Author: Matt Frey

Lehigh Country Club to Host PGA Tour Champions’ Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic in 2026

April 24, 2025Comments Off on Lehigh Country Club to Host PGA Tour Champions’ Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic in 2026Featured, PPGA

ALLENTOWN, Penn. – Officials from Jefferson Health, the PGA TOUR Champions and Lehigh Country Club announced on Thursday a five-year partnership to host a new professional golf tournament: the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic, which will debut on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule in fall 2026. The competition will be held annually at Lehigh Country Club in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and is expected to provide a $50-million boost to the local economy.

The inaugural Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic will be hosted the week of Sept. 28 and will feature a field of 78 PGA TOUR Champions players filled with legends including Stewart Cink, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer and more.

Proceeds will benefit local charities in Northeastern Pennsylvania and throughout the greater Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions, including the primary beneficiaries of the inaugural tournament, Valley Youth House and Eagles Autism Foundation.

All three rounds of the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic will be televised on GOLF Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Internationally, PGA TOUR Champions coverage is available in more than 170 countries and territories via 22 media partners.

HNS Sports Group, an Ohio-based event management LLC specializing in golf, will manage the event.

Tournaments for Charity, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, will serve as the tournament’s host organization.

“We are thrilled to partner with Jefferson Health and bring PGA TOUR Champions golf to the Lehigh Valley,” said PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady. “Golf legends and World Golf Hall of Fame members will have an exceptional week of competition at a first-rate golf course in Lehigh Country Club. We’re excited to bring local golf enthusiasts an unforgettable experience and look forward to making a lasting, positive impact on the community for years to come.”

The tournament’s title sponsor, Jefferson Health, is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit healthcare systems and is committed to delivering exceptional clinical and compassionate care to patients in the Philadelphia region. Jefferson aims to reimagine health care and higher education to create unparalleled value in the greater Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey. More than 65,000 people strong, Jefferson is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients, making communities healthier and stronger, preparing tomorrow’s professional leaders for 21st-century careers, and creating new knowledge through clinical and applied research. They are dedicated to training future health professionals and conducting research to improve clinical care, and offer a wide range of disciplines and programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their respective fields. Through innovative teaching methods and hands-on training, they prepare future healthcare providers to meet the evolving needs of the community.

“This is all about making a long-term, positive impact on the Lehigh Valley and the surrounding areas,” said Dr. Joe Cacchione, CEO of Jefferson. “As we continue to integrate our two leading health systems, it’s important that we drive awareness and access to our uncompromising care throughout the region.”

“While we don’t know which player is going to win the inaugural event, we already know that our charitable partners will be the real winners,” said Nick Ragone, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Jefferson. “We want the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic to be among the most charitable and well-attended events on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule beginning in year one.”

Lehigh Country Club is regarded as one of the top golf destinations not only in the Lehigh Valley, but also in Pennsylvania, routinely ranked among the top courses in the state. The club moved to its current location in 1928, with the course designed by the renowned architect William S. Flynn. The 206-acre site was previously farmland owned by the Kemmerer and Kline families and was purchased by a group of 42 club members. The fairways at Lehigh Country Club are known for their masterful routing, featuring significant elevation changes.

Valley Youth House is a catalyst for youth to achieve their desired futures through genuine relationships that support families, ensure safe places and build community connections. They partner with each young person they meet to help them create the best possible outcome for their unique situation.

“We are deeply honored to be named beneficiary of the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic through this incredible partnership with Jefferson Health and Lehigh Valley Health Network. At Valley Youth House, we believe every young person deserves a safe place to call home and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Christina Schoemaker, senior vice president of advancement for Valley Youth House. “This generous commitment will help us continue to provide critical support, housing, and resources to young people in our community. We’re grateful to work alongside organizations who share our dedication to caring for our community and building healthy futures for all.”

On the field, the Philadelphia Eagles are united by one objective: victory. Off the field, the team is drawn together by an even larger goal: taking action for autism through the Eagles Autism Foundation. The Foundation’s biggest strength is bringing people together through research, advocacy, empathy and unity. Together, the Eagles Autism Foundation is making an impact that echoes around the globe.

“The Eagles Autism Foundation is proud to be recognized as one of the beneficiaries of the inaugural Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic,” said Ryan Hammond, executive director, Eagles Autism Foundation. “We are grateful to collaborate with like-minded organizations like Jefferson Health, that continue to serve under-represented communities including those on the autism spectrum. One hundred percent of this generous donation from Jefferson Health will help fund innovative autism research and care programs, making a transformational impact in our Eagles autism community.”

