Philadelphia PGA Secretary Dustin McCormick has announced the 2026 slate of nominees for open District director positions in Districts 2, 4, and 6. The election is scheduled to take place at our Fall Membership Meeting at Jericho National Golf Club on Monday, October 19. The committee has put forth a slate of endorsed candidates, as listed below. 

2026 Slate of Endorsed Candidates

District 2
Michael Rushin, PGA
Bear Trap Dunes
(Endorsed Candidate)

Rushin, the current District 2 Director, was appointed in 2025 when then-director Michael Caldwell was elected as director of tournaments. He was elected to PGA of America Membership in 2020 and currently serves as the PGA head golf professional at Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View, Delaware. His previous facility experience includes assistant golf professional roles at Baywood Greens (2012-14), the Peninsula Golf and Country Club (2010-11), and Wild Quail Golf and Country Club (2009-10). Rushin resides in Ocean View with his wife, Ashlynn, and stepdaughter, Declan. He is committed to actively listening to the needs, concerns, and perspectives of the members and associates he represents and bringing those matters before the Board. Rushin emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all facility interests across the Section are thoughtfully represented, particularly those located at a distance from many of their peers.   

District 4
Justin Alunni, PGA
Skytop Lodge
(Endorsed Candidate)

Alunni was elected to PGA of America Membership in 2013 and currently serves as the PGA head golf professional at Skytop (Pennsylvania) Lodge, a position he has held since 2019. In the past, he worked as the first PGA assistant golf professional at Glen Oak Country Club in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, from 2008 to 2018, and began his career as an assistant at Fox Hill Country Club in Exeter, Pennsylvania in 2007. Active within industry associations, he is also a member of the Association of Golf Merchandisers. Alunni is engaged in Section initiatives, serving as an instructor for PGA HOPE Poconos and U.S. Kids Golf, participating in educational seminars from the PGA of America, the Philadelphia PGA Section, and the Association of Golf Shop Merchandisers. Born and raised in Northeast Pennsylvania, he has been playing golf since the age of six. Alunni expressed that serving the Philadelphia PGA Section as the District 4 Director would be a wonderful honor and privilege.

District 6
Sam Ambrose, PGA
Chester Valley Golf Club
(Endorsed Candidate)

Ambrose was elected to PGA of America Membership in 2011 and currently serves as PGA head golf professional at Chester Valley Golf Club, where he has been for the past eight years, following positions at Aronimink Golf Club, McArthur Golf Club, Elk River Club, and Old Chatham Golf Club. Active within the Philadelphia PGA Section, he serves on multiple section committees, including the PGA Championship, Foundation, Junior Golf, and Nominating committees. Ambrose has helped spearhead key Section initiatives, including hosting the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup at Chester Valley. His industry recognition includes being named the 2023 Philadelphia PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category. He looks forward to expanding his leadership role and serving as the District 6 director to strengthen communication, represent member voices, and support the growth of Section PGA Professionals.

District 6
Sean Palmer, PGA
The Union League of Philadelphia
(Endorsed Candidate)

Palmer was elected to PGA of America Membership in 2011 and currently serves as the chief operating officer at the Union League of Philadelphia, where he has been for the past 12 years, following a nine-year stint at Merion Golf Club. A member of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) and active within the Philadelphia Vicinity Club Managers Association (PVCMA), he frequently speaks on hospitality leadership and attends various educational sessions. Palmer serves on four Philadelphia PGA Section committees, participates in the PGA REACH Philadelphia mentorship program, and has helped spearhead major initiatives including supporting PGA HOPE, hosting the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, and the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship. Additionally, he has driven significant partnership efforts with the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, establishing an endowed caddie scholarship program, donating facility use for major fundraisers, and facilitating maintenance support for the municipal John F. Byrne Golf Course. Palmer’s industry recognition includes being named the PGA of America’s PGA Golf Executive of the Year, and receiving the Section’s Golf Professional of the Year, Justin Riegel PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year, and Professional Development awards. He looks forward to expanding his leadership role and assisting the Section in any capacity.   
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, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com