Buckingham, Pa. (September 20, 2021) — PGA Member Trevor Bensel of Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, Pa., won the 2021 Philadelphia Players Championship at Lookaway Golf Club following his birdie on No. 18 to break a six-player tie.

As players from the morning wave finish their rounds, it became apparent that 4-under-par would be the number to beat; Brian Kelly, Bucknell G.C.; and Mark Sheftic, Lookaway G.C.; were first in, and were quickly followed by Andrew Turner, Berkshire C.C.; Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C.; and Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.

“I hit the ball great all day,” Bensel said of his round. “I was fortunate to have a couple of tap-in birdies; my putter has been pretty cold all year, so it was nice to get a few to drop today.

While Bensel has won several Section tournaments in previous years, this was his first individual win of 2021; he tied in this year’s storm-shortened Conestoga Classic, and teamed to win the Philadelphia PGA Spring Pro-Pro Championship with Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, and the Philadelphia PGA Pro-Scratch Championship with amateur James Furness.

Bensel went on to thank the Overbrook G.C. members for their constant support and encouragement, Lookaway G.C. for hosting, and Section partners Scott and Karen Hutchinson.

Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C.; Matt Episcopo, Pine Valley G.C.; and Rusty Harbold, Philadelphia Cricket Club; tied for seventh place at 3-under-par. Five players rounded out the top 10.

Eric Williams, Glenmaura National G.C., successfully defended his low amateur title with a 3-over-par 75.

Brian Kelly took top honors in the Senior Division at 4-under-par, followed by Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek G.C.; at 2-under-par in second place. Eddie Perrino, Eagle Rock Resort, and Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., finished tied for third place at 1-under.

To view the full 2021 Philadelphia Players Championship leaderboard, click here.

The Philadelphia Players Championship was simply an idea over casual conversations between two men who have a passion for golf and a love for Lookaway – Michael Little, PGA Head Professional at Lookaway, and Scott Hutchinson, Lookaway member, much the same way Lookaway was first envisioned. In addition to his commitment to developing this event, Hutchinson is the main sponsor of the event.

The 2021 Philadelphia Players Championship is supported by Scott and Karen Hutchinson. The event is also a Rolex Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Lookaway G.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (September 7, 2021) — PGA Member Parks Price of the Country Club of York in York, Pa., won the 24th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic at Sunnybrook Golf Club in dramatic fashion by draining a long birdie putt on the first sudden death playoff hole to top Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C., and Brett Walker, Sunnybrook G.C. Price’s winner’s check is $100,000, the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections. It was Price’s first appearance in the event.

Price was the first of the trio in the clubhouse at 4-under-par, tapping in for par on No. 18 for a 68. Oakley soon followed on No. 9 (his 18th hole), but it was Brett Walker who delivered last-minute heroics at his home club. Walker was at 3-under-par on the 18th, and managed to hole a long birdie putt of his own to join the playoff.

On the first hole of sudden death, No. 18, Price hit to about 25 feet to set up his birdie, while Oakley and Walker both hit to within 15 feet, with significantly easier undulations to navigate. Price proceeded to make his long left-to-right breaking putt with authority, causing the crowd to erupt. Oakley and Walker’s birdie putts both missed.

“This was the most fun I could have on a golf course,” said Price after the playoff. “Making that putt in the playoff was incredible.”

Parks went on to thank the event’s title partner, The Haverford Trust Company, their founder and director George Connell, Sunnybrook Golf Club and its membership, the membership and his students at the C.C. of York, and his fiancé.

“I’m getting married in April, so this $100,000 will help that cause,” Price joked.

Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, finished in fourth place. Six PGA Professionals tied for fifth place.

To view the full leaderboard, click here.

In the Senior Division, Mike Moses, Concord C.C., finished at 2-under-par, one stroke ahead of Brian Kelly, Bucknell G.C., John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, and Stu Ingraham, MGolf Range & Learning Center, finished two back, while Pete Lovenguth, Applecross C.C., tied for fifth.

Steve Wetherill, a Sunnybrook G.C. club champion, finished with Low Amateur honors after turning in a 3-under-par 69 to top Hank Smith by three strokes. Amateur Francis Vaughn made a hole-in-one on the 185-yard eighth hole.

