APEX, N.C. and FRISCO, Texas (June 17, 2024) – Golf Business Network (GBN) and PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) announce a new partnership to provide a philanthropic component at the annual GBN Bob Ford Pro-Pro Championship. The event welcomes GBN Members who are PGA of America Golf Professionals for 36 holes of competition on September 23-24, 2024, at Hidden Creek Golf Club in New Jersey.

This landmark event, which honors Bob Ford, Golf Business Network Founding Partner & Advisor, and PGA of America REACH Foundation Trustee, showcases the synergistic power of networking and competitive golf.

Ford, the longtime PGA Head Golf Professional at Oakmont Country Club and Seminole Golf Club, exemplifies how professionals in the golf industry can extend their reach by giving back to both peers and philanthropic organizations that perpetuate the game.

“PGA HOPE is all about getting military personnel to play golf to save their lives and have them experience what great fun golf is. It’s spectacular,” said Ford, “We can’t do enough for those that have given everything so that we have the freedom that we have in this country, and it means the world.”

PGA HOPE and GBN aim to amplify their collective impact on Veterans and active duty military through the transformative power of golf. PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable organization of the Association. Led by more than 3,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals across all fifty states, PGA HOPE introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

Matt Marciniak, Chief Operating Officer of Golf Business Network and a Veteran, communicated his enthusiasm for the inception of this partnership, saying, “GBN is privileged to contribute to PGA HOPE, which exhibits core values that closely align with our Network’s dedication to supporting causes that benefit Veterans. The Bob Ford Pro-Pro Championship has become a marquee event for our membership and we look forward to weaving another layer of impact into this meaningful time together.”

“It’s an honor for PGA HOPE to partner with the Golf Business Network Bob Ford Pro-Pro Championship,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “Bob is a shining example of the impact a PGA of America Golf Professional can make through this game. This event underscores our commitment to providing Veterans with access to the healing, rehabilitative and even life-saving aspects that golf provides through PGA HOPE.”

This annual championship brings together professionals from across the country to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level. But beyond the competition lies a deeper purpose: to honor and support those who have served our country as they adjust back to civilian life.

Through sponsorships, donations and participation, individuals and organizations involved in the Championship can contribute to PGA HOPE’s mission of helping Veterans thrive through the game of golf.

For more information on how to get involved and to register for the Bob Ford Pro-Pro Championship, please visit [Link]

Click here to learn more about becoming a Vendor Partner for the Bob Ford Pro-Pro Championship.

—

About Golf Business Network Vendor Offerings
Golf Business Network (GBN) is a premier platform connecting golf industry professionals, businesses, and suppliers. Through its Vendor Partner Program, GBN aims to provide its members access to high-quality products and services, fostering collaboration and excellence within the golf community.

About PGA HOPE

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAHOPE on Instagram, X, formerly known as Twitter, and find us on Facebook.
Media Contacts:

Joe Negri, Golf Business Network, jnegri@golfbusinessnetwork.com

Jesse Dodson, PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com

Lancaster, Pa. (June 17, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa., turned in a 6-under-par 64 to win the 2024 Conestoga Classic at Conestoga Country Club by one stroke over Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C. The tournament is a Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event, and the third Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the year.

Shattuck’s victory at Conestoga makes it his second Philadelphia PGA title of the season, having won the Delaware Valley Open, also a Silvercrest Cup qualifier, by setting a new course record at Bellewood Country Club; that win came on the heels of his Low Club Professional finish at the PGA Championship in Kentucky. His victory on Monday is also his first win since getting married earlier this month. During his round at Conestoga, Shattuck made one lone bogey and seven birdies, including one on No. 18 to win, en route to his score of 64.

Returning for the third season, the Silvercrest Cup series will include four qualifying events for Philadelphia PGA Professionals, and will culminate in a $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final on September 16, hosted at Union League Liberty Hill in Lafayette Hill, Pa. For more information on the season-long race to the Silvercrest Cup, click here. In addition to receiving the winner’s share of the purse, Shattuck also took home an additional $2,500 from the Silvercrest Cup qualifier bonus pool.

“I played well today,” Shattuck said following his round. “I hit my driver pretty well and gave myself a lot of good chances for birdie.

“It’s pretty cool to win another Silvercrest Cup bonus too,” Shattuck continued.

Shattuck went on to thank his new bride, Veoletta, for being so supportive, his parents, his friends, the Rolling Green G.C. membership and staff, Scott Chisholm, PGA, and Mr. Gray from Silvercrest.

Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, and Parks Price, Hanover C.C., tied for third place, two strokes behind Shattuck. Six players tied for fifth place at 3-under-par: Anthony Sebastianelli, Rolling Green G.C.; Andrew Cornish, Cedarbrook C.C.; Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.; Michael Little, Clubhouse 54; Matt Finger, DuPont C.C.; and Brendon Post, University of Delaware.

With his 3-under-par round of 67, Brendon Post, PGA, won the Senior Division by one stroke over Laurel Creek C.C.’s Dave Quinn, PGA, and two over PGA Life Member George Forster. There was a three-way tie for fourth place at even-par: Pete Lovenguth, Sandy Run C.C.; PGA Life Member Brian Kelly; and Mike Molino, Elmhurst C.C.

The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter, PGA, finished at 2-under-par to earn top honors in the Super Senior Division by three strokes over PGA Life Member Wayne Phillips. PGA Life Member Michael Versuk finished tied for third place at 4-over-par with Jack Brennan, Mountain View C.C. PGA Life Member J.R. Delich finished at 6-over-par.

Both the Central Counties Chapter and Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) held events concurrently with the Conestoga Classic, with Brian Bergstol tying with Parks Price in the Chapter event, and Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C., emerging victorious in the PAO event.

Bergstol and Price were four strokes clear of PGA Life Member Brian Kelly and Mike Molino. Oakley bettered Brian Bergstol by one stroke in the PAO event; three players tied for third place at 3-under-par: Anthony Sebastianelli, Rolling Green G.C.; Andrew Cornish, Cedarbrook C.C.; and Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.

Congratulations to PGA Member Dom DiJulia, DiJulia School of Golf, for making hist first-ever hole-in-one on Conestoga’s 15th hole! DiJulia used a six iron from 178 yards.

The 2024 Conestoga Classic is supported by Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Jani-King, Ohana Farm LLC, KM Golf Sales and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Conestoga Country Club, its membership, management, staff, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event is the William Hyndman III Memorial Classic at Huntingdon Valley (Pa.) Country Club on Monday, July 1. The fourth and final Silvercrest Cup qualifier is the Doylestown Open at Doylestown (Pa.) Country Club on Friday, July 26.

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

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (June 14, 2024) — The PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia, the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable organization, recently received a generous $30,000 donation from the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Five-Ball for the Four-Ball golf tournament.

The event was played on the club’s Wissahickon Course, just before hosting the United States Golf Association’s U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Golf Championship on May 25-29, and was designed to support local charity organizations. The club invited six local not-for-profit organizations to participate, guaranteeing each a minimum donation, while event’s winning team was allowed to pick one of the charities to receive a $30,000 donation.

The winners (Mike Anderson, Jose Rovelli, Dominic Origlio III, Conrad Von Borsig, and Robby Walizer), sponsored by John Evans’ Sons Co-President and Philadelphia Cricket Club Junior Golf Chairman Sam Davey, chose PGA REACH Philadelphia as the event’s main benefactor.

“Playing in the Five-Ball for the Four-Ball charity golf tournament was an absolute blast and our team was grateful to play the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course in peak-tournament condition,” said Davey. “We are thrilled to have designated PGA REACH Philadelphia as our team’s benefactor because of their ongoing efforts to improve lives bringing more golf to people without access to the game, our youth, and to the men and women who have served in our military.”

The donation will help support the foundation’s Youth, Military, and Diversity & Inclusion programming such as PGA Jr. League, Golf in Schools, PGA HOPE Philadelphia (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarships.

“We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Davey’s team and the Philadelphia Cricket Club for their benevolent donation,” said PGA REACH Philadelphia Director Courtney Curcio. “Their donation will go a long way to improve lives through the game of golf here in the Philadelphia PGA Section.”

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA of America REACH Foundation 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.

Oreland, Pa. (June 12, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional John Pillar of C.C. at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., captured the 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sandy Run Country Club on Wednesday, finishing with rounds of 72-68–140, 4-under-par. Pillar bettered Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., and PGA Life Member Brian Kelly by one stroke. Pillar previously won this championship in 2019 and 2020.

Golf Channel, Jani-King, Ohana Farm, and the PGA Tour support the 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship.

“I had three phrases I leaned on during today’s round: belief, be present, and be patient,” Pillar said following the conclusion of play. “It was a really solid day. Sandy Run is a great golf course, and it presented tough conditions, which is what our championship should be.”

Pillar has been no stranger to the winner’s circle as of late, having won the 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic and its $100,000 first-place prize last month.

