Category: PPGA

COVID-19 RESOURCES

March 12, 2020Comments Off on COVID-19 RESOURCESLocal News, PPGA

COVID-19 UPDATES AND GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE 

The White House, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance for large events and mass gatherings and recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 10 people or more throughout the United States. More information on the White House’s guidance can be found by clicking here and the CDC’s guidance can be found by clicking here.

Employee Rights: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.  Click here for more information.

REOPENING GUIDANCE: Click here for detailed guidance from the Allied Golf Organizations, the Pennsylvania Alliance for Golf and policies for New Jersey.

PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS WAIVERS

The Philadelphia PGA Section has been in contact with numerous state legislators and officials to clarify how golf facilities are affected by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s order for all non-life-sustaining businesses to close their physical locations to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Section has been advised that businesses seeking a waiver to the order should email with this email address: RA-dcexemption@pa.gov.

The Section encourages our golf facilities to email RA-dcexemption@pa.gov asking for exemptions for the following:

  • Allowing members and / or guests to walk and carry their own bags on the golf course with no staff interaction (allowing for appropriate social distancing)
  • Allowing golf facility superintendents to continue to maintain the property to protect against future financial hardship if courses become overgrown
  • If applicable, we recommend that private-equity facilities state that their members have ownership stakes in the facility

As a reminder, full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places may continue to operate for takeout only.

We believe that the more golf facilities that request waivers, the more seriously the state legislature and / or governor’s office will consider blanket exemptions for golf courses.

The Section requests that PGA Professionals that send an email to RA-dcexemption@pa.gov, that they also copy (cc) Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA, (gsurrette@pgahq.com) and Section Communications Director Matt Frey, PGA (mfrey@pgahq.com) so the Section has the ability to lobby on your behalf as well.

DELAWARE ORDERS

Delaware Governor John Carney announced that the State of Delaware will lift the mandatory 14-day quarantine for out-of-state travelers on June 1 as part of the rolling reopening of Delaware’s economy. The governor also announced that outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people will be permitted in Delaware beginning on June 1, with basic public health precautions in place to protect against spread of COVID-19. To read the full press release, click here.

Phase 1 of Delaware’s economic reopening is scheduled to begin on June 1, allowing retail establishments, restaurants and other businesses to open at 30 percent of stated fire capacity with social distancing requirements and other public health guidance in place. To read Delaware’s Phase 1 economic reopening guidance, click here.

In conjunction with the easing of certain business, travel and gathering restrictions, Governor Carney will lift Delaware’s stay-at-home order effective June 1, but he cautioned that Delawareans should continue to avoid unnecessary outings and gatherings to limit community spread of COVID-19.

MARYLAND ORDERS

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced that golf courses across the state will be permitted to reopen, effective on Thursday, May 7, at 7:00 a.m. Governor Hogan amended his stay-at-home order to broaden the list of permitted outdoor activities to now include individual and small group sports such as golfing, tennis, and similar activities; outdoor fitness instruction; recreational fishing and hunting; recreational boating; and horseback riding. It will remain critical, however, that Marylanders continue to follow public health guidance and practice physical distancing. To read the full press release, click here77.

Maryland has a COVID-19 business response webpage, which can be visited by clicking here. The state is also offering COVID-19 emergency relief fund programs for businesses (click here to learn more) and a COVID-19 layoff aversion fund (to read more, click here).

PGA DUES

In accordance with tax rules applicable to 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organizations, the PGA of America, and its Sections, must collect annual dues. As such, the PGA of America and the Philadelphia PGA Section will collect dues under revamped procedures that take into account the significant challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As you all know, your dues are a combination of Section and national dues. Your annual dues are very important to the Section as we rely on this revenue for our operations. These funds help us to provide a high level of member services, drive more benefits, host tournaments, seminars and events, and expand growth of the game initiatives, while allowing us to continue programs that will benefit the Section and you as a PGA Professional.

We at the Section appreciate the collaboration between PGA Headquarters and the 41 Sections to help get all parties to the other side of this crisis. This collaboration has enabled all Sections, including the Philadelphia Section, to push dues back to October 31 collectively.

PGA Members and Associates will have two payment options:

  1. Pay full dues amount any time through October 31, 2020, without penalty or late fee; OR
  2. Pay in two installments:
  • Pay Section amount only any time through October 31, 2020, without penalty or late fee.
  • Pay National, Life, Liability and MAP any time through October 31, 2020, without penalty or late fee, provided all dues components are paid by October 31, 2020.

Those unable to pay the full dues amount by October 31, 2020, would be moved to nonactive status, and can still pay the full dues by June 30, 2021, to “re-establish” Membership (per the Bylaws), and the PGA of America would waive the late and reestablish fee. If not able to re-establish by June 30, 2021, individuals would need to reinstate their Membership. If the one-time reinstatement option has been previously used, approval has already been granted for a second reinstatement for those affected by COVID-19.

If you are a PGA Professional hurting financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic, please apply today for the Golf Emergency Relief fund at relief.golf.

PGA of America and Section dues invoices are expected to be available on May 1 on PGA.org. If you have questions about Section dues, please contact Section Communications Director Matt Frey, PGA, at mfrey@pgahq.com. If you have any questions about the invoices / payment procedues on PGA.org, please call the PGA Membership Department directly at 1-800-474-2776.

PHILADELPHIA PGA SECTION UPDATES

As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise across our region, the Philadelphia PGA Section is closely monitoring all available information related to the continued spread of the virus from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), state and local governments, and the PGA of America.

