Category: PPGA

Player of the Year Braden Shattuck, PGA, Leads Philadelphia PGA Playing Awards Class of 2022

October 31, 2022Comments Off on Player of the Year Braden Shattuck, PGA, Leads Philadelphia PGA Playing Awards Class of 2022PPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 31, 2021) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is proud to announce its 2022 Playing Awards Class, led by Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year Braden Shattuck, PGA, of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa. With a scoring average of 69.06 over 16 rounds of golf, Shattuck also earned the F. Edward DeBaufre Trophy for Scoring Average.

The Player of the Year awards are given each year to the Philadelphia PGA Professional who has amassed the largest number of points through their play throughout the season.

Shattuck won three Section tournaments on his march to the Player of the Year title: the 36th Burlington Classic at Burlington Country Club, the Doylestown Open at Doylestown Country Club, and the Jack Jolly & Son Championship at Moselem Springs Golf Club. In addition to his victories, Shattuck has recorded eight more top 10s in 2022, and will compete in the 2023 PGA Professional Championship at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Pueblo Golf Clubs in New Mexico.

Rich Steinmetz of Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa., was named the Robert “Skee” Riegel Senior Player of the Year and earned the Senior Scoring Average Award (70.31 over 16 rounds) in his first year of eligibility, having turned 50 at the end of 2021, while Merion Golf Club’s Joanna Coe, PGA, took home the Philadelphia PGA’s inaugural Women’s Player of the Year honors; it was Coe’s first year working and competing in the Section.

PGA Life Member Brian Kelly, who retired from Bucknell Golf Club earlier this season, successfully defended his title as Super Senior Player of the Year, while Trevor Bensel took the Player of the Year title for the Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO).

In the Central Counties PGA Chapter, 101st Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, was named the Chapter’s Player of the Year, alongside Kelly, who also won their Senior Player of the Year prize.

Travis Deibert, PGA, of Doylestown Country Club was named the Section’s 2022 Comeback Player of the Year, while Sam Ambrose, PGA, of Chester Valley Golf Club, earned this year‘s Ike Turner Most Improved Player award. Section Comeback Players of the Year are past winners of the Ike Turner Most Improved Player award, and is based on their standings in the Player of the Year and Scoring Average races, and any wins they accumulate throughout the season. The Ike Turner Most Improve Player award criteria is also based on the Player of the Year and Scoring Average lists, and tournament finishes.

To learn more about the Philadelphia PGA Section’s playing awards and to view the full standings, click here.

2022 Playing Awards Class

  • Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year: Braden Shattuck, PGA; Rolling Green Golf Club, Springfield, Pa.
  • F. Edward DeBaufre Trophy for Scoring Average: Braden Shattuck, PGA; Rolling Green Golf Club, Springfield, Pa.
  • Women’s Player of the Year: Joanna Coe, PGA; Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pa.
  • Robert “Skee” Riegel Senior Player of the Year: Rich Steinmetz, PGA; Spring Ford Country Club, Royersford, Pa.
  • Senior PGA Professional Scoring Average: Rich Steinmetz, PGA; Spring Ford Country Club, Royersford, Pa.
  • Super Senior Player of the Year: Brian Kelly, PGA Life Member
  • Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) Player of the Year: Trevor Bensel, PGA; Sandy Run Country Club, Oreland, Pa.
  • Central Counties PGA Chapter Player of the Year: Brian Bergstol, PGA; Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware, Pa.
  • Central Counties PGA Chapter Senior Player of the Year: Brian Kelly, PGA Life Member
  • Comeback Player of the Year: Travis Deibert, PGA; Doylestown (Pa.) Country Club
  • Ike Turner Most Improved Player: Sam Ambrose, PGA; Chester Valley Golf Club, Malvern, Pa.
About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Join Us for Our Philadelphia PGA Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet

October 27, 2022Comments Off on Join Us for Our Philadelphia PGA Awards and Hall of Fame BanquetPPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Section is pleased to invite you to our Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet on Sunday, December 11 at Union League Liberty Hill in Lafayette Hill, Pa., to honor our 2021 Awards Class, led by Philadelphia PGA Golf Professional of the Year Sean Palmer, and 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee, Charles Genter.

Guests are welcome to join our PGA Professionals! The banquet is $65 per person, which includes dinner and drinks. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., with the program and dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m.

To register, click here.

