Category: Featured

Leading the Way Forward

The PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia is leveraging golf recent success to positively impact the lives of youth, veteran, and diverse golfers. As the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 501(c)(3) foundation, we know that the game of golf is more important than ever, particularly for the communities we serve, including youth golfers, military veterans, and diverse communities.

To learn more about PGA REACH Philadelphia’s work in 2024, and our plans for the future, click the below button or the on various stories below. To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, click here.

Read the Report.

From the Director’s Desk
A message from Foundation Director Courtney Curcio…Read

Youth: Golf in SchoolsRead

Youth: PGA Jr. LeagueRead

Military: PGA HOPE
(Helping Our Patriots Everywhere)…Read

Military: Meet Aaron Ojard
PGA HOPE Philadelphia Ambassador…Read

Diversity: Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity ScholarshipsRead

Diversity: PGA of America Golf Professional MentorsRead

Diversity: PGA WORKS FellowshipRead

Drive, Chip & Putt: Aronimink Hosts Regional QualifierRead

Community ImpactRead

Foundation PartnersRead

Foundation SupportersRead

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit pgareachphiladelphia.com To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please click here.

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

ShopRite LPGA Classic Seeking PGA of America Golf Professional Volunteers for Official Scoring

The 2025 ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer is seeking PGA of America Golf Professional volunteers to work the scoring areas at Seaview on Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8.

Philadelphia PGA Members and Associates will be stationed in the scoring tents on hole Nos. 9 and 18 to review, verify, and record each LPGA Tour member’s official scorecards. This is a great opportunity to build your resume and interact with some of the world’s most elite players. PDR credits will also be provided to those who volunteer.

If you are interested in becoming a scoring volunteer for this year’s ShopRite LPGA Classic, please click on the button below and complete the form. A tournament representative or Section staffer will contact selected volunteers as the event nears.

Volunteer

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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

Chris Brosius, PGA, Leads Maple Dale Country Club Team to Victory in 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pinehurst Pro-Am

Pinehurst, N.C. (March 14, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Chris Brosius of Maple Dale Country Club in Dover, Del., led his team of amateurs, Rich Karolczak, Art Giangrant, and Scott Ogden, to victory in the 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pinehurst Pro-Am at the famed Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

The group finished with a team score of 37-under-par, 391, in the 54-hole one gross and one net competition, making it an impressive four-stroke victory over the team from Applebrook Golf Club: Dave McNabb, PGA, Chuck Lawson, Bob Dougherty, and Jeff Shapiro. Two teams from the Peninsula Golf & Country Club finished in a tie for third place, alongside PGA Professional Rick McCall’s team from Rehoboth Beach Country Club: PGA Associate Greyson Rossi, Richard Hogarth, Mike Polise, and Dan Bittle; PGA Associate Michael Chanaud, Rich Gilman, Wayne Creeden, and Bobby Gross; and Rick McCall, PGA, Blake Micholas, Gary Cecchett, and Sean Mercer.

A special congratulations to PGA Member Lee Gardenhour, Chambersburg C.C., on making a hole-in-one on the Cradle, Pinehurst’s short course!

The annual pro-am has become a staple on the Section’s tournament schedule each spring, and quickly sells out each season. This year, the field played Pinehurst’s Nos., 2, 4, and 10 courses, in addition to a practice round on Pinehurst’s No. 5 course, and a separate event on the resort’s Cradle short course. The highlight of the event each year is the round on No. 2; built in 1907 by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross, and restored in 2010 by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course has hosted several major golf competitions, including a PGA Championship, a Ryder Cup, four men’s U.S. Opens, and a U.S. Women’s Open, with several more tournaments scheduled in the future.

To view the full 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pinehurst Pro-Am leaderboard, click here. To view photos from the event, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pinehurst Pro-Am is supported by Ship Sticks and Stroke & Distance. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Pinehurst Resort, their management, host PGA Professionals, 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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Names Luke Montalbano as Tournament Director

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (February 17, 2025) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is pleased to announce the appointment of Luke Montalbano as its new tournament director. Montalbano brings his experience in tournament administration and a passion for the game of golf to the Section. He is also currently working towards PGA of America Membership through the PGA’s Associate program.

