South Florida Section - PGA

5th Annual South Florida PGA Play Yellow Birdie Bash Raising Record Breaking Number at Over $539,000

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:45:35 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - The 2026 South Florida PGA Play Yellow Birdie Bash raised over $539,000, a record-breaking number, through its annual 81-hole marathon to support the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

The annual event now in its fifth year features an 81-hole challenge across The Match and The Staple courses at PGA National Resort, where two-person teams compete to make as many birdies as possible. Each birdie is tied to donor pledges, directly contributing to the event’s fundraising total. This year a total of 1,151 birdies were made, also setting a new record.

Proceeds from the Birdie Bash benefit the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. Funds support youth development programs, military initiatives, scholarships and pediatric health care services, including efforts at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

The event has become one of the South Florida PGA Foundation’s primary fundraisers, generating more than $2 million in the last five years. The 2026 edition continued that trend, with PGA Professionals across the Section participating in both fundraising and on-course competition.

Forty-two South Florida PGA members competed in two person teams, combining endurance and performance with charitable outreach. Participants engaged their networks to secure pledges, with fundraising totals linked to birdies made throughout the day.

The Birdie Bash format connects competition with fundraising, as scoring directly impacts the amount raised. The event remains a recurring initiative within the South Florida PGA schedule, supporting charitable programs through member participation and donor contributions.

Donations will be accepted through Friday, April 10th. Please click here to see the event leaderboard and or to make a donation.

Creating Smiles in Fort Myers

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:33:33 GMT

March 18, 2026

Fort Myers, FL - For the first time since 2020, the South Florida PGA Foundation’s Smiling Fore Life program has returned to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. This relaunch marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s recovery of patient enrichment programs and continues a long-standing partnership that has seen over $500,000 raised through the SFPGA’s West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash in the last two years alone.

Smiling Fore Life was first introduced to the Golisano Children’s Hospital back in 2012, and the impact was profound for both the PGA Professionals and the children. The program introduces golf to young patients and their family facing serious illnesses, offering meaningful experiences that promote joy, confidence, and personal growth.

“The most meaningful part was seeing patients who had never been exposed to golf come in, connect with the professionals, and smile after hitting a ball into the bullseye, even if it was just one or two kids,” said Stacie Kmetz, a Certified Child Life Specialist at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

The professionals regularly spent time with patients until 2020, when COVID-19 prevented them from visiting, ultimately halting the program at Golisano Children’s Hospital until last Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Head Golf Professional Daniel Lee, PGA, and Assistant Golf Professional Schuyler Lorette, PGA, both of Miromar Lakes Golf Club, dedicated their time to Golisano Children’s Hospital through the South Florida PGA Foundation’s Smiling Fore Life program. Using the game of golf, they created moments of joy for patients by helping them smile, engage, and briefly take their minds off their circumstances.

Lee and Lorette set up SNAG (Starting New at Golf) equipment in the hospital lobby, cultivating a fun and accessible golf experience. Using plastic clubs with oversized faces, soft felt balls, and velcro targets, they turned the space into an interactive play area. While only one child was able to participate last week, he made the most of the opportunity, sharing plenty of smiles with Lee and Lorette.

This program not only impacts the lives of the children in the hospital, but it also leaves a lasting impression on the PGA Professionals who lead it.

“If even one kid has a good time, smiles, and enjoys hitting golf balls while being introduced to the game, that’s what it’s all about,” Lee said, “It’s a lot of fun for me and truly an honor to be part of this program.”

For Lee, the experience is personal. As a child, a close friend of Lee spent time in and out of the hospital with a heart defect, yet he never lost the drive to play sports such as soccer, baseball, and golf. That resilience continues to inspire Lee to give back by providing young patients with the same opportunity to smile and escape reality if only for a moment in time.

“If I can help some of these kids do that, I think I would be honoring David's memory,” Lee shared.

Smiling Fore Life is more than just a golf program. It’s a reminder that even in challenging moments, there is still room for joy. With continued support and dedication, the program will continue to create meaningful experiences for children and families across South Florida.

Tyler Nagy: South Florida PGA Foundation’s First Scholarship Recipient

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:44:19 GMT

“When you get an opportunity, take full advantage of it,” Tyler Nagy said. “If you're not taking advantage of every single opportunity that's given to you, then it’s a wasted opportunity.”

That philosophy has guided Tyler Nagy since he was named the first recipient of the South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship in 2018. The scholarship gave him the chance to pursue his education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and focus fully on making the most of his college experience.

A valedictorian at Sebastian River High School in Vero Beach, Florida, Nagy had already demonstrated a strong commitment to academics, athletics, and service. The son of PGA Member Bela Nagy, Director of Golf at Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida, he was a natural fit for the scholarship and arrived at Rollins in the fall of 2018, determined to seize every opportunity.

Between 2018 and 2021, Nagy earned multiple undergraduate degrees, including a primary degree in mathematics, a secondary degree in public policy, and a minor in data analytics. He remained at Rollins to complete his Master of Business Administration, graduating in 2023 at the top of his class.

He was equally committed on the field. A five-year member of the Rollins men’s soccer team, Nagy played in 63 matches and served as captain in his final season, helping lead the program to an Elite Eight appearance — just the third in school history. Off the field, he served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and worked as both a tutor and writing advisor.

For Nagy, success meant going beyond the minimum.

“I tried to do everything I could do academically and athletically,” he shared. “I never wanted to look back and wish I had worked harder.”

Attending a private institution came with financial considerations, and Nagy acknowledges that without the South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship, institutional aid, and Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship, Rollins may not have been possible.

“It was the difference between carrying debt for years and graduating from my undergrad debt-free,” he said. “It opened up an avenue that I never thought was there.”

Today, Nagy is pursuing another graduate degree at the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, completing a master’s program in data science. The degree builds on his professional work in healthcare analytics, where he has advanced from his company’s first data analyst into a leadership role overseeing analytics strategy and decision-making.

From scholarship recipient to graduate student and analytics leader, Nagy’s journey reflects the belief that opportunity only matters if you choose to embrace it.

Over the years, the South Florida PGA Foundation has supported nine students in their pursuit of higher education, and the program continues to grow. In 2026, the Foundation increased its scholarship to two $30,000 awards, annually impacting the lives of students in the community.

PGA of America Golf Professional Jeff Gullett Earns PGA Master Professional Designation

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:46:01 GMT

FRISCO, Texas (February 9, 2025) - PGA of America Golf Professional Jeff Gullett, the Chief of Athletics and Director of Golf at Boca Woods Country Club in Boca Raton, Fla., has earned PGA Master Professional status, the highest education designation available through the Association.

Backed by more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals within the PGA of America, Gullett, a Member of the South Florida Section PGA, joins a special group as the 479th PGA Member to earn Master Professional status. He achieved his designation in Golf Operations.

“Becoming a PGA Master Professional is the culmination of lifelong learning,” said Gullett. “It’s a momentous achievement for me and my family, and it places me in a position within this business that very few people reach. This is a lifelong achievement because it’s been a lifelong journey. It’s really special.”

The PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as Golf Professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their facilities. The curriculum is designed to ensure Golf Professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations.

The PGA Master Professional program is available to individuals with at least 10 years of PGA of America Membership along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Specialized and Certified Professional Programs.

The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the project’s presentation.

A PGA of America Golf Professional for over 20 years, Gullett advanced from Assistant Professional roles to Head Professional at Bocaire Country Club, where he served for 12 years. He was named Director of Golf at Boca Woods in 2022.

Throughout his career, Gullett has overseen all aspects of golf operations, including merchandising, budgeting, finance, payroll and overall business performance. In addition to earning the PGA Master Professional designation, Gullett is American Development Model (ADM) certified and a member of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA). He holds an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

Gullett resides in Boca Raton, Florida, with his wife Vanessa and their two children, Kay’den and Chloe.

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.

Bo Preston Named 2026 PGA of America National Patriot Award Recipient

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:58:14 GMT

The PGA of America announced its 2026 National Award Recipients at the 73rd PGA Show in Orlando, Florida. The awards class is headlined by PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Brian Crowell ; PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year Bernie Najar ; and PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year Sean Palmer.

The Association annually recognizes 13 award recipients for their extraordinary accomplishments and efforts within the golf industry, standing out among more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals.

“Our 2026 PGA of America Award recipients are shining examples of the passion, leadership and service that define our Association,” said PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea. “To be recognized among more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals is truly impressive. These 13 honorees have dedicated themselves to elevating the game of golf and enriching the lives of those in their communities. Their commitment to the game inspires all of us, and it is a privilege to celebrate their remarkable achievements this year.”

South Florida PGA Professional and General Manager at The Links of Boynton Beach, Bo Preston, was recognized as the 2026 Patriot Award Recipient for his exceptional dedication and patriotism through golf, particularly serving veterans.

BO PRESTON, PGA - PGA of America Patriot Award – The Links of Boynton Beach, Boynton Beach, Florida

Bo Preston, PGA, a member of the South Florida PGA Section and the PGA General Manager at The Links at Boynton Beach, is the 2026 Patriot Award recipient. The honor goes to a PGA of America Golf Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and devotion to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.

A PGA Member for more than 26 years, and the 2021 South Florida PGA Section Patriot Award Winner, Bo has been an advocate of PGA HOPE since the program’s inception, having successfully hosted more than 30 PGA HOPE instructional programs along with golf leagues, outings and special events, while positively impacting the lives of more than 700 Veterans and their families.

In addition to serving as lead instructor for PGA HOPE programs, Preston has transformed The Links to serve as a safe haven and welcoming “golf hub” for Veterans across Palm Beach County, offering a line-up of golf programming and special events for PGA HOPE graduates, that focuses on staying active and building camaraderie on the golf course. Preston leads 13 PGA of America and LPGA members who are PGA HOPE certified instructors at The Links, and he is currently mentoring two PGA HOPE graduates going through the process to become PGA Members.

The "HOPE Has a Home Golf League," which Preston started in April 2023 with just 13 Veterans, boasts a membership of 162 Veterans today and continues to grow. His passion for Veteran programs also led to the creation of the Valor Cup, a Ryder Cup-style event featuring 36 PGA HOPE graduates from the PGA HOPE programs of Fairwinds Golf Course (Vero Beach) and The Links at Boynton Beach. Participating Veterans are treated to a first-class event complete with Opening Ceremonies, team uniforms and a trophy presentation.

A well respected PGA Member, Preston is also a longtime supporter of Patriot Golf Days.

Justin Thomas & Cameron Young to Host SFPGA Jr. Challenge Cup

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:06:02 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - For Cameron Young and Justin Thomas, whose strong pairing at the 2025 Ryder Cup was preceded by the special memories they gleaned from separate appearances in the Junior Ryder Cup, there was the opportunity to pay it forward to the young golfers of today. This winter, for 24 talented juniors, such largesse on behalf of Young and Thomas will provide them with a riveting competition that begins with the inaugural playing of the Cameron Young/Justin Thomas South Florida PGA Junior Tour Challenge Cup.

Captained by Young and Thomas, this two-day Ryder Cup-style event will feature two teams of 12 players each (eight boys and four girls), and will be held at Emerald Dunes Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

There will be 27 holes of team play on the first day -- 9 holes using the Four-Ball or Best-Ball format; 9 holes utilizing the Scramble format; and 9 holes of Modified Alternate Shot. Twelve 18-hole singles matches will be contested on the final day of competition.

The first team to reach 12 1/2 points will claim the Junior Challenge Cup.

"Both Justin and I are sons of PGA of America Professionals, so it's really important for us to give back to a new generation of kids," said Young, whose father, David, was the longtime PGA Head Professional at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Scarborough, New York.

In the 2014 Junior Ryder Cup, Cameron Young contributed to a U.S. victory in Scotland. Last September, in his Ryder Cup debut, Young tied for the most individual points earned among the Americans, who fell short to the Europeans on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park in his home state.

Cameron Young and Justin Thomas teamed to win one of their two matches at Bethpage, and both captured their singles matches in dramatic fashion on the last day of the matches.

Thomas, a two-time winner of the PGA Championship, was on the victorious American side in the 2010 Junior Ryder Cup, also played in Scotland. As is the case with David Young helping shape his son's skills, Thomas has worked closely over the years with his father, PGA of America Professional Mike Thomas. Justin Thomas's late grandfather, Paul, also was a PGA Professional.

"Cameron and I had such a great partnership together at the Ryder Cup, and we looked at what we could do with this incredible opportunity through the PGA of America," Thomas said. "With both of us having family associated with the PGA of America, this runs in our blood. I'm excited that Cameron and I can do this together."

Building on Thomas’ remarks, leadership from the South Florida PGA emphasized the event’s significance for junior golf in the region.

"The South Florida PGA is thrilled to announce this exciting, new event and our partnership with Cameron Young and Justin Thomas," said Eric Veilleux, President of the South Florida PGA and the PGA Director of Golf at The Bear's Club in Jupiter, Florida. "This will be a premier event in junior golf, offering an exciting and competitive playing opportunity for some of the most talented juniors in our Section."

Renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio designed Emerald Dunes in 1990 and oversaw renovations to the par-72 layout that were completed in 2012

"We at Emerald Dunes are truly honored to host the inaugural Cameron Young/Justin Thomas South Florida PGA Junior Challenge Cup," said Lee Stroever, the PGA Director of Golf at Emerald Dunes Club and the South Florida PGA Junior Golf Committee Chairperson."We are thrilled to welcome the best juniors in the Section for an experience that they will hopefully long remember and cherish."

Eager for the inaugural event, Thomas is both proud to have paid forward the types of competitive opportunities that once came his way as a junior golfer and respectful of the level of talent that will be on display at Emerald Dunes.

"I look forward to watching," Thomas said, "and, I'm sure at some point, playing against a lot of these players down the road."

Click here to view all criteria and more event details.

Ben Polland, Sandra Changkija, Justin Hicks Win 2025 PGA Professional Player of the Year Awards Presented by Rolex

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:33:12 GMT

FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 13, 2026) ー The PGA of America is proud to announce its 2025 Players of the Year, with Ben Polland (Jackson, Wyoming), Sandra Changkija (Daytona Beach, Florida) and Justin Hicks (Wellington, Florida) earning their respective PGA Professional, Women’s PGA Professional and Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year Awards presented by Rolex.

PGA Professional Player of the Year Award

Ben Polland, the PGA Director of Golf at Shooting Star of Jackson Hole in Teton Village, Wyoming, made the most of the PGA TOUR exemptions that came with his 2024 PGA Professional Championship victory. The 35-year-old made four cuts at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches (T-62), Puerto Rico Open (T-70), Corales Puntacana Championship (T-53) and Barracuda Championship (T-23).

“Those starts are really fun to get back and play competitively,” said Polland. “I had the right mindsight the whole time. My mentality was better compared to the time when I was trying to play full time. I knew my job was back at Shooting Star and they were really supportive and great to me. I was comfortable with where I was at in my life, recently getting married, loving my job and good golf came a little easier to me.”

Polland also posted a T-35 finish in the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. His success at the Section level continued when he shot 6-under-par 138 to win by three and repeat as Rocky Mountain PGA Section Champion at The Valley Club in Sun Valley, Idaho. He won Rocky Mountain PGA Player of the Year for the second straight year and third time in his career.

As the new year begins, Polland has turned his focus to the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes in April and the PGA Cup, which will take place at The K Club in Ireland in September.

“This year being at Bandon, which is one of my favorite places on earth, I’m definitely going to enjoy that,” said Polland. “We’re going to be working really hard and having all the focus on that. The other part is this being the second year of the PGA Cup points cycle. I know how to get on the team. It’s pretty cut and dry, you have to play well and earn your way. I need to go out and play well and try to hopefully travel to Ireland with the team.”

Polland totaled 1,048 points to win his second consecutive PGA Professional Player of the Year Award. He is the ninth PGA of America Golf Professional to win back-to-back POY awards.

Michael Block (Mission Viejo, Calif.) finished second with 687.5 points, followed by Andre Chi (Queens, N.Y.) in third with 640 points and Dylan Newman (Stamford, Conn.) in fourth at 635.

Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Award

Sandra Changkija, PGA/LPGA Assistant Professional at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida, delivered yet another solid season in 2025, finishing with 917.5 points to win her second career Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Award (2022). Changkija is the second two-time winner of the Award (Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth, 2023-24).

“It’s great to win another Player of the Year award,” said Changkija. “I had a really good year. I know it doesn’t contribute to winning Player of the Year, but winning the Assistant PPC was pretty cool. I’m always trying to improve and stay ahead of the game.”

Changkija, a 16-time winner at Nova Southeastern University, finished runner-up in the Women’s Stroke Play Championship at the PGA Winter Championships in February. In April, she appeared in her third PGA Professional Championship, shooting 71–73-72-74 en route to a T-35 finish at PGA Golf Club.

Changkija made her ninth start in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship last June, playing as a member of the Corebridge Financial Team at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco. Her T-6 performance (3-under 213) at the 2025 LPGA Professionals Championship secured a spot in the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

Changkija made history in November when she became the first woman to win the Assistant PGA Professional Championship, registering a final-round 72 to finish at 8-under-par 280 and win by five.

Additionally, Changkija captured North Florida PGA Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year honors. She won the NFPGA Section and Women’s Section Championship in August after shooting 18-under-par 198 at Streamsong Resort.

Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth (Fleming Island, Fla.) finished second in the Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year race with 600 points, followed by Ashley Grier (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) in third at 568.5 and Kim Paez (Frisco, Texas) in fourth at 460.

Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year Award

Justin Hicks enjoyed a standout 2025 as the PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, and claimed his first Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year honor.

The South Florida PGA Member totalled 845.83 points, narrowly finishing ahead of Bob Sowards (Powell, Ohio), who finished second with 734.30 points. Mick Smith (Summit, Wis.) was third with 522.30 points followed by Alan Morin (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) in fourth with 431.50.

“It’s certainly a tremendous honor because there’s not many times in your life where you’re able to be in that type of position no matter who you are competing against,” said Hicks. “There are so many good players out there. “I think our section is definitely a very competitive section and having to beat the young guys down here year round in an effort to win our points race, it pushes me all the more. Our section is a big part of that. I’ve got a 14-year-old son, Owen, who is trying to chase me down so that’s a big part of my motivation, too.”

The 51-year-old Hicks recorded a T-9 finish at the PGA Professional Championship in April en route to a spot in the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club as a member of the Corebridge Financial Team.

After competing in the U.S. Open at Oakmont in June, Hicks won the Senior PGA Professional Championship in October at PGA Golf Club, where he shot a final-round 1-under-par 71 to finish at 8-under-par 280 and win by one.

Hicks collected his second consecutive South Florida PGA Player of the Year title after posting top-10 finishes in all four Section majors.

“I’ve got a really good network of people I work with,” said Hicks. “I'm always trying to think that my best golf is ahead of me. I’m looking forward to the chance at qualifying for majors again this year. I’m looking forward to playing my first senior major at the Senior PGA. There are so many firsts that are still coming. It’s a very exciting time because I’m playing more golf than ever.”

Nicole Triano, PGA - Deacon Palmer Award Recipient

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:18:24 GMT

As a junior in high school attending a family reunion, Nicole Triano, PGA, and her father made a spontaneous stop at Latrobe Country Club in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to browse the golf shop. Unexpectedly, the visit turned into a defining moment when they crossed paths with legendary golfer Arnold Palmer. When Triano shared her dream of becoming a PGA Professional, Palmer smiled and offered his signature thumbs up—a brief interaction that left a lasting impression.

Nearly a decade later, that moment comes full circle as Triano, now an Assistant Golf Professional at Wilderness Country Club in Naples, Florida, is named the 2025 South Florida PGA Deacon Palmer Award recipient. The award honors the legacy of Palmer’s father, Deacon Palmer, and recognizes PGA Professionals who demonstrate perseverance, service, and dedication to the game while overcoming personal adversity.

“To be presented with an award carrying the Palmer name is a huge honor,” Triano said. “It doesn’t feel like it was earned alone. It reflects the people and the PGA community that lifted me up.”

Raised in Westchester, New York, Triano was a multi-sport athlete before discovering golf at a young age. What began as reluctance quickly became a passion that would shape her future.

“I grew up playing a lot of sports—soccer, basketball, softball,” Triano said. “They introduced golf to me at Yorktown Athletic Club in Yorktown Heights, New York, and I immediately said, ‘no’. My dad told me, ‘Just give it a try,’ and after that first clinic, I fell in love.”

