News

Remembering Justin Riegel, PGA

June 4, 2020Comments Off on Remembering Justin Riegel, PGALocal News, PPGA

It is with great sadness to inform you that Philmont C.C. PGA Director of Golf Justin Riegel passed away Wednesday afternoon in a tragic accident at the club.

Justin worked as a PGA Assistant Professional at Aronimink G.C., Wilmington C.C. and Gulph Mills G.C. He earned his first PGA Head Professional position at French Creek G.C. and then moved on to Philmont C.C. as PGA Head Professional, and most recently, PGA Director of Golf. Justin was also very involved with the Philadelphia PGA Section, serving on a number of committees and as chair of the Philadelphia Assistants Organization. In 2015, he was selected as the Section PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. A friend to so many of us, gone too early.

Please keep Justin’s girlfriend Kate and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during the difficult time. As more information becomes available, we will share it with the membership.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help support Justin and Kate’s growing family. You can access it by clicking here. The Section will continue to work on and promote all efforts to help Justin’s family during this tragic time.

Hugo Mazzalupi Wins 2020 Connelly Cup PGA Head Professional Championship

June 2, 2020Comments Off on Hugo Mazzalupi Wins 2020 Connelly Cup PGA Head Professional Championshipleaderboard, PPGA

The tournament is the Philadelphia PGA Section’s first since golf facilities reopened

North Hills, Pa. (June 2, 2020) — Hugo Mazzalupi bested a field of nearly 50 PGA Professionals to win the 2020 Connelly Cup PGA Head Professional Championship at North Hills C.C. The Connelly Cup is named in honor of Jack Connelly, a Past President of both the PGA of America (2001-02) and Philadelphia PGA Section (1983-84).

Hugo Mazzalupi, Patriots Glen National G.C., Elkton, Md.; posted a 4-under-par score of 67 for a four-stroke victory over second place finisher Michael Little, Lookaway G.C., Buckingham, Pa. Little played in the first group out and held the clubhouse lead for a short time, only to be overtaken shortly thereafter by Mazzalupi, who played in the championship’s third grouping. Mazzalupi’s digital scorecard was nearly blemish-free, with five birdies (including three in a row on hole Nos. 11-13) and only one bogey.

PGA Professionals rounding out the top 10 included: T3 Josef Pohle, Blue Bell C.C.; John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs; T5 Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C.; Scott Chisholm, Rolling Green G.C.; Michael Tobiason, Deerfield; T8 Robert Hennefer, Indian Spring C.C.; George Frake, Moorestown Field Club; and William Scarborough, the Peninsula G. & C.C.

The event marked the first Philadelphia PGA Section tournament since golf facilities reopened amid the COVID-19 pandemic quarantines and was conducted in strict compliance with state and federal regulations and guidance.

The 2020 Connelly Cup PGA Head Professional Championship is supported by Bushnell Golf, Earth Networks, NFP Hole-in-One U.S.A., Pukka Inc., SCNS Sports Foods, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank 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

2020 PGA Jr. League Championship and Postseason Canceled; Local Leagues Can Still be Played throughout the Year

May 5, 2020Comments Off on 2020 PGA Jr. League Championship and Postseason Canceled; Local Leagues Can Still be Played throughout the YearLocal News, National News, PPGA

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (May 4, 2020) – PGA Jr. League is committed to maximizing local playing opportunities in 2020 that adhere to national, state and local social distancing standards.

PGA Jr. League local leagues will provide a path for kids to engage in youth sports under the leadership of PGA and LPGA coaches, in alignment with Opening Up America Again Guidelines and ongoing plans to reopen the game of golf in a phased approach. By combining summer and fall leagues, local leagues can maximize flexibility with schedules and structures by supporting play during the rest of the calendar year. PGA Jr. League is targeting June 1 as the earliest date to allow local leagues to resume activities, provided that the resumption of activities shall only be allowed in localities that are in Phase II of the Guidelines, based on state and local health authorities.

