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

Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (May 31, 2024) — StretchLab is a new partner this year for the Philadelphia PGA. Their company specializes in stretching out the body to alleviate pain and promote flexibility.

This year, they supported the section at the Spring Pro-Pro Championship at Atlantic City C.C. on April 29 where they were able to demo their services for the PGA of America Golf Professionals.

Geoffrey Surrette, PGA, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Section said, “We are happy to have StretchLab come on board as a new partner. It is important as a section that we diversify the opportunities provided to members and StretchLab is the perfect way to begin moving towards prioritizing health and wellness. Many thanks to the franchisees, and the rest of the StretchLab team for their support.”

“We are honored to collaborate with the Philadelphia PGA Section and contribute to the health and wellness of its members,” said Doug Willmott representing the StretchLab Tri-State Franchisees. “Our mission is to enhance flexibility and alleviate pain, and we were excited to bring these benefits to the golf professionals at the Spring Pro-Pro Championship. Together, we aim to foster a community where performance and well-being go hand in hand.”

About Stretch Lab
Founded in 2015, StretchLab is the largest assisted stretching brand globally that was created to help people through customized flexibility services. It offers one-on-one assisted stretching sessions to customers across a broad range of age and fitness levels. StretchLab’s advanced “Flexologist” instructors hold a nationally recognized certificate in assisted stretching, accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, following extensive training both in the classroom and on the job. To learn more about StretchLab, visit www.stretchlab.com.

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. (June 7, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section welcomes a new partner, Motocaddy, as the presenting sponsor for the Section’s 2024 Fall Membership Meeting and 2025 Spring Membership Meeting. In addition to being the world’s number one electric caddy manufacturer, Motocaddy also specializes in premium golf bags and push carts.

As part of the collaboration efforts, Motocaddy will be supporting the Section’s Fall Membership Meeting at Medford Village C.C. on October 28 and the 2025 Spring Membership Meeting. The company will also become a presenting sponsor of the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour, the Delaware Valley’s premier youth golf tour.

“We are looking forward to working with Motocaddy over the course of the next year,” said Section Executive Director Geoffrey Surrette, PGA. “The company is a pioneer in their space, and offers a superior level of quality and commitment to their customers.”

“Motocaddy is thrilled to sponsor the Philadelphia PGA Section and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour,” said Motocaddy Vice President of Sales Andy Warren, PGA. “Supporting PGA Professionals and their facilities is at the core of our business and we can’t think of a better Section to work with first than Philadelphia.”

About Motocaddy
Motocaddy was founded in 2004 to bring the very best in design, build and functionality to golfers of all ages and abilities looking for reliable and affordable electric caddies.  Since then, Motocaddy has become the World’s #1 electric caddy brand with award-winning products, excellent service, and a strong focus on innovation.

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.

Contacts: 

FRISCO, Texas (June 5, 2024) – PGA of America Golf Professional Matt Keller, Owner of York Indoor Golf & Training Center in York, Pennsylvania, and Lancaster Indoor Golf & Training Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has earned PGA Master Professional Status, the highest educational designation a PGA of America Member can obtain.

The PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations. The curriculum is designed to ensure golf professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations.

Among the more than 30,000 that comprise the PGA of America, Keller, a Member of the Philadelphia PGA Section, joins a special group as the 444th to earn Master Professional status. He achieved his designation in Teaching & Coaching.

The program is available to those with at least 10 years of PGA Membership along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Certified Professional Program. The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the presentation.

“Becoming a PGA Master Professional is a huge honor,” said Keller, a PGA of America Member since 2003. “Coming from where I started, to reach this point of such an elite group of people, it’s taken a lot of persistence over the years. I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to be a part of this Master Professional group now and continue to progress my teaching and coaching abilities within the golf industry.”

Keller graduated from the Penn State University PGA Golf Management program in 2003 with a degree in Recreational Park and Management. He earned a Master’s Degree from Ohio University in 2012, focusing on sport psychology, long-term athletic development, athlete performance, conditioning, recovery and injury prevention. 

Before becoming owner of York Indoor Golf & Training Center in York, Pennsylvania in 2017, and Lancaster Indoor Golf & Training Center in Lancaster in 2021, Keller worked for several golf facilities in various roles throughout Florida, Delaware and Pennsylvania, including The Club at The Strand, Lancaster Country Club, Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club and Regents’ Glen Country Club. Additionally, Keller teaches Golf I at Penn State York, where he’s taught since 2018.

Keller resides in Manchester, Pennsylvania, with his wife Maureen and son Kurtis.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contacts

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

Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com

Westampton, N.J. (June 3, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Rising Sun, Md., has won the 38th Burlington Classic presented by WSFS Bank at Burlington Country Club. The event is also supported by Jani-King and the PGA Tour.

