Author: Courtney Curcio

Little Captures First Match Play Title

Lafayette Hill, Pa – For the third and final day of the 2018 Match Play Championship the Philadelphia PGA returned to Whitemarsh Valley Country Club. After two exciting days of golf the field was whittled down from having 64 players to just four all looking to capture the 2018 season’s final point’s event.

In the morning semi-final matches Brett Melton (Radley Run CC) beat Billy Stewart (ACE Club) 2 up and Michael Little (Lookaway GC) beat Rich Steinmetz (Spring Ford CC) 3&1 to set up the final match of Brett Melton and Michael Little.

Little seemed to have the match under control after 9 holes, he was 2 up. After 13, Little was 4 up with 5 holes to go but Melton started to mount a comeback. Melton won 15, 16, 17 to be back by one with one to play. The par 5, 18th green proved to be too difficult for Melton when he 3 putted to lose the match.

“I want to thank Whitemarsh Valley Country Club for a great last three days, the course was in great shape. I played 6 tough matches against great players and it feels good to win the final event of the season. I would also like to thank Chuck Rininger and the members of Lookaway Golf Club for letting me play and I am looking forward to the next year.” Michael Little (Lookaway GC)

Congratulations also go to Billy Stewart (ACE Club).  By making it to the semifinals he was able to lock up the Omega Player of the Year for the 2018 season.

The next event on Philadelphia PGA calendar is the annual Fall Meeting which, this year, is being held at Steel Stacks in Bethlehem, PA. The meeting is a chance for the Section’s officers to update the membership on all business matters. Following the meeting there will be a Pro-Pro Scramble at Saucon Valley Country Club.

The Section would like to thank the membership and staff at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club for their hospitality during the week. The Section also thanks event sponsors Omega and the PGA Tour for their continued support of our tournament program.

Final Match Play Bracket

Final Four in Match Play Championship

Lafayette Hill, Pa. – The third and fourth rounds of the 2018 Match Play Championship were played on a near perfect fall day at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club. After surviving the tournament’s first day, 16 players returned in hopes of continuing their success for a second consecutive day.

The third round started in the morning where 16 players battled for a spot in the fourth round in the afternoon. The players that made it through to the next round were Greg Farrow 17. (Deerwood CC) versus Rich Steinmetz 9. (Spring Ford CC), Zachary Kempa 36. (Chester Valley GC) versus Michael Little 5. (Lookaway GC), Brett Melton 3. (Radley Run CC) versus Zack Oakley 11. (Waynesborough CC).

After grabbing a quick lunch, the remaining 8 players returned to the golf course for the quarterfinal matches. The first Pro to punch their ticket to the semifinals was Rich Steinmetz. Steinmetz defeated Farrow in their match 1 up. Steinmetz will play Michael Little (Lookaway GC) who defeated Kempa 4&2. Billy Stewart would defend his number 2 stop by defeating Swartz 2&1. Stewart will play Brett Melton who defeated Zac Oakley 4&3.

The third and final day of the Match Play Championship will be held Wednesday, October 24. The final four players will get their semifinal matches underway in the morning with the championship match set to be played in the afternoon.

The Philadelphia PGA continues to thank the membership and staff of Whitemarsh Valley Country Club for their support of the Match Play Championship. The Section also thanks our tournament sponsors Omega and the PGA Tour for supporting the Philadelphia PGA tournament program.

Turnpike Cup Returns to Philadelphia

Fleetwood, Pa. -Twenty-four golf professionals arrived at Moselem Springs Golf Club yesterday morning ready to tee it up in the Turnpike Cup.  This event is match play with two teams of twelve representing the Philadelphia Section PGA and the New Jersey Section PGA.  Unfortunately for both teams, mother nature had other ideas, covering the entire course with the first frost of the season.  After an hour delay, the matches finally began.

The Philadelphia Section was represented in the first match by Mike Moses (Concord CC) and Bill Sautter (Philadelphia Cricket Club) playing as the two seniors for the team.  They were followed by Billy Stewart, (ACE Club) current leader in the race for Omega Player of the Year, with Brian Bergstol (Shawnee Inn and GR), Trevor Bensel (Overbrook GC) with Tony Perla (Phila PGA), Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range) with Scott Reilly (Philadelphia Country Club), Steve Swartz (Out Door GC) with Dustin McCormick (Glen Brook GC) and Kevin Nicholson (Phila PGA) with Rob Shuey (Colonial GC).  Each team played a four-ball match (better ball of partners) against the New Jersey team, while playing an individual match against one of the partners simultaneously.  There was a total of 18 points up for grabs with the Philadelphia team needing 9 1/2 points to win the Cup back.

The matches were all very close, but, in the end, the Cup is back in Philadelphia, for the first time in three years, with a 12-6 victory.

We would like to thank Manager/Director of Golf at Moselem, Eric Shillinger for hosting this event and Dunning Golf for supplying today’s uniforms.

The final event in the race for the title of Omega Player of the Year will be the Match Play Championship which will begin on Monday at Whitemarsh Valley CC and conclude with the finals on Wednesday afternoon.

DiMarco and Kogelman Capture Second McQuiston

Philadelphia, Pa. – The 15th annual McQuiston Sr. Pro – Jr. Pro Championship was held at Bala Golf Club on Thursday, October 18th. The event, named in honor of longtime PGA Professional and past Philadelphia PGA President Henry McQuiston, pairs one senior PGA Professional (age 50 and older) with one PGA Professional in a four-ball, better ball of partners, tournament. This is the first year the event has been played without Henry McQuiston as he passed away shortly after the event last year.

On a chilly, fall afternoon 30 teams gathered at Bala GC, which is the only private golf facility within Philadelphia city limits, to compete in this annual event.  With the tournament’s shotgun start, scores were coming in fast at the end of the day with the score to beat a 6-under par (62). The team posting the low score of the day was John DiMarco (Laurel Creek CC) and Joe Kogelman (GolfTEC Moorestown). The duo shot 3-under par (30) on the way out and had 3 back-to-back birdies on the back nine to shoot 3-under par (32) for a total of 62 for the tournament.

One stroke back, in 2nd place was the team from The ACE Club, Linda Nevatt and Billy Stewart finishing at 5-under par (63).  The pair posted six birdies with only one bogey to finish 5-under-par.Three teams tied for 3rd place posting a score of 4-under-par (64) Dustin McCormick (Glen Brook GC) and Dave Quinn (Philmont CC), Mark Sheftic (Merion GC) and Rick Flesher (Applebrook GC), Brian Bergstol (Shawnee Inn and GR) and Terry Hatch (Hidden Valley GC).