A Rhode Island native, Montalbano has spent the last two years serving as the tournament director for the Sun Country PGA Section. He holds a Master’s Degree in Mass Communications/Media Studies from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor’s Degree in the same field from Emory & Henry University.

“After a thorough search, we are delighted to have found Luke to lead our tournament program,” says Philadelphia PGA Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong work ethic, and we believe he is the ideal person to serve our PGA Professionals and grow our tournament offerings.”

“I am very excited to be a part of the Philadelphia PGA Section,” said Montalbano. “I want to thank everyone in Sun Country for the last three years for giving me the chance to break into the golf industry and help me develop as a professional. I will always be grateful to Sun Country for taking a chance on me. With that being said, I am looking forward to the tournament season getting started and meeting all the PGA Professionals in the Philadelphia PGA Section. I will work hard every day to serve the Philadelphia Section’s PGA Members and Associates. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at events and a great 2025 season.”

To send Luke a welcome email, click here, or direct your note to lmontalbano@pgahq.com.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

PGA of America Member Scott Chisholm Headlines 2024 Philadelphia PGA Awards Class

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (December 20, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section has announced its 2024 award recipients, highlighted by Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Scott Chisholm, the PGA director of golf at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa. Nearly 150 award nominations were received for the 2024 awards class, of which the Philadelphia PGA Awards Committee chose 12 winners, including:

  • Golf Professional of the Year: Scott Chisholm, PGA; Rolling Green Golf Club, Springfield, Pa.
  • Teacher & Coach of the Year: John Rudolph, PGA; Fieldstone Golf Club, Greenville, Del.
  • Bill Strausbaugh Award: Scott Nye, PGA; Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pa.
  • Professional Development Award: Sean Palmer, PGA; Union League of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.
  • Patriot Award: John Pillar, PGA; Country Club at Woodloch Springs, Hawley, Pa.
  • Player Development Award: Tessa Teachman, PGA; Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, Pa.
  • Youth Player Development Award: Daniel Mrozinski, PGA; Commonwealth National Golf Club, Horsham, Pa.
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category: Michael Shank, PGA; Wilmington (Del.) Country Club
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category: Matthew Hoffman, PGA; Carlisle (Pa.) Barracks Golf Course
  • Deacon Palmer Award: Fred Heller, PGA; Rolling Green Golf Club, Springfield, Pa.
  • Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Beatrice Smith, PGA; Gulph Mills Golf Club, King of Prussia, Pa.
  • Salesperson of the Year: Lori DesRuisseaux; Belyn Key, Criquet, Corkcicle, 2Undr, VimHue, Skoni, Melly M, Cappai Designs, and OTG247

Scott Chisholm, PGA, the PGA director of golf at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa., has been named the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Golf Professional of the Year. This is the highest annual honor given to a Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professional, awarded for qualities of leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the Philadelphia PGA Section and the game of golf.

A PGA of America Member since 2011, Chisholm started his professional career in the New Jersey PGA Section, working at Morris County Golf Club, Plainfield Country Club, and Baltusrol Golf Club, before being hired at Rolling Green as PGA head professional; he was promoted to his current role in 2022.

When Chisholm arrived at Rolling Green, he presented a roadmap to the club’s Board of Governors to address the facility’s challenges. As part of his plan, Chisholm expanded the golf staff, growing from a head golf professional and two assistant golf professionals to a PGA director of golf, PGA head golf professional, PGA director of instruction, four PGA assistant golf professionals, a golf shop manager, and a director of outside services.

Chisholm believes that one of his most important roles is to recruit, train, and mentor the golf operations staff, and claims to have one of the best staff in the Philadelphia PGA Section, if not the country. He prides himself on creating a culture that is conductive to success, which includes setting clear expectations, leading by example, implementing standardized training and operating procedures, and communicating with continued feedback. In addition to his own accomplishments, his staff boasts the 2023 PGA Professional National Champion and 2024 PGA Championship Low Club Professional Braden Shattuck, PGA, two-time Philadelphia PGA Deacon Palmer Award recipient Fred Heller, PGA, two-time Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) Player of the Year Anthony Sebastianelli, and Bud Jennings PGA Golf Management Scholarship recipient Greg Rhoads, PGA. He has helped two of his assistants be hired as PGA head golf professionals, and two more as PGA directors of instruction. Chisholm says that staff development is one of the club’s greatest success stories, and a big point of pride for its membership.