Barbin turned in the lowest score of the second round with 4-under-par 66 and finished at 7-under-par. He posted an impressive five birdies in today’s final round and five in yesterday’s, including a birdie on the tricky 18th hole on both days. John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, finished in second place at 2-under-par. Pillar is coming off a recent win at the 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic, and finished the second round 1-under-par 69. Four PGA Professionals tied for third place in the event at 2-under-par 138: Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Mike Meisenzahl, Little Mill C.C.; Danny Lewis, Philadelphia Cricket Club at St. Martin’s; and Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C. Shattuck posted 5-under-par 65 to lead at the end of the first round, but finished two-under to result in the four-way tie for third place.

“I played really solid today,” said Barbin after his round. “The course played very firm and fast, so I played a little more conservative today, but was fortunate to make a few putts. I was really just trying to hit as many greens as possible.”

Barbin went on to thank God for the opportunity to play the game he loves, his family, including fellow PGA Professional and brother Andrew, his caddie Carter, Burlington Country Club for hosting such a great event, and the Section staff.

John Pillar topped the Senior Division at 5-under-par. He finished four strokes ahead of Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C. Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C., tied for third with Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C., and Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., finishing at 1-over-par.

In the Super Senior division, Jack Brennan, Mountain View C.C., tied for first with Bill Sautter, Philadelphia Cricket Club, at 10-over-par. PGA Life Member Wayne Phillips finished in third place two strokes behind.

Corey Katzen recorded rounds of 72-74–146 to finish as low amateur and win the Marotto Medal by one stroke over Josh Feldschnieder. Neil Spence finished in third in the low amateur race.

View the full 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am leaderboard by clicking here.

The 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am is supported by Burlington Country Club, WSFS Bank, Jani-King and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Burlington C.C., its membership, management, staff, host PGA of America Golf Professional Mike Mack, Tournament Chair John M. Hanuscin, and the entire 2024 Burlington Classic Pro-Am Committee, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic, which is also the third Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the season, on Monday, June 17, at Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.

About the Burlington Classic Pro-Am
The Burlington Classic Pro-Am was founded in 1986 by Mike Mack, PGA, Joe Fattorini, Leroy Peacock, Rex McWilliams, Chip Miller, George Hilt, and Donald “Butch” Eckman. The event quickly became one of the most popular events on the Philadelphia PGA Section’s tournament calendar, and is now a Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year Points Event.

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

As a member of the Philadelphia PGA Section, you are invited to play in the Bermuda Celebrity Golf Invitational on October 3-7, 2024. The Bermuda Celebrity Golf Invitational is a unique opportunity for golf enthusiasts to enjoy a weekend of competition, camaraderie, social enrichment, and networking alongside celebrities and notable attendees. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Bermuda Sports Pathway program, which supports young athletes pursuing a career in sports.

To learn more and register for the Celebrity Golf Invitational Weekend package, click here.

Foursome Package Options:

• Four single-occupancy rooms for four nights / five days
• Breakfast on days two, three, and four
• Lunch on day three
• Four passes to Private Celebrity Golf Invitational Welcome Event complete with drinks, bites, pairing board, and gifting experience
• Entry for foursome into Celebrity Golf Invitational
• Autographed hat from celebrity team captain
• Four passes to prize giving / Beach Party
• Entry for foursome into Rafael “Kid” Corbin Classic
• Four passes to cruise
• Airport Transportation to/from L.D. Wade International Airport
• Ground transportation to program events

Package Price for Rosewood Bermuda Accommodations: $16,000 per foursome ($4,000 per player)

Package Price for Grotto Bay Accommodations: $12,000 per foursome ($3,000 per player)

Optional Spouse Package: Available upon request

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

Westampton, N.J. (June 2, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professionals Nick Biondi of Radley Run Country Club in West Chester, Pa., and David Linkchorst of Reading (Pa.) Country Club, led their team of amateur partners John Myers, Larry Scharf, and Mike Christinzio to victory in the 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am presented by WSFS Bank at Burlington Country Club. The event is also supported by Jani-King and the PGA Tour.

On a warm, mostly sunny day, the winning team combined for three net eagles and 22 net birdies in the two net best balls of five format, finishing with a net team score of 112, 28-under-par, to better George Frake, Morristown Field Club, and Logan Hay, Burlington C.C., Adam Varava, Rick Angelo, and Joe Dengler; and Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C., Matt Hoffman, Carlisle Barracks G.C., Tom Matera, Mayank Patel, and Dan DeMasi; by five strokes.

Spring Ford C.C.’s Rich Steinmetz and Julian Krinsky School of Golf’s Danie Steyn, and their teammates Robert Barrett, Carl Schmidt, and Nate Barrett, finished tied for fourth place at 22-under-par with Ross Brown, Fox Hill C.C., Michael Chanaud, the Peninsula G. & C.C., Mark Wenger, Dave Wandling, and John Malloy.