The Section would like to thank the membership of Bala Golf Club for their support of this great event. Additionally, the Section thanks Vineyard Vines and Mr. Cory Creland for providing gifts to all participants. The Philadelphia Section PGA will be back to action to face the New Jersey Section tomorrow at Moselem Springs Golf Club for the Turnpike Cup.

FULL LEADERBOARD

Tobiason Grabs First Section Win at Pro-Am for Wishes

WEST CHESTER, Pa. – On Monday, August 27th, the Philadelphia PGA returned to Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester for the second and final round of the 16th annual Pro-Am for Wishes. After yesterday’s Pro-Am, which also counted as the first round of the 36-hole tournament, two players held a 1-shot lead over the rest of the field.

Both Alex Knoll (Bethlehem GC) and Mike Tobiason (Deerfield GC) shot an opening round 4-under-par (67) earning themselves the overnight lead and the last pairing in the final round with Andrew Turner (Sunnybrook GC) who stood one shot behind at 3-under 68. With an outstanding group of Professionals chasing them both Knoll and Tobiason knew that they had to maintain their play from their opening round to bring home the win.

As the scores started to come in Terry Hertzog (Country Club of York) put up a number that would threaten the leaders. Hertzog would birdie the first four holes to shoot 2- under-par 69 for a 137 total. His lead did not last long although he did pick up the senior win, as Tobiason continued his strong play by carding a 2-under-par (69) giving him a 36-hole score of 6-under-par (136). After his one eagle, birdie, and bogey yesterday, Tobiason was able to add two more birdies in today’s round to clinch the top prize for his first section win.

“It is truly an honor to win with all of the competition in this Section. These professionals in this Section have game, to win out here you have to go low. I’ve played in the Pro-Am for Wishes for the past three years it is a privilege to be in the winning circle finally”.
-Mike Tobiason

Next up for the Philadelphia PGA is the Summer Pro-Lady Team at Sunnybrook GC on Wednesday, August 29 in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. The Section would like to thank everyone involved in the Pro-Am for Wishes, including Penn Oaks Golf Club and all of the supporting sponsors.

Full Leaderboard

Brian Bergstol Wins Rain-Shortened National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Championship

Philadelphia Pa. –On a rainy Monday morning nearly 75 Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professionals converged on the newly renovated Union League Golf Club at Torresdale for the National Car Rental Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship. With weather threatening the tournament, all competitors did their best to battle both the difficult course and the rainy conditions as they tried to play their way into this November’s 41st National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship to be at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla, November 9-12, 2017.

Quickly as the scorecards came in Brian Bergstol (Bangor, Pa.) would go to the top of the leaderboard with a score of -2 under par 68. Bergstol carded one birdie on the first hole, then, added three more birdies on the back nine. With only two bogies the whole day in nasty weather conditions Bergstol did better than everyone and ended  the day with the title of champion.

“My caddie asked me if he wanted him to come out today, and I told him no because it didn’t make sense in this weather, I usually complain to him in weather like today but because he wasn’t there I just kept playing, and I guess that worked in my favor today,” Brian Bergstol stated.

Billy Stewart (Devon, Pa.) the only other player under par, fell one shot short with a -1 under par 69. Stewart had back to back birdies on holes one and two followed by another birdie on hole 5.

By winning Bregstol qualified for the 41th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, Nov. 9-12, at PGA Golf Club (Wanamaker Course) in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The facility will be hosting its twenty-second consecutive Assistant PGA Professional Championship.

“Mission accomplished,” said Bergstol when asked how it feels to qualify for this year’s Assistant PGA Professional Championship. “I wouldn’t say I played the best that I could have and I would have loved to play this course again in better weather conditions; I was only in the rough once which helped in these conditions; although I would have loved to play 36 today I’m happy with how the day turned out.”

Bergstol and Stewart will be joined at November’s Championship by fellow Assistants Jakob Gerney (Sewell, N.J.) who finished with an even par (70), as well as Andrew Turner (Honey Brook, Pa.), and Jordan Gibbs (Philadelphia, Pa.) who posted a score of 1-over (71).

The Philadelphia PGA would like to thank the membership and staff of The Union League at Torresdale as well as tournament sponsor National Car Rental, and our presenting sponsors Srixon, Cleveland Golf, XXIO, Golf Advisor, John Deere, and PGA Tour. The next event of the Philadelphia PGA calendar is the Pro-Junior Championship at Concord Country Club this Thursday August 10.

NCR Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Champ

Aug 7, 2017

 Media Results

Qualifiers: 5  Alternates: 4

QUALIFIERS
 1   Brian Bergstol     Shawnee Inn and GR         34-34--68 -2  
 2   Billy Stewart      ACE Club                   33-36--69 -1  
 3   Jakob Gerney       Trump National GC- Philly  33-37--70 E   
 T4  Andrew Turner      Sunnybrook GC              34-37--71 +1  
 T4  Jordan Gibbs       Gulph Mills GC             35-36--71 +1  


ALTERNATES - IN ORDER
 T4  Greg Matthias      Tavistock CC               35-36--71 +1  
 7   Rusty Harbold      Philadelphia Cricket Club  35-37--72 +2  
 T8  Mike Furey         Mahoning Valley CC         37-36--73 +3  
 T8  James Hoke         The Union League GC        36-37--73 +3  


