Author: Matt Frey

PGA Jr. League Player Registration Open Now for 2026 Programs

FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 14, 2026) – Families can visit PGAJrLeague.com, find a nearby program and register now for PGA Jr. League seasons offered year-round at facilities nationwide.

PGA Jr. League provides boys and girls a fun and organized way to learn the game, sharpen their skills and play alongside teammates with expert coaching from PGA of America Golf Professionals and LPGA Professionals. Kids play golf in a scramble format and wear numbered jerseys, creating an inclusive environment that allows everyone to contribute to the team.

“Our nearly 2,500 PGA Coaches who bring PGA Jr. League to life at the grassroots level are building community among families, instilling confidence in kids and creating team golf experiences that keep players engaged for a lifetime,” said PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea Jr. “Through their efforts, PGA Jr. League continues to thrive, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it has on lives in 2026 and beyond.”

The launch of an official 9u age division in 2026 provides the youngest players a fun-focused, recreational league with shortened holes, practices and games designed especially for them. This pairs with the established 13u and 17u age divisions to create a lengthened pathway for players to grow through the game.

Competitive players in the 13u and 17u divisions can aspire to the PGA Jr. League All-Star Season, which spans May through November and includes All-Star Play Days, Sectionals, Regionals and Championships.

PGA Jr. League is the flagship youth pillar program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) foundation of the Association, with efforts focused on making the program accessible to all youth regardless of background, circumstance or ability. The Foundation is committed to providing access, mentorship, and meaningful experiences through golf—unlocking personal growth, life skills, and community transformation. Last year, more than 3,000 scholarships were awarded to children who qualified for financial assistance or were from a military family. Families can donate to the PGA Jr. League Scholarship Fund during player registration or directly here.

Since its inception in 2013, PGA Jr. League has welcomed over half a million players, including a record of over 80,000 last year. Notable PGA Jr. League alumni include two-time PGA Tour winner Akshay Bhatia, 2025 LPGA Founders Cup champion Yealimi Noh and 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur champion Megha Ganne.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook.

About PGA Jr. League

PGA Jr. League brings families and friends together around fun, team golf experiences for kids ages 17 and under, with expert coaching from PGA Professionals. Visit PGAJrLeague.com for more information, and follow @PGAJrLeague on FacebookX, Instagram and YouTube.

Media Contacts

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

Hayley Wilson – Alday PR, hayley@aldaypr.com

Local Hiring for 2026 PGA of America’s Major Championships To Be Run Through PGA JobMatch

FRISCO, Texas (January 13, 2026) – The PGA of America is activating PGA JobMatch to support staffing for its 2026 spectator championships, creating paid, short-term employment opportunities for local residents in Pennsylvania, Florida and Minnesota. Applications are now open through February 10, 2026, connecting local talent with event vendors supporting three of golf’s most prestigious championships.

Individuals living in or near host communities can register here to potentially interview for positions before, during and after each championship from April through July 2026. Opportunities include part-time and full-time temporary roles across a wide range of event operations, including bartending, hospitality support, general labor, construction and transportation assistance.

The 2026 championships supported through PGA JobMatch include:

  • Senior PGA Championship
    The Concession Golf Club
    Bradenton, Florida
    April 16 – 19, 2026
  • PGA Championship
    Aronimink Golf Club
    Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
    May 11 – 17, 2026
  • KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
    Hazeltine National Golf Club
    Chaska, Minnesota
    June 25 – 28, 2026

“We are committed to supporting and strengthening the local economies that host our spectator championships,” said PGA of America Chief Administrative Officer Vanessa Vogler. “PGA JobMatch helps provide meaningful employment opportunities through connecting local talent with our major-event partners while fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce across the golf industry.”

