Author: Matt Frey

Playing Through: Tom Carpus, PGA (S2E11)

October 7, 2025Comments Off on Playing Through: Tom Carpus, PGA (S2E11)Featured, PPGA

Welcome to the latest episode of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s web series, “Playing Through,” where PGA of America Golf Professionals, Section staff, Section partners, and other industry professionals are asked 18 questions about their lives and careers.

This episode features PGA of America Master Professional Tom Carpus, a tournament official for PGA Tour Champions.

To watch the episode, click on embedded video below.

If you are interested in appearing in a future episode, please complete this form by clicking here. To watch past episodes, click here.

Philadelphia PGA Nominating Committee Announces 2025 Slate of Nominees

October 3, 2025Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Nominating Committee Announces 2025 Slate of NomineesPPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Section’s Nominating Committee has announced its 2025 Slate of Nominees for open District director positions in Districts 1, 3, and 5, and the roles of director of Section affairs, director of tournaments, secretary, vice president, and president. The election is scheduled to take place at our Fall Membership Meeting at Indian Valley Country Club on Monday, October 20. The committee has put forth a slate of endorsed and at-large candidates, as listed below.

2025 Slate of Endorsed Candidates

District 1
Curtis Kirkpatrick, PGA
Medford Lakes Country Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
Kirkpatrick was elected to PGA of America Membership in 2013, and currently serves as the PGA head golf professional at Medford Lakes Country Club in Medford, New Jersey. In the past, he worked as a PGA head golf professional at Indian Spring Country Club in Marlton, New Jersey, and as a PGA assistant golf professional at Deerwood Country Club in Mount Holly, New Jersey. In addition to serving as the District 1 Director on the Section’s Board of Directors, he also has been helping run the PGA HOPE Philadelphia chapter at Indian Springs for the past six years, and has been a member of the Section’s Awards Committee. He has also hosted numerous Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour events and Playing Ability Tests at his facilities. Kirkpatrick says that serving on the Section’s board has been a rewarding experience, and that he is excited to continue contributing to its success. His time on the board has given him a deeper understanding of the organization, and has enabled him to help grow the brand and interact with new PGA Members.
District 3
Jeff Breiner, PGA
Country Club of Harrisburg
(Endorsed Candidate)
Breiner, a PGA Member since 2008, has been the PGA head golf professional at the Country Club of Harrisburg in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, since 2015, and worked as PGA head golf professional at Blue Ridge Country Club in Harrisburg. Prior to those positions, he was a PGA assistant golf professional at Carlisle (Pennsylvania) Country Club and Armitage Golf Course in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Breiner has been a longtime supporter of PGA HOPE Philadelphia, operates a chapter at his facility, and represented the Philadelphia PGA Section and the PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia in this year’s PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. In addition to his role as District 3 Director on the Section’s board, he is also the current Central Counties Chapter president, and serves on the Section’s PGA REACH Philadelphia and Awards committees. He also earned the Section’s Patriot Award in 2021 and PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year in 2011.
District 5
Tom Michaels, PGA
Berkshire Country Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
Michaels, a PGA Member since 2011, is the PGA head golf professional at Berkshire Country Club in Reading, Pennsylvania, and serves on the Section’s Awards Committee, in addition to his role as District 5 Director. Prior to taking the job at Berkshire, Michaels work as a PGA assistant golf professional at Waynesborough Country Club in Paoli, Pennsylvania, and at the Suburban Club in the Middle Atlantic PGA Section.
Director of Section Affairs
Anthony Malizia, PGA
Bidermann Golf Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
Malizia earned his PGA Membership in 2009, is the current PGA head golf professional at Vicmead Hunt Club’s Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Delaware, and the Section’s director of Section affairs. He also serves on the Section’s Awards and Teaching & Coaching committees, and is chair of the Section’s PGA REACH Philadelphia Committee. Prior to Bidermann, Malizia worked as a PGA assistant golf professional at Gulph Mills Golf Club in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, the Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida, and Hunters Run Country Club in Boynton Beach, Florida. Malizia served as a District Director on the Section’s board from 2019-2022. Since 2016, he has served as a member of the support staff at Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters Tournament, 2016-2018; Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals, 2016-present; and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Tournament, 2019-present.
Director of Tournaments
Michael Caldwell, PGA
DuPont Country Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
A PGA Member since 2013, Caldwell currently works as the PGA head golf professional at DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware, and has been a District Director of the past three years. He also serves on the Section’s Awards and Tournament committees. Prior to his work at DuPont, Caldwell worked as a PGA assistant golf professional at Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Delaware, Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, Brandywine Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware, and Hillendale Country Club in the Middle Atlantic PGA Section. Caldwell participates in many Section events throughout the year, averaging about 20 per season.
Director of Tournaments
Joanna Coe, PGA
Merion Golf Club
(At-Large Candidate)