DID NOT QUALIFY
 10  Tony Perla         Philadelphia Cricket Club  35-36--71 +1  
 11  Ashley Grier       Overbrook GC               38-35--73 +3  
 T12 David Henry        Huntingdon Valley CC       38-36--74 +4  
 T12 Shawn Matthews     Huntingdon Valley CC       36-38--74 +4  
 T12 Michael Little     Lookaway GC                35-39--74 +4  
 T12 Jordan Shuey       West Shore CC              38-36--74 +4  
 T12 Brett Melton       Radley Run CC              33-41--74 +4  
 T12 Matt Episcopo      Pine Valley GC             37-37--74 +4  
 T18 Robby Bruns        Merion GC                  38-37--75 +5  
 T18 Pat Butkus         Overbrook GC               38-37--75 +5  
 T18 Sean Szerencsits   Southmoore GC              36-39--75 +5  
 T18 Isaac Bickel       Sunnybrook GC              37-38--75 +5  
 T22 Michael Caldwell   Bidermann GC               39-37--76 +6  
 T22 Rick LeBeau        Gulph Mills GC             36-40--76 +6  
 T22 Kevin Kraft        Bumble Bee Hollow          36-40--76 +6  
 T22 Carson Solien      Aronimink GC               41-35--76 +6  
 T22 Corey McAlarney    Squires GC                 38-38--76 +6  
 T22 Zac Oakley         Heritage Shores GC         36-40--76 +6  
 T22 Jeff Herb          Waynesborough CC           38-38--76 +6  
 T22 Sam Ambrose        Aronimink GC               38-38--76 +6  
 T30 Andrew Geesey      Meadia Heights GC          39-38--77 +7  
 T30 Chris Duckett      Saucon Valley CC           38-39--77 +7  
 T30 Kevin Nicholson    White Manor CC             40-37--77 +7  
 T30 Chris Wright       Llanerch CC                36-41--77 +7  
 T30 Jesse Hackett      Kennett Square G & CC      38-39--77 +7  
 T35 Matthew Hillier    Pine Valley GC             38-40--78 +8  
 T35 Andrew Hill        Manufacturers GCC          40-38--78 +8  
 T35 Alex Knoll         Bethlehem GC               37-41--78 +8  
 T35 Dan Marz           Huntingdon Valley CC       34-44--78 +8  
 T39 Jim Parella        Blue Bell CC               39-40--79 +9  
 T39 Brendan White      Trenton CC                 40-39--79 +9  
 T39 Brad Sanders       Tavistock CC               39-40--79 +9  
 T39 Tyler Franks       Merion GC                  39-40--79 +9  
 T39 Kevin Fairchild    Greate Bay GC              38-41--79 +9  
 T44 Gary Mackay        Trump National GC- Philly  38-42--80 +10 
 T44 Aaron Hartman      Philadelphia Cricket Club  41-39--80 +10 
 T44 Andrew Pierson     Camden County GA           41-39--80 +10 
 T44 Kevin Rossi        Lookaway GC                37-43--80 +10 
 T44 David Sandberg     Pine Valley GC             41-39--80 +10 
 T44 Vincent Kabaso     Cleveland Golf             35-45--80 +10 
 T50 Steve Frederick    Lehigh CC                  40-41--81 +11 
 T50 Matt Brown         Whitemarsh Valley CC       38-43--81 +11 
 T50 Trevor Bensel      Huntingdon Valley CC       40-41--81 +11 
 T53 Christian Castelli Philadelphia CC            40-42--82 +12 
 T53 Sean Furman        Atlantic City CC           42-40--82 +12 
 T53 Brian Dionisio     Aronimink GC               43-39--82 +12 
 T53 Tyler Canaday      The Springhaven Club       42-40--82 +12 
 T57 Jacob Hoffer       The Union League GC        41-42--83 +13 
 T57 Brandon Kuzmich    Merion GC                  42-41--83 +13 
 T57 Jason Howard       Tavistock CC               41-42--83 +13 
 T57 Ryan McLean        Saucon Valley CC           41-42--83 +13 
 T57 Peter Clarke       Manufacturers GCC          41-42--83 +13 
 T57 Sean Schwarze      GolfTEC - Lehigh Valley    42-41--83 +13 
 T63 Branden Allen      Sunnybrook GC              43-41--84 +14 
 T63 Evan Mitchell      Spring Mill CC             41-43--84 +14 
 65  Tony Shields       ACE Club                   46-39--85 +15 
 T66 Matthew Walbert    Saucon Valley CC           43-43--86 +16 
 T66 Joe Shapley        Indian Springs GC          41-45--86 +16 
 T66 Andrew Heffernan   St. Davids GC              41-45--86 +16 
 69  Greg Wingate       Merion GC                  42-46--88 +18 
 70  Ron Pine           Whitemarsh Valley CC       42-51--93 +23 

Figueroa Captures the Doylestown Open for First Philadelphia PGA Win

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. – The 2017 edition of the Doylestown Open was once again played at Doylestown Country Club on Friday, July 28. The Doylestown Open is a one-day stroke play event that featured 80 PGA Professionals and three amateur golfers. The tournament served as the 10th event in the race for the Omega Player of the Year presented by Haverford Trust.

Playing in the tournament’s first pairing, Brett Melton (Radley Run Country Club) posted an impressive score of 5-under (67) to lead the way early. On his round, Melton had seven birdies against two bogeys to give a number for all other competitors to chase.

However, it wouldn’t be long until a player from the field would post a number better than Melton’s 5-under. Playing only two groups behind Melton, Eric Figueroa (McCall Golf & Country Club) got off to a hot start with five birdies and only bogey through his first nine holes to make the turn at 4-under.

“I knew I had something going when I made the turn at 4-under,” commented Figueroa on his round. “I knew that if I could finish the last nine holes at even par I would have a pretty good finish.”

Fortunately for Figueroa his inward nine would yield more than just even par. After a bogey on the 11th hole, Figueroa would post three consecutive birdies on holes 13-15 to finish with a tournament total of 6-under (66), one shot better than Melton. Unfortunately for Figueroa he would now have to wait more than six hours to see if his number would be good enough for his first tournament win.

The first person to make a run at Figueroa at the top of the leaderboard was defending Philadelphia PGA champion Jordan Gibbs (Gulph Mills Golf Club). Gibbs. Despite having enough birdies to overtake Figueroa, three bogeys, including two late, kept Gibbs from the top of the leaderboard and ultimately he finished in solo fourth place with a 4-under (68).

The next player to try and knock Figueroa from the top spot was Kevin Kraft (Bumble Bee Hollow). Although he had four birdies over his final five holes, it was early bogeys that proved too difficult to overcome. In the end, Kraft finished with eight birdies and three bogeys to finish one shot behind Figueroa in a tie for second place at 5-under (67).

Leading the way in the tournament’s senior division was Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range). With a 3-under (69), Ingraham finished three shots clear of the senior field and notched his fifth senior win of the 2017 season increasing his lead on the Skee Riegel Senior Player of the Year Leaderboard.

In the end Figueroa’s 6-under would be good enough to give him his first Philadelphia PGA tournament win of his career.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to get this first win,” Figueroa said of his accomplishment. “We have so many great players in our Section and to be able to join them in the winner’s circle is such a cool feeling. I want to thank Gary Rodgers and the entire membership of Doylestown Country Club as well as Kevin McClellan for their support today.”

The third event on the Philadelphia PGA’s super senior circuit sponsored by Jani-King was also held as a part of the Doylestown Open. To be eligible for the super senior division a Professional must be 60 years of age or older and in good standing with the PGA of America. Taking home the title in the super senior division was Gary Hardin (Northampton Country Club) who carded an even par (72) to win by one shot over George Forster (Radnor Valley Country Club).