The PGA of America will collaborate with regional workforce organizations, diverse talent networks and community partners to promote job opportunities and encourage participation. Qualified applicants will be connected with key PGA of America vendors, such as Arena Americas, The Convention Store and Patina Restaurant Group, which support championship operations nationwide.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contact

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

PGA of America Member Michael Caldwell Headlines 2025 Philadelphia PGA Awards Class

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pennsylvania (December 20, 2025) — The Philadelphia PGA Section has announced its 2025 award recipients, highlighted by Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Michael Caldwell, the PGA head golf professional at DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware. Nearly 150 award nominations were received for the 2025 awards class, of which the Philadelphia PGA Awards Committee chose nine winners, including:

  • Golf Professional of the Year: Michael Caldwell, PGA; DuPont Country Club, Wilmington, Delaware
  • Teacher & Coach of the Year: John Dunigan, PGA; Applebrook Golf Club, Malvern, Pennsylvania
  • Professional Development Award: Lou Guzzi, PGA; Lou Guzzi Golf Academy at Talamore Country Club, Ambler, Pennsylvania
  • Player Development Award: Jon Flint, PGA; Commonwealth National Golf Club, Horsham, Pennsylvania
  • Youth Player Development Award: Eric MacCluen, PGA; Applecross Country Club, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category: Jameson Wallace, PGA; Chambersburg (Pennsylvania) Country Club
  • Deacon Palmer Award: Kevin Duffy, PGA; Commonwealth National Golf Club, Horsham, Pennsylvania
  • Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Derek Feinberg, PGA; Overbrook Golf Club, Villanova, Pennsylvania
  • Salesperson of the Year: Conor Grandin; Holderness & Bourne, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Michael Caldwell, the PGA head golf professional at DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware, has been named the 2025 Philadelphia PGA Golf Professional of the Year. This is the highest annual honor given to a Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professional, awarded for qualities of leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the Philadelphia PGA Section and the game of golf.

“Being named the Philadelphia PGA Golf Professional of the Year is a profound honor and the highlight of my career,” says Caldwell. “I am truly humbled to have my name included among the many accomplished PGA Professionals who have received this recognition before me, and those who will follow in the years ahead.”

Caldwell’s tenure at DuPont Country Club has coincided with a period of major growth and revitalization at the club, but his influence extends far beyond facility improvements. He has been a driving force behind reshaping the club’s culture, deepening member engagement, and elevating the professional standards of the golf operation. His leadership philosophy is rooted in relationships, trust, and service—principles he reinforces daily through member play, PGA Professional mentorship, and his hands-on approach to staff and golf program development.

Caldwell’s leadership is especially evident in the evolution of DuPont’s golf culture. Navigating a rapidly expanding and diverse membership, he successfully built trust, established clear expectations, and strengthened bonds between members and the PGA Professional staff. Caldwell and his team played with more than 100 DuPont members through this program alone, illustrating his belief that time spent on the course is the most meaningful path to building community.

Caldwell’s operational achievements are equally significant. Since taking responsibility for the golf shop in late 2019, he has overseen a complete revitalization of the retail operation—modernizing the shop’s aesthetic, elevating brand selection, implementing detailed staff product training, and creating a more efficient and member-responsive special-order process. His “just start” mindset empowered him to iterate, refine, and innovate, resulting in sustained revenue growth, consistently strong margins, and broad member enthusiasm, including the successful launch of a secondary DuPont logo.

His leadership also extends to tournament operations, where Caldwell and his team run more than 150 events annually. From custom-designed scoreboards to standardized major event trophies, he has built a tournament experience that one member describes as “competitive yet welcoming… consistently well-organized, engaging, and memorable.”

A gifted coach and teacher, Caldwell has also been instrumental in expanding and elevating instruction offerings through the DuPont Golf Academy. He helped guide the academy’s evolution from weekly clinics into a comprehensive, year-round development model, culminating in the creation of a season-long coaching program that quickly became fully booked.