The health and safety of our membership, staff, and partners are our top priority. As such, the Philadelphia PGA Section has adjusted the following:

  • Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Events: POSTPONED THROUGH MID-MAY
  • Awards Banquet: POSTPONED
  • Spring Membership Meeting and Golf: CANCELLED
  • Women in Golf Summit: POSTPONED
  • Central Counties Chapter Spring Meeting: POSTPONED
  • Philadelphia Players Championship: RESCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 14
  • Spring Pro-Pro: RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE 8 AT BURLINGTON C.C.
  • 35th Burlington Classic Pro-Am: CANCELLED
  • Delaware Valley Open: RESCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 17
  • Spring Pro-Lady: RESCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 6
  • Pro-Am for Wishes: CANCELLED

The Section will continue to review its schedule and operations based on CDC, WHO and government guidance and communicate updates with you.

The CDC is providing COVID-19 updates here. For the CDC’s overall business guidance resource, click here.

For the foreseable future, the Philadelphia PGA Section staff will be working remotely. Any questions should be directed to the Section’s Communications Director, Matt Frey, PGA: mfrey@pgahq.com. Should you need to reach any of our other staff members, their remote contact information is listed below.

Executive Director, Geoff Surrette, PGA: (215) 399-7872, gsurrette@pgahq.com
Assistant Executive Director, Barb Creveling:  (215) 237-3888, bcreveling@pgahq.com
PGA REACH Philadelphia Director, Leila Mackie, PGA: (704) 689-3136, lmackie@pgahq.com
Tournament Director, Brian Schulte, PGA: (215) 778-4411‬, bschulte@pgahq.com
Communications Director, Matt Frey, PGA: (513) 205-3081, mfrey@pgahq.com
Member Services Administrator, Sue Unger: (215) 287-6139, sunger@pgahq.com
PGA REACH Philadelphia Coordinator, Courtney Curcio: (856) 685-3167, ccurcio@pgahq.com
Tournament Coordinator, Lewis Harry, PGA: (575) 405-3684‬, lharry@pgahq.com
Operations Coordinator, Colin Marshall: (717) 870-7554, cmarshall@pgahq.com

PGA OF AMERICA COVID-19 RESOURCES

The PGA of America has created a COVID-19 resource page for PGA Members and Associates, which can be visited by clicking here. The page includes resources for facilities, action steps for the general population and golf facilities, courses and food & beverage operations, and also provides information about the SupportLinc Member Assistance Program.

LETTER FROM PGA OF AMERICA OFFICERS

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the worlds of business and sports has quickly become more far reaching than we could have imagined. Our business will be affected, as will the lives of our friends and family. We are all feeling the strain of the unknown and the stress and anxiety a crisis can cause.

We want you to know that your Association is doing everything we can to mitigate risk and lead in a challenging time. Times like these give us a moment to pause and to assess changes that our facilities and association can pursue…to act in a way that reflects golf’s values among our constituents, and to stand tall knowing that we are the keepers of the game.

First and foremost, in challenging times like these, our utmost priority is on the health and well-being of our members and all involved with the work of the PGA.

While at least the next few weeks will prove challenging for our entire society, the golf industry will need to be prepared to come back strongly after things return to normal. We should be preparing now to take the necessary steps to reassure the public about the many benefits of our game, facilities and Professionals.

As such, we are thinking pragmatically about the Association’s business through the framework of our long-term strategic plan with focus on our members, game, business and people. For the purposes of this letter, we’ve bucketed the communication into three areas:

  • PGA Professionals, their facilities and the golf industry
  • Our Championships and events
  • The operations of the Association and Sections.

PGA Professionals, their facilities and the golf industry – Communication is key. Yesterday, PGA Chief Membership Officer John Easterbrook sent a note to the membership outlining that PGA HQ staff will be operating remotely effective Monday; while Valhalla and PGA Golf Club remain open to the public. We also provided a set of common-sense recommendations for consideration by operators.  We have committed to keeping PGA Professionals up-to-date through “Five Things to Know” and PGA.org on a regular basis. From an MSR and education perspective, please note the following:

  • MSR Cycle – Extend the MSR cycle deadline from June 15, 2021 to June 15, 2022, for all Members. This is due to a number of MSR activity opportunities – meetings, education, tournaments, player development – that could be postponed or canceled. Additionally, this relieves pressure on Sections and Members to conduct or take part in these activities during this unprecedented time of uncertainty.
  • Acceptable Progress – Extend the Acceptable Progress deadlines of all PGA Associates by one year. As travel to the PGA Education Center is currently curtailed, PGA Education staff is exploring online opportunities.  With the uncertainty of testing sites remaining open, this provides flexibility with regard to Associates meeting their deadlines.
  • PGA Golf Management University Students – 14 of our 18 GMU’s have currently cancelled classes and have moved to online delivery.  PGA Education Staff will work with the universities directly in regard to needed accommodations within the Criteria and Standards.
  • PGA Associates – We have cancelled pending seminars at Port St. Lucie through April.  81 individuals were impacted and we are refunding everyone’s registration fee and charging them back at a discounted rate.  The team is looking into online options that could be adopted in the future. Teaching & coaching and Executive Management is offered on a quarterly basis and therefore have not been impacted.

Championships and Events – At this time, we are working closely with state and local public health and government officials in Texas, California and Michigan and Pennsylvania regarding the playing of our upcoming events: The PPC, PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship and the KPMG Womens PGA Championshiop. With the PGA TOUR canceling of The Players Championship and its next three events; the LPGA postponing its next three events, including its first Major Championship, after already cancelling three tournaments in Asia; and Augusta National postponing the Masters, we will be asked many questions about the status of our Championships and events.

