Category: PPGA
PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck Shows Dedication to Teaching on Eve of 108th PGA Championship
SPRINGFIELD, Pa. – Take the time to drive miles from the spotlight, get far removed from the roars, and separate yourself from the range of TV cameras, and you might just discover a glorious spot that reminds you that golf is real, very real.
Where it is fun, where it is taught, where it is savored.
Rolling Green Golf Club, for instance.
That is where Braden Shattuck was for hours Wednesday morning. He could have been at Aronimink Golf Club, working on his game in preparation of the 108th PGA Championship. Instead, he was at his post as PGA Director of Instruction, working on others’ games in a commitment he takes seriously.
“He really, really cares. He wants us to succeed,” said Gale Donoghue, who was one of 10 golfers at Rolling Green taking part in the latest of a series of clinics offered by Shattuck.
“We couldn’t believe it,” said Marianne Rafter, when asked what she thought about Shattuck’s decision to go through with this on-course clinic on the eve of the PGA Championship. (He earned his spot by finishing T-8 at the recent PGA Professional Championship.)
“We’re astounded he did this with all that’s going on.”
Sharon DiPietro was equally impressed. “I think it was very generous of him,” she said. “All of us would have supported him had he done something else to prepare (for the PGA Championship) so this was kind.”
With a smile and great dignity, Shattuck brushed aside the praise and confirmed he was where he wanted to be. He is someone with a firm grip on perspective, a guy from the Philadelphia suburbs who had one of those horrific breaks in life – a serious car accident in March of 2019, only months after having won the New England Open – that stays with him at all times. For a few years after the crash, Shattuck had to put golf on the back burner and just get healthy.
“I had some mental health problems during that time that were significant and sidelined me pretty hard,” he said. “I had to go to work and put a smiling face on for everybody and that was quite a challenge.”
How he has overcome the adversities is remarkable and the string of successes deserve massive admiration. He won the 2023 PGA Professional Championship, the 2025 Philadelphia PGA, and in 2024 made the cut and was the Low PGA of America Golf Professional at the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
The fact that those successes have come during his time as PGA Director of Instruction at Rolling Green make him rather beloved by the membership and the women who were on course with Shattuck Wednesday morning expressed a deep reverence for his story and the way he conducts himself at these clinics.
“He’s told us at other clinics about his preparation (for tournaments),” said DiPietro. “It’s amazing, he’s very committed.”
Given his local roots and his inspiring story, Shattuck has been given the honor of delivering the opening tee shot of the 108th PGA Championship at 6:45 Thursday morning. He does not take the honor lightly, but in no way was he going to brush aside his day job. Teaching the game to the Rolling Green membership is something he relishes and the fact he was on the putting green at 8 a.m. with five students, then on the course with the women’s clinic from 9-10 was serious stuff.
They were on the course because at a recent clinic Shattuck asked the women what they wanted and they said, “take us on the course.”
So there they were at Rolling Green’s lovely par-4 11th hole where the tee shot into a fairway that runs downhill leaves you a second shot that is uphill. “How far do you hit that club?” he asked one of the golfers and that led him to his point. “Think about the yardage you want for your third shot.”
To see the holes through his eyes and hear the strategy through his words was impactful. And when one of the player’s shots landed in a large, deep-faced bunker set low and to the right of the 11th green there were deep groans.
Shattuck knew the women wanted nothing to do with this shot so they stood in the group and talked about it. The realization was, it was a shot they rarely practiced so he was truly entrenched in his position as a Director of Instruction, not one of the qualifiers at a major championship down the street.
“Would everyone like to come out to this bunker and practice that shot?” he asked.
Heads nodded, hands were raised, resounding “yesses” resonated. “OK, I will set up an evening clinic. I expect you all to be here.”
When at the 13th hole, Shattuck took the time to let players hit from one tee box, then another one 80 yards further up, just to enlighten them about the way angles are so crucial, it was abundantly clear that he had their attention.