As Triano began to envision a career in golf during high school, her path took an unexpected turn in her junior year when her health rapidly declined. Once a competitive athlete, she suddenly struggled with everyday physical demands.

Triano was diagnosed with Dysautonomia, a disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system. Facing uncertainty about graduating high school, she leaned heavily on the support of her family and mentor Skip Marini, her golf coach and an Assistant Golf Professional at Mohansic Golf Course in Yorktown Heights, New York. With their encouragement, Triano persevered, graduating high school and continuing her education.

She enrolled in the Professional Golf Management program at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she encountered additional challenges. The heat intensified her symptoms, and the physical demands of the Playing Ability Test (PAT) posed significant obstacles. With perseverance and the support of the university staff, Triano ultimately passed the PAT and graduated.

“The staff embraced me and were willing to work with me,” Triano said. “Eventually, I passed my playing ability test and went on to become a PGA Professional.”

Triano began her professional career in 2021 at Wilderness Country Club in Naples under PGA Director of Golf Sara Dickson. There, she found a supportive environment that allowed her to contribute meaningfully while prioritizing her health. She remains at the facility today, playing an integral role in daily operations and member engagement.

“Sara Dickson took a chance on me,” Triano said. “She, my teammates, and the membership have been absolutely fantastic, and we’ve been able to carve out a plan that allows me to still give back through the game of golf.”

At Wilderness, Triano is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, particularly for members facing physical limitations of their own. Her personal journey has shaped a leadership style grounded in empathy, adaptability, and service.

Triano’s story exemplifies the spirit of the Deacon Palmer Award, which honors those who persevere through adversity while uplifting others. Through resilience, service, and a deep commitment to the game, she continues to inspire golfers and PGA Professionals throughout the South Florida PGA Section.

Joe Downey, PGA - Salesperson of the Year

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:47:01 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – In 2022, Joe Downey, PGA made a career-changing decision. Downey decided to move on from his role as Director of Golf at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club in Jupiter to become a Sales Representative with Holderness & Bourne. A vastly different avenue within the golf industry but a new endeavor he took head on, increasing sales in the Florida and Caribbean territory by 235%, making it now a top-3 territory in sales for the company.

The significant increase and level of customer service Downey delivers earned him the recognition of 2025 South Florida PGA Salesperson of the Year. The Salesperson of the Year Award annually honors a sales representative serving the Section who has made significant contributions to the game of golf at the Section level and within his/her company and those overall performance as a sales representative including service to accounts, overall integrity, courtesy and professionalism is second to none.

Downey’s journey in golf began in high school, when he first started taking the game seriously. He knew that making it as a touring professional was a long-shot, but with his uncle as a PGA Professional, Downey was intrigued by the idea of working in the business. Upon graduating high school, Downey headed off to Campbell University in Bules Creek, North Carolina where he set out to study Professional Golf Management. During this time, Downey interned at Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton, New York.

Upon graduation, Downey moved into an Assistant Professional role at Atlantic Golf Club, serving under longtime Head Professional, Rick Hartmann, PGA who turned into a valuable mentor for a young Downey. Hartmann was genuine with members and guests, making everyone feel welcomed, and he knew how to create a comfortable atmosphere, an essential skill trait that Downey observed early on.

“You don’t have to change who you are to be the best,” Downey said about the important lessons he learned from Hartmann.

Downey also worked seasonally at Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, where he had his first experience with sales and merchandising. At Floridian, it was solely the job of the golf professionals to oversee the merchandise, and Downey was tasked with the responsibility. Under the leadership of Morgan Jewell, the PGA Head Golf Professional at Floridian National, Downey experienced first-hand how growing sales and revenue in a golf shop can be fun, treating it like a game with the goal of growing year after year.

“It was my first time being involved and engulfed in the business side of golf,” Downey said about his experience at Floridian National Golf Club. “I loved it!”

After five seasons working between Atlantic Golf Club and Floridian National Golf Club, Downey decided to make Florida his permanent home. His move included working summers at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club while being led by then PGA Director of Golf, Neil Lockie. After one season of working at both Floridian and Jonathan’s Landing, Downey transitioned to Jonathan’s Landing full-time.

Downey was hired as the Head Golf Professional at Jonathan’s Landing under the guidance of Lockie, a mentor and friend to Downey. After three years as the Head Professional and with Lockie accepting a role in Texas, Downey was promoted to Director of Golf. Downey stayed in the role for three years before ultimately accepting the position with Holderness & Bourne.

Since joining the Holderness & Bourne team in 2022, Downey has had incredible success with the line, and believes in the product and brand..

“I was fortunate enough to join Holderness & Bourne, a company that I already knew and believed in,” said Downey. “This gave me the ability to ‘sell’ without ‘selling.’”

Secondly, maintaining communication and transparency with partners is vital to success by building a “two-way street of trust.” Some examples Downey gives of communication and transparency are lead dates, pricing, and revenue statistics.

Downey explains, “by being transparent, a sales representative becomes an asset, molding the partnership into a collaborative effort between salesperson and partner.”

Thirdly, a salesperson has to be likable. Be the person that people feel comfortable being around. Through this, better relationships and trust can be built.

“When you get to know someone, you ultimately develop a deeper and more trusted relationship with them,” Downey says about the importance of likability. “I want partners to enjoy their hour-long meetings with me or when I am there for events.”

Downey also emphasizes the importance of providing excellent service by assisting clubs when they need product at an event or providing last-minute tournament packages at a member-guest, as an example.

“Every club gets the same attentiveness that Augusta National does,” Downey says, “It is well worth whatever challenges we're going to go through to get this done, and I think that's how we see things.”

Downey’s journey, working seasonally in the Hamptons and in South Florida, to becoming Director of Golf at Jonathan's Landing, and now paving the way in sales at Holderness & Bourne, reveals how each step of the way has led him to earning the Salesperson of the Year Award. Now, after significantly increasing his territory’s sales revenue over three years, Downey presses forward to continue the path of growth at Holderness & Bourne.

Bonita Bay Club’s George Puchinsky Earns PGA Master Professional Designation

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:55:16 GMT

FRISCO, Texas (December 18, 2025) - George Puchinsky, golf instructor at Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Bay, Fla., has earned PGA Master Professional status, the highest educational designation available within the PGA of America.

Receiving his designation in Teaching & Coaching, the South Florida PGA Section Member is the 478th to earn the recognition, joining a special group among the more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals within the Association.

The program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations. The curriculum is designed to ensure golf professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations.

The PGA Master Professional Program is available to those with at least 10 years of PGA of America Membership along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Specialized and Certified Professional Programs. The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the project’s presentation at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas.

“Just 30 years ago I was picking the driving range at Brown Deer Golf Course, watching in awe the best players in the game compete in the Greater Milwaukee Open,” said Puchinsky. “Now to be considered a PGA Master Professional and a part of this special group is a culmination of that journey. Achieving this designation is the highlight and pinnacle of my teaching career within the PGA of America.”

Puchinsky fell in love with the game at age 30 and got his first job in golf picking the driving range at Brown Deer Golf Club during the 1996 Greater Milwaukee Open. A PGA of America Member since 2009, Puchinsky spent the first decade of his career within the Wisconsin PGA Section serving as head professional at New Berlin Hills Golf Course in New Berlin and director of instruction at Greenfields Golf Center in Greenfield, among other facilities in similar positions.

In 2012 he moved east as the director of instruction at Greenhouse Golf in New Jersey and then the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers in New York in 2014 as a senior golf instructor. In 2017 Puchinsky transitioned to the South Florida PGA Section as an instructor at Valencia Golf & Country Club and has remained in the Section ever since. Puchinsky transitioned to Bonita Bay Club in 2023.

Passionate for teaching all skill levels, Puchinsky’s instruction is focused on golf fitness training as a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) fitness instructor and utilizes Wright Balance Technology, founded by his mentor Dr. David Wright. Puchinsky’s teaching emphasizes balance, posture and core stability. Furthermore, he uses the latest golf instruction technologies such as Swing Catalyst Force Plates and Trackman, among others.

Puchinsky graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1995 with a bachelor of science in health care administration and management. He resides in Naples Fla., with his wife Suzanne and their two little dogs Coco and Bailey.

About the PGA of America

Wyndemere Country Club Captures 2025 Pro-Lady

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:44:13 GMT

Naples, FL - The South Florida PGA capped off its 2025 tournament season today at Wyndemere Country Club in Naples, Florida, with the SFPGA Pro-Lady, welcoming a sold-out field of 100 players.

The home team from Wyndemere Country Club, led by PGA Head Professional, Alex Derksen, and amateurs, Kitty Kemp, Judy Lanfrit, and Tammy Escott, secured first place honors with a score of 2-under, 70.

Wyndemere defeated the team from The Country Club of Coral Springs, led by PGA General Manager Corey Henry and amateurs, Ivy Henry, Claire Menard, and Ivania Arrechavaia, and the team from Hunter’s Run Country Club, led by PGA Assistant Professional Ralph Garofano and amateurs Lori Kirsch, Tammie Harris, and Gail Boyce, in a scorecard playoff.

Henry and Jon Buddenhagen, PGA Head Professional at Hole-In-The-Wall Golf Club, finished in a tie for first in the low professional division at 3-under, 69. Henry managed only one bogey to go along with four birdies, all coming on the back-nine, while Buddenhagen tallied four bogeys but recovered with five birdies and an eagle.

This year’s event welcomed 25 teams of an SFPGA Member or Associate and three female amateurs competing in a best ball of four on the par 4’s & 5’s and two best balls on the par 3’s.

The 2025 SFPGA Pro-Lady hosted at Wyndemere Country Club was supported by XXIO. The team at Wyndemere is led by PGA General Manager Ron Parris, PGA Director of Golf Kyle Gailloreto, and PGA Head Professional Alex Derksen.

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Travis Wehrs, PGA - Merchandiser of the Year (Private)

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:40:23 GMT

When members walk into the Boca West Country Club golf shop, they’re greeted by more than apparel, equipment, and displays. They’re met with an energy shaped by intention, creativity, and a standard of hospitality that reflects the vision of Travis Wehrs, PGA. That vision, cultivated over two decades of learning, leading, and innovating, has now earned him recognition as the 2025 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category.

For Wehrs, the Director of Golf at Boca West, the honor is meaningful because it celebrates retail excellence, and it acknowledges a lifelong passion rooted not in spreadsheets or inventory, but in style, personality, and connection.

“One of the reasons I got into the golf business was the retail and the clothing,” Wehrs says. “The way you can show your personality and how golf drives fashion, it’s really meaningful to me.”

Wehrs’ path to one of the industry’s largest private club retail operations began far from resort-style clubhouses. He grew up on a small farm outside Lincoln, Nebraska, running hurdles and pole vaulting rather than playing golf.

Golf wasn’t in the plan, at least not yet. After two years at the University of Nebraska, Wehrs felt drawn toward something bigger. With family in Southwest Florida, he moved to Fort Myers, unsure where it would lead but certain he wanted a career centered on people and hospitality. Soon after arriving, he opened the Yellow Pages and began calling golf courses.

“I wanted to work at a golf course because I wanted to showcase my personality,” he recalls. “I wanted to meet people and be in the hospitality space.”

One call led to Olde Hickory Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida, where he was hired in outside operations in 2000. It quickly became more than a job. He moved into the golf shop and discovered the business side of the game, including customer service, merchandising, and relationship-building that would define his career.

Olde Hickory lacked a dedicated retail director, and the responsibility fell to whoever had the passion for it. That was Wehrs.

“None of the professionals there really enjoyed retail,” he says. “I was always looking for a way to differentiate myself.”

He began meeting with vendors, studying color palettes, designing headwear, and helping redesign the club’s brand mark that lasted for decades. That early exposure to buying, branding, and merchandising philosophy laid the foundation for everything that followed.

Even though Wehrs was just 23 and had not earned his Class-A PGA Membership, the Olde Hickory board made a bold decision, naming him the Head Professional.

“They said, ‘OK kid, we’re putting all our eggs in one basket. Are you ready?’” Wehrs says. “I knew I wasn’t going to fail.”

During this time, he completed his bachelor’s degree at Florida Gulf Coast University through night classes.

Wehrs made the board's decision look good, as he spent 11 years as Head Professional at Olde Hickory.

He then moved to Fiddlesticks Country Club in Fort Myers, and ultimately to Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, where his passion for retail innovation found its ideal platform.

With more than 6,000 members and a stand-alone retail building at Boca West, opportunity was everywhere and Wehrs embraced it.

Holiday Bazaars became full-ballroom shopping events. Demo days evolved into “Golfapalooza,” a multi-vendor experience he describes as a “demo day on steroids.” Seasonal sales, brand partnerships, and curated collections expanded dramatically.

But the most significant shift came in hard goods.

“I felt there was a big hole,” Wehrs says. “Members wanted someone they trusted recommending golf balls, wedges, irons, everything.”

The solution was hiring Jacob Huizinga, a former Florida State Amateur champion, as Boca West’s dedicated club fitter.

The impact was immediate. In his first year, Huizinga completed nearly 500 fittings. Hard-goods sales jumped from roughly $600,000–$700,000 annually to over $1 million.

Still, Wehrs emphasizes, it was never about revenue.

“The goal was creating hospitality around club fitting, offering a boutique experience.”

That experience includes a state-of-the-art fitting studio, advanced loft-and-lie technology, in-house regripping, and meticulous follow-up communication.

Alongside service expansion came a renewed focus on brand identity. Boca West’s hibiscus logo has become a defining visual, one Wehrs believes could be globally recognizable.

“When you see that hibiscus, you think of Boca West,” he says. “This is one of the finest facilities in the world.”

As the Director of Golf, Wehrs oversees more than 230 staff members, including agronomy, golf operations, and retail. His leadership philosophy is simple: be present.

“I spend the first couple of hours every day interacting with the team,” he says. “Being visible and being a servant leader matters.”

He asks about families, weekends, milestones, focusing on seeing staff as people first.

“That connection allows us to rely on each other’s strengths, especially when things get heavy,” he says.

Being named the 2025 Merchandiser of the Year is meaningful, but Wehrs views it as a reflection of his team.

“I’m surrounded by incredibly gifted, hardworking people,” he says. “I feel really fortunate.”

South Florida PGA Foundation Presents $126,000 to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:54:31 GMT

Fort Myers, FL – In the spirit of the holiday season, the South Florida PGA Foundation had the great honor of visiting Golisano Children’s Hospital on December 16th to present a check for $126,000. Each year, the SFPGA Foundation raises nearly $900,000 to support the local community through the game of golf.

This contribution was made possible through the second annual West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash, held October 13th at The Glades Golf & Country Club in Naples, where PGA Professionals and supporters came together to make a meaningful impact for local families. The Birdie Bash is one of six major fundraising events conducted annually with the support of PGA Professionals across South Florida.

This year’s check presentation brought together SFPGA Foundation Board Members, hospital leadership, patient families, and event participants to celebrate the Birdie Bash’s continued success and its growing impact on children’s healthcare in Southwest Florida.

“The Play Yellow Birdie Bash is truly an amazing event,” said Toni Primeaux, Program Director at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “From the generosity of the PGA Professionals to the incredible support from their members, every dollar raised goes directly to helping children in our community. Seeing that level of passion and impact makes this event truly special.”

During the 2025 Play Yellow Birdie Bash, 24 PGA of America Professionals competed in an 81-hole team challenge, with every birdie backed by pledged donations. The event raised more than $255,000, benefiting both Golisano Children’s Hospital and the SFPGA Foundation.

Play Yellow, founded by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, unites the golf community to support children’s hospitals across the country, helping the 10 million kids treated annually at CMN facilities.

Donations to Golisano Children’s Hospital directly enhance its capacity to provide world-class pediatric care. As the only accredited children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami, Golisano continues to receive national acclaim, including multiple “Top Hospital” distinctions from The Leapfrog Group.

Since 2022, the SFPGA has hosted six Birdie Bash events, four on Florida’s East Coast and now two on the West Coast. Collectively, these events have generated over $2.1 million to support youth, military personnel, and families throughout the region.

The SFPGA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the South Florida community. Guided by the SFPGA and its 2,200 PGA of America Professionals, the Foundation leverages the game of golf to create meaningful opportunities and strengthen the communities it serves.

Colonial Country Club Team Takes Top Honors at Cadillac Pro-Am

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:22:50 GMT

Naples, Fl. – The Cadillac Pro-Am benefiting the South Florida PGA Foundation brought together PGA Professionals and amateurs for a day of competitive golf and meaningful impact at The TwinEagles Club.

A full field of 25 teams, each comprised of one PGA Professional and three amateurs, competed in an 18-hole, team two-best-ball format. A separate low professional Stableford competition was also conducted, giving PGA Professionals an additional opportunity to compete individually.

Taking home top honors with a score of 16-under was the team from Colonial Country Club, led by Tim Jankowski, PGA, and amateurs Dale Barina, Dale Ewalt, and Mike Scroggins.

In the Low Professional Stableford competition, Justin Bertsch, PGA, claimed the title with a total of 50 points.

The South Florida PGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Section, is dedicated to changing lives in the South Florida community through the game of golf. Funds raised from this event directly support the Foundation’s three pillars: youth, military, and families.

The 2025 Cadillac Pro-Am was presented by Cadillac and supported by The Baldwin Group and COURSE RECORD. The South Florida PGA Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to The Club at TwinEagles, including General Manager Bob Radunz, PGA, Director of Golf Justin DeFont, PGA, and the entire staff for their outstanding hospitality and support in hosting this year’s event.

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Cody Sinkler, PGA - Merchandiser of the Year (Public)

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:13:43 GMT

The first paycheck PGA member Cody Sinkler ever earned came from a small-town golf course in Three Rivers, Michigan. Nearly two decades later, he found himself at another public course, this time not as an employee hired to fill a role, but as the person responsible for building an entire golf operation, brand, and identity from scratch.

That full-circle journey, from Pine View Golf Club to The Park in West Palm Beach, Florida now frames the significance behind his newest recognition, being named the 2025 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Public, an honor that represents far more than retail success. It reflects a vision, a mission, and a deeply personal connection to the place where his career began.

At just 16, Sinkler wasn’t thinking about the PGA of America, merchandising plans, or running a nationally recognized operation. He didn’t even play golf. He simply needed a job. Pine View Golf Club, an unpretentious local public golf course was close to home, and that was enough.

He cleaned carts, picked the range, handled trash runs, and stayed long after his shift ended, drawn to the unique energy of a public golf course.

“What I remember most is the atmosphere,” he said. “It felt like a community. Pine View was where everyone went to be part of something.”

What began as a job became a passion. Sinkler worked throughout high school and college, taking on increasing responsibility and learning the ins and outs of daily operations. That path ultimately led him to become a B-1, Associate head golf professional at just 22 years old, an unusually early leadership milestone that shaped his confidence and accelerated his growth in the industry.

Even after earning a degree in supply chain management, Sinkler made a defining choice, passing up an opportunity with an aerospace company to pursue a full-time career in golf. That decision, he said, was fueled by the same love for the game that started at Pine View.

After college, Sinkler’s career took him to Florida, where he joined the staff at Quail Ridge Country Club in Boynton Beach, Florida and spent nearly six years refining his operational approach, deepening his leadership experience, and developing a strong interest in merchandising.

A season at Kalamazoo Country Club (Michigan) broadened that interest, giving him exposure to a top-tier retail environment and the artistry behind great visual presentation.

It was through these experiences that he discovered that golf merchandising wasn’t just selling products, it was storytelling. It was about creating an emotional connection between a facility and the people who walked through its doors.

But even as he advanced professionally, Sinkler was searching for a role with deeper purpose.

The Park offered exactly that. A public golf facility built around accessibility and youth development, The Park represented something rare in the industry as a mission-first model that used golf as a tool to create opportunity.

“It reminded me of Pine View,” he said. “A place where anyone could show up and feel like they belonged, only with a mission to help kids in ways my hometown course simply didn’t have the resources to do.”

Sinkler was hired as the very first golf employee, stepping into a project still in its early construction stages. Rather than maintaining an existing framework, he had the responsibility and creative freedom to build one.

“It wasn’t about following a playbook,” he said. “We were writing it.”

When The Park opened its doors in April 2023, excitement was high, but something huge was missing. A visual identity.