The Section would like to thank the membership and staff of Doylestown Country Club, Kevin McClellan with Cutter & Buck, the PGA Tour and Jani-King for their support of this event.

Doylestown Open

Jul 28, 2017
Individual Stroke Play Results

 1   Eric Figueroa       McCall Golf & CC           32-34--66 -6  
 T2  Brett Melton        Radley Run CC              33-34--67 -5  
 T2  Kevin Kraft         Bumble Bee Hollow          34-33--67 -5  
 4   Jordan Gibbs        Gulph Mills GC             35-33--68 -4  
 T5  Michael Little      Lookaway GC                35-34--69 -3  
 T5  Alex Knoll          Bethlehem GC               36-33--69 -3  
 T5  Stu Ingraham        M Golf Range               35-34--69 -3  
 T8  Jaime Gylan         Royal Manchester GL        35-35--70 -2  
 T8  Mark Parson         Harbor Pines               35-35--70 -2  
 T10 Dave Pagett         Whitemarsh Valley CC       37-34--71 -1  
 T10 Greg Matthias       Tavistock CC               34-37--71 -1  
 T12 Gary Hardin         Northampton CC             35-37--72 E   
 T12 Mike Dynda          LuLu CC                    37-35--72 E   
 T12 Michael Ferguson    Philadelphia Cricket Club  36-36--72 E   
 T12 Mark Anderson       Philadelphia Cricket Club  36-36--72 E   
 T12 John Kellogg        Radley Run CC              37-35--72 E   
 T12 Brian Hollins       Trenton CC                 34-38--72 E   
 T12 Michael Tobiason    Deerfield                  36-36--72 E   
 T12 Ryan McLean         Saucon Valley CC           38-34--72 E   
 T12 Mike Furey          Mahoning Valley CC         35-37--72 E   
 T21 John Allen          Huntingdon Valley CC       35-38--73 +1  
 T21 Mike Moses          Concord CC                 37-36--73 +1  
 T21 George Forster      Radnor Valley CC           37-36--73 +1  
 T21 Brian Bergstol      Shawnee Inn and GR         36-37--73 +1  
 T21 Rick Flesher        Applebrook GC              37-36--73 +1  
 T21 Curtis Kirkpatrick  Indian Springs GC          34-39--73 +1  
 T21 Frank Howell (a)    Doylestown CC              36-37--73 +1  
 T21 John DiMarco        Laurel Creek CC            38-35--73 +1  
 T29 Trevor Bensel       Huntingdon Valley CC       38-36--74 +2  
 T29 Dave McNabb         Applebrook GC              35-39--74 +2  
 T29 Brian Kelly         Bucknell GC                37-37--74 +2  
 T29 Don DeAngelis       Center Square GC           36-38--74 +2  
 T29 Rich Steinmetz      Spring Ford CC             35-39--74 +2  
 T29 Anthony Napoletano  GolfTEC-KoP                34-40--74 +2  
 T35 Eric McNamee        Golf Galaxy - Montgomery   38-37--75 +3  
 T35 Bill Walker         Riverton CC                36-39--75 +3  
 T35 Eric Schultz        Sunnybrook GC              39-36--75 +3  
 T35 Andrew Pierson      Camden County GA           38-37--75 +3  
 T35 Jack Connelly       North Hills CC             39-36--75 +3  
 T35 Isaac Bickel        Sunnybrook GC              39-36--75 +3  
 T35 Greg Farrow         Deerwood CC                36-39--75 +3  
 T35 Kevin Nicholson     White Manor CC             38-37--75 +3  
 T35 Andrew Geesey       Meadia Heights GC          39-36--75 +3  
 T35 Ben Schlesman       Manufacturers GCC          38-37--75 +3  
 T35 Tyler Collet        CC of York                 40-35--75 +3  
 T35 Bob Hennefer        Indian Springs GC          40-35--75 +3  
 T35 Mike Paukovits      St. Davids GC              39-36--75 +3  
 T48 Rick LeBeau         Gulph Mills GC             39-37--76 +4  
 T48 John Spina          Philadelphia Cricket Club  38-38--76 +4  
 T48 Eric Kennedy        Overbrook GC               38-38--76 +4  
 T48 Peter Clarke        Manufacturers GCC          37-39--76 +4  
 T48 Jason Calhoun       LaSalle University         38-38--76 +4  
 T48 Joe Kogelman        GolfTEC Moorestown         37-39--76 +4  
 T48 Andy Fisher         AF Golf Ctr.               37-39--76 +4  
 T48 Jim Parella         Blue Bell CC               40-36--76 +4  
 T48 Chris Atkins        Riverton CC                38-38--76 +4  
 T48 Pat Butkus          Overbrook GC               36-40--76 +4  
 T58 Bill Sautter        Philadelphia Cricket Club  38-39--77 +5  
 T58 Andy Watters        Talamore Country Club      40-37--77 +5  
 T58 Brian Trymbiski (a) Doylestown CC              38-39--77 +5  
 T61 Peter Lovenguth     Silver Creek CC            40-38--78 +6  
 T61 Dave Quinn          Philmont CC                38-40--78 +6  
 T61 Ryan Rigby (a)      Doylestown CC              41-37--78 +6  
 T61 Tony Shields        ACE Club                   39-39--78 +6  
 T65 Ashley Grier        Overbrook GC               39-40--79 +7  
 T65 Frank Palumbo       Rolling Green GC           39-40--79 +7  
 T65 Hugh Reilly         Twining Valley GC          38-41--79 +7  
 T65 Ben Debski          The Springhaven Club       38-41--79 +7  
 T69 Mike Wood           Saucon Valley CC           41-39--80 +8  
 T69 Nathalie Filler     Philadelphia Cricket Club  40-40--80 +8  
 T69 Greyson Rossi       Bayside Resort             40-40--80 +8  
 T69 Kevin Rossi         Lookaway GC                39-36--75 +8  
 T73 Ryan Fiore          Huntingdon Valley CC       41-40--81 +9  
 T73 Evan Mitchell       Spring Mill CC             40-41--81 +9  
 T75 Brad Sanders        Tavistock CC               40-42--82 +10 
 T75 Dustin McCormick    Glen Brook GC              40-42--82 +10 
 T75 Gregg Gipp          Phoenixville CC            40-42--82 +10 
 T78 Joe Ambrose         Paupack Hills G & CC       39-45--84 +12 
 T78 Nick Gorman         GolfTEC Moorestown         42-42--84 +12 
 80  Vincent Kabaso      Cleveland Golf             43-42--85 +13 
 81  J R Delich          Applebrook GC              47-41--88 +16

Amateur Cole Miller Makes History; Wins Weather Plagued GALV Lehigh Valley Open

EASTON, Pa. – For the second consecutive year, weather played a significant role in the GALV Lehigh Valley Open. Originally set to begin at 8:00am on Monday, July 24 the start of this year’s event was ultimately moved back to 2:00pm that day after significant rain fell in the Lehigh Valley Sunday night and Monday morning. Rain made a second appearance in the tournament’s opening round which forced players to complete their first round on Tuesday morning.