As one of the players teed her ball up closer to the left tee marker, Shattuck stopped her and discussed the usual flight of her drives. Sort of left-to-right, she said. “So move it closer to this tee marker,” he said, pointing to the right side. When the woman did as it was suggested and delivered a solid strike down the left side and watched it fade deftly into the middle, a round of applause broke out.
“He puts so much into these clinics,” said Donoghue, who plans to be at Aronimink, cheering on Shattuck.
Yes, that is where golf will be at its best.
But on this morning at Rolling Green, with Shattuck on stage as a PGA of America Golf Professional, Donoghue was part of golf at its most real.
Philadelphia PGA Professional Braden Shattuck to Hit 108th PGA Championship’s First Shot
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania (May 12, 2026) — PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, will hit the 108th PGA Championship’s first shot at 6:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 15 on the first tee at Aronimink Golf Club. It will be his third appearance in the major championship (2023, 2024), but first time playing in front of his hometown fans. Shattuck secured his place on the Corebridge Financial Team via is tie for eighth place in this year’s PGA Professional Championship at Bandon (Oregon) Dunes Golf Resort.
We hope you will help us root Braden on as he competes in front of the throngs of fans. If you are unable to attend the championship, we have listed the television broadcast times below. For PGA Professionals attending, please review the PGA of America Golf Professional ticket policy by clicking here.
How To Watch: 2026 PGA Championship
Thursday, May 14
ESPN+: 6:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ESPN: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Shattuck: 6:45 a.m. off No. 1
Friday, May 15
ESPN+: 6:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ESPN: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Shattuck: 12:10 p.m. off No. 10
Saturday, May 17
ESPN+: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
ESPN: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
CBS: 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 18
ESPN+: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
ESPN: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
CBS: 1:00 – 7:00 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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com
Twenty PGA of America Golf Professionals to Compete in 108th PGA Championship as Part of Corebridge Financial Team
2026 PGA Championship Features Comprehensive Digital and Broadcast Coverage through PGAChampionship.com, App, Social Media, ESPN & CBS
- NEW FOR 2026– Plan Your Day (Powered by CapTech): An interactive feature that curates customized, real-time itineraries based on each fan’s preferences.
- NEW FOR 2026– Seat Finder (Powered by T-Mobile): Fans can instantly see which grandstands have the most available seating while receiving updates in near real time.
- NEW FOR 2026– PGA Course Companion (Powered by T-Mobile): A virtual assistant that offers instant voice or text responses for fans traversing the grounds of Aronimink.
- Interactive Map: Fans can locate their favorite players in real time and navigate around Aronimink with ease via the wayfinding feature.
SEI Sponsors PGA Professional Braden Shattuck at PGA Championship
OAKS, Pa., May 12, 2026 – SEI® (NASDAQ: SEIC) today announced it will sponsor Greater Philadelphia-based professional golfer Braden Shattuck at the PGA Championship, taking place May 14–17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. The sponsorship will include SEI branding on Shattuck’s tournament apparel.
Shattuck embodies the strength and potential of the local community, having earned his place through years of hard work, dedication, and resilience. By supporting Shattuck, SEI is celebrating a hometown success story and reinforcing its belief that long-term success is built on disciplined execution and the determination to turn challenges into opportunities.
Sean Denham, SEI’s Chief Financial and Chief Operating Officer, said:
“Braden represents what’s possible when talent is matched with commitment and the support of a strong community. We’re proud to stand behind a hometown professional as he competes on one of golf’s biggest stages. His dedication is an inspiration, and we’re rooting for his success.”
Shattuck added:
“Competing at the PGA Championship is an incredible opportunity, and having SEI’s support means a great deal to me. Competing close to home, where so many people have supported me along the way, makes it even more special. I’m proud to represent our region and grateful for everyone who has helped me get here.”
Shattuck is a professional golfer based in the greater Philadelphia area. He is the director of instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield and a four-time Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year. Known for his disciplined approach to the game and steady rise through competitive ranks, Shattuck has earned opportunities to compete on some of golf’s most prominent stages.
