News
Mike Tobiason Captures National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Title; Earns Berth in 44th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship
Wayne, Pa. (August 3, 2020) — Mike Tobiason of Deerfield C.C. in Newark, Del., winner of the 2020 National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship at St. Davids G.C. will lead six Section PGA Professionals to compete Nov. 12-15, in the 44th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship.
The national Championship, supported by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, XXIO, Asics and John Deere will be held at PGA Golf Club, Port St. Luce, Fla.
Tobiason turned in a winning total of 8-under-par 68-62—130 to capture the National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship. Ashley Grier of Overbrook G.C. in Villanova, Pa.; Brett Walker of Sunnybrook G.C. in Plymouth Meeting, Pa.; Trevor Bensel of Overbrook G.C. in Villanova, Pa.; and Steve Swartz of West Shore C.C. in Camp Hill, Pa., and finished four strokes back at 4-under-par 134. They are joined by Ross Seaman of Manufacturer’s G. & C.C. in Fort Washington, Pa. Grier had already earned her spot in the national Championship for having been a member of the inaugural Women’s PGA Cup in 2019.
The National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship brings together a field of 132 contestants representing the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections and features a total purse of $150,000. All rounds will be played on the Wanamaker Course. A cut after 36 holes of play to the low 70 scorers and ties will be made.
Begun in 1977, the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship is modeled after the PGA Professional Championship, with a field of PGA Professionals and PGA Associates who advanced through 41 Section Championships conducted from May through October this year.
If eligibility is met and maintained, the champion earns a berth in the 54th PGA Professional Championship to be conducted April 25-28, 2021, at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the St. Davids G.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, as the championship would not have been possible without their support.
To view the full tournament leaderboard, click here.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America represents the very best in golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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.
Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com
Philadelphia PGA Section and The Haverford Trust Company Postpones 24th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic
Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (July 23, 2020) — In an effort to ensure a responsible event during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic while upholding the traditions of the tournament, the Philadelphia PGA Section and The Haverford Trust Company have postponed the 24th playing of the Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic. The tournament has been rescheduled for June 1, 2021, at its traditional host site, Sunnybrook G.C. in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., where PGA Professionals will compete for the largest PGA Section first prize in the nation, $100,000.
“While we are disappointed to postpone the 2020 Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic, our main focus is to provide our PGA Professional competitors with the best tournament and safest experience,” said The Haverford Trust Company and the Philadelphia PGA Section in a joint statement. “We believe rescheduling the tournament for 2021 will allow us to host a safe and successful event.
The Philadelphia PGA Section looks forward to next year’s event and continuing the legendary invitational with its partner, The Haverford Trust Company.
PGA Professionals who have 2020 Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic registrations pending will not be charged. More information regarding next year’s event will be released closer to the date.
About The Haverford Trust Company
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 40 years in a finance industry dominated by giants through our passion and adaptability. With more than 90 employees and over $9.3 billion* in assets, our size is our advantage. We get to know you and your needs at every level. You may speak with anyone, at any level of the organization, at any time. Our size allows us to be flexible and move with agility to address your individual investment needs. But we have never lost focus on the essentials: the Quality Investing philosophy that provides our clients with the right mix of stability and growth across the market cycle. And we never will. For more information, visit HaverfordQuality.com.
*Including assets under management or consultation for The Haverford Trust Company and Haverford Financial Services as of 6/30/2020.
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.
Communications Director, Philadelphia PGA Section
mfrey@pgahq.comVeronica McKee
Vice President of Marketing, The Haverford Trust Company
vmckee@haverfordquality.com
Lebanon C.C.’s Farnham and Blalock Win 2020 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Scratch Championship
Bethlehem, Pa. (July 27, 2020) — The team representing Lebanon (Pa.) C.C., PGA Associate Bobby Farnham and his amateur partner Brian Blalock won the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Pro-Scratch Championship on Saucon Valley C.C.’s Old Course.
Farnham, an assistant professional at Lebanon C.C., and Blalock, who was eligible for the event with a handicap less than 5.0, finished with a score of 8-under-par 63, one stroke better than the team from Lancaster (Pa.) C.C., PGA Assistant Professional Matt Goudie and his amateur partner Ken Phillips. Gulph Mills G.C.’s Alec Brown, PGA, and partner Kevin Cahill finished in third with a 65. Two teams tied for fourth place.
The Farnham / Blalock Four-Ball score is impressive on a layout such as Saucon Valley C.C.’s Old Course, which has played host to the 2009 U.S. Women’s Open, two U.S. Senior Opens (1992, 2000) and a U.S. Amateur Championship (1951).