Opening round play resumed at 9:00am with most players having between three and five holes to play. After round one concluded players would have a short break before heading back out for the second and final round. In between rounds the maintenance staff at Northampton Country Club, who in spite of the weather managed to keep the golf course in terrific condition, would set new hole locations and tee positions. Players were also re-paired with the leaders going off of the first hole.

Leading the way after the first round was amateur Cole Miller (New Tripoli, Pa.) who posted an impressive 8-under (64) to lead the field by one shot. However chasing Miller was an outstanding group of Professionals including Michael Tobiason (Deerfield) who finished at 7-under (65), Pat Butkus (Overbrook Golf Club) who was two shots back at 6-under (66). Finishing their opening rounds three shots back at 5-under (67) was a trio of players that included two-time past champion Stu Ingraham (M Golf Range), John Pillar (CC of Woodloch Springs), and Mark Sheftic (Merion Golf Club).

With the second round of the tournament played as a shotgun it was difficult to gauge where each competitor was in relation to the top of the leaderboard. However, whispers began to circulate through the crowds that gathered that Miller may be making a move to separate himself from the field. However what was also unknown was whether or not someone from the field was making a move at Miller and the top spot.

With scores coming in fast and furious at the end of the shotgun one thing became clear, the whispers of Miller playing well were true. Miller posted four birdies and an eagle in his second round which helped him overcome a late bogey to finish with a second round score of 5-under (67) and a 36-hole total of 13-under (131).

What was also true was that there was a player in the field making a significant run at Miller. Merion’s Sheftic, playing in the group behind Miller, knew he had to post a low number to have any chance at grabbing win. Sheftic would give it all he had as he posted nine birdies, including five consecutive on holes 9-13, but a couple of late bogeys would prove costly. When all was said and done Sheftic would finish his second round with a score of 6-under (66) giving him a 36-hole total of 11-under (133) two shots back of Miller.

The win marks the first time an amateur has won the GALV Lehigh Valley Open in the ten year history of the event. All was not lost for Sheftic as he would finish as the tournament’s low PGA Professional.

“It was my first professional win, I have won NCAA tournaments but this is the first time I have ever won an event that featured a field of PGA Professionals”, said Miller on his victory. “It feels great to go up against some of the best players in the area and know that I can compete alongside of them.”

In the tournaments senior division John Pillar would take the top spot finishing the 36-hole event at 8-under (136). Pillar finished three shots clear of second place finisher Brian Kelly (Bucknell Golf Club) who posted a 5-under (139).

The Section would like to thank our title sponsor, the Golf Association of Lehigh Valley and Mr. Karl Gilbert as well as the entire staff and membership of Northampton Country Club for their hospitality.

The Philadelphia PGA tournament calendar continues this Friday, July 28 at Doylestown Country Club for the annual Doylestown Open. For complete coverage of the Philadelphia PGA be sure to follow us online FacebookTwitterInstagram.

