Category: PPGA

Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Partnership with Stitch

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (May 13, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is happy to announce its partnership with Stitch, a luxury golf bag, apparel and equipment company.

As part of the partnership, Stitch will be in attendance at the Spring Membership Meeting on March 25 at Rivercrest Golf Club and Preserve.

“The Philadelphia PGA is excited to partner with Stitch,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “It’s great to have another premium brand like Stitch come on to support our professionals. We want to thank Laurie and the entire team at Stitch for their commitment to the Section.”

“Stitch Golf knows the importance of the Philadelphia Section and influence that clubs in this section have over avid golfers around the world,” said Laurie Stewart from Stitch. “We are grateful for the partnership and look forward to growing our relationship with one of the preeminent sections in the U.S. and a remarkable list of great clubs and members.”

About Stitch
Stitch is a luxury golf bag, apparel and accessory retailer founded in 2012. Started as a headcover company, Stitch has since diversified its product line to allow consumers to use it in all aspects of their life, both on and off the course. The unique logo is a play on a vintage Gulf Racing Car.
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

Philadelphia PGA Welcomes Radnor Golf Foundation As A New Partner

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (April 28, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Radnor Golf Foundation. Founded by PGA of America Member, Hugo Mazzalupi, the foundation was formed as a way to give back to the sport that has given so much to him.

The Radnor Golf Foundation recently supported the Tournament Players Division Championship at Laurel Creek C.C. on April 22, 2024. Hugo would like to thank all of the PGA Members for playing as section events are the best way to network.

Geoffrey Surrette, PGA, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Section said, “We are very happy to partner with the Radnor Golf Foundation this season. We have known Hugo and his family for many years and are looking forward to seeing the good his foundation will do.”

Hugo Mazzalupi expressed, “The Radnor Golf Foundation could not be happier to start giving back in our small way at the TPD Championship. What a great day, thank you to the Philly Section and Laurel Creek CC for hosting and providing us all with these opportunities.”

“I am pleased to support the Radnor Golf Foundation and help ‘pay it forward’ by supporting Section Professionals via its unique and worthwhile mission,” said Jim Smith Jr., PGA. “My 30+ years of Section membership and the relationships I’ve built with fellow professionals are two of the reasons I know how lucky I am to be the Director of Golf at The Philadelphia Cricket Club.  Even a small contribution will make the lives of the pros who follow us better!”

To learn about and to support the Radnor Golf Foundation, please click here to visit their website. You can also email them at  radnorgolffoundation@gmail.com

About the Radnor Golf Foundation
The Radnor Golf Foundation was founded by PGA Member, Hugo Mazzalupi. Their mission is to promote golf by giving back to the sport that gives so much to everyone. All donations go to a restricted fund and the growth from that fund will be used by the foundation to sponsor and support golf and future golfers. Aside from financial support, the Radnor Golf Foundation values the importance of meeting new golfers through networking.

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

Wilson Returns as a Partner of the Philadelphia PGA

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (April 30, 2024) — Wilson has come back once more as a partner of the Philadelphia PGA. The company normally specializing in sports apparel, also offers a line for golf not limited to clubs, balls and accessories.

This year, Wilson will support the Connelly Head Professional Championship on Tuesday, May 7 at North Hills C.C. and the Pro-Assistant Pro Championship on Monday, June 24 at The Shore Club.

Geoffrey Surrette, PGA, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Section said, “It has been such a pleasure working with Patrick and Wilson. We really appreciate the ongoing support Wilson has shown the Section and our membership. We look forward to another great season!”

Patrick Reilly, our territory representative for Wilson expressed, “The Philadelphia PGA Section is an important partner of Wilson Golf. Each tournament has been great exposure for our brand as we look forward to winning our next Major on tour. Geoffrey and the team have been excellent to work with and have made these great events, as well as our partnership, possible!”