“We didn’t have a logo,” Sinkler said. “Everything in the shop simply said ‘The Park.’ We needed something that represented the energy of this place.”

That identity arrived a few months after opening in the form of a neon green parrot, drawn from the flocks that spontaneously fly across the property every day.

The reaction was instant.

Items featuring the parrot sold out within days. Guests asked specifically for “the parrot hat.” The 350-square-foot golf shop quickly became a signature part of the experience.

Today, The Park is projected to surpass $1.5 million in retail revenue, well beyond its initial $500,000 projection in year one.

“We wanted a brand that felt alive,” Sinkler said. “Something fun, bold, and uniquely us. The parrot became that.”

Even with the merchandising success, Sinkler remains most proud of The Park’s purpose. The facility reinvests around $1 million annually into youth programming, providing mentorship, academic support, internships, and athletic opportunities for local kids.

“A public golf course gave me my start,” he said. “Now I’m helping build a place that gives those same opportunities on an even bigger scale. That’s the part that means the most.”

He’s equally focused on his staff, helping PGA Associates move through the program, offering guidance, and supporting the next generation of golf professionals.

“Developing people is a huge part of what we do,” he said. “It’s what keeps the culture strong.”

Sinkler doesn’t naturally pause to celebrate accomplishments, but what he has been able to build at The Park while reflecting on where he started, the recent recognition allowed him to feel a level of success that is special.

“It hit me that everything I’m doing now traces back to that first job,” he said. “I learned what a public golf course can be. Now I get to help build one that pushes that idea even further. That’s a full-circle moment.”

The Merchandiser of the Year Award highlights a standout retail program, but the story behind it reaches deeper. A kid who fell in love with golf at a local muni, grew professionally through years of hard work and consistency, and ultimately helped bring an entirely new golf experience to life.

At The Park, that story continues one operation, one idea, and one bright green parrot at a time.

2025 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year (Resort) - Andrew Farrea, PGA

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:29:05 GMT

“It was shocking, surreal, and one of the greatest honors of my career.”

These are the words of Andrew Farrea, PGA, on being awarded the 2025 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award in the Resort category. In less than two years in the South Florida PGA Section, Farrea has already made a significant impact as the PGA Director of Golf at The Boca Raton Golf Club, driving substantial merchandise revenue growth and introducing data-driven strategies that elevate both the golf shop and member experience.

Farrea’s journey started at Methodist University, where he studied Professional Golf Management, graduating as a PGA of America Golf Professional. Farrea then took his first job at Newport National Golf Club in Newport, Rhode Island as an assistant golf professional.

Unsure if a career in golf was for him, Farrea set out to obtain his MBA, applying and being accepted into graduate school at the University of Mississippi. However, during that same time Newport National unexpectedly offered him the head golf professional position. Surprised by the offer, Farrea accepted the position and chose to forgo graduate school.

Farrea credits Matt Adams, the former general manager at Newport National, for the guidance he provided, and recognizes Adams for serving as his first mentor in merchandising. Adams stressed the importance of strategic branding, market research, and the many ways to utilize that research to increase sales. Along with merchandising, Adams taught Farrea how to build a great team.

“Matt showed me the importance of creating a culture that attracts and nurtures an outstanding group of individuals,” Farrea explained.

Farrea stayed at Newport National for eight years before moving to Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands as head golf professional at North Sound Golf Club. He was there for two years before moving to Ko Olina Golf Club in Hawaii, also as head golf professional. During Farrea’s time in the Aloha PGA Section, he was recognized with the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2022.

The Bill Strausbaugh Award recognizes PGA Professionals who distinguish themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations.

At Ko Olina Golf Club, Farrea’s General Manager, Greg Nichols, became another mentor of his. Nichols taught Farrea to spend time gathering anecdotal research, diving into the data, and paying attention to the details that often go unnoticed.

Farrea stayed at Ko Olina for four years before deciding he wanted to move back stateside, and fell in love with The Boca Raton Golf Club.

Farrea continues to utilize what he has learned to build a great team culture and has seen how it positively affects merchandising. He fosters those working in the facility who aspire to become PGA Professionals one day, and has built an environment that accelerates growth. Farrea has structured outside operations as a fast-track program, with the goal of moving dedicated staff into assistant professional roles within a year.

“We want to grow the PGA brand overall and our own property at the same time,” Farrea said. “It worked in Hawaii, and I can see it coming together here in Boca Raton.”

This past year,The Boca Raton Golf Club, with the help of 2025 South Florida PGA - Southern Chapter Salesperson of the Year, Kris Saba of TaylorMade, brought a tour-fitting van to the facility, giving club members the opportunity to have a TOUR-level fitting experience.

“It was an incredible day,” Farrea said. “In addition to the van, TaylorMade staffed the event with expert fitters building clubs on-site—just like they would for Rory and Tiger.”

In just eight hours, the club had shattered a TaylorMade record, producing $75,000 in sales, which was approximately $25,000 more than the previous record.

Farrea’s leadership, connections, and strategies led to him earning the Merchandiser of the Year Award in the Resort category. His short time at The Boca Raton Golf Club has been marked by significant growth, with sales increasing by almost 30% in the spring months and continuing to grow throughout the year. Farrea recognizes the significance of what he and his team have accomplished.

“There's a lot of weight behind this award and I don't take it lightly,” Farrea said. “I'm very honored to receive it, and thankful to those who gave me the opportunity to do so.”

13 Years of Giving at the Quail Valley Holiday Pro-Am

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:58:00 GMT

Vero Beach, FL – The South Florida PGA Foundation celebrated another successful year at the 13th Annual Quail Valley Holiday Pro-Am, held at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach. The event once again united PGA of America Professionals and amateurs for a day of competition and camaraderie, while raising funds and awareness for the SFPGA Foundation.

A record field of 56 teams, each featuring one PGA Professional and one amateur, competed in a Stableford team format across net, gross, and professional divisions.

Thanks to the generous support of participants and partners, the event raised more than $15,000, directly fueling the Foundation’s efforts to change lives through the game of golf.

Each year, the SFPGA Foundation impacts over 3,400 youth, military, and families through its community-focused programming.

This year’s champions included:

Gross Division: Dakun Chang, PGA & Andrew Biggadike, 50 points

Professional Division: Michael Kostelnik, PGA, 45 points

Net Division: Ed Humenik, PGA & Richard Bayliss, 51 points

For full results, click here .

The South Florida PGA Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to Quail Valley Golf Club, General Manager Kevin Given, and Director of Golf Don Meadows, PGA, for their continued hospitality and commitment to this annual tradition. Appreciation also goes to this year’s supporting partners, including Airshare, Bag Caddie, COURSE RECORD, Garmany Golf, Heritage Creations, Turtleson, and Winston Collection, whose dedication helps make the event possible.

Will Coleman, PGA - Assistant Professional of the Year

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:57:33 GMT

When Will Coleman, PGA got the phone call confirming he had been named the 2025 South Florida PGA Assistant Professional of the Year, his first reaction was simply gratitude. “I was surprised,” he admitted. “Our section is one of the biggest in the country and certainly one of the most competitive for jobs and for talent. I was extremely humbled and grateful to be selected..”

For Coleman, now in his third season as the lead assistant professional at Palm Beach Country Club in Palm Beach, FL, the award represents far more than a resume milestone. It reflects an unconventional journey through golf, marked by late beginnings, reinvention, humility, and a steady commitment to doing things the right way.

Coleman didn’t grow up dreaming of playing golf for a living. In fact, he didn’t even start playing seriously until he was “19 or 20.” What began as a way to pass time during college breaks, hitting balls on the small course at his hometown in Maryland, quickly grew into something more.

“I got hooked on the challenge,” he said. “There was always sort of a problem to solve and something to progress personally. I was attracted to that.”

That attraction evolved into what he calls “the right amount of delusion.” At 30 years old, an age when many aspiring pros are already pivoting out of playing careers, Coleman turned professional.

He earned status on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica where he spent three years competing.

“Golf is very black and white, you're shooting the scores or you're not,” Coleman shared. “I was clearly just not good enough right then.”

He tried chasing it a bit longer, but knew he eventually needed to be doing something more sustainable.

“Anytime your identity is tied up in something and that picture changes, there’s frustration, sadness,” he said. “But every difficulty is an opportunity.”

That opportunity came from Jupiter Country Club in Jupiter, FL, where Coleman had been on staff during his playing years. When he stepped away from competitive golf, the facility offered him an assistant role, his first real entrance into the operations side of the business.

Coleman enrolled in the PGA program, passed his qualifying tests, and immersed himself in the golf industry, though he admits he initially had only a “vague picture” of what his future might look like.

From Jupiter Country Club he moved to Mayacoo Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, where he began to understand that club operations could become a career, not just a fallback.

“It was always just a natural evolution,” he said. “Show up every day, do good work, be a good person, and it's gonna carry you forward.”

That mindset guided his next step to The Club at Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter, FL, a move he made intentionally. After a successful stretch there, another opportunity came calling. Through connections made in the Chapter and within the Section, Coleman was introduced to Palm Beach Country Club, where he interviewed and was hired as the lead assistant professional. He has thrived in the club’s service-oriented environment.

At Palm Beach Country Club, Coleman oversees hard goods, manages tournaments, teaches, and focuses on relationship-building within a small membership that plays just 12,000 rounds a year.

“We’re really a service-minded operation,” he said. “It’s a lot of face time, a lot of interactions, a lot of relationship building.”

His maturity from entering the industry later than many of his peers has also shaped who he is as a leader within the operation. Working alongside a younger head professional, Coleman sees his role as both supportive and complementary.

“We might be at the same experience level, but my age and life experience give me a different viewpoint,” he explained. “I think he trusts me 100 percent in a support role and if I’m thinking the same way he is, then I’m on the right track.”

Another element of Coleman’s recent career has been his leadership of the Southeast Chapter Assistants tournaments, a role he stepped into somewhat unexpectedly.

Nick Beddow, PGA, who preceded him in the role, asked if Coleman wanted to take it over. “I’d love to say I had this grand intent to contribute, but it was more like, ‘Okay, yeah, I’ll take it.’”

But the role quickly became meaningful.

“It’s been a chance for me to play a different role within the chapter,” he said. “Coming from a playing background, it was always about ‘How does this benefit me?’ Now it’s about service, providing tournaments and venues for assistants to compete and meet each other.”

He also acknowledges that the role allows him to mentor younger professionals, something that comes naturally at this stage in his career.

“When you're a 25-year-old assistant, a volunteer position doesn't sound that attractive,” he said. “But I’ve played all the golf I need to play. Let me give a little back. If I can help steer someone in a direction that benefits them down the road, I’m extremely happy to do that.”

When notified about the award, Coleman felt the recognition reflected the totality of his journey, one defined by steady growth, evolving goals, and an embrace of service.

“It means a lot to be thought of for this recognition,” he said. “I’m grateful someone thought I was deserving of the award.”

2025 SFPGA Hall of Fame Inductee - Jack Shoenfelt, PGA

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:51:01 GMT

If an individual's life can be traced not by the spotlight one seeks but by the work they quietly shoulder, then Jack Shoenfelt, PGA stands as one of the true craftsmen of the South Florida PGA.

Along with fellow Professional, Karl Bublitz, Shoenfelt enters the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2025, joining a lineage of 51 others who helped shape the identity, values, and excellence of the Section. For someone who rarely sees himself as anything but a “simple Midwestern kid who worked hard,” the recognition feels almost surreal.

“Oh, it was very humbling,” Shoenfelt said. “I called Karl and told him, they must be running out of ideas to have us in there.”

That humility is part of what makes Shoenfelt beloved. But behind the quiet manner is a life in golf marked by grit, stewardship, mentorship, and a work ethic forged long before he ever set foot in South Florida.

An Akron, Ohio native, Shoenfelt grew up in an environment where family mattered, work was expected, and nothing was handed to you. His early jobs in golf as a kid weren’t in the golf shop but on the course itself, mowing greens, cutting holes, raking bunkers, doing whatever needed to be done at his friend's family-owned 9-hole golf course.

“We did everything,” he said. “I actually thought I was going to end up being a superintendent.”

Shoenfelt didn’t start playing golf seriously until high school, but earned a scholarship to Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

Upon graduating, Shoenfelt took a job in Akron where the head professional offered blunt advice.

“He told me, ‘Son, you don’t want to get in this business.’ Told me all the negatives. He said, ‘call me tomorrow if you still want the job.’ So I called him. I said, ‘Yeah, I want the job.’”

Eventually tired of the northern climate and with a desire for year round balance, Shoenfelt moved south.

“You’re working from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. up there,” he said. “It wasn’t good if you wanted a family.”

Shoenfelt worked seasonally for three years before taking a permanent job in Florida, a move that would shape the next four decades of his life.

Shoenfelt’s professional foundation in South Florida was built at Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club in Boca Raton, where he spent nearly a decade rising from assistant professional to director of golf.

“I loved Boca Grove,” he said. “The people treated me fantastic. I wouldn’t have left if this opportunity hadn’t come up.”

That opportunity was ownership, the dream he had carried since those teenage years working on his friend’s family golf course.

When longtime PGA Professional Burl Dale sent word he intended to sell Oriole Golf & Tennis Club in Margate, Fl, Shoenfelt saw his future.

Ownership, for Shoenfelt, was never about prestige.

“There’s a million reasons,” he explained. “Being your own boss, doing your own thing. A lot of that came from working at my buddy’s course.”

Today, more than two decades later, Shoenfelt is still the one turning the key in the morning, still fixing roofs and toilets, still doing whatever the facility needs.

“It’s like buying a job,” he said. “But I enjoy coming in every day. I come six days a week.”

When Shoenfelt took over, Oriole had a reputation.

“It was always the lowest-end course around,” he shared. “Known for cheap rates and never closing.”

For 10 years, the goal was simply survival. But slowly, steadily, with careful investment and patience, Shoenfelt rebuilt the reputation.

“About 10 years ago we put in new greens,” he said. “That was huge for us. And we just continue to make improvements. I think we get better every year.”

At the Chapter and Section levels, Shoenfelt didn’t seek leadership roles but rather was put into a position of leadership in the Southern Chapter.

“They just put me on the ballot,” he said laughing.

Once elected, he embraced the work, serving as treasurer, vice president, and president over six years, helping create pro-ams, annual youth summer camps and emphasized participation that reshaped the chapter’s culture.

“We’d have 60, 70, 80 kids in the annual summer camps,” he said. “We went to three or four different facilities in Broward and Dade.”

These programs left a deep legacy that others carried forward.

As far as playing accomplishments, which he certainly downplays saying, “I’m a middle-of-the-road PGA pro,” Shoenfelt qualified for and competed in the Honda Classic, the Doral Ryder Open, and Nike/Web.com Tour events.

He also won the SFPGA Senior PGA Professional Championship in 2021, his highest Section playing accomplishment and the one he is most proud of.

When it comes to receiving recognition, that has never been Shoenfelt's motivation. Over his time as a member of the SFPGA, Shoenfelt has been nominated for several annual awards, but has never filled out the application, not wanting to take an opportunity away from someone else.

“One of those awards can help the kids,” he said. “Good for their resume. But I don’t need it. I’m not going anywhere. I’m right where I want to be.”

While that mindset has always been the same, being inducted into the Hall of Fame is different.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” Shoenfelt said. “Very humbling. Very honored.”

The South Florida PGA is honored to recognize Jack Shoenfelt as a member of the Hall of Fame not only as a Hall of Fame professional, but as a Hall of Fame person. The kind of person who lifts up others without seeking credit, and builds a community by simply showing up, every day, with purpose.

2025 SFPGA Hall of Fame Inductee - Karl Bublitz, PGA

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:41:54 GMT

If a man is indeed known by the company he keeps, count Karl Bublitz as one who reveres the class of elite individuals with whom he will now forever be associated.

Along with Jack Shoenfelt, his fellow classmate for 2025, Bublitz recently was inducted into the South Florida PGA (SFPGA) Hall of Fame, the highest honor an individual can receive within the Section. For a guy who once spent a summer of his youth moving sprinkler heads late into the night from one hole to another at a course in his native St. Clair County, Michigan, there is something almost surreal about sharing the spotlight with a "who's who" among the other 51 SFPGA Hall of Fame members.

"I mean, to know my name is now there with Jack Nicklaus, Jim McLean, Bob Murphy, Bob Toski, and [former PGA of America CEO] Joe Steranka, wow," Bublitz says as his voice trails off.

Achieving immortality within the second largest of the 41 PGA of America Sections is the ultimate byproduct of a career that Bublitz describes in its simplest form and with the highest of ideals. "I'm a servant," he says, "and we, as a team, do not fail. We're not going to lose. The product and experience that we provide to our customers, will not be duplicated anywhere else. Their ROE, the Return on Experience for our customers, will not be beaten."

That mantra of leadership has extended to his commitment to the SFPGA itself, with Bublitz serving as the Section's President from 2019-21 and being named the 2012 SFPGA Golf Professional of the Year.

Bublitz, a PGA of America Member since 1995, is the PGA General Manager for the Collier Rod and Gun Club in Naples, Florida. He is currently assisting with the planning and development of the County's first facility to feature sporting clays, archery, a trail system, and a championship 18-hole golf course, expected to open in 2028.

In many respects, Collier Rod and Gun Club represents the exclamation point for Bublitz, who has worked at five other facilities in South Florida since he made the area his permanent home in 2004. Bublitz got his start in the golf business at Rattle Run Golf Course in Michigan, where those muggy summer nights spent changing the sprinkler heads -- typically from 8:30 p.m. to as late as 1:30 a.m.-- for owner Lou Powers afforded him the opportunity to play the game when the sun came back up.

Yet it wasn't until PGA Professional Dan Hansen offered Bublitz an assistant professional position at The Moors Golf Club in Portage, Michigan, that the vision of golf as a career began to come into focus for him. For it wasn't until then that Bublitz met the man for whom, as he admits, "I owe my success."

When Jim Butler left The Moors to become an assistant professional at The Forest Country Club in Ft. Myers, it created an opening on the staff among assistant professionals. Bublitz then rose in the ranks. And before long, as he would spend his winters in Florida, Bublitz went to work with Butler at The Forest.

Ultimately, Butler saw in Bublitz the myriad of skills he admires in a PGA Professional, and when Butler became the General Manager, he hired Bublitz to be his PGA Director of Golf at Grey Oaks Country Club, the sprawling, 54-hole facility in Naples, where Bublitz oversaw a team of 22 golf professionals.

"Look, I was a kid who could have gone in any direction," Bublitz admits. "I needed mentorship, and Jim was my guiding light. He helped me look at things in a bigger way than just the day-to-day activities, both in my personal life and my professional life. People are everything in this business, and you absolutely want to be around someone like Jim."

Butler, now the CEO of Club Benchmarking, a leading online management tool that provides key data for clubs, says that Bublitz stands alone.

"I had many PGA golf professionals work for me and with me, and Karl, by far, is the best one on many levels. Karl is the absolute best at customer experience for any PGA Professional who I have worked with in my 35 years of being a PGA Member. He is organized, he's a leader, and he always puts the club members first. Karl trains his staff to be warm and receptive to the customer, and make each member feel that they are the most important person in the golf shop.

"Karl's operations in golf tournaments, merchandising, training staff, business planning and financial performance exceeded expectations on a continuous basis at Grey Oaks. The highest compliment that I can give Karl is if I was starting a facility today, he would be the first person I would call to lead the facility because he is a proven winner."

Rich Ter Haar was the PGA Head Professional for Bublitz at Grey Oaks, and he succeeded his boss as Director of Golf when Bublitz took on the opportunity at Collier Rod and Gun Club.

"I can think of no one more deserving of induction into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame than Karl Bublitz," Ter Haar says. "His passion for creating the best member experience possible, respect for the traditions of the game, and genuine care for people have defined his entire career. At Grey Oaks, he created an environment where the golf experience is not just about the game itself but about belonging, camaraderie, and shared pride in the club. His leadership raised service standards and inspired his team to embrace excellence every day. Karl has not only achieved great professional success but has also made everyone around him better—through mentorship, friendship, and example. His influence extends far beyond his own club, as he has shaped the character of the South Florida PGA community itself."

So true. In fact, Bublitz worked closely with Geoff Lofstead, the longtime executive director of the South Florida PGA, to frame a comprehensive business plan for the Section, which counts more than 2,100 PGA Professionals in its ranks. And he did so with his term as President coinciding with the devastating effects of COVID-19.

