Westampton, N.J. (June 3, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Rising Sun, Md., has won the 38th Burlington Classic presented by WSFS Bank at Burlington Country Club. The event is also supported by Jani-King and the PGA Tour.

Barbin turned in the lowest score of the second round with 4-under-par 66 and finished at 7-under-par. He posted an impressive five birdies in today’s final round and five in yesterday’s, including a birdie on the tricky 18th hole on both days. John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, finished in second place at 2-under-par. Pillar is coming off a recent win at the 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic, and finished the second round 1-under-par 69. Four PGA Professionals tied for third place in the event at 2-under-par 138: Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Mike Meisenzahl, Little Mill C.C.; Danny Lewis, Philadelphia Cricket Club at St. Martin’s; and Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C. Shattuck posted 5-under-par 65 to lead at the end of the first round, but finished two-under to result in the four-way tie for third place.

“I played really solid today,” said Barbin after his round. “The course played very firm and fast, so I played a little more conservative today, but was fortunate to make a few putts. I was really just trying to hit as many greens as possible.”

Barbin went on to thank God for the opportunity to play the game he loves, his family, including fellow PGA Professional and brother Andrew, his caddie Carter, Burlington Country Club for hosting such a great event, and the Section staff.

John Pillar topped the Senior Division at 5-under-par. He finished four strokes ahead of Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C. Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C., tied for third with Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C., and Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., finishing at 1-over-par.

In the Super Senior division, Jack Brennan, Mountain View C.C., tied for first with Bill Sautter, Philadelphia Cricket Club, at 10-over-par. PGA Life Member Wayne Phillips finished in third place two strokes behind.

Corey Katzen recorded rounds of 72-74–146 to finish as low amateur and win the Marotto Medal by one stroke over Josh Feldschnieder. Neil Spence finished in third in the low amateur race.

View the full 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am leaderboard by clicking here.

The 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am is supported by Burlington Country Club, WSFS Bank, Jani-King and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Burlington C.C., its membership, management, staff, host PGA of America Golf Professional Mike Mack, Tournament Chair John M. Hanuscin, and the entire 2024 Burlington Classic Pro-Am Committee, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic, which is also the third Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the season, on Monday, June 17, at Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.

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

As a member of the Philadelphia PGA Section, you are invited to play in the Bermuda Celebrity Golf Invitational on October 3-7, 2024. The Bermuda Celebrity Golf Invitational is a unique opportunity for golf enthusiasts to enjoy a weekend of competition, camaraderie, social enrichment, and networking alongside celebrities and notable attendees. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Bermuda Sports Pathway program, which supports young athletes pursuing a career in sports.

To learn more and register for the Celebrity Golf Invitational Weekend package, click here.

Foursome Package Options:

• Four single-occupancy rooms for four nights / five days
• Breakfast on days two, three, and four
• Lunch on day three
• Four passes to Private Celebrity Golf Invitational Welcome Event complete with drinks, bites, pairing board, and gifting experience
• Entry for foursome into Celebrity Golf Invitational
• Autographed hat from celebrity team captain
• Four passes to prize giving / Beach Party
• Entry for foursome into Rafael “Kid” Corbin Classic
• Four passes to cruise
• Airport Transportation to/from L.D. Wade International Airport
• Ground transportation to program events

Package Price for Rosewood Bermuda Accommodations: $16,000 per foursome ($4,000 per player)

Package Price for Grotto Bay Accommodations: $12,000 per foursome ($3,000 per player)

Optional Spouse Package: Available upon request

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

Westampton, N.J. (June 2, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professionals Nick Biondi of Radley Run Country Club in West Chester, Pa., and David Linkchorst of Reading (Pa.) Country Club, led their team of amateur partners John Myers, Larry Scharf, and Mike Christinzio to victory in the 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am presented by WSFS Bank at Burlington Country Club. The event is also supported by Jani-King and the PGA Tour.

On a warm, mostly sunny day, the winning team combined for three net eagles and 22 net birdies in the two net best balls of five format, finishing with a net team score of 112, 28-under-par, to better George Frake, Morristown Field Club, and Logan Hay, Burlington C.C., Adam Varava, Rick Angelo, and Joe Dengler; and Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C., Matt Hoffman, Carlisle Barracks G.C., Tom Matera, Mayank Patel, and Dan DeMasi; by five strokes.

