Month: October 2020

Philadelphia PGA Member John Pillar Sworn in as PGA of America District 2 Director

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 29, 2020) — Philadelphia PGA Member John Pillar was sworn in as the PGA of America’s District 2 Director today during the Association’s Annual Meeting, which was held virtually for the first time ever due to the ongoing global pandemic.

Pillar, the PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Woodloch Springs in Hawley, Pa., was nominated to the PGA’s Board of Directors by the Philadelphia PGA Section, which along with the Metropolitan and New Jersey Sections, comprise the Association’s District 2. Pillar will serve a three-year term on the national board.

“Being elected by my PGA Member peers not just here from the Philadelphia PGA Section, but from the Metropolitan and New Jersey Sections too is a humbling accomplishment,” said Pillar. “Representing these three great Sections is an immense task, but I am confident I will be able to continue the unique unity we have built amongst each other over the past 10 years.”

In addition to his full-time duties at the C.C. of Woodloch Springs, Pillar also served the Philadelphia PGA Section in multiple roles, chief among them President (2014-2015) following his stints as Vice President (2012-2013), Secretary (2010-2011), and Director of Tournaments (2007-2009).

“My goal for my term is to ensure the voices of our three Sections are relayed at the national level,” continued Pillar. “I am very proud and humbled to represent my fellow PGA Professionals.”

Through his work in Hawley, volunteer work with the Section, and his work with veterans, Pillar has also been recognized by his peers, being named the Philadelphia PGA’s Golf Professional of Year in 2007, the highest honor the Section can bestow on one of its PGA Members; and Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2014; in addition to winning the Section’s Patriot Award in 2019.

While Pillar has excelled on the business side of the golf industry, he has also competed at the highest levels, winning the 2009 Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, the 2019 and 2020 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championships and the 2014 Pennsylvania Open. He has also competed in a U.S. Open and two U.S. Senior Open Championships.

The Philadelphia PGA Section, its board, and PGA Professionals wish John the best in his new role.

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.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Trevor Bensel Wins 2020 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship

Paoli, Pa. (October 21, 2020) — As the last PGA Professional standing from a field of 59, Trevor Bensel, Overbrook G.C., won the 2020 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship at Waynesborough C.C., his second Section victory of the year (Delaware Valley Open) and second Match Play title (2017).

No. 3 seed Bensel won the championship match definitively, 6 and 5, over defending champion and No. 1 seed Zac Oakley, following his semi-final match, in which he defeated (31) Nicholas Iacono, Chester Valley C.C, 2 and 1.

“I saved my best golf for the championship match, which is what I needed to do,” said Bensel. “It was nice to make a few putts against a great opponent in Zac [Oakley]. Thank you to Waynesborough C.C., its members and staff for hosting us for three days and to Overbrook G.C. for allowing me to play. I would also like to thank J.R. Delich, my coach and mentor, for all his help and patience with me.”

Bensel was seemingly in control of his game all week; in the six-round championship, his smallest margin of victory was 2 and 1 (semi-final), with his other wins amounting to 6 and 4; 6 and 5; 6 and 5; and 4 and 3.

Oakley reached the championship match with rather decisive victories of his own, as his smallest margin was 3 and 2. To reach the final match, Oakley beat (4) Andrew Turner, French Creek G.C., 4 and 2.

To view the full 2020 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2020 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship, an OMEGA Player of the Year event, is supported by OMEGA and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Waynesborough C.C., its membership, management, 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.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

PGA Merchandise Show Shifts to All-Virtual Format for 2021

PGA Golf Exhibitions, in partnership with the PGA of America, announced today the shift to an all-virtual format for the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show, to be held January 26-29, 2021. Prioritizing the health and well-being of the global golf community during the ongoing pandemic, the decision was made with guidance and feedback from exhibitors, attendees, PGA Professionals, the PGA of America, key industry associations, vendor partners and additional event stakeholders.

“We are thankful to the PGA of America, exhibiting companies, attendees, PGA Professionals and industry partners for their strong support and guidance that has allowed us to develop this exciting reimagination of the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Event Vice President Marc Simon.

“This year’s virtual PGA Show will offer unparalleled online engagement, connecting our industry to drive business and grow the game. Technology has brought us together in amazing new ways during the pandemic, and we plan to capitalize on these innovative solutions to make the PGA Show even better moving forward. Recognizing the increased interest in the game and potential growth in 2021 and beyond, we are excited to return to Orlando in 2022 to combine the best of technology advancements with the invaluable experience of face-to-face connections. Together, we are evolving and have the opportunity to emerge stronger and better connected than ever before.”

PGA Professionals, golf retailers, industry leaders and manufacturers from around the globe will be able to attend the show from the safety of their homes, facilities or offices, and actively reconnect with the industry to drive substantial business results. The easy-to-use platform will become available for appointment scheduling in mid-December, with full content provided live during PGA Show Week, January 26-29, 2021, and available on-demand for an extended period of time after the Show concludes. The exhibitor marketplace will remain open on an ongoing basis to help exhibiting companies and buyers drive commerce throughout 2021. Complimentary industry attendee registration details will be announced shortly.

