Category: PPGA
Teams From Whitford, Tavistock Country Clubs Tie for 2026 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship Title
Cape May Court House, N.J. (June 1, 2026) — The Philadelphia PGA Section returned to the Jersey Shore on a beautiful day for the 2026 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship. Played at the Shore Club, PGA of America Golf Professional teams from Whitford Country Club and Tavistock Country Club tied for the title. Teams were comprised of one lead PGA Professional and one of their assistants.
Whitford’s Pat Butkus and Anthony Sebastianelli, Tavistock’s Michael Meisenzahl and Matthew Cocco, and Meisenzahl and James Shukdinas each finished with team scores of 7-under-par 65 in the Four-Ball stroke play format. Laurel Creek Country Club’s Bob Hennefer and David Quinn finished in fourth place, one stroke behind the winning trio of teams. Meisenzahl’s good play (68 on his own ball) also helped to notch him and his partner Christopher Hutchinson fifth place at 5-under-par.
The trend for Tavistock continued into the Non-PGA Professional Division with Meisenzahl and partner Chris O’Donnell taking first at 4-under-par. Manufacturers’ Golf & Country Club’s Peter Clarke and Clare Gimpel finished in second place with a 69, one stroke behind the winners. Four teams tied for third place at 2-under-par: Coatesville Country Club’s Evan Mitchell and Zac Rambo, the Legacy Club’s John DiMarco and Noah Greenspun, the Steel Club’s Mark Chlebek and Scott Byrd, and Steel Club’s Chlebek and Tyler Gates.
To view the 2026 full PGA Philadelphia Professional-Assistant Professional leaderboard, click here.
The 2026 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship is sponsored by Ashworth, Wilson, Golf Max, and CaddieSnacks. The Philadelphia PGA would like to extend its gratitude to our host, The Shore Club, its owners, membership, 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 300 golf facilities in our region.
Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com
PGA of America Golf Professional Billy Stewart Crowned Champion of 28th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic and Takes Home $100,000 Prize
Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (May 26, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Billy Stewart of Union League Liberty Hill is the champion of the 28th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic and is taking home the grand prize of $100,000, the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections. He scored an impressive round of 6-under-par, and included zero bogeys.
Stewart is no stranger to the pressure of this event, having previously won it in 2013. Early in his speech, Stewart mentioned the life-changing impact this prize has had on his career, allowing him to gain certifications that he used to become a teaching professional as a full-time job.
“I was definitely nervous, but it is the best feeling in golf when you are able to overcome those nerves and pull it off,” said Stewart. “The key to my round was getting up and down on the first two holes, and then I was able to birdie three and four and regain my rhythm.”
He went on to thank George Connell and the Haverford Trust Company for the opportunities they create for PGA Professionals and the measures they take to give back to the game.
Also playing well today was Merion Golf Club’s Joanna Coe, who finished two strokes back of Stewart. In a tie for third place at 3-under-par was Rob Wolfers of Manufacturers’ Golf & Country Club, and Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. Six golf professionals finished tied for fifth place at 2-under-par: Frank Bensel, Galloway National Golf Club; John Pillar, Country Club at Woodloch Springs; Logan Hay, Burlington Country Club; Will Scarborough, the Peninsula Golf and Country Club; Trevor Bensel, Lulu Country Club; and Parks Price, Bent Creek Country Club.
In the Senior Division, Frank Bensel and John Pillar, tied for first prize, shooting 2-under-par.
Claiming the title of low amateur was Francis Vaughn who shot one-over-par.
To view the 28th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic leaderboard, click here.
This annual event, hosted at Sunnybrook Golf Club, is made possible through the support of George Connell and the entire Haverford Trust Company. This event was also supported by Tasc. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the Haverford Trust Company, Sunnybrook Golf Club, its membership, management and staff as the event would not be possible without their unwavering support.
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 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.
*Including assets under management or consultation for The Haverford Trust Company and Haverford Financial Services as of 3/31/2026
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
Philadelphia PGA Section’s Central Counties Chapter Tournament Updates
Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania (May 22, 2026) — The Philadelphia PGA Section’s Central Counties Chapter recently hosted pro-am events of their Schuylkill Country Club and Moselem Springs Golf Club each hosting our PGA of America Golf Professionals and their amateur teammates.
On May 11, the Chapter visited Schuylkill Country Club for the Schuylkill Pro-Am, won by PGA Professional Tyler Shank of the Country Club of Harrisburg and his amateur team consisting of Jeremy Buchinsky, Robert Cherry, and Don Eshleman. The team finished at 18-under-par to better second place finishers from LedgeRock Golf Club Bill Kindoll, PGA, Tyler Henry, Steve Savage, and Chad Henne, by six strokes. Moselem Springs’ Jeff Fick, PGA, Walt Freundt, Len Smith, and Dan Kelly, finished in third place at 11-under-par. Sank was the low PGA Professional at 3-under-par, while John Kulhamer, Green Pond Golf Course, was low Senior PGA Professional at 4-over. The event was supported by Chapter partners Dunlop / Srixon / Cleveland / XXIO. To view the full Schuylkill Pro-Am leaderboard, click here.
