Category: PPGA

New Philadelphia PGA Web Series: Playing Through

March 26, 2024Comments Off on New Philadelphia PGA Web Series: Playing ThroughPPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Section is excited to announce a new 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.

Our debut episode features RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve PGA of America Head Golf Professional Jamie Komancheck. To watch the episode, enjoy the video embedded below or click here.

If you are interested in appearing in a future episode, please complete this form by clicking 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 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Kicks Off Season With Spring Membership Meeting

March 25, 2024Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Kicks Off Season With Spring Membership MeetingFeatured, PPGA

Phoenixville, Pa. (March 25, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section officially kicked off its PGA Professional tournament season following the conclusion of its 2024 Spring Membership Meeting at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve.

Over 200 PGA of America Golf Professionals gathered at RiverCrest to conduct the Section’s official business. PGA of America Member Chip Richter of the Country Club of Harrisburg presided over his first membership meeting since being elected Section president in October. Section Vice President and Laurel Creek Country Club PGA Director of Golf Bob Hennefer honored the Section’s 2023 awards class, headlined by Golf Professional of the Year, Dustin McCormick of Glen Brook Golf Club in Stroudsburg, Pa. To learn more about the Section’s award recipients, click here.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, a field of 152 PGA of America Golf Professionals teed it up in a two-person scramble at RiverCrest and neighboring Bellewood Golf Club, with PGA of America Members Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C., and Joe Kogelman, GOLFTEC Moorestown; teaming to win at RiverCrest; and Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, and Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; took the top spot at Bellewood. Quinn and Kogelman finished with a team score of 12-under-par 59 to top John F. Byrne G.C.’s Anthony Hoffman and Rocco Sgrillo by one stroke. Four teams tied for third place at 9-under-par. At Bellewood, Bergstol and Oakley prevailed by two strokes over a trio of teams, thanks to their team score of 60, 11-under-par.

One the the highlights of the tournament was PGA of America Member Joanna Coe, Merion G.C., making a hole-in-one on No. 17. Coe used a 9-iron from 136 yards. It was her first ace in 12 years. Well played, Joanna!

To view the full 2024 Spring Meeting Golf Event leaderboard, click here. To view photos from the event, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia PGA Spring Membership Meeting is supported by GolfStatus, Precision Pro Golf, SCNS Sports Foods, Signature Golf, StickX, and Stitch. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve, Bellewood Golf Club, its membership, management, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, and staff, as the event would not be possible without their support.

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

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

PGA of America Member Dave McNabb Leads Applebrook Golf Club Team to Victory in 2024 Philadelphia PGA Pinehurst Pro-Am

March 14, 2024Comments Off on PGA of America Member Dave McNabb Leads Applebrook Golf Club Team to Victory in 2024 Philadelphia PGA Pinehurst Pro-AmPPGA

Pinehurst, N.C. (March 14, 2024) — PGA of America Member and Applebrook Golf Club head golf professional Dave McNabb led his team of amateurs, Chuck Lawson, Jeff Shapiro, and John Diederich, to victory in the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Pinehurst Pro-Am at the famed Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

The group finished with a team score of 23-under-par, 409, in the 54-hole one gross and one net competition, making it an impressive 13-stroke victory over the team from Chambersburg C.C.: Lee Gardenhour, PGA, AJ Edmonston, Scott Orndorf, and Jeff Mooney. PGA of America Member Bryce Young’s Fieldstone G.C. team, Keith Kimmel, Steven Kimmel, and George Morris, finished in third place at 8-under-par, followed by the team from Newark C.C. at 6-under: Matt Bonanno, PGA, Lorne Shannon, Mike Barrow, and Ryan Moore. Three teams tied for fifth place at 4-under-par: Talamore C.C.’s Andy Watters, PGA, John Holsinger, Daren Parkes, and Patrick Riley; Bayside Resort G.C.’s Bob Crowther, PGA, Steve Dennis, Sid Burkot, and Joe Fields; and Ed Oliver G.C.’s PGA of America Associate Tommy Eillison, Lou Peticca, Dante Cautillo, and Joe Spitaleri.

