Category: PPGA

John Pillar Captures Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Title; Earns Berth in 32nd Senior PGA Professional Championship

August 18, 2020Comments Off on John Pillar Captures Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Title; Earns Berth in 32nd Senior PGA Professional ChampionshipLocal News, PPGA

West Chester, Pa. (August 18, 2020) — John Pillar, PGA, of the C.C. at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., winner of the 2020 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship at Concord C.C. will lead seven Section PGA Professionals to compete Oct. 15-18, in the 32nd Senior PGA Professional Championship. Pillar successfully defended his 2019 title.

The national Championship, supported by Golf Channel and John Deere, will be held at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Pillar turned in a winning total of 6-under-par 134 to capture the Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship. Pillar also won the 2009 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at Concord C.C. Dave McNabb, PGA, of Applebrook G.C. in Malvern, Pa., finished in second place after a sudden-death playoff on No. 18. They are joined by Greg Farrow of Deerwood C.C. in Westampton, N.J., Dave Quinn of Laurel Creek C.C. in Mount Laurel, N.J., John Allen of Huntingdon Valley (Pa.) C.C., George Forster of Radnor Valley C.C. in Villanova, Pa., and Brian Kelly of Bucknell G.C. in Lewisburg, Pa.

Alternates include, in order: Mike Moses, Concord C.C.; Terry Hertzog, Merion G.C.; Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C.; Hugo Mazzalupi, Patriots Glen National G.C.; and John Cooper, Green Valley C.C.

To view the full tournament leaderboard, click here.

The Senior PGA Professional Championship brings together a field of 264 contestants representing the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections and features a total purse of $300,000. The first two rounds will be conducted on the Ryder and Wanamaker Courses. The first cut will be made after 36 holes of play to the low 90 scorers and ties.  The second cut will be made after 54 holes of play to the low 70 scorers and ties.  The final two rounds will be played on the Wanamaker Course.

PGA Golf Club — the PGA of America’s premier 54-hole facility — hosts multiple PGA Member championships annually, such as the PGA Works Collegiate Championship, PGA Jones Cup, National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, Senior PGA Professional Championship (biennially, in even years) and the PGA’s Tournament Series and Winter Championships.

PGA Golf Club is home to three highly-decorated courses designed by renowned architects Tom Fazio and Pete Dye.

The Wanamaker Course ranked 18th in Golfweek’s “2018 Best: State-by-State Courses You Can Play” rankings, while the Dye Course rose to 22nd – making PGA Golf Club one of only a handful of properties with two layouts on the respected list.

The Ryder Course reopened in 2017 to rave reviews, following a renovation project that enhanced the greens and surrounding areas.

Begun in 1989, the Senior PGA Professional Championship is modeled after the PGA Professional Championship, with a field of 50-and-older senior PGA Professionals who advanced through 41 Section Championships conducted from June through August this year.

The top 35 finishers in the national Championship earn a berth in the 82nd KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, which will be conducted in May 27-30, 2021, at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The top five finishers earn an exemption into the final stage of the 2021 PGA Tour Champions National Finals in November 2021. Since its debut, many participants in the Senior PGA Professional Championship have used their success in the event as a springboard to a PGA Tour Champions career.

The 2020 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship is supported by supported by Golf Channel, John Deere, Jani-King, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Concord C.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not be possible without their support.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America represents the very best in golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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

PGA Member Trevor Bensel Wins 2020 Delaware Valley Open with Blistering 9-Under-Par 61

August 17, 2020Comments Off on PGA Member Trevor Bensel Wins 2020 Delaware Valley Open with Blistering 9-Under-Par 61PPGA

West Chester, Pa. (August 17, 2020) — PGA Member Trevor Bensel, Overbrook G.C., won the 2020 Delaware Valley Open at Concord C.C. by turning in a blistering score of 9-under-par 61, one stroke off the course record.

Bensel bested PGA Members Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C.; Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C.; and Parks Price, C.C. of York; by five strokes, with the trio tying for second place.

“After playing Oakmont C.C. in the Pennsylvania Open last week, my putter was freed up playing Concord today,” said Bensel. “I felt I could be more aggressive and I made some putts.”

Making some putts may be an understatement, as Bensel carded seven birdies and an eagle. Capitalizing on his round, Bensel also won the Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) Division by five strokes over Price, and seven over Michael VanDerLaan, Sunnybrook G.C.

Dave McNabb won the Senior Division with a 4-under-par 66, one stroke ahead of Greg Farrow, Deerwood C.C., and two better than John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs. Farrow emerged victorious in the Super Senior Division, beating George Forster, Radnor Valley C.C., by two strokes. Brian Kelly, Bucknell G.C.; and J.R. Delich, 79, tied for third place, bettering his age by 8, with a score of 71.

