News

Pennsylvania Governor Recognizes May 11 as Day of HOPE

May 10, 2026Comments Off on Pennsylvania Governor Recognizes May 11 as Day of HOPEFeatured, PPGA

We are proud to share that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has officially recognized May 11, 2026, as the Day of HOPE in Pennsylvania. This proclamation celebrates the incredible impact of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and its mission to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our veterans through the game of golf.

To mark this occasion, veterans and PGA of America Golf Professionals will gather at Chester Valley Golf Club in Malvern, Pennsylvania, during PGA Championship Week to compete in the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. This event highlights the resilience of our military community and the power of adaptive golf.

 

Read the Proclamation

PGA HOPE is PGA REACH Philadelphia’s flagship military program that provides six weeks of golf lessons from PGA of America Golf Professionals, to both former and active duty military personnel, completely free of charge. The program is designed to build confidence and forge communities and recognized as an official form of therapy from the VA Hospital. We run more than 20 chapters in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, impacting more than 2,000 veterans since the program’s inception in 2015. Nationwide, PGA HOPE boasts a growing community of over 15,000 veterans.

The PGA HOPE Philadelphia Tour launched in 2025 with the goal of keeping PGA HOPE Philadelphia program graduates engaged with their fellow veterans, and expose them to competitive golf. The inaugural season featured over 120 veterans across eight tournaments, including an invitational at Merion Golf Club. The tour concluded its season with the Tour Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. Thanks to support from PGA Tour Superstore, the tour experienced great success and is expanding in 2026.

PGA HOPE Philadelphia By the Numbers:

Over 2,000 veterans / Active Duty served
160 PGA HOPE-Trained PGA Professionals
20 PGA HOPE Chapter locations
18 PGA HOPE Philadelphia Tour events

Help us continue this mission: PGA HOPE has provided years of dedicated service to those who have sacrificed so much. Your support ensures that these life-changing programs remain available to our local heroes.

 

Support PGA HOPE

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit pgareachphiladelphia.com To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please 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: Courtney Curcio, Director, ccurcio@pgahq.com

PGA of America Golf Professional Tom Koenig and Team Crowned Champions of the 2026 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team Championship

May 6, 2026Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Tom Koenig and Team Crowned Champions of the 2026 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Lady Team ChampionshipFeatured, PPGA

Allentown, Pa. (May 6, 2026) — PGA of America Golf Professional Tom Koenig and his team of lady amateur golfers Tina Landis, Dawn Capriotti, and Donna Dalusio from Penn Oaks Golf Club were crowed champions of the 2026 Philadelphia PGA Spring Pro-Lady Team Championship Presented by Parx Casino® and Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board. Despite the cooler and drizzly weather, the team managed to finish with an impressive net score of 13-under-par to claim first place.

One stroke back in second place were three teams: Laurel Creek Country Club’s Matt DiEleuterio, Chrissy Duman, Christine Blessing and Linda Toogood, Glen Brook Golf Club’s Dustin McCormick, Allison Stettler, Patty Wiesmeth and Deb Bettini and Bidermann Golf Club’s Zac Oakley, Anne Warner, Mary Harding Cist and Margaret Smith. Five teams tied for third place at 11-under-par.

Winning first prize in the Gross Division was Overbrook Golf Club’s Eric Kennedy, Emily Endres, Kiersten Bodge and Katelyn Bodge, who shot 6-under-par. Second place, one stroke back at 5-under-par was Bidermann Golf Club’s Zac Oakley, Anne Warner, Mary Harding Cist and Margaret Smith. Moselem Spring Golf Club’s Jeff Fick, Jess Wolgemuth, Delia Keys and Jill Kramer, tied with Matt DiEleuterio, Chrissy Duman, Christine Blessing and Linda Toogood out of Laurel Creek C.C. and  Joanna Coe, Jill Unruh, Alison Shoemaker, Kim Garno from Merion Golf Club for third place.

To view the full 2026 Spring Pro-Lady leaderboard, click here.

The 2026 Philadelphia PGA Spring Pro-Lady Team Championship is presented by Parx Casino® and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board and supported by Bethany Travel. The Philadelphia Section extends its gratitude to our gracious host, Lehigh Country Club, and its staff, members  and management as this event would not be possible without its support.

The Philadelphia PGA will be taking a brief intermission during PGA Championship week and will return on Monday, May 18 for the Delaware Valley Open at Scotland Run 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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

Playing Through: Rick Flagler, PGA (S3E2)

May 6, 2026Comments Off on Playing Through: Rick Flagler, PGA (S3E2)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 Rick Flagler, a PGA golf instructor at Five Ponds Golf Club in Warminster, Pennsylvania, and the PGA Coach for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup team.

