Category: PPGA

George Forster and Tony Perla Claim First Place in the 2026 McQuiston Sr. Pro / Jr. Pro Championship

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (October 15, 2026) — PGA Life Member George Forster and Tony Perla of Huntingdon Valley Country Club claimed first place in the 2026 McQuiston Sr. Pro / Jr. Pro Championship at Bala Golf Club at 7-under-par.

This marks Forster’s fourth victory at the McQuiston Sr. Pro / Jr. Pro Championship and his second win alongside his nephew, Perla. Forster has also won the championship with Perla’s father, Tony Perla Sr., and John Spina.

Trevor Bensel of LuLu Country Club and Dave Quinn of Laurel Creek Country Club tied for second place at 6-under-par alongside Kevin Edwards of Olde Homestead Golf Club and Gregg Meyer of Woodstone Country Club & Lodge. Four teams tied for fourth place at 5-under-par: Dominic Frassinelli of GOLFTEC-Springfield and Pete Lovenguth of Sandy Run Country Club; Jason Wilson of Bethlehem Golf Club and Ross Brown of Fox Hill Country Club; Kyle Jackson of Sunnybrook Golf Club and Stephen Swartz of Carlisle Country Club; and Kyle Early and Adam Brigham of Waynesborough Country Club.

To view the 2026 McQuiston Sr. Pro / Jr. Pro Championship leaderboard, click here. 

The 2026 McQuiston Sr. Pro / Jr. Pro Championship is presented by Bala Golf Club and supported by Golf Max, Levelwear, and Homestretch Golf. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Bala 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.

About Henry J. McQuiston Jr., PGA
Henry J. McQuiston Jr. was born in Philadelphia in 1932 and grew up next to the Chester Valley Golf Club where his family lived. He and his two brothers played golf at Chester Valley and worked for  superintendent Dick Murphy. McQuiston graduated from West Chester State Teachers College in 1954 and then served two years in the United States Army. After being discharged from the Army, he went to work as a schoolteacher. In 1958 he turned professional and worked at Chester Valley while playing some tournaments on the PGA Tour during the summer months and still teaching school the rest of the year. In 1960 he took the job as the assistant at the Bala Golf Club and two years later he became the head professional. In 1968 McQuiston finished in a tie for second in the Section Championship losing in a three-way playoff and in 1971 he was second in the Philadelphia Open losing a playoff. He qualified for the 1962 PGA Championship, the 1963 U.S. Open and the 1984 PGA Senior Championship. McQuiston qualified for the PGA Tour tournament at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club ten times and made the cut three times. McQuiston was a member of eleven Challenge Cup teams that competed against the Middle Atlantic Section. He qualified for the Club Professional Championship four times and the Senior Club Pro Championship once. In 1970 McQuiston and several other Section members built the Avalon Golf Club and operated it until they sold out in 1986. He was elected as the 20th president of the Section in 1973 and 1974 after having served as the second vice president for two years. McQuiston was the head pro at Bala for thirty-seven years after which he continued on as the pro emeritus at the club. In 2004 McQuiston’s name was added to the Section’s Senior Pro-Junior Pro Championship, which had been held at the Bala Golf Club for over 20 years. He was the Section’s “Golf Professional of the Year” in 1997. In 2005 he was inducted into the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame.

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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

Playing Through: Mike Caldwell, PGA (S3E8)

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 Mike Caldwell, the Head Golf Professional at DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware.


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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

PGA of America Golf Professional Jim Smith Jr. Inducted Into Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 14, 2026) — The Philadelphia PGA Section and its Hall of Fame Committee have inducted PGA of America Golf Professional Jim Smith Jr. into its Hall of Fame as the class of 2026. He is the 49th Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame member. 

Smith, the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s chief operating officer and PGA director of golf, is being recognized for over three decades of exceptional leadership, mentorship, and service to the golf profession. Elected to PGA Membership in 1994, Smith’s dedication to advancing the game has left an indelible mark on both the local and national levels. Smith has served in every capacity of the Section’s governance, culminating in his tenure as Philadelphia PGA Section President from 2007 to 2009. During his time on the Section Board of Directors and Executive Committee, he was instrumental in establishing sound financial practices and pioneering innovative tournament concepts, including the Tournament Players Division framework.

A hallmark of Smith’s distinguished career is his commitment to education and mentorship. He has mentored nearly 50 former PGA assistant golf professionals into key leadership roles across the country—including PGA directors of golf, head golf professionals, and directors of instruction. Recognized nationally by the PGA of America, Smith was awarded the Association’s prestigious Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2024, having previously earned the Section’s Bill Strausbaugh Award three times previously. He was also recognized as the Section’s PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2006 and Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category in 2002.  

