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Bayside Resort Golf Club, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort Tie in 2023 Philadelphia PGA Peninsula Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino®

April 17, 2023Comments Off on Bayside Resort Golf Club, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort Tie in 2023 Philadelphia PGA Peninsula Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino®PPGA

Millsboro, Del. (April 17, 2023) — Teams from Bayside Resort Golf Cub and Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort tied atop the leaderboard to share first place in the 2023 Philadelphia PGA Peninsula Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino® at the Peninsula Golf & Country Club on a windy, but warm spring day. The event was also supported by Antigua Apparel, and is part of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s pro-am series, also presented by Parx Casino®.

Bayside’s Eric Mason, PGA, led his team of amateurs, Kevin Klee, Martin Nelson, and Steve Hanssen, to finish with a 10-under-par 62 in the one best ball of four format, tying Shawnee Inn’s Brian Bergstol, PGA, and his team, Bryan Ott, Jason Wilson, and Riley Hogan. Three teams tied for third place, two strokes behind the winners: the Peninsula’s Will Scarborough, PGA, Steve Hammond, Dick Hogarth, and Bill Hartwell; MGolf Range & Learning Center’s Stu Ingraham, PGA, Russ Baribault, Dave Burchmore, and Jeff Swalley; and Moselem Springs Golf Club’s Jeff Fick, PGA, Dave Laudadio, Donna Laudadio, and Sam Morgan.

In the Gross Division, the Peninsula’s own Jesse Williams, PGA, and his team, Matt Hall, Matt Tredway, and Chris Bender, ended with the top prize, finishing with a team score of 6-under-par 66. Rolling Green Golf Club’s Braden Shattuck, PGA, Scott Shattuck, Jerry Haftmann III, and Jerry Haftmann tied Rehoboth Beach Country Club’s George Bushby, PGA, Mike McGuiness, Dave Humes, and Ed Brown.

To view the full 2023 Philadelphia PGA Peninsula Pro-Am Presented by Parx Casino® leaderboard, click here.

The 2023 Philadelphia PGA Peninsula Pro-Am is presented by Parx Casino® and supported by Antigua Apparel. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, the Peninsula Golf & Country Club, their members, 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board Renews as Philadelphia PGA Premier Partner

April 17, 2023Comments Off on Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board Renews as Philadelphia PGA Premier PartnerPPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (April 17, 2023) — The Philadelphia PGA today announced the renewal of Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) as a Premier Section Partner. The VFTCB is a non-profit membership sales and marketing organization which actively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County, Pa.

As part of the agreement, Valley Forge and Montgomery County will become a Presenting Partner of the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour, the Delaware Valley’s preeminent youth golf tour, and will extend their Premier Partner status for the Section’s women’s initiatives, as well as the 2023 PGA REACH Philadelphia Pro-Am, Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarships, Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, and both Spring and Summer-Pro Lady Team Championships.

“The Philadelphia PGA is thrilled to renew our partnership with Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, an organization that promotes all types of businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania, including our PGA Professionals’ golf facilities,” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “Having Valley Forge in our corner to help tell the story of our golf facilities is a win for our PGA Professionals, as well as their businesses, and communities.”

“Here at the VFTCB, we’re beyond proud to once again partner with the Philadelphia PGA,” said Mike Bowman, President & CEO of the VFTCB. “This group truly represents class in golf, and since Montco is home to 50 of the most historic and top-ranked courses in the country, it’s such a natural fit to connect with these folks. Plus, we both believe in the commitment to supporting women, diversity, and youth in the sport.”

The partnership is designed to maximize exposure to area golf courses and their PGA Professionals, while stimulating local business. A key portion of the agreement centers around the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour, as well as PGA REACH Philadelphia’s diversity & inclusion initiatives, including the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarships.

For those looking to learn more about the Section’s partnership with Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, please contact Section Communications Director Matt Frey, PGA, at mfrey@pgahq.com.

About Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board is a private, non-profit membership sales and marketing organization which actively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by promoting patronage of its member hotels, restaurants, attractions and services. The Board represents more than 500 member businesses throughout Southeast Pennsylvania, and is funded from a combination of Pennsylvania grants, membership dues, and a tax imposed on visitors occupying the county’s more than 9,400 hotel rooms. For more information, visit valleyforge.org.