When Rolling Green undertook a golf course improvement plan with world-renown golf course architect Gil Hanse, Chisholm helped to lead the project. The end result returned the course to its reputation of being one of the best in the Section. Thanks in part to his relationships with the Philadelphia PGA Section and the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP), the William Flynn-designed layout has hosted many major events, including the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship. Chisholm also helped secure a 10-year agreement with GAP to host many more events in the years to come.

While Chisholm oversees Rolling Green’s day-to-day operations, he is no stranger to golf instruction and growing the game though player development programs; he was previously named the 2017 New Jersey PGA Player Development Award recipient, and has appeared on Golf Digest‘s “Best Young Teachers in America” and “Best Teachers in Every State” lists. His goals for the club’s golf instruction are to provide world-class instruction tailored to the needs of the student; offer diverse clinics and schools to appeal to all abilities, ages, and genders; train a staff that is current with the industry’s latest technology and best practices; and to develop a culture that encourages learning, improvement, and enjoyment of the game. In addition to private and group lessons, the facility offers several player development initiatives, which include programs for women and junior golfers, as well as special events.

Last winter, Chisholm led a significant golf shop renovation project, which he kept on time and on budget. The project resulted in a 15-percent increase in sales, a figure made more impressive considering the shop was closed for multiple months. Chisholm’s merchandising philosophy provides personalized shopping experiences, knowledgeable staff members, efficient planning, and improved vendor relations.

Outside of Rolling Green, Chisholm is no stranger to Association service and growth of the game initiatives. He served on the New Jersey PGA Section’s Board of Directors in 2016-2017, and currently serves as a District 6 director on the Philadelphia PGA Section’s board. Furthermore, Chisholm was a member of the New Jersey PGA’s Education and Assistants committees, and is a member of the Philadelphia PGA’s Awards Committee.

John Rudolph, PGA, the director of instruction at Fieldstone Golf Club in Greenville, Del., has been named the 2024 Philadelphia PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year for his “outstanding services as a golf teacher, innovator and coach.” He earned his PGA of America membership in 2006, and has spent the last 15 years at Fieldstone; he worked as PGA head golf professional in the first 11 years, and took on his current role in 2021.

Rudolph’s teaching philosophy is to help build players’ better contact, direction, and distance, in that order, while achieving and/or maintaining good rhythm and swing tempo, encouraging positive thoughts, and tailoring the instruction to the students’ needs. He says that measuring is critical in the analysis, and helps build player confidence.

Good teachers often want to learn as much as they can for continual improvement, and Rudolph is no different. He has earned six PGA Certifications, and has been certified in the American Development Model, Titleist clubfitting, Ping clubfitting, SuperSpeed Golf, Trackman, BodiTrak, the Positive Coaching Alliance, and EyeLine Golf. He is also a U.S. Kids Master Instructor. His hard work has paid off, as he has been recognized as a Golf Digest “Best Teacher” in Delaware, and has appeared on U.S. Kids’ “Top 50 Instructors” and “Honorable Mention” lists.

Outside of his lessons for adults, Rudolph is a true youth golf leader. He revitalized Fieldstone’s junior golf programming by implementing U.S. Kids curriculum, rebranding youth golf camps, and developing a high school performance program. Additionally, Rudolph has served as coach of Fieldstone’s PGA Jr. League team for the past seven years. The PGA Jr. League program has become so popular at Fieldstone that he offers programming in each of the four seasons.

To realize Rudolph’s success in teaching, one need not look further than his student’s resumes. His students have become Drive, Chip, and Putt national finalists, individual, and team champions, at the local, regional, and national levels.