Philadelphia PGA Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet
Sunday, December 11
Union League Liberty Hill
800 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
5:30 p.m. cocktails, 6:00 p.m. dinner and programAwards Banquet Honorees

  • 2022 Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame Inductee: Charles Genter, PGA
  • PGA Golf Professional of the Year: Sean Palmer, PGA; The Union League of Philadelphia, Lafayette Hill, Pa.
  • PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year: David Zimmaro, PGA; Overbrook Golf Club, Villanova, Pa.
  • Bill Strausbaugh Award: Jeff Kiddie, PGA; Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, Pa.
  • PGA Professional Development Award: Lou Guzzi, PGA; Lou Guzzi Golf Academy, Ambler, Pa.
  • PGA Patriot Award: Jeff Breiner, PGA; Country Club of Harrisburg, Harrisburg, Pa.
  • PGA Player Development Award: Justin Rinas, PGA; The Skramble House of Golf, Horsham, Pa.
  • PGA Youth Player Development Award: Chris Young, PGA; Philadelphia Cricket Club, Flourtown, Pa.
  • PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category: Mike Wood, PGA; Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, Pa.
  • PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category: Eddie Perino, PGA; Eagle Rock Resort, Hazle Township, Pa.
  • Justin Riegel PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Jeremy Marino, PGA; Applebrook Golf Club, Malvern, Pa.
  • Salesperson of the Year: Jerry McGoey; Titleist, Glenside, Pa.

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

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

Jeb Boyle, PGA, Leads Team to Victory in 2022 Philadelphia PGA Fall Finale Presented by Parx Casino

October 27, 2022Comments Off on Jeb Boyle, PGA, Leads Team to Victory in 2022 Philadelphia PGA Fall Finale Presented by Parx CasinoPPGA

Havre De Grace, Md. (October 26, 2022) — PGA Life Member Jeb Boyle led his team of amateur golfers, Mike McKinney, Paul Nelson, and Sam Auker, to victory in the 2022 Philadelphia PGA Fall Finale Presented by Parx Casino at Bulle Rock Golf Course, with a net team score of 60.

The Section traveled outside its boundaries for this year’s Fall Finale, visiting our neighbors in the Middle Atlantic PGA Section at Bulle Rock. The course, designed by Pete Dye, opened in 1998, and has hosted what is now known as the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship from 2005 through 2009.

Boyle’s team played very well in the one best of four format, winning the Net Division by three strokes over three teams: Bellewood C.C.’s Kyle Miller, PGA, George Griffaton, Scott Sucoloski, and Rick Custer; Ed Oliver G.C.’s Tommy Ellison, Mike Strasburg, Brian Stillman, and Joseph Spitaleri; and Glen Brook G.C.’s Dustin McCormick, PGA, Al McCormick, Steve Houloose, and Paul Rosetti. The victors made 10 net birdies and one net eagle to finish at 12-under-par.

Waynesborough C.C.’s Jeff Herb, PGA, and Workhorse Brewing Company’s Steven Moore, and Joshua Colbert; tied Stonewall Links’ Joe Missimer, PGA, Adam O’Dougherty, John Parham, and Glenn Hibler; for fifth place at 8-under-par.

In the Gross Division, the Berkshire C.C. team, including Tom Michaels, PGA, Brandon Lynch, Patrick Rutter, and John Gobright, finished atop the leaderboard with a 10-under-par 62, beating Running Deer G.C.’s Scott Dunn, PGA, Steve Barry, Andy Kerestesy, and Dan Keenan, by two strokes.

Rolling Green G.C.’s Frank Palumbo, PGA, Nick Verrecchio, Mark Hill, and Eric Palumbo, finished in third place at 6-under-par, while three teams rounded out the top five at 3-under-par: George Forster, PGA, Mark Mickles, Jason Colantonio, and Alex Epstein; Anthony Hoffman, John F. Byrne G.C., Corey McDonough, Liam O’Connor, Tom Faro; and Eric McNamee, PGA, Golf Galaxy – Montgomeryville, Joe Boyle, Walt Hoffner, and Jesse Brookreson.

The 2022 Philadelphia PGA Fall Finale is presented by Parx Casino and supported by Workhorse Brewing Company / Workhorse Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Bulle Rock Golf Course, its members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2022 Fall Finale leaderboard, click here.

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

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

Anthony Napoletano, PGA, and Mike Caber Team to Win 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Superintendent Championship

October 24, 2022Comments Off on Anthony Napoletano, PGA, and Mike Caber Team to Win 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Superintendent ChampionshipPPGA
Villanova, Pa. (October 24, 2022) — PGA Member Anthony Napoletano of GOLFTEC – Malvern in Malvern, Pa., teamed with Mike Caber of the Golf Course at Glen Mills in Glen Mills, Pa., to win the 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Superintendent Championship‘s Net Division at Overbrook Golf Club by four strokes over Bent Creek Country Club’s Chip Kappesser, PGA, and Steve Ehrhart; and Pine Meadows Golf Complex’s Andy Signor, PGA, and Tom Kintzer.

