Zac Oakley Wins 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship
Oakley, a No. 2 seed, defeated No. 13 seed Andrew Turner of Berkshire Country Club in Reading, Pa., definitively, 4 and 2, in the championship match, following his 6 and 5 victory over No. 6 seed Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C., in the semifinals.
“I played well today,” Oakley said nonchalantly of his round. “I needed to play well against Andrew; it was a great match.”
Oakley was seemingly in control of his game all week, with two 3 and 2, and two 6 and 5 victories over well-regarded opponents: (31) Dustin McCormick, Glen Brook G.C.; (18) Eddie Perrino, Eagle Rock Resort; (7) Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; McNabb, and Turner. However, it was no more apparent than in the championship match, where he carded eight birdies to Turner’s four.
Oakley’s Match Play Championship win follows victories this season in the weather-shortened Conestoga Classic and Doylestown Open, and all but assures him the title of Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year. Oakley officially captured the captured the 2021 Philadelphia PGA F. Edward Debaufre Trophy on September 27 following the Jack Jolly & Son Championship. The trophy awards the PGA Professional with the lowest season scoring average for their consistently stellar play. Oakley’s 2021 scoring average of 68.93 over 14 rounds is the lowest scoring average since the trophy was commissioned in 1964. Additionally, Oakley’s father, Pete, previously won the award four times (1980, 1984, 1985, and 1999), making them the first father-son duo to win the DeBaufre title.
Turner advanced to the championship match by defeating No. 16 seed Eric Kennedy of Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, Pa., 2 and 1 in the semifinals.
The 2021 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex, Scott & Karen Hutchinson and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our partners, the Steel Club, its membership, management, and host PGA Professionals, and staff, as the event would not be 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.