Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (August 27, 2021) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is pleased to announce that Courtney Curcio has been named the next Director of PGA REACH Philadelphia, the Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable arm, effective September 1, 2021. Leila Mackie, the foundation’s first director, has accepted a position with the PGA of America.

Curcio has worked for the Philadelphia Section since 2017, when she joined as a communications intern prior to graduating Neumann University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Entertainment and Management. Her hard work identified her as a valuable member of the Section staff and was hired full-time as a coordinator for the foundation in 2019, where she worked closely with Mackie daily on foundation programming and operations. She will continue the work Mackie and she started, ensuring a seamless transition to continue PGA REACH Philadelphia’s mission to positively impact lives through the game of golf.

“While we are sad to see Leila leave, we are happy for her and her next chapter, and expect to continue working with her in her new role with the PGA of America; we wish her nothing but the best,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “We are equally excited for Courtney to continue PGA REACH Philadelphia’s important work, and are very confident in her abilities to lead the foundation into the future.”

“I am delighted to step into this role and have the opportunity to continue to help grow the foundation’s programming and fundraising efforts for our membership, while also building on our mission in the Philadelphia PGA Section,” said Curcio. “Working so closely with Leila since the launch of our foundation three years ago has prepared me to continue to grow our programs and build our brand.”

To send a congratulatory note to Courtney, click here.

Mackie began her career with the Section in 2012 as a PGA Golf Management intern from Clemson University. The following season, she was hired full-time as Player Development Coordinator, and was eventually promoted to Player Development Director, in which she organized and administered various programs with the goal of growing the game. She was elected to PGA Membership in 2013. In 2018, she was tapped to launch PGA REACH Philadelphia, becoming the foundation’s first director. Since its inception, the foundation has raised nearly $150,000 specifically for its Youth, Military, and Diversity pillars, which include programs such as PGA Jr. League, PGA HOPE Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarships and mentor program. Mackie’s new role will be in the PGA of America’s employment department, where she will act as a Career Services Recruitment Specialist, boosting employment opportunities across the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Metropolitan PGA Sections. She and her husband, Kevin, will remain living in the Philadelphia area. To send Leila well wishes, click here.

Allison Zwarka, a Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour tournament coordinator, has also accepted another position, effective August 27. She is headed back to her alma mater, Michigan State University, to work as its athletic department’s Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing. Zwarka worked as a tournament intern in 2019 and joined the Section staff full-time in 2020.

“Allison was a great addition to our team,” continued Surrette. “We will miss her, but know she will do a great job working as a Spartan.”

PGA REACH Philadelphia is currently accepting applications for foundation coordinator and tournament coordinator positions.

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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA REACH 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.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (August 25, 2021) — The team representing Yardley C.C. won the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Summer Pro-Lady Championship at Sunnybrook Golf Club on a day where temperatures approached 95 degrees Fahrenheit. PGA Professional Rick Hughart led his team of amateur women golfers to finish with a net score of 53, 19-under-par, to win by five strokes over the team from Medford Village C.C.

The winning team’s scorecard included three net eagles and 13 net birdies in the one better ball of four format, which helped give them the edge over the team from Medford Village, which included PGA Professional Greg Matthias, and amateurs Anne D’Amico, Sue Niedrach, and Angelica Lyons.

Four teams tied for third, two representing Sunnybrook, Bidermann G.C., and Saucon Valley C.C. Sunnybrook’s teams were led by PGA Professional Greg Wingate, Debbie Maine, Alison Shoemaker, Nina Talbot and Brad Sanders, PGA, Patty Graver, Pam Piotrowicz, and Megan Piotrowicz. Bidermann’s team featured Braden Shattuck, PGA, Aubree Wellons, Anna Kittelson, and Blakely Larrabee. Saucon Valley was represented by Chris Duckett, PGA, Kelly Borneman, Alisa Graybill, and Michele Haldeman.

In the Gross Division, Commonwealth National G.C.’s Dan Mrozinski, PGA, led his amateur golfers Karen Siegel, Emma Reilly, and Audrey Reese to victory with a 7-under-par 65. They clipped Shattuck’s Bidermann team and PGA Professional Tom Gilbert’s Gulph Mills G.C. team (Missy Wietlisbach, Ellen Miller, and Ellie Good) by one stroke.