The 2020 Pro-Scratch Championship is supported by Criquet. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Saucon Valley C.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.
To view the full tournament 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.
Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com
Philadelphia PGA Board of Directors Amends Tournament Dress Code Policy
The Philadelphia PGA Board of Directors amended Article VIII, Section 8.17 of its Tournament Rules and Regulations on Thursday, which affects the dress code for all all sponsored, co-sponsored and sanctioned events conducted in the Section. The change, effective immediately, allows male PGA Professionals to wear shorts from July 1 – August 31. No cargo or denim shorts will be permitted.
During the July 1 – August 31 time period, the Philadelphia PGA Tournament Committee may select events where shorts will not be permitted. The committee will also have the ability outside of this time frame to allow shorts if the weather conditions are severe enough to warrant it.
Women PGA Professionals may continue to wear culottes, shorts, or golf skirts in Section events.
To review the full Philadelphia PGA Section Tournament Rules and Regulations, click here.
Contact:
Philadelphia PGA Tournament Department
(267) 622-6180
ppgatournaments@pgahq.com
2020 William Hyndman III Memorial Classic Cancelled Due to Severe Weather
Huntingdon Valley, Pa. (July 6, 2020) — The severe weather that developed in southeastern Pennsylvania Monday forced the suspension of play in and ultimately the cancellation of the 2020 William Hyndman III Memorial Classic at Huntingdon Valley C.C. The Philadelphia PGA Section is looking forward to annual tournament’s playing in 2021.
The William Hyndman III Memorial Classic, originally named the William Hyndman III Insurance Open, has hosted in the Philadelphia PGA Section since 1982. Played annually at Huntingdon Valley C.C., home of the legendary amateur golfer and tournament namesake William Hyndman III, the tournament is included in the annual OMEGA Player of the Year presented by the Haverford Trust Company. Hyndman won the event as an amateur in 1984 at the age of 67.
The 2020 William Hyndman III Memorial Classic is supported by the Hyndman Family; Jack Jolly & Son Inc.; Kevin McClellan Golf Sales; Scott Hutchinson; Conrad JJ Radclife, Esq.; and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the Huntingdon Valley C.C., its management and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.
About William Hyndman III
William Hyndman III was one of the most accomplished Philadelphia amateur golfers in history. Hyndman’s resume developed early by winning the 1935 Philadelphia Amateur at the age of 19; he ultimately accumulated three Philadelphia Amateur titles, 10 Patterson Cup crowns, and six Silver Crosses. Hyndman also made nine Masters Tournament appearances and made a hole-in-one on Augusta National G.C.’s 12th hole. By the time Hyndman ended his golfing career, he had competed in 50 USGA championships, including playing on five Walker Cup teams and winning two U.S. Senior Amateur titles.
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.
Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com
PGA of America Board Votes to Rename the Horton Smith Award
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (July 2, 2020) — The PGA of America Board of Directors has voted to rename the Horton Smith Award effective immediately. It will be replaced with the new PGA Professional Development Award, honoring a PGA Member for outstanding contributions to professional education.
The PGA Board of Directors announced renaming the Horton Smith Award, which had been presented annually since 1965, based upon review of its namesake. Horton Smith, a two-time Masters Champion who served as PGA President from 1952-54, was a defender of the “Caucasian-only” membership clause, which was regrettably included in the PGA Bylaws from 1934-61.
The PGA Professional Development Award retains the previous criteria that showcases individuals who have demonstrated achievements in professional education.
“In renaming the Horton Smith Award, the PGA of America is taking ownership of a failed chapter in our history that resulted in excluding many from achieving their dreams of earning the coveted PGA Member badge and advancing the game of golf,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “We need to do all we can to ensure the PGA of America is defined by inclusion. Part of our mission to grow the game is about welcoming all and bringing diversity to the sport. With the new PGA Professional Development Award, we will recognize effective inclusion efforts and honor those across our 41 PGA Sections who continue to promote and improve our educational programs. We look forward to doing more of both as we move forward.”
The first PGA Professional Development Award will be presented Oct. 27-30, during the PGA’s 104th Annual Meeting in Hartford, Connecticut.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals who daily work to grow interest and inclusion in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Contact:
Michael Abramowitz PGA of America 561/389-4647 mabramowitz@pgahq.com
Lamp and Firestone Win 2020 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship
Galloway, N.J. (June 29, 2020) — The PGA Professional team from Galloway (N.J.) National G.C., Jason Lamp and Noah Firestone won the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship at Seaview G.C. with a Four-Ball score of 8-under-par 63.
Lamp and Firestone finished two strokes ahead of PGA Professional teams Greg Wingate and Brett Walker, Sunnybrook G.C.; Dustin McCormick and Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C.; and Samuel Ambrose and Nick Iacono, Chester Valley G.C. Three teams tied for fifth place.
