Phoenixville, Pa. – The second points event on the Philadelphia PGA calendar, The TaylorMade Classic, was played on Monday, April 30 at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve. The event featured nearly 120 players and was a combined event with the Section’s Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO).

Although the calendar read April 30, Mother Nature had other ideas as temperatures remained relatively cool and brisk winds plagued the players throughout the day. Early in the tournament it looked like the number to reach would be even par (71). The first player to post that number was 2016 Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year Michael Little (Lookaway Golf Club). After a benign front nine, Little traded two birdies and two bogeys on his inward nine, including a birdie on the par-4 18^th hole to finish as the first player at par or better.

Little was quickly joined by Billy Stewart (The ACE Club) who after three bogeys through his first nine holes managed to play blemish-free adding multiple birdies along the way to get back to even par.

However, one player in the field had his eyes set on his first tournament victory. Kevin Nicholson (White Manor Country Club) played a near perfect round enabling him to overcome the difficult conditions the wind presented the rest of the field. Nicholson posted one eagle and four birdies against only two bogeys, to finish at 4-under-par (67) and the first player to post red figures. As the leader in the clubhouse Nicholson would need to wait more than two hours to see if his number would be good enough.

As group after group finish it looked as though no one would come within four shots of Nicholson, however John Appleget (The Shore Club) had a great round going. Through ten holes Appleget was 2-under-par but an untimely double-bogey on the par-4 15^th derailed Applget’s chances for a win but he did manage a birdie on the closing hole to finish at 1-under-par (70) and a solo second place finish.

In the tournament’s final group, Bob Hennefer (Indian Spring Golf Course) managed to get his score to 2-under-par through seventeen holes but a double bogey on his final hole ultimately dropped him into a third place tie at even par (71).

With no other players in the field managing to shoot under par Nicholson earned his first Philadelphia PGA individual points win of his career.

“Competing in one the best playing Sections in the country I am at a loss for words with this win, said Nicholson. I have a put in a lot of hard work to start this season and it seemed to all come together today. It means so much to me to be included in the list of professionals that have won a Philadelphia PGA tournament. I want to thank our tournament sponsor TaylorMade and Mike Zupi and Jay Junkin as well as Jamie Komancheck and the entire staff and membership of RiverCrest Golf Club and Preserve for hosting us today.”

The victory for Nicolson was twice as nice as he also took home top honors in the PAO TaylorMade Classic event. Nicholson finished four shots clear of second place finishers Michael Little (Lookaway Golf Club) and Billy Stewart (The ACE Club) who ended the day at even par (71).

Leading the way in the tournament’s senior division was John Appleget (The Shore Club). Appleget carded a 1-under-par (70) to finish two-shots ahead of both Dave McNabb (Applebrook Golf Club) and Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range) who both finished at 1-over-par (72).

The Section would like to thank our tournament sponsors TaylorMade Golf and our Section representatives Mike Zupi and Jay Junkin as well as the PGA Tour for supporting today’s event.

The next event on the Philadelphia PGA tournament calendar is the Spring Pro-Pro Championship which will be played on Monday, May 7 at the Country Club of York.

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Full Tournament Leaderboard

Greenville, Del. – The 2018 Philadelphia PGA returned to tournament action on Monday, April 23 at Fieldstone Golf Club for the Callaway Golf TPD Championship. The event was the first in the race for the Omega Player of the Year presented by the Haverford Trust Company. The Callaway Golf TPD Championship featured nearly 140 Professionals and was played as a modified stableford tournament. Players earned 1 point for any par, 3 points for birdies, 6 points for eagles, 9 points for double eagles, and -1 point for any bogey or worse.  

Playing in the tournament’s third group, Dave McNabb (Applebrook Golf Club) posted an impressive score of 28 points in the modified stableford event. McNabb’s round was paced by two eagles and four birdies which more than made up for the four bogeys on his card.

However, McNabb’s run as solo leader would not last long as playing at the end of the morning wave, Brendan Post (Univ. of Delaware) matched McNabb’s score of 28 points. Post carded seven birdies on his round, the most of any player in the field, but untimely bogeys on his final two holes ultimately dropped him into a first place tie as the tournament moved to the afternoon wave.