Beyond his club responsibilities, Caldwell is an active contributor to the Philadelphia PGA Section as the newly-elected director of tournaments on the Section’s board, where he previously served as District 2 director, and through committee service, and mentoring new PGA Professionals entering the field. His commitment to continuous learning—reflected in certifications, summit participation, and educational programming—reinforces his belief that professional growth is essential for service excellence. Combined with his competitive success on the course and his deep personal connection to the game, Caldwell embodies the very best qualities of a PGA of America Golf Professional.

PGA Master Professional John Dunigan, the PGA director of instruction at Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pennsylvania, has been named the 2026 Philadelphia PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year for his “outstanding services as a golf teacher, innovator and coach.” A renowned coach, mentor, and educator, he earned his PGA of America membership in 1996, and has worked at other reputable clubs such as Aronimink Golf Club, White Manor Country Club, and Hartefeld National. When he is not coaching his students, averaging over 1,800 hours of lessons annually, Dunigan has made it his mission to teach and mentor fellow PGA Professionals in this Section, and across the country. Over the past five years, he has presented over 50 teaching workshops, seminars, and summits around the country, in addition to being intimately involved with the Section’s teaching and coaching education events. Dunigan is also a published author, writing books such as “Hole It! Master Putting’s Three Essential Skills,” and “Essential Golf,” and appearing in both Golf Magazine and Golf Digest. This is his fifth Philadelphia PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year honor, in addition to being named the Section’s 2018 Professional Development Award, and 2012 Youth Player Development Award recipient.

Lou Guzzi, the PGA director of instruction at Lou Guzzi Golf Academy at Talamore Country Club in Ambler, Pennsylvania, is the recipient of the 2025 Philadelphia PGA Professional Development Award, an honor he also received in 2014 and 2021. This honor goes to a PGA Member who displays commendable contributions to the education of PGA Professionals. A past PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year (2013) and two-time Section Teacher & Coach of the Year (2003, 2010), Guzzi has shaped the field through leadership roles—including chairing the PGA of America’s Teaching & Coaching Summit Committee—and through an extensive catalog of educational content. He has created several professional development presentations, participated in dozens of Section and national speaking engagements, written dozen of articles for PGA Magazine, Golf Magazine, Golf Range Magazine, and others, and has produced videos that support amateur golfers as well as fellow PGA Professionals.

Jon Flint, the PGA director of instruction at Commonwealth National Golf Club in Horsham, Pennsylvania, is the recipient of the Section’s 2025 Player Development Award. This honor bestows special recognition to a PGA of America Member who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development. Flint has built a comprehensive, year-round player development structure at Commonwealth—introducing a youth golf intramural league, “Path to Par” seasonal programs, weekly beginner clinics, a fitness program, and family-centered events that have significantly strengthened participation and retention across the facility. A respected mentor to PGA Associates and a collaborative leader within the Section, Flint continually shares best practices, hosts workshops, and contributes to national coaching networks, reflecting his commitment to growing the game and supporting the professional community.

Eric MacCluen is the PGA director of instruction at Applecross Country Club in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and the Section’s 2025 Youth Player Development Award recipient. The award is given annually to a PGA of America Golf Professional who has made extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of youth player development. With nearly 40 years of teaching experience, and a career dedicated to expanding access, confidence, and opportunity for young players, MacCluen has built one of the most impressive youth golf programs in the Section. His programming extends far beyond traditional instruction—he creates welcoming, high-energy environments where beginners thrive, and young athletes gain life skills alongside golf skills. Through free school-based clinics, outreach to multiple districts, partnerships with the First Tee of Delaware, and his Girls Golf Revolution initiative, MacCluen has introduced hundreds of girls to the game, rebuilt and saved high school girls’ teams, and fostered communities where players mentor one another. Parents, students, and fellow PGA Professionals consistently describe him as a coach whose influence changes lives—teaching integrity, leadership, resilience, and belonging as intentionally as he teaches the golf swing. His work has produced scholarship athletes, tournament winners, and, most importantly, young people who believe in themselves because he believed in them first.

