Author: Matt Frey

Philadelphia PGA Section Launches Online Golf Shop

With the 2025 golf season in full swing and the PGA Championship upon us, we wanted to share something we’ve been working on in the Philadelphia PGA Section: we have launched an online golf shop, which will be available year-round! The new shop allows us to offer apparel and accessories embroidered with the Philadelphia PGA Section logo, and ship it directly to you. The shop also offers PGA Championship and Ryder Cup logoed items. Net proceeds will be donated to our charitable foundation, PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia.

PGA of America Members and Associates from our Section are eligible for a 15 percent discount on all items; PGA Professionals may redeem the discount by entering “PHILA15

This endeavor has been many months in the making and we are delighted to introduce it to you. More brands will continue to be added in the weeks ahead, and we will announce them as they become available. We look forward to hearing your feedback, and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, or call the shop’s dedicated customer service line at (833) 366-4653.

To visit the online shop, click on the below button.

Shop

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

Moselem Springs, Berkleigh Revive GALV Reading Open

Fleetwood, Pa. (May 15, 2025) — Moselem Springs Golf Club, in collaboration with Berkleigh Golf Club, is proud to announce the return of the GALV Reading Open, an iconic professional tournament that was a regular PGA Tour stop in the 1940s and 1950s, previously held at storied venues such as Berkshire Country Club and Reading Country Club. With past champions including legends like Sam Snead and Ben Hogan, the tournament is being reimagined for a new generation of PGA of America Golf Professionals, while honoring its prestigious roots.

The 2025 GALV Reading Open is scheduled on July 7-8, with rounds played at both Berkleigh Golf Club and Moselem Springs Golf Club. The final round will be hosted at Moselem Springs, showcasing top PGA Professionals from golf facilities across the region, and delivering elite-level competition to the heart of Berks County. The tournament is a Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year event.

“We are thrilled to bring back an important piece of Pennsylvania golf history,” said Moselem Springs Golf Club General Manager Chris Walton. “Our partnership with Berkleigh, the Philadelphia PGA Section, and the Golf Association of Lehigh Valley, sets the stage to envision and create a new future for the Reading Open.”

The event is designed with the community in mind: spectator admission is free, and photography is permitted. Organizers are inviting local businesses and individuals to get involved as partners to help support the event’s revival and future growth.

To learn more or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Chris Walton atcwalton@moselemgolf.com.

For more on the historic legacy of the Reading Open, please visit: wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_Open.

About Moselem Springs Golf Club
Moselem Springs Golf Club in Fleetwood, Pa., has been recognized as one of America’s greatest golf courses. Set in the lush, rolling hills of Berks County, it is truly a spectacular “golfing enclave of great natural beauty and a course of unusual charm and excellence”, to quote its founder, Hawley Quier.

For 60 years, this pristine, George Fazio designed course has lured the finest golfers in the State and beyond, as well as been a venue for teaching and nurturing those new to the game. It is also the perfect locale for building and networking corporate relationships. As a golf-only club, with a highly acclaimed restaurant, the focus is always on a sublime experience. moselemgolf.com

About Berkleigh Golf Club
Berkleigh Golf Club is set among the majestic rolling hills of Kutztown, Pa., and was a private golf club for over 90 years until opening to the public in 2007. Berkleigh has a rich history in Berks County and was host to the LPGA Betsy King Classic for many years. The club, founded by residents of Berks and Lehigh counties, is easily accessible from both counties; and is a staple of the surrounding communities. berkleighgolf.com

About the Golf Association of Lehigh Valley
The Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to promoting and growing the game of golf in the greater Lehigh Valley region for youth and adult golfers, and to preserving the unique history of the game in the region. Learn more at golfgalv.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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

PGA of America Golf Professional Kyle Miller Leads Team to Victory in 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championship Presented by Parx Casino© and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

Allentown, Pa. (May 8, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Kyle Miller of Bellewood Country Club in Pottstown, Pa., led his team of amateurs, Val Wad, Michelle Gunzelmann, and Megan Harvey, to a Net victory in the 2025 Philadelphia PGA Spring Pro-Lady Team Championship Presented by Parx Casino© and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board at Lehigh Country Club.