The 24th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic’s title partner is The Haverford Trust Company, and is supported by Precise Yardage Books. The event is also a Rolex Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year bonus points event. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Sunnybrook G.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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 110+ employees and $13.4 billion* in assets, our size is our advantage. We focus on the essentials: the Quality Investing philosophy that provides our clients with the right mix of stability and growth across the market cycle. For more information, visit HaverfordQuality.com.

*Including assets under management or consultation for The Haverford Trust Company and Haverford Financial Services as of 7/31/2021.

Newtown Square, Pa. (September 2, 2021) — Brett Walker, PGA, of Sunnybrook G.C. in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., winner of the 100th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at Aronimink Golf Club and Applebrook Golf Club, will lead 11 Section PGA Professionals to compete in the 55th PGA Professional Championship, April 17-20, at OMNI Barton Creek in ​Austin, Texas. The championship is presented by Cadillac, Club Car and Rolex.

Walker turned in a winning total of 8-under-par, 67-66—133, to win his first Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, following the cancellation of the final round due to severe weather stemming from remnants of Hurricane Ida. Zac Oakley of Bidermann G.C. in Wilmington, Del., was runner-up at 6-under-par. They are joined by Billy Stewart of Union League Liberty Hill in Lafayette Hill, Pa.; Ashley Grier of Overbrook G.C. in Villanova, Pa.; Rusty Harbold of Philadelphia Cricket Club in Flourtown, Pa.; Terry Hertzog of Merion G.C. in Ardmore, Pa.; Dave McNabb of Applebrook G.C. in Malvern, Pa.; Trevor Bensel of Overbrook G.C.; George Forster; Hugo Mazzalupi of Patriots Glen National G.C. in Elkton, Md.; Steve Sanderson of Pine Valley (N.J.) G.C.; and Parks Price of C.C. of York in York, Pa. Forster, Mazzalupi, Sanderson, and Price clinched their trips to Texas in a six players-for-four spots playoff Thursday at Aronimink.

Mike Furey of Saucon Valley C.C. in Bethlehem, Pa., and Scott Reilly of Philadelphia C.C. in Gladwyne, Pa., are first and second alternates, while Michael Little and Mark Sheftic, both of Lookaway G.C. in Buckingham, Pa., are third and fourth alternates. Dave Pagett of Whitemarsh Valley C.C. in Lafayette Hill, Pa., is fifth alternate. Walker had previously qualified for the 2022 PGA Professional Championship via play in this year’s PGA Professional Championship.

[View Full Leaderboard]

“My goal for Aronimink was just to break par,” said Walker. “The low score on the course the day before was even par, so I figured being under par would give me a leg up on the rest of the field.”

Walker said he hopes to use the experience he picked up this week in the 55th PGA Professional Championship in April.

“Aronimink can play difficult and has hosted major championships and PGA Tour events, and I feel like my game was set up pretty well for it, Walker continued. “I am definitely going to take that to other tournaments and courses.”

Walker went on to thank Sunnybrook G.C., its membership, and PGA Professionals Greg Wingate and Brad Sanders for the support, as well as his parents, Bob and Betty, his girlfriend Sarah and her parents, who were all in attendance as spectators.

Walker also made his major championship debut earlier this year in the 103rd PGA Championship at Kiawah Island (S.C.) Golf Resort’s Ocean Course. In addition to having his name engraved on the William B. Packer Trophy, Walker earned $9,000 for his win, coming from the $72,000 purse.

The PGA Professional Championship and 41 PGA Section Championships feature a total purse of more than $1.5 million. Golf Channel will televise all four rounds of the national Championship.

If eligibility is met and maintained, the low 20 scorers in 2021 will earn berths into the 104th PGA Championship, May 19-22, 2022, at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla. In addition to the Walter Hagen Cup, the PGA Professional Championship winner also receives an exemption into the next 10 PGA Professional Championships and exemptions into six PGA TOUR events over a 12-month period. Established in 1968, the PGA Professional Championship roster of Champions includes the following premier TOUR professionals: Sam Snead, Bob Rosburg, Don Massengale, Ed Dougherty, Larry Gilbert, and Bruce Fleisher.