As a bonus, players were able to compete in a fun par-3 contest on the resort’s short course, the Cradle, designed by Gil Hanse. During the event, two amateurs made holes-in-one: John Holsinger holed out from 67 yards on the third hole using a sand wedge, while Lou Peticca aced the first hole from 124 yards, using a pitching wedge. Well played, gentlemen!

The annual pro-am has become a staple on the Section’s tournament schedule each spring, and quickly sells out each season. This year, the field played Pinehurst’s Nos., 2, 4, and 6 courses, in addition to a practice round on Pinehurst’s No. 8 course, and a separate event on the resort’s Cradle short course. The highlight of the event each year is the round on No. 2; built in 1907 by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross, and restored in 2010 by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course has hosted several major golf competitions, including a PGA Championship, a Ryder Cup, three men’s U.S. Opens, and a U.S. Women’s Open, with several more tournaments scheduled in the future.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia PGA Pinehurst Pro-Am leaderboard, click here. To view photos from the event, click here.

The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our host, Pinehurst Resort, its management, host PGA of America Golf Professionals, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

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

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

Leadership Coach John Eades Presents “Drive to Lead: Mastering Leadership Skills for PGA of America Golf Professionals”

March 1, 2024Comments Off on Leadership Coach John Eades Presents “Drive to Lead: Mastering Leadership Skills for PGA of America Golf Professionals”PPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Section, in coordination with our Education Committee Dean Kandle, PGA, and St. Davids Golf Club, has organized a leadership seminar to take place on Wednesday, March 20, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm.m, at St. Davids Golf Club. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. The cost for PGA of America Golf Professionals to attend is $65. To register, click here.

Drive to Lead: Mastering Leadership Skills for Golf Professionals

The Drive to Lead workshop is an exclusive workshop designed to transform PGA of America Golf Professionals into exceptional leaders on and off the course. In this dynamic workshop, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and skill enhancement, delving into five essential modules for professional excellence: Leadership, Mindset, Communication, Focus, and Coaching.

  • Leadership: Uncover the secrets to effective leadership from the best leaders from inside and outside the golf world.
  • Mindset: Elevate your mindset to go on a personal development and growth journey.
  • Communication: Sharpen your communication skills to convey your vision and inspire others to act.
  • Focus: Master the art of concentration amid distractions.
  • Coaching: Unleash your potential as a coach, empowering others to reach new heights.

Join us for an immersive and interactive experience where you’ll gain actionable insights, practical strategies, and personalized coaching to elevate your leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a rising star, “Drive to Lead” is your gateway to becoming a true leader in the PGA of America world.

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 Opens Bud Jennings PGA Golf Management Scholarship Applications

March 1, 2024Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Opens Bud Jennings PGA Golf Management Scholarship ApplicationsFeatured, PPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (March 1, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is excited to officially launch the application process for the 2024 Bud Jennings PGA Golf Management Scholarships. The scholarship were developed by the Jennings family to honor Bud Jennings, a lifelong golfer and longtime Chester Valley Golf Club member. Given Bud’s love for the game of golf, and his willingness to give back and help others, the Jennings family says that this award is the perfect way to remember his legacy.

The scholarship (up to $3,000 per recipient) will be awarded annually to both one male and one female Philadelphia PGA Associate aspiring to be elected to PGA of America Membership. Scholarship recipients will possess the skills, drive, and character it takes to become a first-class PGA of America Member.

Philadelphia PGA Associates who have already completed PGA PGM Level 1 may apply for the Bud Jennings PGA Golf Management Scholarship. The application deadline is July 1, 2024.

Application guidelines: applicant must show demonstration of outstanding qualities of leadership; demonstration of strong moral character; ability to maintain a substantial record of service to the Philadelphia PGA Section, PGA of America, and the game of golf; well-regarded as a model PGA Associate.

Ineligible classifications: Class F, Inactive, Philadelphia PGA Section staff.