Scott Nye, PGA, the longtime PGA director of golf at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., is the recipient of the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award, an honor he also received in 2014. The award recognizes a PGA of America Golf Professional who demonstrates exceptional character, integrity and leadership, by way of teaching and mentoring other PGA Professionals. Nye was elected to PGA of America membership in 1988, and has been working as a PGA head golf professional or PGA director of golf for the past 35 years. Since April 1, 2024, he has worked in three different roles: PGA director of golf at Merion and High Grove in Venus, Fla., and as championship director at Merion (Nye is stepping down as Merion’s PGA director of golf, but will remain on as the club’s championship director). Nye says the most important characteristic that he employs professionally is to treat everyone the same, from staff to club members. He also spends a great deal of time helping people improve professionally, by helping them do a better job in their current role, and helping them navigate through the process of being hired for a better job. Nye does not stop with his current or former staff, in fact, he has helped other golf facilities with their PGA Professional searches, most recently the Country Club of York. In addition to help improve professional staff, Nye has also played a role in securing six USGA events through 2050, including the 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship, the 2034 and 2046 U.S. Women’s Opens, and the 2030, 2040, and 2050 U.S. Opens. He says he is extremely proud of the relationship he has maintained with the USGA, while representing the PGA of America with the highest of standards. Nye was named the PGA of America’s Merchandiser of the Year in the Private Category in 2014, and was awarded the same award at the Section level in 2012. He was also named the 2012 Philadelphia PGA Golf Professional of the Year, and earned the Section’s Professional Development Award in 1996 and 1997.

Sean Palmer, PGA, the chief operating officer of the Union League of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pa., is this year’s Professional Development Award recipient. This honor goes to a PGA Member who displays commendable contributions to the education of PGA Professionals. Palmer says that his contribution to educating his fellow PGA Professionals stems from his leadership with the Union League’s golf team and intern training. Palmer is a member of Penn State University’s PGA Golf Management Alumni Board, and helps to further the success of the program. Connecting his facility with his alma mater has allowed him to invite PGA Golf Management University students, and local PGA Professionals, to educational sessions that cover a variety of topics. In 2019, Palmer developed a curriculum that he named Union League University, which was designed to train PGA Golf Management University students in every aspect of the private club business. Additionally, the Union League annually hosts PGA Magazine conferences, such as the PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Conference, and their General Managers program. In addition top his service with Penn State, Palmer also sits on the Section’s Education Committee. Prior to accepting his current role, Palmer worked as the Union League’s PGA head golf professional, and then PGA director of golf, where, among his other duties, has made it a priority to promote the PGA of America Golf Professional and redefine what it means to be a PGA Member in the 21st century. Palmer was named the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Golf Professional of the Year, and the Section’s Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year in 2014.

John Pillar, PGA, is the PGA director of golf at the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., and is the recipient of the Section’s 2024 Patriot Award. The award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates an unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected our country. A Philadelphia PGA past president, and passionate about honoring the lives of local military servicemen and servicewomen, he established a new PGA HOPE chapter for the PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia, the Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and hosted the inaugural District 2 Patriots Cup in October. He has also embraced the Folds of Honor Foundation, whose mission is to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members. Backed by Pillar’s leadership, the facility has helped raise over $1.3 million over 15 years for veterans and their families, resulting in over 200 scholarship for families of the fallen. Additionally, Woodloch Springs provides complimentary vacations for eight to ten Folds of Honor families each year, at no cost. Pillar was inducted into the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame earlier this year, was named one of the Section’s Playing Legends in 2021, and was the Section’s 2007 Golf Professional of the Year. He won this award previously in 2019.

Tessa Teachman, PGA, a PGA assistant golf professional at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa., is the recipient of the Section’s 2024 Player Development Award. This honor bestows special recognition to a PGA of America Member who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development. Teachman was elected to PGA of America membership in 2022 while working at the Quarry Golf Club in Florida, and joined the Aronimink team in 2023. Since the move to the Philadelphia PGA Section, she has run 26 different programs that targeted specific segments of the club membership, such as non-golfers, women, and youth golfers. Teachman has also utilized Operation 36 to help beginners improve their games, and encourage their play on the golf course. Her efforts have helped increase participation in the club’s women’s sessions by over 40 percent, and in PGA Jr. League by nearly 50 percent. As a 200-hour trained yoga instructor, Teachman also offers yoga classes for golfers in Aronimink’s new performance center. Outside of the club, Teachman serves on the Section’s Education Committee, has mentored PGA Golf Management University students, and has created a comprehensive winter education plan to support professional growth at Aronimink.