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

Rachel Riley, Associate Vice President of Communications, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, riley@valleyforge.org

2023 ShopRite LPGA Classic Seeking Volunteers

April 13, 2023Comments Off on 2023 ShopRite LPGA Classic Seeking VolunteersPPGA

The 2023 ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer is seeking Philadelphia PGA Professional volunteers to work the scoring areas and player development lesson area at Seaview on June 9-11. PDR credits are available.

If you are interested in becoming a scoring volunteer for this year’s ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, please click on the button below and complete the form. A tournament representative or Section staffer will contact selected volunteers as the event nears.

Volunteer

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Opens Bud Jennings PGA Golf Management Scholarship Applications

April 10, 2023Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Opens Bud Jennings PGA Golf Management Scholarship ApplicationsPPGA

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (April 10, 2023) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is excited to officially launch the application process for the the Bud Jennings PGA Golf Management Scholarship. The scholarship was developed by the Jennings family to honor Bud Jennings, a lifelong golfer and longtime Chester Valley Golf Club member. Given Bud’s love for the game of golf, and his willingness to give back and help others, the Jennings family says that this award is the perfect way to remember his legacy.

The scholarship (up to $3,000 per recipient) will be awarded annually to both one male and one female Philadelphia PGA Associate aspiring to be elected to PGA Membership. Scholarship recipients will possess the skills, drive, and character it takes to become a first-class PGA Member.

Philadelphia PGA Associates who have already completed PGA PGM Level 1 may apply for the Bud Jennings PGA Golf Management Scholarship. The application deadline is July 1, 2023.

Application guidelines: applicant must show demonstration of outstanding qualities of leadership; demonstration of strong moral character; ability to maintain a substantial record of service to the Philadelphia PGA Section, PGA of America, and the game of golf; well-regarded as a model PGA Associate.

Ineligible classifications: Class F, Inactive, Philadelphia PGA Section staff.

To apply, click the below button.

Apply Now

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

Tour the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas

April 5, 2023Comments Off on Tour the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, TexasPPGA

The Home of the PGA aspires to connect people, deliver memorable experiences, and amplify member and association stories. We welcome you to come HOME.

We look forward to providing PGA Members, Associates, and staff opportunities to learn and connect through impactful storytelling and the common thread of golf. As you explore the new Home of the PGA, we hope to evoke emotion, share experiences, and provide opportunities to create long-lasting relationships through the state-of-the-art facility.

We are excited to extend an invitation to schedule a personalized tour of the Home of the PGA of America by contacting Sydney Jenkins at memberexperience@pgahq.com or by calling (214)-308-6038.

Please provide your PGA Member Identification Number prior to arrival and have your Member ID upon arrival so that the PGA Team can provide the best experience.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

To see a virtual drone tour of the new Home of the PGA, click on the below image.

All-New AGS Tour Seeks to Revolutionize the Way Amateur Golfers Compete

April 5, 2023Comments Off on All-New AGS Tour Seeks to Revolutionize the Way Amateur Golfers CompetePPGA

Radnor, Pa. – Millions of golfers across the country are faced with a similar problem: they want to play more golf but due to work, family and the prohibitive cost of joining a club, are unable to do so. Rather than put their clubs away and face the prospects of picking the game back up in retirement, our team set out to solve the problem.

The solution is the AGS Tour from the Amateur Golf Society of America presented by The Golf Association of Philadelphia. Our uniquely formatted event series enables amateurs to compete, on their schedules. Instead of hosting one or two-day events at a fixed day or time with a large entry fee, our week-long competitions see members tee it up at their convenience during the seven-day window at top public courses, with real-time scoring and leaderboards powered by Golf Genius. Featuring four net flights, seniors and women’s divisions, the AGS Tour provides opportunities for golfers of all skill levels. Members enjoy exclusive, advanced access to event tee sheets, ensuring that they can play when they want for a price they’re comfortable paying, with no minimum commitment. Golfers compete each week for prizes from sponsors and partners, and also earn points on our season-long list, much in the way PGA Tour professionals compete in the FedEx Cup.