PGA Jr. League’s commitment to player and coach safety necessitates the elimination of national and regional tournaments that require air travel. Accordingly, PGA Foundation, Inc. d/b/a PGA REACH announced today that the 2020 PGA Jr. League Championship and Postseason have been canceled due to ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19. The PGA Jr. League Championship and Postseason were planned for 12 regional sites around the country, with the Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Oct. 8-11.

“The health and wellness of the players, their families, volunteers and our staff is our highest priority,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “We know the cancellation of the PGA Jr. League Championship and Postseason on the national and regional level may be disappointing to the players who dreamed of playing in these special junior golf events, but the decision was made in the very best interest of everyone involved. PGA Jr. League has grown so impressively the last few years. It plays an important role in our efforts to help golf evolve with younger and more diverse players. As our local leagues open for play, while adhering to proper social distancing protocols, we look forward to offering opportunities to participate in PGA Jr. League this year.”

PGA REACH also provides scholarships to families in need to assist with the cost of participating in PGA Jr. League local leagues.

For more information, visit pgajrleague.com.

About PGA REACH
PGA Foundation, Inc. d/b/a PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, with nearly 29,000 professionals who daily work to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGAofAmerica on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

Contact
Michael Abramowitz   PGA of America    (561) 389-4647     mabramowitz@pgahq.com

PGA of America Reschedules 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship for October

April 29, 2020Comments Off on PGA of America Reschedules 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship for OctoberLocal News, National News, PPGA
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA (April 29, 2020) – The PGA of America today announced that the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship has been rescheduled for October 6-11 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, provided it is safe and responsible to do so at that time.
The PGA of America will work closely with public health officials at the national, state and county levels through Championship Week. The health and safety of players, spectators, volunteers, rules officials and staff remain the top priority.
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship was originally scheduled for June 23-28.
“In this unique and unsettling time, it became evident that finding new dates for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship was a prudent choice for the LPGA players, the local community, Aronimink membership and our staff,” said PGA of America President Suzy Whaley. “Throughout the process of making this decision, we appreciated the support we received from our friends at KPMG and the LPGA. Collectively, we remain resolute in our commitment to this Championship as well as helping future generations of women be more successful on and off the golf course.”
One of the LPGA’s five majors, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is a collaboration of the PGA of America, LPGA and KPMG, and focuses on the development, advancement and empowerment of women. The event is held in conjunction with the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit, which will now be held on Wednesday, October 7.
Contact:
John Dever, PGA of America, jdever@pgahq.com

Register for Upcoming Webinars

March 31, 2020Comments Off on Register for Upcoming WebinarsPPGA

DateEventLocationRegister
Sat., Nov. 15Face-to-Path Putting Workshop With Michael Little, PGASheftic Performance Center: 540 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 125, Fort Washington, PA 19301Register
Sat., Dec. 13Golf Body Optimization Workshop with Ryerson StinsonSheftic Performance Center: 540 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 125, Fort Washington, PA 19301Register
Tue., Nov. 11Coaches Corner: Chris NassilGoogle MeetRegister
Tue., Nov. 18Women's Committee: Caitlyn Doyle, PGAGoogle MeetRegister
Tue., Dec. 9Coaches Corner: Brian Manzella, PGAGoogle MeetRegister
Tue., Dec. 16Watson Links Grant WebinarLinkedInRegister
Tue., Jan. 6Coaches Corner With Timo Van GeestGoogle MeetRegister
Thu., Jan. 8District 6 RoundtableRolling Green Golf ClubRegister
Tue., Jan. 13Phillies Hospitality and Retention WebinarGoogle MeetRegister
Feb. TBDGolf Operations Corner With Jacob Hoffer, PGAGoogle MeetRegistration Opening Soon
Tue., Feb. 3District 2 Virtual RoundtableGoogle MeetRegister
Wed., Feb. 4Nutrition WebinarGoogle MeetRegister
Tue., Feb. 10Coaches Corner With Jason Baile, PGAGoogle MeetRegister
Wed., Feb. 11Women's Committee Virtual RoundtableGoogle MeetRegister
Thu., Feb. 12Delaware Beaches RoundtableKings Creek Country ClubRegister
Tues., Feb. 17Haverford WebinarGoogle MeetRegister
Wed., Feb. 18District 5 RoundtableBerkshire Country ClubRegister
Thu., Feb. 19District 1 RoundtableMedford Lakes Country ClubRegister
Wed., Feb. 25District 3 RoundtableColonial Country ClubRegister
Thu., Mar. 5Coaches Corner With Dr. Joe LaCazeGoogle MeetRegister
Wed., Mar. 11Rules of Golf SeminarAronimink Golf ClubRegistration Opening Soon