On May 21, the Chapter visited Moselem Springs Golf Club for the Moselem Springs Pro-Am, won by Carlisle Country Club’s Stephen Swartz, PGA, Daniel Boreman, James Tresco, and Christian Bors, who finished at 15-under-par. Three stokes back were runners-up Jason Wilson of Bethlehem Golf Club, Justin Abraham, Matt Crilley, and Jeff Hudson. Glen Brook Golf Club’s Alexander Knoll, PGA, Dylan Spadt, Mike Guro, and Shane Gunning, finished in third place at 11-under-par. Wilson was low PGA Professional at 2-under-par, while Kulhamer finished as low Senior PGA Professional at 2-over. The event was supported by Chapter partners Dunlop / Srixon / Cleveland / XXIO. To view the full Moselem Springs Pro-Am leaderboard, click here.
The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, host facilities, their memberships, 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 300 golf facilities in our region.
Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com
Remembering Robert Francis Pfister, PGA
It is with great sadness to inform you of the passing of Philadelphia PGA Professional Robert Francis Pfister. “Bob”, age 86, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on May 12, 2026 surrounded by his wife and daughter.
He was born in Orchard Park, Buffalo, NY to Cecelia & Edward Pfister. Bob attended Bishop Timon High School and upon graduation in 1958 he joined the Navy. He served as 2nd class signalman on the USS Wasp Aircraft Carrier. After his honorable discharge in 1962, he entered the golf business. He spent the first 5 years at Saucon Valley CC in Bethlehem, PA in the summer. In the winter, he was at the Cotton Bay Club in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Bahamas. Most notably, he spent 28 years serving as Head Golf Professional at Llanerch CC in Havertown, PA. Bob spent the final chapter of his work life helping the Golf Course at Glen Mills get established and grow into a top-rated public facility.
Bob’s passion was always golf. He enjoyed coaching the men’s golf team at St. Joseph University from 1982 to 1985. He excelled as a senior golfer, qualifying twice for the US Senior Open in 1990 and 1994. He won the Philadelphia Section Senior Championship in 1993 and 1996.
He also loved reading, gardening, fishing, and hunting. His caring nature and gentle kindness are what people will remember most about Bob.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother Jim. He is survived by his wife, Trudy, his daughters Barbara Ann (Kevin), Beth Ann (Matthew), Sophie and Jessica; four grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings Ed, Jake, Sue and Margaret (Dick); and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Beloved Roman Catholic Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, at 11:30am with visitation available prior to Mass from 10:00am until 11:30am.
We are so grateful for having Delaware Hospice’s wonderful team watching over Bob these last few months of his life. In lieu of flowers please donate to Delaware Hospice, 630 Churchman’s Road, Suite 200 Newark, DE 19702 (302-478-5707)
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
PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck Fires Low Round to Win 2026 Philadelphia PGA Delaware Valley Open
Williamstown, New Jersey (May 18, 2026) — After making his hometown appearance at the 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club won 2026 Philadelphia PGA Delaware Valley Open. Shattuck shot an impressive low round of 6-under-par at the event hosted at Scotland Run Golf Club.
The only thing hotter than the temperatures outside was Shattuck’s putter as he made six birdies and zero bogeys during his round.
“Today felt a lot easier compared to playing Aronimink this past week,” said Shattuck. “The setup was much easier, and I just played well.”
He then went on to thank his sponsors, SEI, Jefferson Health, Premier Combustion Services, ICS Corporation who supported him this week, as well as his family, Rolling Green Golf Club, and Scotland Run for hosting.
Zach Barbin of Chesapeake Bay Golf Club, and Chris Gray of Rehoboth Beach Golf Club finished one stroke back of Shattuck. Rounding out the top five in a tie for fourth was Michael Little of Clubhouse 54 and Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. They finished atop the leaderboard at 4-under-par.
Anthony Schweppe from Sittler Golf Center tied with Terry Hatch of Royal Oaks Golf Club for first place in the Senior Division. They shot 1-under-par. Mark Sheftic from Sunnybrook Golf Club and Dave Quinn out of Laurel Creek Country Club tied for third place at even-par. In fifth place was Brian Kelly of the Titleist Fit Crew.
In the Super Senior Division, Wayne Phillips of Lehigh Country Club and Bill Sautter from the Philadelphia Cricket Club both tied for first place at 1-under-par. Greg Farrow from Deerwood Country Club and Jack Brennan from Mountain View Country Club tied for third place, shooting round of 1-over-par. Life Member Jeffrey Van Etten placed fifth.
The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) also held an event concurrently with today’s event. Although Zach Barbin and Chris Gray tied at 5-under-par, Barbin took home first prize, as Gray was not present for a playoff. Brian Bergstol finished in third place at 4-under-par. Andrew Cornish from Llanerch Country Club took solo fourth place one shot back of Bergstol. Two people tied for fifth place.
To view the full 2026 Philadelphia PGA Delaware Valley Open leaderboard, click here.
The 2026 Philadelphia PGA Conestoga Classic is supported by Jack Jolly & Son Inc., KM Golf Sales / Kevin McClellan, Ohana Farm LLC, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Scotland Run Golf Club, their ownership, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.
The Section returns next week for a very special event, the 2026 Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic at Sunnybrook Golf Club.
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