The 2021 Philadelphia PGA Summer Pro-Lady Team Championship is supported by the Lincoln Motor Company, Trinity Flavors, and Workhorse Brewing Company. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Sunnybrook G.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2021 Philadelphia PGA Summer Pro-Lady Team Championship 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

West Chester, Pa. (August 16, 2021) — PGA Professional Brian Kelly won the 2021 Pro-Am for Wishes at Penn Oaks Golf Club in a three-person playoff with Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; and Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.

Bucknell Golf Club’s Kelly started his final round two strokes behind first round leaders Bergstol and Oakley but was able to make four birdies en route to a 68, finishing at 2-under-par, which set an early clubhouse lead. Oakley birdied the 36th hole to tie, while Bergstol parred.

As raindrops began to fall, Kelly got up and down on the first playoff hole (No. 1) from just short and right of the green to make par and secure his first Philadelphia PGA victory since the 2019 TaylorMade Classic.

Chris Krueger, Kings Creek C.C.; finished in solo fourth place at 1-under-par, while Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C.; Mike Tobiason, Deerfield; John Cooper, Green Valley C.C.; and Hugo Mazzalupi, Patriots Glen National G.C.; finished tied for fifth at even par.

Kelly also finished atop the Senior Division, two clear of Cooper and Mazzalupi, and four ahead of Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C.; and Stu Ingraham, M Golf Range & Learning Facility.

To view the 2021 Pro-Am for Wishes full leaderboard, click here. 

The pro-am portion of the event took place on Sunday, August 15 with PGA Professionals John Spina and Zac Oakley leading their respective amateur teams to tie for the title. Spina’s team included Ned Scheffler and Mike Chapman, while Oakley’s featured Joe Paris and Zach Paris. To read more about the pro-am, click here.

The Pro-Am for Wishes has been held annually at Penn Oaks Golf Club since 2011 (the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic) to benefit Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. The 2021 Pro-Am for Wishes is supported by Otto’s BMW, Smart from the Start Childcare, Crothall Healthcare, Exelon Corporation, and T.Lad & Kristin Webb. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Penn Oaks G.C., 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Kennett Square, Pa. (August 12, 2021) — PGA Member Ashley Grier of Overbrook Golf Club made history by winning the inaugural Women’s Philadelphia PGA Championship at  Kennett Square Golf & Country Club amidst the Philadelphia PGA Section’s centennial year.

Grier, the 2020 Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year, finished the 18-hole championship with a 1-over-par 72 to win by four strokes over her sister, Andrea Grier of Wilmington C.C. Grier had built a seven-stroke lead through 17 holes, which gave her some breathing room on 18, after she found her third shot in what she described as one of the worst lies of her career.

“It is always cool to be an inaugural champion,” said Grier. “I stayed patient on the course today, particularly on the greens.

“This is a competitive tournament, but the best part about today was getting to see everyone and had a good day on the course together,” Grier continued. “Today was special.”

Patty Post, University of Delaware; Victoria Petrosky, Fox Hill C.C.; Marjorie Jones, the Shore Club; and Jennifer Cully, HoneyBrook G.C.; each tied for third place at 8-over-par.

Fourteen women PGA Professionals competed at Kennett Square, 50 percent of the Philadelphia PGA’s women’s membership. The Section’s tournament and women’s committees and staff worked hard over the past 18 months to create this championship for its female PGA Members and Associates. The Section plans to grow the championship into one of its premier events each year.

The inaugural Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is supported by Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG), Scott & Karen Hutchinson, Visit Delco, Pa., and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Kennett Square G. & C.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full inaugural Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Huntingdon Valley, Pa. (August 9, 2021) — PGA Member Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs G.C., won the 2021 William Hyndman III Memorial Golf Classic at Huntingdon Valley Country Club, clinching his first-ever Philadelphia PGA Section tournament victory.

Fick turned in a 5-under-par 65 to win the Rolex Player of the Year event honoring the legendary William Hyndman III by one stroke over Lookaway G.C.’s Michael Little, PGA. Fick made seven birdies on Monday, including a stretch of five between Nos. 10-15. Fick hit his approach into the front left bunker on No. 18, but had to wait over one hour to finish his round, as severe weather temporarily suspended play. Fick ultimately two-putted for his 65.