The Philadelphia PGA Professional-Superintendent Championship is new to the Section’s tournament schedule this year, and was created to show support not just for our PGA Members and Associates, but for the superintendents who take care of our sports’ fields of play so well.

Napoletano and Caber finished their Four-Ball round with a 9-under-par 61, a score made even more impressive by their four-stroke margin of victory. The team combined for eight net birdies, one net eagle, and a net bogey.

Bidermann G.C.’s Anthony Malizia, PGA, and Pat Michener, finished in fourth place at 4-under-par, and were followed by Tavistock C.C.’s Pat Butkus, PGA, and Victor Frederico; and the 1912 Club’s Michael Loeper, PGA, and Gene Stricker, at 2-under-par.

While Napoletano and Caber finished with the best gross score as well, a 6-under-par 64, the Gross Division title went to Pine Valley G.C.’s Chad Ferguson, PGA, and Daniel Zaroff, who finished their event with a round of 69, 1-under-par, to win by two strokes over Old York Road C.C.’s Mike Dean, PGA, and Darren Farrar, and three over Overbrook G.C.’s Eric Kennedy, PGA, and Brandon Collins; and the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Jim Smith Jr., PGA, and Dan Meersman. Waynesborough C.C.’s Jeff Herb, PGA, and Ben Kovacs finished in fifth place at 4-over-par.

The 2022 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Superintendent Championship is supported by Golf Cart Services Inc., E-Z-GO, Modern Brands, Galvin Green, and Finch Turf. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Overbrook Golf Club, its members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2022 Pro-Superintendent Championship leaderboard, click here.

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

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Partnership With Fairways & Dreams Indoor Golf

October 19, 2022Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Partnership With Fairways & Dreams Indoor GolfPPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (September 27, 2022) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is happy to announce that it has partnered with Fairways & Dreams Indoor Golf, an indoor golf center featuring six TrackMan simulator bays, located in the Plymouth Square Shopping Center in Conshohocken, Pa.

As part of the partnership, Fairways & Dreams becomes a presenting partner of both PGA HOPE Philadelphia, PGA REACH Philadelphia’s premier program for U.S. military veterans, and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour, the Delaware Valley’s premier youth golf tour.

“The Philadelphia PGA is happy to partner with Fairways & Dreams Indoor Golf,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “Our partnership will bring new benefits to our PGA HOPE Philadelphia military veterans and Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour players, and allow them to continue to practice their game in a fun setting year-round.”

As part of their presenting partnership, Fairways & Dreams Indoor Golf will provide discounts to U.S. military veterans who participate in PGA HOPE Philadelphia, as well as to Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour members.

“We are thrilled to work with the team at the Philadelphia PGA Section to help grow the game for veterans and juniors as we grow our business,” says Fairways & Dreams Indoor Golf Owner Tim Levy. “We are excited to make our TrackMan technology available so these players can have fun and keep their games sharp.”

About Fairways & Dreams Indoor Golf

Fairways & Dreams Indoor Golf was created by husband and wife Tim and Catherine Levy. Located in the Plymouth Square Shopping Center in Conshohocken, PA, Fairways & Dreams has 6 simulator bays, each equipped with a TrackMan 4 dual radar, the most powerful and accurate launch monitor ever built. With the most publicly-available TrackMan bays in the area, Fairways & Dreams is the place to be to hone your game or play a great course with friends. Fairways & Dreams is perfect for everyone, from a first-time golfer to a PGA Tour pro.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section

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

Contacts: 

Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com

Tim Levy, Owner, Fairways & Dreams Indoor Golf, tim@fdindoorgolf.com

Philadelphia PGA Professionals Capture Title at 30th Philadelphia Challenge Matches

October 18, 2022Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Professionals Capture Title at 30th Philadelphia Challenge MatchesPPGA
Bethleham, Pa. (October 18, 2022) — The Philadelphia PGA Section’s team of PGA Professionals captured the title in the 30th Philadelphia Challenge Matches, defeating amateurs from the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) 10 points to 8 on a cool, but sunny autumn day at Saucon Valley Country Club. The Philadelphia PGA team’s win kept GAP from taking its third straight win in the matches.

