Category: Championships

Sheftic and Komancheck Teams Claim Victory in 2023 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Parent Child Team Championship

Elverson, Pa. (June 15, 2023) — PGA Member Mark Sheftic of Sunnybrook Golf Club in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., and his son Ty, claimed victory in the 2023 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Parent / Child Team Championship Net Division at French Creek Golf Club, topping fellow PGA Member Rusty Harbold, Philadelphia Cricket Club, and his father Randy, in a match of cards. Both teams tied at 14-under-par, 57.

Each team consisted of one PGA Professional and family member, who competed in the team shamble event. The team shamble format consisted of each team member hitting a drive, selecting the best drive, and playing their own ball into the hole.

The father / son duo representing Carlisle Country Club, PGA Member Steve Swartz and his son Kobie Swartz, finished in third place, one stroke behind.

In the Gross Division, PGA Member Jamie Komancheck of RiverCrest Golf Club and Preserve in Phoenixville, Pa., and his son Colby, took top honors, finishing at 10-under-par, bettering Birdermann Golf Club’s Anthony Malizia, PGA, and his father Tony; and PGA Associate Matt Finger, DuPont C.C., and his daughter Meredith, by four strokes.

To view the full 2023 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Parent/Child leaderboard, click here.

The 2023 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Parent / Child Team Championship is sponsored by Kevin DePaulis Golf Sales and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, French Creek Golf Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support. –Kayla Gutierrez

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: 
Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com
Kayla Gutierrez, Communications Intern, kgutierrez@pgahq.com

Trevor Bensel, PGA, Captures 2022 National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship

Bernville, Pa. (September 12, 2022) — Trevor Bensel, PGA, of Sandy Run Golf Club in Oreland, Pennsylvania, winner of the 2022 National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship at Heidelberg Country Club, will lead five fellow Section PGA Professionals to compete in the 2022 National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, November 17-20, at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. This is Bensel’s second victory at this championship, having previously won at Chester Valley G.C. in 2019.

Bensel led recently-crowned Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion and 2017 Section Assistant Champion Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in Shawnee on Delaware, Pa.; and Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C. in Wilmington, Del.; by two strokes after his 3-under-par opening round of 67.

Play was suspended at 4:32 p.m. ET due to severe weather, and the Section’s Tournament Committee ultimately cancelled the final round and shortened the championship to 18 holes, as storms threatened as darkness approached.

Our 2022 champion started with a double bogey on his first hole of the day, followed by a bogey on No. 5, but finished strongly with birdies on Nos. 8 and 9, and four more in the last five holes, including three in a row on Nos. 14-16.

“My first tee shot went [out of bounds], which was not the best way to start,” Bensel said of his round. “I figured I had plenty of holes left to get it done. I tried to keep the ball in front of me and made a few good putts coming down the stretch.

“It was fun to play with Brian and Zac,” he continued. “They are good friends of mine, and we feed off each other when we’re all playing well.”

Bensel went on to thank the Sandy Run membership for their constant support, Titleist, FootJoy, Holderness & Bourne, and Makefield Putters.

In addition to having his name engraved on the perpetual George Izett Memorial Trophy, and the winner’s check, Bensel will be joined at the 2022 National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship in Florida, by Bergstol, Oakley, Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C. in Strousburg, Pa.; Andrew Turner, Berkshire C.C. in Reading, Pa.; and Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs G.C. in Fleetwood, Pa.; Turner and Fick earned their spots via a sudden death playoff after the severe weather moved through the area. Bergstol had previously secured his spot at PGA G.C. via his second place finish in the 2021 National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship.

Steve Sanderson, Pine Valley (N.J.) G.C.; and Jacob Woodman, Aronimink G.C. in Newtown Square, Pa.; will be the first and second alternates, followed by Rocco Sgrillo, John F. Byrne G.C. in Philadelphia.

The National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship brings together a field of 132 contestants representing the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections. All rounds will be played on the Wanamaker Course. A cut after 36 holes of play to the low 70 scorers and ties will be made.