We will continue to evaluate the status of each event every two weeks and provide further updates when available. Our hope is that the situation will improve, and once cleared by public health authorities, our events could be a welcome a “return to normal” in some form. That said, the health and well-being of all involved is our first priority and mandates from public health authorities will guide our decisions.

Due to recent NCAA actions, our PGA Works Collegiate Championship and the NextGen Spring Nationals are being cancelled as of today.  

Association/Section Business – As noted above, we have asked all staff to work remotely for the foreseeable future in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our team. We would recommend that all PGA Sections follow our lead in this area. We have stressed to our staff how important it is that we continue to operate at an extremely high level to serve our Members and Sections during this period.

In addition, we have put a travel ban in effect both internationally and domestically. Again, we would recommend that you do the same. For at least the next four weeks, we also recommend that you postpone any group gatherings you are planning to host. And most importantly, stay close to what your state and local officials advise for your area. In addition, with the PGA Tour event cancelations, the corresponding qualifying events are also cancelled. Please let those participants know immediately.

PGA Member Assistance Program

People are understandably concerned about their health, jobs and future. During these unprecedented times, the PGA Member Assistance Program provides confidential, professional counseling and online services for a wide array of personal and well-being concerns.  We encourage you to remind your fellow Members they can seek help at resources.pga.org. In addition, online guidance on preventive health and safety measures we can all take are available from the CDC.

We pledge to communicate relentlessly with all stakeholders and be open at all times as this situation inevitably evolves. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions and concerns. Remember that we are all in this together, will get out of it together and be that much stronger for the experience.

PREPARING FOR COVID-19 IN THE WORKPLACE

The PGA of America established a new resource center on PGA.org specific to helping our Professionals who are employers and / or employees with questions. Because the specifics of employment law and recommended COVID-19 best practices are different state-by-state, we have included a link that will direct PGA Professionals to the 50 state departments of labor for information that is relevant based on their location. Please pass this resource along to anyone looking for resources related to employment issues during these challenging times.

https://www.pga.org/coronavirus-resources/preparing-for-covid-19-in-the-workplace

Following today’s debut video, we will also be opening it up to questions from you to help us address the issues that matter most to you all out in the field. If you have a specific question, please submit it here. We may not get to all of your questions on next week’s update, but will try to answer as many as possible.

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL GOLF EVENTS

2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: Rescheduled, October 6-11…click here for the full press release
2020 ShopRite LPGA Classic: Rescheduled, October 2-4
2020 Masters Tournament: Rescheduled, November 12-15
2020 PGA Championship: Rescheduled, August 6-9
2020 U.S. Open: Rescheduled, September 17-20
2020 Open Championship: Cancelled
2020 PGA Professional Championship: Postponed. Click here to read the full press release.
2020 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball at Philadelphia Cricket Club: Cancelled. Click here for the full statement.

GOLF PROFESSIONAL NATURAL DISASTER BEST PRACTICES FACEBOOK GROUP

As PGA Professionals and industry leaders we get many questions in the face of disaster. It is often overwhelming and can create a sense of helplessness. This tool should assist all of us in finding answers and solutions to the many diverse issues created by natural disaster. It will serve as a building block as natural disasters continue to confront our industry, membership and personal lives.

The group attracted almost 800 golf professionals and industry leaders. We hope you’ll join as well and then share with all of your “golf influencers”…it’s not just for golf professionals (thanks to those who previously joined and shared the group). The more golf leaders we have in the group, the broader and deeper our scope of best practices…better answers and solutions for the challenges ahead. Click here to request access.

Attend the Philadelphia Women in Golf Leaders Summit

February 10, 2020Comments Off on Attend the Philadelphia Women in Golf Leaders SummitPPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Section, the Golf Association of Philadelphia and PGA Magazine will be hosting the first annual Women in Golf Leaders Summit at Aronimink G.C. on Tuesday, March 31 from 1:00-5:30 p.m. for $20 per person. The event is open to both men and women including all golf industry stakeholders, PGA Professionals, facility leaders, and passionate individuals, with the goal of sharing ideas and positively impacting women’s golf.

For more information CLICK HERE

Register

Message from Philadelphia PGA President Jeff Kiddie

February 5, 2020Comments Off on Message from Philadelphia PGA President Jeff KiddiePPGA

I’m hopeful that this message finds you well during our “offseason.” Mother Nature has kept us busier than we usually are this time of year with many days conducive for golf. Hopefully you still have been able to get some of your winter to-dos completed as well as spending valuable time with your families.

For those of you that did not attend the Fall Meeting, you might have missed out on the announcement that John Pillar was appointed as our next District 2 Director for the PGA of America’s Board. John went through the different chairs of leadership on our Section’s Board, which culminated with him serving as our President from 2014-2015. John has also served at the national level as a member of the PGA of America’s Tournament Committee. As the incoming District Director, John attends Board Meetings as an observer until he officially becomes District Director at the Annual Meeting this coming October in Hartford, Conn. We are thrilled to have John represent our Section as well as the New Jersey and Metropolitan Sections. John’s experience and enthusiasm will be a tremendous asset in the board room.

Speaking of the Annual Meeting, this year is an election year for the PGA of America Secretary position.  At the PGA Show, members of our Executive Committee met with the four candidates for brief introductions.  Some of us will be traveling to Atlanta, Ga., later this month for a Super Regional meeting where each candidate will present their campaign agendas. In addition, each Section will be allocated time with the four candidates privately to be able to ask questions in a more personal venue. If you are interested in learning about the candidates, you can click the link below.