While the Philadelphia PGA Professional team earned one fewer point than their amateur counterparts in the Four-Ball competition (3.5 points to 2.5), they took the Singles matches 7.5 points to 4.5. Nearly all of the matches finished tied, 1-up or 2-up, but there were a few matches where the Philadelphia PGA Professionals took control: Captain Zac Oakley and Braden Shattuck won their Four-Ball match against Cole Wilcox and Andrew Keeling, 4 and 3; Brian Bergstol defeated Christopher Ault 4 and 2 in their Singles match, and Shattuck took his Singles match 5 and 3 over Keeling.

To view the full results of the 30th Philadelphia Challenge Matches, click here.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches would not be possible without the support and energy of Robin McCool. McCool was instrumental in getting the matches started nearly 30 years ago and revitalizing them by bringing in support from Jim Wilson of Ping, Jim Ravina of Donald Ross, Kevin McClellan of KM Golf Sales, and our host facility, Saucon Valley Country Club. McCool serves as the Honorary Captain for the GAP team and serves as Honorary Chair of the event. Everyone owes Robin a debt of gratitude for all of his efforts.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches pits two 12-person teams, including at least two senior contestants, from GAP and the Philadelphia PGA Section in a concurrent individual match and better-ball match. Each match is worth one point. Ties are halved. The Philadelphia Section leads the series, 22-3-4. There were no contests in 2019 and 2020 due to severe weather and the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively.

The GAP team included Andrew Keeling, Kennett Square G. & C.C.; Ben Cooley, Huntingdon Valley C.C.; Chris Storck, Ledgerock G.C.; Christopher Ault, Yardley C.C.; Cole Willcox, Merion G.C.; Jeff Frazier, Carlisle C.C.; John Brennan, Philadelphia Cricket Club; Matt Mattare, Saucon Valley C.C.; Michael Brown, Jr., LuLu C.C.; Peter Barron III, Galloway National G.C.; Rij Patel, C.C. of York; and Troy Vannucci, Little Mill C.C.

The team of Philadelphia PGA Professionals was led by Captain Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Terry Hertzog; Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C.; Michael Little, Makefield Putters; Hugo Mazzalupi; Linfield National G.C.; Eddie Perrino, C.C. of York; Parks Price, C.C. of York; Steve Sanderson, Pine Valley G.C.; and Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C.; and Mark Sheftic, Lookaway G.C.

To view the full results of the 30th Philadelphia Challenge Matches, click here.

The 30th Philadelphia Challenge Matches is supported by Donald Ross Sportswear, Ping, and KM Golf Sales. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Saucon Valley Country Club, its members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

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

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

Bergstol, Bensel Team to Win 2022 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship

October 17, 2022Comments Off on Bergstol, Bensel Team to Win 2022 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro ChampionshipPPGA
Marlton, N.J. (October 17, 2022) — PGA Members Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in Shawnee on Delaware, Pa., and Trevor Bensel of Sandy Run Country Club in Oreland, Pa., teamed together to win the 2022 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship by one stroke over Philadelphia Country Club’s Scott Reilly, PGA, and David Hicks at Little Mill Country Club.

The winning pair combined to make six birdies and one eagle in the Four-Ball, Better Ball of Partners format, finishing with a 64 at 8-under-par.

Three teams tied for third place, three behind the victors: Greg Matthias, Medford Village C.C., and Tommy Ellison, Ed Oliver G.C.; and Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs G.C., and Rob Rohrbach, Foxchase G.C.; and Mark Parson, Harbor Pines G.C., and Ben Debski, the Springhaven Club.

The 2022 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship is presented by Country Club Editions, Kevin McClellan Golf Sales, Trinity Flavors, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Little Mill Country Club, its members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full 2022 Philadelphia PGA Fall Pro-Pro Championship leaderboard, click here.

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

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

Steinmetz, McNabb Qualify for 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

October 17, 2022Comments Off on Steinmetz, McNabb Qualify for 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA ChampionshipPPGA

Please join us in congratulating PGA Members Rich Steinmetz of Spring Ford Country Club in Royersford, Pa., and Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pa., for qualifying for the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, May 24-28, at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas! Both qualified via their play in last week’s Senior PGA Professional Championship at Twin Warriors & Santa Ana Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M., where the top 35 finishers earn exemptions into the major in May.

Steinmetz, the 2022 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Champion, and a past PGA Championship competitor, will be making his senior men’s major championship debut, having turned 50 at the end of last year. McNabb, the 2021 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Champion, has played several major championships, including in this year’s Senior PGA and U.S. Senior Open.

In last week’s Senior PGA Professional Championship, Steinmetz finished tied for 24th place at 2-over-par (71-71-71-77–290), while McNabb placed tied for 26th at 3-over-par (73-69-75-74–291).

To learn more about the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, where PGA Frisco will make its championship debut, click here.

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

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