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Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort’s Brian Bergstol, PGA, to Compete in 2025 PGA Championship

May 12, 2025Comments Off on Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort’s Brian Bergstol, PGA, to Compete in 2025 PGA ChampionshipFeatured

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (April 30, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in Shawnee on Delaware, Pa., has secured his place on the Corebridge Financial PGA Team, and will compete in the 2025 PGA Championship, May 12-18, at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C.; it will be his second major championship appearance (2008 U.S. Open).

Bergstol qualified as a result of his impressive play this year’s PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla. He carded rounds of 69-69-73-72–283, 4-under-par. To view the full leaderboard, click here.

Corebridge Financial broadened its partnership with the PGA of America to include the title sponsorship of the Corebridge Financial PGA Team at the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. For the PGA Championship, the team consists of talented PGA Professionals from across the country.

How To Watch: 2025 PGA Championship

Thursday, May 15
ESPN+: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ESPN: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Bergstol: 12:47 p.m.  off No. 10

Friday, May 16
ESPN+: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ESPN: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Bergstol: 7:22 p.m.  off No. 1

Saturday, May 17
ESPN+: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
ESPN: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
CBS: 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 18
ESPN+: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
ESPN: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
CBS: 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Bergstol was part of a 15-player-strong contingent representing the Philadelphia PGA Section in the 2025 PGA Professional Championship. The group also included: Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.; Joanna Coe, Merion G.C.; Rusty Harbold, Philadelphia Cricket Club; Jeff Herb, Waynesborough C.C.; Terry Hertzog, Bent Creek C.C.; Michael Meisenzahl, Tavistock C.C.; Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh C.C.; Tony Perla, Huntingdon Valley C.C.; Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C. Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C.; Billy Stewart, Union League Liberty Hill; Andrew Turner, C.C. of York, and Brett Walker, Chester Valley G.C.

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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

Maui Jim to Support the Philadelphia PGA

May 10, 2025Comments Off on Maui Jim to Support the Philadelphia PGAPPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (May 10, 2025) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with Maui Jim, a market leader in the sunglass industry.

The section is glad to have Maui Jim’s support at the Fall Pro-Pro Championship at Union League National G.C. on October 13, as well as the PGA REACH Philadelphia Pro-Am on October 6 at the Stonewall Links.

“We couldn’t be happier to partner with Maui Jim,” said Geoff Surrette, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia PGA. “We are excited to continue working with a high-quality sunglasses company.”

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Philadelphia PGA Section. We value the opportunity to support their professionals and enhance the visual experience and performance of golfers within the section” said Jen Hong, the Director of Golf/ Tennis Sales of Maui Jim.

About Maui Jim
Maui Jim sunglasses, born on the beaches of Maui, were designed to protect the eyes from the harsh rays of the island sun. Today, Maui Jim is the world’s fastest-growing Premium Polarized Sunglasses Brand and is sold in more than 100 countries. Maui Jim is recognized for its unparalleled “Aloha Spirit”, Customer Service, and advanced PolarizedPlus2 Lens Technology. In 2022, Maui Jim became part of Kering Eyewear, which belongs to the global Luxury group Kering.
Click here to learn more about Maui Jim Golf Events

Contact: John Higinbotham jhiginbotham@comcast.net

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

PGA of America Golf Professional Kyle Miller Leads Team to Victory in 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championship Presented by Parx Casino© and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

May 8, 2025Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Kyle Miller Leads Team to Victory in 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championship Presented by Parx Casino© and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention BoardFeatured, PPGA

Allentown, Pa. (May 8, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Kyle Miller of Bellewood Country Club in Pottstown, Pa., led his team of amateurs, Val Wad, Michelle Gunzelmann, and Megan Harvey, to a Net victory in the 2025 Philadelphia PGA Spring Pro-Lady Team Championship Presented by Parx Casino© and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board at Lehigh Country Club.

The winning team finished their round with a net team score of 18-under-par 50 in the Four-Ball / one best ball of four format. They bettered Moselem Springs G.C.’s Jeff Fick, Delia Keys, Jessica Wolgemuth, and Jill Kramer, by one stroke. Concord C.C.’s Mike Moses, Michele Lynch, Barbara Lyons Barbara, Nancy Denig; Lehigh C.C.’s Kevin Ryan, Linda Poluch, Colleen Baker, and Terry Khoury; Old York Road C.C.’s Eric Speidel, Casey Kane, Donna Bradley, Hilary Brown; and Glen Brook G.C.’s Dustin McCormick, Allison Stettler, Patty Wiesmeth, and Deb Bettini; tied for third place at 15-under-par.