Begun in 1977, the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship is modeled after the PGA Professional Championship, with a field of PGA Professionals and PGA Associates who advanced through 41 Section Championships conducted from May through October this year.

If eligibility is met and maintained, the champion earns a berth in the the 2023 PGA Professional Championship, April 30 – May 3, at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Pueblo Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.

The 2022 Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship is hosted by Dick Smith Sr., PGA, presented by National Car Rental, and supported by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, XXIO, Asics, the PGA Tour, and Ohana Farm LLC. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Heidelberg Country Club, its members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2022 Philadelphia Assistant 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

Rich Steinmetz Captures 2022 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac

Medford, N.J. (June 14, 2022) — Rich Steinmetz, PGA, of Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa., captured the 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac at Medford Village Country Club by one stroke over Brian Kelly of Bucknell Golf Club in Lewisburg, Pa., and Terry Hertzog of Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. He finished the championship with rounds of 69-70–139, 5-under-par. Steinmetz will lead five other Philadelphia PGA Members to compete in the 34th Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac, October 13-16, at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M.

The 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac is also supported by Golf Channel and Jani-King.

Entering the final round, Steinmetz held a one stroke lead over Kelly and Greg Farrow of Deerwood Country Club in Mount Holly, N.J., but had to wait an hour and forty minutes longer to tee off No. 1, as severe weather delayed the competition. Once he began his round, he came out firing, making birdie on Nos. 1 and 3.

The top of leaderboard, however, began to tighten, as Hertzog started to make birdies of his own, ultimately finishing the event at 4-under-par. Kelly had a bit of an up and down round which featured two bogeys, a double bogey, and six birdies, including four in a row on Nos. 13-16, to finish with rounds of 70-70–140, tying Hertzog.

Steinmetz had made 10-straight pars until he reached No. 17, where he hit it close to the hole on his approach, and made the birdie putt on the 365-yard par-4.

“I hit it really well,” Steinmetz said of his final round. “I put myself in good spots off the tee, which made it easy, tee-to-green. I hit it close a lot, which helped; it was tough to read these greens. They’re really tricky.”

Steinmetz went on to thank the folks at his home facility, Spring Ford Country Club: the members, and staff, for their support and allowing him to get out and play in competitive events like this championship. He also thanked host club Medford Village Country Club.

His win was even more special, considering it was his first start in a senior championship, as he turned 50 years old in December 2021.

[Click here to view full leaderboard]

PGA Members joining Steinmetz, Kelly, Hertzog, and Farrow in New Mexico include Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C.; and Brendon Post, University of Delaware. Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C., is the first alternate, George Forster, Radnor Valley C.C., is second alternate, followed by Eddie Perrino, C.C. of York, and Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C.

With his win, Steinmetz became the 13th PGA Member to win both the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship and the Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship, joining: Dave McNabb, John Pillar, Dave Quinn, Stu Ingraham, George Forster, Stan Dudas, Dick Hendrickson, Marty Furgol, George Fazio, Rod Munday, Bud Lewis, and Clarence Ehresman.

The top 35 finishers in the 34th Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac will earn a spot in the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship, scheduled to be played May 2023, on PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch East course in Frisco, Texas.

Marjorie Jones, the Shore Club, took top honors in the Super Senior Division, finishing at 8-over-par, to better Patrick Keefe, Frog Hollow G.C., by seven strokes.

The 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is presented by Cadillac, and supported by Golf Channel, and Jani-King. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, Medford Village C.C., its membership, management, staff, and host PGA Professional staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac leaderboard, click here.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic on June 20 at Conestoga C.C. The Conestoga Classic is also a Silvercrest Cup qualifying event. Beginning this season, the Silvercrest Cup series will include four qualifying events for Philadelphia PGA Professionals, and will culminate in a $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final, hosted at Gulph Mills Golf Club in King of Prussia, Pa. For more information on the season-long race to the Silvercrest Cup, 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

2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Set for Oct. 6-11 Without Spectators Onsite

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Sept. 11, 2020) 一 The PGA of America today announced that the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship ー one of five Major Championships on the LPGA Tour ー will be contested without spectators onsite, October 6-11, at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

The decision to play without spectators was made in coordination with Pennsylvania Department of Health, Newtown Township and the Chester County Department of Health, with the health and well-being of all involved as the top priority.

