Author: Matt Frey

FDS Winter Tour Releases 2021-22 Schedule

October 22, 2021Comments Off on FDS Winter Tour Releases 2021-22 SchedulePPGA

November 1
Cedarbrook Country Club
Blue Bell, Pa.
Two-person modified better ball

November 8
Yardley Country Club
Yardley, Pa.
Two-person better ball

November 15
Green Valley Country Club
Lafayette Hill, Pa.
Two-person scramble

November 22
North Hills Country Club
Glenside, Pa.
MB two-person wacky hole locations

November 29
Raven’s Claw Golf Club
Pottstown, Pa.
Two-person DR chapman

December 6
Talamore Country Club
Ambler, Pa.
Two-person scramble

December 13
Bucks Club
Jamison, Pa.
Individual

December 20
Lulu Country Club
Glenside, Pa.
Two-person better ball

December 27
Odessa National Golf Club
Townsend, Del.
Individual

January 3
Paxon Hollow Country Club
Media, Pa.
Individual

January 10
TPC at Johnny C
Bensalem Township Country Club
Bensalem, Pa.
Two-person better ball

January 17
Indian Spring Country Club
Marlton, N.J.
Two-person scramble

January 24
Odessa National Golf Club
Townsend, Del.
Individual

January 31
Bucks Club
Jamison, Pa.
Two-person better ball stableford

February 7
Hershey’s Mill Golf Club
West Chester, Pa.
Two-person modified better ball

February 14
TPC at Johnny C
Bensalem Township Country Club
Bensalem, Pa.
Two-person DR chapman

February 21
Talamore Country Club
Ambler, Pa.
Two-person modified better ball

February 28
Kimberton Golf Club
Phoenixville, Pa.
Individual

March 7
Paxon Hollow Country Club
Media, Pa.
Individual

March 14
Laurel Creek Country Club
Mount Laurel, N.J.
Four-person two better ball of four

March 21
Cedarbrook Country Club
Blue Bell, Pa.
Championship

To sign up for an event you must either email Jamie Shaffer at shaffer004@aol.com or text at (215) 915-3809.
Eligibility: Both professionals and amateurs are welcome. There is an open and amateur division. The amateur division will compete for net prizes. Amateurs are welcome to participate in both divisions. However, they must pay separate entries, but only one walk/ride fee. Amateurs will receive gift certificates at the host club.

Event Registration: MANDATORY – To sign up for an event you must either email Jamie Shaffer at shaffer004@aol.com or text at (215) 915-3809.

Starting Times: All events will be 10:15 shotgun starts. Please let me know you are playing, so the host facility can be appropriately prepared! Also, be on time or we will start without you.

Fees: Cash only. No checks will be accepted.

Tour Registration: $70.00 – must be paid at the first event you play.

Entry Fees: Open Division $70.00 per person, which includes the walk/ride fee – $5.00 per person of entry will go into a skins pool. In the event there are no skins, the skin money will go into that day’s purse. Amateur Division $70.00 per person, which includes the walk/ride fee – $5.00 per person of entry will go into an optional skins pool.

Handicaps: Amateurs will play with their USGA course handicaps – maximum handicap of 16. If you do not have a handicap, one will be assigned to you.

Birdie Race: Open Division players only. The birdie race will pay three places for the total number of birdies made for the year. Players will get credit for their own birdies in individual and better ball events. Players are responsible for notifying scorers of their birdie total at each event. No card – No birdies. Eagles and aces count as two birdies.

Conduct: Clubs hosting the FDS Winter Tour have been very generous and hospitable to host us. It is in our collective best interest to return this consideration with respect to the club, the golf course, and the members and staff. Your sportsmanlike behavior will ensure our continued welcome at these clubs.

Championship: To be eligible for the championship, you must have paid entries in over 50 percent of the events that are played. You may prepay an entry (and not play) on or before the date of that particular event, and it will count toward your total for the championship.

Rules of Play: “Winter Rules” – lift, clean and place within one club length, no closer to the hole, everywhere. The ball must remain in the same condition – i.e. rough stays in rough, fairway stays in fairway, ball in the water stays in the water (you can go no closer to the hole in more shallow water, but it must stay in the water).

Information: Call or text Jamie Shaffer at (215) 915-3809 or email at shaffer004@aol.com, if you have any questions. The first person to email me the correct answer to the following question will receive a free entry. How many screws and rods were put in my back when I had surgery in September (total combined number). You get one guess only.