Alex Pillar finished as Low Amateur with a 1-under-par 69, beating Justin Elwell and Jon Ross by two strokes. Alex is the son of Philadelphia PGA Past President John Pillar.

To view the full Delaware Valley Open leaderboard, click here.

The 2020 Delaware Valley Open, an OMEGA Player of the Year event, is supported by Jack Jolly & Son Inc., Golf Pride, Kevin McCellan Golf Sales, Jani-King, the PGA Tour, Scott Hutchinson, and Conrad JJ Radcliffe, Esq. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Concord C.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

Concord C.C. is also hosting the 2020 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship, August 17-18.

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

Recap: PAO Event at Manufacturers’ G. & C.C.

August 11, 2020Comments Off on Recap: PAO Event at Manufacturers’ G. & C.C.PPGA

The PAO had its first standalone yesterday at Manufacturer’s Country Club.  The event was originally scheduled for Cedarbrook Country Club, but due to the heavy rains and damage received from the storms this week, Manufacturer’s graciously stepped up last minute to host the PAO.

There were 22 players competing, and at the end of the day Andrew Geesey from Regents’ Glen Country Club came out on top.  His round included 7 birdies for a 3 under total of 68.  Ashley Grier of Overbrook Golf Club and Michael Congdon of Aronimink Golf Club tied for 2nd with an even par score of 71.

The next PAO standalone event will be August 24th at Old York Road.

Mike Tobiason Captures National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Title; Earns Berth in 44th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship

August 3, 2020Comments Off on Mike Tobiason Captures National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Title; Earns Berth in 44th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championshipleaderboard, PPGA

Wayne, Pa. (August 3, 2020) — Mike Tobiason of Deerfield C.C. in Newark, Del., winner of the 2020 National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship at St. Davids G.C. will lead six Section PGA Professionals to compete Nov. 12-15, in the 44th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship.

The national Championship, supported by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, XXIO, Asics and John Deere will be held at PGA Golf Club, Port St. Luce, Fla.

Tobiason turned in a winning total of 8-under-par 68-62—130 to capture the National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship. Ashley Grier of Overbrook G.C. in Villanova, Pa.; Brett Walker of Sunnybrook G.C. in Plymouth Meeting, Pa.; Trevor Bensel of Overbrook G.C. in Villanova, Pa.; and Steve Swartz of West Shore C.C. in Camp Hill, Pa., and  finished four strokes back at 4-under-par 134. They are joined by Ross Seaman of Manufacturer’s G. & C.C. in Fort Washington, Pa. Grier had already earned her spot in the national Championship for having been a member of the inaugural Women’s PGA Cup in 2019.

The National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship brings together a field of 132 contestants representing the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections and features a total purse of $150,000. All rounds will be played on the Wanamaker Course. A cut after 36 holes of play to the low 70 scorers and ties will be made.

Begun in 1977, the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship is modeled after the PGA Professional Championship, with a field of PGA Professionals and PGA Associates who advanced through 41 Section Championships conducted from May through October this year.

If eligibility is met and maintained, the champion earns a berth in the 54th PGA Professional Championship to be conducted April 25-28, 2021, at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the St. Davids G.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, as the championship would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full tournament leaderboard, click here.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America represents the very best in golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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 and The Haverford Trust Company Postpones 24th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic

July 29, 2020Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section and The Haverford Trust Company Postpones 24th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA ClassicPPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (July 23, 2020) — In an effort to ensure a responsible event during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic while upholding the traditions of the tournament, the Philadelphia PGA Section and The Haverford Trust Company have postponed the 24th playing of the Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic. The tournament has been rescheduled for June 1, 2021, at its traditional host site, Sunnybrook G.C. in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., where PGA Professionals will compete for the largest PGA Section first prize in the nation, $100,000.

“While we are disappointed to postpone the 2020 Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic, our main focus is to provide our PGA Professional competitors with the best tournament and safest experience,” said The Haverford Trust Company and the Philadelphia PGA Section in a joint statement. “We believe rescheduling the tournament for 2021 will allow us to host a safe and successful event.

The Philadelphia PGA Section looks forward to next year’s event and continuing the legendary invitational with its partner, The Haverford Trust Company.

PGA Professionals who have 2020 Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic registrations pending will not be charged. More information regarding next year’s event will be released closer to the date.

