Bethlehem, Pa. (October 14, 2021) — The Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) retained their title in the 29th Philadelphia Challenge Matches, defeating the Philadelphia PGA Section 10 points to 8 on a beautiful autumn day at Saucon Valley Country Club.

To view the full results of the 29th Challenge Matches, click here.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches would not be possible without the support and energy of Robin McCool. McCool was instrumental in getting the matches started nearly 30 years ago and revitalizing them by bringing in support from Jim Wilson of Ping, Jim Ravina of Donald Ross, and our host facility, Saucon Valley Country Club. McCool serves as the Honorary Captain for the GAP team and serves as Honorary Chair of the event. Everyone owes Robin a debt of gratitude for all of his efforts.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches pits two 12-person teams, including at least two senior contestants, from GAP and the Philadelphia PGA Section in a concurrent individual match and better-ball match. Each match is worth one point. Ties are halved. The Philadelphia Section leads the series, 21-3-4. There were no contests in 2019 and 2020 due to severe weather and the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively.

The GAP team included John Barone of Glenmaura National Golf Club, Michael Brown Jr. of Lulu Country Club, Jeff Frazier of Carlisle Country Club, Jack Irons of Little Mill Country Club, Andrew Keeling of Kennett Square Golf & Country Club, Patrick Knott of Merion Golf Club, Sean McMonagle of Tavistock Country Club, Scott McNeil, Oscar Mestre of Overbrook Golf Club, Ross Pilliod of LedgeRock Golf Club, Josua Ryan of 1912 Club, and Troy Vannucci of Little Mill Country Club.

The team of Philadelphia PGA Professionals was led by Captain Michael Little and also featured Trevor Bensel of Overbrook Golf Club, Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, George Forster, Mike Furey of Saucon Valley Country Club, Brian Kelly of Bucknell Golf Club, Chris Krueger of Kings Creek Country Club, Hugo Mazzalupi of Patriots Glen National Golf Club, Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club, Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club, Braden Shattuck of Bidermann Golf Club, and Dustin Wallis of Honey Run Golf Club.

To view the full results of the 29th Challenge Matches, click here.

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

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