Fick’s Moselem Springs team finished atop the Gross Division at 6-under-par, bettering Lehigh C.C.’s Kevin Ryan, Linda Poluch, Colleen Baker, and Terry Khoury; and Cedarbrook C.C.’s Ron Pine, Denise Marcinek, Lori DiFerdinando, and Marilyn Phillips; by two strokes. Four teams tied for fourth place.

To view the full 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championship is presented by Parx Casino© and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Lehigh Country Club, its membership, management, and staff, 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

Twenty-Seventh Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic Returns to Sunnybrook Golf Club on May 27 With Nation’s Largest First Place Prize for Any PGA Section Member Tournament

May 8, 2025Comments Off on Twenty-Seventh Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic Returns to Sunnybrook Golf Club on May 27 With Nation’s Largest First Place Prize for Any PGA Section Member TournamentFeatured, PPGA

Radnor, Pa. (May 7, 2025) — With the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections, the 27th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic returns to Sunnybrook Golf Club in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., on May 27.

One-hundred-thirty-two PGA of America Golf Professionals will compete for the $100,000 first-place prize money, won last by John Pillar, PGA of America Golf Professional at the Country Club at Woodloch Springs. The professionals will be joined by 16 amateurs.

“As we gear up for the tournament’s 27th year, we look forward to welcoming 132 PGA of America Golf Professionals and 16 amateurs from across our region for another day of thrilling competition at Sunnybrook,” said Joe McLaughlin, Chairman & CEO of Haverford Trust. “All of us at Haverford Trust are proud to once again sponsor this exciting invitational and honor the tremendous impact PGA Members have on the game of golf throughout Greater Philadelphia.”

“The Philadelphia PGA Section thanks Mr. George Connell and the entire team at Haverford Trust for consistently sponsoring this tournament and for providing our PGA Professionals with the opportunity to compete,” said Geoff Surrette, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section Executive Director. “We feel honored by their ongoing support and commitment to the game and business of golf here in Philadelphia.”

The tournament was last won in 2024 by John Pillar, PGA Professional from the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., following three sudden-death playoff holes. Pillar turned in a 2-under-par 70 in regulation, tying fellow PGA Members Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green G.C. and Kyle Early of Waynesborough C.C. Shattuck was eliminated following a bogey five on the first playoff hole, while Pillar and Early each parred. 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, finishing 2 under par with an overall score of 70 in a pool made up of 148 players (132 PGA of America Golf Professionals and 16 Amateurs).

For more information on the 27th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic, visit golfgenius.com/pages/5148811.

Haverford Trust Company President, Keith Aleardi (left); Vice Chair, Binney Wietlisbach (second from left); Founder & Director, George Connell (center); Chairman & CEO, Joe McLaughlin (right); present the 26th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic winner’s trophy and $100,000 first-place check to John Pillar, PGA Professional from the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa.

Tournament Facts
Tournament Name – The Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic
Sponsor – The Haverford Trust Company
Venue – Sunnybrook Golf Club – Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
Yardage – 6,893
Par –72
Host Professional – Brad Sanders, PGA
Total Purse – $167,600 / 1st Place Prize – $100,000
2024 Champion – John Pillar, PGA, The Country Club at Woodloch Springs, Score – 2 under par (70), won in playoff
2024 Runners Up – Kyle Early, PGA, Waynesborough Country Club; Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green Golf Club; Score – 2 under par (70), lost in playoff
Field – 148 (132 PGA of America Golf Professionals, 16 amateurs)

Past Champions Eligible to Play
Dave Quinn, PGA – 2001, 2005
Dave Roberts, PGA – 2002
George Forster, PGA – 2008
Hugh Reilly, PGA – 2011
Scott Reilly, PGA – 2012
Billy Stewart – 2013
Rusty Harbold, PGA – 2014
Dave McNabb, PGA – 2016
Andrew Turner, PGA – 2017
Mark Parson, PGA – 2018
George Forster, PGA – 2019
Parks Price, PGA – 2021
Brian Bergstol, PGA – 2023
John Pillar, PGA – 2024

Social Media: #haverfordclassic

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 450 years in a finance industry dominated by giants through our passion and adaptability. With 140+ employees and $14.6 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 3/31/2025

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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

