Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (February 12, 2026) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is thrilled to cement another year with its longstanding partner, with the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB), solidifying a continued commitment to golf, community engagement, and diversity initiatives.

The VFTCB, will reengage with several key areas of the Philadelphia section:

• Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship Presenting Partnership
  September 16 at Green Valley C.C.
• Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championships Presenting Partnership
  May 6 at Lehigh Country Club, August 25 at Sunnybrook Golf Club and September 14 at Laurel Creek Country Club (New for 2026)
• PGA HOPE Huntingdon Valley Chapter Title Partnership
  The PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program is a free six-week golf program for military veterans. The lifetime sport of golf has proven to be an excellent activity for competition and rehabilitation, while helping military veterans to reconnect with their community through the social opportunities that the game provides. The program includes five golf lessons/clinics with instruction from certified PGA of America Golf Professionals. The Huntingdon Valley Chapter is one of 18 PGA HOPE Chapters in our Section.
• PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia Pro-Am Championship
  July 14 at Union League Liberty Hill
• Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarships Presenting Partnership
  The PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia offers scholarship opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate on the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour circuit for kids ages 18 and under. The Board will continue its commitment to inclusivity by helping to provide opportunities for aspiring young golfers.
• Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Presenting Partnership
  The Delaware Valley’s premier youth golf tour hosts over 90 events annually across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
• Philadelphia PGA Women’s Initiative Presenting Partnerships
  The Board will remain a presenting partner of the Section’s women’s initiatives and Women’s Committee events, demonstrating a strong commitment to the advancement of women in golf.

“Our continued partnership with the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board is something we deeply value,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “Their dedication to our mission—spanning PGA HOPE, youth golf, and women’s initiatives—allows us to make a lasting difference. Renewing this collaboration reinforces our joint effort to expand the reach of the game and strengthen our local community.”

This partnership will provide VFTCB with prominent brand visibility across the Section’s events and platforms, while also demonstrating their dedication to supporting the local golf community.

“We’re thrilled to keep working with the Philadelphia PGA,” said Mike Bowman, President & CEO of the VFTCB. “Not only are they a first-class, upstanding organization that maintains the class and respect that the game of golf deserves, but there are so many synergies between our groups to help promote Montgomery County, PA as a golf destination thanks to our 50 courses – some of the most historic and top-ranked in the region. That’s 300,000 yards of play!”

Together, the Philadelphia PGA and VFTCB anticipate another great year expanding regional golf and delivering a meaningful, long-term impact to our community.

About Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
The VFTCB is a private, non-profit membership sales and marketing organization which actively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by promoting patronage of its member hotels, restaurants, attractions and services. The Board represents more than 550 member businesses throughout Southeast Pennsylvania, and is funded from a combination of Pennsylvania grants, membership dues, and a tax imposed on visitors occupying the county’s more than 9,200 hotel rooms. For more information, visit valleyforge.org.

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

Lower Gwynedd, Pa. (February 3, 2026) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is proud to announce its new role as the presenting partner of “Inside Golf,” the region’s long-running and premier golf television program airing on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

The Section created the show in 1997 in an effort to highlight its PGA of America Golf Professionals and promote the game of golf. Birdwood Productions purchased the program from CCI Communications in 2024 to continue the show’s storytelling traditions.

Twenty-twenty-six is landmark year that will see the PGA Championship return to Aronimink Golf Club, May 11-17, where the eyes of the world will be fixed on the Philadelphia PGA Section and the Delaware Valley. The partnership solidifies the Section’s commitment to growing the game and elevating the more than 900 PGA of America Golf Professionals who serve as the “gold standard” of the industry.

Through this partnership, viewers can expect enhanced content including:

• Expert golf instruction: Weekly segments featuring Philadelphia PGA Professionals sharing tips to improve every aspect of the game
• PGA Professional profiles: In-depth looks at local PGA Professionals serving in various roles within the golf industry, including club professionals and managers, golf coaches, Rules of Golf experts, merchandisers, and more
• Behind the scenes access: Exclusive looks at the Section’s professional tournaments and events, and the local impact of the PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour
• Road to the PGA Championship: Specialized coverage leading up to the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink, highlighting the local PGA Professionals and Section staff involved in the year’s most anticipated major

“’Inside Golf’ has been the heartbeat of the local golf community for nearly three decades,” said Philadelphia PGA Executive Director Geoffrey Surrette, PGA. “By expanding our existing partnership with the show and the Birdwood team, we are providing an impressive and influential platform for our PGA Professionals to share their expertise, from world-class golf instruction to merchandising, community service, and facility management. This is about connecting the golfer at home with the PGA Professional experts who bring the game to life every day.”