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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

Global Golf Post Launches Second Wind, Exceptional Long-Form Golf Journalism

May 5, 2026Comments Off on Global Golf Post Launches Second Wind, Exceptional Long-Form Golf JournalismPPGA

Glenview, Ill. (April 21, 2026) – Global Golf Post has launched Second Wind, a long-form golf journalism publication delivered by email twice monthly. Available by annual subscription at $95 per year, Second Wind publishes a single, deeply reported story with each edition — exploring the people, places and ideas shaping the global game.

The publication was built for a specific kind of reader: The discerning golfer who wants to understand not just what happened in the game, but why it matters. These are not quick reads. The stories are written to endure — meant to be saved and discussed.

FREE READ: Brotherly spirit; Philadelphia is a golf town like no other; By John Steinbreder

Read Now

“We weren’t trying to create another newsletter,” said Jim Nugent, Publisher of Global Golf Post. “We wanted to create something rare. Golf has no shortage of coverage. But depth, perspective, reporting that lingers — that’s harder to find. Second Wind exists because we believe the game deserves journalism worthy of it.”

Early response has been striking. Subscribers are spending five to seven minutes with each edition — an extraordinary level of engagement in today’s fast-paced media environment. Readers describe setting aside uninterrupted time for each issue, a habit more associated with long-form magazines than email.

“Golf has always attracted serious readers. What Second Wind is doing — the depth, the reporting, the respect for the reader’s time — that’s been missing for a long time,” said Bob Ford, legendary PGA Professional who retired after successful careers at Oakmont Country Club and Seminole Golf Club.

The publication’s name carries two meanings. The first is the renewal that athletes and journalists alike discover when they push through difficulty and find clarity on the other side. The second is a deliberate tribute.

Herbert Warren Wind wrote about golf for The New Yorker for half a century. He named Amen Corner. He co-wrote Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons, still among the game’s most consistent sellers. David Remnick, his editor at The New Yorker, described his writing as “spare, measured, and sure, like the man.” Among those who care about golf and the written word, there is no more revered name in the craft. His surname is Wind — and Global Golf Post’s use of it in this publication pays homage to what he represented: depth, patience, and the belief that a golf story can be made with the same care as the game itself is played.

Stories published to date include profiles of Rory McIlroy and Charley Hull, an examination of Peter Dawson’s influence on the modern game, and an account of Nike Golf’s ambitious equipment era. Each edition is available in full to subscribers, with select articles available outside the paywall. Full archive access is included with every annual subscription.

Annual subscriptions are available here.

About Global Golf Post

Global Golf Post is an independent golf media company delivering journalism, analysis, and commentary to serious golf readers worldwide. Second Wind is its long-form e-journalism initiative, published twice monthly.

Media Contact:

James Nugent

Global Golf Post

407/496-4955

nuge@globalgolfpost.com

Join Us for a PGA of America Golf Professional Reception at the PGA Championship

May 5, 2026Comments Off on Join Us for a PGA of America Golf Professional Reception at the PGA ChampionshipFeatured, PPGA

The PGA of America and the Philadelphia PGA Section are pleased to invite you to the PGA Member Welcome Reception presented by Corebridge Financial on Friday, May 15, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  

This special celebration will be held in the PGA Member Club hospitality at Aronimink Golf Club, located between the first and second holes.

Enjoy elevated hors d’oeuvres and bar supported by our partner, Corebridge Financial. Formal remarks and a special plaque presentation to the Section will begin at approximately 5:15 p.m.

We look forward to celebrating this historic week with you at Aronimink!

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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

PGA of America Golf Professional Andrew Cornish Wins 2026 Philadelphia PGA Conestoga Classic, PAO Event

May 4, 2026Comments Off on PGA of America Golf Professional Andrew Cornish Wins 2026 Philadelphia PGA Conestoga Classic, PAO EventFeatured, PPGA

Lancaster, Pennsylvania (May 4, 2026) — PGA of America Golf Professional Andrew Cornish of Llanerch Country Club in Havertown, Pennsylvania, finished his round with an impressive 7-under-par 63 to win the 2026 Philadelphia PGA Conestoga Classic at Conestoga Country Club on a beautiful spring day. He bettered Rolling Green Golf Club’s Braden Shattuck, PGA, by one stroke. The event is a Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event.

Cornish made seven birdies and avoided dropping a shot en route to his victory.

“It was a good day,” said Cornish following the conclusion of play. “The course is short, but can get tricky. I think I hit all 18 greens, and made the putts when I needed to.”

Cornish started his day at 9:30 a.m. off the 10th tee, and had a long wait to see if his score would hold against the field. He said he went out to have lunch with his parents and had a Blizzard at Dairy Queen with fellow PGA Professional Jim Parella.

He went on to thank Conestoga Country Club and its staff, Llanerch Country Club and its membership, his parents, Titleist, and his fiancé Tessa Teachman of Aronimink Golf Club.

