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
Following the conclusion of the meeting, a field of 152 PGA of America Golf Professionals teed it up in a two-person scramble at RiverCrest and neighboring Bellewood Golf Club, with PGA of America Members Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C., and Joe Kogelman, GOLFTEC Moorestown; teaming to win at RiverCrest; and Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, and Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; took the top spot at Bellewood. Quinn and Kogelman finished with a team score of 12-under-par 59 to top John F. Byrne G.C.’s Anthony Hoffman and Rocco Sgrillo by one stroke. Four teams tied for third place at 9-under-par. At Bellewood, Bergstol and Oakley prevailed by two strokes over a trio of teams, thanks to their team score of 60, 11-under-par.
One the the highlights of the tournament was PGA of America Member Joanna Coe, Merion G.C., making a hole-in-one on No. 17. Coe used a 9-iron from 136 yards. It was her first ace in 12 years. Well played, Joanna!
