PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley Claims Fourth Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship
Ardmore, Pa. (September 30, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Delaware, successfully defended his title to claim a record fourth Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship. In the final match, Oakley defeated Chesapeake Bay Golf Club’s Zach Barbin, PGA, in 19 holes, on Merion Golf Club’s storied East Course.
Oakley started the day facing off against fellow PGA Professional Kyle Early of Waynesborough Country Club in the semi-finals, prevailing 6 and 5. Barbin earned his place in the final match by defeating Lulu Country Club’s Trevor Bensel, PGA, 4 and 3.
Barbin took the lead early in the final match with a birdie on the par-5 second hole, eventually growing the margin to 3-up through 13 holes. Oakley clawed his way back and won No. 18 to force extra play, and made birdie on the first extra hole (No. 1) to take the title.
Oakley said he had the same game plan for today’s matches as he did in last year’s final: hit fairways and greens, and make pars.
“Zach [Barbin] played great today,” Oakley said following the match. “It was tough. It was up-and-down on the back nine, but I really focused on the last four holes, hung in there, and made a lot of good putts.
“To do it at Merion makes it even more special to win.”
He went on to thank Merion Golf Club, its membership and entire staff for hosting, Bidermann Golf Club, his caddie Steve, and the Philadelphia PGA staff.
Oakley previously won the Match Play in 2019 at Lookaway Golf Club, 2021 at the Steel Club, and 2024 on Merion’s East Course. One-hundred-fourteen PGA Professionals competed in the 2025 edition of the championship, competing throughout the season. En route to his 2025 victory, he bettered PGA Professionals Andy Hewitt, Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club, 6 and 4; Brendon Post, University of Delaware, 1-up; Andrew Turner, Country Club of York, 3 and 2; Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook Golf Club, 2-up; Kyle Early, 6 and 5; and Zach Barbin, 19 holes.
To view the full 2025 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.
Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com