Philadelphia PGA Professionals Capture Title at 30th Philadelphia Challenge Matches
While the Philadelphia PGA Professional team earned one fewer point than their amateur counterparts in the Four-Ball competition (3.5 points to 2.5), they took the Singles matches 7.5 points to 4.5. Nearly all of the matches finished tied, 1-up or 2-up, but there were a few matches where the Philadelphia PGA Professionals took control: Captain Zac Oakley and Braden Shattuck won their Four-Ball match against Cole Wilcox and Andrew Keeling, 4 and 3; Brian Bergstol defeated Christopher Ault 4 and 2 in their Singles match, and Shattuck took his Singles match 5 and 3 over Keeling.
To view the full results of the 30th Philadelphia Challenge Matches, click here.
The Philadelphia Challenge Matches would not be possible without the support and energy of Robin McCool. McCool was instrumental in getting the matches started nearly 30 years ago and revitalizing them by bringing in support from Jim Wilson of Ping, Jim Ravina of Donald Ross, Kevin McClellan of KM Golf Sales, and our host facility, Saucon Valley Country Club. McCool serves as the Honorary Captain for the GAP team and serves as Honorary Chair of the event. Everyone owes Robin a debt of gratitude for all of his efforts.
The Philadelphia Challenge Matches pits two 12-person teams, including at least two senior contestants, from GAP and the Philadelphia PGA Section in a concurrent individual match and better-ball match. Each match is worth one point. Ties are halved. The Philadelphia Section leads the series, 22-3-4. There were no contests in 2019 and 2020 due to severe weather and the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively.
The GAP team included Andrew Keeling, Kennett Square G. & C.C.; Ben Cooley, Huntingdon Valley C.C.; Chris Storck, Ledgerock G.C.; Christopher Ault, Yardley C.C.; Cole Willcox, Merion G.C.; Jeff Frazier, Carlisle C.C.; John Brennan, Philadelphia Cricket Club; Matt Mattare, Saucon Valley C.C.; Michael Brown, Jr., LuLu C.C.; Peter Barron III, Galloway National G.C.; Rij Patel, C.C. of York; and Troy Vannucci, Little Mill C.C.
The team of Philadelphia PGA Professionals was led by Captain Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Terry Hertzog; Eric Kennedy, Overbrook G.C.; Michael Little, Makefield Putters; Hugo Mazzalupi; Linfield National G.C.; Eddie Perrino, C.C. of York; Parks Price, C.C. of York; Steve Sanderson, Pine Valley G.C.; and Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C.; and Mark Sheftic, Lookaway G.C.
To view the full results of the 30th Philadelphia Challenge Matches, click here.
The 30th Philadelphia Challenge Matches is supported by Donald Ross Sportswear, Ping, and KM Golf Sales. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Saucon Valley Country Club, its members, management, host PGA Professionals, 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 Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.