Coe was elected to PGA Membership in 2017, is a LPGA Professional, and earned the PGA of America’s inaugural Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year in 2019. Currently the PGA director of instruction at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, she has also worked as the PGA director of instruction and PGA assistant golf professional at Baltimore Country Club in the Middle Atlantic PGA Section. Coe has competed in six KPMG Women’s PGA Championships, and as played on Women’s PGA Cup United States Teams. Additionally, she currently serves on the Section’s tournament committee, and has served on the Middle Atlantic PGA Section’s Tournament Committee, the PGA of America’s Championships and PGA Coach Amplification committees. She appeared in the PGA of America’s rebrand / “We Love this Game” and PGA Coach+ campaigns, and has worked as an on-course television broadcast reporter in four PGA of America championships. Coe also earned the Section’s Women’s Player of the Year award three times. She says that serving on the Section board is an opportunity to give back to a Section that has supported her professional and competitive journey. With a background that includes over 100 starts on the LPGA Symetra Tour, seven major championship appearances, and multiple Section and national awards, she brings a competitive perspective that aligns with the mission of advancing tournament golf and professional development. Her experience as the PGA director of instruction at Merion Golf Club, combined with her involvement on the Tournament Committee and 2026 PGA Championship Committee, has given her a strong understanding of the Section’s goals and how to contribute meaningfully. She is passionate about supporting both the growth of our tournament programs and the continued education of our PGA Professionals. From leading high-level instructional teams and hosting national speakers, to contributing content for PGA Magazine and ESPN+, she has remained committed to advancing the profession and raising the profile of our Section. She says she looks forward to the opportunity to help shape the future of the Philadelphia PGA through strategic service, collaborative leadership, and a deep respect for the competitive spirit of the game.
Secretary
Dustin McCormick PGA
Glen Brook Golf Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
McCormick became a PGA Member in 2013, is currently the PGA head golf professional at Glen Brook Golf Club in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and the Section’s current director of tournaments. Prior to joining Glen Brook, he worked as the PGA head golf professional at Wolf Hollow at Water Gap Country Club in Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania. He also served as a District Director on the Section’s board for four years. McCormick was named the Section’s PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2023 and Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category in 2018.
Vice President
Eric Kennedy, PGA
Overbrook Golf Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
Kennedy was elected to PGA Membership in 2005, and works as the PGA head golf professional at Overbrook Golf Club in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Prior to being elected the Section secretary, he served as the Section’s director of tournaments, and as a District Director, and currently is a member of the Section’s Youth, Education, Membership, and Tournament committees. Kennedy was named the Section’s PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2015, and the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2014 and 2023. Prior to Overbrook, Kennedy served as PGA head golf professional at the Callawassie Island Club in the Carolinas PGA Section, and PGA assistant golf professional at Secession Golf Club in the Carolinas, and Sea Pines, also in the Carolinas Section. Kennedy says that it is everyone’s duty and responsibility to give back to the PGA of America, our Philadelphia Section and our fellow PGA Members. He says he is humbled and honored that his fellow PGA Professionals would want him to serve on their behalf; he loves being a PGA Professional and helping others achieve their lifelong goals.
President
Bob Hennefer, PGA
Laurel Creek Country Club
(Endorsed Candidate)
Hennefer became a PGA Member in 2008, and currently serves as the PGA director of golf at Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Before Laurel Creek, he worked as the PGA head golf professional at Indian Spring Country Club in Marlton, New Jersey, and at Links Golf Club in Marlton, New Jersey, PGA general manager at White Oaks Country Club in Newfield, New Jersey, and PGA assistant golf professional at the Legacy Club in Cherry Hillm New Jersey, and Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point, New Jersey. Hennefer was awarded the Section’s PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award in 2017, and Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category in 2015, and currently serves on on the Section’s Employment, Hall of Fame, and PGA REACH Philadelphia 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 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Resolution No. 1 for 2025 Philadelphia PGA Fall Membership Meeting

October 2, 2025Comments Off on Resolution No. 1 for 2025 Philadelphia PGA Fall Membership MeetingPPGA

As we prepare for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s annual Fall Membership Meeting at Indian Valley Country Club in Telford, Pa., on Monday, October 20, please take some time to review Resolution No. 1, listed below. This is a crucial step to ensure you’re informed and prepared for the discussions at the meeting.

2025 Resolution 1
September 23, 2025

Proposed by: Staff
Subject: Independent Directors

Relevant Sections:  
Article VI – Board of Directors: Section 6.03. (g) Number of Directors and Term of Office – Independent Directors ARTICLE IX – OFFICERS

We would like to alter the language to make it possible to place a current eligible Section member to an independent director position. As the current language is written, it only allows for non-Section members to be elected to an independent position. This change will give the board more latitude to add a deserving Section member that otherwise would have to wait for an open District director position.

Current Reading:
Article VI – Board of Directors:
Section 6.03.
g. Two (2) independent directors, who are not members of the Section, shall be elected by the Executive Committee from a list of one (1) or more names submitted by the president.