Secretarial Candidates

 

Congratulations once again to all of our award winners. It is an incredible collection of talent that is being recognized.  I especially want to congratulate John Carpineta on being named our Golf Professional of the Year. John’s story of becoming a PGA Member is inspiring by itself let alone the incredible work that he continues to do with our military veterans. I am confident that calling John to tell him he won this award will stand out as one of my fondest memories from my time as Section President. The Section is hosting the Annual Awards Dinner at Aronimink G.C. on Sunday, March 15.  We encourage you to attend, especially if you have a friend or co-worker that received one of these prestigious awards.  It is a special night and it casts a great spotlight on some of our Section’s best professionals.

Finally, congratulations to Ashley Grier and Vincent Kabaso for being selected as two of the 15 members of the fifth PGA LEAD class. PGA LEAD was created to identify, mentor and progress PGA Members from diverse backgrounds into volunteer leadership positions in the Association.  Previous LEAD classes have served as a launching pad for leaders both at the Section level and for the national PGA initiatives. With individuals like Ashley and Vincent, I am sure that this class will be just as successful.

We are less than two months away from our Spring Meeting at Green Valley C.C.  The date of the Meeting is Monday, March 30. Spring Meeting registration is currently open as is TPD registration.  We look forward to seeing you all for the meeting.

Sincerely,

Jeff Kiddie, PGA
Philadelphia PGA President

Philadelphia PGA Newsletter – February 1, 2020

February 1, 2020Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Newsletter – February 1, 2020Local News, PPGA

Section PGA Members Ashley Grier and Vincent Kabaso Selected for PGA LEAD

Philadelphia PGA Section Members Ashley Grier, Overbrook G.C.; and Vincent Kabaso, Laurel Creek C.C.; have been selected for PGA LEAD’s class of 2020-’21. PGA LEAD was created in 2016 to identify, mentor and further PGA Members from diverse backgrounds into volunteer leadership positions in the Association. Grier serves on the Section’s Tournament and Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization committees and has played on the national stage, including the inaugural Women’s PGA Cup and two KPMG Women’s PGA Championships. Kabaso is the first PGA of America Member from Zambia, an accomplished motivational speaker and the creator of the “Raised By the World” foundation.

Read More

Philadelphia Women in Golf Leaders Summit Slated for March 31 at Aronimink

The Philadelphia PGA Section, the Golf Association of Philadelphia and PGA Magazine will be hosting the first annual Women in Golf Leaders Summit at Aronimink G.C. on Tuesday, March 31 from 1:00-5:30 p.m. for $20 per person. The event is open to all golf industry stakeholders, facility leaders, and passionate individuals with the goal of sharing ideas and positively impacting women’s golf.

Register

PGA of America Debuts New PGA.com

The PGA of America has launched a newly reimagined PGA.com to connect consumers with PGA Professionals. The redesigned site, which is now managed in-house by the PGA, focuses on the journey a golfer takes to begin or improve their game, emphasising the opportunities enabled by enhancing the coach-consumer relationship. In the second phase of the launch, scheduled for later this year, consumers will be able to easily search for PGA Professionals who have completed both their ADM training available on PGA.Coach and a detailed PGA.com coach profile.

Read More

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

The Philadelphia PGA Section is looking for volunteers from its PGA Members and Associates for two upcoming events:

Philadelphia Golf and Travel Show – February 7-9

PGA Professionals can give back by volunteering to give free golf lessons at the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Golf and Travel Show, held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks’ Halls A & D in Oaks, Pa., during the following times:

  • Friday, February 7: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 8: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, February 9: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

To volunteer, please contact the Section’s Instruction Committee Chair, Andy Miller, PGA, at andy@ledgerockgolf.com or by clicking the below button.

 Volunteer for Show

KPMG Women’s PGA Championship – June 23-28

With the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship coming to Aronimink Golf Club in June, we are working with the championship staff to find volunteers for tournament week. We are truly excited to have another major championship in the Philadelphia PGA Section and want to do everything we can to help make it a successful event!

For volunteer registration instructions, please click the below button.

 Volunteer for KPMG

Join Us for the Kohler and Casa de Campo Pro-Ams

The Section will be visiting the Midwest for the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Kohler Pro-Am on October 4-7; for more details, please click here. The Section is also headed to the Dominican Republic for the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Casa de Campo Pro-Am on December 7-11; for more details, please click here.

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Meet Morgan Stanley SVS Wealth Management’s Charles Fahy

Charles Fahy is a Financial Advisor in Morgan Stanley’s Northfield, N.J., office. He works with a select group of businesses and individual investors that aspire to a work-optional lifestyle by employing a prudent investment strategy that emphasizes long-term growth, current income and capital preservation. Tax-efficient investing is also a key part of the investment approach.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Charles served as General Manager of the Atlantic City Country Club, one of the most historic clubs in the world. Another one of his passions is golf. In fact, he is a PGA (Professional Golfers Association) member and has been a teaching professional with the PGA for many years.

More Information

About Morgan Stanley SVS Wealth Management

The SVS Wealth Management Team, founded in 2007, has multiple financial advisors and sup­port staff members. The benefit to you is that we offer an incredible range of advisors to handle your unique needs. Whether it is portfolio management, financial planning, business succession planning, lending, or multi-generational wealth planning – we collaborate as a team to help you achieve your goals.

Meet SVS Team


Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Membership Enrollment Now Open

Providing fun and invaluable opportunities to get out and play, the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour leads the region in competitive youth golf. The tour’s membership consists of youth golfers 18 years of age and younger. All events are enjoyable and family-friendly. Youth golfers may be registered by clicking the below button.

Register

 Don’t Wait…PGA Jr. League Captain Registration Deadline is February 1

Captain registration for the 2020 Summer Season of PGA Jr. League is open! As a reminder, Captains must be PGA Members, PGA Associates or LPGA Members in good standing to register. The deadline to register is fast approaching…register by February 1!