Jameson Wallace, the PGA general manager Chambersburg (Pennsylvania) Country Club, has been named the Section’s 2025 Merchandiser of Year for the Private Category. The award recognizes PGA of America Golf Professionals working at a private golf facility who have excelled in business and merchandising in the promotion of golf. Overseeing more than 3,000 square feet across the clubhouse shop, fitting center, and a golf range location, Wallace has built a merchandising program that blends boutique-level personalization with data-driven decision making. He invests 30-40 percent of his time in merchandising, while his regular display updates, seasonal refreshes, and clean, organized layouts ensure a consistently fresh retail experience. Under Wallace’s guidance, Chambersburg’s retail operation has grown more than 700 percent since 2009. He previously won this award in 2020, and was the 2008 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year in the Carolinas PGA Section.

Kevin Duffy is the PGA director of golf at Commonwealth National Golf Club in Horsham, Pennsylvania, and the Section’s 2025 Deacon Palmer Award recipient, an honor that he also received in 2022. The award bestows special recognition to a PGA of America Golf Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership, in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life. This individual is an unsung hero/heroine at their facility and in their community, who serves to inspire, empower and assist others, both inside and outside of the game. After Duffy’s first child, Molly Rose, was born in 2013, she was diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 47 (SPG47), a disease so rare that Molly was the first in the United States to be diagnosed, and only the seventh in the world. While helping his daughter through therapies, Duffy continued his work at Riverton, in his first year as PGA head professional, and remained committed to making sure he exceeded his members’ expectations. Duffy’s son, Owen Patrick, was born in 2021, and unfortunately was also diagnosed with SPG47. To help support those affected by SPG47, the Duffys teamed with another family impacted by the disease to create the non-profit  Cure SPG47, with a mission to develop a treatment for the disease. He started a golf outing named “Golf for a Cure,” which has grown into an impressive community event. The event hosts over 200 golfers annually, and has raised over $1.9 million in less than 10 years. Additionally, a gene therapy is in its final stages of development and hopes to go through the FDA approval process in the coming months. Outside his work for SPG47 and career at his facilities, Duffy has also found the time to volunteer for the Philadelphia PGA Section, having served as the District 1 Director, and as a member of a number of committees.

Derek Feinberg, a PGA assistant golf professional at Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, Pennsylvania., and the Section’s 2025 Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. The award recognizes PGA of America Golf Professionals who have excelled in business and merchandising in the promotion of golf, and is named for the late Justin Riegel, a past Section Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. Feinberg exemplifies the complete PGA assistant golf professional, excelling in operations, merchandising, teaching, tournament management, and staff leadership while consistently placing people at the center of his work. Guided by values shaped through long-term sobriety—humility, empathy, and gratitude—he leads with calm professionalism and a deep commitment to service. At Overbrook, Feinberg has helped drive a vibrant golf shop, increasing annual sales, expanded youth and women’s golf programming, and played a key role in delivering high-quality member events through thoughtful planning and attention to detail. Beyond the club, he has emerged as a respected Section leader through his service with PGA REACH Philadelphia, and as Section Ambassador to the Wilson-Smith Golf League, where he has helped build nationally recognized recovery-focused golf communities.

Conor Grandin is a sales representative for Holderness & Bourne, and is the Section’s 2025 Salesperson of the Year. This award recognizes a sales representative who contributes to the Section and is involved with sponsoring Section events. They are also respected among their fellow Section clubs and have implemented new ideas to assist growing the game of golf. Grandin manages more than 120 green grass accounts across the region and approaches his role as a trusted advisor—providing consultative guidance tailored to each club’s unique membership rather than focusing solely on sales volume. His deep product knowledge, responsiveness, and willingness to share successful retail strategies across accounts help PGA Professionals strengthen shop performance and enhance the member experience. Grandin has also supported Section professional development by contributing apparel and resources to key events and championships, while his innovative merchandising initiatives—such as holiday microsites, staff apparel programs, event-order incentives, and data-driven retail dashboards—have helped clubs streamline operations and grow revenue.

