Author: Matt Frey

Merion’s Joanna Coe Among Eight PGA of America Golf Professionals and LPGA Professionals Set to Compete in 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship as Corebridge Financial Team

June 24, 2026Comments Off on Merion’s Joanna Coe Among Eight PGA of America Golf Professionals and LPGA Professionals Set to Compete in 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship as Corebridge Financial TeamPPGA

CHASKA, Minn. (June 24, 2026) — The 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will feature the Corebridge Financial Team of eight PGA of America Golf Professionals and LPGA Professionals competing at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn., June 25-28.

Set to compete against the world’s best women golfers, Corebridge Financial Team members earned a spot in the field by way of the 2025 LPGA Professionals Championship and the 2026 PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship.

Kim Paez, PGA, won the LPGA Professionals Championship at Hermitage Golf Course, in Hickory, Tenn., last July to earn her second appearance in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Allie Knight, PGA/LPGA, won the PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., in February and will make her sixth appearance. With Knight already exempt from her 5th-place finish at the LPGA Professionals Championship, Joanna Coe, PGA claimed the spot in a two-hole playoff victory.

“We’re incredibly proud of the PGA of America and LPGA Professionals competing this week in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship,” said Acting PGA of America President Nathan Charnes, PGA. “Our eight women on the Corebridge Financial Team represent women golf professionals everywhere on one of the biggest stages in the game. Their efforts in teaching, coaching and golf operations directly correlate to the massive growth the game has experienced in more women and girls playing golf. We wish the team the best of luck this week at Hazeltine National Golf Club.”

2026 Corebridge Financial Team Members

Joanna Coe, PGA Director of Instruction at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., is competing in her seventh KPMG Women’s PGA Championship following a two-hole playoff win at the PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship. In April, Coe competed in her fifth PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes and is coming off a successful 2025 season, earning the Philadelphia PGA Section’s Women’s Player of the Year title for the fourth consecutive year. Last June she won the Monday qualifier to get into the 2025 ShopRite LPGA Classic, a feat she also accomplished 16 years ago as an amateur. Coe won the 2024 Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship just 12 weeks after giving birth. Coe was named to Golf Digest’s 2025-26 Best Young Teachers in America and 2026-27 Best Teachers in Every State lists.

Sandra Changkija, PGA/LPGA Assistant Professional at Sugar Mill Country Club in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., is competing in her 10th KPMG Women’s PGA Championship this week. She earned her way to Hazeltine with a T-6 finish in the LPGA Professionals Championship. She won the 2025 Women’s PGA Professional of the Year Award, becoming the second two-time winner (2022) of the Award (Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth, 2023-24). She also won the 2025 North Florida PGA Player of the year and Women’s Player of the Year Honors. She made Association history in November at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., when she became the first woman to win the Assistant PGA Professional Championship. Before becoming a PGA of America and LPGA Professional, she played on the LPGA Tour from 2012-19.

Nicole Felce, PGA/LPGA, is the Assistant Golf Professional at Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, Fla. Following a fourth-place finish at the LPGA Professionals Championship, she will compete in her second KPMG Women’s PGA Championship after debuting at Fields Ranch East last year. In May of 2025, she became an LPGA Class A Member and then was elected to Class A Membership with the PGA of America in February 2026. Felce competed at LPGA Q-School in the summer of 2022 in Palm Springs, Calif., and earned partial status on the Epson Tour during the 2023 season. She began competing in junior golf tournaments at the age of six and set a scoring record at the 2016 FCG Callaway Jr. World Championship with a three-round 12-under 204 in the Girls 11-12 division.

Loretta Giovannettone, PGA Teaching Professional at Loblolly in Hobe Sound, Fla., and Weekapaug Golf Club in Westerly, R.I., will compete in her second career KPMG Women’s PGA Championship this week after an 8th-place finish in the LPGA Professionals Championship. She made her Major Championship debut in 2023 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J. She finished runner-up in the 2025 South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship. Her caddie this week is her best friend and PGA of America Professional Lizzy Blomgren, a First Tee PGA Coach in the Metropolitan PGA Section.

Allie Knight, PGA/LPGA Professional Teaching Professional at Fairways and Greens Golf Center in Knoxville, Tenn., is appearing in her sixth-consecutive KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (2021-25). A member of the Tennessee PGA Section, Knight finished 5th at the LPGA Professionals Championship before winning the PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship. In April she competed in the PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes and finished T-62. Earlier in her competitive career, Knight made 16 cuts on the Epson Tour and qualified for two U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships.