Marty Lyons Joins 2021 Class of PGA of America Hall of Fame Inductees

October 20, 2021Comments Off on Marty Lyons Joins 2021 Class of PGA of America Hall of Fame InducteesPPGA

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. (Oct 20, 2021) – Longtime Philadelphia PGA Member Martin “Marty” Lyons, and Albert “Al” Watrous, one of the earliest Members of the PGA of America, a member of the first two United States Ryder Cup teams and a three-time Senior PGA Champion will be inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame, along with PGA Professionals Kyle Heyen, Ed Ibarguen, PGA Past President Paul K. Levy, Martin “Marty” Lyons and Gary Reynolds, during the 105th PGA Annual Meeting on Nov. 3, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Originated in 1940 at the suggestion of famed sportswriter Grantland Rice, the PGA of America Hall of Fame honors and recognizes individuals who through their lives, careers, service and support have made significant and enduring contributions to the PGA of America in its mission to grow the game of golf. Inductees include PGA Golf Professionals, Tour Professionals or Ambassadors who throughout their lives have supported and elevated the image of the PGA Professional, the PGA of America and the game of golf. It is the highest honor that the PGA of America can bestow.

Watrous was one of the most decorated golfers in the Michigan PGA Section’s history. Heyen is an advocate for the game as part of the Colorado PGA Section. A staple in the Carolinas PGA Section leadership ranks, Ibarguen is renowned for his dedication to PGA Education. Levy served as the 40th president of the PGA of America. Lyons was a pioneer in the Philadelphia PGA Section, and Reynolds had a distinguished career in the Connecticut PGA Section.

“The PGA of America takes tremendous pride in honoring the people who have dedicated their professional lives to furthering our mission of elevating the standards of our profession, and growing interest and participation in the game,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “These six new inductees into the PGA of America Hall of Fame are a source of great inspiration, mentorship and pride for their peers and to future generations of PGA Members. Their countless contributions to the game of golf will be honored forever as an indelible part of our Association’s storied history.”

About the 2021 PGA of America Hall of Fame Inductees

Kyle Heyen, PGA
Colorado PGA Section
Heyen was named the Colorado PGA Section’s Golf Professional of the Year twice (2005-2006), won the Section’s Professional Development Award four times (1993, 1999-2001) and Player Development Award twice (2007-2008), and served two years as President. He also sat on the Board of Directors for 23 years (eight as an Officer) and was a Committee Chair for 17 years. On the national level, he has won the PGA Player Development Award (2009), and served as a PGA of America Board of Control Member (2008-2012), Co-Chairman of the Governance Committee (2006-2008) and as Player Development Co-Chair (2012-2014). He also served on the Play Golf America Committee (2009), Hall of Fame Selection Committee (2009-2010), Golf 2.0 Platinum Committee Member (2011-2012), PGA of America Membership Committee (2014-2016) and the PGA of America Awards Committee (2015-2016 and Committee Chair in 2017). Heyen created an annual trip to the VA hospital to visit Veterans who were either hospitalized or in for a routine check up and thank them for their service. He was also instrumental in local efforts to grow the game, becoming involved in different capacities in PGA Jr. League, the Colorado PGA’s Golf in Schools Program and Get Golf Ready. Heyen has spent 40 years at Hiwan Golf Club, serving as PGA Head Professional since 1985. He was inducted into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.

Ed Ibarguen, PGA
Carolinas PGA Section
A PGA Member for more than 42 years, Ibarguen has worked at Duke University Golf Club since 1988, where he currently serves as General Manager and PGA Director of Golf. He was also a Carolinas PGA Section Officer (1992-1995) and a seven-time Section award winner, including Golf Professional of the Year (2001), Teacher/Coach of the Year (1991, 2003), Bill Strausbaugh (1993) and the Professional Development Award (1990, 1998, 2004). He was inducted into the Carolinas Section Hall of Fame in 2015. He earned two national PGA awards: Bill Strausbaugh Award (1995) and the Professional Development Award (1998) and served on the national Board of Control from 2003-2007. Ibarguen has served as Chairman of several national committees for a total of 12 (2-year) terms, including Teaching/Coaching, Membership and Education. He has been the national chair for PGA Education since 2017. A PGA Master Professional, Ibarguen has been a nationally recognized teacher/coach as a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher (since 2001), GRAA Top 50 (since 2012) and Golf Digest Best in State (since 2001). Throughout his time as a PGA Member, he has used education and learning as a tool to grow the game to different audiences.