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 300 golf facilities in our region.Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Grow the Game, Your Lessonbook, and Earn PDRs! Volunteer at the North Coast Golf Show

The Philadelphia PGA Section is seeking PGA of America Golf Professional volunteers to provide free 10-minute lessons to amateur attendees at the North Coast Golf Show, Friday, January 30 – Sunday, February 1, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.

PGA Professionals who volunteer their time will receive Professional Development Requirement (PDR) credits, and will have the ability to meet potential new students and market their coaching business to the golfers. To volunteer, click here.

2026 North Coast Golf Show
Friday, January 30 – Sunday, February 1

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Avenue
Oaks, PA 19456

Available Shifts:

Friday, January 30
12:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Friday, January 30
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 31
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 31
2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 1
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 1
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

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 300 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

A Message From Philadelphia PGA President Bob Hennefer

Dear Philadelphia PGA Professionals,

As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible honor of serving as your Section president. The Philadelphia PGA Section is special because of you — your service, your commitment to the game, and your passion for our profession. Thank you for your trust and support.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Patrick Shine as he steps off the board, and Chip Richter as he assumes the honorary president role, for their leadership, guidance, and friendship. Their dedication to the Section has left a meaningful and lasting impact, and we are all better for their service. I also want to congratulate Eric Kennedy and Dustin McCormick on their election as vice president and secretary, respectively. I look forward to working alongside you as officers for the next two years, as well as the entire Board of Directors.

Earlier this month, Geoff Surrette, Anthony Malizia, Eric Kennedy, and I had the privilege of representing the Section at the 109th PGA Annual Meeting in Frisco, Texas. It is always refreshing and energizing to attend an annual meeting. Our keynote speaker, Captain Charlie Plumb, delivered a powerful and inspirational message on resilience and perspective. We also witnessed the presentation of an honorary PGA of America Membership for Peter Broome of the Acushnet Company — a well-deserved recognition for his decades of support for PGA Professionals.

Presentations from PGA President Don Rea and PGA Chief Championships Officer Kerry Haigh offered insightful reflections on the Ryder Cup at Bethpage, and outlined important improvements and enhancements planned for future Ryder Cups. Additionally, several breakout sessions provided valuable information that we look forward to sharing with our membership. Rea also unveiled an updated version of the classic “PGA Professional” poster many of you may remember — it is now available for download on PGA.org.

Looking ahead, this coming May we will host one of the greatest events in golf: the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. This is our championship — a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Philadelphia PGA Section to shine on a national stage. We are still seeking volunteers and encourage all of you to participate. Your involvement will help showcase the strength and professionalism of our Section to the golfing world. To learn more about volunteering, and to register, click here.

I would also like to recognize two remarkable individuals who have announced their retirements: Assistant Executive Director Barb Creveling, and Membership Director Sue Unger. For over 20 years, Barb and Sue have been cornerstones of our Section office. Their loyalty, dedication, and service have supported thousands of PGA Professionals and helped shape the culture of our Section. Barb and Sue — thank you for everything. You will be greatly missed, and we wish you both the very best in your next chapters.

As we head into the holiday season, I hope each of you enjoys a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving with your families and loved ones. Please know that my door is always open — if you have any questions, suggestions, or simply want to connect, do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving you.

Sincerely,

Bob Hennefer, PGA
Philadelphia PGA President
bhennefer@laurelcreek.org

Pennsylvania Golfers Selected for State Team as part of U.S. National Development Program

Team Pennsylvania is represented by 12 junior boys and 12 junior girls. Eight of the team boys and girls members were selected by a points-based system with the remaining four members selected by the Team Pennsylvania Committee at-large using the points as a reference. Team members will earn benefits for the calendar year in which they are selected. Players will need to earn a spot on the team each year.

Team Pennsylvania Homepage | USNDP Homepage | USNDP FAQs | Boys’ Point Chart | Girls’ Point Chart | Boys’ Standings | Girls’ Standings |

The Top 2 points earners will earn an exemption into the 2026 Sunnehanna Amateur at Sunnehanna Country Club.