The individual PGA Professional event will conclude on Monday, and Rolling Green G.C.’s Braden Shattuck, leads the field at 5-under-par. John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, is one stroke behind, followed by three tied for third place at 3-under-par: Nick Biondi, Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay G.C., and Danny Lewis, Philadelphia Cricket Club.

John Pillar leads the Senior Division by two strokes over Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C. Wilmington C.C.’s Bob Lennon is in third place at 1-under-par. Two PGA Professionals are tied for fourth place at 1-over-par: Rich Steinmetz and Bill Walker, Riverton C.C.

PGA of America Life Member Wayne Phillips leads the Super Senior Division at 3-over-par by three strokes over fellow PGA Life Member Michael Versuk. The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter is in third place, four behind the leader.

Two amateurs from the first round advanced to the final round to compete for low amateur honors and the Marotto Medal on Monday, June 3, alongside the PGA Professional field. Corey Katzen and Neil Spence both sit at 2-over-par, followed by Josh Feldschnieder at 3-over-par.

View the full 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am leaderboard by clicking here.

The 38th Burlington Classic Pro-Am is supported by Burlington Country Club, WSFS Bank, Jani-King and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Burlington C.C., its membership, management, staff, host PGA of America Golf Professional Mike Mack, Tournament Chair John M. Hanuscin, and the entire 2024 Burlington Classic Pro-Am Committee, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year tournament is the Conestoga Classic, which is also the third Silvercrest Cup qualifier of the season, on Monday, June 17, at Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster, Pa.

About the Burlington Classic Pro-Am
The Burlington Classic Pro-Am was founded in 1986 by Mike Mack, PGA, Joe Fattorini, Leroy Peacock, Rex McWilliams, Chip Miller, George Hilt, and Donald “Butch” Eckman. The event quickly became one of the most popular events on the Philadelphia PGA Section’s tournament calendar, and is now a Philadelphia PGA Rolex / The Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year Points Event.

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

Welcome to the latest episode of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 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.

This episode features PGA of America Member Bob Hennefer. In addition to working as the PGA director of golf at Laurel Creek Country Club in Mount Laurel, N.J., Hennefer also serves as our Section’s vice president.

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

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (May 28, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional John Pillar of the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., won the 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic at Sunnybrook Golf Club on the third sudden-death playoff hole in front of hundreds of fans. Pillar’s $100,000 winner’s check is the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections.

Pillar turned in a 2-under-par 70 in regulation, good enough to tie fellow PGA Members Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green G.C., who recently earned Low Club Professional honors at the 2024 PGA Championship, and Kyle Early of Waynesborough C.C.

Shattuck was eliminated following a bogey five on the first playoff hole, the 390-yard par-4 18th hole; Pillar and Early tied with pars. Both went on to birdie the second playoff hole, including a dramatic 25-footer from Pillar. Pillar took the title and top prize with another birdie on the third playoff hole.

“Winning the Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic is a life changer, to be honest,” Pillar said during the trophy presentation. “I did not know when I was going to win again. At 57 years old, it’s overwhelming, and I am so grateful.”

Pillar is no stranger to the winners circle, having won the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, the Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship, and the Section’s Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2004. He said he’s driving to Indiana on Wednesday to play in a U.S. Open qualifier.

Pillar 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, and staff, for their dedication to the Philadelphia PGA Section and its nearly 900 PGA Professionals.

Four players finished tied for fourth place at 1-under par: Michael Little, Clubhouse 54; Rusty Harbold, Philadelphia Cricket Club; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; and Stephen Swartz, Carlisle C.C..

Pillar finished atop the Senior Division as well, bettering Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., by two-strokes. Five PGA Professionals finished tied for third place at 1-over-par.

Ian Natale finished with Low Amateur honors after turning in a 1-over-par 73 to top Binney Wietlisbach by one stroke.

To view the full leaderboard, click here.

The 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic’s title partner is The Haverford Trust Company. The event is also a Rolex Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year bonus points event. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the Haverford Trust Company, Sunnybrook Golf Club, 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

About Haverford
The Haverford Trust Company was founded in 1979 on Philadelphia’s landmark Rittenhouse Square. Since our founding, one thing has remained unchanged…our commitment to quality. Haverford has prospered for more than 40 years in a finance industry dominated by giants through our passion and adaptability. With 140+ employees and $13.4 billion* in assets, our size is our advantage. We focus on the essentials: the Quality Investing philosophy whose goal is to provide 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 12/31/2023.

Contacts: 
Matt Frey, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com, (215) 481-9086
Katie Karsh, Braithwaite Communications, katie@gobraithwaite.com, (610) 755-8682