News

PGA of America Board Votes to Rename the Horton Smith Award

July 2, 2020Comments Off on PGA of America Board Votes to Rename the Horton Smith AwardNational News, PPGA

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

June 29, 2020Comments Off on Lamp and Firestone Win 2020 Philadelphia PGA Professional-Assistant Professional ChampionshipLocal News, PPGA

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

June 26, 2020Comments Off on Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Formation of Women’s CommitteePPGA
Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (June 18, 2020) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is proud to announce the formation of the Women’s Committee, the newest of its member committees.

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
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
Meghan Spero, PGA, Chair, Philadelphia PGA Section Women’s Committee, mspero@wilmingtoncc.com 

Curtis Kirkpatrick, PGA, Wins 2020 Jack Jolly & Son Championship

June 22, 2020Comments Off on Curtis Kirkpatrick, PGA, Wins 2020 Jack Jolly & Son ChampionshipLocal News, PPGA

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

Rich Steinmetz Wins 2020 Conestoga Classic

June 15, 2020Comments Off on Rich Steinmetz Wins 2020 Conestoga ClassicLocal News, PPGA

Lancaster, Pa. (June 15, 2020) — Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C. in Royersford, Pa., won the 2020 Conestoga Classic with a score of 67 at Conestoga C.C.

Steinmetz made five birdies during his round, which helped him finish atop a field of 106 players, two strokes ahead of Andrew Turner, French Creek G.C.; Michael Little, Lookaway G.C.; and Parks Price, C.C. of York; all of whom finished the tournament with scores of 69.

The Philadelphia Assistants Organization Division (PAO) was decided in a playoff, with Parks Price finishing ahead of Andrew Turner with a birdie on the first playoff hole, No. 10. Both players turned in scores of 69 in regulation.

In the Senior Division, Greg Farrow, Deerwood C.C. in Mount Holly, N.J.; won with a score of 1-over-par 71. Jack Brennan, Mountain View C.C. in Boalsburg, Pa. finished one stroke back. Don DeAngelis, Spring Ford C.C., finished first in the Super Senior Division.

The 2020 Conestoga Classic is supported by Golf Max; Scott Hutchinson; Conrad JJ Radcliffe, Esq.; HATH CBD; and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the Conestoga 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

Ingraham Leads Team to A.C. Team Championship Net Victory; Teams Bergstol and Paukovits Tie in Gross Division

June 14, 2020Comments Off on Ingraham Leads Team to A.C. Team Championship Net Victory; Teams Bergstol and Paukovits Tie in Gross DivisionLocal News, PPGA

Stu Ingraham, MGolf Range & Learning Center in Newtown Square, Pa., led his amateur team to a three-point victory in the weather-shortened A.C. Team Stableford Championship at Ballamor G.C. with 69 points. Ingraham’s team consisted of Rich Driscoll, Russ Baribault, and Bob Shubert. Second place in the Net Division went to PGA Professional Eric McNamee and his team of Joe Boyle, Jesse Brookrerson, and Walt Hoffner.

In the Gross division, PGA Professionals Brian Bergstol and Michael Paukovits and their teams of amateurs emerged victorious with 63 points each. Bergstol was joined by Jason Wilson, John Hartzell, and Zach Fischl, while Paukovits teamed with Josh Richar, PJ Schulte and Nate Fry.

The event was shortened to 14 holes due to severe weather. Stableford points were awarded as follows: 1 point for bogey or higher, 2 for par, 3 for birdie and 4 for eagle and 5 points for double eagle.

The 2020  A.C. Stableford Team Championship is supported by HATH CBD. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the ownership and staff at Ballamor G.C. and our partner 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

Teams Knoll / Bergstol Win 2020 Spring Pro-Pro Championship

June 14, 2020Comments Off on Teams Knoll / Bergstol Win 2020 Spring Pro-Pro ChampionshipLocal News, PPGA

Westampton, N.J. (June 8, 2020) — The PGA Member team of Alex Knoll and Brian Bergstol bested a field of 114 PGA Professionals to win the 2020 Spring Pro-Pro Championship at Burlington Country Club. The event was rescheduled from its original date in May, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

With a Four-Ball team score of 63, Knoll, Glen Brook G.C., Stroudsburg, Pa.; and Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware, Pa.; topped the runner-up teams of Andrew Turner and Michael Little; Brian Kelly and John Pillar; and Zac Oakley and Michael Tobiason; by one stroke.

The teams of Robert Hennefer and Curtis Kirkpatrick; Michael Mack and Don Allen; Dustin Wallis and Stephen Swartz; and Anthony Schweppe and Andrew Geesey tied for fifth place. Nine teams tied for ninth.

An exciting highlight of the day included PGA Member Fred Heller, Rolling Green G.C., making a hole-in-one on No. 10, a 126-yard par-3. Today’s ace was Heller’s fourth of his playing career.

The 2020 Spring Pro-Pro Championship is supported by AHEAD USA, All Star Pro Golf, HATH CBD, Trinity Flavors, 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

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