Conditions for players teeing it up in the afternoon wave were not as generous as the winds began to increase making birdies hard to come by. One player in the afternoon did make a valiant effort to join the leaders at the top of the leaderboard but unfortunately for Dave Quinn (Philmont Country Club) his charge ended one point shy as he finished with 27 points.

With no other players in the field able to match McNabb and Post at 28 points the duo returned to the golf course for a sudden death playoff. Both players found the fairway with their tee shots on par-5 18^th hole however neither player was able to reach the green in two. Post was the first to play his third shot and unfortunately his approach shot found the lower tier while McNabb was able to hit his third shot to ten feet. Post did manage to two-putt for par but McNabb was able to sink his birdie putt giving him his first win of the 2018 season.

McNabb’s 28 points also gave him the top spot in the tournament’s senior division where he edged Quinn’s 27 points for the top spot. Rounding out the top three was a trio of players who all finished with 16 total points. Don Allan (Burlington Country Club), Bob Lennon (Wilmington Country Club), and Terry Hertzog (Country Club of York) shared the final podium spot.

The Callaway Golf TPD Championship also awarded points in the newly created Super Senior Division. Players age 60 years of age or older are eligible for this new division. Earning points as the event’s top super senior was Greg Farrow (Deerwood Country Club).

The Philadelphia PGA would like to thank our title sponsor Callaway Golf as well as our Section representatives Laura Manchester and Kevin Martin and our presenting sponsor the PGA Tour for their support of today’s event. The next event on the tournament schedule is the TaylorMade Classic at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve on Monday, April 30.

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Callaway Golf TPD Championship Leaderboard

Blue Bell, Pa. – In what seemed like a never-ending winter, a glimmer of hope shined on Monday, April 9 as the Philadelphia PGA held their annual Spring Meeting at Normandy Farms Hotel and Conference Center. More than 250 Philadelphia PGA Professionals and Apprentices attended this year’s meeting all looking to get their 2018 seasons’ started on the right foot.

In his first Spring Meeting as Philadelphia PGA President, John Rogers, PGA led his fellow PGA Professionals through the day’s agenda. As always the Spring Meeting is a chance for the officers of the Philadelphia PGA to update the membership at large on Section operations as well as highlighting the events of the upcoming season.

In addition to the addresses from Section officers, the meeting was also highlighted by presentations from Philadelphia PGA partners Haverford Trust, Rothman Institute, CaddieNow, Hole-in-One USA and SCNS Sport Foods.

Two guest speakers rounded out the Spring Meeting. First up was PGA of America District 2 Director Tom Henderson, PGA. Henderson represents the Philadelphia PGA, Metropolitan PGA and New Jersey PGA on the national level. Henderson spoke on the various PGA of America initiatives as well as updated the attendees on the programs affecting each Section.

The second guest speaker was past PGA of America President Allen Wronowski, PGA, who was on hand to represent the Folds of Honor Foundation. Wronowski shared some inspiring stories associated with the Folds of Honor Foundation as well as some impressive statistics on the impact the PGA Professional relationship has had on the Foundation.

Throughout the Spring Meeting, the most recent Philadelphia PGA special award winners were recognized in front of their peers. The special award winners had previously been honored at a special awards dinner held at the Manor House at Commonwealth National on March 18.

After the meeting concluded nearly half of the attendees turned their attention to the Section’s opening event, the Spring Pro-Pro Scramble. The tournament featured 140 PGA Professionals playing in two man teams and was held at both Blue Bell Country Club and Bluestone Country Club.

At Blue Bell Country Club, the team of Jeff Herb, (Waynesborough CC) and Chris Cerven, (Philadelphia Cricket Club), led all teams shooting an 11-under par (60).  The teams of George Forster (Radnor Valley CC) and Tony Perla (LedgeRock GC) and Jason Calhoun (U of P) and Mark Anderson (Philadelphia Cricket Club) finished a shot back at 10-under par (61).