 

CBS Special Spotlights PGA of America Golf Professional Joanna Coe and Others in “We Love to Play this Game”

April 23, 2025Comments Off on CBS Special Spotlights PGA of America Golf Professional Joanna Coe and Others in “We Love to Play this Game”Featured, PPGA

FRISCO, Texas (April 23, 2025) – The PGA of America and CBS Sports present “We Love to Play this Game.” The 30-minute special will air Sunday, April 27, at 2:00 p.m. ET on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+.

The special will feature six PGA of America Golf Professionals from around the country who maintain a high-level of play alongside their careers in the golf industry, including the Philadelphia PGA Section’s Joanna Coe. The six have competed, or are preparing to compete, through the Corebridge Financial Team in the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship or KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

The more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals within the PGA of America love the game and work daily as expert coaches, operators and business leaders while driving interest, inclusion and participation in the sport.

“We Love to Play this Game” showcases the unique stories of the six PGA of America Golf Professionals and their individual journeys to compete amongst the world’s best golfers while maintaining their day-to-day responsibilities at their respective golf facilities.

“A PGA of America Golf Professional is a mentor, a coach, a leader and the tangible connection for the millions who play and love the game,” said PGA of America President Don Rea Jr., PGA Master Professional and Owner of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona). “They also love to play and compete at a high level. We are excited for CBS to highlight these incredible PGA Members who represent the PGA of America on some of golf’s biggest stages in all the best ways.”

PGA of America Golf Professionals featured in “We Love to Play this Game”

Joanna Coe, PGA, Director of Instruction at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, earned a spot in the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington, while setting her sights on a different priority—welcoming her first child into the world with her husband Ryan in June. Coe was able to postpone her exemption and will compete in the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas, June 19-22. Much has changed since becoming a parent, but her competitive drive has not. Coe won the Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship in September of 2024, just 12 weeks after giving birth. A month later, she helped the United States team win the Women’s PGA Cup in Sunriver, Oregon.

Ben Polland, PGA, the Director of Golf at Shooting Star in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, won the 2024 PGA Professional Championship in Frisco, Texas, achieving a dream that started at the same championship a decade prior. In 2015, Polland relinquished a two-stroke lead on the 72nd hole to finish runner-up. The victory in 2024 was not only sweeter because of it, but set up a memorable year for the 34-year-old, who played his way into the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club and received six exemptions into PGA Tour events in 2025. Polland’s role at Shooting Star is unique, as he oversees the golf operations as well as the facility’s Nordic Sports during the winter months.

Preston Cole, PGA, the Lead Assistant Professional at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, has the opportunity to make history as the first PGA of America Golf Professional from a PGA Championship host site to earn a spot in the field through the PGA Professional Championship. The 31-year-old, who has been a member of the PGA Professional staff at Quail Hollow since 2019, competed in his first Major at Valhalla Golf Club in 2024, and hopes to compete in his second this May by finishing in the top 20 of the PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, April 27-30. Cole’s day-to-day responsibilities at Quail Hollow include coaching, managing merchandise operations and running member events.

Dr. Alison Curdt, PGA Master Professional, is America’s only female PGA & LPGA Master Professional trained in Clinical Psychology. She will compete in her sixth KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (2015, 2017-20) this June. As the PGA Director of Instruction at Wood Ranch Golf Club in Simi Valley, California, she made Golf Digest’s 2024-25 “Top 50 Teachers in America” and “Best in State” lists, as well as being named one of Golf Magazine’s “Top 8 Teachers to watch.” Most recently, she became the first woman elected President of the Southern California PGA Section.

Jason Caron, PGA, the Head Golf Professional at Mill River Club in Oyster Bay, New York, far exceeded his expectations in the 2024 Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores. His T-4 was the best finish by a PGA of America Golf Professional at the Senior PGA Championship in 22 years. Jason’s success in his first Senior Major led to entries into a few PGA Tour Champions events, which he capitalized on, finishing 35th in the season-long standings to earn full playing privileges in 2025. While competing on the PGA TOUR Champions, Caron continues his PGA Head Professional role, alongside his wife, Liz, the PGA Director of Instruction at Mill River Club.

Tracy Phillips, PGA, the Director of Instruction at Cedar Ridge Country Club in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, made his PGA Championship debut at Valhalla Golf Club in 2024 at the age of 61. The 1980 Junior PGA Champion stepped away from the game for 20 years (1988-2008) following a collegiate golf career at Oklahoma State. In 2024, he earned a Corebridge Financial Team Member spot for the PGA Championship and the Senior PGA Championship, playing in back-to-back Majors.

“We Love to Play this Game” will re-air five times between April 28 and May 7 on CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) in primetime on the following days (all ET): April 28 at 9:30 p.m., May 1 at 8:30 p.m., May 2 at 6:30 p.m., May 6 at 7:00 p.m. and May 7 at 9:30 p.m.

