Category: Featured
PGA of America Golf Professional Riley Wheeldon Wins at the Hutch
Reading, Pa. (June 18, 2025) — Despite a shortened round due to thunderstorms, PGA of America Golf Professional Riley Wheeldon of Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa., took first place with a score of five-under par at the Hutch Invitational at Berkshire Country Club. This is Wheeldon’s first victory in the Philadelphia PGA Section.
Scott and Karen Hutchinson have been longtime supporters of the Philadelphia PGA Section and the PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia, the Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, and also support the Philadelphia Players Championship at Lookaway Golf Club. The Hutchinsons established the Hutch to provide an additional playing opportunity to PGA Professionals who prioritize competitive golf while also successfully balancing their careers and partner relationships. The Hutch is a limited field event with the Hutchinsons extending invitations to 33 PGA Professionals. We at the Philadelphia PGA Section thank Scott and Karen Hutchinson for their amazing generosity and continued support. Today’s event was also supported by Holderness & Bourne.
“I feel like I played really well today,” said Wheeldon. “Believe it or not I still think I left a couple of shots out there.” He then went on to thank Scott for inviting him to play in this event and extended gratitude to Berkshire Country Club, his wife and new baby girl.
Wheeldon put up an impressive round despite the heat and humidity, making five birdies to better Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek Country Club, by two strokes. Dupont Country Club’s Michael Caldwell, PGA, was close behind finishing at 2-under-par. Tied for fourth at one-under-par was John Cooper, Green Valley Country Club; Michael Strain, Concord Country Club; and Scott Chisholm, Rolling Green Golf Club.
Participating PGA Professionals teamed with one amateur golfer of their choice in a Better Ball format for the team competition.
Riley Wheeldon and his amateur partner, Jack Crowley, placed first with a combined score of six-under par. Three teams tied for second place, one stroke back: Mike Caldwell, PGA, and Ron Fields; Michael Strain, PGA, and Jason Patton, and Scott Chisholm, PGA, and Blake Walinsky. Finishing in a tie for fifth place at four-under par were PGA Professional, Andrew Cornish, Green Valley Country Club, and his amateur, Al DeColli and Professional, Dave Quinn and his teammate, Bobby Dominy.
To view the full 2025 Hutch leaderboard, click here.
The Hutch is presented by Scott and Karen Hutchinson, and supported by Holderness & Bourne. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Berkshire 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
PGA of America Golf Professional Joanna Coe to Compete in 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
PGA of America Golf Professional Joanna Coe of Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., will compete in this week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, June 19-22, at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas, as part of the Corebridge Financial Team; it will be her sixth appearance in this major championship. Coe is scheduled to tee off at 9:17 a.m. Eastern Time on the first tee.
We hope you will help us root Joanna on as she competes in front of the world. If you are unable to attend the championship, we have listed the television broadcast times below.
How To Watch: 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
Thursday, June 19
Golf Channel: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Golf Channel: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Coe: 9:17 a.m. Eastern on No. 1
Friday, June 20
Golf Channel: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Golf Channel: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Coe: 2:44 p.m. Eastern on No. 10
Saturday, June 21
Peacock: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
NBC: 1:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 22
Peacock: 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
NBC: 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
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 Golf Professional Brett Walker Wins 2025 Philadelphia PGA Conestoga Classic
Lancaster, Pa. (June 16, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Brett Walker of Chester Valley Golf Club in Malvern, Pa., finished his round with an impressive 7-under-par 63 in less than ideal weather conditions to win the 2025 Philadelphia PGA Conestoga Classic at Conestoga Country Club by two strokes over Waynesborough Country Club’s Kyle Early, PGA, Rolling Green Golf Club’s Braden Shattuck, PGA, and Anthony Sebastianelli, also of Rolling Green.
Play in the tournament, a Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event, was suspended for approximately 50 minutes due to heavy rain.
Walker, who started his round before the worst of the rain began to fall, kickstarted his round with an eagle three on the par-five first hole, and continued his hot play with six birdies, making only one bogey in the process.
“I played the whole back nine in the pouring rain,” Walker said after his round. “I played really well. I actually hit better shots in the rain, it was weird.”
Walker said he made several long putts, and that it was good to see the ball go in the hole, after having struggled with his putting in recent weeks. He credited visiting fellow PGA Member Michael Little of Clubhouse 54 as a reason he putted better today.
Walker went on to thank his wife Sarah, Chester Valley Golf Club and its members, Conestoga Country Club for hosting, and the Section staff for running the event.
Five PGA Professionals tied for fifth place at 4-under-par: Alex Knoll, Glen Brook Golf Club; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club; Michael Rushin, Bear Trap Dunes; and Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek Country Club.
Dave Quinn took the top prize in the Senior Division, finishing one stroke ahead of Sunnybrook Golf Club’s Mark Sheftic, and the Country Club at Woodloch Spring’s John Pillar. Terry Hertzog, Bent Creek Country Club; tied for fourth place at 1-under-par with Stephen Swartz, Carlisle Country Club.
The Philadelphia Cricket Clubs’ Bill Sautter, PGA, finished atop the Super Senior Division, thanks to his even-par round of 70. He finished one stroke ahead of Wayne Phillips, Lehigh Country Club. PGA Life Member Michael Versuk finished in third place at 3-over-par.
The Philadelphia PGA Section’s Central Counties Chapter hosted an event concurrently with the Conestoga Classic, with Alex Knoll and Brian Bergstol tying for first place. The duo finished one stroke ahead of John Pillar. Two PGA Professionals tied for fourth place: Terry Hertzog and Stephen Swartz.