Paul K. Levy, PGA
PGA Past President – PGA of America
Southern California, Southern Texas and Southwest PGA Sections
The 40th President of the PGA of America, Paul Levy is also the President and CEO of PKL Golf Management and Club Services in Pinetop, Arizona, specializing in operational management and consulting services for the golf and club industry. Additionally, Paul is President of Distinguished Golf Destinations, a company that recognizes the best golf facilities in America that allow play to the general public. As an Officer, he also has served two-year terms as PGA Honorary President, PGA Vice President and PGA Secretary. Levy also served on the PGA Board of Control (2004-2008), as President of the Southern Texas Section (1998-2000) and was named the Southern Texas Golf Professional of the Year (2000). An advocate for junior participation, he is a three-time Section PGA Junior Golf Leader recipient (1992, 1993, 1998) and also earned the Section’s Bill Strausbaugh Award (1999). As PGA President, Levy was influential in the deal to relocate PGA Headquarters to Frisco, Texas, and spearheaded growing the employment consultant arm of PGA of America‘s Career Services and executive search. The $550 million PGA Frisco development will bring 26 PGA of America championships, approximately 150 jobs and a new Northern Texas PGA Section Headquarters. A 1983 LSU graduate, Levy played on the Tigers golf team.

Marty Lyons, PGA (posthumous)
Philadelphia PGA Section
Lyons was a two-time Philadelphia Section Golf Professional of the Year (1956, 1958) and was named to the Section’s Hall of Fame in 1994. He served as Section President from 1942-1947. Lyons was instrumental in bringing the 1958 PGA Championship to Llanerch Country Club, and he advocated aggressively for the Association to change the format from match play to stroke play, which the 1958 Championship adopted. Lyons lived the PGA of America’s mission most notably through his passion for introducing and teaching the game to Veterans returning home from war and to juniors. He established the junior program at his first stop as a PGA Professional in Maple Shade, New Jersey. When he arrived at Llanerch, the program was not open to boys under 16, so Lyons changed that rule and then opened the program to boys and girls of all ages.

Gary Reynolds, PGA
Connecticut PGA Section
Reynolds, a PGA Life Member, earned the Section’s Golf Professional of the Year honor in 1989, and he’s a three-time winner of the Section’s Bill Strausbaugh Award (1996-1998), which he also won nationally in 2001. Reynolds was elected to the Connecticut PGA Professional Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Connecticut Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2011. During his career at The Hartford Golf Club, Reynolds led a variety of initiatives to grow the game, including free instructional clinics, a nine-hole women’s group and programs for health and wellness. He was also a founding board member of First Tee – Connecticut and the Connecticut PGA Section Golf Foundation, which awards grants to youth, diversity, disability and military veteran golf programs. Reynolds also played a considerable role in the City of Hartford restoring Keney Park Golf Course and Goodwin Park Golf Course. 

Al Watrous, PGA (posthumous)
Michigan PGA Section
A three-time Senior PGA Champion, Watrous was named the Michigan Section’s Golf Professional of the Year in 1958 and 1967. He won the Michigan PGA Championship nine times and the Senior Michigan PGA Championship five times. He also won eight PGA Tour events and was a member of the first two U.S. Ryder Cup teams in 1927 and 1929, as well as competing in the 1926 challenge matches (precursor to the Ryder Cup). He finished runner-up to Bobby Jones in the 1926 Open Championship and twice made the PGA Championship semifinals when it was a match-play event. Watrous had a 37-year career as the PGA Professional at Oakland Hills Country Club and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1962, the Polish American Hall of Fame in 1979, the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame in 1982, and the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame in 2011. He served as Michigan Section President from 1936-1937. In addition, Watrous penned a regular column designed to reach new golfers in the Detroit Times called “How to Play Golf.”

For a full list of PGA of America Hall of Fame Members, click here.