About the PGA Merchandise Show

The PGA Merchandise Show, organized by Reed Exhibitions in partnership with the PGA of America, traditionally welcomes some 1,000 golf companies and brands and nearly 40,000 industry professionals from around the world to the industry’s annual global summit for the business of golf. Prioritizing the health and well-being of the global golf community during the ongoing pandemic, the 68th edition of the PGA Merchandise Show will shift to an all-virtual format, Jan. 26-29, 2021. For additional event details, please visit PGAShow.com, and follow us on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

Parks Price, PGA, Wins 2020 Philadelphia PGA Tournament Players Division Championship

Ambler, Pa. (October 13, 2020) — PGA Member Parks Price, C.C. of York, won the rescheduled 2020 Philadelphia PGA Tournament Players Division (TPD) Championship in a playoff after turning in a Modified Stableford score of 22 at Old York Road C.C.

Price won the playoff with a birdie on Old York Road C.C.’s par-4 first hole, over second place finisher Deerfield’s Michael Tobiason’s par. Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C., also finished tied for second place, but was not able to compete in the playoff.

“It’s great to finally win,” Price said after acknowledging his first Section victory. “It was a fun day and a great event.”

Parks’ round of 69, 2-under-par, included four birdies and two bogies.

Alex Knoll, Glen Brook C.C., finished in fourth place with 22 points, while Jason Calhoun, Univ. of Pennsylvania, finished in fifth with 19 points.

The Modified Stableford points were award as follows: Bogey or higher, -1 point; Par, 1 point; Birdie, 3 points; Eagle, 6 points; and Double Eagle, 9 points.

Green Valley C.C.’s John Cooper, PGA, won the Senior Division by two points with 18 total over PGA Member Eddie Perrino, Eagle Rock Resort. In the Super Senior Division, Greg Farrow, Deerwood C.C., won by four points over George Forster, Radnor Valley C.C.

To view the full 2020 Philadelphia PGA Tournament Players Division Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2020 Philadelphia PGA Tournament Players Division Championship, an OMEGA Player of the Year event, is supported by Kevin McClellan Golf Sales, Jani-King, HATH CBD, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Old York Road C.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

Pillar and Bergstol Team to Win 2020 Philadelphia PGA McQuiston Senior Pro-Junior Pro Championship

Philadelphia, Pa. (October 8, 2020) — PGA Professionals John Pillar, C.C. of Woodloch Springs, and Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, teamed to win the 2020 Philadelphia PGA McQuiston Senior Pro-Junior Pro Championship at Bala G.C. in historic fashion.

Pillar and Bergstol’s team score of 57, 11-under-par, allowed them to run away with their victory, finishing six strokes ahead of second place finishers, host PGA Member Chris Barletta, Bala G.C., and  PGA Member Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C.

Pillar and Bergstol’s 57 is the lowest in the event’s history, bettering 2015 champions J.R. Delich and Mark Sheftic’s score by one.

“It’s great to be a part of history,” Pillar said after being told of their accomplishment.

The team from Radnor Valley C.C., George Forster and Tony Perla, finished tied for third at 4-under-par with Rob Rohrbach, Foxchase G.C., and Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs C.C.

To view the full 2020 Philadelphia PGA McQuiston Senior Pro-Junior Pro Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2020 Philadelphia PGA McQuiston Senior Pro-Junior Pro Championship’s title partner is Bala Golf Club, is presented by the PGA Tour and is supported by Vineyard Vines . The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank Bala G.C., its membership, management, 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.

About Henry J. McQuiston Jr., PGA
Henry J. McQuiston Jr. was born in Philadelphia in 1932 and grew up next to the Chester Valley Golf Club where his family lived. He and his two brothers played golf at Chester Valley and worked for  superintendent Dick Murphy. McQuiston graduated from West Chester State Teachers College in 1954 and then served two years in the United States Army. After being discharged from the Army, he went to work as a schoolteacher. In 1958 he turned professional and worked at Chester Valley while playing some tournaments on the PGA Tour during the summer months and still teaching school the rest of the year. In 1960 he took the job as the assistant at the Bala Golf Club and two years later he became the head professional. In 1968 McQuiston finished in a tie for second in the Section Championship losing in a three-way playoff and in 1971 he was second in the Philadelphia Open losing a playoff. He qualified for the 1962 PGA Championship, the 1963 U.S. Open and the 1984 PGA Senior Championship. McQuiston qualified for the PGA Tour tournament at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club ten times and made the cut three times. McQuiston was a member of eleven Challenge Cup teams that competed against the Middle Atlantic Section. He qualified for the Club Professional Championship four times and the Senior Club Pro Championship once. In 1970 McQuiston and several other Section members built the Avalon Golf Club and operated it until they sold out in 1986. He was elected as the 20th president of the Section in 1973 and 1974 after having served as the second vice president for two years. McQuiston was the head pro at Bala for thirty-seven years after which he continued on as the pro emeritus at the club. In 2004 McQuiston’s name was added to the Section’s Senior Pro-Junior Pro Championship, which had been held at the Bala Golf Club for over 20 years. He was the Section’s “Golf Professional of the Year” in 1997. In 2005 he was inducted into the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com