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PPGA Pinehurst Pro-Am March 20-22, 2017

PINEHURST, NC – The Philadelphia PGA traveled to history Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC for the inaugural Philadelphia PGA Pinehurst Pro-Am.  Teams were comprised of one Philadelphia PGA Professional and three amateurs.  The week would include rounds of golf on Pinehurst No. 4, No. 8, No. 9 and the famous No. 2 course.  With the historic memorabilia inside the clubhouse and the bronze statues of Payne Stuart and Donald Ross just behind the 18th green of Pinehurst No. 2., players couldn’t help but feel a sense tradition and history that encompasses the entire Resort.

Team’s arrived on Sunday, March 26 and immediately took to the course for a practice round on Pinehurst No. 4.  Following the practice round, the week officially kicked off with a Welcome Reception in the Donald Ross Grill Room.  All players received a gift package that included a sweater from Glen Echo Golf, a pair of socks from Lift23, and much more.

Tournament played opened Monday, March 27 on Pinehurst No. 8.  This Tom Fazio design that was highlighted by tree lined holes that required accuracy and treacherous greens complexes that challenged the short game.  After round one the teams of Applebrook Golf Club head professional, Dave McNabb, and his amateur partners, Keith Walters, Frank Hallinan, and Jeff Shapiro were tied atop the leaderboard with Country Club of Woodloch Springs Director of Golf, John Pillar, and his amateur partners, Glenn Morris, Kurt Wilson, and Craig Schneider with a score of 6-uner (138).

The week continued with round two taking place on Pinehurst No. 9.  No. 9 is a Jack Nicklaus design that demanded strong play with every club to score well.  Once again McNabb’s team shot the low round of the day carding a 13-under (131) to take a 9-shot lead.   The team of Huntingdon Valley Country Club and Philadelphia PGA President Ian Dalzell and his amateur partners Kevin Broderick, Tom Kirby, and Trent Scott made the biggest move of the day jumping 4 spots on the leaderboard after a 10-under (134), to move into second place heading into the final round with the team of Glenmaura National Golf Club Assistant Professional, Christopher Miller, and his amateur partners, Thomas Miller, Michael Bryndzia, and Leonard Namiotka.

The final round was played on the famous Pinehurst No. 2.  This Donald Ross design is most famous for hosting three U.S. Open Championships and one U.S. Women’s Open Championship.  It was a truly special round of golf for all 60 competitors.  After all the shots were played it was McNabb’s team holding on and taking home trophies of the famous Pinehurst Putter Boy.  McNabb said, “It was great to be among so many friends for a week of golf and camaraderie. Both of our teams had a spectacular week at the Pinehurst Resort and we can’t wait to return in 2018. Winning the inaugural Philadelphia PGA Pro-Am at such a historic venue is a memory our team will share for a long time!”

The shot of the week went to Saucon Valley Country Club Head Professional Mike Wood who aced the 160-yard par three #17 with a 7 iron.  “To make a hole in one at such and iconic American golf course was very special.  For it to be with three of my members during such a great event made it even better.  It is definitely a memory I will never forget.” said Wood.