"My whole focus during that time was to help Geoff and his team with whatever they needed," Bublitz says. "Communications was everything, so Geoff and I were on the phone multiple times a day and we stayed in touch with as many of our golf professionals as we could."

Caring for, and mentoring his fellow Professionals, is evident through the more than 20 PGA Professionals who have worked for Bublitz who now have titles of Head Professional or higher. "It's a source of great pride," he says.

His caring for his community shines through with the time Bublitz has spent installing windows and helping with other needs for the Habitat for Humanity homes that the SFPGA, through its Foundation, has constructed in 13 of the 14 counties it encompasses. "We'll get all 14," Bublitz is quick to add.

He talks about culture, which surely will be unmatched when Collier Rod and Gun Club welcomes its members in a few years. Led by Bublitz, ever the servant. That kid who needed direction and got it, and who, as a man, has paid it back in mentoring and caring for others.

And then one day, the phone rings, and you're told that you're going to be up on the mountaintop of your profession. Alongside legends named Jack, Jim, Murph and Toski. And you're thunderstruck. Wow.

"I am so humbled," Bublitz says. "You know, I love what I do, and I want to do it for as long as I can be helpful. Next to having my children, it's the greatest honor of my life to be inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame. This is it."

Celebrating 10 Years of PGA HOPE in South Florida

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:46:58 GMT

West Palm Beach, Florida - This November marks the 10th anniversary of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) in the South Florida Section, a decade of transforming lives through the game of golf. What began as a single pilot program in 2015 has evolved into a national movement led by passionate PGA of America Professionals committed to serving those who have served.

PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of the South Florida PGA Foundation, introduces golf to Veterans and Active-Duty Military Personnel as a means to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The six-week program is offered at no cost, using the game of golf as a bridge to healing and community.

The first SFPGA HOPE session took place on November 5, 2015, at The First Tee of the Palm Beaches and the John Prince Golf Learning Center. PGA Professionals Judy Alvarez, Dave McNulty, and Donna White led the way, creating a safe, welcoming space where Veterans could reconnect, heal, and find purpose through golf. Their success ignited something far greater, a national ripple effect of hope.

Few have influenced PGA HOPE’s success more than Judy Alvarez, PGA Teaching Professional at Monarch Country Club and 2019 National Patriot Award recipient, who created the national training curriculum that still guides PGA Professionals today. “We help by reducing isolation,” Alvarez said. “Because of this program, Veterans find the confidence to re-engage with life, to go to the grocery store, the movies, or spend time with loved ones. It’s about helping them learn to live again.”

Ten years later, that mission continues to thrive. As of October 2025, PGA HOPE South Florida has impacted more than 2,000 Veterans across 93 facilities in seven counties, led by 244 PGA Professionals who have conducted 138 six-week, two-hour sessions.

The heart of PGA HOPE lies in the PGA Professionals who make it possible. Each year, the SFPGA Patriot Award honors one such leader.

The 2025 recipient, Scott Kash, PGA Tournament Director at Quail Creek Country Club, has graduated 58 Veterans through four sessions, hosted Basecamp sessions for alumni, and helped raise more than $175,000 for the Home Base Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war. “To have the opportunity to serve those who have served us, there’s nothing more meaningful than that,” Kash shared.

Fairwinds Golf Course General Manager and 2024 SFPGA Patriot Award recipient, Mark Cammarene, PGA, has hosted 11 sessions, impacting more than 180 Veterans since 2018. “Hosting one session led to the effortless decision to continue,” Cammarene said. “Seeing the transformation in participants keeps us coming back.”

Bo Preston, PGA General Manager at The Links at Boynton Beach and 2021 SFPGA Patriot Award recipient, has built a community where Veterans are treated like VIP members. Hosting up to four PGA HOPE sessions each year, Preston launched a league called Hope Has a Home, which has grown from 13 to over 150 Veterans. Preston’s wife, Christina Olivarez, a retired Army Master Sergeant and SFPGA HOPE Ambassador, knows that transformation firsthand. “PGA HOPE helped bring me out of a dark place,” Olivarez said. “It truly changed my life. Golf clears your mind and lets you forget everything else.”

The same spirit is shared by Pam Elders, PGA Director of Instruction at Boca West Country Club, 2023 SFPGA Patriot Award recipient, and 2025 PGA of America Player Development Award recipient. For Elders, the program is personal; her father served in the Navy. “Getting involved with PGA HOPE was the perfect way to give back,” Elders said. “Many Veterans say this program saved their lives, but the truth is, it’s saved ours too as the Professionals who teach them.”

This sense of connection and renewal is particularly evident during events like the Fourth Annual PGA HOPE Cup, held on October 4th at St. Andrew’s Country Club. The event brought together 72 Veterans and 24 PGA Professionals for a day of camaraderie and celebration. 2022 SFPGA Patriot Award recipient, Jerry Impellittiere, PGA, led his team of Navy Veterans to victory.

Having worked with more than 200 Veterans through PGA HOPE, Impellittiere has seen firsthand the healing power of the program. “The one thing that rips my heart out is the mental health challenges Veterans often face,” Impellittiere, the PGA Director of Instruction at Monarch Country Club, shared. “This little white golf ball we all obsess about is a miracle in many Vets’ lives.”

The same hope carried to the national stage this year, as Todd Frey, a retired Navy Chief and graduate of the Fort Myers program, represented South Florida at PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week. Now a National Ambassador, Frey embraces the same purpose that defined his military career. “Golf became therapy for me,” he said. “Now, I just want others to experience the same healing.”

From one pilot program of 16 Veterans to nearly 30 annual sessions across South Florida, PGA HOPE has become a beacon of healing, purpose, and connection. As the South Florida PGA Foundation celebrates this 10-year milestone, it does so with deep gratitude to the Veterans who inspire, the PGA Professionals who lead, and the communities that continue to make it possible. The next decade promises even greater impact, one swing, one story, and one life at a time.

Interested in supporting PGA HOPE in South Florida?

May 7, 2026 - Lost Tree Club | 10th Annual PGA HOPE Classic

Make a Donation | Volunteer

Lawrence "Chip" Inks III, PGA - Youth Player Development Award Recipient

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:19:34 GMT

At 10 years old, while never stepping foot on a golf course, Lawrence Inks III, otherwise known as “Chip,” joined his grandfather for nine holes of golf at Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Chip loved it and considered golf his “fun” sport, because he didn’t want golf to get in the way of the baseball and soccer that he played competitively.

That fun that Chip experienced on the course with his grandfather over 40 years ago has shaped his mindset and philosophy as a teacher and coach, culminating in being named the 2025 South Florida PGA Youth Player Development Award recipient, which recognizes the Professional who has made extraordinary contributions to youth player development.

“The biggest thing for me is that I want my juniors to have fun first,” Chip, the PGA Director of Instruction at Village Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, emphasized. “Yes, it’s time to be serious, and get our work done, but let's still have fun.”

Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Chip was a standout baseball and soccer player who earned the opportunity to play both sports at Anderson University, a small Division III school in Anderson, Indiana. Except Chip never actually played on the baseball team and only played on the soccer team for two years before suffering an injury that derailed his soccer ambitions. Instead, he walked on to the golf team after being encouraged by a few friends he had met who were on the team.

Chip had never played a competitive round of golf in his life at that point, but again, it was extremely fun for him and allowed his personality to shine, and Chip became hooked.

By the time he was a senior at Anderson, Chip had almost become like a coach to other players who would come to Chip for swing advice, a small glimpse into what the future could hold for him.

“Everybody who had a swing issue would come to me, and I became known as the swing guru and helped the whole team with lessons,” Chip explained.

Shortly after graduating, Chip returned to Anderson University as an assistant golf coach. His passion for teaching led him to pursue PGA Membership, which he earned in 2006 while working at The Country Club at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio. His time at The Country Club was extremely valuable, as he was introduced to and able to learn from individuals such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, David Leadbetter, and Butch Harmon, only intensifying his desire to become an instructor.

Over the next three years, Chip worked himself up to becoming a head professional at Delaware Golf Club in Delaware, Ohio. While serving as a head professional, Chip did not feel the same level of fulfillment, realizing his passion lay more on the lesson tee than in the golf shop.

Seeking his next opportunity, Chip and his wife relocated to South Florida, where he began working at the Polo West Country Club in Wellington. Soon after, Chip met Dustin Massey, PGA, at a Southeast Chapter Fall Meeting, offering him an opportunity to help run junior clinics at Park Ridge Golf Course in Lake Worth.

Excelling in his role, Chip eventually became the PGA director of instruction at Park Ridge in 2014, under the leadership of Donna White, PGA, who oversaw all Palm Beach County-owned facilities.

Chip began running junior programs for Park Ridge, and in 2019 alone, he saw 2,500 juniors come through the program, earning his first U.S. Kids Top 50 Coaches recognition.

“His simple approach creates a supportive, not intimidating learning environment, dedicated to helping others improve their game, which is exemplified in the success of his students, especially his juniors,” explained White, a 2022 South Florida PGA Hall of Fame inductee. “His commitment to youth player development is worthy of recognition.”

Following a record-breaking 2019 for junior participation, Chip and his team were on pace to reach 3,500 juniors in 2020 until COVID-19 hit, forcing Chip to move on.

From Park Ridge, Chip became the director of Instruction at Village Golf Club, the facility where he currently resides today.

While giving lessons and running clinics for juniors primarily aged 3-12 at the Village, Chip also serves as a Certified Instructor for the First Tee and coaches the girls' Palm Beach Central High School golf team, which advanced to the Regional finals this year for the first time in the program's 17-year history.

As an instructor and coach, Chip takes a different approach with his students, not necessarily obsessing over the swing and mechanics, but more so the attitude and feelings of the individual. That personable approach goes a long way for younger students, as Chip emphasizes the importance of being an athlete and not just a golfer.

“Aside from golf, he has been a caring leader once he learned I was diabetic, like his wife,” shared Wylie Inman, a student of Chip’s who has committed to play golf at the University of South Florida. “It shows his true character, that he cares about the person too, not just the golf swing.”

From a 10-year-old just wanting to spend time with his grandfather to becoming a nationally recognized U.S. Kids coach to being named the 2025 South Florida PGA Youth Player Development Award recipient, Chip has maintained the same positive, fun approach that, in his eyes, keeps him young and full of joy.

“Golf very easily parallels life; golf is not always going to be fairways and greens. You are going to be stuck in the rough sometimes. How you get out of the rough really depends on what type of attitude you have, and that's really what I want the juniors to learn,” Chip explained. “We are going to do things right, we are going to have a good attitude, and I want you to have fun with it.”

Scott Kash, PGA - Patriot Award Recipient

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:12:58 GMT

As Scott Kash tells the story, the Veterans he was teaching golf to that spring day in 2023 had it all wrong. There were 15 or so Veterans who had participated in a PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) class at Stoneybrook Golf Club in Estero, Florida, and during the ceremony held at the conclusion of the class, each of them walked up to Kash, one of the PGA of America Professionals who had served as an instructor that day.

"Every one of them is coming up and thanking me," says Kash. "I'm thinking, 'I'm here to thank you.' That's when it hit me that what I'm doing is making a difference. It is truly the least that we can do, as golf professionals, to teach them the game and give back to those who put on the uniform so that we are able to do what we do every day."

The passion that Kash has for providing various means for Veterans to start the game and continue to enjoy it is evident to anyone who knows the man who is truly making the most of his second career, which has now seen him honored with the 2025 South Florida PGA (SFPGA) Patriot Award. Kash is the sixth recipient of the Patriot Award, which recognizes a PGA of America member who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to all who have served the United States of America.

The SFPGA began recognizing the Patriot Award, one of the PGA of America's national awards, on the Section level in 2019.

"This is a unique award, and I'm incredibly honored to receive it," says Kash, the Tournament Director at Quail Creek Country Club, a 36-hole private facility in Naples, Florida. "The Patriot Award is unique because it goes beyond what we do as a profession. I have looked at ways that I can give back, and when it comes to the military, I'm all in."

Kash serves on the Home Base Golf Tournament Committee at Quail Creek. He played a vital role as the Tournament Director for the event itself, helping to raise more than $175,000 for the Home Base Foundation last year. Home Base is a national non-profit organization dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war through direct clinical care, wellness, education, and research, all at no cost to Veterans, service members, and their families.

As a PGA HOPE Certified Professional, Kash has successfully graduated 58 Veterans across four classes since 2023. Furthermore, as a leader for the PGA HOPE Basecamps in the SFPGA's Southwest Chapter, Kash has organized three additional sessions, offering enhanced instruction and playing opportunities to 30 Veterans.

One of those whose lives Kash has touched is Ronald Dixon, a disabled Veteran and one of Kash's Player Development students.

"I have experienced firsthand the patience, encouragement, and genuine care that Mr. Kash provides to those he mentors," Dixon wrote in a letter recommending Kash for the SFPGA Patriot Award. "Mr. Kash has gone above and beyond in supporting me not only as a student of the game but also as a Veteran navigating the challenges of recovery, growth, and transition ... His support has helped me grow both on the course and personally, reinforcing the sense of pride and confidence that military service instilled in me."

As so many Veterans have discovered how golf can help change their lives, so too has the game enriched the second part of Kash's professional arc. After a career in manufacturing planning and logistics, Kash started playing more golf. A lot more ... upwards of 175 rounds per year, in fact. He went to work at a local municipal course in the New York City area, decided to dedicate his efforts to achieving PGA of America membership, and after helping his parents move to Southwest Florida, Kash became a PGA of America member in 2010.

Kash said he "felt something that day" in Maine in 2016 when he assisted in one of the early PGA HOPE events, in Maine. Part of the pull, to wanting to help Veterans, emanated from thinking about his Dad, Gerald, who had served as a special enlisted reserve in Korea. "My Dad was my rock," he says now of his late father.

The son went to it, and the fire for helping veterans continues to burn strongly. He is currently working with Home Base to establish a golf league for veterans. Through PGA HOPE Basecamps, which are designed to keep veterans engaged in golf, Kash has helped secure facilities and collaborated with other PGA HOPE Certified Golf Professionals to deliver five weeks of instruction, culminating in a final 9-hole scramble.

This summer, the third Basecamp session that Kash oversaw featured eight returning participants who had previously attended at least one session.

Heather Angell, also a PGA of America Professional, went through PGA HOPE training with Kash.

"I ran four PGA HOPE Programs in Fort Myers, and Scott was with me every step of the way making sure the Veterans had a great experience," says Angell, the PGA Director of Instruction at The Golf Club at Fiddler's Creek in Naples, Florida. "When he asked me if I could assist him with a Basecamp he created and organized this year, I did not hesitate to help out, as I knew he was offering a meaningful experience for those Veterans who had already completed the original PGA HOPE Program. Scott saw the importance of the program and the need that the graduates wanted more. PGA HOPE has become his passion and the program in Southwest Florida has been elevated because of him."

Paul Fitzpatrick, PGA Director of Golf at Babcock National Golf & Country Club in Punta Gorda, Florida, has worked with Kash on several Basecamp events and echoes the praise from Angell.

"Scott's genuine care for veterans and passion for providing them with opportunities to improve their golf game and feel comfortable are always evident," says Fitzpatrick. "We organize Drive, Chip, and Putt challenges, as well as a 9-hole scramble. In addition, Scott has conducted multiple surveys to better understand the participants’ needs and enhance their overall experience. Scott has found his passion and is dedicated to giving our veterans every opportunity to enhance their lives and golf experiences. His vision for the PGA HOPE program will have a lasting impact on our Section."

So many of us try to find that calling in life. What is it that we can do to genuinely make a difference? Will it really matter at all?

For Scott Kash, the answer is simple, really. In part, it's in what he calls "that look of amazement" on the faces of the Veterans he teaches, when they react to a golf ball they have struck well, soaring up in the air. In part, it's in honoring his Dad by "waking up each day with a passion for Veterans and these programs." Put together, the whole of it adds up to the intense commitment that Kash has made to those he gets to thank through the game that brings joy, renewal and, in many ways, peace, to those who deserve it the most.

"You have to pour your heart and soul into this if you commit to giving back to our Veterans," he says. "I have had conversations with fellow PGA Professionals about the PGA HOPE program, and I often share the profound impact of seeing Veterans' appreciation for what we do for them. This has truly been a truly life-changing experience for me."

Rolex South Florida PGA Players of the Year Announced

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:01:47 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Justin Hicks, Ashley Grier, Tim Cantwell, and Jerry Tucker have been awarded 2025 South Florida PGA Rolex Section, Women's, Senior Player, and Super Senior of the Year honors, respectively, based on the season-long points race.

Annually, the SFPGA recognizes a Section, Women's, Senior, and Super Senior Player of the Year, determined by total points earned during Section individual stroke play events, PGA Professional Championships, and participation in the Challenge and Senior Challenge Cup Matches.

For the second consecutive year, Hicks, a PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club, has earned the Section's top playing honor, earning a total of 1,657 points, 213 points better than Michael Kartrude, PGA of The Bear's Club.

Hicks' season was highlighted by qualifying for the PGA Championship by way of the PGA Professional Championship, where he finished in a tie for ninth, earning him entry into his first career PGA Championship.

Less than a month later, Hicks was competing in the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club after successfully surviving golf's longest day and qualifying for his eighth Major Championship of his career.

At the Section level, Hicks managed a top-10 finish in all four majors, including a T9 finish to open the season at the Fort Lauderdale Open, a fourth-place finish at the E-Z-GO South Florida Open, a T7 finish at the Bushnell Stroke Play Championship, and a third-place finish at the South Florida PGA Professional Championship to close the season.

Since becoming a member of the SFPGA in 2022, Hicks has taken full advantage of his Class-A Membership, earning two Rolex Player of the Year titles, resulting in two PGA TOUR starts, a Section major title at the 2024 Bushnell Stroke Play Championship, three Corales Puntacana Championship member qualifier titles, and a PGA Championship start.

In her first year as a SFPGA member, Grier, a PGA Assistant Professional at The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club, was named the Rolex Women's Player of the Year, earning 1,487 points, nearly 1,000 points ahead of her closest competitor.

After transferring in from the Middle Atlantic PGA Section, where she became the first female to be crowned the Section Player of the Year in 2024, Grier's talent followed to South Florida, where she managed a T2 finish at the Fort Lauderdale Open which marked her first Section event.

Grier later competed in the 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, earning low PGA Professional honors, the first SFPGA Professional to do so in Section history.

Her momentum carried into the South Florida PGA Professional Championship, ending in a tie for fourteenth before capturing the Women's Section Championship title to cap off the season.

The Women's Player of the Year honor only adds to Grier's PGA of America playing career, where she has competed on the U.S. Women's PGA Cup Team in 2019, was awarded the 2020 PGA of America Women's Player of the Year honor, and has competed at four PGA Professional Championships and will make her fifth in 2026.

Cantwell earned his first Rolex Senior Player of the Year honor, narrowly beating Alan Morin, PGA of the Club at Ibis, and the 2023 and 2024 player of the year, by 112 points.

The PGA National Golf Club Teaching Professional opened the 2025 season with a second-place finish at the Florida Senior Open, a top-10 finish at the Fort Lauderdale Open, and a T3 finish at the South Florida Senior Open.

Cantwell then joined 34 other PGA Professionals at the Senior PGA Championship at Congressional Country Club, where he made the cut, ultimately finishing at T58.

Sustaining that momentum into the summer, Cantwell managed a top-15 at all Section majors, including a third-place finish at the E-Z-GO South Florida Open, a T5 finish at the Bushnell Stroke Play Championship, and a T11 finish at the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship.

To end the season, Cantwell competed and finished fourth in the Senior PGA Professional Championship, earning him entry into the 2026 Senior PGA Championship for the second consecutive year.

For the fourth time in five years, Tucker of Jerry Tucker Golf has claimed the Super Senior Player of the Year honor, accumulating a total of 1,000 points.

Tucker's season was highlighted by a seventh-place finish at the South Florida Senior Open, an 18th-place finish overall at the E-Z-GO South Florida Open (first in the Super Senior division), and an T8 finish at the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship (first in the Super Senior division).

Closing the year, Tucker competed at the Senior PGA Professional Championship and was a member of the Senior Challenge Cup team.

Tucker adds to his historic SFPGA playing resume, which includes six Senior Player of the Year honors and one overall Player of the Year honor.