GALV Lehigh Valley Open

Jul 24 – Jul 25, 2017
36 Hole; Stroke Play Media Results

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 1    Cole Miller (a)                             64-67--131 -13 
 2    Mark Sheftic         Merion GC              67-66--133 -11 
 3    Rich Steinmetz       Spring Ford CC         68-67--135 -9  
 T4   Michael Tobiason     Deerfield              65-71--136 -8  
 T4   John Pillar          CC at Woodloch Springs 67-69--136 -8  
 6    Matt Episcopo        Pine Valley GC         71-66--137 -7  
 T7   Greg Matthias        Tavistock CC           68-71--139 -5  
 T7   Kevin Kraft          Bumble Bee Hollow      70-69--139 -5  
 T7   Brian Kelly          Bucknell GC            69-70--139 -5  
 T10  Pat Butkus           Overbrook GC           66-74--140 -4  
 T10  Michael Little       Lookaway GC            68-72--140 -4  
 T10  Dave Quinn           Philmont CC            69-71--140 -4  
 T10  Jeff Fick            Chapel Hill GC         71-69--140 -4  
 T14  Brian Bergstol       Shawnee Inn and GR     71-70--141 -3  
 T14  Dave Pagett          Whitemarsh Valley CC   69-72--141 -3  
 T14  Terry Hertzog        CC of York             73-68--141 -3  
 T17  Stu Ingraham         M Golf Range           67-75--142 -2  
 T17  Kevin Scherr (a)                            71-71--142 -2  
 T17  Ashley Grier         Overbrook GC           72-70--142 -2  
 T17  Alex Knoll           Bethlehem GC           74-68--142 -2  
 T21  Joe Kogelman         GolfTEC Moorestown     68-75--143 -1  
 T21  John Olszewski (a)                          69-74--143 -1  
 T21  Eric Schultz         Sunnybrook GC          69-74--143 -1  
 T21  Gary Hardin          Northampton CC         71-72--143 -1  
 T21  Bob Hennefer         Indian Springs GC      72-71--143 -1  
 T26  Brett Melton         Radley Run CC          72-72--144 E   
 T26  Rob Rohrbach         Foxchase GC            72-72--144 E   
 T26  John Spina           Phila Cricket Club     72-72--144 E   
 T29  Eric Kennedy         Overbrook GC           69-76--145 +1  
 T29  Shawn Matthews       Huntingdon Valley CC   71-74--145 +1  
 T29  Bill Sautter         Phila Cricket Club     71-74--145 +1  
 T29  Billy Stewart        ACE Club               72-73--145 +1  
 T29  Mark Anderson        Phila Cricket Club     73-72--145 +1  
 T29  Mike Paukovits       St. Davids GC          73-72--145 +1  
 T29  J.T. Barker (a)                             73-72--145 +1  
 T29  Steve Swartz         Regents' Glen CC       76-69--145 +1  
 T37  George Forster       Radnor Valley CC       69-77--146 +2  
 T37  Dave Fields          Brookside CC           71-75--146 +2  
 T37  Brendon Post         Univ. of Delaware      71-75--146 +2  
 T37  Andrew Turner        Sunnybrook GC          72-74--146 +2  
 T37  Eric Figueroa        McCall Golf & CC       72-74--146 +2  
 T37  Bill Walker          Riverton CC            74-72--146 +2  
 T37  Sam Ambrose          Aronimink GC           75-71--146 +2  
 T37  Don DeAngelis        Center Square GC       77-69--146 +2  
 T45  Chris Duckett        Saucon Valley CC       72-75--147 +3  
 T45  Curtis Kirkpatrick   Indian Springs GC      72-75--147 +3  
 T45  Robin McCool (a)                            72-75--147 +3  
 T45  John Allen           Huntingdon Valley CC   76-71--147 +3  
 T45  Jason Wilson (a)                            76-71--147 +3  
 T50  Greg Farrow          Deerwood CC            71-77--148 +4  
 T50  Barry Dear           Twisted Dune           74-74--148 +4  
 T50  Nick Vecellio (a)                           75-73--148 +4  
 T50  Mike Furey           Mahoning Valley CC     76-72--148 +4  
 T54  Stephen Sieracki     Indian Springs GC      72-77--149 +5  
 T54  Dave Blichar (a)                            73-76--149 +5  
 T54  John DiMarco         Laurel Creek CC        72-77--149 +5  
 T54  Nick Maff (a)                               76-73--149 +5  
 T54  Michael Caldwell     Bidermann GC           77-72--149 +5  
 T54  Anthony Napoletano   GolfTEC-KoP            77-72--149 +5  
 T60  Rick Flesher         Applebrook GC          74-76--150 +6  
 T60  Ryan Shaughnessy     Woodstone CC           73-77--150 +6  
 T60  Chad Hess (a)                               74-76--150 +6  
 T60  Grant Schumaker (a)                         76-74--150 +6  
 T60  Eric McNamee         Golf Galaxy            75-75--150 +6  
 T60  Joe Coulson (a)                             76-74--150 +6  
 T60  Carlos Fullerton (a)                        77-73--150 +6  
 T67  Dustin McCormick     Glen Brook GC          75-76--151 +7  
 T67  Kevin Edwards        Olde Homestead GC      78-73--151 +7  
 T69  Steve Kluemper (a)                          73-79--152 +8  
 T69  Carson Solien        Aronimink GC           73-79--152 +8  
 T69  Mike Wood            Saucon Valley CC       75-77--152 +8  
 T69  Joe Jasinski (a)                            78-74--152 +8  
 T73  Don Allan            Burlington CC          75-78--153 +9  
 T73  Rick LeBeau          Gulph Mills GC         75-78--153 +9  
 T73  George Frake         Little Mill            76-77--153 +9  
 T73  Evan Notaro (a)                             78-75--153 +9  
 T73  Steve Frederick      Lehigh CC              78-75--153 +9  
 T73  Peter Clarke         Manufacturers GCC      80-73--153 +9  
 T79  Andy Watters         Talamore CC            78-76--154 +10 
 T79  Ryan McLean          Saucon Valley CC       80-74--154 +10 
 T81  Tom Moore            Applecross CC          74-82--156 +12 
 T81  Tony Sarko (a)                              80-76--156 +12 
 T81  Jeff Hudson (a)                             80-76--156 +12 
 84   James Boburka (a)                           75-82--157 +13 
 85   Bill Smith           Mahoning Valley CC     78-80--158 +14 
 T86  Gregg Gipp           Phoenixville CC        76-83--159 +15 
 T86  Collin Seip (a)                             79-80--159 +15 
 88   Peter Lovenguth      Silver Creek CC        76-84--160 +16 
 89   Jacob Siegfried (a)                         77-84--161 +17 
 T90  Alec Cwienkala (a)                          77-86--163 +19 
 T90  Steve Kiefner        Northampton CC         78-85--163 +19 
 T90  Dylan Spadt (a)                             84-79--163 +19 
 93   J R Delich           Applebrook GC          82-82--164 +20 
 94   Justin Tresslar (a)                         77-92--169 +25 
 95   Tony Shields         ACE Club               83-88--171 +27 
 96   Gary Strausser       Riverview CC           89-92--181 +37

Merion’s Bruns Sets Course Record on His Way to a Win at the Wm. Hyndman, III Memorial Classic

HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. – On Monday, July 10 the annual William Hyndman, III Memorial Classic was played at scenic Huntingdon Valley Country Club. The event brought together nearly 140 PGA Professionals to compete in the Section’s eighth Omega Player of the Year Points event, presented by Haverford Trust Company.

Playing in one of the tournament’s opening groups, Robby Bruns (Merion Golf Club) would eventually post a number that would almost be too good to believe. With a bogey on his opening hole, course hole #10, Bruns did not get off to the start he had envisioned but fortunately for Bruns it was one of his few mistakes of the day. With birdies on his next two holes, Bruns quickly overcame his start before adding a third birdie on the par5 15th hole to make the turn at 2-under. However, the next nine holes are where things really got interesting for Bruns.

As he played his back nine, Huntingdon Valley’s opening nine holes, Bruns would only card one additional par. Bruns would go on to post six additional birdies including four consecutive on holes 6-9 to bring his total for the day to nine and allowed him to easily dismiss the two additional bogeys on his inward nine.

When all was said done Bruns posted an impressive tournament total of 6-under (64) which, as the new Huntingdon Valley competitive course record, would definitely give the rest of the field something to chase.

“I came in to today’s round with a good state of mind and after a nice warmup session my confidence was really high”, said Bruns on his record setting round. “I hit it solidly all day and my group helped to keep me relaxed as we made our way around the course. It honestly felt like I was playing with friends which definitely contributed to my score”

As the tournament turned to the afternoon wave matching Bruns at the top of the leaderboard seemed like a tough task but one player gave it run. John Pillar (Country Club of Woodloch Springs), fresh off his appearance at the US Senior Open, got off to a quick start with three birdies on his outward nine. As Pillar made the turn he would go on to post two additional birdies but combined with his lone bogey, Pillar would finish his day at 4-under (66) two shots behind Bruns which would be the closest anyone would come to the top spot.

Despite finishing second behind Bruns all was not lost for Pillar as his 4-under number would be good enough for a four shot victory in the tournament’s senior division. Finishing behind Pillar was fellow US Senior Open participant Dave McNabb (Applebrook Golf Club) who finished at even par (70).

Bruns picked the right tournament to earn his first Philadelphia PGA tournament win as his 6-under (64) was also good enough for the top spot in the Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) event which was held in conjunction with today’s tournament. Bruns finished 5-shots ahead of a trio of Assistants that all posted scores on 1-under (69).