Chris Gray, Rehoboth Beach Country Club, finished in third place at 3-under-par, followed by three PGA Professionals who tied for fourth place at 2-under: Dave McNabb, Applebrook Golf Club; Tony Perla, Huntingdon Valley Country Club; and Ross Brown, Fox Hill Country Club.

In the Senior Division, McNabb walked away with the winner’s check, thanks to his 2-under-par round of 68. The Country Club at Woodloch Springs’ John Pillar, PGA, and Royal Oaks Golf Club’s Terry Hatch both finished one stroke behind McNabb, followed by Brendon Post, University of Delaware; and Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek Country Club; who tied for fourth place at 1-over-par.

The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter, PGA, earned the Super Senior Division title, finishing at 2-under-par, five clear of Wayne Phillips, Lehigh Country Club. PGA Life Member Jeffrey Van Etten finished in third place at 4-over-par, Greg Farrow, Deerwood Country Club, in fourth place at 5-over-par, and Jack Brennan, Mountain View Country Club, rounding out the top five at 6-over.

The Philadelphia PGA Section’s Central Counties Chapter hosted an event concurrently with the Conestoga Classic, with Ross Brown taking first. John Pillar finished one stroke back, followed by three PGA Professionals at even-par: Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Terry Hatch; and Alex Knoll, Glen Brook Golf Club.

The Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) also held an event at Conestoga, and Cornish ran away with the title, bettering Whitford Country Club’s Anthony Sebastianelli, PGA, and Chesapeake Bay Golf Club’s Zach Barbin, PGA, by six strokes. Four PGA Professionals tied for fourth place at even-par: Ryan Rucinski, Applebrook Golf Club; Brian Bergstol; Rob Wolfers, Manufacturers’ Golf & Country Club; and Alex Knoll.

Congratulations are in order for PGA Member Eric Figueroa of McCall Golf Club for making a hole-in-one on Conestoga’s fifth hole. He used a 6-iron from 191 yards. Well played, Eric!

To view the full 2026 Philadelphia PGA Conestoga Classic leaderboard, click here.

The 2026 Philadelphia PGA Conestoga Classic is supported by Cobra Puma Golf, Ohana Farm LLC, the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Conestoga Country Club, their ownership, management, host PGA Professionals, 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 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

Join Us for a PGA of America Associate Fitness and Networking Event at Cobbs Creek Golf Campus

May 4, 2026Comments Off on Join Us for a PGA of America Associate Fitness and Networking Event at Cobbs Creek Golf CampusFeatured, PPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Section has organized a complimentary networking event for PGA of America Associates on Wednesday, June 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Financial Center (golf range) on the Cobbs Creek Golf Campus. In addition to networking with peers, FitGolf Performance Specialist Jason Rivkin will lead a discussion on golf fitness. PGA Career Consultant Joe Doughty, PGA, and PGA Recruiting & Member Engagement Specialist Leila Mackie, PGA, will also be in attendance to answer questions about the Association, employment, compensation, along with updates from the Section and PAO (Philadelphia Assistants Organization). To register, click on the below button.Register

Philadelphia PGA Associate Networking Event
Wednesday, June 10
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.Cobbs Creek Golf Campus
Lincoln Financial Center Golf Range
7400 Lansdowne Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19151

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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com

Philadelphia PGA Section Accepting Hall of Fame Nominations

May 1, 2026Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Accepting Hall of Fame NominationsPPGA

Nominations for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2026 Hall of Fame class are now being accepted. To nominate a PGA of America Golf Professional for this prestigious honor, please complete the form linked below. The nomination deadline is August 3.

Nomination Guidelines

  • Nominee must be a PGA of America Member with a minimum of 25 years of PGA Membership;
  • Nominee must have been a Philadelphia PGA Member for a minimum of 10 consecutive years;
  • Nominee must have experience as:
    • Philadelphia PGA Past President;
    • Philadelphia PGA officer with a minimum of 10 years of service;
    • PGA of America national award winner;
    • Philadelphia PGA award winner;
    • PGA Tour, LPGA Tour or PGA Tour Champions winner;
    • Ryder Cup team member;
    • PGA Professional Championship winner; and/or
    • Senior PGA Professional Championship winner;
  • Non-PGA Members should have at least 10 years of significant contributions to the Philadelphia Section PGA, the game of golf, and the golf profession;
  • Consideration for membership in the Hall of Fame will include, but are not limited to PGA offices held, playing accomplishments, and civic involvement;
  • Any additional nominee meeting criteria may be considered by the Hall of Fame Committee

Note: Each nomination must be submitted by a minimum of two PGA of America Golf Professionals in order to be considered by the Hall of Fame Committee.

Any questions about the Hall of Fame nomination process should be directed to Section Director of Operations Matt Frey, PGA, at mfrey@pgahq.com.

Submit Your Nomination

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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com