Register

Enroll for Section Tournament Organizations

Registrations for the Section’s various tournament organizations / clubs are open online. Memberships available include:

  • Tournament Players Division (TPD)
  • Hole-in-One Club
  • Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO)
  • Central Counties Chapter (CCC) – Member and Associate
  • Central Counties Chapter Hole-in-One Club

For more information on these memberships or to register, please click the below “Register” button.

Register

 Upcoming Events

Please see below for upcoming Section events. PGA Members and Associates may find more information or  may register by clicking on the date / event names below.

District Roundtables

Education Events

 

Membership Update

Please see below for the Section’s membership updates as of January 10. New facility or Section affiliations are listed immediately following the PGA Professional’s name, while prior affiliations are listed in parentheses. * denotes new PGA Members the Section; † denotes new PGA Associates to the Section; ‡ denotes changes within the same facility.

 

A-1:

  • Richie Krebs, Briarwood G.C.‡
  • Ian Madinger, Plantation Lakes C.C.‡

A-4:

  • Brian Fedish, Plantation Lakes C.C.‡
  • Chris Wilkinson, Llanerch C.C.‡

A-8:

  • William Bowen, Llanerch C.C.*
  • Kerry Lecker, Whitemarsh Valley G.C.*
  • Stephen Sanderson, Pine Valley G.C.*
  • Andrew Turner, French Creek G.C.; (Sunnybrook G.C.)

B-8: Wade Sander, Manufacturers’ G. & C.C.; (Woodcrest C.C.)

B-23: Jonathan Trauner, Club Champion; (GOLFTEC)

Register Your Facility as a Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Affiliate Member

The Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Affiliate Program is a collaboration between the Philadelphia PGA Section and area facilities to market the tour. There is no cost to become an affiliate member and your involvement will be recognized on PhillyJuniorTour.com. Participating facilities will promote the junior tour and in return, each facility will receive one complimentary membership to the tour to give to a youth golfer at their facility.* To register, email info@phillyjuniortour.com.

*Complimentary membership must be given to a new Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour member.

Rules of Golf Workshop Registration Now Open

January 30, 2020Comments Off on Rules of Golf Workshop Registration Now OpenPPGA

Join us on Tuesday, March 17 at Commonwealth National Golf Club in Horsham, Pa., for a Rules of Golf Workshop, led by Philadelphia PGA Rules Committee Members Clark Luis, Tom Carpus and Alice Miller. The workshop fee is $50 for Philadelphia PGA Professionals and includes continental breakfast and lunch. To register, click the below button.

Register

 

Schedule of Events

8:30 a.m.
Registration / Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m.
Rules of Golf Workshop

12:00 p.m.
Lunch

1:00 p.m.
Rules of Golf Workshop  

Attend the Section Awards Dinner at Aronimink G.C.

January 30, 2020Comments Off on Attend the Section Awards Dinner at Aronimink G.C.PPGA

Please join us on Sunday, March 15 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa., as we celebrate our 2019 class of award qinners. To register, click the below button.

Register

 

Cost:         $60 per person (includes cocktails/hors d’oeuvres/dinner/dessert)

Schedule of Events:

5:30pm    Cocktails

6:30pm     Dinner & Program

2019 Award Winners:

  • Golf Professional of the Year: John Carpineta, PGA – Bensalem Township C.C., Bensalem, PA
  • Teacher of the Year: John Dunigan, PGA – Applebrook G.C., Malvern, PA
  • Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Steve Frederick, PGA – Overbrook G.C., Villanova, PA
  • Horton Smith Award: Dean Kandle, PGA – St. Davids G.C., Wayne, PA
  • Bill Strausbaugh Award: Charlie Schuyler, PGA – Saucon Valley C.C., Bethlehem, PA
  • Player Development Award: Steve Wager, PGA – Penn State University G.C., State College, PA
  • Youth Player Development: Andy Miller, PGA – LedgeRock G.C., Mohnton, PA
  • Patriot Award: John Pillar, PGA – C.C. at Woodloch Springs, Hawley, PA
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Resort: Alex McGann, PGA – Seaview G.C., Galloway, NJ
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Private: Brent Wallace, PGA – Northampton C.C., Easton, PA
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Public: Jason Howard, PGA – Woodcrest C.C., Cherry Hill, NJ
  • Golf Salesperson of the Year: Laura Manchester – Callaway Golf

Please mark your calendars for the March 15 date if you would like to join in to celebrate and honor the 2019 class of award winners’.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Sue Unger at the Section office: (215) 886-7742, sunger@pgahq.com

Section PGA Members Ashley Grier and Vincent Kabaso Selected for PGA LEAD

January 23, 2020Comments Off on Section PGA Members Ashley Grier and Vincent Kabaso Selected for PGA LEADPPGA

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – Jan. 23, 2020 – The PGA of America has selected 15 PGA Members who will comprise its fifth PGA LEAD class (2020-’21), which is the Association’s leadership development program. PGA LEAD was created in 2016 to identify, mentor and progress PGA Members from diverse backgrounds into volunteer leadership positions in the Association.

“The PGA of America has made meaningful advancements in embracing and leveraging inclusion, and this impressive new class of PGA LEAD members represents a diverse group of individuals who are on a pathway to serve as future golf industry leaders,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley, PGA.

PGA LEAD was created to establish a deep bench of diverse PGA Members who are prepared to ascend through the volunteer leadership ranks of the Association at the Chapter, Section and National levels. PGA LEAD also aids in developing PGA Members who have a desire to serve and make an impact on nonprofit boards within the communities where they work and live.

