David Morano & Ashley Grier Win PAO Spring Meeting Scramble
Assistants Get Season Started with PAO Spring Meeting
One week removed from the Philadelphia PGA Spring Meeting the Section Assistants’ Organization got things kicked off with their own Spring Meeting. The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) held their opening event on Monday, April 10 at Manufacturers Golf and Country Club in Fort Washington, Pa.
Leading the way for the PAO was new Co-Chair Steve Frederick (Lehigh CC) who took over for the group’s previous co-chair Bryan Kienke who accepted a Head Professional position outside of the Section. However, Frederick is no stranger to the PAO Board after previously serving as the group’s Tournament Chair.
Once underway, Frederick led the group through the new initiatives of the PAO. A priority for leadership was the involvement of all Assistants in a volunteer capacity during the 2017 season. Frederick outlined the programs the PAO supported including the Philadelphia Junior Tour and H.O.P.E. Programs as well as the Marathon Golf Days and consumer events. Becoming involved in Section programs would help to ensure the success of the PAO this year and beyond. Also presenting were fellow PAO Board Members Robby Bruns (Merion GC), Ron Pine (Whitemarsh Valley CC), and Jeff Herb (Waynesborough CC).
Following the meeting, PAO members were treated to a very informational education seminar presented by a two-time Philadelphia PGA Teacher of the Year and nationally recognized instructor and coach, Bob Kramer (Indian Valley CC). Kramer focused his seminar on the short game and putting. Kramer also emphasized the importance of understanding proper coaching for players of all abilities. With a hands-on approach, Kramer shared a variety a putting drills and ability tests that will help the PAO members with both their personal games and their teaching repertoires.
Following the seminar, the PAO held their first event of the 2017 season, the PAO Spring Meeting Scramble. The event featured two-person teams and allowed for an easy transition into PAO tournament play. Leading the way in the opening event was the team of Ashley Grier (Overbrook GC) and David Morano (CC of York). The pair carded a team score of 10-under (61) which gave them a two-shot victory over the field. Finishing in a tie for second at 8-under (63) were the teams of Kyle Miller (Rivercrest G&CC) and Andrew Turner (Sunnybrook GC) as well as David Henry (Huntingdon Valley CC) and Dan Marz (Huntingdon Valley).
The PAO would like to thank Mr. Bob Fritz and the entire membership of Manufacturers Golf and Country Club for their support of their event. The next event on the PAO calendar is the PAO Classic at Kennett Square Golf and Country Club.
PAO Patron Program
Important reminder if you haven’t done so already, please remember to sign up for the PAO, which can be done one of two ways. First, you can register by going to the following link on Blue Golf: PAO Patron Program
Or you can fill out the PAO Head Golf Professional Patron Program form: PAO Patron Program Form
PAO Mission Statement
The purpose of the Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization is to prepare the Assistant Golf Professionals of the Philadelphia Section PGA of America for future professional success as a PGA member. We will give Assistant Professionals the opportunities to prepare themselves for the playing ability test, the PGA’s Professional Golf Management Program, the golf business, and future PGA membership. This is accomplished with leadership, mentoring, support through education, networking, and tournament competition.
PAO Head Professional Patrons
PAO Patrons: Head Professionals & Directors of Golf
Special thanks to those Head Professionals and Directors of Golf who are supporting the PAO and their assistant golf professionals. Listed below are the Head Professionals and Directors of Golf who are PAO Patrons.
| Professional | Club | Sponsored |
|---|---|---|
| Ian Dalzell | Huntingdon Valley Country Club | Jason Duckworth Ryan Fiore Moe Gola Dane Henry Dan Marz Shawn Matthews |
| Linda Nevatt | The ACE Club | Corey Melnick Brandt Reilly Tony Shields Billy Stewart |
PAO Premier Partner