“GAP is thrilled to partner with the AGS Tour, as the format allows players flexibility not found in traditional golf competition, while allowing members to discover both new GAP courses and playing partners,” said Steve Latos, GAP Director of Member Services. “Based on the success of the Tour in its past iteration, we are confident members of the AGS Tour will have an enhanced and expanded golfing experience.”

In addition to the groundbreaking partnership with The Golf Association of Philadelphia, The AGS Tour is also a supporting partner of the LPGA.

“The LPGA Amateur Golf Association is focused on connecting women of all abilities to learn, play and enjoy golf. Our 2023 partnership with the AGS Tour Women’s Division will allow us to continue to offer more playing opportunities in the PA, NJ and Delaware markets. We are excited to pilot this new benefit to our members!” – Mary-Lee Cobick, Senior Vice President, LPGA Foundation

“The Philadelphia PGA is proud to partner with Dan and the team from AGS,” stated Executive Director, Geoff Surrette. “Their efforts speak directly to our mission of growing the game of golf and we are excited to be part of their journey.”

“For too long, amateur golfers have faced a variety of obstacles preventing them from playing more golf. The AGS Tour concept tackles this challenge head on by providing additional playing opportunities, all-levels competition and unique perks to our membership. We’re thrilled to partner with the Golf Association of Philadelphia to roll out the Tour in three states for 2023, and we look forward to expanding our footprint with golf association partners in the years to come.” – Dan Hershberg, GM/Founder, AGS.

The AGS Tour app is now live, and the season tees off on April 24th. A standard membership starts at $75 and includes all the benefits of GAP Membership, including an official Handicap IndexⓇ, as well as dozens of perks from AGS sponsors and partners. A $65 senior membership is also available for golfers aged 55 or older. Premium memberships will be offered for $100, which include early access to purchase spots at AGS Match Play events, a series of five on-day competitions at top private courses in the greater Philadelphia area. Sign up available through AmateurGolfSociety.com.

About the Amateur Golf Society of America

AGS is a golf tour, technology and entertainment company. Our mission is to grow the beautiful game of golf by making it more inclusive and accessible, through our uniquely formatted competitive tour, advanced booking platform, and original content.

We operate The AGS Tour, presented by The Golf Association of Philadelphia. Our 2023 season features more than 60 events in three states including PA, NJ & DE, with plans to expand across America in the years ahead.

The AGS Tour’s unique format and booking platform enables amateurs to play competitive, tournament-style golf on their schedule. We are obsessed with giving our membership the best possible golf experience, and the tools to compete at the pinnacle of their ability.

Contact: Sam Spuhler, VP of Product and Analytics, sam@amateurgolfsociety.com, amateurgolfsociety.com

Philadelphia PGA Section is Proud to Partner with GolfForever

April 5, 2023Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section is Proud to Partner with GolfForeverPPGA

The Philadelphia PGA Section has partnered with GolfForever, a comprehensive, smart at-home training system that takes a science-based approach to maximize golfers’ performance by improving flexibility, core strength, balance, and rotational power.

With this partnership, you can expect wholesale and tournament opportunities, along with personal access to the GolfForever training program. This will allow you to help your customers warmup on the course and train at home, so they can play without limits.

Join the Live Webinar, April 12th, to Learn More

We invite you to join the top minds behind GolfForever for a live webinar, Playing Better Golf Starts with Your Body, on Wednesday, April 12 at 4:00 p.m. EST to learn:

  • Importance of fitness to unlock pain-free golf and lower scores
  • How GolfForever has helped top PGA Tour pros, including World #1 Scottie Scheffler
  • Science behind asymmetrical resistance bar training – and its link to improved golf performance
Register Now

For more information, please see the attachments
and contact your local sales rep,
Kevin DePaulis at kevindepaulis@gmail.com or (717) 319-1100. 

To view GolfForever’s pricing, click here; for their tournament package, click here.

Information From the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2023 Roundtables

April 4, 2023Comments Off on Information From the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2023 RoundtablesPPGA

Over the course of the offseason, the Philadelphia PGA Section hosted multiple in-person and virtual educational roundtable sessions. The topics of discussion, as well as the roundtable format, have proven to be highly interactive and beneficial for the group of participants. The day included a loose agenda to provide for some great peer-to-peer conversation on the many different topics facing our PGA Professionals, our Section, and our industry today. Thank you to all who attended and participated.