Since the inception of PGA LEAD four years ago, six PGA Professionals in the program have already ascended into Board leadership positions within their PGA Sections, including three currently serving as Section Vice Presidents. In addition, another 15 PGA LEAD alumni serve on PGA of America National Committees.

“Embracing an inclusive development program that intentionally identifies PGA Professionals with strong leadership qualities is helping position our Association’s governance and Membership for future success,” said PGA of America Chief People Officer Sandy Cross. “It’s inspiring to see several PGA LEAD alumni assume vital leadership roles within our Association, and we’re excited to watch this positive trend continue.”

PGA LEAD is a complement to PGA WORKS, a strategic initiative, designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. Funded by PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, PGA WORKS leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events, and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from diverse backgrounds to pursue key employment positions across the golf industry.

The 2020-2021 PGA LEAD Class Members include:

  • Allison Mitzel, PGA, Laconia (N.H.) Country Club (New England PGA Section)
  • Ashley Grier, PGA, Overbrook Golf Club, Bryn Mawr, Pa. (Philadelphia PGA Section)
  • Vincent Kabaso, PGA, Laurel Creek Country Club, Mount Laurel, N.J. (Philadelphia PGA Section)
  • Michael Powell, PGA, Firekeeper Golf Course, Mayetta, Kan. (Midwest PGA Section)
  • Maggie Hartman, PGA, ExperienceGolf at CommonGround Golf Course, Aurora, Colo. (Colorado PGA Section)
  • Jon Seward, PGA, Springfield (Va.) Golf & Country Club (Middle Atlantic PGA Section)
  • Richard Sheppard, Jr., PGA, Carroll Park Golf Course, Baltimore (Middle Atlantic PGA Section)
  • Briana Sweeny, PGA, Cassique at Kiawah Island (S.C.) Club (Carolinas PGA Section)
  • Elias Eilers, PGA, Sonoma Ranch Golf Club, Las Cruces, N.M. (Sun Country PGA Section)
  • Thomas Fernandes, PGA, Northwood Club, Dallas (Northern Texas PGA Section)
  • Heather Angell, PGA, Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club, Fort Myers, Fla. (South Florida PGA Section)
  • Rashad Wilson, PGA, Ansley Golf Club at Settindown, Roswell, Ga. (Georgia PGA Section)
  • Carissa Simmons, PGA, Griffin Golf, Sumner, Wash. (Pacific Northwest PGA Section)
  • Landyn Lewis, PGA, The First Tee of Tucson (Ariz.) (Southwest PGA Section)
  • Carrie DeGree, PGA, Columbia Edgewater Country Club, Portland, Ore. (Pacific Northwest PGA Section)

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization, composed of PGA Professionals who work daily to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGA on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.

Contact:
Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, 732-469-5700 jared@mastrocomm.com
Michael Abramowitz, PGA of America, 561-624-8458, mabramowitz@pgahq.com

VIDEO: Sara Muldoon Honored with PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award

January 20, 2020Comments Off on VIDEO: Sara Muldoon Honored with PGA Merchandiser of the Year AwardPPGA

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – The PGA of America honored its three 2019 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award recipients—Sara Muldoon, PGA; Duncan Simms, PGA; and Scott Kirkwood, PGA—during the PGA Magazine PGA Merchandiser of the Year Conference Saturday night at Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.

Hosted by David Marr III, the event celebrated the achievements of PGA Members who have made extraordinary strides to further the game and industry. The awards ceremony served as a kickoff to the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show Week.

“These award winners are the most ultimate in character and dedication,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley, PGA. “Their journeys in golf are something that we all aspire to. They’re the best of the best. These are our very highest honors.”

“Each of our award-winning recipients does something extra special that sets them apart with their merchandising and business acumen,” added PGA Secretary John Lindert, PGA, as he addressed the crowd of over 200. “They are trendsetters and innovators who set the bar for excellence in the golf retail space extremely high. And they’re also the ones who give back to their profession because of their commitment to the PGA Member and the game of golf.”

2019 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Awards Celebration Clip Reel (Jan. 18, 2020) from PGA of America on Vimeo.

Sara Muldoon, PGA, a Philadelphia PGA Section Member and Director of Golf at Hershey (Pa.) Country Club, is the recipient of the 2019 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award – Resort Category. The award is designed to recognize those PGA Professionals who have excelled in business and merchandising for the promotion of golf. A three-time winner of the Philadelphia PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year Award – Resort Category (2015, ’16, ‘18), Muldoon has worked at Hershey Country Club since 1995. Her commitment and passion has helped the Club record an 11.4 percent increase in total sales over the last four years. Her implementation of creative promotions, combined with her belief in the importance of training her staff in customer service, have been key to the shop’s success.

Duncan Simms, PGA, a Southern California PGA Section Member and Director of Golf at Oak Creek Golf Club in Irvine, Calif., is the recipient of the 2019 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award – Public Category. Since Simms assumed responsibilities for the Oak Creek golf shop in 2015, it has experienced an increase of 46 percent in total merchandise sales. This was achieved by consistently adapting the product mix in the shop, empowering staff to make decisions and implementing creative sales promotions. The operation also has a Cool Clubs fitting station, and its revenue-sharing agreement brings additional merchandising revenue to the facility. As a result, Simms and his staff work closely with Cool Clubs to promote the service to customers and students in their golf program. Simms is extremely proud to have a strong sales team supporting him and has found a way to generate a sales environment where his team members are entrusted to make decisions, while equipped with a number of creative tools to close a sale.

