Oreland, Pa. (June 12, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional John Pillar of C.C. at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., captured the 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sandy Run Country Club on Wednesday, finishing with rounds of 72-68–140, 4-under-par. Pillar bettered Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., and PGA Life Member Brian Kelly by one stroke. Pillar previously won this championship in 2019 and 2020.

Golf Channel, Jani-King, Ohana Farm, and the PGA Tour support the 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship.

“I had three phrases I leaned on during today’s round: belief, be present, and be patient,” Pillar said following the conclusion of play. “It was a really solid day. Sandy Run is a great golf course, and it presented tough conditions, which is what our championship should be.”

Pillar has been no stranger to the winner’s circle as of late, having won the 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic and its $100,000 first-place prize last month.

“Truthfully, I wasn’t sure if I was going to win again, at 57, competing with the younger PGA Professionals,” Pillar continued. “To be able to follow that up with a win here, is really special. It means the world to me.”

Pillar went on to thank his family for the love and support they have shown him.

Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C., finished in fourth place at 2-under-par. Tied for fifth place with a two-day score of 144, even-par, were PGA Life Member George Forster, and Chris Krueger, Kings Creek C.C.

Pillar will lead five other Philadelphia PGA Members to compete in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sunriver (Ore.) Resort on September 26-29, including: Rich Steinmetz, Brian Kelly, Eric Kennedy, Chris Krueger, and George Forster. Sandy Run C.C. PGA Head Golf Professional Pete Lovenguth is first alternate, followed by Stephen Swartz, Carlisle C.C.; PGA Life Member Jeb Boyle; Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C.; and Dom DiJulia, DiJulia School of Golf.

The top 35 finishers in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship will earn a spot in the 2025 KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship, scheduled to be played May 2025, at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.

Bill Sautter from the Philadelphia Cricket Club ran away with first place in the Super Senior Division with a two-day score of 1-under-par. PGA Life Member Wayne Philips finished in second place at 3-over-par.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship is supported by Golf Channel, Jani-King, Ohana Farm LLC, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Sandy Run Country Club, its membership, management, staff, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Oreland, Pa. (June 11, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Hugh Reilly of the Abington Club in Jenkintown, Pa., leads the 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship entering the final round at Sandy Run Country Club by one stroke over PGA Life Member Brian Kelly. The championship is supported by Golf Channel, Jani-King, Ohana Farm, and the PGA Tour.

The top six finishers following tomorrow’s final round will advance to the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sunriver (Ore.) Resort on September 26-29. The top 35 finishers in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship will earn a spot in the 2025 KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship, scheduled to be played May 2025, at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.

Reilly finished his round at 4-under-par 68 with five birdies and just one bogey, while Kelly finished 3-under-par to take second place going into tomorrow’s round. Four PGA Professionals end today in a tie for third place at 2-under-par: Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C.; George Forster, Radnor Valley C.C.; Chris Krueger, Kings Creek C.C.; and Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook G.C. Host PGA Professional Pete Lovenguth finds himself within striking distance at 1-under-par, tied with Carlisle C.C.’s Steve Swartz.

The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter leads the Super Senior Division at 3-under-par, two strokes ahead of PGA Life Member Wayne Phillips and four in front of Brian Leib, Hanover C.C.

The final round is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12 at Sandy Run C.C. To view the full 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship is supported by Golf Channel, Jani-King, Ohana Farm LLC, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Sandy Run Country Club, its membership, management, staff, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (June 7, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section welcomes a new partner, Motocaddy, as the presenting sponsor for the Section’s 2024 Fall Membership Meeting and 2025 Spring Membership Meeting. In addition to being the world’s number one electric caddy manufacturer, Motocaddy also specializes in premium golf bags and push carts.

As part of the collaboration efforts, Motocaddy will be supporting the Section’s Fall Membership Meeting at Medford Village C.C. on October 28 and the 2025 Spring Membership Meeting. The company will also become a presenting sponsor of the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour, the Delaware Valley’s premier youth golf tour.

“We are looking forward to working with Motocaddy over the course of the next year,” said Section Executive Director Geoffrey Surrette, PGA. “The company is a pioneer in their space, and offers a superior level of quality and commitment to their customers.”

“Motocaddy is thrilled to sponsor the Philadelphia PGA Section and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour,” said Motocaddy Vice President of Sales Andy Warren, PGA. “Supporting PGA Professionals and their facilities is at the core of our business and we can’t think of a better Section to work with first than Philadelphia.”

About Motocaddy
Motocaddy was founded in 2004 to bring the very best in design, build and functionality to golfers of all ages and abilities looking for reliable and affordable electric caddies.  Since then, Motocaddy has become the World’s #1 electric caddy brand with award-winning products, excellent service, and a strong focus on innovation.

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.

Contacts: 

FRISCO, Texas (June 5, 2024) – PGA of America Golf Professional Matt Keller, Owner of York Indoor Golf & Training Center in York, Pennsylvania, and Lancaster Indoor Golf & Training Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has earned PGA Master Professional Status, the highest educational designation a PGA of America Member can obtain.

The PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations. The curriculum is designed to ensure golf professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations.

Among the more than 30,000 that comprise the PGA of America, Keller, a Member of the Philadelphia PGA Section, joins a special group as the 444th to earn Master Professional status. He achieved his designation in Teaching & Coaching.

The program is available to those with at least 10 years of PGA Membership along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Certified Professional Program. The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the presentation.

“Becoming a PGA Master Professional is a huge honor,” said Keller, a PGA of America Member since 2003. “Coming from where I started, to reach this point of such an elite group of people, it’s taken a lot of persistence over the years. I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to be a part of this Master Professional group now and continue to progress my teaching and coaching abilities within the golf industry.”

Keller graduated from the Penn State University PGA Golf Management program in 2003 with a degree in Recreational Park and Management. He earned a Master’s Degree from Ohio University in 2012, focusing on sport psychology, long-term athletic development, athlete performance, conditioning, recovery and injury prevention. 

Before becoming owner of York Indoor Golf & Training Center in York, Pennsylvania in 2017, and Lancaster Indoor Golf & Training Center in Lancaster in 2021, Keller worked for several golf facilities in various roles throughout Florida, Delaware and Pennsylvania, including The Club at The Strand, Lancaster Country Club, Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club and Regents’ Glen Country Club. Additionally, Keller teaches Golf I at Penn State York, where he’s taught since 2018.

Keller resides in Manchester, Pennsylvania, with his wife Maureen and son Kurtis.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contacts

Jesse Dodson, PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com

Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com

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