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Philadelphia PGA Section Accepting Award Nominations
Nominations for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2024 awards class are now being accepted by the Section’s Awards Committee. To nominate a PGA of America Golf Professional for one of the awards listed below, please complete the form by clicking the below button. The nomination deadline is August 25.
- Golf Professional of the Year
- Teacher & Coach of the Year
- Professional Development Award
- Bill Strausbaugh Award
- Player Development Award
- Youth Player Development Award
- Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category
- Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category
- Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category
- Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
- Patriot Award
- Deacon Palmer Award
- Golf Salesperson of the Year
Descriptions for each award are listed below. Any questions about the awards nomination process should be directed to Section Membership Director Sue Unger at sunger@pgahq.com or (215) 886-7742.
Submit Nominations- Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate has developed the image , reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members as a PGA Professional;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the Association and game of golf, as well as helping to further educate and train their fellow PGA Professionals;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game of golf.
- Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the game of golf, as well as helping to further educate their fellow PGA professionals with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
- Candidate must have attended or conducted a minimum combined total of 10 national teaching workshops, teaching / coaching summits or Section teaching workshops or teaching / coaching summits within the last 15 years.
- Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of education and training PGA Professionals;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America and the game of golf to further educate and train fellow PGA Members, Associates, and industry stakeholders;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
- Candidate must be one of the following: Master Professional, Certified Professional, served as an Associate Subject Matter Expert (SME), adjunct PGA faculty member, or have conducted and/or taught at a minimum combined total of 10 national education programs / workshops (to include PGA PGM) or Section education programs / workshops within the last 10 years.
their work performance, and become the PGA Member that they aspire to be.” Minimum criteria:
- Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America in the effort to further the careers of fellow PGA Professionals as a mentor, counselor, teacher and advisor;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of leadership and service to the Association, individual PGA Professionals, and the community at-large;
- Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry within the specific area of employment and club relations.
- Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in player development as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of player development;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of player development;
- Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry in the effort to grow meaningful participation in the game.
- Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in youth player development efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum of 10 years;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of youth player development;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of youth player development; Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, as well as a proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for youth to learn, play and participate in the game.
Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: The Assistant Golf Professional of the Year award recognizes an PGA of America Assistant Golf Professional who displays extraordinary service and commitment at their facility and within the industry. The award considers a professionals focus on facility operations, section and/or community service and growth of the game. Minimum criteria:
- Candidate must be a PGA of America Member in good standing;
- Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member;
- Demonstration and acknowledgement as an individual of outstanding leadership and strong moral character.
- Candidate must currently by a Class A Member in good standing and involved in military programming efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of contribution and support to the United States Armed Forces and Active Duty and Reserved personnel and veterans;
- Candidate must have displayed proven interest, concern, and ability to provide opportunities and experience for active duty, reservists, and veterans to learn and play golf;
- Candidate must have shown an ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of service to the military;
- Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, and proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for military personnel to learn, play and participate in the game.
- Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing and/or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years combined;
- Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member, demonstrating outstanding leadership traits, and strong moral character;
- Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire, empower, and encourage success and achievement in individuals regardless of obstacles, disabilities, and personal challenges or otherwise;
- Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to be PGA of America, fellow PGA Professionals, their facility, and the community in the effort to enhance and improve the quality of life for all individuals;
- Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry.
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: Sue Unger, Membership Director, sunger@pgahq.com
Philadelphia PGA Section Accepting Board Nominations
The Philadelphia PGA Section is seeking nominations for our Board of Directors, including officers, Director of Section affairs, and District Directors in Districts 2, 4, and 6. The election is scheduled to take place at our Fall Membership Meeting on October 28.
- District 2 Director
District 2 includes the entire state of Delaware. - District 4 Director
District 4 includes Pennsylvania’s Bradford, Carbon, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lycoming, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northcumberland, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. - District 6 Director
District 6 includes Pennsylvania’s Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Bucks (South of Route 202) counties.
The membership, officers, and board would like to thank District Directors Michael Caldwell, Mike Molino, Scott Chisholm, and Tom Gilbert for their service on the board. All three are eligible to run and serve another term.
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
Philadelphia PGA Section Accepting 2024 Hall of Fame Nominations
Nominations for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2024 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 19.
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 identify as one or more of:
- 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
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 Membership Director Sue Unger at sunger@pgahq.com.
Submit NominationsAbout 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: Sue Unger, Membership Director, sunger@pgahq.com
ShopRite LPGA Classic Seeking PGA of America Golf Professional Volunteers for Official Scoring
The 2024 ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer is seeking PGA of America Golf Professional volunteers to work the scoring areas at Seaview on Friday, June 7 – Sunday, June 9.
Philadelphia PGA Members and Associates will be stationed in the scoring tents on hole Nos. 9 and 18 to review, verify, and record each LPGA Tour member’s official scorecards. This is a great opportunity to build your resume and interact with some of the world’s most elite players. PDR credits will also be provided to those who volunteer.
