Author: Matt Frey

PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley Wins 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship

Ardmore, Pa. (October 2, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del., defeated Dave Pagett of Whitemarsh Valley C.C. in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., 6 and 5 to win the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship on his favorite course, Merion Golf Club’s famed East Course

“I knew Dave [Pagett] was going to be a tough match,” Oakley said following his round. “He took out our Section’s best player this year (Braden Shattuck, PGA), so I knew he was going to be hard to beat.

“I hit the ball solidly today, hitting greens and fairways. My speed on the greens was good, and my caddie, Steve, gave me a few good reads too.”

Oakley, who received a first-round bye, survived six rounds of matches against 120 of his fellow PGA Professionals in the season-long format. He bettered Anthony Hoffman, John F. Byrne G.C.; Pat Butkus, Whitford C.C.; Matthew Durham, Merion G.C.; Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.; and Pagett en route to his victory today.

Oakley was due to play against Merion G.C.’s Joanna Coe, and Pagett was to see Sunnybrook G.C.’s Mark Sheftic in the semi-finals, but both Coe and Sheftic conceded due scheduling conflicts.

This is Oakley’s third Match Play victory, having previously won in 2021 at the Steel Club and 2019 at Lookaway Golf Club.

“I love match play,” Oakley continued. “It takes the anxiety and tension out on each hole; there’s always the next hole. Using momentum to your advantage is important in match play, and I think I did a pretty good job of keeping my momentum going today.”

Oakley went on to thank Merion Golf Club, their PGA Head Golf Professional Scott Nye, the club’s entire staff, the Section, and Dave Pagett.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship results, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Merion Golf Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

PGA of America Golf Professional Michael Little and Amateur Buddy Hansen Win 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am

Lancaster, Pa. (September 26, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Michael Little of Clubhouse 54 in North Wales, Pa., and his amateur partner Buddy Hansen, turned in a team score of 5-under-par 65 at Lancaster Country Club to win the 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am by one stroke over Peter Clarke, Manufacturers’ G. & C.C., and Andy Beittel.

The annual tournament was first played in 1936 under the moniker “Lancaster Pro-Am,” and has since changed to its current name to memorialize A.B. Thorn, Lancaster’s former PGA Head Professional, who also held the Section’s first vice president position in 1942-1944.

Little and Hansen combined for seven team birdies and two bogies in the Four-Ball Better Ball of Partners format. Little made five birdies with his own golf ball, with Hansen making two of his own.

Two teams tied for third place at 3-under-par: John Lynch, Bidermann G.C., and Jay Whitby; and Bill Kindoll, LedgeRock G.C., and Brock Kovach. Four teams tied for fifth place at 2-under-par, including Michael Chanaud, Peninsula G. & C.C., and Roy Kiscaden; Robert Fenton, Sunnybrook G.C., and Marc Mandel; Andy Stewart, Bon Air C.C., and Justin Henry; and Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs G.C., and Brandon Raihl.

To view the full 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am is presented by Noble AdvisorsPenfold Golf, and Ohana Farm LLC. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Lancaster Country Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Philadelphia PGA Section Announces Partnership With Noble Advisors

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (September 25, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is happy to announce a new partnership with Noble Advisors, an investment company that focuses on various aspects of real estate.

As part of the agreement, Noble Advisors will sponsor the 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am on Thursday, September 26, at Lancaster (Pa.) Country Club, site of the 2015 and 2024 U.S. Women’s Open Championship.

“We are fortunate to bring Noble Advisors into our partnership family,” said Philadelphia PGA Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “Their support will help improve one of our most popular pro-ams, and boost the prize purse for both our PGA of America Golf Professionals and their amateur partners.”

“The company’s owners are members at Lancaster Country Club,” said Noble’s Investor Relations Officer Terry Hertzog, PGA, “so it makes a lot of sense for us to partner with the Section and the A.B. Thorn event.”

About Noble Advisors
Founded in 1992, Noble Advisors is an investment company that focuses on various aspects of real estate, now managing over $125 million of capital.  The Noble Group has three main focuses: Private Lending for business loans secured by real estate; the acquisition of performing and non-performing mortgage loans secured by real estate; and the purchase, renovation and sale of single-family residential properties.  To learn more or inquire about investing, contact Terry Hertzog at (717) 271-8317. To learn more, visit nobleweb.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.