Spring Ford C.C.’s Rich Steinmetz and Julian Krinsky School of Golf’s Danie Steyn, and their teammates Robert Barrett, Carl Schmidt, and Nate Barrett, finished tied for fourth place at 22-under-par with Ross Brown, Fox Hill C.C., Michael Chanaud, the Peninsula G. & C.C., Mark Wenger, Dave Wandling, and John Malloy.

The individual PGA Professional event will conclude on Monday, and Rolling Green G.C.’s Braden Shattuck, leads the field at 5-under-par. John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, is one stroke behind, followed by three tied for third place at 3-under-par: Nick Biondi, Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay G.C., and Danny Lewis, Philadelphia Cricket Club.

John Pillar leads the Senior Division by two strokes over Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C. Wilmington C.C.’s Bob Lennon is in third place at 1-under-par. Two PGA Professionals are tied for fourth place at 1-over-par: Rich Steinmetz and Bill Walker, Riverton C.C.

PGA of America Life Member Wayne Phillips leads the Super Senior Division at 3-over-par by three strokes over fellow PGA Life Member Michael Versuk. The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter is in third place, four behind the leader.

Two amateurs from the first round advanced to the final round to compete for low amateur honors and the Marotto Medal on Monday, June 3, alongside the PGA Professional field. Corey Katzen and Neil Spence both sit at 2-over-par, followed by Josh Feldschnieder at 3-over-par.

View the full 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am leaderboard by clicking here.

The 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am is supported by Burlington Country Club, WSFS Bank, Jani-King and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Burlington C.C., its membership, management, staff, host PGA of America Golf Professional Mike Mack, Tournament Chair John M. Hanuscin, and the entire 2024 Burlington Classic Pro-Am Committee, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic, which is also the third Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the season, on Monday, June 17, at Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.

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

Welcome to the latest episode of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s new 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 Bob Hennefer. In addition to working as the PGA director of golf at Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel, N.J., Hennefer also serves as our Section’s vice president.

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 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (May 28, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional John Pillar of the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., won the 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic at Sunnybrook Golf Club on the third sudden-death playoff hole in front of hundreds of fans. Pillar’s $100,000 winner’s check is the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections.

Pillar turned in a 2-under-par 70 in regulation, good enough to tie fellow PGA Members Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green G.C., who recently earned Low Club Professional honors at the 2024 PGA Championship, and Kyle Early of Waynesborough C.C.

Shattuck was eliminated following a bogey five on the first playoff hole, the 390-yard par-4 18th hole; Pillar and Early tied with pars. 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.

“Winning the Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic is a life changer, to be honest,” Pillar said during the trophy presentation. “I did not know when I was going to win again. At 57 years old, it’s overwhelming, and I am so grateful.”

Pillar is no stranger to the winners circle, having won the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, the Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship, and the Section’s Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2004. He said he’s driving to Indiana on Wednesday to play in a U.S. Open qualifier.

Pillar went on to thank the event’s title partner, The Haverford Trust Company, their founder and director George Connell, Sunnybrook Golf Club and its membership, and staff, for their dedication to the Philadelphia PGA Section and its nearly 900 PGA Professionals.

Four players finished tied for fourth place at 1-under par: Michael Little, Clubhouse 54; Rusty Harbold, Philadelphia Cricket Club; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; and Stephen Swartz, Carlisle C.C..

Pillar finished atop the Senior Division as well, bettering Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., by two-strokes. Five PGA Professionals finished tied for third place at 1-over-par.

Ian Natale finished with Low Amateur honors after turning in a 1-over-par 73 to top Binney Wietlisbach by one stroke.

To view the full leaderboard, click here.

The 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic’s title partner is The Haverford Trust Company. The event is also a Rolex Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year bonus points event. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the Haverford Trust Company, Sunnybrook Golf Club, its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, 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.

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 40 years in a finance industry dominated by giants through our passion and adaptability. With 140+ employees and $13.4 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 12/31/2023.