Message from Philadelphia PGA President Jeff Kiddie

March 20, 2020Comments Off on Message from Philadelphia PGA President Jeff KiddieLocal News, PPGA

First and foremost, I am hopeful that this message finds you and your loved ones in good health and unaffected from COVID-19. My thoughts and prayers go out to all that have been affected from this pandemic. Our country finds itself in a situation that most of us have never seen the likes of. As it relates to our jobs, each of our facilities are currently dealing with decisions as to whether or not to stay open for our members / customers. There is no clear right or wrong answer. I only hope that each of you will be sure to look out for the health of the PGA Professionals on your staff, as well as other members of your teams, and impress on your decision makers the importance of these decisions.

At the Section office, Geoff Surrette and his team are currently working remotely per the suggestion of the national office. A new software platform has made this easier than it would have been in the past. The Section staff is meeting virtually and communicating regularly to keep our business going in these trying times. If you need assistance from anyone in the Section office, you can reach them just as you would if they were in the office. The Section staff will continue their strong communication campaign with you to keep you informed with news, best practices and industry information as it relates to COVID-19.

If you have not been following the communications from the PGA of America, they have made several announcements due to the coronavirus. The PGA Professional Championship and the PGA Championship have each been postponed and will hopefully be played later in the season. Because education seminars and spring meetings have been affected by the virus, the MSR cycle has been extended. The current MSR cycle was due to end on June 15, 2021 and will now conclude on June 15, 2022. In concert with this, PGA Associates Acceptable Progress deadlines have too been extended by one year and they are looking into the possibility of adding online options.

Understandably, people are concerned about their health, jobs and the future. Please remember that the PGA of America offers the PGA Member Assistance Program which provides confidential, professional counseling and online services for a wide array of personal and well-being concerns. If you have any questions about this service, it is available on PGA.org.

Our Section is nearly 100 years old and has persevered through many tough times. I am confident that together we will persevere through this current challenge. We will rely on the incredible staff that we have at the Section office, the leadership of the Board as well as the knowledge and experience of previous leaders. Together we will get through this.

Be safe and be well.

Jeff Kiddie, PGA
President
Philadelphia PGA Section

2020 PGA Championship Postponed

March 17, 2020Comments Off on 2020 PGA Championship PostponedNational News, PPGA

Event to be rescheduled for later this summer at TPC Harding Park

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA (March 17, 2020) – The PGA of America today announced that the 2020 PGA Championship, scheduled for TPC Harding Park in San Francisco from May 11-17, has been postponed.

“Throughout our evaluation process, we have been committed to following the guidance of public health authorities and given the coronavirus shelter-in-place order in effect in San Francisco, postponement is the best decision for all involved,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh.

“This is a reflection of a thoughtful process,” Waugh added. “We are and have been working in concert with Commissioner Jay Monahan and our partners and friends at the PGA TOUR to find an alternative date that works for all. We are all very hopeful for a great outcome.

“We are also in dialogue with Mayor Breed and her team at the City of San Francisco and look forward to hopefully bringing the 2020 PGA Championship to TPC Harding Park at a date this summer when it is once again safe and responsible to do so.”

Media Contact:
John Dever, PGA of America, jdever@pgahq.com, 561-360-9138