The PGA of America will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments and work in concert with the leading state and township public health authorities, as well as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, up to and through Championship Week.

“We’re grateful to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Newtown Township and Delaware County for their partnership in conducting the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship,” said PGA of America President Suzy Whaley. “We’re excited to showcase historic Aronimink Golf Club, an incredible venue located in a community that has been a long-time supporter of women’s golf and the LPGA. And while we will, unfortunately, be unable to have spectators with us at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, we’re certain that the talented players in the field will inspire those watching around the globe.”

Founded in 1896, Aronimink has hosted a number of significant golf events during its storied history, including the 1962 PGA Championship (won by Gary Player). The PGA Championship will return to Aronimink in 2026.

With the playing of the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Aronimink will be the first venue to stage each of the PGA of America’s three rotating major championships (PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship).

“While we’ll miss our spectators at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship this year, we will still impact young girls and boys all over the world, thanks to our worldwide television coverage,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “This event has always been bigger than just golf. It impacts leaders and future leaders, lifting dreams while it changes stereotypes. A huge thank you to KPMG and the PGA of America for their willingness and persistence to ensure that the impact of this Championship is not diminished despite the challenges we face this year!”

In three of the last four years, the top 100 players on the LPGA Official Money List have played in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, which again features one of the highest purses in women’s golf.  The Championship will be broadcast on NBC and Golf Channel and will include 16 hours of live coverage from Aronimink.

The field also will once again include the top eight finishers in the previous year’s LPGA Teaching and Club Professional National Championship, whether they are PGA or LPGA members, as well as the 2020 PGA Women’s Stroke Play Champion.

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship has built on the history and tradition of the LPGA Championship, which began in 1955 and is the second-oldest major in women’s golf.

The event is held in conjunction with the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit and the KPMG Future Leaders Program – all focused on the development, advancement and empowerment of women on and off the golf course.

In the coming days, those who purchased corporate hospitality packages, tickets, or signed up to volunteer for the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be contacted to facilitate refunds.

Prior to its postponement on April 29, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship was originally scheduled for play June 23-28.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals who daily work 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 TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

Media Contacts:
John Dever, PGA of America, 561-360-9138, jdever@pgahq.com
Ichiro Kawasaki, KPMG, 551-486-9310, ikawasaki@KPMG.com

Alex Knoll Captures Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship; Earns Berth in 53rd PGA Professional Championship

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(Philadelphia, Pa.) (September 19, 2019) – Alex Knoll of (Glen Brook Golf Club), winner of the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, September 17-19, 2019 at host facility the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale and secondary facility Riverton Country Club will lead eleven Philadelphia PGA Professionals to compete in the 53rd PGA Professional Championship, April 26-29 at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas.

Knoll turned in a winning total of 2-under-par 209 to capture the Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion title. Ryan Lagergren of (Stonewall) was runner-up, finishing at even par 211. They are joined by Travis Deibert (Doylestown Country Club), Tom Cooper (Pine Valley Golf Club), Brendon Post (Univ of Delaware), Mark Sheftic (Merion Golf Club), Dave Pagett (Whitemarsh Valley Country Club), Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range), Terry Hertzog (Country Club of York), John Pillar (Country Club at Woodloch Springs), and Davis Jensen (Merion Golf Club).

The PGA Professional Championship and 41 PGA Section Championships feature a total purse of more than $1.5 million. The PGA Professional Championship purse is $550,000, distributed among those who make the cut in the 312-player field. Golf Channel will televise all four rounds of the national Championship.