About SEI®
SEI (NASDAQ:SEIC) is a leading global provider of financial technology, operations, and asset management services within the financial services industry. SEI tailors its solutions and services to help clients more effectively deploy their capital—whether that’s money, time, or talent—so they can better serve their clients and achieve their growth objectives. As of March 31, 2026, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.9 trillion in assets. For more information, visit seic.com.
Twenty-Eighth Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic Returns to Sunnybrook Golf Club on May 26 With Nation’s Largest First Place Prize for Any PGA Section Member Tournament
Radnor, Pa. (May 12, 2026) — With the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections, the 28th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic returns to Sunnybrook Golf Club in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., on May 26.
One-hundred-thirty-two PGA of America Golf Professionals will compete for the $100,000 first-place prize money, won in 2025 by Trevor Bensel, PGA of America Golf Professional at LuLu Country Club. The professionals will be joined by 16 amateurs.
“Year after year, the Haverford PGA Classic brings together exceptional talent from across our region for an experience that not only benefits our players but also the golf community,” said Joe McLaughlin, Chairman & CEO of Haverford Trust. “As we gear up for the tournament’s 28th year, we look forward to welcoming 132 PGA of America Golf Professionals and 16 amateurs for another exciting day of competition.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to Mr. George Connell and the entire Haverford Trust team for 28 years of unmatched support and continued investment in our PGA Professionals,” said Geoff Surrette, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section Executive Director. “This tournament not only elevates the game but also strengthens the golf community throughout the Philadelphia region.”
The tournament was last won in 2025 by Trevor Bensel. Bensel bettered Rolling Green Golf Club’s Braden Shattuck, PGA, by one stroke. He made seven birdies and two bogeys, and made a terrific up-and-down for par on No. 18 to secure his victory. In front of hundreds of fans, Bensel finished 5 under par with an overall score of 67 in a pool made up of 148 players (132 PGA of America Golf Professionals and 16 Amateurs).
For more information on the 28th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic, visit golfgenius.com/pages/5750030.
Haverford Trust Company Founder & Director, George Connell (left); Vice Chair, Binney Wietlisbach (second from left); Chairman & CEO, Joe McLaughlin (second from right); President, Keith Aleardi (right); present the 27th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic winner’s trophy and $100,000 first-place check to Trevor Bensel, PGA Professional from LuLu Country Club in Glenside, Pa.
Tournament Facts
Tournament Name – The Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic
Sponsor – The Haverford Trust Company
Venue – Sunnybrook Golf Club – Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
Yardage – 6,893
Par – 72
Host Professional – Brad Sanders, PGA
Total Purse – $167,600 / 1st Place Prize – $100,000
2025 Champion – Trevor Bensel, PGA, LuLu Country Club – Score – 5-under-par 67
2025 Runner Up – Braden Shattuck, PGA, Rolling Green Golf Club – Score – 4-under-par 68
Field – 148 (132 PGA of America Golf Professionals, 16 amateurs)
Past Champions Eligible to Play
Dave Quinn, PGA – 2001, 2005
Dave Roberts, PGA – 2002
George Forster, PGA – 2008
Hugh Reilly, PGA – 2011
Scott Reilly, PGA – 2012
Billy Stewart – 2013
Rusty Harbold, PGA – 2014
Dave McNabb, PGA – 2016
Andrew Turner, PGA – 2017
Mark Parson, PGA – 2018
George Forster, PGA – 2019
Parks Price, PGA – 2021
Brian Bergstol, PGA – 2023
John Pillar, PGA – 2024
Trevor Bensel, PGA – 2025
Social Media: #haverfordclassic
About Haverford
The Haverford Trust Company was founded in 1979 on Philadelphia’s landmark Rittenhouse Square. Since our founding, one thing has remained unchanged…our commitment to quality. Haverford has prospered for more than 45 years in a finance industry dominated by giants through our passion and adaptability. With this solid framework and more than $16.4 billion in assets under management or consultation*, we have the flexibility to address the issues facing investors today while fostering close relationships across multiple generations. We have traditional and alternative asset portfolio offerings, OCIO solutions for institutional and ultra-high net worth clients, and experienced client support teams to ensure a robust client experience. For more information, visit haverfordquality.com.