Kim Paez, PGA Player Development Manager for PING, will play in her second career KPMG Women’s PGA Championship thanks to her victory at the LPGA Professionals Championship. The Northern Texas PGA Section Member also played in her second PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes in April. In 2023 she became the first woman to win the Southwest PGA Professional Championship and the fourth woman to ever win a PGA Section Championship. The win earned her a sponsor exemption to play in the 2024 Ford Championship presented by KCC on the LPGA Tour. The 2025 NTPGA Women’s Player of the Year also teaches junior golf clinics at The Ronny Golf Park at the NTPGA headquarters. On the bag this week at Hazeltine is her husband, Nick, who is a PGA of America Associate.

Natalie Vivaldi, PGA Teaching Professional at Goal Hill Park in Oceanside, Calif., is playing in her second consecutive KPMG Women’s PGA Championship following her 2025 Major Championship debut. Representing the Southern California PGA Section, she won twice during the 2026 SCPA Women’s Stroke Play Series as well as the 2025 SCPGA Youth Player Development Award and back-to-back SCPGA Women’s Player of the Year honors (2023-24). Vivaldi played college golf at San Diego State University and the University of Colorado.

Allie White, PGA/LPGA Director of Golf at Lancaster Golf Club in Ohio will appear in her third-consecutive KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She finished runner-up in the LPGA Professionals Championship following wins in the 2024 and 2023 editions. Not a stranger to Women’s Majors, White competed in two U.S. Women’s Opens (‘21, ‘09). She also made the cut in the 2024 Dana Open, one of the longest-running events on the LPGA Tour’s schedule, and has played in over 100 Epson Tour, LPGA and Ladies European Tour events combined.

Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth, PGA/LPGA, also finished in the top eight at the 2025 LPGA Professionals Championship, but will instead play in the 2027 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Congressional Country Club after taking a maternity exemption under the LPGA policy.

Corebridge Financial has partnered with the PGA of America as the sponsor of the PGA of America Member teams in the Association’s three Major Championships: KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship. The three groups are recognized collectively as the Corebridge Financial Team.

For more information on the Corebridge Financial Team competing at the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, click here.

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 Contacts

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

Jared Minski – Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com

PGA of America Golf Professional Jeff Kiddie Captures 2026 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship

June 23, 2026Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Jeff Kiddie Captures 2026 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional ChampionshipFeatured, PPGA

Pottstown, P.A. (June 23, 2026) — PGA of America Golf Professional Jeff Kiddie of Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, captured the 2026 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship at Bellewood Country Club. Kiddie posted rounds of 70 and 68 to finish at 4-under-par 138 and earn a seven-stroke victory, securing the first individual Philadelphia PGA Section win of his career.

Kiddie entered the final round atop the leaderboard after opening the championship with a 1-under-par 70. Despite periods of rain throughout the day, he remained steady and was the only player in the field to finish under par.

With Aronimink hosting this year’s PGA Championship last month, Kiddie had not played much leading up to the championship.

“This was the first time I’ve been able to play in this championship, as it normally conflicts with our women’s Member-Member event at [Aronimink],” Kiddie said following his round. “To win this championship, with so many awesome names on that trophy, it really means a lot.

“I’ve played first rounds at new courses pretty well,” Kiddie continued. “I really liked the golf course, and it played very well. I was a little nervous to start. I didn’t sleep great, and didn’t have a great warm-up, but starting birdie-eagle settled me down a bit.”

Kiddie went on to thank his family, wife Tricia and his kids, Aronimink Golf Club and all of its members, which he referred to as the best club in the Section, the Section staff, Bellewood Country Club for hosting, and the event partners.

With this victory, Kiddie secured a playing spot in the pre-qualifier event for the new PGA Tour Champions event, the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic, later this year.

This championship also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Senior PGA Professional Championship at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club, October 22-25. Seven Philadelphia PGA Professionals earned their spots in the national championship field, including Kiddie, Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club, Hugo Mazzalupi of the Radnor Golf Foundation, Frank Bensel of Galloway National Golf Club, Dave Quinn of Laurel Creek Country Club, Chris Kreuger of Kings Creek Country Club, and Brendan Post, University of Delaware. John Pillar was exempt into the championship. Alternates include: Terry Hertzog, Bent Creek Country Club; Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook Golf Club; Brian Kelly, Titleist Fit Crew; John Pillar, Country Club at Woodloch Springs; and John Cooper, Green Valley Country Club.