To apply, 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, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com

Philadelphia PGA Section Unveils Modernized Logo

February 6, 2024Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Unveils Modernized LogoPPGA
Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (February 6, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section, one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, and northeastern Maryland, has unveiled a modernized logo to coincide with the Association’s updated brand and “We Love this Game” marketing campaign. The campaign aims to elevate and reinforce the role of PGA of America Golf Professionals as boldly influencing the present and future of the sport and industry by delivering more enjoyable experiences to golfers everywhere, no matter where they may be on their golf journeys.
In conjunction with the marketing campaign, the Section has introduced an updated, modernized logo (below) to help better distinguish the Association’s brand in the vast golf industry. The logo, designed for digital and social media, broadcast, and print usage, showcases a more open, simplified look that builds off the Association and Section’s heritage while bringing more attention to the “PGA of America.”
The goal is to help differentiate PGA of America Golf Professionals, partners and programs that currently drive demand for the game at more than 10,000 facilities in America (nearly 600 in the Section), and for the nearly 41 million individuals who play this game we all love.
“The PGA of America consists of more than 29,000 men and women golf professionals who are motivated by their love for the game of golf, which is the underlying concept behind the ‘We Love this Game’ campaign,” says PGA of America President John Lindert, the PGA Director of Golf at Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “Since 1916, PGA of America Golf Professionals have been the connection point of the everyday golfer’s journey. Partnering with Omaha Productions will only amplify what our PGA of America Golf Professionals do for the game on a daily basis.”

Phase One of the marketing campaign will consist of commercials and digital and social content produced by Omaha Productions, the media company launched by Peyton Manning. Appearances will be made by Michael Block, the PGA of America Head Golf Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California, whose incredible performance at the 2023 PGA Championship captivated the world; Joanna Coe, the PGA of America Director of Instruction at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennslyvania; Dr. Alison Curdt, the PGA of America Director of Instruction at Wood Ranch Golf Club in Simi Valley, California; and Rich Jones, the PGA of America District Manager at Golf Galaxy in Bay Shore, New York, and the Founder of the Jones Golf Academy.
The campaign will shine a light on how the more than 29,000 men and women of the PGA of America are the game’s most highly skilled coaches, operators of the most acclaimed facilities and golf businesses on the planet, and golf experts who love the game and are passionate about being the access point to the sport for millions of golfers of every generation and background.
“As we embraced the directive of the PGA of America Board of Directors to find a way to celebrate and differentiate the more than 29,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals’ critical role in the golf ecosystem, we couldn’t have found a more innovative and creative partner than Omaha Productions to deliver on that opportunity,” says Jeff Price, Chief Commercial Officer of the PGA of America. “The Omaha team completely embraced the challenge to both differentiate PGA of America Golf Professionals and inspire passion among the 41 million golfers embracing our sport today. We truly believe they are the right partner to help us tell an emotional and differentiated story.”

29k Strong from PGA of America on Vimeo.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, and northeastern Maryland, 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

PGA of America Honors Jim Smith Jr., PGA, and Dean Kandle, PGA, With National Awards

January 24, 2024Comments Off on PGA of America Honors Jim Smith Jr., PGA, and Dean Kandle, PGA, With National AwardsFeatured, PPGA
PGA of America Golf Professionals Jim Smith Jr., Philadelphia Cricket Club, and Dean Kandle, St. Davids Golf Club, have been honored as members of the Class of 2024 PGA of America National Awards honorees.

In all, 13 Award recipients will be recognized at the 71st PGA Show today, Jan. 24, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, at 4 p.m. ET on the PGA of America Industry Stage presented by CapTech. All 13 recipients are scheduled to attend the ceremony.

“Our 2024 PGA of America Award recipients have dedicated their lives to helping countless individuals enjoy this game we all love, and they do it exceptionally well,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. “I have had the opportunity to get to know several of our winners over the years and they truly are a great representation of what our more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals do on a daily basis. To stand out among their peers is an incredible achievement.”

