Welcome to the latest episode of “At the Turn,” where Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA, shares wisdom and advice from PGA of America Golf Professionals.

This episode’s topic is “We work for the benefit of the doubt,” submitted by Merion Golf Club PGA Head Golf Professional Scott Nye. To watch the episode, click on the below button or screen capture.

For a mobile-friendly (vertical) version of the episode, click here.

If you are interested in appearing in a future episode, please complete this form by clicking here.

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

Thirteen Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professionals will be competing in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship presented by Club Car, Corebridge Financial and Rolex. The championship will be played Sunday, April 28 to Wednesday, May 1, on the Fields Ranch East and West courses at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas.

The PGA Professional Championship, the national championship for PGA of America Golf Professionals from across the country, features a 312-player field representing all 41 PGA of America Sections. The top 20 finishers will earn a spot on the Corebridge Financial Team to compete two weeks later in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, from May 13-19.

Defending Champion Braden Shattuck is set to make his second appearance in the PGA Professional Championship after becoming the 11th individual in the championship’s history to win in his first appearance. The PGA Director of Instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, shot 9-under-par 279 to win by one shot last May at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.

The PGA of America Members representing the Philadelphia PGA Section include:

• Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C., Springfield, Pa.
• Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C., Oreland, Pa.
• Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware, Pa.
• Robert Fenton, Sunnybrook G.C., Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
• Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C., Stroudsburg, Pa.
• Chris Krueger, Kings Creek C.C., Rehoboth Beach, Del.
• Danny Lewis, Philadelphia (Pa.) Cricket Club
• Michael Little, Clubhouse 54, North Wales, Pa.
• Michael Meisenzahl, Little Mill C.C., Marlton, N.J.
• Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C., Wilmington, Del.
• Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C., Lafayette Hill, Pa.
• Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., Royersford, Pa.
• Billy Stewart, Union League Liberty Hill, Lafayette Hill, Pa.

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 Special on CBS – "We Love to Play this Game" – Debuts Saturday, April 27 at 2:30pm ET from PGA of America on Vimeo.

FRISCO, Texas (April 24, 2024) — In partnership with the PGA of America and CBS Sports, the CBS Television Network will air the half-hour special “We Love to Play this Game” on Saturday, April 27th at 2:30 p.m. ET.

The PGA of America consists of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who dedicate their careers to coaching, managing and growing the game of golf—all while playing it at a high level. Each year, Members of the Association take advantage of numerous opportunities to qualify for PGA of America major championships and compete with the world’s best in the men’s and women’s game.

Narrated by Amanda Balionis, the special presentation highlights the unique stories of six PGA of America Golf Professionals and their respective journeys to compete in the PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship or KPMG Women’s PGA Championship as part of the Corebridge Financial Team.

“The PGA of America is excited to share the stories of six incredible PGA of America Golf Professionals who shine a positive light on our entire Association,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “The special will expound on their impressive accomplishments such as Michael Block, PGA, finishing in the top-15 at the PGA Championship, Kim Paez, PGA, becoming the first female professional to win the Southwest PGA Section Championship and much more. Thanks to the platform CBS provides, their efforts on and off the course will be displayed front and center. We’re grateful for our partnership with CBS Sports, who will broadcast a 34th consecutive PGA Championship next month.”

PGA of America Golf Professionals Featured in “We Love to Play this Game” include:

• Braden Shattuck, PGA, Director of Instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, was on track for a career as a Touring professional when a car accident sidelined his plans with injuries. Now a PGA of America Golf Professional, he’s considered one of the best young teachers in the Philadelphia PGA Section, and his love for competing lives on. He won the 2023 PGA Professional Championship and earned his way into the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. As PGA Professional Champion, Shattuck earned six PGA Tour starts for the 2024 season.
• Michael Block, PGA, Head Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California, experienced a storybook 2023 that included a T-15 finish at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in May. His performance captivated the sports world and was highlighted by a final-round hole-in-one on the par-3, 151-yard 15th hole. His performance earned him a spot in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla next month.
• Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth, PGA/LPGA, Teaching Professional at San Jose Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida, won the 2023 Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Award. She became the first woman to win a PGA Tournament Series event in its 46-year history and in her four years as a PGA of America Coach she’s become a shining example of competing at a high level. She now prepares to compete in her fifth-straight KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in June.
• Jerry Haas, PGA, Men’s Golf Coach at Wake Forest University, was an All American at Wake Forest, and in 1985 finished 31st in the Masters as an Amateur. With initial plans to follow in the footsteps of his uncle and Masters champion Bob Goalby, and his older brother Jay, a 9-time winner on the PGA Tour and two-time KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion, Jerry’s golf journey instead led to coaching at his alma mater, where he’s become one of the most successful college golf coaches in the country.
• Kim Paez, PGA, Player Development Director for Ping and Teaching Professional at Cave Creek Golf Club’s Reid West Golf Academies in Phoenix, Arizona, became the first woman to win the Southwest PGA Section Championship, earning an exemption into the 2024 PGA Professional Championship. Thanks to a 4th-place finish in the 2024 PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship, she secured the last remaining spot on the Corebridge Financial Team and will showcase her talent at Sahalee Country Club in June to compete in her first Major at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
• Bob Sowards, PGA, Director of Instruction at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio, is one of the most decorated players among the ranks of PGA of America Golf Professionals. He has won nine national PGA of America Awards, including four PGA Professional Player of the Year (2003-05, ‘14) and five Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year (2018, ‘19, ’21-‘23) recognitions. His play continues to shine as a frequent member of the Corebridge Financial Team at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

Additionally, the special will re-air five times between April 30 and May 11 on CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) in primetime on the following days (all ET): April 30 at 6:30 p.m., May 2 at 8:00 p.m., May 3 at 6:30 p.m. and May 11 at 7:00 p.m.

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, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contacts:
Jesse Dodson, PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com
Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com

Click here to view 2024 field.

Click here to access the media hub.

FRISCO, Texas (April 23, 2024) ー For the first time, the PGA Professional Championship will be contested at the new home of the PGA of America, Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco.

The 2024 PGA Professional Championship presented by Club Car, Corebridge Financial and Rolex, will be played Sunday, April 28 to Wednesday, May 1, on the Fields Ranch East and West courses.

The PGA Professional Championship, the national championship for PGA of America Golf Professionals from across the country, features a 312-player field representing all 41 PGA of America Sections.

The top 20 finishers will earn a spot on the Corebridge Financial Team to compete two weeks later in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, from May 13-19.

Defending Champion Braden Shattuck is set to make his second appearance in the PGA Professional Championship after becoming the 11th individual in the Championship’s history to win in his first appearance.

The PGA Director of Instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, shot 9-under-par 279 to win by one shot last May at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.

As he prepares to defend his title in Frisco, Shattuck remains proud of his ability to block out the noise during his memorable 2023 performance.

“I was able to stay surprisingly calm on the course,” said Shattuck. “Off the course might have been a different story, but on the course I was abnormally calm. It’s something I’ve been working on for a long time so it was really cool to see how the mindset shift affected me under the gun.”

Shattuck, who plans to play several nine hole practice rounds to familiarize himself with Fields Ranch East and West Thursday through Saturday, is aware of the heightened expectations that come with being the defending champion.

“People place expectations on you once you win it,” said Shattuck. “I just try to have the same expectations, same approach and see what happens.”

Shattuck is one of 15 past PGA Professional Champions in this year’s field. He will be joined by Alex Beach (2019), Rich Berberian Jr. (2016), Michael Block (2014), Matt Dobyns (2012, 2015), Scott Hebert (2008), David Hutsell (2011), Darrell Kestner (1996), Jesse Mueller (2022), Rod Perry (2013), Ron Philo Jr. (2006), Jeff Roth (1993), Steve Schneiter (1995), Bob Sowards (2004) and Ryan Vermeer (2018).

The Northern Texas PGA Section will be well represented with 10 Members competing. Brandon Bingaman (Gleneagles Country Club, Plano), Spencer Dillard (Preston Trail Golf Club, Dallas), Robby Bruns (Trinity Forest Golf Club, Dallas), Robert Shields (The Winsford Group, Tyler), Brian Norman (Lakewood Country Club, Dallas), Nic Ishee (Preston Trail Golf Club, Dallas), Kent Graham (Gleneagles Country Club, Plano) and Matt Ryba (Preston Trail Golf Club, Dallas) qualified through the Section’s PGA Professional Championship at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco in August 2023.