About Wilson
Wilson was founded in Chicago, IL in 1914 and specializes in sports apparel, equipment and accessories. As chronic innovators, Wilson is determined to continually keep up with industry trends to bring customers top of the line offerings at all times. In their golf line, they manufacture clubs, balls, clothing and accessories. They currently have won more major championships than any other golf brand, at 62.

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

Philadelphia PGA Partners with Evolve Golf

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (April 28, 2024) — Evolve Golf has returned as a partner of the Philadelphia PGA. They manufacture bulk essentials like tees, ball markers, and divot tools, as well as hand crafted tournament gifts with their woodworks, foundry works, and leatherworks maker spaces.

This year, they will be supporting the section at the Spring Pro-Pro Championship at Atlantic City C.C. on April 29 and the Fall Meeting at Medford Village C.C. on October 28.

Geoffrey Surrette, PGA, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Section said, “We love working with Evolve Golf because their products elevate every player’s game. From tee to green, they know innovation and quality. Thanks to Max and the team for their continued support.”

Sales Team Manager, Max Lerner said “Evolve Golf is thrilled to continue the partnership with the Philadelphia PGA Section for the 2024 season. The level of engagement that we see year in and year out when we travel up for the Spring Pro-Pro and Fall Meeting, is as good as you will see from any section in the country. We love playing a small part in the section and hope to continue the partnership for many years to come.”

About Evolve Golf
Founded in 2003, Evolve Golf is committed to making products that are better for the player, better for the course, and better for the planet. From tees to tournament gifts, Evolve Golf takes care of all of your bulk essential and tournament gifting needs.

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

Bushnell Golf to Partner With the Philadelphia PGA

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (May 8, 2024) — The Philadelphia Section welcomes Bushnell Golf back as a partner for the 2024 season. The sporting goods company is best known for being a market leader for laser range finders.

This year, they supported the section at the Connelly Cup Head Golf Professional Championship at North Hills C.C. on May 7. They were able to display several of their products on the first tee for players to utilize before they teed off.

“We are happy to have Bushnell Golf as a returning partner,” said Geoffrey Surrette, PGA, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Section. “They are a benchmark brand that has shown their support for many years. Jim Ravina has been a wonderful partner of the section for decades and we can’t thank him and Kevin enough for their ongoing support

“As a sales Rep for the past 36 years in the Philadelphia PGA Section,  it is my honor to have one of the brands that I represent be a sponsor of the Connelly Cup Head Golf Professional Championship since its inception,” said Jim Ravina. “Bushnell, my partner Kevin Quinn and I thank all of the Golf Professionals for their continued support making Bushnell the #1 laser rangefinder.”

About Bushnell Golf
Bushnell Golf is an industry leader for sports optics and their goal is to provide high performing, quality products without compromising on an affordable price. Their rangefinders are able to seek out pin, calculate slope and even windspeed, leading them to be some of the most advance products on the market.

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

Philadelphia PGA Partners with Stretch Lab

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (May 31, 2024) — StretchLab is a new partner this year for the Philadelphia PGA. Their company specializes in stretching out the body to alleviate pain and promote flexibility.

This year, they supported the section at the Spring Pro-Pro Championship at Atlantic City C.C. on April 29 where they were able to demo their services for the PGA of America Golf Professionals.

Geoffrey Surrette, PGA, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Section said, “We are happy to have StretchLab come on board as a new partner. It is important as a section that we diversify the opportunities provided to members and StretchLab is the perfect way to begin moving towards prioritizing health and wellness. Many thanks to the franchisees, and the rest of the StretchLab team for their support.”

“We are honored to collaborate with the Philadelphia PGA Section and contribute to the health and wellness of its members,” said Doug Willmott representing the StretchLab Tri-State Franchisees. “Our mission is to enhance flexibility and alleviate pain, and we were excited to bring these benefits to the golf professionals at the Spring Pro-Pro Championship. Together, we aim to foster a community where performance and well-being go hand in hand.”