In addition, the recently announced 2023 PGA of America Professional Players of the Year presented by Rolex award recipients will be celebrated on the Industry Stage, including: Men’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Michael Block of Mission Viejo, California.; Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth of Jacksonville, Florida; and Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year Bob Sowards of Dublin, Ohio.

JIM SMITH JR., PGA – Bill Strausbaugh Award – Philadelphia Cricket Club – Flourtown, Pa.

Jim Smith, Jr., a 29-year PGA of America Member in the Philadelphia PGA Section, and Director of Golf at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, in Flourtown, Pa., is the 2024 Bill Strausbaugh Award winner, which recognizes a PGA of America Golf Professional who demonstrates exceptional character, integrity and leadership through teaching and mentoring other PGA of America Golf Professionals. A native of Jenkintown, Pa., and a resident of Rydal, Pa., Smith, Jr. graduated from Temple University in 1990 with a BS in Finance & Economics. In 1992, he became the Head Golf Professional at The Abington Club in his hometown of Jenkintown, where he worked for four years. In 1996, he became the Director of Golf/General Manager at Talamore Country Club, in Ambler, PA., where he spent 10 years before moving onto his current role at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. A decorated PGA Member, Smith, Jr. has earned numerous awards and accolades in the Philadelphia PGA Section, including PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2005, Merchandiser of the Year, Private in 2002 and the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2006, 2013 and 2022. He is also a dedicated leader of the Philadelphia PGA Section, having been elected President from 2007-2009, and serving as a member of the Section Board of Directors/Executive Committee from 2000-2011.

DEAN KANDLE, PGA – PGA of America Professional Development Award – St. Davids Golf Club – Wayne, Pa.

Dean Kandle, PGA, a Philadelphia PGA Section Member and the General Manager at St. Davids Golf Club in Wayne, Pa., has earned the 2024 PGA of America Professional Development Award. This honor recognizes a PGA of America Member who displays commendable contributions to the education of PGA of America Golf Professionals. A multi-award winner on the Section level, Kandle is a 3-time recipient of the PGA Professional Development Award (2019, ‘20, ‘21), as well as winner of the Bill Strausbaugh Award (2018) and the PGA Golf Professional of the Year (2020). Kandle twice served as a member of the Philadelphia Section Education Committee (2011-13, 2018-22) and represented the Philadelphia Section Board of Directors as the District VI Director (2019-22). He is a regular host and contributor to PGA of America Education seminars and workshops, and a strong supporter of PGA REACH programming. Kandle is passionate about delivering continuing education to help improve the lives of PGA of America Members. One of his most successful projects was the creation of Golf Professional Growth (GPG), a professional-development website that delivers a wealth of content while covering a wide range of important topics, all designed to help PGA of America Members “Work Smarter and Live Better.” Kandle demonstrates his commitment to education by hosting two successful podcasts, “Getting Better Now” and “The Golf Professional Growth Project,” both dedicated to helping PGA Professionals grow as golf professionals and leaders.

2024 PGA of America National Award Recipients
PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year
Tony Pancake, PGA – Crooked Stick Golf Club – Carmel, Indiana
PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year
Joe Hallett, PGA – Vanderbilt Legends Club – Franklin, Tennessee
PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year
Kelly Williams, PGA – Greenbrier Golf & Country Club – Lexington, Kentucky
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Jim Smith Jr., PGA – Philadelphia Cricket Club – Flourtown, Pennsylvania
PGA of America Professional Development Award
Dean Kandle, PGA – St. Davids Golf Club – Wayne, Pennsylvania
Deacon Palmer Award
Mark Egly, PGA – Des Moines Driving Range – Des Moines, Iowa
Patriot Award
Jon DePriest, PGA – Sunset Hills Country Club – Edwardsville, Illinois
PGA of America Player Development Award
Crystal Morse, PGA – The Legends Golf Club – Franklin, Indiana
PGA of America Youth Player Development Award
Connie DeMattia, PGA – Cantigny Golf – Wheaton, Illinois
Herb Graffis Award
Iowa PGA Section
PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category
Robert Koontz, PGA – French Lick – French Lick, Indiana
PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category
Morgan Jewell – Floridian National Golf Club – Palm City, Florida
PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category
Jason Loomis, PGA – Great River Golf Club – Milford, Connecticut