About the PGA of America

PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of nearly 28,000 PGA Professionals who work daily to grow interest and inclusion in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contact

Michael Abramowitz  PGA of America  mabramowitz@pgahq.com 561-389-4647

Anthony Witrado      PGA of America   awitrado@pgahq.com        561-446-4763

PGA Professionals, Amateurs Gather to Celebrate the Philadelphia PGA’s Centennial in Pro-Am at Saucon Valley Country Club

October 18, 2021Comments Off on PGA Professionals, Amateurs Gather to Celebrate the Philadelphia PGA’s Centennial in Pro-Am at Saucon Valley Country ClubPPGA
Bethlehem, Pa. (October 18, 2021) — Ninety-six PGA Professionals and amateurs gathered to play in a pro-am at Saucon Valley Country Club to celebrate the Philadelphia PGA Section’s centennial, capping a year of looking back on our history and ahead to the future. The Section, one of the PGA of America’s first geographical managing entities, was founded in 1921 and now manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, and northeastern Maryland.

Two teams tied atop the Net Division, each with 11-under-par 61s: Phoenixville Country Club’s Gregg Gipp, PGA, Dan Hershberg,  Ryan Moyer, and Andrew Brown; and Berkshire Country Club’s Tom Michaels, PGA, Brandon Lynch, Sam Harter, and Pete Pendergast. Finishing one stroke behind the winning teams was Curtis Kirkpatrick, PGA, of Indian Spring Country Club, and amateurs Conrad Radcliffe, Josh Levine, and Doug Disesa.

In the Gross Division, GOLFTEC – Willow Grove (David Milkowski, PGA,  Brian Walsh, Jr., Chris Lawler, and Michael Viscuso) took the top spot with a 6-under-par 66 to win by one stroke over Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort’s Nicholas Lussier, PGA, Jim Gardina, Katrin Wolfe, and Nicole Chinnici.

“Our centennial allows us as a Section to look back at everything we have achieved the last 100 years, but it also allows our Board of Directors, staff, PGA Professionals, and foundation, PGA REACH Philadelphia, to look forward to more successful years to come, beginning with our work this year,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “As a group, with the help of our loyal partners, the Section has helped shepherd the game we love through hard times and good.”

Pro-Am participants were treated to historical tidbits while on the course, featuring some of the Section’s highlights from the past 100 years, including our PGA of America Presidents, championships, awards, and more.

To view the full Philadelphia PGA Centennial Pro-Am Championship leaderboard, click here.

The Philadelphia PGA Centennial Pro-Am Championship is supported by Doc Murphy USA, FootJoy, Hole-in-One USA, Ohana Farm LLC, Titleist, Trinity Flavors, Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board / Montco Golf, and Workhorse Brewing Company / Workhorse Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Saucon Valley C.C., its membership, management, and host PGA 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Golf Association of Philadelphia Retains Title in 29th Philadelphia Challenge Matches

October 14, 2021Comments Off on Golf Association of Philadelphia Retains Title in 29th Philadelphia Challenge MatchesPPGA

Bethlehem, Pa. (October 14, 2021) — The Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) retained their title in the 29th Philadelphia Challenge Matches, defeating the Philadelphia PGA Section 10 points to 8 on a beautiful autumn day at Saucon Valley Country Club.

To view the full results of the 29th Challenge Matches, click here.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches would not be possible without the support and energy of Robin McCool. McCool was instrumental in getting the matches started nearly 30 years ago and revitalizing them by bringing in support from Jim Wilson of Ping, Jim Ravina of Donald Ross, and our host facility, Saucon Valley Country Club. McCool serves as the Honorary Captain for the GAP team and serves as Honorary Chair of the event. Everyone owes Robin a debt of gratitude for all of his efforts.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches pits two 12-person teams, including at least two senior contestants, from GAP and the Philadelphia PGA Section in a concurrent individual match and better-ball match. Each match is worth one point. Ties are halved. The Philadelphia Section leads the series, 21-3-4. There were no contests in 2019 and 2020 due to severe weather and the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively.

The GAP team included John Barone of Glenmaura National Golf Club, Michael Brown Jr. of Lulu Country Club, Jeff Frazier of Carlisle Country Club, Jack Irons of Little Mill Country Club, Andrew Keeling of Kennett Square Golf & Country Club, Patrick Knott of Merion Golf Club, Sean McMonagle of Tavistock Country Club, Scott McNeil, Oscar Mestre of Overbrook Golf Club, Ross Pilliod of LedgeRock Golf Club, Josua Ryan of 1912 Club, and Troy Vannucci of Little Mill Country Club.

