Author: Matt Frey

PGA of America Golf Professional Braden ShattuckWins 2026 GALV Lehigh Valley / Reading Open

Fleetwood, Pa. (July 7, 2026) —PGA of America Golf Professional Braden Shattuck of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, won the 2026 GALV Lehigh Valley / Reading Open with rounds of 65-63–128 at Berkleigh Golf Club and Moselem Springs Golf Club, respectively. Shattuck finished at 14-under-par to better fellow PGA Professional Riley Wheeldon of Aronimink Golf Club by three strokes. 

Last year, Moselem Springs Golf Club, in collaboration with Berkleigh Golf Club, announced the return of the Reading Open, an iconic professional tournament that was a regular PGA Tour stop in the 1940s and 1950s, previously held at storied venues such as Berkshire Country Club and Reading Country Club. With past champions including legends like Sam Snead and Ben Hogan, the tournament is being reimagined for a new generation of PGA of America Golf Professionals, while honoring its prestigious roots. 

Today’s victory is Shattuck’s third of the season (Radnor Golf Foundation Tournament Players Division Championship, Delaware Valley Open), and helps to extend his lead in the Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year race. He also competed in the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club as part of the Corebridge Financial Team. 

Shattuck went bogey-free in the final round, and only made one bogey in the opening round, which helped make his total the lowest winning score in the Open’s history, breaking amateur Cole Miller’s mark of 131 in 2017.

“It feels great,” Shattuck said after learning of his new record. “I’ve been steadily trying to figure out my game over the course of my career, and playing against tour players has helped accelerate that process. It’s been nice to see my scoring trend go down. Breaking a scoring record isn’t necessarily my goal, but it’s proof in the pudding.” 

Shattuck went on to thank Moselem Springs and Berkleigh and their PGA Professionals for hosting, all of the event’s partners, Rolling Green Golf Club and its membership, his sponsors, and his wife, who has helped him with his golf swing.

Fox Hill Country Club’s Ross Brown, PGA, finished in a tie for third place with Whitford Country Club’s Anthony Sebastianelli, PGA, six strokes behind Shattuck. Chesapeake Bay Golf Club’s Zach Barbin, PGA, finished in fifth place at 7-under-par.

PGA Associate Jason Wilson of Bethlehem Golf Club finished the event at 4-under-par to capture the Senior Division title, topping Brian Kelly, Titleist Fit Crew, by four strokes. Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook Golf Club, and Dave McNabb, Applebrook Golf Club, tied for third place at 1-over-par, followed by Brendon Post, University of Delaware, and Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford Country Club, who both tied for fifth place, seven strokes behind Wilson.

The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Bill Sautter, PGA, was victorious in the Super Senior Division, finishing with rounds of 68-72–140, 2-under-par, to better PGA Life Member Brian Leib by an impressive six strokes. Lehigh Country Club’s Rick Flesher and Wayne Phillips both tied for third place at 6-over-par. Darryl Lock, Skippack Golf Club, finished in fifth place at 9-over-par. 

Nineteen amateurs competed alongside the PGA Professional field, and Kyle Pritchard earned Low Amateur honors with his rounds of 71-74–145. Robert Linepensel finished in second place, three strokes behind Pritchard. Michael Ashcraft and Kyan DeLong tied for third place at 8-over-par.

The Philadelphia PGA Section’s Central Counties Chapter hosted an event concurrently with the GALV Lehigh Valley / Reading Open, and Jason Wilson emerged as the champion. Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort’s Brian Bergstol, PGA, tied for second place with Glen Brook Golf Clubs Alex Knoll, PGA, at 2-under. Brian Kelly and Moselem Springs’ own Jeff Fick, PGA, tied for fourth place at even-par.

View the full 2026 GALV Lehigh Valley / Reading Open leaderboard by clicking here.

The 2026 GALV Lehigh Valley / Reading Open is supported by the Golf Association of Lehigh ValleyKevin DePaulisSrixonOhana Farm LLC, the PGA Tour, and Moselem Springs Golf Club. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, hosts Berkleigh Golf Club and Moselem Springs Golf Club, their owners, membership, management, and staff, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Golf Association of Lehigh Valley
The Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to promoting and growing the game of golf in the greater Lehigh Valley region for youth and adult golfers, and to preserving the unique history of the game in the region. Learn more at golfgalv.com.