Below are the members of Team Pennsylvania for the 2026 calendar year.

Team Pennsylvania – Boys

Name Hometown Graduating Class Home Club/Affiliation
Carson Kittsley Pittsburgh 2027 Oakmont CC
Michael Quallich Pittsburgh 2027 South Hills CC
Charlie Barrickman West Chester 2026 Radley Run CC
Chase Yenser Douglassville 2026 Reading CC
Nico Ward Coraopolis 2028 Montour Heights CC
Sean Curran Newtown Square 2026 Merion GC
Luke McGraw Boalsburg 2027 Toftrees Golf Resort
Bailey Donahue Pittsburgh 2028 Oakmont CC
Nicky Nemo Bryn Mawr 2026 Merion GC
Jack Sacriponte Greensburg 2026 Hannastown GC
Ian Larsen Glenmoore 2027 Honeybrook GC
Colby Komancheck Royersford 2027 RiverCrest GC & Preserve

Team Pennsylvania – Girls

Name Hometown Graduating Class Home Club/Affiliation
Madison Koshko State College 2026 Centre Hills CC
Alyssa Zhang Pittsburgh 2028 Wildwood GC
Kayley Roberts Phoenixville 2026 Phoenixville CC
Mya Morgan Elizabeth 2026 Nemacolin CC
Ellie Benson Venetia 2026 Valley Brook CC
Piper Smith Lancaster 2026 Conestoga CC
Kate Sowers West Middlesex 2026 Tam O’Shanter GC
Jillian Burks Paoli 2027 White Manor CC
Alaina Carson Broomall 2028 Youth on Course
Kiersten Bodge West Chester 2027 Overbrook GC
Cora Hirz Fairview 2026 Lake Shore CC
Myra Tomer Newtown 2030 Youth on Course

Scott Nye, Merion Golf Club’s Director of Championships (formerly Director of Golf for 24 years), serves as Team Pennsylvania’s captain.

The USNDP will provide benefits and recognition to Team Pennsylvania participants. These benefits may include recognition on the USGA/USNDP website and social media, streamlined USNDP grant applications, exemptions into local AJGA events, and access to the official USNDP statistical platform and athlete development resources. Pennsylvania will provide at least two days of athletic development and coaching at a Pennsylvania facility.

GAP

Celebrating Amateur Golf since 1897, GAP, also known as the Golf Association of Philadelphia, is the oldest regional or state golf association in the United States. It serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. The organization’s 345 Member Clubs and 130,000 individual members are spread across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland. The GAP’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.

Delaware Golfers Selected for State Team as part of U.S. National Development Program

Team Delaware will be represented by two junior boys and two junior girls. The team members were selected by a points-based system with the other one member of each gender selected by the Team Delaware Committee at-large using the points as a reference. Team members will earn benefits for the calendar year in which they are on the team. Players will need to earn a spot on the team each year.

Below are the members of Team Delaware for the 2026 calendar year.

Team Delaware – Boys

 

Name Hometown Graduating Class Home Club/Affiliation
Jake Hollerback Millsboro 2027 Baywood Greens
Luke LaScala Wilmington 2027 Youth on Course

 

Team Delaware – Girls

 

Name Hometown Graduating Class Home Club/Affiliation
Meredith Finger Wilmington 2026 DuPont CC
Anna Firko Wilmington 2026 Youth on Course

 

GAP

Celebrating Amateur Golf since 1897, GAP, also known as the Golf Association of Philadelphia, is the oldest regional or state golf association in the United States. It serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. The organization’s 345 Member Clubs and 130,000 individual members are spread across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland. The GAP’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.

Volunteer to Serve on Philadelphia PGA Committees

The Philadelphia PGA Section is seeking PGA of America Golf Professional volunteers to serve two-year terms on our committees, beginning in January 2026, and ending in October 2027. Should you be interested in getting involved with the Section for one or more of the committees listed below, please complete the form linked below.