About Stretch Lab
Founded in 2015, StretchLab is the largest assisted stretching brand globally that was created to help people through customized flexibility services. It offers one-on-one assisted stretching sessions to customers across a broad range of age and fitness levels. StretchLab’s advanced “Flexologist” instructors hold a nationally recognized certificate in assisted stretching, accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, following extensive training both in the classroom and on the job. To learn more about StretchLab, visit www.stretchlab.com.

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Partners With Motocaddy

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (June 7, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section welcomes a new partner, Motocaddy, as the presenting sponsor for the Section’s 2024 Fall Membership Meeting and 2025 Spring Membership Meeting. In addition to being the world’s number one electric caddy manufacturer, Motocaddy also specializes in premium golf bags and push carts.

As part of the collaboration efforts, Motocaddy will be supporting the Section’s Fall Membership Meeting at Medford Village C.C. on October 28 and the 2025 Spring Membership Meeting. The company will also become a presenting sponsor of the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour, the Delaware Valley’s premier youth golf tour.

“We are looking forward to working with Motocaddy over the course of the next year,” said Section Executive Director Geoffrey Surrette, PGA. “The company is a pioneer in their space, and offers a superior level of quality and commitment to their customers.”

“Motocaddy is thrilled to sponsor the Philadelphia PGA Section and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour,” said Motocaddy Vice President of Sales Andy Warren, PGA. “Supporting PGA Professionals and their facilities is at the core of our business and we can’t think of a better Section to work with first than Philadelphia.”

About Motocaddy
Motocaddy was founded in 2004 to bring the very best in design, build and functionality to golfers of all ages and abilities looking for reliable and affordable electric caddies.  Since then, Motocaddy has become the World’s #1 electric caddy brand with award-winning products, excellent service, and a strong focus on innovation.

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.

Contacts: 

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

Andy Warren, Vice President of Sales, Motocaddy, andy.warren@motocaddy.com

PGA of America Golf Professional Matt Keller Earns PGA Master Professional Designation

FRISCO, Texas (June 5, 2024) – PGA of America Golf Professional Matt Keller, Owner of York Indoor Golf & Training Center in York, Pennsylvania, and Lancaster Indoor Golf & Training Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has earned PGA Master Professional Status, the highest educational designation a PGA of America Member can obtain.

The PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations. The curriculum is designed to ensure golf professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations.

Among the more than 30,000 that comprise the PGA of America, Keller, a Member of the Philadelphia PGA Section, joins a special group as the 444th to earn Master Professional status. He achieved his designation in Teaching & Coaching.

The program is available to those with at least 10 years of PGA Membership along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Certified Professional Program. The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the presentation.

“Becoming a PGA Master Professional is a huge honor,” said Keller, a PGA of America Member since 2003. “Coming from where I started, to reach this point of such an elite group of people, it’s taken a lot of persistence over the years. I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to be a part of this Master Professional group now and continue to progress my teaching and coaching abilities within the golf industry.”

Keller graduated from the Penn State University PGA Golf Management program in 2003 with a degree in Recreational Park and Management. He earned a Master’s Degree from Ohio University in 2012, focusing on sport psychology, long-term athletic development, athlete performance, conditioning, recovery and injury prevention. 

Before becoming owner of York Indoor Golf & Training Center in York, Pennsylvania in 2017, and Lancaster Indoor Golf & Training Center in Lancaster in 2021, Keller worked for several golf facilities in various roles throughout Florida, Delaware and Pennsylvania, including The Club at The Strand, Lancaster Country Club, Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club and Regents’ Glen Country Club. Additionally, Keller teaches Golf I at Penn State York, where he’s taught since 2018.

Keller resides in Manchester, Pennsylvania, with his wife Maureen and son Kurtis.

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, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

 

Media Contacts

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

Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com

PGA of America Golf Professional Zach Barbin Wins 38th Burlington Classic

Westampton, N.J. (June 3, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Rising Sun, Md., has won the 38th Burlington Classic presented by WSFS Bank at Burlington Country Club. The event is also supported by Jani-King and the PGA Tour.