In the Non-PGA Professional Division, Lee Gardenhour and Jacob Suder, Chambersburg C.C., took first place with a score of 5-under-par 66, one stroke ahead of the teams of Anthony Malizia and Blake Hinckley, Bidermann G.C.; and Mark McCartney and Nick Dentino, Little Mill C.C. Two teams tied for fourth in the Non-Pro Division.
The 2020 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional Championship is supported by Club Car / Golf Cars Inc., Golf Genius Software, Golf Max, Hath CBD, PRG Golf, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the Seaview G.C., its management and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.
To view the full tournament 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.
Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com
Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Formation of Women’s Committee
The Women’s Committee was established to advocate for women PGA Members, Associates and Students, in addition to women golf industry members, and the women’s game. Members of the committee will provide a unified voice to bolster conviction, visibility and opportunity for women PGA Professionals through active communication and engagement.
The committee, chaired by Meghan Spero, PGA, will work on recruitment and retention outreach within and outside the Section boundaries, offer career advice and continued mentorship, host networking and educational events, and lead as a conduit of change for club culture and perceptions of women PGA Professionals. Furthermore, the committee will collaborate with local allied golf organizations to create and promote programs that grow youth girl’s golf and the women’s game, while offering leadership and networking events for women and girls.
“The PGA of America’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion, and in particular, the development of women as players and industry leaders is steadfast,” said Spero. “What we are excited to do with the creation of this Women’s Committee is bring the same resources and energy to our own community. Through the support of the Section, we have a great opportunity to nurture an environment for girls, women and PGA Professionals to have fun, grow and find their place in this great game and business of golf.”
The inaugural committee consists of six women PGA Members, all of whom have been leaders nationally, in the Section, and in their respective fields for years, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and influence to the goals and objectives of the committee.
Philadelphia PGA Section Women’s Committee, 2020
- Meghan Spero, PGA
Director of Membership Development & Communications, Wilmington (Del.) Country Club
Philadelphia PGA Section Women’s Committee Chair - Becky Dengler, PGA
Golf Coach, Ed Oliver Golf Club, Wilmington, Del.
2016 Philadelphia PGA Section Teacher of the Year - Elizabeth Granahan, PGA
Director of Instruction / Co-Owner, The G2 Golf Group LLC, Thorndale, Pa.
2009 Philadelphia PGA Section Teacher of the Year - Ashley Grier, PGA
Assistant Professional, Overbrook Golf Club, Bryn Mawr, Pa.
2018 Philadelphia PGA Section Assistant Golf Professional of the Year - Leila Mackie, PGA
Director, PGA REACH Philadelphia, Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa.
PGA Certified Professional, Player Development - Sara Muldoon, PGA
Director of Golf, Hershey (Pa.) Country Club
2019 PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category
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
Meghan Spero, PGA, Chair, Philadelphia PGA Section Women’s Committee, mspero@wilmingtoncc.com
Curtis Kirkpatrick, PGA, Wins 2020 Jack Jolly & Son Championship
Medford, N.J. (June 22, 2020) — Indian Spring C.C. PGA Head Professional Curtis Kirkpatrick won the 2020 Jack Jolly & Son Championship in a sudden-death playoff against Brian Bergstol at Medford Village C.C. Kirkpatrick and Bergstol both scored 2-under-par 70s, enroute to the playoff. Kirkpatrick birdied the first playoff hole, the par-5 10th, to win the championship. There was a six-way tie for third place.
“It’s awesome to win my first Section points event,” said an elated Kirkpatrick. “It was a great day.”
Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware, Pa., won the Philadelphia Assistants Organization Division (PAO) by one stroke over Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C., Stroudsburg, Pa.; and Trevor Bensel, Overbrook G.C., Villanova, Pa.
In the Senior Division, there was a three-way tie for first place with scores of 1-under-par 71: Brian Kelly, Bucknell G.C., Lewisburg, Pa.; Greg Farrow, Deerwood C.C., Westampton, N.J.; and Robert Lennon, Wilmington (Del.) C.C. George Frake, Moorestown (N.J.) Field Club finished in fourth place, two strokes behind the trio. Farrow and Lennon also shared first place in the Super Senior Division, finishing four strokes ahead of third place finisher Don DeAngelis, Spring Ford C.C., Royersford, Pa.
The 2020 Jack Jolly & Son Championship is supported by Jack Jolly & Son Inc.; Jani-King; Scott Hutchinson; Conrad JJ Radcliffe, Esq.; and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the Medford Village C.C., its management and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.
To view the full tournament 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.
Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com