“Truthfully, I wasn’t sure if I was going to win again, at 57, competing with the younger PGA Professionals,” Pillar continued. “To be able to follow that up with a win here, is really special. It means the world to me.”

Pillar went on to thank his family for the love and support they have shown him.

Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C., finished in fourth place at 2-under-par. Tied for fifth place with a two-day score of 144, even-par, were PGA Life Member George Forster, and Chris Krueger, Kings Creek C.C.

Pillar will lead five other Philadelphia PGA Members to compete in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sunriver (Ore.) Resort on September 26-29, including: Rich Steinmetz, Brian Kelly, Eric Kennedy, Chris Krueger, and George Forster. Sandy Run C.C. PGA Head Golf Professional Pete Lovenguth is first alternate, followed by Stephen Swartz, Carlisle C.C.; PGA Life Member Jeb Boyle; Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C.; and Dom DiJulia, DiJulia School of Golf.

The top 35 finishers in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship will earn a spot in the 2025 KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship, scheduled to be played May 2025, at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.

Bill Sautter from the Philadelphia Cricket Club ran away with first place in the Super Senior Division with a two-day score of 1-under-par. PGA Life Member Wayne Philips finished in second place at 3-over-par.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship is supported by Golf Channel, Jani-King, Ohana Farm LLC, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Sandy Run Country Club, its membership, management, staff, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, 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

Oreland, Pa. (June 11, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Hugh Reilly of the Abington Club in Jenkintown, Pa., leads the 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship entering the final round at Sandy Run Country Club by one stroke over PGA Life Member Brian Kelly. The championship is supported by Golf Channel, Jani-King, Ohana Farm, and the PGA Tour.

The top six finishers following tomorrow’s final round will advance to the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sunriver (Ore.) Resort on September 26-29. The top 35 finishers in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship will earn a spot in the 2025 KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship, scheduled to be played May 2025, at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.

Reilly finished his round at 4-under-par 68 with five birdies and just one bogey, while Kelly finished 3-under-par to take second place going into tomorrow’s round. Four PGA Professionals end today in a tie for third place at 2-under-par: Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C.; George Forster, Radnor Valley C.C.; Chris Krueger, Kings Creek C.C.; and Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook G.C. Host PGA Professional Pete Lovenguth finds himself within striking distance at 1-under-par, tied with Carlisle C.C.’s Steve Swartz.

The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter leads the Super Senior Division at 3-under-par, two strokes ahead of PGA Life Member Wayne Phillips and four in front of Brian Leib, Hanover C.C.

The final round is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12 at Sandy Run C.C. To view the full 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship is supported by Golf Channel, Jani-King, Ohana Farm LLC, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Sandy Run Country Club, its membership, management, staff, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, 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

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (May 13, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is happy to announce its partnership with Stitch, a luxury golf bag, apparel and equipment company.

As part of the partnership, Stitch will be in attendance at the Spring Membership Meeting on March 25 at Rivercrest Golf Club and Preserve.

“The Philadelphia PGA is excited to partner with Stitch,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “It’s great to have another premium brand like Stitch come on to support our professionals. We want to thank Laurie and the entire team at Stitch for their commitment to the Section.”

“Stitch Golf knows the importance of the Philadelphia Section and influence that clubs in this section have over avid golfers around the world,” said Laurie Stewart from Stitch. “We are grateful for the partnership and look forward to growing our relationship with one of the preeminent sections in the U.S. and a remarkable list of great clubs and members.”

About Stitch
Stitch is a luxury golf bag, apparel and accessory retailer founded in 2012. Started as a headcover company, Stitch has since diversified its product line to allow consumers to use it in all aspects of their life, both on and off the course. The unique logo is a play on a vintage Gulf Racing Car.
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

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (April 28, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Radnor Golf Foundation. Founded by PGA of America Member, Hugo Mazzalupi, the foundation was formed as a way to give back to the sport that has given so much to him.

The Radnor Golf Foundation recently supported the Tournament Players Division Championship at Laurel Creek C.C. on April 22, 2024. Hugo would like to thank all of the PGA Members for playing as section events are the best way to network.

Geoffrey Surrette, PGA, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Section said, “We are very happy to partner with the Radnor Golf Foundation this season. We have known Hugo and his family for many years and are looking forward to seeing the good his foundation will do.”

Hugo Mazzalupi expressed, “The Radnor Golf Foundation could not be happier to start giving back in our small way at the TPD Championship. What a great day, thank you to the Philly Section and Laurel Creek CC for hosting and providing us all with these opportunities.”