Daniel Mrozinski, PGA, is the PGA head golf professional and junior golf director at Commonwealth National Golf Club in Horsham, Pa., and the Section’s 2024 Youth Player Development Award recipient. The award is given annually to a PGA of America Golf Professional who has made extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of youth player development. Mrozinski has developed comprehensive youth programs at Commonwealth National, which encompass various age groups and skill levels. In developing his curriculum, he makes sure to emphasize skill development, character-building, and safety. Outside of his facility, Mrozinski has championed efforts to engage diverse communities to introduce the game of golf to a wider range of youth. He also has mentored PGA Professionals, both at the local level, and via the Section’s Youth Golf Committee. Additionally, he has always made it a priority to participate in education workshops and seminars to not only boost his own youth golf programs, but some of the programs the Section and PGA REACH Philadelphia offers as well.

Michael Shank, PGA, the PGA director of golf at Wilmington (Del.) Country Club, has been named the Section’s 2024 Merchandiser of Year for the Private Category. The award recognizes PGA of America Golf Professionals working at a private golf facility who have excelled in business and merchandising in the promotion of golf. Shank was elected to PGA membership in 2000, and worked at clubs in the Middle Atlantic and Metropolitan PGA Sections, before arriving in Wilmington. Shank’s merchandising philosophy is based on exceeding member expectations. He participates in all major vendor meetings, attends merchandise shows, and determines the merchandise mix of lines for the golf shop. His shop operations places an emphasis on fill-in orders and special orders, as their operation has evolved to be very nimble. Shank and his team have also created digital lookbooks for the club membership, with some products modeled by his professional staff. He and his team believe in a soft sell approach to merchandise; the staff is knowledgeable about the products for sale, and also wear the brands that are carried in the shop. The golf shop’s vision is based on the larger golf operation goals: promote golf, provide outstanding service, be well-informed, present an impeccable image, provide consistent policy, and attain constant improvement. Shank was previously awarded the Professional Development Award twice by the Metropolitan PGA Section.

Matthew Hoffman, PGA, the PGA head golf professional at Carlisle Barracks Golf Course in Carlisle, Pa., has been named the Section’s 2024 Merchandiser of Year for the Public Category. The award recognizes PGA of America Golf Professionals working at a public golf facility who have excelled in business and merchandising in the promotion of golf. The job of a PGA Professional is far-reaching, but Hoffman has been sure not to neglect the facility’s merchandise operation, which is owned by the United States Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs. By spending approximately 35 percent of his time on the golf shop floor, he has been able better interact with the facility’s daily fee customers to understand what they look for when they walk into any golf shop, not necessarily just ours. Over the years, Hoffman has slowly dropped the amount of stock hard goods in the shop, as most sales are a result of custom clubfitting.

Fred Heller, PGA, is the PGA head golf professional at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa., and the Section’s 2024 Deacon Palmer Award recipient, an honor that he also received in 2023. The award bestows special recognition to a PGA of America Golf Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership, in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life. This individual is an unsung hero/heroine at their facility and in their community, who serves to inspire, empower and assist others, both inside and outside of the game. In 2006, Heller was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and had his knee and seven and a half inches of his tibia removed. In 2018, the cancer returned, and he had his right leg amputated above his knee following an infection. Heller said experiencing this challenging situation completely changed his outlook on life; every day, he simply wants to smile and make everyone around him smile and appreciate life, given it can change in an instant. Since his amputation, Heller works to teach at as many disabled golf clinics as possible each year, including the Good Shepherd Learn to Golf Clinic, Drexel University classes, the National Amputee Golf Association’s clinics, and the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s (GAP) adaptive golf programming. He also serves on GAP’s Adaptive Golf Committee. He recently started coaching a youth golfer who also lost his leg to amputation, and has since made his high school golf team. Heller also says that many Rolling Green members have told him that he is an inspiration when they see him play golf, which only motivates to promote the game of golf more.