“This partnership feels like a full-circle moment for Inside Golf,” said Birdwood Productions Owner Jack Flanagan. “The Philadelphia PGA Section created this show nearly 30 year ago to spotlight its PGA Professionals, and our goal since acquiring the program has been to honor that legacy while expanding its reach. With the Section as presenting sponsor, we’re doubling down on storytelling that educates, inspires, and gives golfers a deeper connection to the PGA Professionals who grow the game every day.”

“Inside Golf” airs weekly on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia, with additional re-airings throughout the week and availability on YouTube.

About “Inside Golf”
Inside Golf is a weekly television program dedicated to telling the stories of golf in the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond. Founded in 1997, the show highlights PGA of America Golf Professionals, local golf courses, tournaments, instruction, and the people and places that shape the game.

Now produced by Birdwood Productions, Inside Golf airs year round on NBC Sports Philadelphia and reaches golfers through multiple weekly broadcasts and digital platforms, including YouTube. For nearly three decades, the program has served as the region’s most trusted and consistent source of local golf storytelling.

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

Lower Gwynedd, Pa. (January 27, 2026) — The Philadelphia PGA Section announces the retirement of longtime Section Membership Director Sue Unger, effective January 13. After decades of dedicated service, Unger leaves behind a legacy of operational excellence and an indelible impact on the nearly 900 PGA of America Golf Professionals she served across eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, and northeastern Maryland.

Since joining the Section staff in 2003, Unger had become the “heart and soul” of member services. Known for her tireless work ethic and deep institutional knowledge, she managed a wide array of critical responsibilities, including membership classification, event support, and serving as the primary liaison for the Central Counties Chapter.

“Sue has been an invaluable coworker and friend of the Philadelphia PGA for many years,” said Philadelphia PGA Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “Her dedication to our PGA Members and Associates, and her ability to navigate the complexities of the PGA of America’s governance and membership systems with grace and efficiency have been instrumental to our Section’s success. She didn’t just manage memberships, she built relationships. We wish her the very best as she begins this well-deserved next chapter.”

In her retirement, Unger plans to continue to travel with her husband Don.

To send Sue well wishes, click here.

PGA Professionals in need of membership support should contact Matt Frey, PGA, or Courtney Curcio in the Section office.

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

FRISCO, Texas, and ORLANDO (January 21, 2026) – The PGA of America today announced its 2026 National Award Recipients at the 73rd PGA Show in Orlando, Florida. The awards class is headlined by PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Brian Crowell; PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year Bernie Najar; and PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year Sean Palmer.

The Association annually recognizes 13 award recipients for their extraordinary accomplishments and efforts within the golf industry, standing out among more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals.

“Our 2026 PGA of America Award recipients are shining examples of the passion, leadership and service that define our Association,” said PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea. “To be recognized among more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals is truly impressive. These 13 honorees have dedicated themselves to elevating the game of golf and enriching the lives of those in their communities. Their commitment to the game inspires all of us and it is a privilege to celebrate their remarkable achievements this year.”

The award recipients will be recognized today at the 73rd PGA Show at the Orange County Convention Center. The presentation begins at 4:30 p.m. EST on the PGA of America Industry Stage presented by CapTech.

Also honored on stage will be the recently announced 2025 PGA of America Professional Players of the Year presented by Rolex: Men’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Ben Polland of Jackson, Wyoming; Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Sandra Changkija of Daytona Beach, Florida; and Senior PGA Professional Player of the year Justin Hicks of Oyster Bay, New York.

2026 PGA of America National Award Recipients

 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year

• Brian Crowell, PGA – Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point – Bronx, N.Y.

PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year

• Bernie Najar, PGA – Caves Valley Golf Club – Owings Mills, Md.

PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year

• Sean Palmer, PGA – The Union League of Philadelphia – Philadelphia, Penn.

PGA of America Professional Development award

• Robin Shelton, PGA – Newport Beach Country Club – Newport Beach, Calif.

Bill Strausbaugh Award

• Carl Alexander, PGA – The Golf Club of Purchase – Purchase, N.Y.

Herb Graffis Award

• New England PGA Section

Deacon Palmer Award

• Mike D’Agostino, PGA – Penfield Country Club – Penfield, N.Y.

Patriot Award

• Bo Preston, PGA – The Links at Boynton Beach – Boynton Beach, Fla.

PGA of America Player Development Award

• Ryan Young, PGA – Chambers Bay – Tacoma, Wash.

PGA of America Youth Player Development Award

• Henry Stetina, PGA – New Mexico State University PGA Golf Management – N.M.

PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category

• Jared Henzlik, PGA – Big Cedar Lodge – Ridgedale, Mo.

PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category

• Alex Abbruzza, PGA – TPC of Louisiana – Avondale, La.

PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category

• Chris Rowe, PGA – Whispering Pines Golf Club – Trinity, Texas

Sean Palmer, PGA, Chief Operating Officer of The Union League of Philadelphia, is the recipient of the 2026 PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year Award. The honor recognizes outstanding services in an executive management position, as well as leadership, vision, courage, moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game.

Palmer’s career began at age 13 as a caddie and now oversees more than 1,400 employees and seven properties at one of the nation’s largest and most respected private clubs. After graduating from Penn State’s PGM program and learning from industry leaders at top clubs, Palmer joined The Union League in 2014 as Head Golf Professional, tasked with launching its first golf property, Torresdale. Starting with no golf members or staff, he led the creation of three successful golf operations, growing golf membership from zero to more than 1,200 and annual golf revenue to more than $22 million.

In the past decade, Palmer has overseen more than $64 million in capital projects and played a lead role in the acquisition and development of additional golf properties. Under his leadership, The Union League’s membership has grown from 3,200 to 4,700, and annual revenue has increased from $34 million to $117 million. As COO, Palmer manages all Union League operations, including golf, hospitality and business functions, with a focus on innovation, culture and team development.

Palmer leads the Union League University, a staff training and mentorship program that has become a model for peer organizations. The program provides golf interns and employees across all departments with a structured curriculum, mentorship and career development opportunities. More than 25 assistant professionals, caddie masters and retail associates have advanced to leadership roles under his guidance.

A champion for community engagement, Palmer has led The Union League in supporting PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), hosting the 2022 PGA Works Collegiate Championship and raising more than $1.4 million for HBCU golf programs. The club is a proud partner of The First Tee of Philadelphia, providing facilities, fundraising support and enrichment programs for youth. Palmer also created the UL Caddie Scholarship Program and has expanded access to golf for juniors, women and families by removing traditional barriers and offering innovative membership and instruction models.

Palmer serves on four Philadelphia PGA Section committees and is active in the PGA Reach mentorship program. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and has served on the Penn State PGM Alumni Board for nine years, including as president. His leadership has been recognized with the Philadelphia Section’s Professional Development Award (2024), Golf Professional of the Year Award (2021) and Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award (2014), as well as Penn State’s Frank B. Guadagnolo Award for Mentoring Excellence (2021) and Pride of the Lions Alumnus of the Year Award (2019).

PGA Master Professional Brian A. Crowell, President of Bally’s Golf and General Manager of Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point in Bronx, New York, is the recipient of the 2026 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Award. This is the highest honor given annually to a PGA of America Golf Professional. The award represents leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf.

A Member of the PGA of America since 1994, Crowell exemplifies the qualities of a PGA Professional through his dedication to mentorship, education and growing the game. At Bally’s, he oversees a team of up to 150 employees, manages an $11 million budget and is a tireless advocate for the positive power of golf.

Crowell’s dedication to the PGA of America is extensive, including serving as a member or chair of 55 Section and 11 national committees. He is a current member of the National PGA Education Committee (2025-2026) and has served on numerous national committees, including as Chairman of the National PGA PR/Communications Committee (2013-2014), Co-Chair of the National PGA Member Engagement Committee (2015-2016) and as a member of the National PGA Membership Committee (2021-2024). Crowell served as the 26th President of the Metropolitan PGA Section (2016-2018), has been a Met PGA Board member for over 20 years and a Section Officer for more than a decade. He was instrumental in modernizing the Section Board structure and constitution, and in 2020 Crowell became the first PGA Professional to serve as President of the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association.

A champion for access and inclusion, Crowell was instrumental in bringing the APGA Tour to the Bronx for the first time in 2024, and again in 2025 for their MasterCard Tour Championship. Deeply committed to community engagement, Crowell provides free access for local scholastic teams and weekly golf clinics for the Bronx Boys & Girls Clubs and for the Metropolitan Golf Association. He is a coach and host for the Met PGA HOPE League, and he coaches PGA Jr. League teams along with a talented staff at the NYC Parks Foundation.

Crowell is also widely recognized for his contributions to golf media as a television broadcaster for CBS, a longtime host on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio and an accomplished author of four golf books including: Teach Yourself Visually: Golf; Slice-Free Golf; Idiot’s Guide: Golf; and Visual Quick Tips. In addition to CBS, Crowell has appeared as a host or analyst for NBC, Golf Channel and USA Network. Over his career, he has covered 14 PGA Championships, 15 Masters Tournaments and has co-hosted “On Course” on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio with Frank Darby, PGA, for 10 years, sharing passion and expertise with a national audience.