“I am very happy and excited to win my first Section tournament,” Fick said following his round. “I played pretty well and kept the ball in play the whole round. I actually didn’t miss a green on the back nine until 18.”

Ross Brown, Fox Hill C.C., finished in third place, three behind Fick. Four PGA Professionals tied for fourth at 1-under-par.

In addition to winning the tournament, Fick secured the victory in the Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) Division, finishing four ahead of PGA Professionals Ashley Grier, Overbrook G.C.; Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; and Brett Walker, Sunnybrook G.C.

PGA Member Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., continued his stellar play from his win last week at the Philadelphia PGA Skee Riegel Senior Open to win the Senior Division at even-par, one ahead of George Forster, PGA, and Hugo Mazzalupi, Patriots Glen National G.C. PGA Life Member Michael Versuk topped the Super Senior Division with a 73, five strokes ahead of Frank Palumbo, Rolling Green G.C.

The 2021 William Hyndman III Memorial Golf Classic, a Rolex Player of the Year event, is supported by the Hyndman Family, Kevin McCellan Golf Sales, Jack Jolly & Son Inc., Ohana Farm LLC, and Jani-King. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Huntingdon Valley C.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2021 William Hyndman III Memorial Golf Classic leaderboard, click here.

About William Hyndman III 

William Hyndman III was one of the most accomplished Philadelphia amateur golfers in history. Hyndman’s resume developed early by winning the 1935 Philadelphia Amateur at the age of 19; he ultimately accumulated three Philadelphia Amateur titles, 10 Patterson Cup crowns, and six Silver Crosses. Hyndman also made nine Masters Tournament appearances and made a hole-in-one on Augusta National G.C.’s 12th hole. By the time Hyndman ended his golfing career, he had competed in 50 USGA championships, including playing on five Walker Cup teams and winning two U.S. Senior Amateur titles.

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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Villanova, Pa. (August 5, 2021) — Applebrook Golf Club’s PGA Head Professional, Dave McNabb turned in a 4-under-par 66 to win the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Skee Riegel Senior Open at Radnor Valley Country Club by three strokes over Terry Hertzog, Merion G.C.

McNabb bettered his 2016 winning score in this event by one stroke. Jason Panter, InClub Golf; and John DiMarco, Woodcrest C.C.; tied for third place at even-par.

“I got off to a relatively slow start from a ball striking perspective,” McNabb said of his round. “I didn’t hit a green in regulation until the sixth hole, but had some great up and downs and hung in there long enough to start hitting it well. I figured if I could just be patient on my way in there would be some opportunities.

“I have not been in this position in a while,” McNabb continued. “I have been playing good golf, but haven’t gotten a ton of results. Being in contention and finding a way to get it done was comforting.”

McNabb went on to say that it is always an honor to win this event (following his 2016 win) as Skee Riegel has had a lasting impact on our Section. He also thanked his Appblebrook G.C. members and Titleist for all their support.

Frog Hollow G.C.’s PGA Head Professional, Patrick Keefe, finished with a 1-over-par 71 to win the Super Senior Division by two strokes over Don DeAngelis, Spring Ford C.C.

Ronald Weaver tied for fifth place at 1-over-par and finished as low amateur, five strokes ahead of fellow amateur Greg Osborne, Overlook G.C.

The 2021 Philadelphia PGA Skee Riegel Senior Open is supported by Jani-King. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Radnor Valley C.C., its membership, management, and host PGA Professionals, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2021 Philadelphia PGA Skee Riegel Senior Open leaderboard, click here.