At Bluestone Country Club, the teams of Anthony Napoletano (GolfTEC – King of Prussia) and Eric McNamee (Golf Galaxy) and Rick Gibney (Colonial Country Club) and Steve Swartz (Out Door Country Club) finished tied for first with score of 10-under par (61). Five teams finished one shot back in a tie for third with scores of 9-under par (62).

The day was highlighted by not one, but two holes-in-one at Blue Bell Country Club. Kevin Nicholson (White Manor CC) aced the 180 yd. 10^th hole, while Sam Ambrose (Aronimink GC) had a similar result on the 170 yd. 16^th.

The Section’s Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) will hold their Spring Meeting on Monday, April 16 at Lehigh Country Club.

For more information on the Philadelphia PGA – philadelphia.pga.com.

Full Tournament Results

Pinehurst, NC – The Philadelphia Section PGA (PPGA) headed south to historic Pinehurst Resort & Country Club for the 2^nd annual Philadelphia PGA Pinehurst Pro-Am on Sunday-Wednesday, March 25-28, 2018. Seventeen PPGA Professionals accompanied by their three amateur partners were treated to rounds of golf on Pinehurst No. 5, No. 8, No. 9 and the famous No. 2 courses. Outside of the tournament, teams spent their spare time on the Thistle Dhu “This’ll do”, a miniature golf course on Pinehurst’s main putting green along with The Cradle, a new 9-hole short course at Pinehurst as well as admiring memorabilia from past major championships in the main hallway in Pinehurst’s clubhouse.  All throughout The Resort, players could not help but feel a sense of tradition and history around every corner.

Team’s arrived on Sunday, March 25 and immediately took to the course for a practice round on Pinehurst No. 5.  Following the practice round, the week officially kicked off with a Welcome Reception in the Donald Ross Grill Room.  All players received a gift package that included a vest from Puma Golf, hat and tee combo from Level Wear and a dozen Bridgestone golf balls.

Tournament play began on Monday, March 26 at Pinehurst No. 8 where weather conditions felt like Philadelphia in March, not North Carolina. The Tom Fazio design that was highlighted by tree lined holes that required accuracy off the tee and treacherous greens complexes that challenged your short game. After round one, Applebrook Golf Club Head Professional, Dave McNabb, PGA and his amateur partners, Keith Walters, Frank Hallinan, and Jeff Shapiro, current defending champions, were in familiar territory atop the leaderboard at 11-under-par (133). The team played well and was highlighted by a 67 (-5) from McNabb.

The week continued with round two taking place on the Jack Nicklaus’ designed Pinehurst No. 9. Once again, the weather didn’t quite cooperate with overcast skies and temperatures not reaching the fifty degree mark. The low rounds of the day belonged to Penn State University-Hazleton Golf Coach, Jason Martonick, PGA and his amateur partners, JC Blewitt, Michael Portnova and Charles DeCosmo together with Bear Trap Dunes Assistant Professional,  Michael Rushin and his amateur partners, Dave Alden, Ed Miller and Bill Thornton both with rounds of 9-under-par (135). After the second round, Penn State University-Hazleton jumped out to a three shot lead over the team from Bear Trap Dunes who were the biggest movers of round 2 jumping six spots on the leaderboard. Tied in second place with Bear Trap Dunes was Overbrook Golf Club Head Professional, Eric Kennedy, PGA and his amateur partners, Andrew, Jay and Vince Bellwoar.

The third and final round was played on the famous Pinehurst No. 2 course. This Donald Ross design is most famous for hosting three U.S. Open Championships and one U.S. Women’s Open Championship. It was a truly special round of golf for all 68 competitors.  After all the shots were played it was Overbrook Golf Club posting the low round of the day (137) by five shots over the field. In the end, their impressive final round score secure the victory for Team Overbrook awarded them the famous Pinehurst Putter Boy trophies. Every member on Overbrook’s team had a great day on the course including a 70 (-2) from Kennedy.

Full Tournament Leaderboard

First Year Event to Benefit PGA REACH Philadelphia Foundation, While Future Events will be Alternatively Hosted by Each Section to Benefit Respective Foundation

Lower Gwynedd Township, PA., February 27, 2018 … On Saturday, February 24^th, PGA Professionals from the Philadelphia and New Jersey PGA Sections put away their golf clubs and picked up hockey sticks for their first “cross-section” annual charity hockey game.  In total, 25 PGA Professionals laced up their skates and competed “Section against Section” in the charitable event held at the Ice Line Arena in West Chester, PA.