To review the slideshow presentation from the roundtables, click here. To watch the recording of the virtual women’s roundtable featuring PGA Members Suzy Whaley and Alison Curdt, click here.

Should you have questions for your PGA employment and player engagement teams, contact: Regional Director Jonathan Gold, PGA, jgold@pgahq.com; Recruiting Specialist Leila Mackie, PGA, leilam@pgahq.com; and Player Engagement Consultant Mike Smith, PGA, msmith@pgahq.com.

This year’s roundtable series was presented by Brightview. To learn more about Brightview, click here. For a discovery conversation contact Ron Stepanek, PGA, at (267) 804-5473 or ron.stepanek@brightview.com.

On behalf of our membership, the Section thanks Brightview and Ron for their support, as well as our District Directors and host facilities.

Looking for more learning opportunities? The Section is hosting a Tech Forum on Wednesday, April 12 at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m…click here to learn more and to register.

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. Founded in 1921, the Section celebrates its centennial in 2021.

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Kicks Off Season With Spring Membership Meeting

March 27, 2023Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Kicks Off Season With Spring Membership MeetingPPGA

Wilmington, Del. (March 27, 2023) — The Philadelphia PGA Section officially kicked off its PGA Professional tournament season following the conclusion of its 2023 Spring Membership Meeting at DuPont Country Club.

Approximately 200 PGA Professionals gathered at DuPont to conduct the Section’s official business. PGA of America President John Lindert, C.C. of Lansing; travelled to the Section to participate in a town hall with Section President Patrick Shine, Doylestown C.C.; PGA District 2 Director John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs; and Incoming District 2 Director David Reasoner, Ridgewood C.C. The group discussed PGA Professional recruiting and compensation, work-life balance, and much more.

The Section also formally announced its new Bud Jennings PGA Golf Management Scholarship. The scholarship was developed by the Jennings family to honor Bud Jennings, a lifelong golfer and longtime Chester Valley Golf Club member. Given Bud’s love for the game of golf, and his willingness to give back and help others, the Jennings family says that this award is the perfect way to remember his legacy. The scholarship will be awarded annually to both one male and one female Philadelphia PGA Associate aspiring to be elected to PGA Membership. Scholarship recipients will possess the skills, drive, and character it takes to become a first-class PGA Member. Chris and Kathryn Jennings joined the meeting for the announcement to honor Bud. To learn more about the scholarship, click here.

Section Past President Mike Cole, Rock Manor G.C., spoke to honor late Section Past President, Section Hall of Fame Member, and 1989 Section Golf Professional of the Year George McNamara. McNamara, who passed away in June 2022, was a friend to many, but his most lasting legacy may be the securement of our Section’s homesite. He helped to establish a finance committee, which created our restricted reserve fund, which ultimately allowed our Section to purchase its current headquarters. In remembrance of George, we will be installing a sign at our homesite paying homage to George’s dream, foresight, and leadership. Mr. McNamara’s wife, Nancy, was in attendance for the presentation.

Director of Section Affairs Dustin McCormick honored the Section’s 2022 awards class, headlined by Golf Professional of the Year Mike Wood, Saucon Valley C.C. To learn more about the Section’s award recipients, click here.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, a field of 132 PGA Professionals teed it up in a two-person scramble on DuPont’s Championship Course and neighboring Hartefeld National, with PGA Members Parks Price, C.C. of York; and Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; teaming to win at DuPont; Mark Parson, Harbor Pines G.C.; and Ben Debski, Springhaven Club; tied for the top spot at Hartefeld with Sunnybrook G.C.’s Mark Sheftic and Robert Fenton. The Price-Bergstol team finished at 15-under-par to win by five strokes over a trio of teams. The winners at Hartefeld finished with a team score of 11-under-par, good enough for a two-stoke victory.

To view the full 2023 Spring Meeting Golf Event leaderboard, click here.

The 2022 Philadelphia PGA Fall Membership Meeting is supported by Evolve Golf, Levelwear, Precision Pro Golf, Signature Golf, StickX, and Skoni. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our hosts, DuPont Country Club, and Hartefeld National, their members, 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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