The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) also held an event at Conestoga, with Kyle Early and Anthony Sebastianell tying for first. Alex Knoll, Brian Bergstol, and Zach Barbin tied for third place, one stroke behind the winners.
View the full 2025 Philadelphia PGA Conestoga Classic leaderboard by clicking here.
The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Conestoga Classic is supported by Cobra Puma Golf, Ohana Farm LLC, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Conestoga Country Club, its membership, management, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.
The next Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event is the William Hyndman III Memorial Classic at Huntingdon Valley (Pa.) Country Club on Monday, June 30.
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
Playing Through: Peter Clarke, PGA (S2E5)
Welcome to the latest episode of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 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 Peter Clarke, the PGA head golf professional at Manufacturers’ Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington, Pa.
If you are interested in appearing in a future episode, please complete this form by clicking here. To watch past episodes, click here.
Philadelphia PGA Section Accepting Award Nominations
Nominations for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2025 awards class are now being accepted by the Section’s Awards Committee. To nominate a PGA of America Golf Professional for one of the awards listed below, please complete the form by clicking the below button. The nomination deadline is August 24.
- Golf Professional of the Year
- Teacher & Coach of the Year
- Professional Development Award
- Bill Strausbaugh Award
- Player Development Award
- Youth Player Development Award
- Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category
- Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category
- Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category
- Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
- Patriot Award
- Deacon Palmer Award
- Golf Salesperson of the Year
Descriptions for each award are listed below. Any questions about the awards nomination process should be directed to Section Membership Director Sue Unger at sunger@pgahq.com or (215) 886-7742.
Submit Nominations- Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate has developed the image , reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members as a PGA Professional;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the Association and game of golf, as well as helping to further educate and train their fellow PGA Professionals;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game of golf.
- Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the game of golf, as well as helping to further educate their fellow PGA professionals with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
- Candidate must have attended or conducted a minimum combined total of 10 national teaching workshops, teaching / coaching summits or Section teaching workshops or teaching / coaching summits within the last 15 years.
- Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of education and training PGA Professionals;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America and the game of golf to further educate and train fellow PGA Members, Associates, and industry stakeholders;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
- Candidate must be one of the following: Master Professional, Certified Professional, served as an Associate Subject Matter Expert (SME), adjunct PGA faculty member, or have conducted and/or taught at a minimum combined total of 10 national education programs / workshops (to include PGA PGM) or Section education programs / workshops within the last 10 years.
their work performance, and become the PGA Member that they aspire to be.” Minimum criteria:
- Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America in the effort to further the careers of fellow PGA Professionals as a mentor, counselor, teacher and advisor;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of leadership and service to the Association, individual PGA Professionals, and the community at-large;
- Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry within the specific area of employment and club relations.
- Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in player development as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of player development;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of player development;
- Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry in the effort to grow meaningful participation in the game.
- Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in youth player development efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum of 10 years;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of youth player development;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of youth player development; Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, as well as a proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for youth to learn, play and participate in the game.
Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: The Assistant Golf Professional of the Year award recognizes an PGA of America Assistant Golf Professional who displays extraordinary service and commitment at their facility and within the industry. The award considers a professionals focus on facility operations, section and/or community service and growth of the game. Minimum criteria:
- Candidate must be a PGA of America Member in good standing;
- Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member;
- Demonstration and acknowledgement as an individual of outstanding leadership and strong moral character.
- Candidate must currently by a Class A Member in good standing and involved in military programming efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of contribution and support to the United States Armed Forces and Active Duty and Reserved personnel and veterans;
- Candidate must have displayed proven interest, concern, and ability to provide opportunities and experience for active duty, reservists, and veterans to learn and play golf;
- Candidate must have shown an ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of service to the military;
- Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, and proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for military personnel to learn, play and participate in the game.
- Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing and/or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years combined;
- Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member, demonstrating outstanding leadership traits, and strong moral character;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire, empower, and encourage success and achievement in individuals regardless of obstacles, disabilities, and personal challenges or otherwise;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to be PGA of America, fellow PGA Professionals, their facility, and the community in the effort to enhance and improve the quality of life for all individuals;
- Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry.
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: Sue Unger, Membership Director, sunger@pgahq.com
Playing Through: Megan Leineweber, PGA (S2E4)
Welcome to the latest episode of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 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 Megan Leineweber, the PGA head golf professional at Stonewall in Elverson, Pa.
If you are interested in appearing in a future episode, please complete this form by clicking here. To watch past episodes, click here.
Philadelphia PGA Section Launches Online Golf Shop
With the 2025 golf season in full swing and the PGA Championship upon us, we wanted to share something we’ve been working on in the Philadelphia PGA Section: we have launched an online golf shop, which will be available year-round! The new shop allows us to offer apparel and accessories embroidered with the Philadelphia PGA Section logo, and ship it directly to you. The shop also offers PGA Championship and Ryder Cup logoed items. Net proceeds will be donated to our charitable foundation, PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia.
PGA of America Members and Associates from our Section are eligible for a 15 percent discount on all items; PGA Professionals may redeem the discount by entering “PHILA15”
This endeavor has been many months in the making and we are delighted to introduce it to you. More brands will continue to be added in the weeks ahead, and we will announce them as they become available. We look forward to hearing your feedback, and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, or call the shop’s dedicated customer service line at (833) 366-4653.
To visit the online shop, click on the below button.
ShopAbout 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