Beatrice Smith, PGA, a PGA assistant golf professional at Gulph Mills Golf Club in King of Prussia, Pa., and the Section’s 2024 Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. The award recognizes PGA of America Golf Professionals who have excelled in business and merchandising in the promotion of golf, and is named for the late Justin Riegel, a past Section Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. Smith believes that the keys to success as a PGA assistant golf professional are flexibility and versatility, having learned the approach from a mentor who encouraged her to become a “Swiss Army Knife” golf professional – capable of handling various tasks regardless of specialization or preference. She says that she has embraced that philosophy, and that it has helped her become a well-rounded PGA Professional. Maintaining a positive attitude and having a willingness to learn are essential to her success. Smith leads the buying program at Gulph Mills, and strives to introduce new lines and products each year, while also offering the beloved brands that their members cherish. She says it is vital to understand their members’ preferences to create an efficient and productive buying plan. Outside of her normal teaching and coaching routine at the club, Smith also hosts multi-day golf schools at PGA Golf Club in Florida during the offseason, ensuring that she stays connected with her students year-round. At the Section level, Smith has engaged with and is a member of the Philadelphia PGA Women’s Committee, helping women PGA Professionals connect and network to improve their careers and facility operations. In terms of community impact, Smith has not slowed down; she is an assistant varsity golf coach and youth development director at the Agnes Irwin School in Bryn Mawr, Pa., and has been involved with organizations and events such as HerClub, Women Golfers Give Back, and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Lori DesRuisseaux is a sales representative for Belyn Key, Criquet, Corkcicle, 2Undr, VimHue, Skoni, Melly M, Cappai Designs, and OTG247, and is the Section’s 2024 Salesperson of the Year. This award recognizes a sales representative who contributes to the Section and is involved with sponsoring Section events. They are also respected among their fellow Section clubs and have implemented new ideas to assist growing the game of golf. Lori has been a longtime supporter of the Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals. Her philosophy in approaching her business and being a great partner is to be a great listener, have attention to detail, be very responsive, never oversell, and be passionate about what she does. DesRuisseaux is sure to keep her clients up-to-date on what is selling well, what the current trends are, and provide new ideas for their merchandise and event operations. She serves on the Women’s Central Penn Golf Association Board of Directors, and has volunteered for several USGA events, including championships at local facilities such as Lancaster (Pa.) Country Club, and Stonewall.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this press release unintentionally omitted the piece about our 2024 Professional Development Award recipient, Sean Palmer, PGA. We sincerely apologize and regret the error.

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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

Philadelphia PGA Section and PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia Announce Partnership With Wilson Smith Golf League

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 8, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section and its 501(c)(3) charitable organization, PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia, is proud to announce a partnership with the Wilson Smith Golf League (WSGL), a golf-centric organization supporting recovery from Alcohol and/or Substance Use Disorder (AUD/SUD).

PGA REACH Philadelphia’s mission of impacting lives through the game of golf presents a synergy with the WSGL, as its primary function is to support recovery from alcohol and/or substance addiction through community and fellowship by coordinating services, communication, education, and information into a national network of sober golf leagues.

“It is rewarding to work with the Wilson Smith Golf League to help improve the lives of golfers in our Section,” said Philadelphia PGA Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “It’s also an honor to have the WSGL put their trust in us in helping achieve their mission to support and promote addiction recovery through the structured participation in golf.”

As part of the agreement, the Section’s nearly 900 PGA of America Golf Professionals will act as ambassadors to connect interested golfers at their respective facilities to the WSGL. With the creation of this alliance, WSGL members and their families will improve their health and wellness while increasing their ability to stay clean and sober.

“As we enter our 25th season, the WSGL is excited to partner with the Philadelphia PGA Section and PGA REACH Philadelphia to extend awareness of our organization,” says WSGL’s Peter H. “Our mission dovetails with PGA REACH Philadelphia’s pursuits, and this alliance will bring new awareness of our organization to thousands of golfers throughout the Delaware Valley.”

The Section, foundation, and WSGL will begin their work immediately, with a formal presentation coming during the Section’s annual Fall Membership Meeting at Medford Village Country Club on October 28. PGA of America Golf Professionals are welcome to download, print, and display WSGL collateral by clicking here.

To learn more, and to apply for WSGL membership, visit wilsonsmithgolf.org.

About the Wilson-Smith Golf League
The Wilson-Smith Golf League promotes addiction recovery through community and fellowship by coordinating services, communication, education, and information into a network of sober golf leagues.   The goal of The Wilson-Smith Golf League is to create other WSGL chapters across the country to assist persons afflicted with Alcohol/Substance Use Disorder and their families.

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit pgareachphiladelphia.com. To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please click here.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA 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