In the Super Senior Division, Wayne Phillips of Lehigh Country Club captured the title after posting a two-day total of 2-over-par 144. Phillips finished three strokes ahead of Harvey Williams of Glen Oak Country Club who earned runner up at 5-over-par. Bill Sautter of The Philadelphia Cricket Club and Rob Shuey tied for third place at 9-over-par, while Dan Barker rounded out the top 5 at 11-over-par.

View the full 2026 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship leaderboard by clicking here.

The 2026 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship is supported by supported by PXG, Golf Channel, Ohana Farm, and SCNS Sports Foods. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Bellewood Country Club, its membership, management, staff, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, 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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

Philadelphia PGA Section Accepting Award Nominations

June 23, 2026Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Accepting Award NominationsFeatured, PPGA

Nominations for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2026 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 21.

  • 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 Philadelphia PGA Director of Operations Matt Frey, PGA, at mfrey@pgahq.com.

Award Descriptions

SUBMIT NOMINATIONS

Golf Professional of the Year:  The Golf Professional of the Year award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Member who has performed outstanding services as an overall PGA Professional. As one of the highest honors the Philadelphia PGA Section can bestow, candidates must possess outstanding qualities of leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf. Individuals honored with the Golf Professional of the Year award will be held as a model PGA of America Golf Professional.  Minimum criteria:

  • 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.

Teacher & Coach of the Year: The Teacher & Coach of the Year award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Member who has performed outstanding services as a golf teacher and coach. Minimum criteria:

  • 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.

Professional Development Award: The Professional Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional who personally displays a strong desire for lifelong education to include outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education. Minimum criteria:

  • 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.

Bill Strausbaugh Award: The Bill Strausbaugh Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character, and leadership through a commitment to mentoring and making significant impacts on the careers of PGA Professionals. In the spirit of the award, “mentoring” shall be defined as: “Mentoring is supporting professionals to manage their own development so they can maximize their PGA career potential. The PGA mentor empowers, enables, advises, challenges, and encourages professionals to enhance their professional skills, strengthen their level of service, improve
their work performance, and become the PGA Member that they aspire to be.” Minimum criteria:

  • 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.

Player Development Award: The Player Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development. The award considers the PGA Professionals growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and national levels in the player development arena, and the meaningful impact made at the facility. Minimum criteria:

  • 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.

Youth Player Development Award: The Youth Player Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional, who had displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of youth player development. The award considers the PGA Professionals focus on youth through their growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and national levels in the youth player development arena, and the meaningful impact made upon youth through the introduction and participation in the game. Minimum criteria:

  • 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.

Merchandiser of the Year (Private, Public and Resort Categories): The Merchandiser of the Year award is designed to recognize those PGA of America Golf Professionals who have excelled as business persons / merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The PGA honors PGA Professionals in three categories: Private, Public, and Resort facilities. Minimum criteria: Demonstration of skills in planning of sales by presenting products to their market on a timely basis, and through the use of specialized merchandising techniques that include display and advertising.

Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: The Assistant Golf Professional of the Year award recognizes an PGA of America Assistant Golf Professional who displays extraordinary service and commitment at their facility and within the industry. The award considers a professionals focus on facility operations, section and/or community service and growth of the game. Minimum criteria:

  • 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.

Patriot Award: The Patriot Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America. Minimum criteria:

  • 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.

Deacon Palmer Award: The Deacon Palmer Award bestows special recognition on a PGA 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 other, both inside and outside of the game. Minimum criteria: 

  • 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.

Golf Salesperson of the Year: The Golf Salesperson of the Year award recognizes a sales representative who shows a first class level of service to the industry and the PGA Professionals they serve within the Section. Consideration should be given to support in any way of the Section, charity or community.
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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

PGA of America Golf Professional Zach Barbin Wins 40th Burlington Classic Presented by WSFS Bank

June 8, 2026Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Zach Barbin Wins 40th Burlington Classic Presented by WSFS BankPPGA

Westampton, N.J. (June 8, 2026) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zach Barbin of Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Rising Sun, Maryland, fired rounds 65-68–133, 7-under-par, to win the 40th Burlington Classic Presented by WSFS Bank at Burlington Country Club.