The Player of the Year is presented by Rolex and is a season-long points race designed to honor the best overall Section, Female, Senior and Super Senior players.

PGA of America 2025 Hall of Fame Class Honored at 109th PGA Annual Meeting

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:02:04 GMT

FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 6, 2025) - The PGA of America celebrated its 2025 Hall of Fame Class with an induction ceremony at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Wednesday night during the 109th PGA Annual Meeting in Frisco, Texas.

The PGA of America Hall of Fame honors individuals who through their lives, careers, service and support have made significant and enduring contributions to the Association in its mission to grow the game of golf.

The biennial ceremony, emceed by CBS Sports Reporter Amanda Balionis, honored and celebrated PGA of America Past President Jim Richerson, PGA ; PGA Members Ronny Glanton, PGA, Jim McLean, PGA and JD Turner, PGA ; LPGA Tour Legend Nancy Lopez ; and PGA of America Honorary Member and adaptive trick-shot artist Dennis Walters.

"The PGA of America Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is always a special night, and the 2025 Class truly represents the very best of our Association and the game we love," said PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea Jr. "It's a tremendous honor to celebrate their profound achievements in growing and elevating golf and the industry. Their collective legacy is inspirational."

The PGA of America Hall of Fame originated in 1940 at the suggestion of famed sportswriter Grantland Rice and is the highest honor the PGA of America can bestow upon its members and ambassadors of the game.

The Hall of Fame includes four induction categories: PGA of America Golf Professional Category (Glanton, McLean, Turner); PGA of America Past President Category (Richerson); Tour Player Professional Category (Lopez); and PGA of America Ambassador Category (Walters).

The evening started off with a local legend, Ronny Glanton, PGA, who began his career in 1981 as an Assistant Professional at Sherrill Park Golf Course in Richardson, Texas. Upon achieving PGA of America membership in 1984, he took over as Head Professional and has been at the Richardson facility ever since. He’s the namesake of The Ronny Golf Park, a first-of-its-kind facility located on campus at PGA Frisco that features a two-acre, lighted golf park made entirely of fully synthetic turf and hosts programs for children ages 3-14.

“About 15 years ago (Northern Texas PGA CEO) Mark Harrison had this idea to build a golf park and allow kids to come participate for free,” said Glanton. “It took a lot of people, but Mark Harrison was the key and he kept it alive. It’s very humbling and an honor to be part of it.”

Glanton then reflected on his 44 years at Sherrill Park. “First and foremost, the city of Richardson gave me a chance to be their Head Professional at a young age of 25 years old, and then I had to prove myself,” said Richardson. “They’re commitment to golf is unprecedented for a municipality. If it weren’t for the people who supported what we do, I would never be sitting here today.”

Jim McLean, PGA, is one of the most influential PGA of America Golf Professionals in the world and is recognized globally for his teaching. In 1991, he founded the Jim McLean Golf School, which has grown into an internationally respected academy. A PGA Master Professional, McLean has taught thousands of golfers, including over 100 PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour professionals, among them Cristie Kerr, Keegan Bradley, Lexi Thompson and Bernhard Langer. Not only is McLean an expert coach, but a mentor to countless PGA of America Golf Professionals.

“(Mentoring) has been the most important thing in my life, I think,” said McLean. “Working with a lot of juniors, that’s been the most fun thing. We have a great staff and a lot of great young people working for me, and that’s been the most important thing. We built a template for hiring young professionals, and the difference between a good future teacher and a great one is massive. We hire the great ones.”

JD Turner, PGA, learned the game on a nine-hole golf course in Perry, Iowa. From there, he played collegiate golf at the University of Iowa and started a career as a PGA of America Golf Professional at facilities throughout Iowa and Nebraska, most notably as the Head Professional and Director of Golf at Des Moines Golf & Country Club. He reached a broader audience with the “The Iowa Golf Show” and then the “JD Turner Golf University” television programs, reaching 1.2 million viewers in the mid-1980s and ran for an incredible 25 years. As a PGA Master Professional, Turner’s skills as an instructor landed him on Golf Magazine’s “Top Teachers” list from 1991 to 2012.

“I played golf with some producers in Des Moines, Iowa, and I said ‘why don’t we start a golf show’ and they were intrigued,” said Turner. “I put together a resume and they said ‘let’s do it,’ so we started the show. It turned out quite nice.”

A mentor to many, Turner reflected on how the importance of leading others was instilled in his own life. “My dad was a school teacher and a coach and he gravitated toward a small town of about 6,000 people, a blue collar town,” he said. “He had a strong feeling for kids who came from tough places, and he passed that on to me. It was a wonderful quality of his and that was a big influence on me.”

PGA of America Honorary Member and World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Dennis Walters turned tragedy into inspiration after being paralyzed from the waist down from a golf cart accident in 1974 at age 24. He not only found a way to keep competing at a high level, helping to create a new category in the game: Adaptive Golf. He has also inspired thousands through his world-famous trick-shot clinic, the “Dennis Walters Golf Show,” always accompanied by his co-star rescue dog, who also made a star appearance on the PGA Frisco stage.

“I want to thank the PGA of America for this honor,” said Walters. “I have basically fulfilled my boyhood dream of making it through this world as a professional golfer. That was my original goal, to make it through this world on my golf skills. And I did it.”

In his more than 3,000 shows, Walters always leaves a message that has altered the direction of his own life. “If you have a dream and it doesn’t work out, that’s okay because the solution is simple: Get a new dream.”

Nancy Lopez has a long history of breaking records. In 1978, she was LPGA Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year and won the Vare Trophy for scoring average: She is still the only woman to capture all three honors in the same season. Today, the World Golf Hall of Famer’s influence remains strong through her company Nancy Lopez Golf, helping women learn the game and feel more comfortable on the golf course. However, as she spoke about her career, it was the influence of her own family that made the difference.

“My dad was my teacher, my hero, my best friend,” the Hall of Famer said. “He helped me to learn to love the game. I’ve been very blessed, I have a wonderful family, a wonderful husband and three wonderful daughters. There was a lot of juggling, but I always looked at it this way: When I was mom, I was going to be the best mom I could be. Once I walked inside the ropes, that’s where I needed my focus, because if I didn’t, I was just wasting my time. Then when I was back outside the ropes, I thought only about my life.”

The culmination of the inspirational evening was PGA of America Past President Jim Richerson, PGA. The General Manager & Chief Operating Officer of The Riviera Country Club & The Riviera Tennis Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif. Richerson was elected President at the 104th PGA Annual Meeting in 2020, and oversaw record participation and growth of the game, further elevating the role and stature of the PGA of America Golf Professional.

“It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit,” Richerson said. “I think anybody that’s had any type of success in our business has a lot of people that have supported them along the way. From a business standpoint, I’ve had great partners, but it starts and ends with my family. I grew up in a very supportive family, my parents supported six kids that all went into different industries. And my wife, Kristi, for those who don’t know her, is better than me in every way. She’s the most genuine person I know. You can’t have any success unless you have people supporting you, and I’ve been very fortunate that the little bit of success that I've had is because of such great support.

For a full list of PGA of America Hall of Fame Members, click here .

PGA of America Celebrates National Award Recipients at 109th PGA Annual Meeting at PGA Frisco

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:47:09 GMT

FRISCO, Texas (November 5, 2025) - The PGA of America held a special National Awards Ceremony Tuesday night to honor 12 PGA of America Golf Professionals for their outstanding performances and superior achievements, both on and off the course, at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Frisco, Texas.

Emceed by Sirius XM’s “PGA of America Radio” host David Marr III, the inspirational evening on the eve of the Association’s Annual Meeting was highlighted by PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Scott Paris, PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year Jason Baile and PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year Tony LaFrenere.

“Our PGA of America National Award recipients represent the impact our more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals have on this great game,” said PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea Jr. "Their expertise in our game is felt throughout the industry, but most importantly, within their local communities on a daily basis. The award ceremony is a special evening and reminds us all why working in the golf industry is so rewarding. For our recipients to be recognized and honored by their peers as industry leaders, and stand out among our entire Association, is an incredible achievement.”

PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year is the highest honor annually awarded to a PGA of America Member. Paris, the PGA Director of Golf at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, New Jersey, embodies the meaning of the award, which recognizes leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf.

Paris’ impact at Plainfield has been significant since he was hired in 1997 as the PGA Head Professional. The Director of Golf since 2006, he was instrumental in the club hosting two PGA TOUR FedEx Cup Playoff events and establishing the First Tee of Plainfield, the first chapter of this important organization to be located at a private club.

“Plainfield Country Club is a special place,” Paris said. “We’ve got some communities near us that need some help and we’ve made it a priority to help them with the First Tee, the Evans Caddie Scholarship and the New Jersey Caddie Scholarship. There’s nothing more valuable than an education and I’m just so proud of the membership and the staff. They bought into that culture and continue to help.”

A mentor to many, Paris realized he didn’t receive the Association’s top honor on his own. “It’s led to a lot of reflection,” Paris said. “I reached out to so many who had been impactful in my career and my life, and it’s been so rewarding to thank them. Boy, I needed a lot of help, and I got it along the way, and it’s been very rewarding to give that back.”

PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year is awarded to a PGA Member who has performed outstanding services as a golf teacher, innovator and coach. Baile, the PGA Director of Instruction at Jupiter HIlls Club in Tequesta, Fla., has exemplified these categories throughout his quarter-century career with his ability to teach at every level of the game. Notable students include Lucas Glover, Peter Uihlein, Bud Cauley, Hayden Buckley and Ryan Gerard. However, his coaching also reaches his members and junior golfers.

“I think this is the best professional night I’ve ever had in my life,” Baile said from the Omni PGA Frisco Resort stage. “From the beginning, I just wanted to coach. I didn’t care who it was, it could be my little brothers, I just wanted to coach. I never set out to coach the best players in the world. I just felt like if you kept coaching, better players would find you.”

In a touching moment, Baile’s daughter, Blake, came to the stage and asked her father what his favorite thing about being a PGA Coach is.

“One of my favorite things about being a coach is building relationships,” he explained. “I don’t want our whole relationship to just be about golf. I want our relationship to be about being good people to one another.”

LaFrenere, the PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year , may not always be found on the golf course as the Executive Director of Schaumburg Park District in Illinois, but his expertise in the game and his inspiration to turn Schaumburg Golf Club into a community hub, are the epitome of what the honor stands for: recognizing outstanding service in an executive management position, as well as leadership, vision, courage, moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game.

A sense of community threads LaFrenere’s vision for the more than 60 parks, seven facilities, 90 full-time and 700 seasonal staff, a $50 million budget and a 27-hole golf club.

“The journey has been incredible, and it’s truly a full-circle moment,” said LaFrenere. “I grew up in Schaumburg, fell in love with the game in Schaumburg, we’ve raised our family in Schaumburg and lo and behold, I now have the honor and privilege of serving the community of Schaumburg.”

As Veterans Day draws near, Adam Relan , PGA, the 2025 Patriot Award recipient and PGA Director of Golf at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course in Portsmouth, Virginia, demonstrated his inspiring pride and honor towards our military Veterans and active-duty service members as he reflected on his journey with PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation.

“Everybody that’s been involved in PGA HOPE, all the professionals, everyone who’s stepped up, we all get more out of it than what we ever intended,” said Relan. “I can’t put it into words, it’s the best program the PGA of America has. You spend one hour at a HOPE program and it will change you. It’s my way to give back to our Veterans. When I couldn’t serve like my father, my grandfather and my nephew, PGA HOPE has become my way to give back.”

Jason Epstein, PGA Director of Golf & Athletics at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, has seemingly done it all in his nearly 30 years in the industry, including most recently running the New York City Marathon for the fifth time in support of PGA REACH. His devotion to fellow professionals earned him the 2025 Bill Strausbaugh Award , which recognizes a PGA of America Golf Professional who demonstrates exceptional character, integrity and leadership through teaching and mentoring other PGA of America Golf Professionals.

“Like so many in this room, golf has given me everything I have, from my childhood to going to college and playing golf, to meeting my wife and raising our kids to traveling around the world and landing at Congressional Country Club, which has the most amazing members and team,” Epstein said. “I’m the luckiest person in the world. I don’t really think of it as growing the game of golf, but as everyone says, it’s giving back to the game.”

A tribute video was played for Kammy Maxfeldt, PGA , detailing the incredible impact she made as the longtime Head Professional of Birchwood Country Club in Westport, Conn. Maxfeldt was posthumously honored with the Deacon Palmer Award. She passed away in April 2024 after a courageous seven-year battle with two cancers: Leukemia and cancer in her eye. Her sister Darcy Bomer accepted the award on her behalf.

The Deacon Palmer Award honors a PGA of America Golf Professional who displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life.

At the heart of every PGA of America Golf Professional is the love of teaching and coaching the game. That was evident as PGA of America Player Development Award winner Pam Elders, PGA, Director of Instruction at Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton, Fla., and Mike Suhre , PGA of America Youth Player Development Award recipient and Owner & Head Professional at Oak Brook Golf Club in Edwardsville, Illinois, were honored on stage.

“None of us got up here without help,” Elders said. “We had mentors in our life that gave us inspiration to be here. It’s been amazing to have this opportunity.”

The Association annually gives three PGA Merchandiser of the Year Awards, recognizing efforts in the Resort, Private and Public facility categories. Honored together were Danny Rainbow, PGA, Director of Golf at SentryWorld in Steves Point, Wis. (Resort); James Ondo, PGA, Head Professional at The Apawamis Club in Rye, New York (Private); and Matt Adamski, PGA, General Manager at Sweetens Cove Golf Club in South Pittsburg, Tenn., (Public).

The Herb Graffis Award will be presented to the Northern Texas PGA Section today during the PGA Annual Meeting. The award is given annually to one of the 41 PGA of America Sections that has shown tireless dedication to grow the game of golf and furthering player-development programming in the community.

The 109th PGA Annual Meeting will commence November 5-6 at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort at PGA Frisco.

About the PGA of America

Christine Meier, PGA - Player Development Award Recipient

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:56:04 GMT

Dreams. For many of us, dreams drive us daily, seeking goals, ways of life, that can be attainable for some, almost in reach for others. In the world of golf, some dreams are achieved while others have a shelf life, a finite period when reality deals a blow and forces the pursuit of different opportunities.

Take the case of PGA of America Professional Christine Meier, the recipient of the 2025 South Florida PGA Player Development Award, which bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements to help more people play and enjoy the game of golf. The award also considers the PGA Professional's growth of the game leadership and commitment, and the meaningful impact made at the facility where they are employed.

Meier, the PGA Director of Player Development at The Club at Mediterra, in Naples, Florida, began building the Player Development Programs at the 36-hole private facility in 2019. Since then, she has led a massive growth in programs from one weekly women's clinic helping 119 players in that first year, to more than 15 different programs that include two weekly clinics, monthly short-game sessions, five Golf Schools, monthly distance mapping clinics, two 6-week Operation 36 clinics and monthly Men’s Only Clinics. The implementation of those combined programs -- Meier is most proud of the "30-N-3" program that includes three holes of on-course instruction -- has benefitted nearly 500 players and has helped grow overall Player Development at Mediterra by more than 500% in six years.

"We have such a remarkable team at our club that is committed to growing the game through these various programs, and I'm honored to represent them with this award," says Meier. "I was shocked when I learned I had won. I just know that I love what I do."

Funny thing, the winding career path that Meier has undertaken since graduating from Michigan State University in 2014. What for so long was a relatively straightforward voyage, what with the dream for so long to pursue playing the game at the highest level. And what a run she had.

A four-year-starter on the women's golf team in East Lansing, Meier won three Big 10 Conference titles and became the first Spartan to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open while still in school. Upon graduation, Meier criss-crossed the country for five years in her car -- 1 1/2 of those years with her older sister, Amy, who played golf collegiately for four years at The Ohio State University -- competing on the Symetra Tour (now the Epson Tour), seeking a path to reach one level higher ... as a full-time player on the LPGA Tour. She did play in two LPGA events, but at 27, with friends marrying and finances tightening, she started looking at other ways to fulfill her ambitions in golf, albeit with a different focus.

"In a lot of ways, I did fulfill my dream," Meier says, "and If I had to do it all over again, I would. My best friends in the world are from those years on Tour. At the end, I just didn't see the level of success that I had experienced earlier. [Playing] golf was such a huge part of my identity that it was really difficult to wrestle with the potential of that not being the case anymore, of not playing a ton anymore. I really struggled with that idea."

Enter the opportunity to continue to be part of the golf experience, this time in a group environment. First, the road veered as Meier came across a high school coaching position in Memphis, Tennessee, and took it. The coaching "bug" hit Meier, who had worked at The Club at Mediterra dating back to her days on Tour. Not long after Kevin Swan took over as the PGA Director of Golf Operations at The Club at Mediterra in 2018, he met with Meier, and encouraged her to assume a greater role by overseeing the Player Development initiatives at Mediterra.

Meier admits that "emotionally it was really challenging to take on such a different role" as a "coach" in charge of finding new ways to inspire club members to take up the game and play more often.

Swan has only seen Meier blossom in her newfound capacity.

"We have an outstanding team at Mediterra, and Christine is at the heart of it," says Swan, a PGA Master Professional and the 2024 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year. "She brings a lot of energy, professionalism and great ideas to our operation. In the process, she has mentored her fellow Professionals here at the club and helped them develop into excellent teachers, as well. Her passion for the game and the club are an inspiration for the entire team, and I've seen her mature and grow into her role and professional career. "I could not think of a person who is more deserving of the South Florida PGA Player Development Award than Christine."

With the ability to participate in South Florida PGA tournaments, it's no surprise that Meier is heavily involved with the Tournament Committee for the Section's Southwest Chapter. Meier also volunteers her time with The First Tee program of Naples and several PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programs.

Adam Bazalgette, the PGA Director of Instruction at Mediterra, says that "Christine strikes me as one who is passionate about golf, period. She takes a personal interest in the people she teaches, and she looks for any opportunity to improve her knowledge."

For Meier, the improvement is ongoing. Indeed, a woman whose play was of such high quality that the Golf Association of Michigan, the governing body for amateur golf in the state, named Meier its female Player of the Decade for the 2010s, now dreams of even greater achievements when it comes to developing more players and enhancing players' experiences.

"I love to teach and see others enjoy the game," she says. "It's really ironic how my career has evolved, and it goes to show you how many types of opportunities are out there in golf. I'm really exctied about what we can do at Mediterra, and I know I can learn so much more."

South Florida PGA Wins Fifth Straight Senior Challenge Cup

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:16:14 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - For the fifth consecutive year the South Florida PGA defeated the North Florida PGA in the 20th Annual Senior Challenge Cup Matches, played October 28-29 at The Breakers Rees Jones Course at Breakers West Country Club.

The South Florida PGA, captained by Roger Kennedy Sr., PGA Life Member, earned 20.5 points to North Florida’s 10.5 points in the annual Ryder Cup style matches. The two-day event was broken up into four separate formats, played over 36-holes.

The opening nine began with four-ball matches that saw the SFPGA take an early 4.5 to 2.5 lead. Mark Mielke, PGA and Mark Brown, PGA earned the first full point in their 4&3 win followed by Tim Cantwell, PGA and Stan Geer, PGA claiming a 3&2 win. Colin Amaral, PGA and Jared Isaacs, PGA managed a 1-up win as Alan Morin, PGA and Kostelnik, PGA added the last full point of the opening session with a 2&1 win.

The back-nine played as a modified foursome format in which the SFPGA earned 4.5 points to North Florida’s 1.5, bringing the day one total to 9-4 in favor of the SFPGA. The teams of Mielke/Brown, Amaral/Isaacs and Morin/Kostelnik each added their second points of the day as Joe Kern, PGA and David Ladd, PGA secured a 3&2 win.

Heading into the final day which began with a 9-hole scramble, the SFPGA needed 6.5 points to retain the Cup and 7 to win it outright.

The SFPGA did not drop a match in the scramble format, winning four and tying two, bringing the point tally to 14-5.

Heading into singles matches, Peter Oakley, PGA and Mielke earned 2&1 victories before a 4&3 win from Amaral clinched the retaining point. Moments later, a 5&4 victory from Kostelnik sealed the win, bringing the overall Cup record to 16-3-1 in favor of the SFPGA.

Isaacs and Cantwell continued the victory lap with 2&1 wins to bring the final score to 20.5 to 10.5.