The winning team finished their round with a net team score of 18-under-par 50 in the Four-Ball / one best ball of four format. They bettered Moselem Springs G.C.’s Jeff Fick, Delia Keys, Jessica Wolgemuth, and Jill Kramer, by one stroke. Concord C.C.’s Mike Moses, Michele Lynch, Barbara Lyons Barbara, Nancy Denig; Lehigh C.C.’s Kevin Ryan, Linda Poluch, Colleen Baker, and Terry Khoury; Old York Road C.C.’s Eric Speidel, Casey Kane, Donna Bradley, Hilary Brown; and Glen Brook G.C.’s Dustin McCormick, Allison Stettler, Patty Wiesmeth, and Deb Bettini; tied for third place at 15-under-par.

Fick’s Moselem Springs team finished atop the Gross Division at 6-under-par, bettering Lehigh C.C.’s Kevin Ryan, Linda Poluch, Colleen Baker, and Terry Khoury; and Cedarbrook C.C.’s Ron Pine, Denise Marcinek, Lori DiFerdinando, and Marilyn Phillips; by two strokes. Four teams tied for fourth place.

To view the full 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championship is presented by Parx Casino© and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Lehigh Country 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

Twenty-Seventh Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic Returns to Sunnybrook Golf Club on May 27 With Nation’s Largest First Place Prize for Any PGA Section Member Tournament

Radnor, Pa. (May 7, 2025) — With the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections, the 27th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic returns to Sunnybrook Golf Club in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., on May 27.

One-hundred-thirty-two PGA of America Golf Professionals will compete for the $100,000 first-place prize money, won last by John Pillar, PGA of America Golf Professional at the Country Club at Woodloch Springs. The professionals will be joined by 16 amateurs.

“As we gear up for the tournament’s 27th year, we look forward to welcoming 132 PGA of America Golf Professionals and 16 amateurs from across our region for another day of thrilling competition at Sunnybrook,” said Joe McLaughlin, Chairman & CEO of Haverford Trust. “All of us at Haverford Trust are proud to once again sponsor this exciting invitational and honor the tremendous impact PGA Members have on the game of golf throughout Greater Philadelphia.”

“The Philadelphia PGA Section thanks Mr. George Connell and the entire team at Haverford Trust for consistently sponsoring this tournament and for providing our PGA Professionals with the opportunity to compete,” said Geoff Surrette, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section Executive Director. “We feel honored by their ongoing support and commitment to the game and business of golf here in Philadelphia.”

The tournament was last won in 2024 by John Pillar, PGA Professional from the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., following three sudden-death playoff holes. Pillar turned in a 2-under-par 70 in regulation, tying fellow PGA Members Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green G.C. and Kyle Early of Waynesborough C.C. Shattuck was eliminated following a bogey five on the first playoff hole, while Pillar and Early each parred. Both went on to birdie the second playoff hole, including a dramatic 25-footer from Pillar. Pillar took the title and top prize with another birdie on the third playoff hole, finishing 2 under par with an overall score of 70 in a pool made up of 148 players (132 PGA of America Golf Professionals and 16 Amateurs).

For more information on the 27th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic, visit golfgenius.com/pages/5148811.

Haverford Trust Company President, Keith Aleardi (left); Vice Chair, Binney Wietlisbach (second from left); Founder & Director, George Connell (center); Chairman & CEO, Joe McLaughlin (right); present the 26th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic winner’s trophy and $100,000 first-place check to John Pillar, PGA Professional from the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa.

Tournament Facts
Tournament Name 
– The Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic
Sponsor – The Haverford Trust Company
Venue – Sunnybrook Golf Club – Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
Yardage  6,893
Par –72
Host Professional – Brad Sanders, PGA
Total Purse – $167,600 / 1st Place Prize – $100,000
2024 Champion – John Pillar, PGA, The Country Club at Woodloch Springs, Score – 2 under par (70), won in playoff
2024 Runners Up – Kyle Early, PGA, Waynesborough Country Club; Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green Golf Club; Score – 2 under par (70), lost in playoff
Field – 148 (132 PGA of America Golf Professionals, 16 amateurs)

Past Champions Eligible to Play
Dave Quinn, PGA – 2001, 2005
Dave Roberts, PGA – 2002
George Forster, PGA – 2008
Hugh Reilly, PGA – 2011
Scott Reilly, PGA – 2012
Billy Stewart – 2013
Rusty Harbold, PGA – 2014
Dave McNabb, PGA – 2016
Andrew Turner, PGA – 2017
Mark Parson, PGA – 2018
George Forster, PGA – 2019
Parks Price, PGA – 2021
Brian Bergstol, PGA – 2023
John Pillar, PGA – 2024

Social Media: #haverfordclassic

About Haverford
The Haverford Trust Company was founded in 1979 on Philadelphia’s landmark Rittenhouse Square. Since our founding, one thing has remained unchanged…our commitment to quality. Haverford has prospered for more than 450 years in a finance industry dominated by giants through our passion and adaptability. With 140+ employees and $14.6 billion* in assets, our size is our advantage. We focus on the essentials: the Quality Investing philosophy whose goal is to provide our clients with the right mix of stability and growth across the market cycle. For more information, visit haverfordquality.com.