Additionally, CBS Sports will run specials on the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, and a 2025 PGA Championship preview on Sunday, May 10 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. ET.

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 of America, jdodson@pgahq.com
Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com

Partnership and Playing Opportunities for PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia Pro-Am

April 21, 2025Comments Off on Partnership and Playing Opportunities for PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia Pro-AmPPGA

PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia, the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, is hosting its annual pro-am championship at Laurel Creek Country Club this year on Monday, September 30, and we are looking for your support!

Our foundation supports local golfers through our core pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity, with programs like PGA Jr. League, Golf in Schools, PGA HOPE Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarships.

There are several different ways to support our pro-am, including:

Title Partner: $25,000
  • Four teams (12 players)
  • Tee gifts
  • Company logo on tee gifts
  • On-site signage
  • Recognition on website
  • Recognition on all event materials
Premier Partner: $15,000
  • Three teams (nine players)
  • Tee gifts
  • On-site signage
  • Recognition on website
Pillar Partner: $10,000
  • Youth, Military or Diversity & Inclusion
  • Two teams (six players)
  • Tee gifts
  • On-site signage
  • Recognition on website
  • Recognition of program sponsorship at events and on promotional materials
Hole-in-One Partner: $7,500
(limited to one partner)
  • One team (three players)
  • Tee gifts
  • On-site signage
  • Recognition on all par-3s
Presenting Partner: $5,000
(limited to one partner)
  • One team (three players)
  • Tee gifts
  • On-site signage
  • Recognition on website

For more information about pro-am sponsorships, contact PGA REACH Philadelphia Director Courtney Curcio at ccurcio@pgahq.com or (267) 622-6172.

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit pgareachphiladelphia.com To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please click 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: Courtney Curcio, Director, ccurcio@pgahq.com

The Fairway Feed (S1E1)

April 21, 2025Comments Off on The Fairway Feed (S1E1)Featured, PPGA

Welcome to the Fairway Feed, the Philadelphia PGA Section’s new 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.

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 Matt Zehner Wins 2025 Philadelphia PGA Tournament Players Division Championship

April 21, 2025Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Matt Zehner Wins 2025 Philadelphia PGA Tournament Players Division ChampionshipFeatured, PPGA

Lafayette Hill, Pa. (April 21, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Matt Zehner of Pine Valley Golf Club in Pine Hill, N.J., made a birdie on the second sudden-death playoff hole to win the 2025 Philadelphia PGA Tournament Players Division (TPD) Championship at Union League Liberty Hill, defeating Rolling Green Golf Club’s Anthony Sebastianelli. It is Zehner’s first Philadelphia PGA victory. The tournament is the Section’s first Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year event of the year.

Both Zehner and Sebastianelli finished their rounds in regulation with 32 modified Stableford points. The Modified Stableford format awarded points as follows: Double Bogey or higher, negative-one point; Bogey, zero points; Par, one point; Birdie, three points; Eagle, six points; and Double Eagle, nine points. Zehner’s round was particularly impressive, as he carded zero bogeys, en route to a 7-under-par 65.

“It was, altogether, a really solid day,” Zehner said following the playoff. “I didn’t have a single bogey today, and made seven birdies. I made four or five six-foot par putts today that really made the difference.”

Zehner went on to thank the team at Pine Valley, his girlfriend Sydney, his family, and today’s partners, the Radnor Golf Foundation and Penfold.

PGA Member Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C., ended with 29 points, good enough for a third place finish. Titleist Fit Crew’s Brian Kelly, PGA, and PGA Associate Chesapeake Bay G.C.’s Zach Barbin tied for fourth place at 27 points.

Titleist Fit Crew’s Brian Kelly, PGA, finished atop the Senior Division leaderboard with 27 points, bettering fellow PGA Member Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C., by two points. SunnybrookG.C.’s Mark Sheftic, PGA, finished in third place with 22 points, followed by fifth place finishers Chris Krueger, Kings Creek C.C., and PGA Life Member Jason Panter, both with 21 points.

To view the full 2025 TPD Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Tournament Players Division Championship is supported by the Radnor Golf Foundation, and Penfold. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Union League Liberty Hill, 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

Remembering Jay Sigel

April 21, 2025Comments Off on Remembering Jay SigelPPGA

It is with sadness we inform you of the loss of Philadelphia-area golfing great Jay Sigel, who passed away on Saturday, April 19 after a battle with cancer. Sigel was a retired PGA of America Member, having won eight PGA Tour Champions events. An Aronimink Golf Club member since 1967, he had been closely associated with the club for nearly 60 years.