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

PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley Wins 2024 Philadelphia Players Championship

Buckingham, Pa. (September 23, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del., turned in a 7-under-par 65 at Lookaway Golf Club to win the 2024 Philadelphia Players Championship by three strokes over a plethora of talented golfers.

Oakley made a strong statement on his front nine, carding two eagles, two birdies and no bogies. He held steady on his back nine, making two birdies and only one bogey to propel him to victory.

“This is a signature event for our Section,” Oakley said after his round. “You always want to win one of the big ones. I’m happy with how I played, and am proud of my round today against the best PGA Professionals in our Section.”

Oakley went on to thank his family, Scott and Karen Hutchinson, Lookaway Golf Club, Levelwear, Strackaline, and the Secton.

The championship’s presenting partner, Scott and Karen Hutchinson have helped to make the event’s purse one of the Section’s largest, at nearly $29,000, with $5,000 going to the champion.

Eight PGA Professionals tied for second place at 4-under-par: Kyle Early, Waynesborough C.C.; Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C.: Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C.; Andrew Cornish, Cedarbrook C.C.; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C.; Mark Parson, Harbor Pines G.C.; and Brian Buskirk, HoneyBrook Golf Club.

Three PGA Professionals tied for first place at 4-under in the Senior Division: Dave McNabb, Rich Steinmetz, and Mark Parson. Fourth place went to Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C., who was only one stroke back. Overbrook G.C.’s Eric Kennedy rounded out the top five at 1-under-par.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia Players Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia Players Championship is presented by Scott & Karen Hutchinson, and is supported by Levelwear and StrackaLine. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Lookaway Golf Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

PGA of America Golf Professionals Coe, Pagett, Oakley, and Sheftic Advance in 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship

Mount Laurel Township, N.J. (September 18, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professionals Joanna Coe, Merion G.C.; Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C.; Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; and Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook G.C.; have each advanced to the semi-final matches of the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship, and are all that remain of the 120 PGA Professionals who have been competing in the event since May. The semi-final and final matches are scheduled for Wednesday, October 2 at the famed Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa.

Sixteen PGA Professionals began their day at Laurel Creek Country Club to vie for the four semi-final slots. Tavistock C.C.’s Mike Meisenzahl, PGA, defeated defending champion Michael Little, Clubhouse 54, 1-up, in the Dick Smith Sr. Bracket. Reigning Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion Joanna Coe bettered this year’s Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Champion, John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, 6 and 4. In the Art Wall Bracket, Zac Oakley defeated Merion G.C.’s Matthew Durham 1up, while Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C., conceded his match to Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.

Rolling Green G.C.’s Braden Shattuck, PGA, topped Laurel Creek C.C.’s Dave Quinn, PGA, 3 and 2, in the Ed Dougherty Bracket, while Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C., defeated Patrick Allgeier, Aronimink G.C., 2 and 1. In the Henry Williams Bracket, DuPont C.C.’s Matt Finger defeated Merion G.C.’s Grant Gardiner 5 and 3. Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook G.C., bested the University of Delaware’s Brendon Post 3 and 2.

Joanna Coe claimed victory in the Round of 8, topping Mike Meisenzahl 2 and 1. Zac Oakley, the 2023 Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion, defeated Trevor Bensel 3 and 2. Dave Pagett bettered Braden Shattuck 2-up, and Mark Sheftic beat Matt Finger 5 and 3, to earn their spots in the semi-finals.

Coe will face off against Oakley in the semi-finals at Merion G.C. on October 2, followed by the match of Pagett vs. Sheftic. The winners will meet in the final match that afternoon.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship results, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our Round of 16 and Round of 8 host, Laurel Creek Country Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Silvercrest Asset Management Group Makes Significant Donation to PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (September 18, 2024) — Following the conclusion of the third annual Silvercrest Cup at Union League Liberty Hill on September 16, Silvercrest Asset Management Group, an investment advisor providing asset management and family office services to high net worth individuals and select institutional investors, made significant donations to PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Philadelphia PGA Section, and the J.Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust, the official charitable arm of the Golf Association of Philadelphia.

Silvercrest gifted both foundations $10,000 each to use towards achieving their individual missions and goals. PGA REACH Philadelphia’s mission is to positively impact lives through the game of golf, focusing on three core pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity & Inclusion.