If eligibility is met and maintained, the low 20 scorers in 2020 will earn berths into the 102nd PGA Championship, May 14-17, at Harding Park Golf Club, San Francisco, California.

In addition to the Walter Hagen Cup, the PGA Professional Championship winner also receives an exemption into the next 10 PGA Professional Championships and exemptions into six PGA TOUR events over a 12-month period.

Established in 1968, the PGA Professional Championship roster of Champions includes the following premier TOUR professionals: Sam Snead, Bob Rosburg, Don Massengale, Ed Dougherty, Larry Gilbert, and Bruce Fleisher.

The PGA Professional Championship is presented by Cadillac, Club Car and OMEGA. Supporting sponsors are Titleist/FootJoy, NIKE and TaylorMade Golf. Presenting partners are Golf Channel and the PGA TOUR. The 41 Section Championships and the National Championship offer a combined purse of $1.5 million.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America represents the very best in golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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Knoll Leads by Five Shots Heading into the Championship’s Final Round

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Read Day 1 Recap Here

Philadelphia, Pa. – Once again bright skies and seasonable temperatures greeted players at the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale and Riverton Country Club for the second round of the 98th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship. For round two, players switched courses, meaning those players who played at the Union League on day one moved to Riverton Country Club on day two and vice versa.

Looking to piggyback off his record setting day one, Alex Knoll (Glen Brook GC) was the first group off at Riverton Country Club. While he did not set another course record, Knoll did post an impressive 2-under (69) in difficult morning conditions. Knoll had three birdies against one bogey to reach 10-under (131) after 36-holes and giving him a sizeable lead heading into the final round.

Two players in the field made major moves up the leaderboard after posting low scores on day two of the Championship. The first player to make a move was Brendon Post (Univ of Delaware). Playing at the Union League, Post posted four birdies, including a stretch of three in four holes from 10-13, before a lone bogey on the par-5 16th hole dropped him back to 3-under for the day and 5-under (136) for the Championship, placing him in solo second place five shots behind Knoll.

The biggest move of the day came from Ryan Lagergren (Stonewall) who posted the best round of the day, a 7-under (64) at Riverton Country Club. Lagergren had six birdies and an eagle on the par-4 18th hole to help him overcome an early bogey. Lagergren’s 7-under second round helped to erase a 2-over (73) in his opening round at the Union League and vaulted him into third place alone.

The final round of the 98th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship will get underway at 8:30 AM at the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale with the Championship leaders, Knoll, Post and Lagergen set to get their final rounds underway at 12:15 pm.

In addition to the William B. Packer trophy, awarded to the Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion, the tournament also serves as a qualifier into the 53rd PGA Professional Championship set to be held at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, April 26-29, 2020.

The Philadelphia PGA has 11 qualifying spots into next year’s event. With five players currently tied for the eleventh and final qualifying spot and another twenty players within four shots of the last spot there is plenty up for grabs in tomorrow’s final round.

For complete coverage of the 98th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship be sure to follow the action on philadelphia.pga.com or via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@PhiladelphiaPGA) or the #PPGAChamp.

Alex Knoll has Record Day at the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale

The first round of the 98th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship got underway early on Tuesday, September 17. The three-day, 54-hole championship will be held at host facility Union League Golf Club at Torresdale as well as secondary facility Riverton Country Club.

The Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is one of the premier events on the Philadelphia PGA calendar. At stake this week is the Section’s top prize the William B. Packer trophy, awarded to the Championship’s top finisher. Additionally, Professionals are competing for one of 11 spots into next year’s 53rd PGA Professional Championship to be held at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas April 26-29, 2020.

For much of the day it looked as though the two courses would be the story of the Championship’s opening round. For much of the afternoon the best score posted at the Union League was even par (70). While scores at Riverton Country Club were slightly lower, the best number posted on day one was from a trio of players who finished at 3-under (68).

However, playing in the last group of the day at Union League, Alex Knoll (Glen Brook Golf Club) was about to embark on a record setting day. After making a par on his opening hole, Knoll birdied the short par-4 second hole. After a par on the third hole, Knoll found his second birdie of the day on the par-3 fourth hole.