J.J. Killeen (Red Feather Golf & Social Club, Lubbock) and Gabe Reynolds (Topgolf Dallas, Dallas) were previously exempt following their PGA Professional Championship finishes in 2023.

Bingaman captured the Northern Texas PGA Professional Championship in a one hole playoff after shooting even par 69-75.

“I felt like I played really well,” said Bingaman. “I would chalk it up to a ball striker’s golf course. I won shooting even par and that tells you it’s a golf course that can jump up and bite you at any time. I just want to go in and compete. That’s my main focus right now.”

Additional notables in the field include Michael Block, the PGA Head Golf Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California. He finished T-2 in the 2023 PGA Professional Championship en route to an appearance in the 2023 PGA Championship, where he memorably took low club professional honors finishing T-15.

Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth, the 2023 Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year representing the North Florida PGA Section, is making her third consecutive appearance. Bob Sowards, the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year, is also in the field and returns to PGA Frisco following a T-70 finish in the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, contested at Fields Ranch East.

The PGA Professional Championship has served as a showcase event for PGA of America Golf Professionals since 1968. The field consists of past Champions, the top 20 players and ties from the previous year’s Championship as well as players qualifying through Section Championships.

The Championship, which offers a $715,000 purse, will have a 36-hole cut Monday to the low 90 scorers and ties, and a 54-hole cut Tuesday to the low 70 scorers and ties.

The second, third and final rounds will be broadcast live on Golf Channel, including 4-7 pm (CT) on Monday, April 29, and Tuesday, April 30, followed by 3-6 pm on Wednesday, May 1.

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, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contacts

Greg Dillard, PGA of America, 561-308-8013, gdillard@pgahq.com

Alan Cox, PGA of America, 972-214-8274, acox@pgahq.com

Dagsboro, Del. (April 18, 2024) — The local team from Peninsula Golf & Country Club led by PGA of America Golf Professional Jesse Williams took first place in the 2024 Southern Delaware Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino® during a beautiful spring day at Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club.

In the one Best Ball of Four format, Williams and his team of amateurs, Wayne Creeden, Dick Hogarth and Steve Hammond shot an impressive 13-under-par 58 in the Net Division. Three strokes behind was the team from Maple Dale C.C. consisting of Chris Brosius, PGA, and amateurs Art Giangrant, Fred Eason and Mike Hall. Three teams tied for third place at 8-under-par.

In the Gross Division, two teams tied for the top prize at 4-under-par: Chris Brosius, PGA from Maple Dale C.C. and his amateurs Art Giangrant, Fred Eason, Mike Hall, and Brooks Massey, PGA, Chris Lowe, Dave Bloodsworth, and Chad Otwell from Heritage Shores Golf Club (Williams’ Peninsula team finished 8-under for their Gross score). Three teams tied for third place one stroke behind.

To view the full leaderboard for the 2024 Southern Delaware Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino®, click here.

The 2024 Southern Delaware Pro-Am is presented by Parx Casino®. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals would like to thank our host, Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club, their members, management, staff and host PGA of America Golf Professional, Andy Hewitt, 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

Nominations for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2024 awards class are now being accepted by the Section’s Awards Committee. To nominate a PGA of America Golf Professional for one of the awards listed below, please complete the form by clicking the below button. The nomination deadline is August 25.

• Golf Professional of the Year
• Teacher & Coach of the Year
• Professional Development Award
• Bill Strausbaugh Award
• Player Development Award
• Youth Player Development Award
• Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category
• Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category
• Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category
• Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
• Patriot Award
• Deacon Palmer Award
• Golf Salesperson of the Year

Descriptions for each award are listed below. Any questions about the awards nomination process should be directed to Section Membership Director Sue Unger at sunger@pgahq.com or (215) 886-7742.

• Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
• Candidate has developed the image , reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members as a PGA Professional;
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the Association and game of golf, as well as  helping to further educate and train their fellow PGA Professionals;
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game of golf.

• Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
• Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the game of golf, as well as helping to further educate their fellow PGA professionals with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
• Candidate must have attended or conducted a minimum combined total of 10 national teaching workshops, teaching / coaching summits or Section teaching workshops or teaching / coaching summits within the last 15 years.

• Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
• Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of education and training PGA Professionals;
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America and the game of golf to further educate and train fellow PGA Members, Associates, and industry stakeholders;
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
• Candidate must be one of the following: Master Professional, Certified Professional, served as an Associate Subject Matter Expert (SME), adjunct PGA faculty member, or have conducted and/or taught at a minimum combined total of 10 national education programs / workshops (to include PGA PGM) or Section education programs / workshops within the last 10 years.

• Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America in the effort to further the careers of fellow PGA Professionals as a mentor, counselor, teacher and advisor;
• Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of leadership and service to the Association, individual PGA Professionals, and the community at-large;
• Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry within the specific area of employment and club relations.

• Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in player development as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of player development;
• Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of player development;
• Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry in the effort to grow meaningful participation in the game.

• Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in youth player development efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum of 10 years;
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of youth player development;
• Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of youth player development; Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, as well as a proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for youth to learn, play and participate in the game.

• Candidate must be a PGA of America Member in good standing;
• Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member;
• Demonstration and acknowledgement as an individual of outstanding leadership and strong moral character.

• Candidate must currently by a Class A Member in good standing and involved in military programming efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of contribution and support to the United States Armed Forces and Active Duty and Reserved personnel and veterans;
• Candidate must have displayed proven interest, concern, and ability to provide opportunities and experience for active duty, reservists, and veterans to learn and play golf;
• Candidate must have shown an ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of service to the military;
• Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, and proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for military personnel to learn, play and participate in the game.

• Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing and/or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years combined;
• Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member, demonstrating outstanding leadership traits, and strong moral character;
• Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire, empower, and encourage success and achievement in individuals regardless of obstacles, disabilities, and personal challenges or otherwise;
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to be PGA of America, fellow PGA Professionals, their facility, and the community in the effort to enhance and improve the quality of life for all individuals;
• Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry.

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: Sue Unger, Membership Director, sunger@pgahq.com

The Philadelphia PGA Section is seeking nominations for our Board of Directors, including officers, Director of Section affairs, and District Directors in Districts 2, 4, and 6. The election is scheduled to take place at our Fall Membership Meeting on October 28.

• District 2 Director 
  District 2 includes the entire state of Delaware.
• District 4 Director 
  District 4 includes Pennsylvania’s Bradford, Carbon, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lycoming, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northcumberland, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.
• District 6 Director 
  District 6 includes Pennsylvania’s Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Bucks (South of Route 202) counties.

Nominations for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2024 Hall of Fame class are now being accepted. To nominate a PGA of America Golf Professional for this prestigious honor, please complete the form linked below. The nomination deadline is August 19.

Nomination Guidelines

• Nominee must be a PGA of America Member with a minimum of 25 years of PGA Membership;
• Nominee must have been a Philadelphia PGA Member for a minimum of 10 consecutive years;
• Nominee must identify as one or more of:
• Philadelphia PGA Past President;
• Philadelphia PGA officer with a minimum of 10 years of service;
• PGA of America national award winner;
• Philadelphia PGA award winner;
• PGA Tour, LPGA Tour or PGA Tour Champions winner;
• Ryder Cup team member;
• PGA Professional Championship winner; and / or
• Senior PGA Professional Championship winner

Note: Each nomination must be submitted by a minimum of two PGA of America Golf Professionals in order to be considered by the Hall of Fame Committee.

Any questions about the Hall of Fame nomination process should be directed to Section Membership Director Sue Unger at sunger@pgahq.com.

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: Sue Unger, Membership Director, sunger@pgahq.com

The 2024 ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer is seeking PGA of America Golf Professional volunteers to work the scoring areas at Seaview on Friday, June 7 – Sunday, June 9.

Philadelphia PGA Members and Associates will be stationed in the scoring tents on hole Nos. 9 and 18 to review, verify, and record each LPGA Tour member’s official scorecards. This is a great opportunity to build your resume and interact with some of the world’s most elite players. PDR credits will also be provided to those who volunteer.

If you are interested in becoming a scoring volunteer for this year’s ShopRite LPGA Classic, please click on the button below and complete the form. A tournament representative or Section staffer will contact selected volunteers as the event nears.

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