Each team was made up of 12 PGA Professionals who earned an invitation based on ROLEX Senior Player of the Year Points Standings. The following PGA Professionals made up the South Florida PGA team:

Colin Amaral, Mark Brown, Tim Cantwell, Mike Kostelnik, Mark Mielke, Jared Isaacs, David Ladd, Joe Kern, Stan Geer, Alan Morin, Peter Oakley (Sup Sr.), and Jerry Tucker (Sup Sr.)

Leaderboard

Dr. Tara McKenna, PGA - PGA Professional Development Award Recipient

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:07:19 GMT

As the Head Professional at Tatnuck Country Club in Worcester, Massachusetts, in the early 2000s, Dr. Tara McKenna, PGA, was approached by a member asking if she had any interest in being an adjunct professor at nearby Anna Maria College.

Confused by the question but later intrigued by the opportunity, as someone who is passionate about continued education and had already earned a Master's Degree in Exercise and Sport Science, McKenna took the opportunity and began teaching Sports Ethics.

“Teaching that class was frightening; it was probably one of the scariest things I have ever done because I had no idea what I was doing," McKenna explained of her semester teaching.

While the experience was daunting and involved a huge learning curve compared to her traditional Club Professional role, it gave McKenna a glimpse into what an academic career could be like.

“It put my foot in the door for academia, and little did I know how much that would benefit my career now,” McKenna said. “Just having that experience on my resume really put me in front of this opportunity to run a PGM program in 2010.”

Fast-forward several years, and McKenna, now the Director of Golf Management at Florida Gulf Coast University for over 15 years, has been named the 2025 South Florida PGA Professional Development Award recipient. This award honors Professionals for outstanding contributions to professional education. McKenna previously won the same award in 2015.

Coming from a golfing family in upstate New York, McKenna always demonstrated a passion for golf while consistently striving to set herself apart academically.

Her talents took her to James Madison University, where she competed on the women’s golf team and earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Still uncertain of what she wanted to pursue as a career, McKenna accepted a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to work as a graduate assistant (GA) while pursuing a master's degree in Exercise and Sports Science.

During her time at UNC Greensboro, McKenna, as part of her GA role, kick-started and began coaching the women’s golf team, which had been dormant for 10 years.

In addition to coaching the women’s golf team, McKenna served as a GA under Dr. Debbie Cruz, an LPGA Member and Hall of Famer. At the same time, McKenna was working at The Farm at Greensboro Country Club, learning golf instruction from MaryBeth McGirr, the 2015 LPGA Coach of the Year, and Dot Gunnels, the 1993 NCAA National Women’s Coach of the Year at the University of North Carolina.

Upon completing her master's degree and with the knowledge gained from her experiences and mentors in North Carolina, McKenna began working towards her Class-A PGA of America Membership. She accepted an assistant professional role at Normanside Country Club in Delmar, New York, the facility where she grew up. She even won her first Women’s Club Championship there at the age of 14.

“I went back to the club I grew up at, spent four years there, and got my PGA membership,” McKenna recalled. “I knew once I started working there as an assistant golf professional, that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to run things, I wanted to wear all the hats.”

Up until 2003, McKenna moved seasonally between New England and South Florida, serving as an assistant professional at several facilities until she earned a full-time head professional role at Tatnuck Country Club. She remained the head professional until 2009, when she came across a job posting at Florida Gulf Coast University looking for a Professional Golf Management Director.

“I’d been on the green-grass side for about 18 years and saw this as an opportunity to have a little bit of a more normal schedule," McKenna explained. “But I can still stay connected to golf, I can still play and contribute to a Chapter and Section. It was more like the normalization but still tethered to golf, which really was the cool thing.”

In 2010, McKenna started full-time at Florida Gulf Coast University. Still not completely sure what she was getting herself into, she quickly fell in love with helping her students grow.

“It is so rewarding when your first graduate comes up to you and says, ‘Wow, thank you, that was an amazing experience, and I would not be where I am without your help,’” McKenna recalled when she knew she was in the right place.

While seemingly instantly passionate about the role, McKenna admits the transition from the green-grass side of the industry was difficult. However, she is incredibly fortunate to have had 2013 South Florida PGA Professional Development Award recipient and FGCU Assistant PGM Director Marty Hall, PGA, by her side the entire time.

“Marty’s been here longer than me, but I think we complement each other so well, and that was right out of the gate,” McKenna said. “We also buy into the mission and are here to make our students incredibly successful. I don’t make decisions here without running things by her first.”

Within her first five years at FGCU, McKenna won her first SFPGA Professional Development award, solidifying herself as a leader within the SFPGA and incredibly talented in her new role.

McKenna was still not done furthering herself as a professional educator. In 2022, she began working towards her Doctorate in Education, which she successfully completed in June 2024. This only added to her resume, which also includes being an LPGA Professional. Lastly, McKenna is well on her way to achieving her PGA of America Master Professional honor, the highest educational designation for a PGA Professional.

A decade after receiving her first PGA Professional Development Award, McKenna still shares the same passion and mission for helping others.

“I want to help students find their way.”

Justin Hicks Captures One-Shot Victory at 2025 Senior PGA Professional Championship

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:48:06 GMT

PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida (Oct. 26, 2025) - Justin Hicks added yet another highlight to his standout year on Sunday at the 2025 Senior PGA Professional Championship.

Hicks (Wellington, Fla.) hoisted the Leo Fraser Trophy for the first time after recording a final-round 1-under-par 71 on PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker course to finish the week at 8-under-par 280 and win by one.

Sunday’s victory continues a strong run for Hicks, a PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, who claimed seven victories at the South Florida PGA Section and Chapter levels earlier this year.

“It’s a really good group of players out there and to come out on top of it I feel pretty good about it,” said Hicks. “I play against so many good players in our section. I steamrolled it a little bit into continuing what I was doing this summer to beat the young guys.”

Alan Morin (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) finished second at 7-under-par 281. Omar Uresti (Austin, Texas) took third at 6-under-par 282. Tim Cantwell (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) finished fourth at 5-under-par 283 while Jeff Gove (Sandpoint, Idaho) claimed fifth at 4-under-par 284.

Hicks entered Sunday’s final round with a one-shot advantage. Following an opening-par on the par-5 1st hole, he went birdie-bogey on holes 2-3 then collected six consecutive pars on holes 4-9 to make the turn at even-par 36.

A bogey at the par-4 12th proved to be a mental turning point for the South Florida PGA Member when he three-putted from 20 feet.

“I tried to say ‘okay it was one bad putt’ and really the rest of the way in I hit a lot of good putts,” said Hicks. “I found a way to take a negative and learn from it and apply it. I knew that my tempo had gotten off with that putt so the rest of the way in, that's all I focused on was having good tempo with each stroke.”

Hicks’ adjusted tempo yielded immediate results when he made a 15-footer for birdie on the following hole at the par-5 13th. His third and final birdie of the day came at the par-5 16th where he hit the green in two and guided his 19-foot eagle putt to within an inch and tapped in. Hicks parred the par-3 17th and par-4 18th to clinch the victory.

Hicks credited his community of PGA of America Golf Professionals consisting of Matt Messer, PGA (Bear Lakes Country Club), Steve Haggerty, PGA (PGA National Golf Club) and Jeremy Wells, PGA (Cypress Lake Golf Club) for aiding in his recent success.

“Jeremy and I are constantly trying to get better,” said Hicks. “Steve and Matt are more like mentors and instructors that I talk to on a daily basis as far as how do I teach better and also how do I play better. I have a really good community of people that I work with.”

Defending champion Morin, a PGA Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis, started Sunday’s finale in second at 6-under. The South Florida PGA Member shot even-par 36 on the front-nine, which included a bogey-birdie stretch on holes 6-7. After a bogey at the par-3 11th, Morin birdied the par-5 13th and par-5 16th to post a 1-under-par 35 on the back to finish 1-under-par 71.

“I was really trying to win it back-to-back this year, but with a field like that it’s so hard to accomplish something like that,” said Morin. “To be able to come down and have a chance at it and play with a good friend like Justin Hicks, we’re both in the South Florida Section. It was a good battle out there. I was really trying to win it back-to-back, but overall I’m happy with how I played the week. I didn’t really make too many mistakes.”

Uresti, a PGA Life Member from the Southern Texas PGA Section, recorded his low round of the week, a 3-under-par 69 on Sunday. Cantwell, a PGA Teaching Professional at PGA National Golf Club, registered 1-under-par 71. Gove, a PGA Life Member from the Pacific Northwest PGA Section, shot 4-under-par 68, which matched the low round of the day.

Hicks leads the Corebridge Financial Team of 35 PGA of America Golf Professionals set to compete in the 2026 Senior PGA Championship, taking place at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida, April 16-19.

“I’m really looking forward to having a chance to play against those guys and seeing what I can do with it and see how I measure up,” said Hicks. “Obviously I’m not looking at giving up my day job anytime soon, but it would be fun to have a really good week with those guys and see how competitive I can be.”

The complete list of 35 PGA of America Golf Professionals who earned a place on the Corebridge Financial Team for the 2026 Senior PGA Championship is below in the order they finished.

Justin Hicks (Wellington, Fla., Stonebridge Country Club, South Florida Section)

Alan Morin (Royal Palm Beach, Fla., The Club at Ibis, South Florida Section)

Omar Uresti (Austin, Texas, PGA Life Member, Southern Texas Section)

Tim Cantwell (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., PGA National Golf Club, South Florida Section)

Jeff Gove (Sandpoint, Idaho, PGA Life Member, Pacific Northwest Section)

Rohan Allwood (Prosperity, S.C., Chester Golf Club, Carolinas Section)

Ryan Malby (Kalispell, Mont., PGA Life Member, Pacific Northwest Section)

Rod Perry (Port Orange, Fla., Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club, North Florida Section)

Bob Sowards (Dublin, Ohio, Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club, Southern Ohio Section)

Paul Scaletta (Jupiter, Fla., The Bear’s Club, South Florida Section)

Neil Thompson (Hoover, Ala., Pine Tree Country Club, Alabama-NW Florida Section)

Brian Thornton (Sumner, Wash., Meridian Valley Country Club, Pacific Northwest Section)

Warren Pineo (Reno, Nev., Montreux Golf & Country Club, Northern California Section)

Matt Schalk (Erie, Colo., Colorado National Golf Club, Colorado Section)

Mark Brown (Hobe Sound, Fla., The Yacht & Country Club, South Florida Section)

Mick Smith (Summit, Wis., Mick Smith Golf, Wisconsin Section)

Steve Holmes (Ventura County, Calif., Rustic Canyon Golf Course, Southern California Section)

David Roesch (Menomonee Falls, Wis., Storm’s Golf Range, Wisconsin Section)

Frank Bensel (Jupiter, Fla., Galloway National Golf Club, Philadelphia Section)

Kyle Dobbs (Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., Ardsley Country Club, Metropolitan Section)

Brian Smock (Coronado, Calif., Coronado Golf Course, Southern California Section)

Greg Bisconti (South Salem, N.Y., The Saint Andrew’s Golf Club, Metropolitan Section)

Grover Justice (Lexington, K.Y., Bluegrass Golf Academy, Kentucky Section)

Jim Deiters (Midland, Mich., Midland Country Club, Michigan Section)

Jeff Martin (Attleboro, Mass., Wollaston Golf Club, New England Section)

Todd Sapere (Cobbtown, Ga., Ohoopee Match Club, Georgia Section)

Jeff Hart (Solana Beach, Calif., PGA Life Member, Southern California Section)

Jeffrey Schmid (Iowa City, Iowa, Brown Deer Golf Club, Iowa Section)

Tracy Phillips (Tulsa, Okla., Cedar Ridge Country Club, South Central Section)

Craig Hocknull (Queen Creek, Ariz., Westchester Country Club, Metropolitan Section)

Mike Small (Champaign, Ill., University of Illinois, Illinois Section)

John Pillar (Hawley, Pa., CC at Woodloch Springs, Philadelphia Section)

Mike Stone (Toledo, Ohio, Belmont Country Club, Northern Ohio Section)

Brennan Little (Plano, Texas, PGA TOUR, Northern Texas Section)

Brad Elder (Dallas, Texas, PGA Life Member, Northern Texas Section)

The top eight finishers —Hicks, Morin, Uresti, Cantwell, Gove, Allwood, Malby and Perry— also qualified for the 2026 Senior PGA Professional Championship at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club in Gold Canyon, Arizona.

For more about the Senior PGA Professional Championship, supported by Golf Channel and PXG, visit here .

Karl Bublitz & Jack Shoenfelt Inducted into South Florida PGA Hall of Fame

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 19:32:05 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Karl Bublitz, PGA General Manager at Collier Rod and Gun Club, and Jack Shoenfelt, PGA Director of Golf and Owner of Oriole Golf Club, have been inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame, making up the 2025 Class.

The SFPGA Hall of Fame has long honored those who have extraordinary leadership, commitment to the game of golf, and service to the SFPGA and SFPGA Foundation. First established in 2001, the SFPGA has inducted 52 Professionals and leaders into the Hall of Fame, the highest honor an individual can receive within the Section.

Karl Bublitz, PGA

Collier Rod and Gun Club General Manager

A PGA of America Golf Professional since 1995, Bublitz has spent time in the South Florida, Wisconsin, and Michigan Sections, but has called South Florida his permanent home since 2004.

His stops in South Florida include The Forest Country Club, Shadow Wood Country Club, Grey Oaks Country Club, Seagate Country Club, The TwinEagles Club, and his current position at Collier Rod and Gun Club.

Bublitz’s accomplishments at the SFPGA are highlighted by being named the 2012 SFPGA Golf Professional of the Year, winning the SFPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2007 and 2015, and serving as the Section President from 2019-2021.

Jack Shoenfelt, PGA

Oriole Golf Club Director of Golf

Shoenfelt earned his PGA of America Membership in 1990 and has spent his entire career as a SFPGA member. After spending 12 years as the Head Professional at Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club, Shoenfelt purchased Oriole Golf Club, a lifelong dream and goal for himself.

Since 2004, Shoenfelt has owned and operated the facility, consistently opening his doors to all SFPGA programs, including Chapter, Section, and Junior Golf tournaments, Foundation initiatives, and participation in the GolfPass.

Shoenfelt served on the Southern Chapter Board from 2003 to 2009. His biggest accomplishment came during his tenure as President, when the Southern Chapter began hosting free junior golf clinics at numerous facilities, allowing hundreds of students to learn golf from PGA Professionals at no cost.

Lastly, Shoenfelt has exce lled as a player, winning the 2021 Senior Section Championship, captaining a Challenge Cup team, and being named the Southern Chapter Player of the Year several times.

During the month of November, the South Florida PGA will release feature stories on Bublitz and Shoenfelt, highlighting their dedication and service to the SFPGA, Foundation and community.

Danny Butts, PGA - 2025 South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award Recipient

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:34:51 GMT

“At some point, you ask yourself, what's your purpose and how do you want to leave your mark.”

For 2025 South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient, Danny Butts, PGA, “it’s through people, relationships and building others up. I want to have an impact on as many lives as possible.”

Now as the Head Golf Professional at West Bay Club in Estero, Florida for over five years, Butts exemplifies what it means to be a recipient of the Bill Strausbaugh Award, which recognizes the professional who by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations and through service to the community.

In addition to being an active volunteer for the South Florida PGA Foundation, volunteering numerous hours to various Habitat for Humanity home builds, helping with the Smiling Fore Life program and more, Butts and his family willingly open their own home to those in need.

“We have had six people that we housed while raising our own family with two kids,” Butts shared. “We are helping support not just golf professionals but our friends and community members.”

As the leader of his team at West Bay, Butts takes a family approach in his leadership style, ensuring he is doing everything he can to put his team in the best possible position.

“They are not just my assistants, they are borderline family,” Butts said. “I am always trying to help them to make sure they can take care of their families and get them into the jobs they want as fast as possible. That's what you do with family members and your deepest friends.”

That family approach for Butts along with his wife, Courtney, who is a Fort Myers High School Teacher, goes far beyond helping golf professionals as they share a genuine interest in helping individuals in their community.

Growing up in rural, blue-collar Western New York, a town full of farmers and factory workers, Butts was exposed to the value of hard work at an early age and continues to hold that same identity today.

As a kid, Butts revered the local golf professionals in his small town, looking up to them as “outstanding people of the community and local celebrities that everybody knew.” While reading through golf magazines, Butts saw names like Jim McLean and Bob Ford and thought to himself, “what a great life that would be.”

His early passion and obsession for golf led Butts to the Golf Academy of America - Carolinas to pursue a career in the golf industry. Upon graduation he began working as a first assistant at Bartlett Country Club in Olean, New York, a small, private 18-hole facility that still maintained a blue-collar membership.

While already demonstrating a strong work ethic, Butts was introduced to and eventually obtained a seasonal position at Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, Florida by a common Bartlett member.

“I didn’t know anything about South Florida or Royal Poinciana, all I knew is that I had a job," Butts explained. “I didn’t have a place to stay, I slept in my car for a couple weeks, but I came down to work.”

For the next several years, Butts maintained a seasonal position before eventually earning a full-time role with Royal Poinciana, a facility he would stay with for over 15 years.

Early on Butts understood the importance of building a network of people around him and connecting with individuals to build strong relationships.

“It occurred to me that when you look up to the legends of the game, a lot of golf professionals are legends not because they won a PGA Championship but they are legends because they have this unbelievable network,” Butts shared. “They turned out great professionals and I realized my impact on the game was not going to be playing, it was going to be through people.”

That moment of realization changed the outlook Butts had on his career. For him, it is not about individual success or where that next job may be in the hustle of climbing the ladder of employment, it's about the number of people you can elevate in the process.

“While I am still alive, I want to have 40 either General Managers, Directors of Golf or Head Professionals that I helped get there,” Butts explained his lifetime career goal.

As someone who has spent his career not chasing individual success or accolades, Butts’s biggest accomplishments are simply helping others around him achieve their own goals. That's what motivates him every day.

When notified that he would be named the 2025 Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient, Butts response was short but immensely meaningful.

“I cried,” he shared. “We are all striving to be like someone else and to even be considered for an award after a guy that did it best is special. It is the most meaningful award to me because it's what I believe in the most.”

Todd Frey, PGA HOPE Ambassador, returns from the PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:16:29 GMT

Bethesda, MD - Todd Frey, South Florida PGA HOPE graduate and recently elected PGA HOPE ambassador joined 19 other HOPE graduates for the 2025 PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week, October 8-13 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Led by PGA of America Golf Professionals, the program is inclusive of a developmental 6-8 week curriculum. All programs are provided at no cost to all participating Veterans.

The PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week annually welcomes 20 PGA HOPE Graduates to an immersive five-day event that includes golf instruction from PGA of America Golf Professionals and wellness training from the Cohen Veterans Network — covering topics from social media, public speaking, stress management, mental health and more.

For Frey, the experience truly highlights the importance of expanding beyond just playing golf, but rather training physically and mentally. Doing activities like stretching and specific golf exercises for PGA HOPE students to improve their physical health resulting in an improved golf game.

“This doesn’t just apply to golf; it applies to life,” Frey says about the importance of these activities.

While in the Navy, Frey served as a Chief Petty Officer (CPO). As a Chief in the Navy, he needed to be an expert in his field, but more than that, he had to take care of, train, and mentor hundreds of officers, while leading them at the same time.

“I wanted to make sure that anyone who came to me or needed something, I was available,” Frey explained.

“Ask the Chief” is a phrase that Frey would often use while in the Navy. For Frey, the Chief has to be the expert on every subject matter that he covers.

This is the mindset that Frey wants to take with him now that he has officially become a National PGA HOPE Ambassador. Whether it’s golf professionals needing insight on PGA HOPE students, getting other veterans involved in PGA HOPE, or anything related to supporting the community, Frey wants to be the “Chief” that people go to when they are in need.

Coming into National Golf & Wellness Week, Frey was not just looking forward to the community aspect of the week, but also the golf instruction side of things.

“One of the reasons I sought out PGA HOPE to begin with was because I wanted to learn to play the game of golf,” Frey said. “I wanted to be better at the game of golf to use it as a therapy for my own challenges.”

Frey highlights the importance for other players and PGA HOPE students to learn the game of golf to use it as a tool for therapy. He has expertise as a Chief, but didn’t have that same level of knowledge for golf. As an Ambassador, Frey is most looking forward to gaining that level of expertise to bring back and share with others.