The Section would like to thank our tournament sponsors The Hyndman Family, Jack Jolly & Son, Golf Pride and Morell Studios.

About William Hyndman, III

William Hyndman, III was one of the most accomplished amateur golfers in the history of the sport. Hyndman’s golfing accolades started at a young age winning the 1935 Philadelphia Amateur at the age of 19. However, that was only the start of Hyndman’s presence on the Philadelphia golf scene. Hyndman accumulated three Philadelphia Amateur titles, ten Patterson Cup crowns, and six Silver Crosses. Hyndman also had nine Masters Appearances and to this day is one of only three people to record a hole-in-one on the legendary par-3 12th at Augusta National. By the time Hyndman ended his golfing career he had competed in 50 USGA Championships, including being a member of five Walker Cup teams as well as two US Senior Amateur titles. Hyndman maintained his golfing prowess, even at the age of 76, when he carded a 4-under-par (66) at Huntingdon Valley CC.

Wm Hyndman III Memorial Classic

Jul 10, 2017
Individual Professional Results

 1    Robby Bruns        Merion GC                  31-33--64 -6  
 2    John Pillar         CC at Woodloch Springs    32-34--66 -4  
 T3   Jordan Gibbs       Gulph Mills GC             35-34--69 -1  
 T3   Eric Kennedy       Overbrook GC               35-34--69 -1  
 T3   Zac Oakley         Heritage Shores GC         34-35--69 -1  
 T3   Curtis Kirkpatrick Indian Springs GC          34-35--69 -1  
 T3   Kevin Kraft        Bumble Bee Hollow          34-35--69 -1  
 T8   John Bierkan       Aronimink GC               33-37--70 E   
 T8   Shawn Matthews     Huntingdon Valley CC       36-34--70 E   
 T8   Dave McNabb        Applebrook GC              34-36--70 E   
 T8   Chris Krueger      Kings Creek CC             37-33--70 E   
 T12  Brett Melton       Radley Run CC              35-36--71 +1  
 T12  John Allen         Huntingdon Valley CC       35-36--71 +1  
 T12  Trevor Bensel      Huntingdon Valley CC       36-35--71 +1  
 T12  Brian Kelly        Bucknell GC                34-37--71 +1  
 T12  Andy Watters       Talamore Country Club      35-36--71 +1  
 T12  Michael Tobiason   Deerfield                  36-35--71 +1  
 T12  Alex Knoll         Bethlehem GC- Monacacy     36-35--71 +1  
 T12  Pat Butkus         Overbrook GC               35-36--71 +1  
 T12  Stu Ingraham       M Golf Range               36-35--71 +1  
 T21  Ashley Grier       Overbrook GC               35-37--72 +2  
 T21  Brendon Post       University of Delaware     36-36--72 +2  
 T21  Dan Marz           Huntingdon Valley CC       35-37--72 +2  
 T21  Andrew Turner      Sunnybrook GC              36-36--72 +2  
 T21  Jordan Shuey       West Shore CC              36-36--72 +2  
 T21  Billy Stewart      ACE Club                   38-34--72 +2  
 T21  Don DeAngelis      Center Square GC           35-37--72 +2  
 T21  Brian Bergstol     Shawnee Inn and GR         37-35--72 +2  
 T29  Matthew Hillier    Pine Valley GC             35-38--73 +3  
 T29  Bill Sautter       Philadelphia Cricket Club  35-38--73 +3  
 T29  Steve Swartz       Regents' Glen CC           35-38--73 +3  
 T29  Rusty Harbold      Philadelphia Cricket Club  36-37--73 +3  
 T29  Andrew Diesel      Manufacturers GCC          36-37--73 +3  
 T29  Bob Hennefer       Indian Springs GC          40-33--73 +3  
 T29  Jeff Bonicky       Sea Oaks GC                36-37--73 +3  
 T29  Kevin Nicholson    White Manor CC             36-37--73 +3  
 T29  Dave Quinn         Philmont CC                37-36--73 +3  
 T38  Michael Little     Lookaway GC                35-39--74 +4  
 T38  Joe Kogelman       GolfTEC Moorestown         35-39--74 +4  
 T38  Gary Hardin        Northampton CC             37-37--74 +4  
 T38  Mike Furey         Mahoning Valley CC         37-37--74 +4  
 T42  Terry Hertzog      CC of York                 37-38--75 +5  
 T42  Eric Figueroa      McCall Golf & CC           38-37--75 +5  
 T42  Greg Farrow        Deerwood CC                37-38--75 +5  
 T42  Joey Pohle         Blue Bell CC               37-38--75 +5  
 T42  Frank Palumbo      Rolling Green GC           35-40--75 +5  
 T42  Ryan McLean        Saucon Valley CC           38-37--75 +5  
 T42  Rich Steinmetz     Spring Ford CC             38-37--75 +5  
 T42  Don Allan          Burlington CC              37-38--75 +5  
 T42  Barry Dear         Twisted Dune               38-37--75 +5  
 T42  Carson Solien      Aronimink GC               35-40--75 +5  
 T42  Sean Szerencsits   Southmoore GC              37-38--75 +5  
 T53  John DiMarco       Laurel Creek CC            39-37--76 +6  
 T53  Eric McNamee       Golf Galaxy - Montgomery   37-39--76 +6  
 T53  George Forster     Radnor Valley CC           38-38--76 +6  
 T53  Rick Flesher       Applebrook GC              37-39--76 +6  
 T53  Michael Ferguson   Philadelphia Cricket Club  36-40--76 +6  
 T53  Sam Ambrose        Aronimink GC               40-36--76 +6  
 T53  Ryan Lagergren     Stonewall                  41-35--76 +6  
 T53  Mark Parson        Harbor Pines               37-39--76 +6  
 T53  Dave Fields        Brookside CC               39-37--76 +6  
 T62  John Spina         Philadelphia Cricket Club  38-39--77 +7  
 T62  Rick LeBeau        Gulph Mills GC             38-39--77 +7  
 T62  Matt Episcopo      Pine Valley GC             39-38--77 +7  
 T62  Mickey Sokalski    Philmont CC                36-41--77 +7  
 T62  Tom Carpus         Kennett Square G & CC      39-38--77 +7  
 T62  Chris Atkins       Riverton CC                40-37--77 +7  
 T62  Jaime Gylan        Royal Manchester GL        39-38--77 +7  
 T62  Ben Debski         The Springhaven Club       37-40--77 +7  
 T62  Nick Gorman        GolfTEC Moorestown         38-39--77 +7  
 T62  Bob Lennon         Wilmington CC              37-40--77 +7  
 T62  Chris Duckett      Saucon Valley CC           37-40--77 +7  
 T62  Michael Rushin     Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club  38-39--77 +7  
 T62  Bill Smith         Mahoning Valley CC         40-37--77 +7  
 T62  Greg Matthias      Tavistock CC               40-37--77 +7  
 T76  David Clark        Pine Valley GC             37-41--78 +8  
 T76  David Sandberg     Pine Valley GC             39-39--78 +8  
 T76  Kevin Fairchild    Greate Bay GC              38-40--78 +8  
 T76  Jeff Herb          Waynesborough CC           40-38--78 +8  
 T76  Michael Caldwell   Bidermann GC               39-39--78 +8  
 T76  Mark Anderson      Philadelphia Cricket Club  41-37--78 +8  
 T76  Jack Brennan       Mountain View CC           37-41--78 +8  
 T76  Kevin Edwards      Olde Homestead GC          38-40--78 +8  
 T76  Mike Dynda         LuLu CC                    40-38--78 +8  
 T76  Jeb Boyle          Centre Hills CC            36-42--78 +8  
 T86  Mike Paukovits     St. Davids GC              40-39--79 +9  
 T86  Eric Schultz       Sunnybrook GC              40-39--79 +9  
 T86  Stephen Sieracki   Indian Springs GC          42-37--79 +9  
 T86  Mike Wood          Saucon Valley CC           36-43--79 +9  
 T86  Dave Pagett        Whitemarsh Valley CC       40-39--79 +9  
 T86  Anthony Napoletano GolfTEC-KoP                38-41--79 +9  
 T86  Jimmy Maack        Kimberton GC               40-39--79 +9  
 T93  John Rudolph       Fieldstone GC              39-41--80 +10 
 T93  Jason Calhoun      LaSalle University         38-42--80 +10 
 T93  Jason Duckworth    Huntingdon Valley CC       40-40--80 +10 
 T93  Ben Schlesman      Manufacturers GCC          40-40--80 +10 
 T97  Chris Wilkinson    Llanerch CC                41-40--81 +11 
 T97  Evan Mitchell      Spring Mill CC             39-42--81 +11 
 T97  Vincent Kabaso     Cleveland Golf             39-42--81 +11 
 T97  Gregg Gipp         Phoenixville CC            41-40--81 +11 
 T97  Dustin McCormick   Glen Brook GC              38-43--81 +11 
 T97  Jeff Van Etten     Hanover CC                 39-42--81 +11 
 T97  Steve Kiefner      Northampton CC             42-39--81 +11 
 T104 George Frake       Little Mill                43-39--82 +12 
 T104 Dean Halterman     Galloway National GC       41-41--82 +12 
 T104 Andrew Pierson     Camden County GA           41-41--82 +12 
 T107 Jim Smith          Philadelphia Cricket Club  41-42--83 +13 
 T107 Matt Brown         Whitemarsh Valley CC       40-43--83 +13 
 T107 Jim Parella        Blue Bell CC               40-43--83 +13 
 T110 Tony Shields       ACE Club                   41-43--84 +14 
 T110 Steve Frederick    Lehigh CC                  38-46--84 +14 
 T112 Jesse Hackett      Kennett Square G & CC      40-45--85 +15 
 T112 Ron Pine           Whitemarsh Valley CC       42-43--85 +15 
 T112 Paul Galczyk       Westover CC                40-45--85 +15 
 T115 Bill Walker        Riverton CC                39-47--86 +16 
 T115 Brian Dionisio     Aronimink GC               42-44--86 +16 
 T115 Kevin Rossi        Lookaway GC                42-44--86 +16 
 T115 Hugh Reilly        Twining Valley GC          42-44--86 +16 
 T119 Kevin Duffy        Riverton CC                40-47--87 +17 
 T119 Chris Gardner      Bluestone Country Club     46-41--87 +17 
 T119 J R Delich         Applebrook GC              41-46--87 +17 
 T119 Joe Ambrose        Paupack Hills G & CC       39-48--87 +17 
 123  Peter Clarke       Manufacturers GCC          41-47--88 +18 
 124  Moe Gola           Huntingdon Valley CC       43-47--90 +20 
 125  Jonathan Trauner   GolfTEC Moorestown         45-48--93 +23 
 126  Keith Clawson      Waynesborough CC           48-47--95 +25 