Dedicated to giving back to his community, Crowell and his family founded the Stewart Crowell Foundation, awarding nearly $40,000 in scholarships to high school seniors. He also created the “Crowell Bowl,” a Super Bowl Pool now in its 8^th year, raising over $35,000 for the Met PGA Foundation.

Crowell’s achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2024 Met Section Patriot Award, 2020 Met Section Golf Professional of the Year, 2003 Met Section Professional Development Award and 2024 Northeast Callaway Professional of the Year. He has been recognized as a “Top Golf Instructor in the US,” a “Top 50 USKids Instructor” and is a PGA Master Professional in Teaching & Coaching (2022).

PGA Master Professional Bernie Najar, Director of Instruction at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland, is the recipient of the 2026 PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year Award. This honor is presented annually to a PGA of America Golf Professional who has made outstanding contributions to teaching and coaching, player development and the advancement of golf instruction.

A PGA Master Professional in Teaching and Coaching since 2023, Najar is recognized as one of the nation’s top instructors. He is ranked among Golf Digest’s 50 Best Teachers and has been Maryland’s No. 1 instructor since 2011. He is also a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher and a Golf Range Association of America Top 50 Elite Growth of the Game Teaching Professional. Najar is a four-time recipient of the Middle Atlantic PGA Section Teacher of the Year Award (2004, 2014, 2022, 2023) and a two-time winner of the Section’s Professional Development Award (2011, 2012).

Elected to PGA membership in 1998, Najar has served as Director of Instruction at Caves Valley since 2012, building one of the Mid-Atlantic’s top player-development centers. His students have won eight of the last 12 Maryland State Junior Boys Championships as well as major club and college tournaments and national events including the U.S. Junior Amateur and Under Armour National Championship. Notable students include Bryan Kim, Kyle Berkshire and Ryan McCormick. Najar’s players have earned Division I scholarships, won state and national titles and competed on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and European Challenge Tour.

A dedicated mentor and educator, Najar has chaired and presented at Section teaching summits for 16 consecutive years and launched the Instructor Resource and Networking Program, providing virtual learning for PGA Professionals and PGA Professional Golf Management students nationwide. His educational events have raised more than $10,000 for the PGA of America REACH Foundation. He serves on the MAPGA Education and Employment Committees and has been a faculty instructor for the PGM Program.

Najar is a frequent presenter at national and Section teaching summits, including the PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit, Golf Magazine Top 100 Summit and TPI World Golf Fitness Summit. He has authored two books: Speed/Power/Finesse: How to Play the Three Games of Golf and The Game: Enjoying Golf On and Off the Course.

Committed to growing the game, Najar works with juniors in the First Tee Program, supports the Caves Valley Foundation and conducts charity clinics for hospitals and other community organizations across the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. metroplex. He has developed innovative programs for seniors, women and players with disabilities, ensuring golf is accessible and enjoyable for all.

For full bios of Crowell, Najar, Palmer and all 13 PGA of America National Award recipients for 2025, please click here.

The formal National Awards ceremony is scheduled for November during the 110th PGA of America Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About the PGA of America

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

Media Contacts:

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

Jared Minksi, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com

FRISCO, Texas and ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2026) – PGA Jr. League Coaches from around the country were honored during the 2026 PGA Show at the #GameChanger Awards Ceremony Thursday (Jan. 22) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Led by PGA Master Professional and fellow PGA Jr. League Coach Suzy Whaley, PGA, the ceremony recognized 105 PGA of America Golf Professionals and LPGA Professionals whose PGA Jr. League programs demonstrated exceptional growth, engagement and commitment to youth development in 2025. Award recipients were honored across three categories based on program size and Player Engagement benchmarks.

The full list of 2025 #GameChanger Award recipients, organized by categories, can be found here.

Since its inception in 2019, the #GameChanger Awards honor the 25 largest PGA Jr. League programs nationwide, as well as the largest programs within each of the 41 PGA of America Sections. Added in 2022, the Player Engagement #GameChanger Award recognizes Coaches who embrace a range of programming for kids of all ages and families as well as continued education.

“The #GameChanger Awards are a meaningful way to recognize the PGA Jr. League Coaches who consistently go above and beyond to enrich the lives of families in their communities,” said Steve Tanner, Senior Director of Player Engagement for the PGA of America. “Their passion, leadership and dedication play a vital role in creating positive experiences that extend beyond the course.”

About the PGA of America

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

About PGA Jr. League

PGA Jr. League brings families and friends together around fun, team golf experiences for kids, with expert coaching from PGA Professionals. Visit PGAJrLeague.com for more information, and follow @PGAJrLeague on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

Media Contacts

Hayley Wilson, Alday PR, hayley@aldaypr.com

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