“Being elected to the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame is not something I ever dreamed of or aspired to; rather, my only goal as a PGA Professional has been to give members, guests, and teammates the best of me every day,” said Smith. “I’ve failed as much as I’ve succeeded, and know this honor is mostly an acknowledgement of the great mentors and teammates I’ve been supported by in my career, the love and support of my family (Kathy, Courtney, Justin, Haley), and the incredible membership that is the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Recognition of me is recognition of them, and I am thankful beyond words.”

Smith will be recognized at the Section’s Fall Membership Meeting on Monday, October 19 at Jericho National Golf Club, and will be formally honored at the Section’s Awards Banquet in early 2027.

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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

Joe Kogelman and Dave Quinn Tie for First with Logan Hay and Alex Willey to Share the 2026 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship Title

Cape May Court House, New Jersey (October 12, 2026) — PGA of America Golf Professionals Joe Kogelman of GOLFTEC-Moorestown and Dave Quinn of Laurel Creek Country Club share first place with Logan Hay of Burlington Country Club and Alex Willey of the Metropolitan PGA Section in the 2026 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship at Union League National at 15-under-par.

In third place at 14-under-par were Lamar Saxon of Kennett Square Golf and Country Club and Austin Barbin of Chesapeake Bay Golf Club. A three-way tie for fourth place at 13-under-par included Jeff Fick of Moselem Springs Golf Club and PGA Life Member Rob Rohrbach; Michael Little of Clubhouse 54 and Mark Sheftic of Sunnybrook Golf Club; and Trevor Bensel of LuLu Country Club and Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort.

To view the 2026 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2026 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship is presented by Sterling Cut Glass and supported by Sun Cruiser, Homestretch Golf, Maui Jim, and Red Arrow Markers.  The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, the Union League of Philadelphia / Union League National, their members, 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 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Philadelphia PGA Announces 2026 Slate of Nominees

Philadelphia PGA Secretary Dustin McCormick has announced the 2026 slate of nominees for open District director positions in Districts 2, 4, and 6. The election is scheduled to take place at our Fall Membership Meeting at Jericho National Golf Club on Monday, October 19. The committee has put forth a slate of endorsed candidates, as listed below. 

2026 Slate of Endorsed Candidates

District 2
Michael Rushin, PGA
Bear Trap Dunes
(Endorsed Candidate)

Rushin, the current District 2 Director, was appointed in 2025 when then-director Michael Caldwell was elected as director of tournaments. He was elected to PGA of America Membership in 2020 and currently serves as the PGA head golf professional at Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View, Delaware. His previous facility experience includes assistant golf professional roles at Baywood Greens (2012-14), the Peninsula Golf and Country Club (2010-11), and Wild Quail Golf and Country Club (2009-10). Rushin resides in Ocean View with his wife, Ashlynn, and stepdaughter, Declan. He is committed to actively listening to the needs, concerns, and perspectives of the members and associates he represents and bringing those matters before the Board. Rushin emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all facility interests across the Section are thoughtfully represented, particularly those located at a distance from many of their peers.   

District 4
Justin Alunni, PGA
Skytop Lodge
(Endorsed Candidate)

Alunni was elected to PGA of America Membership in 2013 and currently serves as the PGA head golf professional at Skytop (Pennsylvania) Lodge, a position he has held since 2019. In the past, he worked as the first PGA assistant golf professional at Glen Oak Country Club in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, from 2008 to 2018, and began his career as an assistant at Fox Hill Country Club in Exeter, Pennsylvania in 2007. Active within industry associations, he is also a member of the Association of Golf Merchandisers. Alunni is engaged in Section initiatives, serving as an instructor for PGA HOPE Poconos and U.S. Kids Golf, participating in educational seminars from the PGA of America, the Philadelphia PGA Section, and the Association of Golf Shop Merchandisers. Born and raised in Northeast Pennsylvania, he has been playing golf since the age of six. Alunni expressed that serving the Philadelphia PGA Section as the District 4 Director would be a wonderful honor and privilege.

District 6
Sam Ambrose, PGA
Chester Valley Golf Club
(Endorsed Candidate)

Ambrose was elected to PGA of America Membership in 2011 and currently serves as PGA head golf professional at Chester Valley Golf Club, where he has been for the past eight years, following positions at Aronimink Golf Club, McArthur Golf Club, Elk River Club, and Old Chatham Golf Club. Active within the Philadelphia PGA Section, he serves on multiple section committees, including the PGA Championship, Foundation, Junior Golf, and Nominating committees. Ambrose has helped spearhead key Section initiatives, including hosting the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup at Chester Valley. His industry recognition includes being named the 2023 Philadelphia PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category. He looks forward to expanding his leadership role and serving as the District 6 director to strengthen communication, represent member voices, and support the growth of Section PGA Professionals.