“We are thrilled to have a dedicated partner like Silvercrest to support our foundation,” said PGA REACH Philadelphia Director Courtney Curcio. “Their commitment to the game of golf, and our local communities will help our grow our programming this year and into the future.”

Donations to PGA REACH Philadelphia help fund valuable and effective programs like PGA Jr. League, PGA HOPE Philadelphia (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) for U.S. military veterans, and the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarships.

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit pgareachphiladelphia.com To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please click here.

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: Courtney Curcio, Director, ccurcio@pgahq.com

PGA of America Golf Professional Anthony Sebastianelli Wins Third Annual Silvercrest Cup

Lafayette Hill, Pa. (September 16, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Anthony Sebastianelli of Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa., turned in a 6-under-par 66 at Union League Liberty Hill to win the third annual Silvercrest Cup by two strokes over Cedarbrook C.C.’s Andrew Cornish.

Sebastianelli made eight birdies and two bogeys on a cool and breezy day.

“I hit it pretty well, and putted well today,” Sebastianelli said following his round. “There were times in the round where it could have gotten away from me, but my caddie kept me relaxed. It was difficult with the wind, and the greens were very quick; [Union League Liberty Hill] was a great test of golf today.

“It means the world to win the $15,000 first-place prize,” continued Sebastianelli. “We are extremely fortunate to have Silvercrest a part of our Section. Every event that Silvercrest is involved with is special, not just today, but all of the qualifiers too.”

He won the fourth and final Silvercrest Cup qualifier this season at the Doylestown Open in July.

Sebastianelli went on to thank Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Mr. Allen Gray, his wife Emily, his caddie, the membership and staff at Rolling Green, Union League Liberty Hill, and the Section.

The Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the PGA of America’s 41 geographical managing entities, and Silvercrest Asset Management Group, an investment advisor providing asset management and family office services to high net worth individuals and select institutional investors, partnered to create the Silvercrest Cup, a new tournament series for Philadelphia PGA Professionals in 2022. Fifty-four PGA Professionals earned their place in the $30,000 Silvercrest Cup final via a points system drawn from their performance in four qualifying events; the top eight amateurs on the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s (GAP) William Hyndman III Player of the Year list were also invited to compete. Sebastianelli’s $15,000 in earnings is one of the most lucrative winner’s checks on the Section’s tournament calendar. In addition to the final purse, each of the four qualifying events included a bonus pool of $4,000, shared between each qualifier’s champion and runner-up.

Four PGA Professionals tied for third place at 2-under-par: Michael Little, Clubhouse 54; Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.; Joe Kogelman, GOLFTEC – Moorestown; and Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.

Sunnybrook G.C.’s Mark Sheftic, PGA, took home the top prize in the Senior Division, finishing at even-par to better four PGA Professionals by one stroke: Brian Kelly, Titleist Fit Crew; PGA Life Member George Forster; Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C.; and Terry Hertzog, Bent Creek C.C.

Thanks to his 1-under-par round of 71, Blue Bell C.C.’s Buddy Hansen earned Low Amateur honors, bettering Merion G.C.’s Patrick Knott and Jake Haberstumpf, Ledgerock G.C., by two strokes.

While the Silvercrest Cup rewards playing excellence of Philadelphia PGA Professionals and top amateurs, the series also provided significant donations of $10,000 to the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, PGA REACH Philadelphia, and the GAP’s J.Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust.

To view the full 2024 Silvercrest Cup leaderboard, click here.

The third annual Silvercrest Cup is presented by Silvercrest Asset Management Group. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Union League Liberty Hill, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, 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 of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

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

Playing Through Web Series: Jennifer Cully, PGA

Welcome to the latest episode of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s new web series, “Playing Through,” where PGA of America Golf Professionals, Section staff, Section partners, and other industry professionals are asked 18 questions about their lives and careers.

This episode features PGA of America and LPGA Member Jennifer Cully, a PGA coach at HoneyBrook Golf Club in Honey Brook, Pa. Cully has competed on the LPGA Tour, was named the LPGA Professionals’ Southwest Section Teacher of the Year in 2005, and runs a small farm locally. To watch the episode, click here or screen capture.

If you are interested in appearing in a future episode, please complete this form by clicking here. To watch past episodes, click here.

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, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com