If you are interested in becoming a scoring volunteer for this year’s ShopRite LPGA Classic, please click on the button below and complete the form. A tournament representative or Section staffer will contact selected volunteers as the event nears.
VolunteerContact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com
New Web Series: At the Turn
The Philadelphia PGA Section is excited to announce a new web series, “At the Turn,” where Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA, shares wisdom and advice from PGA of America Golf Professionals.
The debut topic is “External reinforcement is temporary,” submitted by Section Secretary and Overbrook Golf Club PGA Head Golf Professional Eric Kennedy. 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.
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
Four Local Youth Golfers Dominate at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National G.C.
Augusta, Georgia (April 7, 2024) — The historic Augusta National Golf Club was the backdrop for the four Philadelphia-area youth golfers, who qualified for the Drive Chip and Putt National Finals. Colby Komancheck, Phoenixville, Pa.; Kayley Roberts, Phoenixville, Pa.; Trebor Melendez, Vineland, N.J.; and Trisha Lobo, Collegeville, Pa.; all gave excellent performances, making the Philadelphia PGA Section proud.
Colby Komancheck dominated in the Drive skill, carding a 283-yard first drive. His performance in the chip and putt skills was also admirable, earning him the third-place trophy for the Boys 14-15 Division. Komancheck’s mother Kelly, an LPGA member, served as his caddie during the competition. His father, Jamie, is a PGA of America Member; both work at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve in Phoenixville.
Trebor Melendez is known for his electric short game. He excelled in the Chip and Putt skills, even holing out his last putting attempt. This earned him third overall for the Boys 10-11 Division.
Trisha Lobo, the youngest of the four qualifiers from the Section, was most excited for the putting portion of the competition. Her sharp putting performance and long drives catapulted her towards a third-place overall victory in the Girls 7-9 Division.
Kayley Roberts had a notable performance in her Drive and Chip skills, with her long drive sitting at an impressive 257 yards. Roberts tied for seventh place in the Girls 14-15 Division.
“It was very exciting to have four local players qualify for the National Finals,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “All four players gave outstanding performances and having three of them place showcases the talent we have in our area. These four outstanding young golfers represented our Section, and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour very well, and we are so proud of them.”
To view the final results of the National Drive, Chip and Putt Finals, 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: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com
Playing Through Web Series: Matt Frey, PGA (S1E2)
Welcome to the latest episode of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s new 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 the Section’s communication director and PGA of America Member Matt Frey. 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.
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
Philadelphia PGA Section and Silvercrest Asset Management Group Announce Return of Silvercrest Cup
Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (April 1, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the PGA of America’s 41 geographical managing entities, and Silvercrest Asset Management Group, an investment advisor providing asset management and family office services to high net worth individuals and select institutional investors, are excited to announce the return of the Silvercrest Cup, a tournament series for Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professionals.
The series will include four qualifying events for Philadelphia PGA Professionals, and will culminate in a $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final, hosted at Union League Liberty Hill in Lafayette Hill, Pa. The Silvercrest Cup champion is set to receive $15,000, one of the most lucrative winner’s checks on the Section’s tournament calendar. In addition to the final purse, each qualifying event will include a bonus pool of $3,000, to be shared between each qualifier’s champion and runner-up.
While the Silvercrest Cup rewards playing excellence of Philadelphia PGA Professionals and top amateurs, the series will also provide significant donations to local foundations, including the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, PGA REACH Philadelphia, and the GAP’s J.Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust. In 2022, Silvercrest donated $10,000 to both organizations.
“We thrilled to have the Silvercrest Cup tournament series return this season, and are grateful to our partner, Silvercrest Asset Management Group, for the opportunities they are providing to our PGA Professionals, and our foundation,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “Silvercrest values the hard work and dedication of our PGA Members, and are invested in them and the industry’s future, beginning at the local level.”
Last season, Whitemarsh Valley Country Club’s Dave Pagett, PGA, and amateur Andrew Keeling tied to share the Silvercrest Cup at Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pa.
Fifty-four PGA Professionals will earn their place in the 2024 Silvercrest Cup final via a points system drawn from their performance in each qualifying event; the top eight amateurs on the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s (GAP) William Hyndman III Player of the Year list will also be invited to compete. To follow the action throughout the season, visit phillypga.com.
2024 Silvercrest Cup Tournament Series Schedule
May 6, 2024
TaylorMade Classic
Silvercrest Cup Qualifier No. 1
Tavistock Country Club
Tavistock, N.J.
May 20, 2024
Delaware Valley Open
Silvercrest Cup Qualifier No. 2
Bellewood Country Club
Pottstown, Pa.
June 17, 2024
Conestoga Classic
Silvercrest Cup Qualifier No. 3
Conestoga Country Club
Lancaster, Pa.
July 26, 2024
Doylestown Open
Silvercrest Cup Qualifier No. 4
Doylestown Country Club
Doylestown, Pa.
September 16, 2024
Silvercrest Cup
Union League Liberty Hill
Lafayette Hill, Pa.
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.
Contacts:
Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com
Kate Morin, Vice President, Silvercrest Asset Management Group, kmorin@