“The course played tough today,” commented Knoll on his opening round. “I know it sounds cliché, but I tried to just play one shot at a time. I wanted to keep the ball below the hole to give myself a chance at birdie.”

After a string of pars to close out his outward nine, Knoll really got his round going on the back nine. Opening with an eagle on the par-5 tenth hole, Knoll then made par on the long par-3 eleventh hole. After consecutive birdies on holes 12 and 13, Knoll parred the par-3 14th hole and was sitting at 6-under as he got set to play par-4 15h hole.

“I knew I had something special going today,” said Knoll. “I tried to use my experience from last year’s PGA Professional Championship to calm my nerves.”

Once again Knoll posted consecutive birdies on the back nine after finding red figures on holes 15 and 16 and was now 8-under, five shots ahead of his closest competitor and eight shots better than those players playing Union League in round one.

After a bogey on the par-3 17th hole, his only blemish of the day, Knoll quickly righted the ship and found the fairway with his tee shot on the closing hole. After his approach shot found the green, Knoll and a 20’ putt for birdie and an opening round 62. Like his did for most of the day, Knoll confidently stepped over his putt and drained one more birdie, his seventh of the day.

“This is by far my lowest competitive round,” said Knoll of his 62. “I have gone low in a couple Pro-Ams but nothing like this.

Not only does Knoll’s 8-under (62) put him in great position after the Championship’s opening round, it also places him in Union League Golf Club history. Knoll’s 8-under round set the competitive course record at Union League, a mark previously held by the legendary Sam Snead who had posted a (64) in the Henry Hearst Invitational held in 1941.

“It will be a cool story to tell, saying I broke a course record once held by Sam Snead,” said Knoll. “However, my goal is still the same, to qualify for the PGA Professional Championship. There is still 36-holes to play and I can’t’ let myself get to think too far ahead.”

Knoll heads into the Championship’s second round with a five-shot lead over past champions Rich Steinmetz (Spring Ford Country Club) and Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range) as well as Dave Fields. All players will now switch courses for the Championship’s second round. At the end of round two, the field will be cut to the low 60 players and ties who will return to the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale on Thursday for the third and final round.

For complete coverage of the 98th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship be sure to follow the action on philadelphia.pga.com or via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@PhiladelphiaPGA) or the #PPGAChamp.

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John Pillar Captures Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship

John Pillar Captures Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship;
Earns Berth in 31st Senior PGA Professional Championship

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(Malvern, Pa.) (August 20, 2019) – John Pillar of (Hawley, Pa.), winner of the Philadelphia Section Senior PGA Professional Championship August 19-20, 2019 at Applebrook Golf Club will lead seven Section PGA Professionals to compete Oct. 3-6, in the 31st Senior PGA Professional Championship.

The national Championship, presented by Cadillac and supported by Golf Channel and John Deere, will be held at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas.

Pillar turned in a winning total of 8-under-par 134 to capture the Philadelphia Section Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac. Bob Lennon of (Wilmington, Del.) finished three strokes back at 5-under-par 137. They are joined by Brian Kelly of (Lewisburg, Pa.), Terry Hertzog of (Lititz, Pa.), George Forster of (Blue Bell, Pa.), Dave Quinn of (Marlton, NJ), Eddie Perrino of (Mountain Top, Pa.).

“I feel grateful to join the list of Philadelphia PGA Senior Champions,” commented Pillar of his win. “We have such a strong contingent of senior players in our Section and to be considered in the same sentence as those legends is truly an honor. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize everyone at Woodloch Springs, especially my staff, who do such an outstanding job at home allowing me to compete in these events. I also need to thank the membership and staff of Applebrook Golf Club for providing such an outstanding venue for us to play these past two days. I am looking forward to the National Championship and playing with the best players from across the country.”

Pillar now joins a short list of players who have won both the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship (2009) and Philadelphia PGA Senior Championship.