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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

About Moselem Springs Golf Club
Moselem Springs Golf Club in Fleetwood, Pa., has been recognized as one of America’s greatest golf courses. Set in the lush, rolling hills of Berks County, it is truly a spectacular “golfing enclave of great natural beauty and a course of unusual charm and excellence”, to quote its founder, Hawley Quier. For 60 years, this pristine, George Fazio designed course has lured the finest golfers in the State and beyond, as well as been a venue for teaching and nurturing those new to the game. It is also the perfect locale for building and networking corporate relationships. As a golf-only club, with a highly acclaimed restaurant, the focus is always on a sublime experience. moselemgolf.com

About Berkleigh Golf Club
Berkleigh Golf Club is set among the majestic rolling hills of Kutztown, Pa., and was a private golf club for over 90 years until opening to the public in 2007. Berkleigh has a rich history in Berks County and was host to the LPGA Betsy King Classic for many years. The club, founded by residents of Berks and Lehigh counties, is easily accessible from both counties; and is a staple of the surrounding communities. berkleighgolf.com

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

Philadelphia PGA Women’s Committee Presents: A Conversation With Paige Cribb, PGA

The Philadelphia PGA Women’s Advisory Committee invites you to join us for a special Zoom discussion featuring Paige Cribb, PGA, current PGA of America District 10 Director.

During this interactive session, Paige will share her personal journey into PGA governance, the leadership experiences that have shaped her career, and the opportunities available for PGA Professionals looking to become more involved at the Section and National levels.

To make this an engaging conversation, we encourage every attendee to come prepared with one question for Paige. Whether you’re curious about leadership, governance, career development, or her experiences in the golf industry, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn from one of the PGA’s most respected leaders.

We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be an inspiring and informative morning. To register, click on the below button.

A Conversation With Paige Cribb, PGA
Thursday July 9
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Join via Google Meet
Video call link:
https://meet.google.com/kxw-bbms-qkt
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 813-397-6119‬ PIN: ‪141 327 969‬#

About Paige Cribb, PGA
Paige Cribb, PGA, MBA, served as the PGA of America District 10 Director, representing the Carolinas, Kentucky, and Mid-Atlantic PGA Sections on the PGA Board of Directors. She is the Director of Student Support for the PGA Golf Management Program at Coastal Carolina University and has been a PGA Member since 1997. A past President of the Carolinas PGA Section—and the first woman to serve in that role—Paige has dedicated her career to developing future PGA Professionals, advancing golf education, and providing servant leadership throughout the Association.

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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

The Fairway Feed (S2E1)

Welcome to the Fairway Feed, the Philadelphia PGA Section’s video bulletin designed to keep you connected, informed, and engaged with everything happening within our PGA of America Golf Professional community.

Think of the Fairway Feed as your regular dose of essential Section news, delivered directly to your inbox. We’ll be sharing updates on tournaments, events, educational opportunities, member news, and important announcements you won’t want to miss.

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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 300 golf facilities in our region.

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

Merion’s Joanna Coe Among Eight PGA of America Golf Professionals and LPGA Professionals Set to Compete in 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship as Corebridge Financial Team

CHASKA, Minn. (June 24, 2026) — The 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will feature the Corebridge Financial Team of eight PGA of America Golf Professionals and LPGA Professionals competing at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn., June 25-28.

Set to compete against the world’s best women golfers, Corebridge Financial Team members earned a spot in the field by way of the 2025 LPGA Professionals Championship and the 2026 PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship.

Kim Paez, PGA, won the LPGA Professionals Championship at Hermitage Golf Course, in Hickory, Tenn., last July to earn her second appearance in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Allie Knight, PGA/LPGA, won the PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., in February and will make her sixth appearance. With Knight already exempt from her 5th-place finish at the LPGA Professionals Championship, Joanna Coe, PGA claimed the spot in a two-hole playoff victory.

“We’re incredibly proud of the PGA of America and LPGA Professionals competing this week in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship,” said Acting PGA of America President Nathan Charnes, PGA. “Our eight women on the Corebridge Financial Team represent women golf professionals everywhere on one of the biggest stages in the game. Their efforts in teaching, coaching and golf operations directly correlate to the massive growth the game has experienced in more women and girls playing golf. We wish the team the best of luck this week at Hazeltine National Golf Club.”

2026 Corebridge Financial Team Members

Joanna Coe, PGA Director of Instruction at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., is competing in her seventh KPMG Women’s PGA Championship following a two-hole playoff win at the PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship. In April, Coe competed in her fifth PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes and is coming off a successful 2025 season, earning the Philadelphia PGA Section’s Women’s Player of the Year title for the fourth consecutive year. Last June she won the Monday qualifier to get into the 2025 ShopRite LPGA Classic, a feat she also accomplished 16 years ago as an amateur. Coe won the 2024 Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship just 12 weeks after giving birth. Coe was named to Golf Digest’s 2025-26 Best Young Teachers in America and 2026-27 Best Teachers in Every State lists.