Scott Kirkwood, a 12-year PGA Member in the South Florida PGA Section and Golf Director at the Ocean Reef Club, in Key Largo, is the recipient of the 2019 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award – Private Category. The award recognizes PGA Professionals who have excelled in business and merchandising in the promotion of golf. A native of Gullane, Scotland, Kirkwood’s golf shop at Ocean Reef Club has consistently grown its sales, making an impressive $2.2 million in 2018 alone. Kirkwood has created new programs and offers for Ocean Reef’s Membership, increasing merchandise dollars per round from $29 in 2010 to $69 in 2018. In addition, he has increased hard-goods sales by $295,000 over the past three years, actively competing with online retailers. He is recognized for his intense commitment to Member satisfaction, building loyalty with both customers and staff.

The award winners were part of a class of 12 recipients of the 2019 PGA of America National Awards. The other nine honorees were presented their awards at the 2019 PGA Annual Meeting last November.

2019 PGA of America National Awards Recipients:

  • PGA Golf Professional of the Year: Eric Eshleman, PGA, Country Club of Birmingham (Ala.)
  • PGA Teacher of the Year: Kevin Kirk, PGA, The Woodlands (Texas) Golf Performance Center
  • Bill Strausbaugh Award: David Reasoner, PGA, Ridgewood Country Club – Paramus, N.J.
  • Horton Smith Award: Todd Sones, PGA, Todd Sones Impact Golf – Vernon Hills, Ill.
  • Deacon Palmer Award: Randy Jones, PGA, Club Car – Richmond, Texas
  • Patriot Award: Judy Alvarez, PGA/LPGA, Monarch Country Club – Palm City, Fla.
  • PGA Player Development Award: Liz Cooper, PGA/LPGA, Springfield (Va.) G. & C.C.
  • PGA Youth Player Development Award: Scott Wilson, PGA, Bay Meadows Family G C. – Traverse City, Mich.
  • Herb Graffis Award: South Florida PGA Section
  • PGA Merchandiser of the Year–Resort Category: Sara Muldoon, PGA, Hershey (Pa.) C.C.
  • PGA Merchandiser of the Year-Public Category: Duncan Simms, PGA, Oak Creek G.C. – Irvine, Calif.
  • PGA Merchandiser of the Year-Private Category: Scott Kirkwood, PGA, Ocean Reef Club – Key Largo, Fla.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of PGA Professionals who daily work to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGA on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

Media Contact
Michael Abramowitz, PGA of America 561/624-8458 mabramowitz@pgahq.com
Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, Inc. 732/469-5700 jared@mastrocomm.com

Philadelphia PGA Newsletter – January 18, 2020

January 18, 2020Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Newsletter – January 18, 2020Local News, PPGA

Carpineta Leads Section’s 2019 Awards Class

Earlier this month, the Philadelphia PGA Section announced its 2019 award winners, highlighted by Golf Professional of the Year, John Carpineta, Bensalem Township Country Club. Rounding out the 2019 awards class: Steve Frederick, Assistant Golf Professional of the Year; Dean Kandle, Horton Smith Award; Charlie Schuyler, Bill Strausbaugh Award; Steve Wager, Player Development Award; Andy Miller, Youth Player Development Award; John Pillar, Patriot Award; Alex McGann, Resort Merchandiser of the Year; Brent Wallace, Private Merchandiser of the Year; Jason Howard, Public Merchandiser of the Year; and Laura Manchester, Golf Salesperson of the Year.

Read More

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

The Philadelphia PGA Section is looking for volunteers from its PGA Members and Associates for two upcoming events:

Philadelphia Golf and Travel Show – February 7-9

PGA Professionals can give back by volunteering to give free golf lessons at the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Golf and Travel Show, held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks’ Halls A & D in Oaks, Pa., during the following times:

  • Friday, February 7: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 8: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, February 9: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

To volunteer, please contact the Section’s Instruction Committee Chair, Andy Miller, PGA, at andy@ledgerockgolf.com or by clicking the below button.

 Volunteer for Show

KPMG Women’s PGA Championship – June 23-28

With the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship coming to Aronimink Golf Club in June, we are working with the championship staff to find volunteers for tournament week. We are truly excited to have another major championship in the Philadelphia PGA Section and want to do everything we can to help make it a successful event!

To volunteer registration instructions, please click the below button.

 Volunteer for KPMG

Philadelphia PGA to Battle New Jersey PGA on Ice to Benefit PGA REACH Philadelphia

Help support PGA REACH Philadelphia by attending the Flyers vs. Devils game on February 6 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available in the lower level ($80 per ticket). Five dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to PGA REACH Philadelphia. Every ticketholder will receive a voucher for a Gritty driver head cover.

Prior to the NHL game, the Philadelphia PGA and the New Jersey PGA will hold their annual charity hockey game at the Wells Fargo Center, beginning at 12:45 p.m.

For every ticket purchased, that person will get a voucher to pick their Gritty Driver head cover up at the game that night and $5 on every ticket sold will go back to PGA REACH Philadelphia.

Purchase Tickets

Play Major Championship Golf Courses in the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Kohler Pro-Am

The Section will be visiting the Midwest for the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Kohler Pro-Am on October 4-7! For more details, please click here.

The only way to secure a team in this event is to submit a deposit as registration for this pro-am is on a first-come, first-served basis. Deposits are due by August 15.

To reserve your spot in the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Kohler Pro-Am, please click the below button.

Register

Meet Morgan Stanley SVS Wealth Management’s Charles Fahy

Charles Fahy is a Financial Advisor in Morgan Stanley’s Northfield, N.J., office. He works with a select group of businesses and individual investors that aspire to a work-optional lifestyle by employing a prudent investment strategy that emphasizes long-term growth, current income and capital preservation. Tax-efficient investing is also a key part of the investment approach.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Charles served as General Manager of the Atlantic City Country Club, one of the most historic clubs in the world. Another one of his passions is golf. In fact, he is a PGA (Professional Golfers Association) member and has been a teaching professional with the PGA for many years.