The Senior PGA Professional Championship brings together a field of 264 contestants representing the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections and features a total purse of $300,000. The first two rounds will be conducted on the Foothills and Coore Crenshaw Courses. The first cut will be made after 36 holes of play to the low 90 scorers and ties. The second cut will be made after 54 holes of play to the low 70 scorers and ties. The final two rounds will be played on the Foothills Course.

Designed by Tom Fazio, the Foothills Course was recently ranked as one of the top courses in Texas by Golf Magazine. The course is protected by cliffs, waterfalls and creeks, making for a beautiful, scenic round, but also emphasizes the importance of accuracy. Drives from the elevated tee boxes must be precise to hit the fairways, and even more so when approaching the small greens. Previously, the Foothills Course was home to the PGA Tour Champions Legends of Golf tournament from 1990-1994.

A collaboration between course architect Bill Coore and two-time Masters Champion, Ben Crenshaw, the Coore Crenshaw Course is designed with the ideology that nature is the best architect. Although the holes feature lush, wide fairways, the dense trees to their sides will swallow any ball that misses its mark. However, the real challenge is found on the large, undulated greens that are sure to stump and frustrate players. The course’s beauty is really seen on the signature 18th hole. Running slightly uphill, approach shots must carry a creek to the low-lying green which is designed to appear as though it was carved into the hillside.

Begun in 1989, the Senior PGA Professional Championship is modeled after the PGA Professional Championship, with a field of 50-and-older senior PGA Professionals who advanced through 41 Section Championships conducted from June through August this year.

The top 35 finishers in the national Championship earn a berth in the 81st KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, which will be conducted in May 21-24, 2020, at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

The top five finishers earn an exemption into the final stage of the 2020 PGA Tour Champions National Finals in November 2019. Since its debut, many participants in the Senior PGA Professional Championship have used their success in the event as a springboard to a PGA Tour Champions career.

About Cadillac:

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today, Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring distinctive design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.comCadillac’s media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America represents the very best in golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org and follow us on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

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Trevor Bensel Captures National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional hosted by Dick Smith, Sr.

(MALVERN, Pennsylvania) (August 6, 2019) – Trevor Bensel of (Villanova, Pa.), winner of the National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship hosted by Dick Smith, Sr. August 5-6, 2019 at Chester Valley Golf Club will lead five Philadelphia Section PGA Professionals to compete Nov. 14-17 in the 43rd National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship.

The national Championship, supported by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, XXIO and Golf Advisor and John Deere will be held at PGA Golf Club, Port St. Luce, Fla.

Bensel turned in a winning total of 6-under-par 134 to capture the National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship hosted by Dick Smith, Sr. Michael Little of (North Wales, Pa.) finished four strokes back at 2-under-par 138. They are joined by Rusty Harbold of (Abington, Pa.), Mike Furey of (Summit Hill, Pa.), and Chris Filling of (Egg Harbor City, NJ).

The National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship brings together a field of 132 contestants representing the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections and features a total purse of $150,000. All rounds will be played on the Wanamaker Course. A cut after 36 holes of play to the low 70 scorers and ties will be made.

Begun in 1977, the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship is modeled after the PGA Professional Championship, with a field of PGA Professionals and PGA Associates who advanced through 41 Section Championships conducted from May through October this year.

If eligibility is met and maintained, the champion earns a berth in the 53rd PGA Professional Championship being played April 26-29, 2020, at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America represents the very best in golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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Overbrook’s Grier Set to Compete at KPMG Womens PGA Championship

The third major of the LPGA season, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, will be played June 20-23, 2019 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, MN. Among the field of 156 Professionals will be Ashley Grier of Overbrook Golf Club. Grier will get her KPMG underway at 9:30 AM Thursday morning followed by a 2:55 PM start time on Friday afternoon. Follow along as she competes against the game’s top female professionals.


Ashley Grier Profile

Ashley Grier Scorecard