA Professional I am today. I love what I do and I believe that equates to success. Throughout all of these years as a PGA Professional, I remind myself of a quote that I once heard, ‘The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.’ – H. Jackson Brown, Jr. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Philadelphia Section for their commitment to ensuring the growth of the game.”

The Philadelphia PGA Teacher of the Year also went to another first time award winner in Rebecca Dengler from Ed Oliver Golf Club in Wilmington, Del. Throughout her career Dengler has continuously sought educational seminars which has allowed her to secure a wealth of knowledge. Dengler has also worked extensively with fellow PGA and LPGA Professionals and teachers allowing her to become well versed in a variety of teaching philosophies. As an instructor, Dengler’s teaching methods have been featured in various publications. Although this is Dengler’s first Philadelphia PGA award she has been awarded top teacher designations by the LPGA, Golf Digest and US Kids.

“I am truly grateful for being selected as the 2016 Philadelphia PGA Teacher of the Year, said Dengler. As a member of the Philadelphia PGA, I am honored to be surrounded by fellow section staff and members who are working diligently to promote the game of golf.  My greatest appreciation goes to all the players that have shared with me their joy, love, and struggles of the game. I believe these challenges make us all better at the game of life. ”

Bryan Kienke of Aronimink Golf Club was awarded the Philadelphia PGA Assistant Professional of the Year. Kienke has taken on leadership roles as an Assistant PGA Professional first as the Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization’s (PAO) tournament chairman and currently as its Co-Chair. During this time Kienke has helped to increase both participation and sponsorship dollars allowing the organization to flourish under his lead. Kienke has also been instrumental in the charity organization Gregg’s Wings Inc., which has raised nearly $340,000 for the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop University. While at Aronimink, Kienke has also worked in merchandising and teaching to help round out his industry knowledge helping him to position himself as one of the top Assistant PGA Professionals in the Philadelphia Section.

The 2016 Horton Smith Award was presented to Jeff Kiddie from Aronimink Golf Club. Kiddie has served both the organization and his fellow Professionals in a variety of leadership roles throughout his career. Currently, Kiddie is a member of the Section’s Executive Committee serving as Secretary. Kiddie is also the co-chair of the Philadelphia PGA Education Committee and a member of the Rules Committee. As co-chair of the Education Committee, Kiddie worked to organize a two-day education summit covering a variety of topics held in November of 2016. In addition to being a member of the Philadelphia PGA Rules Committee, Kiddie is also a member of the PGA of America Rules Committee. As a member of this Committee, Kiddie has served as coordinator for several PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops. Previously, Kiddie has been awarded the Philadelphia PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private (2007, 2010) and Golf Professional of the Year (2012) as well as the National Merchandiser of the Year – Private (2011).

The Bill Strausbaugh Award for 2016 was presented to Joe Hughes. Hughes serves as the PGA General Manager and Head Professional of the Penn State University Golf Clubs. Since becoming a PGA Professional Hughes has dedicated time in service to both the Philadelphia PGA and Penn State University. Hughes was a member of the Penn State University PGM Alumni Board serving as the organization’s President in 2010-2011. While in that role, Hughes created the Penn State PGA/PGM Mentoring Program which is still flourishing today. Hughes also served the Philadelphia PGA’s Central Counties Chapter from 2007-2011 and currently serves the Section as a whole as District IV Director. Hughes serves the University and future PGA Professionals as an instructor in the PGM Program. Previously Hughes was honored as Philadelphia PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Public (2010).

The Philadelphia PGA Player Development Award was given to another first-time award winner, Steve Wager of Penn State University Golf Club. Wager has worked on a variety of programming aimed at developing golfers of all skill levels. Wager brings to the game to non-traditional events such as community, health and science fairs. These events help to expose the game to individuals who may have not otherwise experienced the game. At the facility itself, Wager has created multiple levels of the Get Golf Ready program allowing individuals to progress nicely from one level to the next. Wager has also worked to create exciting junior programs including the PGA Sports Academy and US Kids Learning Programs. Wager has also worked to foster the growth of PGA Junior League Golf in Centre County culminating in a Regional Championship appearance this past season.

The Philadelphia PGA Youth Player Development Award was presented to Steve Sieracki, Director of Instruction at Indian Spring Golf Course. Despite only receiving his PGA membership in 2015, Sieracki has quickly established himself as one of the top junior instructors. At his facility, Sieracki has implemented a variety of programs that has helped transition junior golfers from beginner to elite level through a dedicated coaching program, Operation 36. This program has resulted in tremendous success for the junior golfers graduating the program. Sieracki also works with new junior golfers by conducting several junior camps and serving as captain for PGA Junior League Golf teams. This dedication has helped Sieracki be recognized as one of the top 40 instructors under 40. This is Sieracki’s first Philadelphia PGA award.