District 6
Sean Palmer, PGA
The Union League of Philadelphia
(Endorsed Candidate)

Palmer was elected to PGA of America Membership in 2011 and currently serves as the chief operating officer at the Union League of Philadelphia, where he has been for the past 12 years, following a nine-year stint at Merion Golf Club. A member of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) and active within the Philadelphia Vicinity Club Managers Association (PVCMA), he frequently speaks on hospitality leadership and attends various educational sessions. Palmer serves on four Philadelphia PGA Section committees, participates in the PGA REACH Philadelphia mentorship program, and has helped spearhead major initiatives including supporting PGA HOPE, hosting the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, and the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship. Additionally, he has driven significant partnership efforts with the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, establishing an endowed caddie scholarship program, donating facility use for major fundraisers, and facilitating maintenance support for the municipal John F. Byrne Golf Course. Palmer’s industry recognition includes being named the PGA of America’s PGA Golf Executive of the Year, and receiving the Section’s Golf Professional of the Year, Justin Riegel PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year, and Professional Development awards. He looks forward to expanding his leadership role and assisting the Section in any capacity.   
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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

Philadelphia PGA Section Office to Close May 11-18 for PGA Championship

Please be advised that the Philadelphia PGA Section office will be closed from Monday, May 11, through Monday, May 18, as our staff will be onsite supporting the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club.

While we are in the field, we remain committed to assisting you. If you need to reach a specific department or staff member during this time, please visit our staff directory for individual contact information: Philadelphia PGA Staff Directory

We look forward to an incredible week of championship golf in our Section and hope to see many of you at Aronimink!

Best regards,

Philadelphia PGA Section Staff

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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

Philadelphia PGA Section Professionals Capture 34th Philadelphia Challenge Matches

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (September 30, 2026) — The Philadelphia PGA Section’s team of 12 PGA of America Golf Professionals defeated the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s amateur team 11.5 points to 6.5 to claim the 34th Challenge Matches at Saucon Valley Country Club.

The team of Philadelphia PGA Professionals was led by Captain Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club; Ross Brown, Fox Hill Country Club; Michael Chanaud, Bear Trap Dunes; Andrew Cornish, Llanerch Country Club; Trevor Bensel, LuLu Country Club; Logan Hay, Burlington Country Club; Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek Country Club; Ryan Rucinski, Applebrook Golf Club; Anthony Sebastinelli, Whitford Country Club; Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook Golf Club; Andrew Turner, Green Valley Country Club; Brett Walker, Chester Valley Golf Club.

The team of GAP Amateurs was led by captain Jamie Slonis, Tavistock Country Club; Jack Carrigan, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club; David Colleran, Overbrook Golf Club; David Hurly, Aronimink Golf Club; Patrick Isztwan, Huntingdon Valley Country Club; Scott Kalamar, Green Pond Golf Course; Brock Kovach, LedgeRock Golf Club; Christian Matt, LuLu Country Club; David Mecca, Country Club of Scranton; Dane Mohap, Lehigh Country Club; Richard Riva, Lancaster Country Club; Ryan Tall, LuLu Country Club.


In the single matches Zachary Barbin defeated Brock Kovach; Christian Matt defeated Michael Chanaud; Ryan Rucinski topped Patrick Isztwan; Trevor Bensel beat David Colleran ; Anthony Sebastianelli defeated Ryan Tall; Mark Sheftic beat Jack Carrigan; Andrew Turner defeated Dane Mohap; Richard Riva topped Brett Walker; David Hurly beat Logan Hay; Jamie Slonis defeated David Quinn ; Andrew Cornish and David Mecca tied; Scott Kalamar topped Ross Brown.


In the Four-Ball matches Zachary Barbin and Anthony Sebastianelli beat Brock Kovach and Ryan Tall; David Quinn and Mark Sheftic topped Jamie Slonis and Jack Carrigan; Scott Kalamar and David Hurly defeated Ross Brown and Logan Hay; Michael Chanaud and Ryan Rucinski beat 
Christian Matt + Patrick Isztwan; Trevor Bensel and Brett Walker tied with David Colleran and Richard Riva; Andrew Cornish and Andrew Turner beat David Mecca and Dane Mohap.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches would not be possible without the support and energy of Robin McCool. McCool was instrumental in getting the matches started 33 years ago and serves as the honorary captain for the GAP team and as honorary chair of the event. Everyone owes Robin a debt of gratitude for all of his efforts.
 
To view the full 34th Philadelphia Challenge Matches leaderboard, click here.

The 34th Philadelphia Challenge Matches is supported by Nick Feldkamp of Ping, Jim Ravina and Kevin Quinn of Donald Ross, and KM Golf Sales / Kevin McClellan. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners and our host, Saucon Valley Country 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.

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, Director of Operations , mfrey@pgahq.com