Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (May 28, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional John Pillar of the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., won the 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic at Sunnybrook Golf Club on the third sudden-death playoff hole in front of hundreds of fans. Pillar’s $100,000 winner’s check is the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections.

Pillar turned in a 2-under-par 70 in regulation, good enough to tie fellow PGA Members Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green G.C., who recently earned Low Club Professional honors at the 2024 PGA Championship, and Kyle Early of Waynesborough C.C.

Shattuck was eliminated following a bogey five on the first playoff hole, the 390-yard par-4 18th hole; Pillar and Early tied with pars. Both went on to birdie the second playoff hole, including a dramatic 25-footer from Pillar. Pillar took the title and top prize with another birdie on the third playoff hole.

“Winning the Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic is a life changer, to be honest,” Pillar said during the trophy presentation. “I did not know when I was going to win again. At 57 years old, it’s overwhelming, and I am so grateful.”

Pillar is no stranger to the winners circle, having won the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, the Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship, and the Section’s Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2004. He said he’s driving to Indiana on Wednesday to play in a U.S. Open qualifier.

Pillar went on to thank the event’s title partner, The Haverford Trust Company, their founder and director George Connell, Sunnybrook Golf Club and its membership, and staff, for their dedication to the Philadelphia PGA Section and its nearly 900 PGA Professionals.

Four players finished tied for fourth place at 1-under par: Michael Little, Clubhouse 54; Rusty Harbold, Philadelphia Cricket Club; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; and Stephen Swartz, Carlisle C.C..

Pillar finished atop the Senior Division as well, bettering Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., by two-strokes. Five PGA Professionals finished tied for third place at 1-over-par.

Ian Natale finished with Low Amateur honors after turning in a 1-over-par 73 to top Binney Wietlisbach by one stroke.

To view the full leaderboard, click here.

The 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic’s title partner is The Haverford Trust Company. The event is also a Rolex Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year bonus points event. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the Haverford Trust Company, Sunnybrook Golf Club, its membership, management, 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

About Haverford
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 more than 40 years in a finance industry dominated by giants through our passion and adaptability. With 140+ employees and $13.4 billion* in assets, our size is our advantage. We focus on the essentials: the Quality Investing philosophy whose goal is to provide our clients with the right mix of stability and growth across the market cycle. For more information, visit haverfordquality.com.

*Including assets under management or consultation for The Haverford Trust Company and Haverford Financial Services as of 12/31/2023.

Contacts: 
Matt Frey, PGA, Philadelphia PGA Section, mfrey@pgahq.com, (215) 481-9086
Katie Karsh, Braithwaite Communications, katie@gobraithwaite.com, (610) 755-8682