In a spirited contest, Team New Jersey came away victorious, with NJ PGA Professional Michael Postorino (Edgewood Country Club) leading the way, scoring 4 goals.

The inaugural event raised several thousand dollars through ticket sales, and a raffle featuring memorabilia that was donated by the Philadelphia Flyers.  All proceeds will support PGA REACH Philadelphia Foundation programming for youth, military & special needs. In future years, the two sections plan to enhance the event while alternately hosting the game each year, and with proceeds benefitting the host section’s foundation. The 2019 contest will benefit the New Jersey Golf Foundation.

Click here to see more photos from the event…Photo Album

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Download Full Special Awards Release

In early December, the Philadelphia PGA’s Special Awards Committee met with a singular goal in mind of determining the 2017 Philadelphia PGA special awards. With more than 140 Philadelphia PGA Professionals nominated for awards this past season, the task of narrowing the nominees down to the top professional in each category would be extensive. However, after lengthy deliberation, the committee recognized ten professionals with the following awards.

GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

The highest recognition the Philadelphia PGA bestows annually is the Golf Professional of the Year award. This year that achievement goes to Robert Hennefer, the Director of Golf at Indian Spring Golf Club. Since obtaining his membership in 2008, Hennefer has held multiple Head Professional, Director of Golf, and General Manager positions before arriving at Indian Spring Golf Club in 2014.

Since taking over operations at the township owned facility, Hennefer and his team have increased Indian Spring’s rounds of golf, driving range sales, merchandise sales, and memberships all leading to an overall revenue increase each of the past three seasons. Because of the success of the facility and the township’s eagerness to improve their parks and recreation program, Hennefer has been appointed to oversee the township’s new Recreation and Open Space Initiative.

However, Hennefer does not limit himself to just succeed at his facility. Since becoming a PGA member, Hennefer has served on multiple Philadelphia PGA committees as well as board positions. Most recently, Hennefer ended his term as the Section’s District 1 Director and was elected to serve on the Executive Committee as Director of Tournaments.

Hennefer also gives his time as a volunteer and mentor to his fellow PGA Professionals. Hennefer has volunteered to provide free lessons at various Section and community events, often times seeking out opportunities to bring the game of golf to new audiences. Having been mentored by some of the Section’s most well-known Professionals, Hennefer repays those experiences by talking with young apprentices and PGM students preparing for their Playing Ability Test.

Although it is Hennefer’s work with individuals with special needs that has rewarded him the most. Inspired by his brother Brad, Hennefer has dedicated countless hours to working with individuals with Down Syndrome. This includes community walks, golf lessons and competing in the Special Olympics alongside his brother. It is because of this dedication that Hennefer received the Special Olympics’ highest honor, the Conrad Rehling Award in 2016. Golf Professional of the Year is Hennefer’s third Philadelphia PGA special award (Player Development – 2012), (Merchandiser of the Year – Public 2015).

“I am extremely honored, excited and humbled to be recognized as the Golf Professional of the Year, said Hennefer. There are many great PGA professionals in the Philadelphia section and I am truly honored to be recognized among them.”

“I am grateful for the great team at Indian Spring that I am lucky enough to work with every day as well as for my wife Diana who has supported me throughout my career.  This for me, is an award I will cherish forever, but it is also special for our facility to be recognized, and that is what I am really excited about.”

“A special thank you to the special awards committee and the Philadelphia PGA staff for all of the hard work they put in on a daily basis.  A heartfelt congratulations to all of the other award winners and I look forward to celebrating with everyone at our annual awards dinner.”