“I am pleased to support the Radnor Golf Foundation and help ‘pay it forward’ by supporting Section Professionals via its unique and worthwhile mission,” said Jim Smith Jr., PGA. “My 30+ years of Section membership and the relationships I’ve built with fellow professionals are two of the reasons I know how lucky I am to be the Director of Golf at The Philadelphia Cricket Club.  Even a small contribution will make the lives of the pros who follow us better!”

To learn about and to support the Radnor Golf Foundation, please click here to visit their website. You can also email them at  radnorgolffoundation@gmail.com

About the Radnor Golf Foundation
The Radnor Golf Foundation was founded by PGA Member, Hugo Mazzalupi. Their mission is to promote golf by giving back to the sport that gives so much to everyone. All donations go to a restricted fund and the growth from that fund will be used by the foundation to sponsor and support golf and future golfers. Aside from financial support, the Radnor Golf Foundation values the importance of meeting new golfers through networking.

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

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (April 30, 2024) — Wilson has come back once more as a partner of the Philadelphia PGA. The company normally specializing in sports apparel, also offers a line for golf not limited to clubs, balls and accessories.

This year, Wilson will support the Connelly Head Professional Championship on Tuesday, May 7 at North Hills C.C. and the Pro-Assistant Pro Championship on Monday, June 24 at The Shore Club.

Geoffrey Surrette, PGA, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Section said, “It has been such a pleasure working with Patrick and Wilson. We really appreciate the ongoing support Wilson has shown the Section and our membership. We look forward to another great season!”

Patrick Reilly, our territory representative for Wilson expressed, “The Philadelphia PGA Section is an important partner of Wilson Golf. Each tournament has been great exposure for our brand as we look forward to winning our next Major on tour. Geoffrey and the team have been excellent to work with and have made these great events, as well as our partnership, possible!”

About Wilson
Wilson was founded in Chicago, IL in 1914 and specializes in sports apparel, equipment and accessories. As chronic innovators, Wilson is determined to continually keep up with industry trends to bring customers top of the line offerings at all times. In their golf line, they manufacture clubs, balls, clothing and accessories. They currently have won more major championships than any other golf brand, at 62.

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

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (April 28, 2024) — Evolve Golf has returned as a partner of the Philadelphia PGA. They manufacture bulk essentials like tees, ball markers, and divot tools, as well as hand crafted tournament gifts with their woodworks, foundry works, and leatherworks maker spaces.

This year, they will be supporting the section at the Spring Pro-Pro Championship at Atlantic City C.C. on April 29 and the Fall Meeting at Medford Village C.C. on October 28.

Geoffrey Surrette, PGA, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Section said, “We love working with Evolve Golf because their products elevate every player’s game. From tee to green, they know innovation and quality. Thanks to Max and the team for their continued support.”

Sales Team Manager, Max Lerner said “Evolve Golf is thrilled to continue the partnership with the Philadelphia PGA Section for the 2024 season. The level of engagement that we see year in and year out when we travel up for the Spring Pro-Pro and Fall Meeting, is as good as you will see from any section in the country. We love playing a small part in the section and hope to continue the partnership for many years to come.”

About Evolve Golf
Founded in 2003, Evolve Golf is committed to making products that are better for the player, better for the course, and better for the planet. From tees to tournament gifts, Evolve Golf takes care of all of your bulk essential and tournament gifting needs.

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

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (May 8, 2024) — The Philadelphia Section welcomes Bushnell Golf back as a partner for the 2024 season. The sporting goods company is best known for being a market leader for laser range finders.

This year, they supported the section at the Connelly Cup Head Golf Professional Championship at North Hills C.C. on May 7. They were able to display several of their products on the first tee for players to utilize before they teed off.

“We are happy to have Bushnell Golf as a returning partner,” said Geoffrey Surrette, PGA, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Section. “They are a benchmark brand that has shown their support for many years. Jim Ravina has been a wonderful partner of the section for decades and we can’t thank him and Kevin enough for their ongoing support

“As a sales Rep for the past 36 years in the Philadelphia PGA Section,  it is my honor to have one of the brands that I represent be a sponsor of the Connelly Cup Head Golf Professional Championship since its inception,” said Jim Ravina. “Bushnell, my partner Kevin Quinn and I thank all of the Golf Professionals for their continued support making Bushnell the #1 laser rangefinder.”

About Bushnell Golf
Bushnell Golf is an industry leader for sports optics and their goal is to provide high performing, quality products without compromising on an affordable price. Their rangefinders are able to seek out pin, calculate slope and even windspeed, leading them to be some of the most advance products on the market.

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