More Information

About Morgan Stanley SVS Wealth Management

The SVS Wealth Management Team, founded in 2007, has multiple financial advisors and sup­port staff members. The benefit to you is that we offer an incredible range of advisors to handle your unique needs. Whether it is portfolio management, financial planning, business succession planning, lending, or multi-generational wealth planning – we collaborate as a team to help you achieve your goals.

Meet SVS Team

Join Us in the Dominican Republic for the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Casa de Campo Pro-Am

The Section is headed to the Dominican Republic for the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Casa de Campo Pro-Am on December 7-11! For more details, please click here.

The only way to secure a team in this event is to submit a deposit as registration for this pro-am is on a first-come, first-served basis. Deposits are due by August 1. Deposits received after October 1 and entry fees received after November 1 are non-refundable.

To reserve your spot in the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Casa de Campo Pro-Am, please click the below button.

Register


Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Membership Enrollment Now Open

Providing fun and invaluable opportunities to get out and play, the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour leads the region in competitive youth golf. The tour’s membership consists of youth golfers 18 years of age and younger. All events are enjoyable and family-friendly. Youth golfers may be registered by clicking the below button.

Register

 Don’t Wait…PGA Jr. League Captain Registration Deadline is February 1

Captain registration for the 2020 Summer Season of PGA Jr. League is open! As a reminder, Captains must be PGA Members, PGA Associates or LPGA Members in good standing to register. The deadline to register is fast approaching…register by February 1!

Register

Enroll for Section Tournament Organizations

Registrations for the Section’s various tournament organizations / clubs are open online. Memberships available include:

  • Tournament Players Division (TPD)
  • Hole-in-One Club
  • Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO)
  • Central Counties Chapter (CCC) – Member and Associate
  • Central Counties Chapter Hole-in-One Club

For more information on these memberships or to register, please click the below “Register” button.

Register

 Upcoming Events

Please see below for upcoming Section events. PGA Members and Associates may find more information or  may register by clicking on the date / event names below.

District Roundtables

Education Events

Frey Joins Section Staff

We would like to welcome the newest addition to the Section staff, PGA Member Matt Frey. For the past seven years, Matt was the General Manager of Digital Operations for PGA Magazine in Huntingdon Valley, Pa. Prior to moving to the Delaware Valley, Matt spent time as a PGA Assistant Professional at Malone (N.Y.) Golf Club and the Camargo Club in Cincinnati. Matt also graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Business Adminsitration degree in Marketing with a PGA Golf Management option.

As Communications Director, Matt will be heading up all Section, Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour and PGA REACH Philadelphia communications. With his experience and background, we know he is a perfect fit to lead our efforts in growing awareness and recognition of our membership and our brand.

Please join us in welcoming Matt to the staff. You may reach him at mfrey@pgahq.com, please remember to send him any member interest stories or best practices that we may promote.

Membership Update

Please see below for the Section’s membership updates as of January 10. New facility or Section affiliations are listed immediately following the PGA Professional’s name, while prior affiliations are listed in parentheses. * denotes new PGA Members the Section; † denotes new PGA Associates to the Section; ‡ denotes changes within the same facility.

A-1:

  • David Coates, Williamsport C.C.; (Essex County C.C.)*
  • Chris Hutchinson, Medford Village C.C.‡
  • Anthony McNamara, Toftrees Resort G.C.; (The Club at Pelican Preserve)*
  • Joe Missimer, West Chester G & C.C.‡
  • Dan Mrozinski, Commonwealth National G.C.‡
  • Jared Murosky, Llanerch C.C.‡
  • Darin Peart, Penn National G.C.‡

A-8:

  • Michael Caldwell, The DuPont C.C.; (Bidermann G.C.)
  • John “Jake” Manley, Saucon Valley C.C.; (Congressional C.C.)*

A-11: Matt Frey, Philadelphia Section; (PGA Magazine)

A-13: Bill Smith, Berkleigh G.C.; (Royal Manchester G.L.)

A-19: Michael Frye, Golf Genius; (Southwest Section)

B-6: Gregory Rhoads, GOLFTEC Malvern; (River Club)*

B-8:

  • Megan Leinweber, Stonewall Links†
  • Victoria Petrosky, Fox Hill C.C.; (Irem C.C.)
  • Aaron Wilkinson, Kings Creek C.C.; (C.C. of Maryland)*

B-12: Shawn Davis, Cairn Univ.†

Elections:

  • Nathalie Filler, The Philadelphia Cricket Club
  • Brian Fruehan, Elmhurst C.C.

Retired: Mike Versuk (Willow Valley G.C.)

Transfers:

  • Billy Ditchey, Carolinas Section; (Indian Hills G.C.)
  • Zachary Duclos, Southern Texas Section; (The Philadelphia Cricket Club)
  • Aaron Hartman, Metropolitan Section; (The Philadelphia Cricket Club)
  • Matthew Hillier, New England Section; (Pine Valley G.C.)
  • Bryant Shuford, Carolinas Section‡
  • Bradley Sniper, New Jersey Section; (The Philadelphia Cricket Club)
  • Michael Tritapoe, Middle Atlantic Section; (Baywood Greens)

Register Your Facility as a Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Affiliate Member

The Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Affiliate Program is a collaboration between the Philadelphia PGA Section and area facilities to market the tour. There is no cost to become an affiliate member and your involvement will be recognized on PhillyJuniorTour.com. Participating facilities will promote the junior tour and in return, each facility will receive one complimentary membership to the tour to give to a youth golfer at their facility.* To register, email info@phillyjuniortour.com.

*Complimentary membership must be given to a new Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour member.