About The Haverford Trust Company
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 40 years in a finance industry dominated by giants through our passion and adaptability. With more than 90 employees and over $9.3 billion* in assets, our size is our advantage. We get to know you and your needs at every level. You may speak with anyone, at any level of the organization, at any time. Our size allows us to be flexible and move with agility to address your individual investment needs. But we have never lost focus on the essentials: the Quality Investing philosophy that provides our clients with the right mix of stability and growth across the market cycle. And we never will. For more information, visit  HaverfordQuality.com.
*Including assets under management or consultation for The Haverford Trust Company and Haverford Financial Services as of 6/30/2020.

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.comVeronica McKee
Vice President of Marketing, The Haverford Trust Company
vmckee@haverfordquality.com

Lebanon C.C.’s Farnham and Blalock Win 2020 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Scratch Championship

July 27, 2020Comments Off on Lebanon C.C.’s Farnham and Blalock Win 2020 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Scratch Championshipleaderboard, PPGA

Bethlehem, Pa. (July 27, 2020) — The team representing Lebanon (Pa.) C.C., PGA Associate Bobby Farnham and his amateur partner Brian Blalock won the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Scratch Championship on Saucon Valley C.C.’s Old Course.

Farnham, an assistant professional at Lebanon C.C., and Blalock, who was eligible for the event with a handicap less than 5.0, finished with a score of 8-under-par 63, one stroke better than the team from Lancaster (Pa.) C.C., PGA Assistant Professional Matt Goudie and his amateur partner Ken Phillips. Gulph Mills G.C.’s Alec Brown, PGA, and partner Kevin Cahill finished in third with a 65. Two teams tied for fourth place.

The Farnham / Blalock Four-Ball score is impressive on a layout such as Saucon Valley C.C.’s Old Course, which  has played host to the 2009 U.S. Women’s Open, two U.S. Senior Opens (1992, 2000) and a U.S. Amateur Championship (1951).

The 2020 Pro-Scratch Championship is supported by Criquet. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Saucon Valley C.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view the full tournament 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, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com

Philadelphia PGA Board of Directors Amends Tournament Dress Code Policy

July 23, 2020Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Board of Directors Amends Tournament Dress Code PolicyPPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Board of Directors amended Article VIII, Section 8.17 of its Tournament Rules and Regulations on Thursday, which affects the dress code for all all sponsored, co-sponsored and sanctioned events conducted in the Section. The change, effective immediately, allows male PGA Professionals to wear shorts from July 1 – August 31. No cargo or denim shorts will be permitted.

During the July 1 – August 31 time period, the Philadelphia PGA Tournament Committee may select events where shorts will not be permitted. The committee will also have the ability outside of this time frame to allow shorts if the weather conditions are severe enough to warrant it.

Women PGA Professionals may continue to wear culottes, shorts, or golf skirts in Section events.

To review the full Philadelphia PGA Section Tournament Rules and Regulations, click here.

Contact:
Philadelphia PGA Tournament Department
(267) 622-6180
ppgatournaments@pgahq.com

2020 William Hyndman III Memorial Classic Cancelled Due to Severe Weather

July 6, 2020Comments Off on 2020 William Hyndman III Memorial Classic Cancelled Due to Severe WeatherLocal News, PPGA

Huntingdon Valley, Pa. (July 6, 2020) — The severe weather that developed in southeastern Pennsylvania Monday forced the suspension of play in and ultimately the cancellation of the 2020 William Hyndman III Memorial Classic at Huntingdon Valley C.C. The Philadelphia PGA Section is looking forward to annual tournament’s playing in 2021.

The William Hyndman III Memorial Classic, originally named the William Hyndman III Insurance Open, has hosted in the Philadelphia PGA Section since 1982. Played annually at Huntingdon Valley C.C., home of the legendary amateur golfer and tournament namesake William Hyndman III, the tournament is included in the annual OMEGA Player of the Year presented by the Haverford Trust Company. Hyndman won the event as an amateur in 1984 at the age of 67.

The 2020 William Hyndman III Memorial Classic is supported by the Hyndman Family; Jack Jolly & Son Inc.; Kevin McClellan Golf Sales; Scott Hutchinson; Conrad JJ Radclife, Esq.; and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the Huntingdon Valley C.C., its management and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About William Hyndman III 

William Hyndman III was one of the most accomplished Philadelphia amateur golfers in history. Hyndman’s resume developed early by winning the 1935 Philadelphia Amateur at the age of 19; he ultimately accumulated three Philadelphia Amateur titles, 10 Patterson Cup crowns, and six Silver Crosses. Hyndman also made nine Masters Tournament appearances and made a hole-in-one on Augusta National G.C.’s 12th hole. By the time Hyndman ended his golfing career, he had competed in 50 USGA championships, including playing on five Walker Cup teams and winning two U.S. Senior Amateur titles.

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