  • Education
  • Membership
  • PGA REACH Philadelphia
  • Teaching & Coaching
  • Tournament
  • Women’s
  • Youth Golf

Nominees must be a PGA Member or PGA Associate in good standing. The nomination deadline is Friday, December 19. To submit nominations, click the button below. If you have any questions, please contact Section Membership Director Sue Unger via email at sunger@pgahq.com or telephone at (215) 886-7742.

Volunteer for Committees

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 300 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Upcoming Education Events at Sheftic Performance Center

PGA of America Golf Professional Mark Sheftic will be offering two education sessions at the Sheftic Performance Center (540 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 125, Fort Washington, PA 19301) in the coming weeks:

Face-to-Path Putting Workshop With Michael Little, PGA
How to Use Technology to Help Evaluate a Player’s Stroke

Saturday, November 15
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sheftic Performance Center

540 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 125, Fort Washington, PA 19301

Cost: $79.99 per person
Capacity: 30 spots

Michael Little is the only Level Two Quintic Ball Roll Certified Instructor in the Philadelphia area. Little is an accomplished golf professional recognized for both his teaching and competitive playing achievements. He has competed in numerous regional and national PGA events, earning victories and top finishes across the Philadelphia Section PGA. A two-time Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year, Michael has represented the section in prestigious national tournaments. His blend of competitive experience and instructional expertise makes him uniquely qualified to help golfers elevate their game, especially when it comes to integrating technology into putting analysis and improvement. Event highlights: Hands-on session using Quintic Ball Roll with Michael Little, PGA; Insightful demonstration on using technology to analyze the putting stroke; Practical tips to improve your putting performance; and Q&A.
Golf Body Optimization Workshop with Ryerson Stinson
Unlock Your Golf Potential: Body Screening & Evaluation

Saturday, December 13
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sheftic Performance Center

540 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 125, Fort Washington, PA 19301

Cost: $79.99 per person
Capacity: 30 spots
Ryerson Stinson is an Occupational Therapist and Clinical Specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as the founder of OutPerform Golf. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT (2011/2013), where he also played Division 1 for the Bobcats. With over 10 years of clinical experience, Ryerson is a Board-Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and holds multiple specialty certifications in the golf, training, and performance space—including TPI M3 Certified, SFMA, K-VEST, and NASM Golf Fitness Specalist. He is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and a presenter at numerous national and international conferences (AOTA, ASHT, Pulvertaft Hand Centre, and more). Ryerson’s passion for education is evident through his role as lead instructor for the JHH Orthopedic Upper Extremity Module and as a faculty member for both the Johns Hopkins Hand Therapy Fellowship Program and the Physical Therapy Orthopedic and Sports Residency Programs. OutPerform Golf was created by orthopedic rehabilitation specialists with a passion for golf and sports performance. Ryerson and his team have spent years training athletes of all levels—from tour professionals to weekend warriors—helping them achieve optimal results through excellent teamwork and efficient feedback systems. Their approach focuses on: 1. Understanding each athlete’s baseline and needs; 2. Creating a feedback system that matches their learning style; and 3. Re-assessing and refining the process over time. OutPerform Golf assessments are designed to identify your body’s current strengths and weaknesses as they relate to golf. Ryerson will clearly communicate your results and work with your teaching professional or coach onsite. As part of your team, he will help you develop an efficient plan to sustainably optimize your body-swing connection. Event Highlights: Expert Insights: Learn from Ryerson’s extensive clinical and golf-specific experience; Personalized Assessments: Demonstration and explanation of comprehensive movement screenings, with additional clinical pearls and insights; Hands-On Demonstrations: Experience practical techniques for improving your understanding of the body-swing connection and neuromuscular re-education as it pertains to the golf swing; Collaborative Approach: Work with both Ryerson and your teaching professional to develop a customized improvement plan; and Cutting-Edge Knowledge: Benefit from the latest research and feedback systems used by top clinicians and the athletes they work with.