The team of Philadelphia PGA Professionals was led by Captain Michael Little and also featured Trevor Bensel of Overbrook Golf Club, Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, George Forster, Mike Furey of Saucon Valley Country Club, Brian Kelly of Bucknell Golf Club, Chris Krueger of Kings Creek Country Club, Hugo Mazzalupi of Patriots Glen National Golf Club, Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club, Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club, Braden Shattuck of Bidermann Golf Club, and Dustin Wallis of Honey Run Golf Club.

To view the full results of the 29th Challenge Matches, 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

Team Laurel Creek Wins 2021 Club Car / Golf Cars Incorporated Pro-Official Championship

October 12, 2021Comments Off on Team Laurel Creek Wins 2021 Club Car / Golf Cars Incorporated Pro-Official ChampionshipPPGA
Egg Harbor Township, N.J. (October 12, 2021) — PGA Member Bob Hennefer and amateur Dan Bianco of Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel, N.J., teamed to win the 2021 Club Car / Golf Cars Incorproated Pro-Official Championship at Hidden Creek Golf Club via scorecard matching after tying teams from Glen Brook G.C., Stonewall, and Blue Bell C.C.

Hennefer and Bianco posted a 6-under-par score of 65, a round that featured seven birdies on the Coore-Crenshaw designed golf course. Stonewall’s team, featuring PGA Member Ryan Lagergren and Dick Flannery; Glen Brook’s team of Dustin McCormick, PGA, and Steve Houloose; and Blue Bell’s Joey Pohle, PGA, and Jihad Nicolas; also posted 65s, but came up short in the USGA scorecard matching method employed to determine the winner.

The team from Bidermann G.C., PGA Professional Dean Halterman and Colin Smith finished in fifth place at 5-under-par, while Jacob Hoffer, PGA, and Kirk Meloney of Union League National G.C. finished sixth at 4-under-par.

To view the full 2021 Club Car / Golf Cars Incorporated Pro-Official Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2021 Club Car / Golf Cars Incorporated Pro-Official Championship is supported by Club Car and Golf Cars Incorporated. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Hidden Creek G.C., its membership, management, and host PGA 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Teams Capture Inaugural Philadelphia PGA Doubles Golf Championships

October 11, 2021Comments Off on Teams Capture Inaugural Philadelphia PGA Doubles Golf ChampionshipsPPGA

Avondale, Pa. (October 11, 2021) — Five teams captured their respective divisions in the inaugural Philadelphia PGA Doubles Golf Am Championships at Hartefeld National Golf Club to earn berths in the 2021 United States Doubles Golf Am Championships at the Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Fla., on October 31 – November 2. Doubles Golf is a rebranding of golf’s two-player scramble, designed to make golf more relaxed and inclusive.

Amateurs Ryan Winslow, Manufacturers’ G. & C.C., and Joe Rueter, Sandy Run C.C., combined to win the men’s championship by four stokes with a team score of 7-under-par 65. Tina Thatcher, Saucon Valley C.C., and  Mary Barkley, Stonewall, took the women’s championship with a 4-over-par 76, while Pickering Valley G.C.’s Brian Bomalaski and Megan Bomalaski took honors in the mixed championship at 2-over-par.

In the senior championship, Hartefeld National’s own Jim Kearns and John Colven finished with a one-stroke victory at 1-over par. Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort’s James Mack and Jason Mack won the parent-junior championship by one stroke with a 5-under-par 67.

The five winning teams now have the opportunity to play in the 2021 U.S. Doubles Golf Am Championships, beginning on Halloween in South Florida. The Philadelphia PGA Section, in coordination with its 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, PGA REACH Philadelphia, plan to continue its Doubles Golf program in 2022. For more information, speak to your local PGA Professional or contact Devin McKinley via telephone at (770) 558-8437 or email at d.mckinley@leaguegolf.com.

To view the full 2021 Philadelphia PGA Doubles Golf Am Championships leaderboard, click here.

