Category: PPGA

Philadelphia PGA Section and Silvercrest Asset Management Group Announce Return of Silvercrest Cup

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (April 1, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the PGA of America’s 41 geographical managing entities, and Silvercrest Asset Management Group, an investment advisor providing asset management and family office services to high net worth individuals and select institutional investors, are excited to announce the return of the Silvercrest Cup, a tournament series for Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professionals.

The series will include four qualifying events for Philadelphia PGA Professionals, and will culminate in a $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final, hosted at Union League Liberty Hill in Lafayette Hill, Pa. The Silvercrest Cup champion is set to receive $15,000, one of the most lucrative winner’s checks on the Section’s tournament calendar. In addition to the final purse, each qualifying event will include a bonus pool of $3,000, to be shared between each qualifier’s champion and runner-up.

While the Silvercrest Cup rewards playing excellence of Philadelphia PGA Professionals and top amateurs, the series will also provide significant donations to local foundations, including the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, PGA REACH Philadelphia, and the GAP’s J.Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust. In 2022, Silvercrest donated $10,000 to both organizations.

“We thrilled to have the Silvercrest Cup tournament series return this season, and are grateful to our partner, Silvercrest Asset Management Group, for the opportunities they are providing to our PGA Professionals, and our foundation,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “Silvercrest values the hard work and dedication of our PGA Members, and are invested in them and the industry’s future, beginning at the local level.”

Last season, Whitemarsh Valley Country Club’s Dave Pagett, PGA, and amateur Andrew Keeling tied to share the Silvercrest Cup at Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pa.

Fifty-four PGA Professionals will earn their place in the 2024 Silvercrest Cup final via a points system drawn from their performance in each qualifying event; the top eight amateurs on the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s (GAP) William Hyndman III Player of the Year list will also be invited to compete. To follow the action throughout the season, visit phillypga.com.

2024 Silvercrest Cup Tournament Series Schedule

May 6, 2024
TaylorMade Classic

Silvercrest Cup Qualifier No. 1
Tavistock Country Club
Tavistock, N.J.

May 20, 2024
Delaware Valley Open

Silvercrest Cup Qualifier No. 2
Bellewood Country Club
Pottstown, Pa.

June 17, 2024
Conestoga Classic

Silvercrest Cup Qualifier No. 3
Conestoga Country Club
Lancaster, Pa.

July 26, 2024
Doylestown Open

Silvercrest Cup Qualifier No. 4
Doylestown Country Club
Doylestown, Pa.

September 16, 2024
Silvercrest Cup

Union League Liberty Hill
Lafayette Hill, Pa.

About Silvercrest Asset Management Group
Silvercrest Asset Management Group was founded in April 2002 by a group of highly experienced investment professionals with the goal to create a firm dedicated to serving individuals, families and select institutions with significant financial assets. Since inception, Silvercrest has nurtured an entrepreneurial, collegial, and action-oriented business culture with a client first ethos that has led to a 98% client retention rate. Our dedication to serving our clients’ needs first and to providing institutional quality asset management capabilities to the marketplace, has allowed Silvercrest to prosper and grow.  Over the past twenty years, we’ve grown to a diverse organization with 148 employees from various backgrounds in offices around the country and today, we manage over $22 billion dollars in assets on behalf of our clients.

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.com

Kate Morin, Vice President, Silvercrest Asset Management Group, kmorin@silvercrestgroup.com

New Philadelphia PGA Web Series: Playing Through

The Philadelphia PGA Section is excited to announce a new web series, “Playing Through,” where PGA of America Golf Professionals, Section staff, Section partners, and other industry professionals are asked 18 questions about their lives and careers.

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

If you are interested in appearing in a future episode, please complete this form by clicking here.

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

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Kicks Off Season With Spring Membership Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drive to Lead: Mastering Leadership Skills for Golf Professionals

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

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

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

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

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Opens Bud Jennings PGA Golf Management Scholarship Applications

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

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

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

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

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

To apply, click here.

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

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Unveils Modernized Logo

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

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

29k Strong from PGA of America on Vimeo.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, and northeastern Maryland, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

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

PGA of America Golf Professionals Jim Smith Jr., Philadelphia Cricket Club, and Dean Kandle, St. Davids Golf Club, have been honored as members of the Class of 2024 PGA of America National Awards honorees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To register, click here.

PGA of America Associate Networking Event

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

Sunnybrook Golf Club
398 Stenton Avenue
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

Free to attend

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

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