Sandra Changkija, PGA/LPGA Assistant Professional at Sugar Mill Country Club in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., is competing in her 10th KPMG Women’s PGA Championship this week. She earned her way to Hazeltine with a T-6 finish in the LPGA Professionals Championship. She won the 2025 Women’s PGA Professional of the Year Award, becoming the second two-time winner (2022) of the Award (Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth, 2023-24). She also won the 2025 North Florida PGA Player of the year and Women’s Player of the Year Honors. She made Association history in November at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., when she became the first woman to win the Assistant PGA Professional Championship. Before becoming a PGA of America and LPGA Professional, she played on the LPGA Tour from 2012-19.

Nicole Felce, PGA/LPGA, is the Assistant Golf Professional at Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, Fla. Following a fourth-place finish at the LPGA Professionals Championship, she will compete in her second KPMG Women’s PGA Championship after debuting at Fields Ranch East last year. In May of 2025, she became an LPGA Class A Member and then was elected to Class A Membership with the PGA of America in February 2026. Felce competed at LPGA Q-School in the summer of 2022 in Palm Springs, Calif., and earned partial status on the Epson Tour during the 2023 season. She began competing in junior golf tournaments at the age of six and set a scoring record at the 2016 FCG Callaway Jr. World Championship with a three-round 12-under 204 in the Girls 11-12 division.

Loretta Giovannettone, PGA Teaching Professional at Loblolly in Hobe Sound, Fla., and Weekapaug Golf Club in Westerly, R.I., will compete in her second career KPMG Women’s PGA Championship this week after an 8th-place finish in the LPGA Professionals Championship. She made her Major Championship debut in 2023 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J. She finished runner-up in the 2025 South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship. Her caddie this week is her best friend and PGA of America Professional Lizzy Blomgren, a First Tee PGA Coach in the Metropolitan PGA Section.

Allie Knight, PGA/LPGA Professional Teaching Professional at Fairways and Greens Golf Center in Knoxville, Tenn., is appearing in her sixth-consecutive KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (2021-25). A member of the Tennessee PGA Section, Knight finished 5th at the LPGA Professionals Championship before winning the PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship. In April she competed in the PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes and finished T-62. Earlier in her competitive career, Knight made 16 cuts on the Epson Tour and qualified for two U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships.

Kim Paez, PGA Player Development Manager for PING, will play in her second career KPMG Women’s PGA Championship thanks to her victory at the LPGA Professionals Championship. The Northern Texas PGA Section Member also played in her second PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes in April. In 2023 she became the first woman to win the Southwest PGA Professional Championship and the fourth woman to ever win a PGA Section Championship. The win earned her a sponsor exemption to play in the 2024 Ford Championship presented by KCC on the LPGA Tour. The 2025 NTPGA Women’s Player of the Year also teaches junior golf clinics at The Ronny Golf Park at the NTPGA headquarters. On the bag this week at Hazeltine is her husband, Nick, who is a PGA of America Associate.

Natalie Vivaldi, PGA Teaching Professional at Goal Hill Park in Oceanside, Calif., is playing in her second consecutive KPMG Women’s PGA Championship following her 2025 Major Championship debut. Representing the Southern California PGA Section, she won twice during the 2026 SCPA Women’s Stroke Play Series as well as the 2025 SCPGA Youth Player Development Award and back-to-back SCPGA Women’s Player of the Year honors (2023-24). Vivaldi played college golf at San Diego State University and the University of Colorado.

Allie White, PGA/LPGA Director of Golf at Lancaster Golf Club in Ohio will appear in her third-consecutive KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She finished runner-up in the LPGA Professionals Championship following wins in the 2024 and 2023 editions. Not a stranger to Women’s Majors, White competed in two U.S. Women’s Opens (‘21, ‘09). She also made the cut in the 2024 Dana Open, one of the longest-running events on the LPGA Tour’s schedule, and has played in over 100 Epson Tour, LPGA and Ladies European Tour events combined.

Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth, PGA/LPGA, also finished in the top eight at the 2025 LPGA Professionals Championship, but will instead play in the 2027 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Congressional Country Club after taking a maternity exemption under the LPGA policy.

Corebridge Financial has partnered with the PGA of America as the sponsor of the PGA of America Member teams in the Association’s three Major Championships: KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship. The three groups are recognized collectively as the Corebridge Financial Team.