About Doubles Golf
Doubles Golf is a rebranding of golf’s two-player scramble, designed to make golf more relaxed and inclusive. Co-founded by Jack Nicklaus and the originators of Junior League Golf, Doubles Golf is the first format of its kind in the history of golf created in the United States. The format enhances 9-hole rounds which creates speedy play and the opportunity for evening events (tournaments and leagues) at PGA and LPGA member facilities. To learn more, visit doublesgolf.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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contacts: 

Courtney Curcio, PGA REACH Philadelphia Director, ccurcio@pgahq.com
Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Class of 2021 Playing Legends 

October 8, 2021Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Class of 2021 Playing Legends PPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 11, 2021) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is proud to announce its Class of 2021 Playing Legends, which includes PGA Members John Pillar of the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., Mark Sheftic of Lookaway Golf Club in Buckingham, Pa., and Matthew Kowal, who will be inducted posthumously. The class will be honored at the Section’s Fall Membership Meeting at Green Valley Country Club on October 25.

Established in 1991, the Section’s Playing Legends honorary program recognizes individuals based on criteria set forth by the Philadelphia PGA’s Hall of Fame Committee. One of the main criteria is that individuals must have had success in major events locally or nationally, something that each 2021 inductee has accomplished consistently throughout their careers.

Playing Legends – Class of 2021

John Pillar is the PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., and has consistently been one of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s best players for years. Pillar won the 2009 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at Concord Country Club, the 2014 Pennsylvania State Open at the Country Club of York, the Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship in 2019 and 2020 at Applebrook Golf Club and Concord Country Club, respectively, and the inaugural Pennsylvania Senior Open at Lehigh Country Club in 2021, in addition to over 20 other Section tournament wins. Pillar also qualified and competed in the 1997 U.S. Open, 2017 U.S. Senior Open, 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, 12 PGA Professional Championships and four Senior PGA Professional Championships. In 2004, he was named the Section’s Most Improved Player of the Year, and has also received several professional honors including being named the 2007 Philadelphia PGA Golf Professional of the Year award, 2020 Philadelphia PGA Patriot Award, four Philadelphia PGA Merchandiser of the Year awards in the Resort Category, and the 2019 Philadelphia PGA Patriot Award. Pillar served as Section President in 2013-2014, and current serves on the PGA of America’s Board of Directors representing District 2.

Mark Sheftic, the PGA Director of Instruction at Lookaway Golf Club in Buckingham, Pa., has also seen sustained success on the golf course throughout his career. In addition to his victory in the 2011 Pennsylvania Open at Moselem Springs Golf Club, Sheftic played on three U.S. PGA Cup teams, in 2009 at The Carrick on Loch Lomond in Scotland, where the U.S. won by nine points; in 2011 at CordeValle Golf Club, again winning by nine; and in 2013 at Slaley Hall in England, where the two teams tied. Furthermore, he has played in three PGA Championships, including in 2009 at Hazeltine National Golf Club, 2020 at Whistling Straits, and 2013 at Oak Hill Country Club. Sheftic also won the 2019 Philadelphia PGA F. Edward Debaufre Trophy, which awards the PGA Professional with the lowest season scoring average for their consistently stellar play. Sheftic was also honored in 2011 and 2013, being named the Philadelphia PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year.

Matthew Kowal, named a Philadelphia PGA Playing Legend posthumously, was elected to PGA Membership in 1937 and had a successful playing career in the eary portion of the Section’s history. Working as a PGA Professional at Philmont Country Club in Huntingdon Valley, Pa., Kowal won the 1940 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at Llanerch Country Club and the 1946 Philadelphia Open at his home club. He also finished in second place in the 1947 Philadelphia Inquirer Open at Cedarbrook Country Club, a former PGA Tour event. Kowal servedi in World War II with the Fourth Armored Division, but did compete and win Hawaii Service Championship and the third Army Championship. Following the war, Army Special Services sent Kowal, Lloyd Mangrum, Rod Munday and Horton Smith on a tour playing exhibitions for servicemen. In 1940, he was invited to compete in the Masters Tournament, but did not enter. In 1946, Kowal qualified for the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship, but again chose not to compete.

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, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com

Zac Oakley Wins 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship

October 7, 2021Comments Off on Zac Oakley Wins 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play ChampionshipPPGA
Hellertown, Pa. (October 7, 2021) — As the last PGA Professional standing from a field of 47, Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del., won the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship at the Steel Club, his third Section victory of the year and second Match Play title (2019). He also played in the championship match in 2020.

Oakley, a No. 2 seed, defeated No. 13 seed Andrew Turner of Berkshire Country Club in Reading, Pa., definitively, 4 and 2, in the championship match, following his 6 and 5 victory over No. 6 seed Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., in the semifinals.