Contacts: 
Matt Frey, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com, (215) 481-9086
Katie Karsh, Braithwaite Communications, katie@gobraithwaite.com, (610) 755-8682

Pottstown, Pa. (May 20, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa., broke Bellewood Country Club’s course record to win the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Delaware Valley Open with an 8-under-par 63. Coming off an impressive finish at the PGA Championship in Kentucky, where he earned Low Club Professional honors, Shattuck bettered Louis Kelly of Gulph Mills Golf Club by two strokes. The tournament is a Philadelphia PGA Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event, and the second Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the year.

Shattuck made eight birdies and zero bogeys en route to surpass Bellewood’s course record by two strokes, which was made even more impressive by the fact that he drove 10 hours from Louisville, Ky., following the PGA Championship’s trophy ceremony, in order to make his 2:30 p.m. tee time today. To watch Shattuck accept the Low Club Professional trophy, click here.

“I didn’t get into too much trouble today,” Shattuck said of his round. “I had a lot of short clubs in my hand, which made it a little easier, having a 130-yard approach compared to 230 yards at Valhalla.”

Returning for the third season, the Silvercrest Cup series will include four qualifying events for Philadelphia PGA Professionals, and will culminate in a $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final on September 16, hosted at Union League Liberty Hill in Lafayette Hill, Pa. For more information on the season-long race to the Silvercrest Cup, click here. In addition to receiving the winner’s share of the purse, Shattuck also took home an additional $2,500 from the Silvercrest Cup qualifier bonus pool.

“It’s amazing,” when asked about his Silvercrest Cup bonus. “We’re fortunate that they take care of us through the Silvercrest Cup final and qualifier bonuses. I am personally very thankful for Silvercrest and Allen Gray for what they do for us. I couldn’t be happier.”

Shattuck went on to thank the Rolling Green members and Rolling Green PGA Director of Golf Scott Chisholm for being so supportive, the Philadelphia PGA Section staff, his fiancée, family, and friends, for being there when he needs them.

“Being on the road for a long time can be hard, and I’m lucky to have everyone around supporting me,” said Shattuck.

The University of Delaware’s Brendon Post and Sandy Run C.C.’s Trevor Bensel tied for third place at 4-under-par. Seven PGA Golf Professionals tied for fifth place at 1-under-par.

Brendon Post, PGA, topped the Senior Division leaderboard at 4-under-par, bettering fellow PGA Professionals Terry Hertzog, Bent Creek C.C., and Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C., by three strokes. Pete Lovenguth, Sandy Run C.C., and Bill Walker tied for fourth place at 1-over-par.

The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter, PGA, took the top prize in the Super Senior Division, finishing at 2-under-par, five strokes ahead of a trio of PGA Professionals: PGA Life Members Wayne Phillips and Michael Versuk, and Greg Farrow, Deerwood C.C. PGA Life Member J.R. Delich, 82, finished in fifth place and turned in a round of 78, making it the 400th time he has shot or bettered his age on the golf course. Well played, J.R.!

The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) held an event concurrently with the Delaware Valley Open, with Louis Kelly emerging victorious. Trevor Bensel finished in second place two behind Kelly. Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs G.C., and Robert Fenton, Sunnybrook G.C., tied for third place at 1-under-par. Fifth place was rounded out by Matt Finger, DuPont C.C., Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay G.C., and Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C., all of whom shot even-par 71s.

To view the full 2024 Delaware Valley Open 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 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Shattuck, Wells head home with a trove of highlights and memories

By Jeff Babineau, PGA Pool Reporter

PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck expects the usual barrage of questions when he gets back on the practice tee at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, where he is PGA Director of Instruction.

With Shattuck, 29, having just played in his second PGA Championship, his students will want to know what his nerves were like; who he played with; and what he did to keep himself calm. This time, he will have a new question to answer: What was it like to play on the weekend at a major?

He and Jeremy Wells, a 33-year-old Director of Instruction at Cypress Lake Golf Club in Fort Myers, Florida, were the two PGA Golf Professionals from the 21-man Corebridge Financial Team who made the 36-hole cut at the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. Wells and Shattuck each were competing in their second PGA Championship, having made it to Oak Hill a year ago, and this time they saw the championship all the way through.