Sigel was born and raised in Narberth, Pa., grew up playing golf at Bala Golf Club, and then at Aronimink. He graduated from Wake Forest University, where he was the first recipient of the Arnold Palmer Scholar award. He was a two-time All-American at Wake Forest and won the ACC Championship individual title in 1963. From the mid-1970s through the late 1980s, he was the most dominant player in amateur golf, winning the 1977 (R&A) Amateur Championship for his first major amateur championship. In 1982, he won his first U.S. Amateur Championship at the Country Club in Brookline, Mass. Far and away his biggest achievement as an amateur was his second U.S. Amateur title the following year at North Shore Country Club in Glenview, Ill. He was the first player to win back-to-back U.S. Amateur titles since Harvie Ward in 1955 and 1956; only Tiger Woods has done so since. In addition, Jay won the 1983, 1985 and 1987 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championships. His five men’s USGA Ccampionships are only bettered by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. During this run of great play, Jay also played on a record nine Walker Cup teams, amassing the greatest Walker Cup record of all time. In 1984, the USGA honored Jay with their Bob Jones Award, an honor presented annually to an individual who demonstrates the spirit, personal character, and respect for the game of golf. He also received the Ben Hogan Award, presented annually by the Golf Writers Association of America, for overcoming a significant physical handicap or illness.

In addition to his enormous success as a player, Sigel made a significant impact with his philanthropic efforts, hosting the Jay Sigel Invitational at Aronimink for 32 years and raising over $5.3 million for prostate and breast cancer research. In addition to his annual tournament, he was heavily involved with the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, serving on the board for more than four decades, including serving as president.

Playing Through: Patty Post, PGA (S2E2)

April 17, 2025Comments Off on Playing Through: Patty Post, PGA (S2E2)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 and LPGA Member Patty Post, the director of golf programs at the University of Delaware in Newark, Del., and the 2024 Northeast LPGA Section Coach of the Year.

To watch the episode, click on the below video.

If you are interested in appearing in a future episode, please complete this form by clicking here. To watch past episodes, click 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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

Host PGA of America Golf Professional Michael Chanaud Leads Peninsula Golf & Country Club Team to Victory in 2025 Southern Delaware Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino©

April 16, 2025Comments Off on Host PGA of America Golf Professional Michael Chanaud Leads Peninsula Golf & Country Club Team to Victory in 2025 Southern Delaware Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino©PPGA

Millsboro, Del. (April 16, 2025) — On a windy and cool spring day, PGA of America Golf Professional Michael Chanaud of the Peninsula Golf & Country Club in Millsboro, Del., led his team of amateurs, Roy Kiscaden, Mike Polise, and Mike Blasinky to victory in the 2025 Philadelphia PGA Southern Delaware Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino© at the Peninsula Golf & Country Club.

The winners finished with a team score of 12-under-par 60 to better the team from Little Mill Country Club, Tom Duetsch, PGA, Bob Duetsch, Scott Stump, and Ray Kaiser, by one stroke in the Net Division. Wild Quail Golf & Country Club’s Tyler Spielberger, Anthony Konrad, Matt Switzer, and Mark Stonesife finished in third place at 10-under-par. Two teams tied for fifth place.

In the Gross Division, PGA Professional Dave Quinn of Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel N.J., led his team, Mark Walker, Mike O’Keefe, and Andrew Dardan, to the top spot at 6-under-par. Rehoboth Beach Country Club’s George Bushby, PGA,John Purple Jr., Jay Whitby, and Michael McGuiness, finished in second place, one stoke back, followed by DuPont Country Club’s Mike Caldwell, PGA, Ken Merritt, Jason Henzes, and Buddy Simmons at 2-under-par. Two teams tied for fifth place.

To view the full 2025 Philadelphia PGA Southern Delaware Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino© leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Southern Delaware Pro-Am is presented by Parx Casino© and is supported by Bethany Travel. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Peninsula Golf & Country Club, its membership, management, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, and staff, as the event would not be 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, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

PGA of America Member Ticket Policy for 2025 Truist Championship

April 16, 2025Comments Off on PGA of America Member Ticket Policy for 2025 Truist ChampionshipFeatured, PPGA

The PGA Tour is coming to the Philadelphia PGA Section next month, with the Philadelphia Cricket Club hosting the 2025 Truist Championship on May 7-11!

Class A PGA of America Members, Life Members and Master Professional Members and accompanying immediate family (spouse, children and PGA Member’s parents). PGA Members must show membership card and photo I.D. each day at the main gate to pick up the daily ticket.

This offer is not extended to other Member classifications, Associates or PGA Golf Management University Students.

To learn more about the event, visit truistchampionship.com.