For more information on the Corebridge Financial Team competing at the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, click here.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contacts

Jesse Dodson, PGA – PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com

Jared Minski – Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com

PGA of America Golf Professional Jeff Kiddie Captures 2026 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship

Pottstown, P.A. (June 23, 2026) — PGA of America Golf Professional Jeff Kiddie of Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, captured the 2026 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship at Bellewood Country Club. Kiddie posted rounds of 70 and 68 to finish at 4-under-par 138 and earn a seven-stroke victory, securing the first individual Philadelphia PGA Section win of his career.

Kiddie entered the final round atop the leaderboard after opening the championship with a 1-under-par 70. Despite periods of rain throughout the day, he remained steady and was the only player in the field to finish under par.

With Aronimink hosting this year’s PGA Championship last month, Kiddie had not played much leading up to the championship.

“This was the first time I’ve been able to play in this championship, as it normally conflicts with our women’s Member-Member event at [Aronimink],” Kiddie said following his round. “To win this championship, with so many awesome names on that trophy, it really means a lot.

“I’ve played first rounds at new courses pretty well,” Kiddie continued. “I really liked the golf course, and it played very well. I was a little nervous to start. I didn’t sleep great, and didn’t have a great warm-up, but starting birdie-eagle settled me down a bit.”

Kiddie went on to thank his family, wife Tricia and his kids, Aronimink Golf Club and all of its members, which he referred to as the best club in the Section, the Section staff, Bellewood Country Club for hosting, and the event partners.

With this victory, Kiddie secured a playing spot in the pre-qualifier event for the new PGA Tour Champions event, the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic, later this year.

This championship also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Senior PGA Professional Championship at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club, October 22-25. Seven Philadelphia PGA Professionals earned their spots in the national championship field, including Kiddie, Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club, Hugo Mazzalupi of the Radnor Golf Foundation, Frank Bensel of Galloway National Golf Club, Dave Quinn of Laurel Creek Country Club, Chris Kreuger of Kings Creek Country Club, and Brendan Post, University of Delaware. John Pillar was exempt into the championship. Alternates include: Terry Hertzog, Bent Creek Country Club; Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook Golf Club; Brian Kelly, Titleist Fit Crew; John Pillar, Country Club at Woodloch Springs; and John Cooper, Green Valley Country Club.

In the Super Senior Division, Wayne Phillips of Lehigh Country Club captured the title after posting a two-day total of 2-over-par 144. Phillips finished three strokes ahead of Harvey Williams of Glen Oak Country Club who earned runner up at 5-over-par. Bill Sautter of The Philadelphia Cricket Club and Rob Shuey tied for third place at 9-over-par, while Dan Barker rounded out the top 5 at 11-over-par.

View the full 2026 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship leaderboard by clicking here.

The 2026 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship is supported by supported by PXGGolf Channel, Ohana Farm, and SCNS Sports Foods. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Bellewood Country Club, its membership, management, staff, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Accepting Award Nominations

Nominations for the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 2026 awards class are now being accepted by the Section’s Awards Committee. To nominate a PGA of America Golf Professional for one of the awards listed below, please complete the form by clicking the below button. The nomination deadline is August 21.

  • Golf Professional of the Year
  • Teacher & Coach of the Year
  • Professional Development Award
  • Bill Strausbaugh Award
  • Player Development Award
  • Youth Player Development Award
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category
  • Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category
  • Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
  • Patriot Award
  • Deacon Palmer Award
  • Golf Salesperson of the Year

Descriptions for each award are listed below. Any questions about the awards nomination process should be directed to Philadelphia PGA Director of Operations Matt Frey, PGA, at mfrey@pgahq.com.

Award Descriptions

SUBMIT NOMINATIONS

Golf Professional of the Year:  The Golf Professional of the Year award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Member who has performed outstanding services as an overall PGA Professional. As one of the highest honors the Philadelphia PGA Section can bestow, candidates must possess outstanding qualities of leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf. Individuals honored with the Golf Professional of the Year award will be held as a model PGA of America Golf Professional.  Minimum criteria:

  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate has developed the image , reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members as a PGA Professional;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the Association and game of golf, as well as  helping to further educate and train their fellow PGA Professionals;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game of golf.

Teacher & Coach of the Year: The Teacher & Coach of the Year award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Member who has performed outstanding services as a golf teacher and coach. Minimum criteria:

  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the game of golf, as well as helping to further educate their fellow PGA professionals with an emphasis on teaching and coaching;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
  • Candidate must have attended or conducted a minimum combined total of 10 national teaching workshops, teaching / coaching summits or Section teaching workshops or teaching / coaching summits within the last 15 years.