The 100th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is presented by Cadillac, Club Car and Rolex, and supported by Titleist / FootJoy, Nike, TaylorMade, Golf Channel, the PGA Tour, Ship Sticks, Visit Delco, Pa., and Precise Yardage Books.

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

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (August 27, 2021) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is pleased to announce that Courtney Curcio has been named the next Director of PGA REACH Philadelphia, the Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable arm, effective September 1, 2021. Leila Mackie, the foundation’s first director, has accepted a position with the PGA of America.

Curcio has worked for the Philadelphia Section since 2017, when she joined as a communications intern prior to graduating Neumann University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Entertainment and Management. Her hard work identified her as a valuable member of the Section staff and was hired full-time as a coordinator for the foundation in 2019, where she worked closely with Mackie daily on foundation programming and operations. She will continue the work Mackie and she started, ensuring a seamless transition to continue PGA REACH Philadelphia’s mission to positively impact lives through the game of golf.

“While we are sad to see Leila leave, we are happy for her and her next chapter, and expect to continue working with her in her new role with the PGA of America; we wish her nothing but the best,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “We are equally excited for Courtney to continue PGA REACH Philadelphia’s important work, and are very confident in her abilities to lead the foundation into the future.”

“I am delighted to step into this role and have the opportunity to continue to help grow the foundation’s programming and fundraising efforts for our membership, while also building on our mission in the Philadelphia PGA Section,” said Curcio. “Working so closely with Leila since the launch of our foundation three years ago has prepared me to continue to grow our programs and build our brand.”

To send a congratulatory note to Courtney, click here.

Mackie began her career with the Section in 2012 as a PGA Golf Management intern from Clemson University. The following season, she was hired full-time as Player Development Coordinator, and was eventually promoted to Player Development Director, in which she organized and administered various programs with the goal of growing the game. She was elected to PGA Membership in 2013. In 2018, she was tapped to launch PGA REACH Philadelphia, becoming the foundation’s first director. Since its inception, the foundation has raised nearly $150,000 specifically for its Youth, Military, and Diversity pillars, which include programs such as PGA Jr. League, PGA HOPE Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarships and mentor program. Mackie’s new role will be in the PGA of America’s employment department, where she will act as a Career Services Recruitment Specialist, boosting employment opportunities across the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Metropolitan PGA Sections. She and her husband, Kevin, will remain living in the Philadelphia area. To send Leila well wishes, click here.

Allison Zwarka, a Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour tournament coordinator, has also accepted another position, effective August 27. She is headed back to her alma mater, Michigan State University, to work as its athletic department’s Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing. Zwarka worked as a tournament intern in 2019 and joined the Section staff full-time in 2020.

“Allison was a great addition to our team,” continued Surrette. “We will miss her, but know she will do a great job working as a Spartan.”

PGA REACH Philadelphia is currently accepting applications for foundation coordinator and tournament coordinator positions.

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.

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA REACH Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit PGAREACHPhiladelphia.com. To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please click here.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (August 25, 2021) — The team representing Yardley C.C. won the 2021 Philadelphia PGA Summer Pro-Lady Championship at Sunnybrook Golf Club on a day where temperatures approached 95 degrees Fahrenheit. PGA Professional Rick Hughart led his team of amateur women golfers to finish with a net score of 53, 19-under-par, to win by five strokes over the team from Medford Village C.C.

The winning team’s scorecard included three net eagles and 13 net birdies in the one better ball of four format, which helped give them the edge over the team from Medford Village, which included PGA Professional Greg Matthias, and amateurs Anne D’Amico, Sue Niedrach, and Angelica Lyons.

Four teams tied for third, two representing Sunnybrook, Bidermann G.C., and Saucon Valley C.C. Sunnybrook’s teams were led by PGA Professional Greg Wingate, Debbie Maine, Alison Shoemaker, Nina Talbot and Brad Sanders, PGA, Patty Graver, Pam Piotrowicz, and Megan Piotrowicz. Bidermann’s team featured Braden Shattuck, PGA, Aubree Wellons, Anna Kittelson, and Blakely Larrabee. Saucon Valley was represented by Chris Duckett, PGA, Kelly Borneman, Alisa Graybill, and Michele Haldeman.