DID NOT FINISH

 WD   Ryan Nuechterlein  Kennett Square G & CC                    
 NC   Mike Mack          Burlington CC

Pohle Wins Four Way Shootout at Connelly Cup

Wilmington, Del. – With perfect weather on Monday afternoon the Philadelphia PGA held their annual Connelly Cup – Head Professional Championship at Bidermann Golf Club. The Connelly Cup is named in honor of Jack Connelly a past President of both the Philadelphia PGA and the PGA of America. This year’s event brought together more than 50 of the Section’s Head Professionals.

It has been almost 10 years since a section event has taken place at Bidermann Golf Club which is a Dick Wilson designed course. The professionals were all looking forward to playing today’s course. The play was a shotgun allowing all players to start their rounds at the same time.  As the score cards started to come in, four players would top the leaderboard Michael Tobiason, Joey Pohle, Bob Hennefer, and George Frake, all shot an even par 72. The top spot would be determined by a four-way sudden death playoff on holes 1, 17, and 18.

All four of the head professionals bogied hole 1 and would go on to the next hole # 17. On 17 Michael Tobiason and George Frake missed their birdie putts,while Bob Hennefer and Joey Pohle would make theirs and would move on to hole 18. On hole 18 Pohle hit his ball into the bunker while Hennefer hit his left of the fairway. On Hennefer’s second shot hit the green and Pohle was just shy of the green. Hennefer missed his first putt and Pohle chipped to within 2 feet on his third shot. Hennefer missed his second putt as well while Pohle made his putt to win the tournament.

Special congratulations go out to Dave Fields (Brookside Country Club) who carded his first ever hole-in-one on hole 4. Fields used an 8-iron on the par 3, 160 yard hole to accomplish the feat.

The Philadelphia Section would like to thank Bidermann Golf Club staff for making today a very special event happen as well as our presenting sponsors Bushnell, Country Club Editions, Pukka and the PGA Tour. We would also like to thank our supporting sponsor Earth Networks who came out to the event this afternoon. The Philadelphia Section will be back to action this Friday June 30th at Lancaster Country Club for A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro Am.

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