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Receiving this year’s Teacher of the Year honor is a two-time past winner (2008, 2015), John Dunigan of White Manor Country Club. Dunigan has been a fixture on the teaching scene having presented at multiple seminars nationally, locally as well as internationally at the First Modern Golf Coaching Summit in Manilla, Philippines. Although teaching junior golfers is the biggest segment of Dunigan’s portfolio he also teaches accomplished golfers of all levels. Perhaps the biggest name on Dunigan’s roster is PGA Tour veteran Sean O’Hair who Dunigan has coached since 2013. In addition to teaching, Dunigan has published many articles aimed at teaching and coaching. Not only has Dunigan been a three time Philadelphia PGA Teacher of the Year, he has also been recognized as a Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher (2017), Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher (2016), Golf Range Magazine Top 50 Teacher (2015-2016) and a US Kids Top 50 Instructor (2013-2014).

“We have such a large number of great teachers in our section that being named Philadelphia Section Teacher of the Year is a major career achievement, said Dunigan. To receive this award for a third time leaves me speechless–and if you know me, that’s saying quite a lot. I would like to thank Concert Golf and the fine folks at White Manor CC for giving me the opportunity to be part of a great team and make myself truly at home at their wonderful facility. I’d like to thank the awards committee for their hard work on the arduous task of choosing the award winners from such a great talent pool. Most of all, I would like to thank my students: you are the reason why I study every single day to make myself a better coach for YOU. This award is every bit as much yours as it is mine.”

ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

The Philadelphia PGA Assistant Professional of the year was awarded to Dan Mrozinski of Commonwealth National Golf Club. In addition to serving all of the roles required of an Assistant Professional at Commonwealth National, Mrozinski also finds time to serve the Philadelphia PGA as a member of the Section’s Junior Golf Committee. It is through his involvement on this committee that Mrozinski has been able to implement a variety of PGA of America initiatives at Commonwealth National, most notably PGA Junior League Golf. Mrozinski also stays involved in his local community serving as a member of the Deerhurst Civic Association helping to plan and organize various community events. This is Mrozinski’s first Philadelphia PGA special award.

“Winning this award means so much me it’s difficult to put into words, said Mrozinski. I’m extremely honored to be the recipient and humbly except this award on the behalf of all the hard working Assistants in the Section.

I would like to thank Patrick Shine for his mentoring, his guidance and nomination. I also have to thank the entire Commonwealth family for all the support.”

HORTON SMITH AWARD

This year’s Horton Smith Award was presented to Eric Handley of Penn State University. Handley serves as the Director of Penn State University’s Teaching and Research Center in addition to serving as an assistant professor in the University’s PGA Golf Management program. Over the past five years, Handley has been committed to sharing the information he and his team are working on at Penn State with his fellow professionals both locally and nationally. Handley, has presented at the PGA of America’s Merchandise Show the past three years including as a keynote speaker at the 2017 Teaching and Coaching Summit. Handley has also been instrumental on the Philadelphia PGA education scene presenting on various Biomechanic topics. As an assistant professor, Handley has created a curriculum for a web-based Biomechanics of Golf class which is available to anyone with an internet connection. Handley also works closely with the University’s PGM program to develop initiatives for the Penn State PGM Player Development program. This is Handley’s first Philadelphia PGA special award.

“Being recognized as the Horton Smith award recipient has great significance and is particularly special to me, said Handley. Within the Penn State PGA Golf Management program we are particularly passionate about contributing to the education of future and current PGA Professionals. I owe much of this recognition to the support of family, friends, and the amazing people with whom I work.”

PGA BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD

This year’s PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award was presented to Tom Gilbert of Gulph Mills Golf Club. The Strausbaugh Award recognizes an individual for their continuing effort to mentor their fellow PGA Professionals. This trait is evident in Gilbert as he has helped nearly all of his past Assistant PGA Professionals to further their careers and obtain Head Professional positions. Gilbert has also worked to cultivate a strong network of PGM interns through his relations with several PGM universities. Gilbert not only dedicates his time to helping those assistants who he works with but also to various organizations outside of the Gulph Mills community. Gilbert has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, the Cradles to Crayon charity in Conshohocken, and the Mid-Atlantic Blind Golfers Association. This is Gilbert’s second Philadelphia PGA special award (Merchandiser of the Year – Private 2016).

“I am incredibly honored to have won the Bill Strausbaugh award, said Gilbert. Over the years my staff has helped me become a successful Professional and in return, I try my best to help them reach their career goals. I am thrilled to be the person receiving this year’s award, but in my mind it is a representation of all of my assistants success and for that I am truly proud.”