In the Gross Division, Commonwealth National G.C.’s Dan Mrozinski, PGA, led his amateur golfers Karen Siegel, Emma Reilly, and Audrey Reese to victory with a 7-under-par 65. They clipped Shattuck’s Bidermann team and PGA Professional Tom Gilbert’s Gulph Mills G.C. team (Missy Wietlisbach, Ellen Miller, and Ellie Good) by one stroke.

The 2021 Philadelphia PGA Summer Pro-Lady Team Championship is supported by the Lincoln Motor Company, Trinity Flavors, and Workhorse Brewing Company. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Sunnybrook G.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 2021 Philadelphia PGA Summer Pro-Lady Team Championship 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, mfrey@pgahq.com

West Chester, Pa. (August 16, 2021) — PGA Professional Brian Kelly won the 2021 Pro-Am for Wishes at Penn Oaks Golf Club in a three-person playoff with Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; and Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.

Bucknell Golf Club’s Kelly started his final round two strokes behind first round leaders Bergstol and Oakley but was able to make four birdies en route to a 68, finishing at 2-under-par, which set an early clubhouse lead. Oakley birdied the 36th hole to tie, while Bergstol parred.

As raindrops began to fall, Kelly got up and down on the first playoff hole (No. 1) from just short and right of the green to make par and secure his first Philadelphia PGA victory since the 2019 TaylorMade Classic.

Chris Krueger, Kings Creek C.C.; finished in solo fourth place at 1-under-par, while Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C.; Mike Tobiason, Deerfield; John Cooper, Green Valley C.C.; and Hugo Mazzalupi, Patriots Glen National G.C.; finished tied for fifth at even par.

Kelly also finished atop the Senior Division, two clear of Cooper and Mazzalupi, and four ahead of Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C.; and Stu Ingraham, M Golf Range & Learning Facility.

To view the 2021 Pro-Am for Wishes full leaderboard, click here. 

The pro-am portion of the event took place on Sunday, August 15 with PGA Professionals John Spina and Zac Oakley leading their respective amateur teams to tie for the title. Spina’s team included Ned Scheffler and Mike Chapman, while Oakley’s featured Joe Paris and Zach Paris. To read more about the pro-am, click here.

The Pro-Am for Wishes has been held annually at Penn Oaks Golf Club since 2011 (the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic) to benefit Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. The 2021 Pro-Am for Wishes is supported by Otto’s BMW, Smart from the Start Childcare, Crothall Healthcare, Exelon Corporation, and T.Lad & Kristin Webb. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Penn Oaks G.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Kennett Square, Pa. (August 12, 2021) — PGA Member Ashley Grier of Overbrook Golf Club made history by winning the inaugural Women’s Philadelphia PGA Championship at  Kennett Square Golf & Country Club amidst the Philadelphia PGA Section’s centennial year.

Grier, the 2020 Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year, finished the 18-hole championship with a 1-over-par 72 to win by four strokes over her sister, Andrea Grier of Wilmington C.C. Grier had built a seven-stroke lead through 17 holes, which gave her some breathing room on 18, after she found her third shot in what she described as one of the worst lies of her career.

“It is always cool to be an inaugural champion,” said Grier. “I stayed patient on the course today, particularly on the greens.

“This is a competitive tournament, but the best part about today was getting to see everyone and had a good day on the course together,” Grier continued. “Today was special.”

Patty Post, University of Delaware; Victoria Petrosky, Fox Hill C.C.; Marjorie Jones, the Shore Club; and Jennifer Cully, HoneyBrook G.C.; each tied for third place at 8-over-par.

Fourteen women PGA Professionals competed at Kennett Square, 50 percent of the Philadelphia PGA’s women’s membership. The Section’s tournament and women’s committees and staff worked hard over the past 18 months to create this championship for its female PGA Members and Associates. The Section plans to grow the championship into one of its premier events each year.

The inaugural Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship is supported by Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG), Scott & Karen Hutchinson, Visit Delco, Pa., and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Kennett Square G. & 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 inaugural Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship 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, mfrey@pgahq.com