After opening with a 5-under-par 65, Barbin entered the final round one stroke off the lead. He followed with a 2-under-par 68 in the final round to post a two-day total of 133 (-7), edging Michael Chanaud of Bear Trap Dues by one stroke to claim victory.

“I love this golf course. It suits my eye really well,” said Barbin. “This is the first time I’ve won a tournament that I’ve won before, so it is a great feeling.”

He went on to thank Jesus and his mother, who has been battling cancer in recent months. He says she has served as inspiration throughout this season.

Barbin finished atop the field at 7-under-par. Michael Chanaud finished runner up at 6-under-par, while Dave Quinn of Laurel Creek Country Club placed third at 5-under-par. Jason Wilson of Bethlehem Golf Club and Brian Kelly tied for fourth at 3-under-par to round out the top five.

Quinn led the Senior Division at 5-under-par after rounds of 66-69-135. Jason Wilson of Bethlehem Country Club and Brian Kelly of Titleist FitCrew tied for second at 3-under-par, while Mark Sheftic of Sunnybrook Gold Club finished fourth at even-par. Rich Steinmetz of Spring Ford Country Club and Terry Hatch of Royal Oaks Golf Club tied for fifth at 1-over-par.

Bill Sautter of Philadelphia Cricket Club claimed the Super Senior Division title with rounds of 74-71 (+5). Sautter finished three strokes clear of Greg Farrow of Deerwood Country Club, and Wayne Phillips of Lehigh Country Club, who tied for second at 148 (+8).

Tom Byrne recorded rounds of 74-76–150 (+10) to finish as low amateur and win the Marotto Cup by two strokes over Bill Murray. Corey Katzen finished in third place at 16-over-par, while Rob Bell rounded out the amateur race at +17. –Sydney Urbach

View the full 40th Burlington Classic leaderboard by clicking here.

The 40th Burlington Classic Pro-Am is presented and hosted by Burlington Country Club and is supported by WSFS Bank. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank its membership, management, staff, host PGA of America Golf Professional Mike Mack, Tournament Chair John M. Hanuscin, and the entire 2026 Burlington Classic Pro-Am Committee, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Burlington Classic Pro-Am
The Burlington Classic Pro-Am was founded in 1986 by Mike Mack, PGA, Joe Fattorini, Leroy Peacock, Rex McWilliams, Chip Miller, George Hilt, and Donald “Butch” Eckman. The event quickly became one of the most popular events on the Philadelphia PGA Section’s tournament calendar, and is now a Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year Points Event.

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

Teams From Whitford, Tavistock Country Clubs Tie for 2026 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship Title

June 1, 2026Comments Off on Teams From Whitford, Tavistock Country Clubs Tie for 2026 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship TitlePPGA

Cape May Court House, N.J. (June 1, 2026) — The Philadelphia PGA Section returned to the Jersey Shore on a beautiful day for the 2026 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship. Played at the Shore Club, PGA of America Golf Professional teams from Whitford Country Club and Tavistock Country Club tied for the title. Teams were comprised of one lead PGA Professional and one of their assistants.

Whitford’s Pat Butkus and Anthony Sebastianelli, Tavistock’s Michael Meisenzahl and Matthew Cocco, and Meisenzahl and James Shukdinas each finished with team scores of 7-under-par 65 in the Four-Ball stroke play format. Laurel Creek Country Club’s Bob Hennefer and David Quinn finished in fourth place, one stroke behind the winning trio of teams. Meisenzahl’s good play (68 on his own ball) also helped to notch him and his partner Christopher Hutchinson fifth place at 5-under-par.

The trend for Tavistock continued into the Non-PGA Professional Division with Meisenzahl and partner Chris O’Donnell taking first at 4-under-par. Manufacturers’ Golf & Country Club’s Peter Clarke and Clare Gimpel  finished in second place with a 69, one stroke behind the winners. Four teams tied for third place at 2-under-par: Coatesville Country Club’s Evan Mitchell and Zac Rambo, the Legacy Club’s John DiMarco and Noah Greenspun, the Steel Club’s Mark Chlebek and Scott Byrd, and Steel Club’s Chlebek and Tyler Gates.

To view the 2026 full PGA Philadelphia Professional-Assistant Professional leaderboard, click here.

The 2026 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship is sponsored by Ashworth, Wilson, Golf Max, and CaddieSnacks. The Philadelphia PGA would like to extend its gratitude to our host, The Shore Club, its owners, membership, 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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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