Proposed Amendment:
Article VI – Board of Directors:
Section 6.03.
g. Two (2) independent directors shall be elected by the Executive Committee from a list of one (1) or more names submitted by the president. At least one (1) independent director will be a non-Section member.

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

The Fairway Feed (S1E4)

October 1, 2025Comments Off on The Fairway Feed (S1E4)Featured, PPGA

Welcome to the Fairway Feed, the Philadelphia PGA Section’s video bulletin designed to keep you connected, informed, and engaged with everything happening within our PGA of America Golf Professional community.

Think of the Fairway Feed as your regular dose of essential Section news, delivered directly to your inbox monthly. We’ll be sharing timely updates on tournaments, events, educational opportunities, member news, and important announcements you won’t want to miss.

To watch the newest episode, click on the embedded video below.

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

PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley Claims Fourth Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship

September 30, 2025Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley Claims Fourth Philadelphia PGA Match Play ChampionshipFeatured, PPGA

Ardmore, Pa. (September 30, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Delaware, successfully defended his title to claim a record fourth Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship. In the final match, Oakley defeated Chesapeake Bay Golf Club’s Zach Barbin, PGA, in 19 holes, on Merion Golf Club’s storied East Course.

Oakley started the day facing off against fellow PGA Professional Kyle Early of Waynesborough Country Club in the semi-finals, prevailing 6 and 5. Barbin earned his place in the final match by defeating Lulu Country Club’s Trevor Bensel, PGA, 4 and 3.

Barbin took the lead early in the final match with a birdie on the par-5 second hole, eventually growing the margin to 3-up through 13 holes. Oakley clawed his way back and won No. 18 to force extra play, and made birdie on the first extra hole (No. 1) to take the title.

Oakley said he had the same game plan for today’s matches as he did in last year’s final: hit fairways and greens, and make pars.

“Zach [Barbin] played great today,” Oakley said following the match. “It was tough. It was up-and-down on the back nine, but I really focused on the last four holes, hung in there, and made a lot of good putts.

“To do it at Merion makes it even more special to win.”

He went on to thank Merion Golf Club, its membership and entire staff for hosting, Bidermann Golf Club, his caddie Steve, and the Philadelphia PGA staff.

Oakley previously won the Match Play in 2019 at Lookaway Golf Club, 2021 at the Steel Club, and 2024 on Merion’s East Course. One-hundred-fourteen PGA Professionals competed in the 2025 edition of the championship, competing throughout the season. En route to his 2025 victory, he bettered PGA Professionals Andy Hewitt, Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club, 6 and 4; Brendon Post, University of Delaware, 1-up; Andrew Turner, Country Club of York, 3 and 2; Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook Golf Club, 2-up; Kyle Early, 6 and 5; and Zach Barbin, 19 holes.

To view the full 2025 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners and Merion Golf Club, its membership, management, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

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 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck Claims Victory at 2025 Delaware Valley Open

September 29, 2025Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck Claims Victory at 2025 Delaware Valley OpenPPGA

Pine Hill, N.J. (September 29, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, rose to victory in the 2025 Delaware Valley Open by finishing an impressive 3-under-par round of 68 at Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia. Today’s event was the last chance for PGA Professionals to earn Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points for the season; Shattuck has now earned three Section victories in 2025 (Doylestown Open, Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, Delaware Valley Open) and holds a significant lead in the race.

The field struggled on the course in south Jersey, with a stroke average of nearly 79. Shattuck however, handled the conditions well, making five birdies following a double bogey on the par-3 fifth hole.

Following the event, Shattuck thanked his best friend and wife, Veoletta, all the members and staff at Rolling Green, the event partners for their support, and the Lord for all the blessings in his life.

Shattuck finished two strokes ahead of five PGA Professionals: Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook Golf Club; Michael Little, Clubhouse 54; Tony Perla, Huntingdon Valley Country Club; Andy Hewitt, Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club; and Riley Wheeldon, Aronimink Golf Club.

Mark Sheftic secured victory in the Senior Division, finishing at 1-under-par, two strokes in front of PGA Life Member George Forster and three ahead of Carlisle Country Club’s Stephen Swartz. Applebrook Golf Club’s Dave McNabb and Wilmington Country Club’s Bob Lennon tied for fourth place at 4-over.

Deerwood Country Club’s Greg Farrow took home the top prize in the Super Senior Division, thanks to his even-par round of 71. The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter finished two strokes behind Farrow.

The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) held an event concurrently with the Delaware Valley Open, with Lulu Country Club’s Trevor Bensel walking away with the win. Finishing at even-par, Bensel bettered the five PGA Professionals who tied for second place by one stroke: Kyle Early, Waynesborough Country Club; Andrew Cornish, Green Valley Country Club; Andrew Turner, Country Club of York; and Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club.

To view the full 2025 Delaware Valley Open leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Delaware Valley Open is supported by Jack Jolly & Son Inc., KM Golf Sales, Nextevo Naturals, the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners and Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia, its membership, management, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

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 590 golf facilities in our region.

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