Barbin turned in the lowest score of the second round with 4-under-par 66 and finished at 7-under-par. He posted an impressive five birdies in today’s final round and five in yesterday’s, including a birdie on the tricky 18th hole on both days. John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, finished in second place at 2-under-par. Pillar is coming off a recent win at the 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic, and finished the second round 1-under-par 69. Four PGA Professionals tied for third place in the event at 2-under-par 138: Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Mike Meisenzahl, Little Mill C.C.; Danny Lewis, Philadelphia Cricket Club at St. Martin’s; and Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C. Shattuck posted 5-under-par 65 to lead at the end of the first round, but finished two-under to result in the four-way tie for third place.

“I played really solid today,” said Barbin after his round. “The course played very firm and fast, so I played a little more conservative today, but was fortunate to make a few putts. I was really just trying to hit as many greens as possible.”

Barbin went on to thank God for the opportunity to play the game he loves, his family, including fellow PGA Professional and brother Andrew, his caddie Carter, Burlington Country Club for hosting such a great event, and the Section staff.

John Pillar topped the Senior Division at 5-under-par. He finished four strokes ahead of Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C. Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C., tied for third with Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C., and Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., finishing at 1-over-par.

In the Super Senior division, Jack Brennan, Mountain View C.C., tied for first with Bill Sautter, Philadelphia Cricket Club, at 10-over-par. PGA Life Member Wayne Phillips finished in third place two strokes behind.

Corey Katzen recorded rounds of 72-74–146 to finish as low amateur and win the Marotto Medal by one stroke over Josh Feldschnieder. Neil Spence finished in third in the low amateur race.

View the full 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am leaderboard by clicking here.

The 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am is supported by Burlington Country ClubWSFS BankJani-King and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Burlington C.C., its membership, management, staff, host PGA of America Golf Professional Mike Mack, Tournament Chair John M. Hanuscin, and the entire 2024 Burlington Classic Pro-Am Committee, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic, which is also the third Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the season, on Monday, June 17, at Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.

About the Burlington Classic Pro-Am
The Burlington Classic Pro-Am was founded in 1986 by Mike Mack, PGA, Joe Fattorini, Leroy Peacock, Rex McWilliams, Chip Miller, George Hilt, and Donald “Butch” Eckman. The event quickly became one of the most popular events on the Philadelphia PGA Section’s tournament calendar, and is now a Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year Points Event.

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

Play in the Bermuda Celebrity Golf Invitational

As a member of the Philadelphia PGA Section, you are invited to play in the Bermuda Celebrity Golf Invitational on October 3-7, 2024. The Bermuda Celebrity Golf Invitational is a unique opportunity for golf enthusiasts to enjoy a weekend of competition, camaraderie, social enrichment, and networking alongside celebrities and notable attendees. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Bermuda Sports Pathway program, which supports young athletes pursuing a career in sports.

To learn more and register for the Celebrity Golf Invitational Weekend package, click here.

Foursome Package Options:

  • Four single-occupancy rooms for four nights / five days
  • Breakfast on days two, three, and four
  • Lunch on day three
  • Four passes to Private Celebrity Golf Invitational Welcome Event complete with drinks, bites, pairing board, and gifting experience
  • Entry for foursome into Celebrity Golf Invitational
  • Autographed hat from celebrity team captain
  • Four passes to prize giving / Beach Party
  • Entry for foursome into Rafael “Kid” Corbin Classic
  • Four passes to cruise
  • Airport Transportation to/from L.D. Wade International Airport
  • Ground transportation to program events

Package Price for Rosewood Bermuda Accommodations: $16,000 per foursome ($4,000 per player)

Package Price for Grotto Bay Accommodations: $12,000 per foursome ($3,000 per player)

Optional Spouse Package: Available upon request

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