“I am honored to be recognized and acknowledged for something I am so passionate about and love doing, said Sieracki. Promoting the dedication and player development of junior golf is something I will always strive to achieve.”

Rounding out the list of professional award winners Bob Doria, Sara Muldoon, and Tom Gilbert were award the Merchandiser of the Year awards in the Public, Resort, and Private categories respectively. Doria and Muldoon are no strangers to this award. Doria of Makefield Highlands Golf Club was previously honored as the Merchandiser of the Year – Public in both 2007 and 2013 while Muldoon of Hershey Country Club was presented with her first Merchandiser of the Year – Resort in 2015. The award is a first for Gilbert who has worked to create a variety of member events including a Christmas shopping experience each December. During the 2016 season, Gilbert worked to recognize the club’s Centennial Celebration while maintaining the same consistent level of merchandising his members had been accustomed.

The final Philadelphia PGA special award was presented to our Salesperson of the Year, Mark Krahe of TaylorMade. In his brief time in the Philadelphia PGA Krahe has proven his dedication to the Professionals of the Section by conducting TaylorMade specific education events on both a large and small scale. These events help to foster a strong connection between Krahe, the PGA Professional and the TaylorMade brand.

Editor’s Note: PGA Professionals in order in above photo are Stu Ingraham, Jerry Tucker and Bob Joyce.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Jerry Tucker showed Thursday why he’s considered a short-game guru.

Tucker, who has run a short-game school in Palm City, practiced what he teaches. Leading by one, Tucker’s hopes for a victory took a hit when his approach to the 18th hole on the Wanamaker Course bounced into a pampas bush.

“We thought he was going to take an unplayable,” said Roy Vucinich, one of Tucker’s playing partners who was looking at a 15-foot birdie putt that might enable him to win the PGA’s Quarter Century Championship.

Tucker considered taking an unplayable, then thought about hitting it left-handed. He finally took a stance facing away from the hole and hit a backhand shot that trickled down the hill and within 5 feet. Tucker made the putt for the victory – and a heckuva memory.

“That’s got to be my best up-and-down ever,” Tucker said. “When you do that on the last hole to win a tournament on a shot you probably should have taken an unplayable … I can’t remember a better one.

“I was just hoping for a bogey. I actually teach that shot. I knew if I took an unplayable, the best would be to get into a playoff. I couldn’t try left-handed, because I’m not that ambiguous, as Norm Crosby would say. I knew if I got it out, I had gravity on my side.”

Tucker’s unlikely par save enabled him to win the Quarter Century Championship for the fourth time. He shot a 71 to finish at 9-under 135 in the 65 and older division. Vucinich (68-136) was a shot ahead of Jim Sheerin (71-137).

Stu Ingraham (71) of Broomall, Pa., parred the second hole of a playoff to beat Mike San Filippo (68) and win the 50-to-64 division of the Quarter Century Championship. They finished at 9-under 135 on the Ryder Course.

Ingraham had a three-shot lead with two holes left, but he bogeyed the par-5 17th and San Filippo finished with a pair of birdies.

“I’ve played in 26 national championships and 10 majors, but I’ve never come to the Winter Series,” Ingraham said. “I made the decision to come this year. It turned out to be quite the investment (he made $3,350).”

San Filippo had won two Quarter Century titles, but his hopes for a third ended with a three-putt on the second playoff hole.

“I just hit a bad putt, but what are you going to do?” San Filippo said. “The best news is next year I get to play in the older division.”

Sonny Skinner (68-136) finished alone in third. Kirk Stauffer (69) was fourth.

Bob Joyce of Palm Beach Gardens won the Half Century Championship (must be a PGA member for at least 50 years) with a 2-over 74 on the Wanamaker Course. Joyce won by two shots over Port St. Lucie residents Bob Zimmerman (71-153) and Lynn Rosely (76-153).

Tucker, Ingraham and Joyce walked away with trophies, but everyone was talking about Tucker’s great escape afterward.

“When you see something like that, you applaud him,” Vucinich said. “It was unbelievable the way that came down there, better than a putt.”

The PGA Winter Championships are presented by Golf Advisor.com and PrimeSport.

Click here for Thursday’s final-round results from the PGA Quarter Century Championship (50-64) on the 6,599-yard Ryder Course at PGA Golf Club.

Click here for Thursday’s final-round results from the PGA Quarter Century Championship (65 and older) on the 6,072-yard Wanamaker Course at PGA Golf Club.