PGA of America Golf Professional J.T. Wambold Wins 2025 TaylorMade Classic Following Four-Player Sudden-Death Playoff

May 5, 2025Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional J.T. Wambold Wins 2025 TaylorMade Classic Following Four-Player Sudden-Death PlayoffPPGA

Egg Harbor Township, N.J. (May 5, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional J.T. Wambold, Yardley (Pa.) Country Club, made birdie on the second hole of a four-player sudden-death playoff to win the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2025 TaylorMade Classic at Ballamor Golf Club, bettering Nick Parga, Old York Road Country Club in Spring House, Pa.; Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Rising Sun, Md.; and Riley Wheeldon, Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa. The tournament is a Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year event.

Wambold finished his round in regulation with a 6-under-par 66, which propelled him into the playoff. It was his first Philadelphia PGA Section win of his career.

“I birdied the first three holes,” Wambold said after the playoff. “I hit the ball very well today.”

Wambold said today’s round was his first at Ballamor.

Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford  C.C., and Austin Barbin, Chesapeake Bay G.C., tied for fifth place at 5-under-par.

Steinmetz finished atop the Senior Division, thanks to his 5-under-par round of 67. Steinmetz bettered John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, and Brian Kelly, Titleist Fit Crew, by four strokes. Hugo Mazzalupi, Radnor Golf Foundation, finished in a tie for fourth place at even-par with Jason Wilson, Bethlehem G.C.

Greg Farrow, Deerwood C.C., finished with a 1-over-par 73 to win the Super Senior Division, bettering Darryl Lock, Skippack G.C., by one stroke, and Jack Brennan, Mountain View C.C., by two strokes.

The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) held an event concurrently with the TaylorMade Classic, and it also featured a sudden-death playoff. J.T. Wambold defeated Zach Barbin on  the X playoff hole. Austin Barbin, Chesapeake Bay G.C., finished in third place with a 67. Four PGA Professionals tied for fourth place at 4-under-par.

Richard Stolz, Big Swing Golf Center, provided one of the event’s best shots, making a hole-in-one on No. 12. Stolz used an 8-iron from 167 yards. Well played, Richard!

To view the full 2025 TaylorMade Classic leaderboard, click here.

The 2025 TaylorMade Classic is presented by TaylorMade, and supported by KM Golf Sales, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Ballamor Golf Club, its membership, management, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

The next Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year event on the Section tournament schedule is the 27th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic on May 27 at Sunnybrook Golf Club.
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

Playing Through: Jim Smith Jr., PGA (S2E3)

April 30, 2025Comments Off on Playing Through: Jim Smith Jr., PGA (S2E3)Featured, PPGA

Welcome to the latest episode of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 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 Jim Smith Jr., the 2024 PGA of America Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient, and the PGA director of golf at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in Flourtown, Pa., host of next week’s Truist Championship on the PGA Tour.

To watch the episode, click on the below video.

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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

PGA VendorMatch Registration for 2026 PGA Championship Suppliers Opens May 6

April 30, 2025Comments Off on PGA VendorMatch Registration for 2026 PGA Championship Suppliers Opens May 6Featured, PPGA

Registration for PGA VendorMatch in support of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa., will open tomorrow, May 6!
 
PGA VendorMatch underscores the PGA of America’s commitment to local economic growth, community impact, and supplier inclusion in the host communities of its major spectator events. Sourcing opportunities will be available across 19 categories ranging from food and beverage, florals, transportation, electrician services, staffing, and more.
 
Register for PGA VendorMatch to potentially meet with the PGA of America and/or its larger suppliers for procurement opportunities: https://www.vraconnect.org/pga-vendor-match

Five Philadelphia PGA of America of America Members Make 2025 PGA Professional Championship Final Cut

April 29, 2025Comments Off on Five Philadelphia PGA of America of America Members Make 2025 PGA Professional Championship Final CutPPGA

Five PGA of America Golf Professionals hailing from the Philadelphia PGA Section have made the 2025 PGA Professional Championship cut and will compete in the final round on Wednesday, April 30: Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Brett Walker, Chester Valley Golf Club; Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run Country Club; Mike Meisenzahl, Tavistock Country Club; and Zac Oakley, Bidermann Golf Club. The top 20 finishers following the conclusion of play will qualify for the 2025 PGA Championship, May 12-18, at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of the Corebridge Financial PGA Team.

The final round will be broadcast on Wednesday from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. To view the full leaderboard, 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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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