Professional Development Award: The Professional Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional who personally displays a strong desire for lifelong education to include outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education. Minimum criteria:

  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of education and training PGA Professionals;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America and the game of golf to further educate and train fellow PGA Members, Associates, and industry stakeholders;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game;
  • Candidate must be one of the following: Master Professional, Certified Professional, served as an Associate Subject Matter Expert (SME), adjunct PGA faculty member, or have conducted and/or taught at a minimum combined total of 10 national education programs / workshops (to include PGA PGM) or Section education programs / workshops within the last 10 years.

Bill Strausbaugh Award: The Bill Strausbaugh Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character, and leadership through a commitment to mentoring and making significant impacts on the careers of PGA Professionals. In the spirit of the award, “mentoring” shall be defined as: “Mentoring is supporting professionals to manage their own development so they can maximize their PGA career potential. The PGA mentor empowers, enables, advises, challenges, and encourages professionals to enhance their professional skills, strengthen their level of service, improve
their work performance, and become the PGA Member that they aspire to be.” Minimum criteria:

  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America in the effort to further the careers of fellow PGA Professionals as a mentor, counselor, teacher and advisor;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of leadership and service to the Association, individual PGA Professionals, and the community at-large;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry within the specific area of employment and club relations.

Player Development Award: The Player Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development. The award considers the PGA Professionals growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and national levels in the player development arena, and the meaningful impact made at the facility. Minimum criteria:

  • Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in player development as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of player development;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of player development;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry in the effort to grow meaningful participation in the game.

Youth Player Development Award: The Youth Player Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional, who had displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of youth player development. The award considers the PGA Professionals focus on youth through their growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and national levels in the youth player development arena, and the meaningful impact made upon youth through the introduction and participation in the game. Minimum criteria:

  • Candidate must currently be a Class A PGA Member in good standing and involved in youth player development efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America, Section, facility, and golf industry in the area of youth player development;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of youth player development; Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, as well as a proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for youth to learn, play and participate in the game.

Merchandiser of the Year (Private, Public and Resort Categories): The Merchandiser of the Year award is designed to recognize those PGA of America Golf Professionals who have excelled as business persons / merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The PGA honors PGA Professionals in three categories: Private, Public, and Resort facilities. Minimum criteria: Demonstration of skills in planning of sales by presenting products to their market on a timely basis, and through the use of specialized merchandising techniques that include display and advertising.

Justin Riegel Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: The Assistant Golf Professional of the Year award recognizes an PGA of America Assistant Golf Professional who displays extraordinary service and commitment at their facility and within the industry. The award considers a professionals focus on facility operations, section and/or community service and growth of the game. Minimum criteria:

  • Candidate must be a PGA of America Member in good standing;
  • Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member;
  • Demonstration and acknowledgement as an individual of outstanding leadership and strong moral character.

Patriot Award: The Patriot Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America. Minimum criteria:

  • Candidate must currently by a Class A Member in good standing and involved in military programming efforts as either a PGA Member or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of contribution and support to the United States Armed Forces and Active Duty and Reserved personnel and veterans;
  • Candidate must have displayed proven interest, concern, and ability to provide opportunities and experience for active duty, reservists, and veterans to learn and play golf;
  • Candidate must have shown an ability to inspire fellow PGA Members with an emphasis in the area of service to the military;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service, promotion of the game of golf, and proven interest and ability to provide opportunities and experiences for military personnel to learn, play and participate in the game.

Deacon Palmer Award: The Deacon Palmer Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership, in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life. This individual is an unsung hero / heroine at their facility and in their community, who serves to inspire, empower and assist other, both inside and outside of the game. Minimum criteria: 

  • Candidate must have been a Class A PGA Member in good standing and/or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years combined;
  • Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA Member, demonstrating outstanding leadership traits, and strong moral character;
  • Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire, empower, and encourage success and achievement in individuals regardless of obstacles, disabilities, and personal challenges or otherwise;
  • Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to be PGA of America, fellow PGA Professionals, their facility, and the community in the effort to enhance and improve the quality of life for all individuals;
  • Candidate must have maintained a continual record of service and promotion of the game of golf and golf industry.

Golf Salesperson of the Year: The Golf Salesperson of the Year award recognizes a sales representative who shows a first class level of service to the industry and the PGA Professionals they serve within the Section. Consideration should be given to support in any way of the Section, charity or community.
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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com