“I played well today,” Oakley said nonchalantly of his round. “I needed to play well against Andrew; it was a great match.”

Oakley was seemingly in control of his game all week, with two 3 and 2, and two 6 and 5 victories over well-regarded opponents: (31) Dustin McCormick, Glen Brook G.C.; (18) Eddie Perrino, Eagle Rock Resort; (7) Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; McNabb, and Turner. However, it was no more apparent than in the championship match, where he carded eight birdies to Turner’s four.

Oakley’s Match Play Championship win follows victories this season in the weather-shortened Conestoga Classic and Doylestown Open, and all but assures him the title of Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year. Oakley officially captured the captured the 2021 Philadelphia PGA F. Edward Debaufre Trophy on September 27 following the Jack Jolly & Son Championship. The trophy awards the PGA Professional with the lowest season scoring average for their consistently stellar play. Oakley’s 2021 scoring average of 68.93 over 14 rounds is the lowest scoring average since the trophy was commissioned in 1964. Additionally, Oakley’s father, Pete, previously won the award four times (1980, 1984, 1985, and 1999), making them the first father-son duo to win the DeBaufre title.

Turner advanced to the championship match by defeating No. 16 seed Eric Kennedy of Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, Pa., 2 and 1 in the semifinals.

To view the full 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship bracket, click here.

The 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex, Scott & Karen Hutchinson and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, the Steel Club, its membership, management, and host PGA 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Recap: Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship Day Two

October 6, 2021Comments Off on Recap: Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship Day TwoUncategorized
Hellertown, Pa. (October 6, 2021) — The semifinal matches have been set in the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship at the Steel Club. Bettering a field of 47 players, the final four PGA Professionals have earned their way to Thursday, and include: No. 16 seed Eric Kennedy of Overbrook G.C. in Villanova, Pa.; No. 13 seed Andrew Turner of Berkshire C.C. in Reading, Pa.; No. 2 seed Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del.; and No. 6 seed Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pa.

Semifinal Matches
(16) Eric Kennedy v. (13) Andrew Turner

(2) Zac Oakley v. (6) Dave McNabb

Overbrook’s PGA Head Professional Eric Kennedy won the Dick Smith Sr. bracket with an upset; he started his day on Wednesday by bettering his own PGA Assistant Professional, defending champion, and No. 1 seed Trevor Bensel 1 up. Kennedy rode that momentum into his quarterfinal match against No. 8 seed Brian Kelly of Bucknell Golf Club in Lewisburg, Pa., winning 3 and 1. Kelly had previously won his morning match against No. 9 seed Dave Quinn of Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel, N.J., 5 and 4.

Andrew Turner punched his ticket to the semifinals by topping 5 seed Ashley Grier 2 and 1, which also made him the Art Wall Jr. bracket champion. Turner also upset a four seed in Sunnybrook Golf Club’s Brett Walker, winning their morning match 3 and 2. Grier advanced to the quarterfinals Wednesday morning via her 2 and 1 victory against 44 seed Rocco Sgrillo of Blue Bell (Pa.) Country Club.

In the Ed Dougherty bracket, 2019 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Champion Zac Oakley finished his morning match early, defeating 18 seed Eddie Perino of Eagle Rock Resort in Hazle Township, Pa., 6 and 5. He continued his solid play in the quarterfinals against seven seed Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in Shawnee on Delaware, Pa., winning 3 and 2. Bergstol reached the quarterfinals by beating 10 seed Rich Steinmetz of Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa., 3 and 2.

Applebrook’s PGA Head Professional Dave McNabb came through with another upset, bettering Bidermann Golf Club’s Braden Shattuck, a three seed, 1 up, following his 5 and 3 victory over Andrew Cornish of Cedarbrook Country Club in Blue Bell, Pa., in the Henry Williams bracket. Shattuck defeated 19 Mike Moses of Concord Country Club in West Chester, Pa., 2 up.

To view the full 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship bracket, click here.

The 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex, Scott & Karen Hutchinson and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, the Steel Club, its membership, management, and host PGA 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Recap: Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship Opening Rounds

October 5, 2021Comments Off on Recap: Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship Opening RoundsUncategorized

Hellertown, Pa. (October 5, 2021) — Forty-seven PGA Professionals competed in the opening two rounds of the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship today at the Steel Club. The 16 remaining PGA Professionals will continue their play tomorrow, Wed., Oct. 6, with the semi-finals and final match taking place on Thurs., Oct. 7.