Both experienced highs and lows at Valhalla, but were departing Kentucky far richer for their experience. Who might benefit the most? Those lucky golfers that they teach back home.

Shattuck, winner of the 2023 PGA Professional Championship, shot a closing 3-over 74 on Sunday, managing to close out his week with three hard-earned pars to finish 72 holes in red numbers. At 1-under 283, he earned honors as the Low PGA of America Golf Professional.

“This week has been obviously awesome,” said Shattuck, whose golf career was put on hold five years ago when he was involved in a terrible car accident that herniated two disks and took him out of golf for two years. “This is the first cut I’ve made [in a big pro event], and I just happened to do it at a major.”

Wells finished on a tough note, making a triple-bogey 8 at the par-5 18th early Sunday, but it did little to dampen his memorable week-long experience. Competing elbow to elbow with the best players in the world is something he had dreamed about since starting the game at 5 years old back in Virginia. He tried the pro game for a bit, but discovered what others who try it find out: Golf is really, really hard.

Making the cut at Valhalla was something that two-time major champion Jon Rahm did not do, that U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick did not do, that six-time major champion Phil Mickelson did not do. That is, perform well enough to make it to the third round of the championship.

“What did it look like?” asked Wells Sunday afternoon, when asked to recount those starry aspirations of his youth. “It looks like this. Beautiful days playing great golf courses in front of hundreds, thousands of people. Lots of fun.”

Wells has three children 7 and under, and two of them were in Kentucky to watch their dad play. He had quite a week, sharing it with his former roommate and teammate from the College of William & Mary, Spencer Kushner, who caddied for him. His parents were at Valhalla, too. One highlight came on Wednesday, when Wells was looking to play nine holes and then get some rest. As he stood waiting to hit on the 10th tee, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Scheffler’s Ryder Cup teammate, Max Homa, stepped up to join him.

Wells’ dad, Leigh Wells, said that did wonders to relax his son for Thursday’s first round, when he shot 69.

Wells said he drew inspiration, as many PGA of America Golf Professionals have, from the T-15 performance of PGA Professional Michael Block last May at Oak Hill. One thing he will take with him home to Florida is the desire to play more golf with his students, and not just watch them hit balls on a practice tee.

He also hoped that a great week in Kentucky leaves a lasting impression on his son, Mason, and daughter, Chloe, who were troopers all week, joining their mom, Melissa, in watching their father play his rounds.

“I hope they learn, my kids especially, just the amount of hard work that goes into this,” Wells said. “Got to hang in there, whatever it is in life. If you continue to stay focused and refine it through time, you can always get better. And we’re going to do that again for next year, or for the next opportunity.”

Shattuck wore a ribbon to honor his friend Dustin Wallis, member of the Philadelphia PGA Section whose life ended unexpectedly, and much too soon, at age 45 last month. Asked if Wallis would have approved of his showing at Valhalla, Shattuck said, “I think so… I think so. Hopefully he’s proud.”

For both Shattuck and Wells there will be plenty of time down the road to savor their great week, but on Monday, there was golf to play. Wells was trying to get back for a South Florida PGA Section event on Monday; Shattuck faced driving 10 hours home to Pennsylvania, hoping to make a time for a Section event at Bellwood, which is a Silver Crest Cup qualifier.

As the 2023 PPC champion, Shattuck still has three PGA Tour exemptions upcoming in 2024. He hopes to play Rocket Mortgage, John Deere and Barracuda. In challenging times, he can just harken back to his play at Valhalla.

About 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

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 Member Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pa., will be making a major championship appearance at the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Mich., on May 23-26.

McNabb qualified via their play in last year’s Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., where the top 35 finishers earn exemptions into the men’s senior major. McNabb has played several major championships, including in last year’s year’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, where he made the first-ever competitive hole-in-one at PGA Frisco in Texas.

Rich Steinmetz of Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa., had also qualified, but unfortunately had to withdraw due to an injury. Steinmetz, the two-time Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Champion, and a past PGA Championship competitor, made his senior men’s major championship debut at last year’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

We hope you will help us root Dave on as he competes in front of the fans in Michigan. If you are unable to attend the championship, we have listed the television broadcast times below.