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Gerry Davis of Flourtown Country Club was presented with the Player Development Award for the 2017 season. Davis is active in player development both at Flourtown Country Club as well as away from the facility. At Flourtown Country Club, Davis has implemented a variety of programs for golfers of all abilities all aimed at getting people involved in the game. These programs include “Golf at the Pool” a programs which brings golf to Flourtown’s more than 1200 pool members. This initiative has directly led to new golf members each of the past three years. Davis also has a variety of programs aimed at introducing, teaching and retaining female golfers. Finally, Davis has been instrumental in growing Flourtown’s PGA Junior League Golf since 2014. This is Davis’ first Philadelphia PGA special award.

“I am truly honored and humbled to have been awarded the 2017 Player Development Award for the Philadelphia Section PGA, said Davis. Growing the game is a passion of mine every day. It’s a joy to teach new players, both young and old. I’m grateful to Bob Hennefer, PGA of Indian Spring Country Club for nominating me and to the Special Awards Committee for this award.”

YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

This year’s Philadelphia PGA Youth Player Development Award was presented to Dave Zimmaro, Assistant PGA Professional at Overbrook Golf Club. Since arriving at Overbrook Golf Club, Zimmaro has worked diligently to incorporate all of the PGA of America initiatives at the facility. These include Drive, Chip, and Putt, PGA Junior League Golf as well as the Philadelphia Junior Tour. However, Zimmaro’s reach into Youth Player Development extends well beyond that. Beginning with his time at the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, Zimmaro has worked to bring golf to those who may have not had access to the game previously. This includes a golf in schools program, working with the Mid-Atlantic Blind Golfers Association, learning sign language in order to work with students at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, and working with the Department of Justice on the Students for Juvenile Justice (SJJ) initiative. The SJJ works as a rehabilitation program giving juveniles a chance to learn the game of golf. These are just a few of the programs Zimmaro has worked with during his time as a PGA Professional. This is Zimmaro’s first Philadelphia PGA special award.

“I am very humbled and honored to accept the 2017 Youth Player Development Award, said Zimmaro. I accept this award on behalf of all the PGA Professionals whose tireless work positively impacts the lives of youth through the game of golf. It truly takes a village to run a successful youth program. Thanks to all of the people who have helped me along the way, but most importantly to the kids who inspire me to work harder every day!”

PATRIOTS AWARD

The PGA Patriot Award recognizes a PGA Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment to the men and women who have served in our nation’s military. This year, the Philadelphia PGA recognizes John Carpineta of Bensalem Township Country Club as the recipient of this award. Carpineta’s journey to become a PGA Professional did not come until after a few stops along the way, included serving in our nation’s military. However, once Carpineta became a PGA Professional he began to serve our military veterans in a variety of ways. Carpineta has been a leader in growing the Philadelphia PGA’s HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program through his connections with the area VA centers and VFW halls. Carpineta has also been activate with the Eastern Amputee Golf Association, Wounded Warriors Program, VA First Swing Clinic, and Patriot Golf Day events. This is Carpineta’s second Philadelphia PGA special award (Player Development Award – 2015).

“I am deeply honored to be chosen for this award considering the number of many fine PGA Professionals in our Section, said Carpineta. A big thank you goes out to the committee who work hard to make their selections. I must however in good conscious share it with those who contribute so much to the HOPE program which this year impacted more than 1,200 veterans getting them back into the swing of things not only on the links but also at home. Let there be no mistake these 1,200 veterans will be in contact with their fellow veterans who feel there is no hope thus enabling them to remain on our planet receiving the love they deserve.”

MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR (PRIVATE)

This year’s Merchandiser of the Year – Private was awarded to Commonwealth National Golf Club’s Patrick Shine. Under the direction of Shine the golf shop at Commonwealth National has seen steady growth over the last several years. Understanding the needs and wants of the membership, Shine and his team work keep to the golf shop fresh in part by updating displays twice monthly giving the golf shop a “life-style shop” feel. Additionally, Shine has utilized an indoor teaching center and technology to increase hard good sales at Commonwealth national. Although previously nominated, this is Shine’s first Philadelphia PGA special award.