A message that Frey would like to share with all PGA HOPE graduates and students is to “savor the moment you have with the PGA Professionals and Instructors because that is priceless.”

Recently, Frey said in a social media post, “It was truly an honor to stand alongside fellow veterans, ambassadors, and leaders who share the same purpose - using the game of golf to inspire healing, connection, and hope.”

The South Florida PGA is honored and proud to welcome Frey as a National PGA HOPE ambassador.

South Florida PGA Clinches Fifth Consecutive Challenge Cup Victory

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:21:16 GMT

Bradenton, FL - For the fifth consecutive year the South Florida PGA defeated the North Florida PGA in the Annual Challenge Cup Matches, hosted at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, October 15-16.

Team South Florida earned 17 points to North Florida’s seven points in the Ryder Cup-style matches played yesterday and today in Bradenton. This win marked South Florida’s 29th Challenge Cup victory, while North Florida remains at 14.

The two-day event opened with morning four-ball matches where the SFPGA jumped out to an early 4.5 to 1.5 point lead, winning four matches, tying one and only dropping one match. For the third consecutive year, the duo of Jeremy Wells, PGA of Cypress Lake Golf Club and Justin Hicks, PGA of Stonebridge Country Club led off for the SFPGA, setting the tone with a 5 & 4 victory.

Making his Challenge Cup debut, Matt Sita, PGA of Boca Rio Golf Club, along with Christian De Greiff, PGA of Coral Ridge Country Club added the second point with a 4 & 3 victory. The duos of Justin Bertsch, PGA of Club Pelican Bay, and Evan Bowser, PGA of LaPlaya Golf Club, and Alan Morin, PGA of The Club at Ibis, and newcomer Ashley Grier, PGA of The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club, also added morning wins.

Heading into afternoon foursome matches, the SFPGA dropped three of the six matches, while winning two and tying one, bringing the day one total points to seven for the SFPGA and five for the NFPGA. The Seminole Golf Club pairing of Dakun Chang, PGA, and Matt Cahill, PGA, clinched a 3 & 2 victory, while Bertsch and Nick Latimer, PGA of Medalist Golf Club, added a 5 & 4 victory.

With only singles matches left for the final day, the SFPGA needed 12 total points to retain the Cup and 13 to win it outright.

Michael Kartude, PGA of The Bear’s Club, clinched the first point of the day with a 5 & 4 victory as Wells and Latimer followed shortly behind with 2 & 1 and 3 & 2 victories, respectively. A 2 & 1 victory from Sita added the team's 11th point before a tie from Grier allowed the SFPGA to retain the Cup.

With a 3 & 2 victory from Bertsch, the SFPGA successfully won the 2025 Challenge Cup outright. In two years, Bertsch has yet to drop a point, making a clean sweep in all matches played. Hicks, Bowser, De Grieff, and Morin continued adding on with individual wins, bringing the final point tally to 17.

Each team was made up of 12 PGA of America Golf Professionals who earned an invitation based on ROLEX Player of the Year Points Standings.

Dan Heaslip, PGA Director of Golf at Windstar on Naples Bay, captained South Florida’s winning efforts with the following PGA Professionals:

Justin Bertsch, Evan Bowser, Matt Cahill, Dakun Chang, Christian De Grieff, Ashley Grier, Justin Hicks, Michael Kartrude, Nick Latimer, Alan Morin, Matt Sita, and Jeremy Wells.

FootJoy outfitted this year’s team.

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South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year - Kellie Stenzel, PGA

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:11:17 GMT

Yes, she is Kellie Stenzel, who has been named the 2025 South Florida PGA (SFPGA) Teacher of the Year. And yes, she is Kellie Stenzel, a PGA Master Professional who has been named a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher each year since 2009. She's also Kellie Stenzel, whose professional development soared throughout what she terms "a masterclass in golf instruction" under the tutelage of 2016 PGA Teacher of the Year, Mike Adams. Yet, before she was any of those versions of the elite instructor she is today, she was (and still is) Kellie Stenzel, loving daughter of Bob Stenzel, whose "positive influence and outlook still are a part of my core beliefs," she says.

"Without question, my father is one of the largest influences on my life," adds Stenzel, the PGA Director of Instruction at Dutchman's Pipe, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Bob Stenzel, now 91, owned a Chevrolet/Buick dealership for 31 years in her hometown of Geneva, New York. "He never missed a match or one of my brother Matthew's games. My Dad instilled great confidence in me, and there was never a doubt that I could do anything I set my mind to with a lot of hard work."

Such persistence and dedication to her craft rightfully earned Stenzel the SFPGA Teacher of the Year Award, which is based on overall performance in teaching; unusual, innovative and special teaching programs that the Professional has initiated or played a key role in implementing; articles published in books and magazines; as well as outstanding golfers the Professional has instructed.

"I have been fortunate to work around so many amazing teachers, and I have done my best to learn all their methods and be able to apply them based upon the students' needs," says Stenzel. "Those outstanding instructors have greatly influenced my career, and they are all part of this award. I am so excited and honored to be the South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year."

Stenzel is the author of three women's golf books, and at Dutchman’s Pipe, she runs monthly golf schools in addition to her one-on-one teaching. She also oversees three-day corporate golf schools with as many as 60 students being taught by upwards of 15 top PGA of America instructors.

Furthermore, Stenzel's Skillest web page allows her to help students improve their swing, and game, no matter where they may be.

Stenzel has deep PGA of America roots, minus a certain talent. You see, her late grandfather, Robert Stenzel, was the longtime PGA Head Professional at Spencerport Golf Club outside of Rochester, New York, and he was a member of the Rochester Philharmonic, playing the bass. As for his granddaughter, well, Kellie sums it up this way:

"I certainly did not get his musical talent," she says, "even though he tried to help me with the flute, it was not meant to be. However, when I was a young golfer he would look at the callouses on my hands, and the more I had, he would give me a few dollars. This impressed upon me the value of hard work."

What Kellie Stenzel may have lacked as a potential musician, she more than made up as a talented golfer. Stenzel played four years at the Division I level at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, where she was a key contributor to the Paladins finishing second in the nation at the NCAA Finals in her senior year, in 1987. She went on to play professionally for the next five years in a variety of locales, some close to home (the Futures Tour), and some on tours far, far away, in Asia, South Africa and Australia.

Stenzel, who earned a business degree at Furman, said she "always figured that I would work in the business world in some way." Indeed, she pursued that route after her playing days ended, but "couldn't stand being inside" as a money manager. So, she started teaching at The Club at Admiral's Cove in Jupiter, Florida -- "at first, I was a terrible teacher" -- and after running some women's events there, she eventually got her first taste of being involved with large-scale golf schools under Adams, at PGA National Resort & Spa, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Adams regularly oversaw clinics of upwards of 40 players then, as he still does today at both Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida.

"I could see right away that Kellie had the desire to be the best she could be," says Adams. "Kellie had a great personality and put people at ease. She just needed to learn how to teach. I'm so proud of the instructor she has become, and she continues to improve, to look at ways to be a better teacher. She just has that thirst for knowledge. Kellie's a star, and she is absolutely at the level of being a national PGA Teacher of the Year."

Stenzel says watching Adams be able to fix the ball flight of a student based on one swing was a breakthrough for her, as she was part of a stable of 20 instructors who then taught the students in groups at PGA National.

"Mike has that rare ability, and he has been so willing to share his knowledge with me," she says. "By far, Mike has had the biggest influence on me professionally, and my ability to run large golf schools today is simply because of my time with him. My teaching philosophy involves working with the student in front of me and their goals and physical abilities. Having Mike Adams as a mentor, understanding body typing and how to best understand cause and effect allow me to improve ball flight and improve the overall game of my students."

As Adams did with her, Stenzel now pays it forward by helping develop the next generation of golf professionals who assist her with schools, so they have the opportunity to advance in their respective careers.

"It's really important to me to help other teachers," says Stenzel, a current member of the SFPGA Teaching Committee and a member of the PGA of America Teaching and Coaching Committee in 2024 and '25. "I mentor several professionals and make myself completely available to any teacher who needs help with improving their students or better negotiating their business contracts."

Giving back. Yes, that's one reason why Bob Stenzel is proud of his daughter. Hearing that she is now his award-winning daughter? Yes, that's enough for this Dad to get a tad emotional.

"Kellie always told me that I was a wonderful father," he says, "but she has always been great. We've played so many rounds of golf together and have such special memories. I'm thrilled for her because she earned this honor. She's a terrific teacher who just keeps improving. She's the best daughter a father could ever have."

Second Annual SFPGA West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash Raises Over $255,000

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 21:49:07 GMT

Naples, FL - The South Florida PGA held its second annual West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash, today at The Glades Golf & Country Club to raise funds for the Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida and the South Florida PGA Foundation.

A total of $258,896.50 was raised, including 671 total birdies. Donations will continue to be accepted until Friday, October 17th. If you would like to donate, please click here .

“It is such an amazing event,” said Golisano Children's Hospital Program Director Toni Primeaux. “Everybody is so friendly and when you hear the pros say it is the best day of the year for them, that is huge and then to think of all the members that support the pros and to think of all the funds that goes directly to the kids. Is there a better event? No.”

This year’s Bridie Bash welcomed 24 South Florida PGA of America Professionals completing 81 holes on The Pines and Palmetto courses at The Glades, making as many birdies as possible in a team scramble format. Each birdie was backed by donor pledges and funds raised will support the missions of the SFPGA Foundation and Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.

The Old Collier Golf Club Professionals Steve Waugh, PGA General Manager and Jason Martin, PGA Director of Golf were the highest earners once again, raising over $57,000 through 65 birdies. In the last two years alone, Waugh and Martin have raised over $100,000.

Since 2022, the SFPGA has hosted six Birdie Bash events, four on the East Coast of Florida and now two on the West Coast. In total, over $2.1 million has been raised to support youth, military, and families in the local community.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the South Florida community. It operates under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a non-profit organization of 2,200 PGA of America Professionals who are experts in business and the game of golf.

Play Yellow, led by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, brings together the golf community to raise funds for children's hospitals, supporting the 10 million kids treated annually at local hospitals.

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Justin Hicks, PGA and Chris Hatfield (A) Win Global Golf Sales Senior/Super-Senior Pro-Scratch

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 20:11:02 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Justin Hicks, PGA, and Chris Hatfield (A) won the South Florida PGA Global Golf Sales Senior/Super-Senior Pro-Scratch at The Club at Ibis - Heritage Course with a total score of 8-under.

After a cancelled 2024 event, the 2025 Championship welcomed 33 teams of a senior SFPGA Professional over the age of 50 and a senior amateur over the age of 50 playing in a best-ball format.

Hicks, a Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club, and partner Hatfield managed a clean scorecard, including six birdies and an eagle on the par-5, 4th hole. After winning his third consecutive Pro-Scratch Championship earlier in the season with Bear Lakes Country Club Member Robbie Wight, Hicks teamed up with Hatfield, who is also a Bear Lakes Member.

In the 2025 season alone, Hicks has won seven championships at both the Chapter and Section levels.

Finishing in second place and only one shot back were Jerry Impellittiere, PGA Teaching Professional at Monarch Country Club, and Ken Korin (A), also from Monarch Country Club. David Ladd, PGA General Manager at The Champions Club at Summerfield, and Steven Andersen (A) of The Champions Club finished in third at 6-under.

Longtime SFPGA partner Global Golf Sales and Steve Sponder annually present this Championship. For the first time since 2022, The Club at Ibis served as the host facility, which is led by PGA Director of Golf, Robin Boretti, PGA Head Professional Christopher Didio, and three PGA Assistant Professionals and six Associate Assistant Professionals.

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Imperial Golf Club Hosts Annual Teaching Symposium with Joe Hallett, PGA

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:38:52 GMT

Naples, FL - Imperial Golf Club hosted the 2025 South Florida PGA Teaching Symposium, October 7-8, welcoming 70 South Florida PGA of America Golf Professionals for two days of golf instruction led by 2024 PGA of America Teacher and Coach of the Year, Joe Hallett, PGA.

The SFPGA Teaching Symposium is an annual education opportunity for all SFPGA Professionals to learn, engage, network and share best practices that can be taken back to an individual's facility and teaching ground.

Joe Hallett, PGA Director of Instruction at Vanderbilt Legends Club and Golf Digest Top-50 instructor served as the emcee with guest speakers, John Dunigan, PGA Director of Instruction at Applebrook Golf Club, Dan McLellan, PGA Assistant Professional at John Webster Golf Academy, John Webster, PGA Director of Instruction at John Webster Golf Academy and Matt Wilson, PGA Director of Instruction at Baltusrol Golf Club.

Day one opened with breakout stations led by SFPGA rising stars Joe Cochran, PGA Director of Instruction at Shadow Wood Country Club, and Nick Baumhart, PGA Director of Golf at The Back Nine Golf—Naples. All participants were able to engage in each demonstration.

Following the breakout sessions, SFPGA Career Consultant, Ted Logan hosted a Q and A, before SFPGA supporting partner FineTuned showcased its custom putter fittings.

The group then moved to a presentation on developing an academy led by Webster and McLellan of John Webster Golf Academy, and ended with a special reception honoring 2024 SFPGA Teacher of the Year, Bob Usher, PGA.

Day two opened with an engaging, enthusiastic presentation provided by four-time Philadelphia PGA Section Teacher of the Year John Dunigan who serves as the PGA Director of Instruction at Applewood Golf Club. He focused on the mental side of golf and how the brain controls the swing. Following his presentation, PGA Director of Instruction, Matt Wilson, delivered a comprehensive presentation on making the right changes with players using technology and data. They both shared incredible stories and experiences with all in attendance. Prior to closing out the event with a panel discussion, Addie Baggerly, representative of Clippd shared data on how to use data and the benefits programs such as theirs can benefit players and coaches.

This program was filled with energy, passion and a lot of knowledge from experienced industry leaders.

The 2025 South Florida PGA Teaching Symposium was supported by Clippd and FineTuned and was hosted at Imperial Golf Club in Naples. Imperial is led by PGA General Manager, John Lee and PGA Head Professional, Joe Allinder.

2025 South Florida PGA Annual Awards Announced; Justin DeFont, PGA, Named Golf Professional of the Year

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:26:01 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - For Justin DeFont, the 2025 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year, the arc of his passion for teaching and developing the next generation of PGA of America Members stretches from a nationally acclaimed golf professional outside of Indianapolis, to a communications-driven entrepreneur in the rugged, Green Mountains of Vermont, to those aspiring to the profession through a dynamic program at a burgeoning university close to where DeFont has called home in Southwest Florida for the past decade.

It's a "what else can I take on" and "what more can we do" philosophy that has earned DeFont the highest recognition a South Florida PGA Professional can receive. It's also a daily commitment to mentoring those who feed off his guidance and support, no different than the keen interest that was shown to him by a man who himself has been honored with the ultimate award bestowed by the PGA of America.

The South Florida Golf Professional of the Year award recognizes a PGA of America Professional for overall performance, level of service to the Association, leadership, image, and ability to inspire fellow professionals and promote the game of golf. DeFont, a Class A PGA Professional for 20 years, certainly has earned his place at the pinnacle of his profession.

"It's such a tremendous honor to receive this award, and I was speechless when I received the word," says DeFont. "I am so proud to be a member of the South Florida PGA, and this is the top of the pyramid in terms of recognition."

DeFont, who has achieved Certified status in Golf Operations and is currently pursuing Master Professional status in the PGA of America, recently ascended to the position of PGA Director of Golf at TwinEagles, a 36-hole facility in Naples, Florida. Prior to that, he was the PGA Head Professional for 10 years at nearby Audubon Country Club, and over his time at Audubon, DeFont directly mentored more than 75 individuals pursuing PGA of America membership through the PGA Golf Management University Program at Florida Gulf Coast University. Students in the program at Florida Gulf Coast are required to serve internships at multiple golf facilities as a major component of their education, which ultimately can lead to PGA of America membership upon graduation.

"I think it speaks to the desire to treat those who report to you like they are the ones in charge, and to empower them so they feel like they can make their own decisions," adds DeFont, the 2023 Golf Professional of the Year in the Southwest Chapter of the South Florida PGA. "It's putting people in positions where they may not be the most comfortable, and challenging them so that they become capable of handling all of the aspects of a job at the top and eventually helping them become more valuable in their chosen field."

DeFont, the director of golf today, was once one of those willing students, having completed a similar program at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in the fall of 2004. Two of his internships occurred under the same PGA of America Professional, albeit at different facilities in two different states. And to say that Tony Pancake has highly influenced DeFont's life and career is, well, to appreciate that the four months DeFont interned under Pancake at Baltimore Country Club meant so much to him that he traveled to Carmel, Indiana, for his final internship after Pancake had become the PGA Director of Golf at Crooked Stick Club, site of the 1991 PGA Championship.

"I'm extremely grateful to Tony because he took such an interest in me as a golf professional and he cared about my growth, as he has with all of his interns," says DeFont. "He gave me opportunities in different areas of the operation, and he prepared me for the next steps in my career."

DeFont truly learned from the best, as Pancake was recognized as the 2024 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year. Pancake, now in his 23rd year at Crooked Stick, also was featured in a PGA of America promotional spot that aired throughout the recent coverage of the 45th Ryder Cup.

"Right off, I could see that Justin had the passion to do well, the attention to detail, and he was very strong behind the scenes," Pancake says. "So, I challenged him to be more out front, to work the room, and to engage with the members at both clubs. Golf is still very much a people business, and you have to be really good with people or you'll never have the chance to advance. Justin understood that, improved in those areas, and I am so happy today to see how he has grown and moved up the ladder in his career."

DeFont was named the recipient of the 2022 South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award, with criteria for the honor including professional mentoring. In particular, DeFont is proud of the impact he has had on Pete Makarov, who began working at Audubon Country Club helping primarily in the locker room in 2014, the year before DeFont arrived. Makarov spent the next three years working at Audubon and developing under DeFont's system and today he is the PGA Head Professional at True North Golf Club in Harbor Springs, Michigan.

Braedon Fox was assigned by Florida Gulf Coast to intern under DeFont at Audubon. Early on, Fox expressed a passion for photography, and DeFont encouraged Fox's interest by assigning him to photograph/video the club's Men's Invitational and produce a video recap. Fox's skills elevated the experience for Audubon members who competed in the Invitational, and it helped set Fox on a course that today has him owning Braedon Fox Media LLC.

In addition to his duties as Communications and Member Services Director at the Vermont Golf Association, Fox has supported the PGA of America with freelance projects for both the 2023 and 2025 Ryder Cups.

"I'm not sure I would be in the position I am now if it were not for Justin," says Fox. "He made time to find out what my interests were, as he has done with all of his interns, he helped me develop into the PGA member I am today. It's what makes him unique as a mentor."

DeFont also has impressed the best of the South Florida PGA, including Tom Wildenhaus, a Past President of the South Florida PGA and the current President of its Foundation.

"Justin is one of the best young PGA Members I’ve met in a while," says Wildenhaus, the longtime PGA Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples. "He has committed himself to mentoring the next generation of PGA Members and has found time to support his community through the SFPGA Foundation. He is very deserving of being our Golf Professional of the Year, and I’m excited to see where his career takes him."

2025 South Florida PGA Annual Award Recipients:

Teacher of the Year:

Kellie Stenzel, PGA Dutchman's Pipe Golf Club Director of Instruction

Bill Strausbaugh:

Danny Butts, PGA | West Bay Club Director of Golf

PGA Professional Development:

Dr. Tara McKenna, PGA - Florida Gulf Coast University Golf Management Director

Player Development:

Christine Meier, PGA | The Club at Mediterra Assistant Professional

Youth Player Development:

Chip Inks, PGA | Village Golf Club Director of Instruction

Assistant of the Year:

Will Coleman, PGA | Palm Beach Country Club Assistant Professional

Merchandiser of the Year - Public:

Cody Sinkler | The Park Director of Golf

Merchandiser of the Year - Private:

Travis Wehrs, PGA - Boca West Country Club Director of Golf

Merchandiser of the Year - Resort:

Andrew Farrea, PGA | The Boca Raton Golf Club Director of Golf

Patriot Award:

Scott Kash, PGA | Quail Creek Club Assistant Professional

Deacon Palmer:

Nicole Triano, PGA | Wilderness Country Club Assistant Professional

Salesperson of the Year:

Joe Downey, PGA | Holderness & Bourne Sales Representative

South Florida PGA Hosts Fourth Annual PGA HOPE Cup

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 19:20:03 GMT

BOCA RATON, FL – The Fourth Annual PGA HOPE Cup at St. Andrews Country Club concluded today with Team Impellittiere capturing the Front Nine Division title with a 5-under par 31, while Team Gray claimed victory in the Back Nine Division with a 6-under par 30.