How to Watch: 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

Thursday, May 23
Golf Channel: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
McNabb: 2:19 p.m. start time

Friday, May 24
Golf Channel: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
McNabb: 8:54 a.m. start time

Saturday, May 25
NBC: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 27
Golf Channel: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
NBC: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

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

Louisville, Kentucky (May 18, 2024) – PGA of America Golf Professionals Braden Shattuck (Philadelphia PGA Section) and Jeremy Wells (South Florida PGA Section) made the cut at the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. It’s the first time since 2021 that more than one PGA of America Golf Professional will play the weekend at the PGA Championship.

Shattuck, the PGA Director of Instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, made the cut after missing last year in his first  appearance in the PGA Championship.

Beginning the second round on the 10th hole, Shattuck got off to a quick start with birdies on holes 11-13. He made the turn at 2-under, however bogies on holes 3 and 4 nudged him outside the cutline. He needed at least one birdie over the final two holes to get within the top-70 and ties to reach the weekend. The birdie came on the par-3 8th hole (his 17th of the round) courtesy of draining a 35-footer.

On the par-4 9th, he found the fairway bunker off the tee and a greenside bunker with this approach. He stared down a 4-footer then holed it for par.

“The cup looked like the size of a thimble on that last 4-footer,” Shattuck said, smiling, “but, thankfully, it found its way to the middle.”

Shattuck had to rebuild his swing due to a car accident in 2019, herniating two disks in his back and unable to swing a golf club for two years. He won the 2023 PGA Professional Championship to play at Oak Hill, where missing the cut last year left him wanting more.

This will be his first time playing the weekend of a Major Championship as part of the Corebridge Financial Team.

“That’s something you take a lot of pride in,” he said. “It’s nice to represent the PGA of America out here.”

Shattuck began his third round at 1:34 p.m. ET off the 10th tee paired with S.H. Kim and Stephan Jaeger.

Wells (2-under), the PGA Director of Player Development at Cypress Lake Golf Club in Fort Myers, Florida, finished his second round Saturday morning after play was suspended due to darkness on Friday.

A good night’s rest isn’t always easy to come by for a father of three. Trying to sleep with two holes still to play to make his first cut at the PGA Championship may be even harder.

“We woke our kids up at 4:30 to get to the golf course,” Wells said. “We were in blankets in the clubhouse. Yeah, didn’t sleep very well but it wasn’t the first time I felt that way.

“Fortunately, I got to play 8 and 9 this morning, which are kind of normal holes here. But even still, I knew I was going to have to stand over a couple 3-footers.”

With a two-putt par on the par-3 8th hole, Wells had a shot to spare to make the 1-under cut on his 36th hole, alleviating some stress for the 2-footer that finished his even-par round.

Wells made the Corebridge Financial Team in 2023 at Oak Hill, but missed the cut. Making the weekend this year was the ultimate goal.

“We have a Section Championship which leads to the National Championship (PGA Professional Championship) which leads to the PGA Championship, and then you have a cut at the PGA Championship,” Wells said. “Now that I’ve made this cut, hopefully some of the pressure is off because these next two days are kind of the goal for my year. I’m fortunate enough to get this far to the PGA Championship.”

Wells will begin his third round at 1:01 p.m. ET off the 10th tee paired with 2010 PGA Champion Martin Kaymer (2-under) and Tyrell Hatton (2-under).

The last time more than one PGA of America Golf Professional made the cut at the PGA Championship was 2021 at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, when Ben Cook (Michigan Section) and Brad Marek (Northern California Section) played the weekend.

Corebridge Financial broadened its partnership with the PGA of America to include title sponsorship of the PGA of America Member teams, formerly known as the Team of 20 (PGA Championship); Team of 35 (KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship); and Team of 9 (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship). Each group will now be recognized as the Corebridge Financial Team.

The PGA Championship continues May 18-19 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. You can stream, watch or listen on the networks of CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount, ESPN, ESPN+ and SiriusXM Radio.

About 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

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