About Robert Henry “Skee” Riegel, PGA
Skee Riegel was born in 1914 in New Bloomfield, Pa., and grew up in eastern Pennsylvania. Riegel served in the U.S. Air Corps as a flight instructor during World War II. After leaving the service he rose to the top of amateur golf, winning the U.S. Amateur in 1947, the Western Amateur in 1948 and the Trans-Mississippi Amateur in 1946 and 1948. Riegel also played on the U.S. Walker Cup teams in 1947 and 1949, remaining unbeaten in Walker Cup play. Riegel turned professional in 1950 and was one of the first golfers involved in strength training. In 1951, he nearly won the Masters, finishing in second place behind Ben Hogan. Riegel returned to Pennsylvania to become PGA Head Professional at Radnor Valley Country Club in 1954, where he continued his winning ways, claiming victory in the 1957 and 1959 Pennsylvania Opens and the 1960 Philadelphia Open. He left Radnor Valley at the end of 1961 for the opportunity to participate in the ownership of a new golf course, York Road G.C. in Bucks County, now known as the Bucks Club. For over 30 years, Riegel was a permanent member of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s Tournament Committee and served as Rules Chair for every Section tournament. In 1975, he was given the Section’s PGA Professional Development Award for his many hours spent educating the golf professionals on the rules of golf. Riegel was inducted into the Philadelphia Section Hall of Fame in 1993.

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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (August 3, 2021) — On Monday, July 26, PGA REACH Philadelphia, the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 501(c)(3) chairitable arm, raised over $50,000 from its second annual pro-am championship at Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del., which featured a sold-out field of 152 players.

PGA REACH Philadelphia launched the annual event in 2020 to help support its Youth, Military, and Diversity programming, and to spread the word about its mission to positively impact lives though the game of golf.

“We are thrilled that our second pro-am championship was such a success,” said PGA REACH Philadelphia Director Leila Mackie, PGA.”The support shown by our partners and players is very encouraging for our future. Following a challenging year in 2020, it is wonderful to see that we will continue to make a real impact on individuals and families within our community through our youth, military, and diversity programs.”

The 2021 PGA REACH Philadelphia Pro-Am Championship’s Premier Partner is the Union League of Philadelphia. Its Presenting Partners are Scott & Karen Hutchinson, Lincoln Motor Company, and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, and is supported by American Floors Inc., Deal of the Day Inc., Golf Genius Software, Ohana Farm LLC, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trinity Flavors, William E. Howe & Co., Workhorse Brewing Co., Visit Delco, Pa., Corkcicle, Bridgestone Golf, and Maui Jim.

“As our nation continues to open back up and get back to normal, it is wonderful to see such a strong showing at our second annual pro-am,” said Philadelphia PGA Section Executive Director Geoffrey Surrette, PGA. “The people who participated in this pro-am believe in PGA REACH Philadelphia and our mission.”

PGA REACH Philadelphia offers several programs to support local youth, veterans, and diverse golfers, including PGA Jr. League, Golf in Schools, PGA HOPE Philadelphia (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship, and Diversity Scholars Mentor Program.

On a warm summer day, Bidermann G.C.’s superb Dick Wilson layout received rave reviews from the participants. The Springhaven Club’s Ben Debski, PGA, led his team of amateur partners, Tim Dormer, Steve Conron Sr., and Steve Conron Jr. finished at 15-under-par, with a team score of 57 in the one net best ball format. Finishing one stroke behind was Wilmington C.C.’s Bob Lennon, PGA, Alan Majewski, John Urbanski, and Rich Brezski. To view the full 2021 PGA REACH Philadelphia Pro-Am Championship leaderboard, click here.

After competing in the event, PGA REACH Philadelphia Trustee Level Donors Scott and Karen Hutchinson presented the foundation’s board and staff with an additional donation of $10,000. The foundation thanks Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson for their continued emphatic support of our mission and programs.

A portion of the money raised during the pro-am came from our online auction. As a bonus item, there is still time to bid on a yearlong Dormie Network membership. To bid, click here.

PGA REACH Philadelphia is already planning next year’s pro-am, which will take place at the Philadelphia Cricket Club on October 11, 2022.

PGA REACH Philadelphia, the Philadelphia PGA Section, and its PGA Professionals, thank our partners, Boards of Directors, subcommittees, Bidermann G.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our PGA HOPE Philadelphia and Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship volunteers, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view photos from the 2021 PGA REACH Philadelphia Pro-Am Championship, click here. To learn more about PGA REACH Philadelphia, next year’s pro-am, how you can support our mission, and to donate, visit PGAREACHPhiladelphia.com.

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA REACH 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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