“First, I’d like to congratulate all the Special award winners, said Shine. Being part of the special awards committee for the last couple of years has allowed me to see just how much talent we have in the Philadelphia PGA.  We are truly fortunate to have some of the PGA’s finest teachers, players, educators and community leaders in our Section.”

“To be recognized by my peers for Merchandising is special. This award, unlike some of the other categories is a complete team award. I am fortunate to work with a staff that prioritizes the merchandising aspect as one of the club’s top priorities. The combined daily efforts of Dan Mrozinski, Bill Fromholzer, Justin Rinas along with Nadine Stan-Boyens has been crucial to hitting our sales goals. I certainly would not have received this award without their hard work and dedication. Lastly, I am thankful to our membership at Commonwealth for their continued support and trust when purchasing apparel and golf equipment.”

SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR

The final Philadelphia PGA special award was presented to our Salesperson of the Year, Jim Ravina. As an independent sales representative, Ravina has supported the Philadelphia PGA across multiple brands for nearly thirty years. Ravina has also helped to educate our PGA Professionals through in-shop seminars on merchandising and technology. Ravina’s dedication to our Section Professionals is a big reason why he is a two-time Philadelphia PGA Salesperson of the Year (2014, 2017).

“The Philadelphia PGA is stacked with talented sales representatives, said Ravina. I am honored and humbled that I was chosen as the 2017 Philadelphia PGA Salesperson of the Year. I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude to all of the PGA Professionals who gave me the opportunity to serve them over the past 30 years. Being recognized by your customer is the highest honor a sales person can hope to achieve. On behalf of all of the companies I represent, my assistant Ann Ohmott and myself I wish to thank the entire Philadelphia PGA for this most prestigious award.”

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By Craig Dolch
Special to PGA of America

PORT ST. LUCIE – Zac Oakley and Matt Borchert didn’t know they were tied for the lead when they came to the 18th tee in Tuesday’s final round of Event No. 6 of the PGA Tournament Series.

But Oakley had a familiar feeling when he walked off the 18th green.

Oakley, a PGA Assistant Professional at Heritage Shores Club in Bridgeville, Del., birdied the 18th hole to win his second PGA Tournament Series event this month. Oakley’s 5-footer capped off a 5-under 67 that left him at 12-under 132 after two trips around the Ryder Course at PGA Golf Club.

“I knew if I made that putt, I was either in a playoff or I won,” said Oakley, who hit an 8-iron from 168 yards. “It’s an awesome feeling. I hit the ball solid and the putter got hot this week.”

Borchert, the PGA Director of Instruction at Isleworth Golf Club near Orlando, bogeyed the 18th hole after his tee shot landed in a fairway bunker and he missed the green and a 10-foot putt. Borchert (68) finished tied for second with Danny Balin (68).

“I had no idea where I stood, and maybe that’s something that can change in the future,” said Borchert, who last year qualified for his first U.S. Open at 39. “We had made so many birdies and I had made a few mistakes, I couldn’t remember.”

Balin had a 20-foot birdie putt on No. 18 that would have forced Oakley to make his putt for the win. Balin still won the PGA Tournament Series money title with $12,705, thanks to a win and two runner-up finishes to Oakley ($11,972).

“I didn’t give it as good of a charge as I would have liked, but it’s nice to win the money title for the first time,” Balin said. “My goal was to make some money and play well.”

Balin got an up-close look at Oakley during the PGA Tournament Series, and he was impressed with what he saw.

“He’s solid,” Balin said. “He hits it 30 yards past me and he’s a good wedge player. That’s a nice combination.”

Casey Pyne of Bloomington, Ill., shot the lowest round of the six PGA Tournament Series events – an 8-under 64 to move from 33rd to a fourth-place tie with Daniel Iceman (65) and Bob Sowards (69).

I played the par-5s well, which is something I haven’t been doing,” Pyne said. “I put myself in good spots and made the putts. I knew there was a low round out there.”

Omar Uresti, who clinched PGA Professional Player of the Year, tied for 18th at 3-under 141.

The PGA Tournament Series is presented by Golf Advisor.