Join Us for a PGA of America Associate Networking Event at Sunnybrook Golf Club

January 10, 2024Comments Off on Join Us for a PGA of America Associate Networking Event at Sunnybrook Golf ClubPPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Section has organized a free networking event for PGA of America Associates on Wednesday, February 7 at 5:00 p.m. in Sunnybrook Golf Club’s swing studio. In addition to networking with peers, PGA of America representatives Joe Doughty, PGA, and Leila Mackie, PGA, will be in attendance to answer questions about the Association, employment, compensation, along with updates from the Section and PAO (Philadelphia Assistants Organization).

To register, click here.

PGA of America Associate Networking Event

Wednesday, February 7
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Sunnybrook Golf Club
398 Stenton Avenue
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

Free to attend

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

Message from Philadelphia PGA Section President Chip Richter

January 10, 2024Comments Off on Message from Philadelphia PGA Section President Chip RichterPPGA

Dear Fellow PGA of America Golf Professionals:

I hope this message finds you well and you all had a happy and healthy holiday season. I know 2023 was another busy year for all of us. Certainly a little time off will be good for everyone to recharge the batteries and get ready for another busy year in 2024.

Shortly after our Fall Membership Meeting at Philmont Country Club, your Section team traveled to Frisco, Texas, for the PGA of America Annual Meeting at our new headquarters. First, if you have not seen the new facility, you need to. The entire campus is amazing. Trust me on this one, if you get a chance to go, take advantage of it. It was great to see two of PGA of America Members from our Section win sational awards as Johnny Carpineta won the Patriot Award, while Jeff Kiddie was named Golf Professional of the Year, the PGA of America’s highest honor; he is the first ever recipient to hail from the Philadelphia PGA Section. It did not take the many people there very long to start treating “Johnny C” like a rockstar. The guy was getting high fives and handshakes from everyone there after hearing his story. It was fun to experience.

We had a lot of interesting breakout sessions and presentations while in Texas. PGA REACH, PGA LEAD, future projections, and more were discussed. Another very interesting presentation was from the National Golf Foundation, which had a lot of great data on the growth of the game. Specifically, post-pandemic growth. The bottom line is golf grew at significant rates in 2020 and 2021, and although growth has slowed slightly, it is still trending upwards, and all metrics show continued growth expected in 2024.

Our Section Awards Committee met in December to determine our newest winners, and they did a really nice job of picking the recipients. There are so many deserving stories but this year’s winners are as inspiring as ever. For full details on the winners and their stories, click here. We will be honoring our winners on March 17 at our annual awards dinner, which promises to be another fun celebration.

If you got a phone call or email toward the end of the year asking for your help in completing your compensation profile, and you filled it out, thank you! If you did not, there is still time to get your survey completed. It is completely confidential and only takes five or six minutes to complete. Our tiered funding from the PGA of America is directly tied to our completion percentage on this, and honestly, we are not real good in relation to the other 40 Sections for completion percentage on these surveys. We could really use your help on this folks, please take a few minutes to fill this out if you can by clicking here.

The staff at the Section office, as well as our committee members, are working away on schedules and programs for 2024. If you are interested in hosting a Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour event or have an idea for an educational event in 2024, please let us know. In most cases, our best ideas come directly from our member.

The first few months as your president have been busy, but very enjoyable. If you have any questions or ideas, I can always be reached via email at chipr@pga.com or on my phone at (717) 421-0211. I am always available and happy to help in any way I can. Until next time, I hope you all have a wonderful start to 2024, and may we all get to enjoy a little rest and family time over the next few months.

Best Wishes,

Peter G. “Chip” Richter PGA
President
Philadelphia PGA Section