To view the full 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship bracket, click here.

Dick Smith Sr. Bracket

In the Dick Smith Sr. bracket, defending champion and No. 1 seed Trevor Bensel, Overbrook G.C., won his match against No. 32 Danie Steyn, Julian Krinsky School of Golf, in 19 holes after his opening round bye. Steyn defeated No. 33 Kevin Edwards, Olde Homestead G.C., in 22 holes in the opening round. Bensel will play No. 16 Eric Kennedy in the third round, following Kennedy’s 2 and 1 victory over No. 17 George Forster. Kennedy and Forster both received byes in the first round.

No. 8 Brian Kelly, Bucknell G.C., will play No. 9 Dave Quinn in the third round following their 3 and 2 wins against No. 25 Nick Iacono, Chester Valley G.C., and No. 24 Kyle Early, Waynesborough C.C., respectively. Iacono defeated Tony Shields, Union League Liberty Hill, 4 and 3 in the opening round, while Early beat No. 41 Michael Ladden, Whitford C.C., 1 up.

Art Wall Jr. Bracket

No. 1 seed Brett Walker, Sunnybrook G.C., will face off against No. 13 Andrew Turner, Berkshire C.C., in the third round following their victories against No. 29 Dave Fields, Brookside C.C., 3 and 2; and No. 20 Ross Brown, Fox Hill C.C., 1 up. Fields overtook No. 36 Rick Flesher, Lehigh C.C., 2 and 1 in the first round; Walker had a bye. Brown beat Bryan Saxon, Lehigh C.C., 2 and 1 in the opening round, while Turner had a bye.

After her opening round bye, No. 5 Ashley Grier, Overbrook G.C., defeated No. 28 Casey O’Reilly, Sandy Run C.C., 5 and 3, and will face No. 44 Rocco Sgrillo, Blue Bell C.C., in the third round. O’Reilly beat No. 37 Greg Gipp, Phoenixville C.C., 1 up in his opening match, while Sgrillo beat No. 12 Terry Hertzog, Merion G.C., over 19 holes in the second round following his opening bye.

Ed Dougherty Bracket

No. 2 seed Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C., will play No. 18 Eddie Perino, Eagle Rock Resort, tomorrow morning. Oakley received a bye in the first round and topped No. 31 Dustin McCormick, Glen Brook G.C., 3 and 2 in round two. McCormick beat no. 34 Travis Deibert, Doylestown C.C., in round one, 2 up. Perrino, who benefited from a first round bye, took out Dustin Wallis, Honey Run G.C., 8 and 7.

Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort’s Brian Bergstol, a No. 7 seed, will face No. 10 Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., tomorrow after his match was conceded on the 11th hole by No. 26 Steve Sieracki, Woodcrest C.C. Sieracki first defeated No. 39 Kevin Rossi, Lookaway G.C., 2 up; Steinmetz had a first round bye, but beat No. 23 Andy Watters, Talamore C.C., 5 and 4. Watters topped No. 42 George Frake, Moorestown Field Club, 5 and 4 in the opening round.

Henry Williams Bracket

In the Henry Williams bracket, No. 3 Braden Shattuck, Bidermann G.C., and No. 19 Mike Moses, Concord C.C., will play against each other in the morning following their victories over No. 35 Matt Finger, 4 and 2, and No. 14 Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C., 3 and 1, respectively. Finger beat No. 30 Bob Hennefer, Laurel Creek C.C., 4 and 2. Pagett received a bye in the first round, while Moses took out No. 46 Joe Ambrose, Saucon Valley C.C., 7 and 6.

No, 6 Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., will meet No, 43 Andrew Cornish in the morning after he beat No. 38 Andrew Geesey, Regents’ Glen C.C., 2 and 1 in the second round. Geesey No. 27 Bill Smith, Berkleigh G.C., 2 and 1 in round one. Cornish finished 1 up over both No. 11 Mike Furey, Saucon Valley C.C., in the second round, and No. 22 John Spina, Philadelphia Cricket Club, in the opening round.

The 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex and Scott & Karen Hutchinson. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, the Steel Club, its membership, management, and host PGA 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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