*For The Haverford Trust Company and Haverford Financial Services as of 12/31/2025
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
Playing Through: Jeff Kiddie, PGA (S3E3)
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 and 2023 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Jeff Kiddie, the PGA head golf professional at Aronimink Golf Club, which will host the 2026 PGA Championship.
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
A Masterpiece for a Cause: Bid on Cassy Tully’s Original Aronimink Painting
We are excited to offer an exclusive opportunity to own a piece of golf history! Renowned golf artist and philanthropist Cassy Tully has created an original oil painting of Aronimink Golf Club’s iconic 11th hole, commissioned by the Philadelphia PGA Section specifically for the 2026 PGA Championship. The piece was created in her signature relief style with sculpted texture and sand from the course.
This stunning masterstroke is currently available for bidding. All proceeds from this auction will directly benefit PGA REACH Philadelphia, supporting our mission to impact lives through the game of golf. To bid, click on the below button.
Bid NowPrint Presale: The foundation is also offering an exclusive presale of 12″ x 24″, 12″ x 16″, and 8″ x 12″ prints of the artwork. Proceeds from the print will go back to support PGA REACH Philadelphia’s mission. Cassy will also be at the Member Center at the PGA Championship on Friday, May 15th to sign copies of the print. To reserve your copy, click on the below button.
Reserve Your Print
Our Online Auction:
This original piece by Cassy Tully is just the beginning. Our online auction will feature a curated collection of world-class golf experiences and memorabilia you won’t find anywhere else. The auction will open May 1st, 2026.
- Auction highlights:
- Inside-the-ropes access at the 2026 PGA Championship
- A playing spot in the “Play Like the Pros” event at Aronimink Golf Club
- Exclusive 2026 PGA Championship+ tickets
- Tee times at premier clubs, including Bidermann and Galloway National
Don’t miss your chance to secure these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Click the button below for a sneak peak at the auction.
Auction Sneak Peek
Pennsylvania Governor Recognizes May 11 as Day of HOPE
We are proud to share that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has officially recognized May 11, 2026, as the Day of HOPE in Pennsylvania. This proclamation celebrates the incredible impact of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and its mission to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our veterans through the game of golf.
To mark this occasion, veterans and PGA of America Golf Professionals will gather at Chester Valley Golf Club in Malvern, Pennsylvania, during PGA Championship Week to compete in the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. This event highlights the resilience of our military community and the power of adaptive golf.
PGA HOPE is PGA REACH Philadelphia’s flagship military program that provides six weeks of golf lessons from PGA of America Golf Professionals, to both former and active duty military personnel, completely free of charge. The program is designed to build confidence and forge communities and recognized as an official form of therapy from the VA Hospital. We run more than 20 chapters in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, impacting more than 2,000 veterans since the program’s inception in 2015. Nationwide, PGA HOPE boasts a growing community of over 15,000 veterans.
The PGA HOPE Philadelphia Tour launched in 2025 with the goal of keeping PGA HOPE Philadelphia program graduates engaged with their fellow veterans, and expose them to competitive golf. The inaugural season featured over 120 veterans across eight tournaments, including an invitational at Merion Golf Club. The tour concluded its season with the Tour Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. Thanks to support from PGA Tour Superstore, the tour experienced great success and is expanding in 2026.
PGA HOPE Philadelphia By the Numbers:
Over 2,000 veterans / Active Duty served
160 PGA HOPE-Trained PGA Professionals
20 PGA HOPE Chapter locations
18 PGA HOPE Philadelphia Tour events
Help us continue this mission: PGA HOPE has provided years of dedicated service to those who have sacrificed so much. Your support ensures that these life-changing programs remain available to our local heroes.
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
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@