*Including assets under management or consultation for The Haverford Trust Company and Haverford Financial Services as of 3/31/2025

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 J.T. Wambold Wins 2025 TaylorMade Classic Following Four-Player Sudden-Death Playoff

Egg Harbor Township, N.J. (May 5, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional J.T. Wambold, Yardley (Pa.) Country Club, made birdie on the second hole of a four-player sudden-death playoff to win the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2025 TaylorMade Classic at Ballamor Golf Club, bettering Nick Parga, Old York Road Country Club in Spring House, Pa.; Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Rising Sun, Md.; and Riley Wheeldon, Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa. The tournament is a Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year event.

Wambold finished his round in regulation with a 6-under-par 66, which propelled him into the playoff. It was his first Philadelphia PGA Section win of his career.

“I birdied the first three holes,” Wambold said after the playoff. “I hit the ball very well today.”

Wambold said today’s round was his first at Ballamor.

Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford  C.C., and Austin Barbin, Chesapeake Bay G.C., tied for fifth place at 5-under-par.

Steinmetz finished atop the Senior Division, thanks to his 5-under-par round of 67. Steinmetz bettered John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, and Brian Kelly, Titleist Fit Crew, by four strokes. Hugo Mazzalupi, Radnor Golf Foundation, finished in a tie for fourth place at even-par with Jason Wilson, Bethlehem G.C.

Greg Farrow, Deerwood C.C., finished with a 1-over-par 73 to win the Super Senior Division, bettering Darryl Lock, Skippack G.C., by one stroke, and Jack Brennan, Mountain View C.C., by two strokes.

The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) held an event concurrently with the TaylorMade Classic, and it also featured a sudden-death playoff. J.T. Wambold defeated Zach Barbin on  the X playoff hole. Austin Barbin, Chesapeake Bay G.C., finished in third place with a 67. Four PGA Professionals tied for fourth place at 4-under-par.

Richard Stolz, Big Swing Golf Center, provided one of the event’s best shots, making a hole-in-one on No. 12. Stolz used an 8-iron from 167 yards. Well played, Richard!

To view the full 2025 TaylorMade Classic leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 TaylorMade Classic is presented by TaylorMade, and supported by KM Golf Sales, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Ballamor Golf Club, its membership, management, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year event on the Section tournament schedule is the 27th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic on May 27 at Sunnybrook Golf Club.
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

Playing Through: Jim Smith Jr., PGA (S2E3)

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 Member Jim Smith Jr., the 2024 PGA of America Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient, and the PGA director of golf at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in Flourtown, Pa., host of next week’s Truist Championship on the PGA Tour.

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

PGA VendorMatch Registration for 2026 PGA Championship Suppliers Opens May 6

Registration for PGA VendorMatch in support of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa., will open tomorrow, May 6!
 
PGA VendorMatch underscores the PGA of America’s commitment to local economic growth, community impact, and supplier inclusion in the host communities of its major spectator events. Sourcing opportunities will be available across 19 categories ranging from food and beverage, florals, transportation, electrician services, staffing, and more.
 
Register for PGA VendorMatch to potentially meet with the PGA of America and/or its larger suppliers for procurement opportunities: https://www.vraconnect.org/pga-vendor-match

Five Philadelphia PGA of America of America Members Make 2025 PGA Professional Championship Final Cut

Five PGA of America Golf Professionals hailing from the Philadelphia PGA Section have made the 2025 PGA Professional Championship cut and will compete in the final round on Wednesday, April 30: Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Brett Walker, Chester Valley Golf Club; Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run Country Club; Mike Meisenzahl, Tavistock Country Club; and Zac Oakley, Bidermann Golf Club. The top 20 finishers following the conclusion of play will qualify for the 2025 PGA Championship, May 12-18, at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of the Corebridge Financial PGA Team.

The final round will be broadcast on Wednesday from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. To view the full leaderboard, 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