Team Impellittiere was led by Jerry Impellittiere, PGA Director of Instruction at Monarch Country Club, and Veterans Wayne Hanners, Juan Mata Jr, and William Howe.

Team Gray was led by PGA Life Member Mike Gray, and Veterans Michael Carey, Barry Colson, and Michele Colson.

This annual event brings together 72 Veterans and 24 South Florida PGA of America Professionals for a day of camaraderie, competition, and celebration. Each team featured one PGA Professional paired with three SFPGA HOPE Graduates, competing across two divisions: Front Nine and Back Nine.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of the South Florida PGA Foundation, which introduces golf to Veterans and Active-Duty Military Personnel to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. All participating Veterans have completed the six-week PGA HOPE program, which is offered at no cost to them as a way of giving back for their service.

Now in its 10th year, PGA HOPE has had a profound impact across South Florida. The South Florida PGA Foundation has served over 2,000 Veterans through more than 140 programs, helping to create a supportive community where Veterans can experience both the therapeutic value of golf and the camaraderie that comes with it.

The special day would not have been possible without the support of St. Andrews Country Club and its membership as well as SFPGA Foundation Secretary and Director of Golf at St. Andrews Country Club, Paul Clivio, PGA.

Click here to learn more about the South Florida PGA Foundation and PGA HOPE.

The Country Club of Coral Springs and Medalist Golf Club Win E-Z-GO Pro-Superintendent

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 01:18:53 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - The Country Club at Mirasol hosted the South Florida PGA E-Z-GO Pro-Superintendent today, with Corey Henry, PGA, and Bob Harper of The Country Club of Coral Springs winning the gross division, while Nick Latimer, PGA, and Jason Jobson of The Medalist Golf Club captured the net division.

This year’s Championship, not contested in 2024 due to inclement weather, welcomed 49 teams of one South Florida PGA Professional and a golf course superintendent from the same facility playing in an 18-hole scramble format.

In the gross division, Henry, PGA General Manager at the Country Club of Coral Springs and partner Harper, wrapped play at 9-under, defeating Mike Demakos, PGA Director of Golf at Sailfish Point Golf Club and partner Scott MacPhee in a scorecard playoff that was determined by the back-nine score. Henry and Harper finished with a 31 while Demakos and MacPhee shot a 32.

In third place came the team from Miami Shores Country Club with PGA Teaching Professional, Ricardo Ronderos, and partner, Seth Strickland, finishing at 8-under.

In the net division, Latimer, PGA Assistant Professional at Medalist Golf Club, and Jobson fired a 12-under round, defeating Clay Myers, PGA Head Professional at The Park, and partner Peter Lavallee by one shot. In third place was Mike Melton, PGA Head Professional at Fairwinds Golf Course, and partner Joe Brink at 10-under.

The 2025 E-Z-GO Pro-Superintendent was hosted at The Country Club at Mirasol and played on the Sunrise course. E-Z-GO was the title partner, while COURSE RECORD, Relay, Scales, Southeast Water and Land Management, The Turf Guy Pro, and Unknown Golf were supporting partners.

Ashley Grier Claims Women’s Section Championship Title; Susan Bond Wins Senior Division

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:20:13 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Ashley Grier, PGA, posted a final round 6-under 65 to force a playoff and eventually win the South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship, played September 29-30 at The Park. Susan Bond, PGA, captured her second consecutive Senior title.

The South Florida PGA Women’s and Senior Section Championships welcome the top female professionals within the SFPGA Section to compete for the Pam Brosnihan Section Championship trophy. This event serves as a way to honor the late Brosnihan, who was a PGA Professional at Quail Ridge Country Club from 1992 until her passing in 2014 after a long fight against cancer. Dan Brosnihan, current PGA Director of Golf at The Club at Quail Ridge, was in attendance to present the trophies to each champion.

After an opening round at 3-over, 74, Grier of the Legacy Golf & Tennis Club trailed

Loretta Giovannettone, PGA by five.

“I had a talk with myself and changed my mental outlook today and just tried to have fun, make good swings and not really worry where it goes,” Grier explained her mindset going into the final round. “It is amazing when you let go of trying to hit a good shot or shoot a good score how it just happens easily.

The mental switch led to a 4-under front nine and 2-under back nine that included a birdie on the 18th hole, forcing a playoff with Giovannettone of Loblolly.

The playoff was contested on the par-5 18th hole, which both players birdied in regulation. With Grier in the fairway after her tee ball and Giovannettone in the fairway bunker, Grier was first to play, hitting the green in two with a 5 wood. Giovannettone then missed the green left and was unable to get up and down for birdie. Grier managed a two-putt birdie, claiming the title in her first year as an SFPGA Member.

“It is very exciting,” emphasized Grier. “I had won the event in some of my previous Sections and this is the strongest Section I have played in with a lot of really good players and it wasn't an easy task. I knew I had to shoot under par and play really well if I wanted to get a win this week.”

In her first season as an SFPGA Member, Grier has finished in the top-25 during all four Section Majors, had her fifth start in the KMPG Women’s PGA Championship, qualified for the 2026 PGA Professional Championship, made the 2025 SFPGA Challenge Cup team and now adds 2025 South Florida PGA Women’s Section Champion.

“I was kind of nervous coming into the Section. I had success in my other Sections, but there are so many really solid players, and shooting even-par was pretty good before, but now you have to be under-par or you don’t compete,” Grier said. “I kind of did everything I could possibly ask for this year and met a lot of great people.”

In the senior division, Susan Bond, PGA of PGA Magazine captured her second straight Women’s Senior Section Championship title, defeating Pamela Elders of Boca West Country Club by four.

Bond opened the 36-hole event with a 7-over 78, trailing Kim Augusta, PGA by one and tied with Elders going into the final round. With a 5-over 76, Bond managed the tournament's low round in the senior division to hold off Elders, who had a hole-in-one on the third hole today.

The 2025 South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship was supported by Winston Collection and The PGA Tour. This year’s Championship was hosted at The Park which is led by PGA General Manager, Brian Conley, PGA Director of Golf, Cody Sinkler and PGA Head Professional, Clay Myers.

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Michael Kartrude Wins 46th South Florida PGA Professional Championship

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:57:29 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - A Class-A PGA of America Golf Professional since 2024, Michael Kartrude, PGA, has excelled at the Section and National levels, qualifying for the 2025 PGA Championship through the PGA Professional Championship in his first attempt.

Today, the lead PGA Assistant at The Bear’s Club adds 2025 South Florida PGA Professional Champion to his quickly growing resume. With rounds of 66-61-73, 12-under par, Kartrude not only clinched the Championship title, but also earned entry into the 2026 Puerto Rico Open.

“It feels great," Kartrude exhaled after a grueling final round. “It is where I wanted to be when I got elected, and that was a goal, and we did it.”

After opening the 46th Section Championship with a 4-under 66, Kartrude was in a tie for fourth and two back of the lead. Kartrude set himself apart from the rest of the pack in round two, matching The Park's course record with a 10-under 61, giving himself a three-shot lead heading into the final round.

“I was playing great, and when I'm playing that way, I know I can go low,” Kartrude recalled in his second round. “The hardest part for me is holding that together.”

Following a career round, Kartrude reset and prepared for a crucial final round.

“I did my best to slow my emotions down,” Kartrude said. “Walk slower, walk around the hole a little more. I don’t want to speed up because if I speed up, it can snowball, and I think I could have held it together better than I did today, but I did enough.

Kartrude's emotions were certainly tested today, battling harsh conditions. His first test came on the par-4, 8th hole, where a bad lie on his approach shot led to a double bogey. Kartrude bounced back with a birdie on the par-5, 9th hole to hold a five-shot lead over Justin Hicks, PGA, heading into the final nine.

After losing his tee ball right on the par-4, 10th hole, Kartrude saved bogey before making another bogey on the par-4, 12th hole. Kartrude bounced back with a birdie on the par-4, 13th hole, before facing his toughest emotional battle.

On the par-5, 15th hole, Kartrude lost his ball in a tree just left of the fairway, leading to an eventual double bogey.

“Between the horrible situation I got on 8, losing a ball on 10, and then having a ball stuck in a tree. Talk about going through it, so I think my emotions were in check enough to get through it.”

Kartrude managed to play the final three holes at even-par to claim the title by three shots over Dakun Chang, PGA. Hicks finished in third at 6-under total, while Ian Shapiro, PGA, Jeremy Wells, PGA, and Raymond Miron, PGA, finished in a tie for fourth at 4-under.

The South Florida PGA Professional Championship (Section Championship) is the premier event for South Florida PGA Professionals. The 46th playing was hosted at The Park and Hunter’s Run Country Club (East Course) from September 15 to 17.

In addition to the 54-hole Championship, the event served as a qualifier for the 2026 National PGA Professional Championship, which will be played April 26-29, 2026, at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

Kartrude, Hicks, and Chang were all exempt. Shapiro, Wells, Miron, Nick Beddow, Matt Cahill, Evan Bowser, Troy Pare, Alan Morin, Matt Doyle, Alastair Mackenzie, Tom Cooper, Ashley Grier, Jared Isaacs, and Tim Cantwell will join the trio.

The South Florida PGA Professional Championship is presented by Club Car, Corebridge Financial, and Rolex and run by the South Florida PGA. Supporting partners are Gallagher Insurance, Golf Channel, PGA TOUR, Titleist, FootJoy, Callaway Golf, Nike, TaylorMade, and COURSE RECORD.

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Jim McLean, PGA & Dennis Walters Announced as 2025 PGA of America Hall of Fame Inductees

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:41:53 GMT

The PGA of America announced today that Jim McLean, PGA of Jim McLean Golf Schools, and Dennis Walters, Honorary PGA of America Member, will be inducted into the 2025 PGA of America Hall of Fame Class.

Jim McLean is one of the most influential PGA of America Golf Professionals in the world, recognized globally for his teaching excellence.

In 1991, he founded the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral, which has grown into an internationally respected academy with locations across the U.S., Spain, Mexico, and South Korea, and is currently headquartered at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Fla.

His schools have produced 420 certified teaching professionals, with over 250 serving as Directors of Golf or Instruction. McLean, a PGA Master Professional, has taught thousands of golfers, including over 100 PGA, LPGA, and Champions Tour professionals, including Cristie Kerr, Keegan Bradley, Tom Kite, Peter Jacobsen, Lexi Thompson, Gary Woodland, and Bernhard Langer.

McLean has written 15 golf books, a business book and contributed to Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Golf Illustrated and Met Golfer. He has been a featured presenter at 12 PGA Teaching & Coaching Summits, spoke at three European Summits and has presented all over the world.

He served 15 years on the National PGA Teaching and Education Committees. McLean’s contributions have been recognized at every level.

In the Metropolitan Section, where he spent 19 years, he was named Teacher of the Year (1986), received the Professional Development Award (1987) and was inducted into the Met PGA Hall of Fame (2012).

In the South Florida Section, he won Teacher of the Year twice (1996, ‘98), earned the Youth Player Development (2000) and Professional Development Awards (2001) and was inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame (2020).

Nationally, he was named PGA of America Teacher of the Year (1994) and received the PGA Professional Development Award (2020).

As a player, McLean qualified for the U.S. Junior, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Open, and U.S. Senior Open, and made the cut in the Masters. Earlier in his career, he was Director of Golf at Sunningdale, Quaker Ridge, Sleepy Hollow, Tamarisk, and Doral. Both of his sons, Matt (Wake Forest) and Jon (Oklahoma State), played college golf.

Born in Neptune Township, New Jersey, World Golf Hall of Fame Member Dennis Walters fell in love with the game early and became one of the state’s top junior golfers.

He finished 11th in the 1971 U.S. Amateur and after playing collegiate golf at North Texas State University, aimed for the PGA TOUR, reaching the finals of Q-School.

His plans changed dramatically after a golf cart accident in 1974 left the 24-year-old paralyzed from the waist down. Showcasing the dedication and devotion that has marked his life ever since, Walters turned tragedy into inspiration and found a way to continue playing the game he loves at a high level while inspiring others to do the same.

In 1975, he began playing from a custom-made swivel seat on his golf cart, beginning a career of inspiring all golfers, especially those with disabilities, and leading to the recognition of a new category: Adaptive golf. Walters won the inaugural USGA Adaptive Open in the seated division in 2022. Two years later, he won the Florida Adaptive Open in the seated division shooting 74, one shot lower than his age.

Since 1977, he has staged the world-famous one-hour trick-shot clinic, the “Dennis Walters Golf Show,” more than 3,000 times, traveling over 3.5 million miles and always accompanied by his co-star rescue dog.

Walters was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2019; New Jersey Golf Hall of Fame ( 2019); received the USGA Bob Jones Award (2018); Neptune High School Hall of Fame (2016); South Florida PGA Section Hall of Fame (2010); PGA of America Distinguished Service Award (2008); University of North Texas Hall of Fame (2000); joined the likes of U.S. Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Gerald Ford as a PGA of America Honorary Member (1992); and received the Ben Hogan Award (1978).

The PGA of America Hall of Fame originated in 1940 at the suggestion of famed sportswriter Grantland Rice. It is the highest honor the PGA of America can bestow upon its membership or ambassadors of the game. For a full list of PGA of America Hall of Fame members, click here .

“The PGA of America is honored to recognize our 2025 Hall of Fame Class and celebrate the incredible impact they have had throughout their careers, inspiring thousands both on and off the course,” said PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea Jr., PGA Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona). “Whether they have won Major Championships, given thousands of lessons or captivated audiences with trick shots, each PGA Hall of Fame Member has played an essential role in shaping the game of golf as we know it today.”

The 2025 PGA of America Hall of Fame Inductees fall under four induction categories: PGA of America Past President Category (Richerson); PGA of America Golf Professional Category (Glanton, McLean, Turner); Tour Player Professional Category (Lopez); and PGA of America Ambassador Category (Walters).

Brant Peaper Wins South Florida Assistant PGA Professional Championship

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 21:21:31 GMT

Naples, FL - Brant Peaper carded rounds of 67-69–136 to win the South Florida Assistant PGA Professional Championship by one shot held at Bear’s Paw Country Club, August 28-29.

With a staggered leaderboard following round one, Peaper, an Associate Assistant Professional at Lost Tree Club, trailed Ryan Crowley by three, who matched the Bear’s Paw course record with an 8-under 64 during the opening round.

For the second consecutive year, Peaper entered the final round in the lead group. While being 2-under on the day through 6, Peaper’s tee shot found a bunker on the par-5, 7th hole.

“I hit what I thought was a really good drive, which leaked into the bunker. Then I took off a little more than I could chew and hit it right into the lip,” explained Peaper on what led to a double-bogey on the 7th hole.

Undeterred, Peaper parred the 8th and 9th holes to finish even on the front-9 and 5-under overall, still within two shots of the lead.

“There is still a lot of golf to be played," Peaper told himself. “It doesn’t really matter, you just have to try to hit really good shots and see what happens.”

Heading into the back nine, Peaper did not drop a single shot, playing the final 9 holes at 3-under, including a birdie on the 17th that ultimately secured the one-shot victory over Taylor Morgan, PGA of Pine Tree Club, and Michael Kartrude, PGA of The Bear’s Club.

Following a runner-up finish in last year’s event and a T4 finish at this year’s Fort Lauderdale Open, a T2 finish at the E-Z-GO South Florida Open, and a T3 finish at the Bushnell Stroke Play Championship, Peaper hoists his first individual trophy since joining the South Florida PGA Section last year.

“I’ve finished second or third all year, and it is finally good to win one,” exclaimed Peaper. “There are a lot of good Assistants in this Section, and I am just proud to be one and finally get it done.”

In addition to the 36-hole Championship, the event served as a qualifier for the National Assistant PGA Professional Championship, which will be played November 13-16 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie.

The top six finishers, excluding level one Associates, qualified for the National Championship. Those individuals include Taylor Morgan, Nick Latimer, Ryan Crowley, Andrew Filbert, Raymond Miron, and Derron Peyton. In addition, Evan Bowser and Michael Kartrude are exempt.

Of those qualifiers, Morgan, Crowley, Peyton, Champion, and Peaper all grew up and competed on the South Florida PGA Junior Tour before eventually joining the Section as PGA of America Golf Professionals.

The 2025 South Florida Assistant PGA Professional Championship was presented by Srixon | Cleveland and supported by StickXGolf. This year’s Championship was hosted at Bear’s Paw Country Club for the first time in the event’s 45-year history. Bear’s Paw is led by PGA Head Professional, Wayne Jardin, PGA Assistant Professional, Alejandro Jimenez, and two Associate Assistant Professionals.

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South Florida PGA Foundation Dedicates 12th Habitat for Humanity Home in Labelle

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 17:58:01 GMT

Labelle, FL (August 29, 2025) - The South Florida PGA Foundation dedicated its 12th Habitat for Humanity home to new homeowners Jesus and Paola. This build was made possible through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties.

In 2023, the thought of home ownership was merely a glimmer of hope for Jesus and Paola. With a desire to provide a safe home for their young family, faced with many challenges along the way, today's dedication was filled with joyful tears and much excitement as they received the keys to their first home, thanks to the support of the South Florida PGA Foundation and all of the members who supported the project.

Bearing gifts upon their arrival, Jesus and Paola were so grateful and appreciative of all the support they received on the journey to homeownership, from their family and friends to the volunteers, Habitat for Humanity staff, and beyond.

“We have a home for our kids to grow,” said Paola. “We are very happy and excited to receive this home.”

The walls of the home were raised on January 15, with more than 15 PGA Professionals volunteering their time during the build days. Their efforts reflect the Foundation's mission to serve the local community and change lives through the game of golf.

At the dedication ceremony, South Florida PGA Foundation President Tom Wildenhaus, PGA Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club, presented the symbolic key to Jesus and Paola. This life-changing moment will provide the couple a safe and stable home for raising their two young children.

“For me, this is still the most awesome occasion I get to be a part of, giving the key to a new home," said Wildenhaus, who has been involved in every SFPGA home dedication. “We want to help families build safe and strong futures; that is our commitment to the South Florida community.”

Since the first Habitat for Humanity build in 2011, the South Florida PGA Foundation has helped 12 families achieve their dream of homeownership, granting more than $600,000 and contributing over 12,000 hours of volunteer service.

Click here to learn more about the South Florida PGA Foundation and its initiatives.

Unlocking Opportunities: PGA Members excelling as General Managers - Brian Bartolec, Ken Kosak & Rob Oosterhuis

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:57:08 GMT

PGA of America Golf Professionals are coined as experts in the game and business of golf, whose mission is to grow the game we all love.

At more than 30,000 strong, the PGA of America offers an extensive network of professionals to lean on, ask questions, seek advice, and collaborate with. Opportunities to network can come at the Chapter, Section, and National levels, all designed to elevate the PGA Professional.

As golf department heads, PGA Professionals play an integral role in facilities, and PGA Professionals in high management roles are becoming increasingly more prevalent.

Outside of being PGA General Managers, one thing stands out for Brian Bartolec of Shadow Wood Country Club, Ken Kosak of Broken Sound Club, and Rob Oosterhuis of Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club – they are all involved with the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) and all three sit on the CMAA Florida Chapter Board of Directors.

As the Corporate Director of Golf Operations for JC Golf in San Diego early in his career, Oosterhuis was given more responsibility within food and beverage and marketing, two areas he was interested in but professionally inexperienced.

Shortly after, Oosterhuis began overseeing several high-end properties for the Four Seasons in Santa Barbara, California, and at this point Oosterhuis knew he needed to learn more in order to complete his role at a high level.

"I need to understand the private club world better," Oosterhuis told himself. "It's more about trying to expand my knowledge in other areas, as it pertains to finance, governance, and food and beverage. Then, as I got more involved, I realized how expansive their (CMAA) learning platforms were."

By the age of 28, Bartolec had become a PGA General Manager of TPC at Eagle Trace and as the facility was purchased in 2014 by a new management company, Bartolec was encouraged by the board to join the CMAA.

Unfamiliar with the Association, Bartolec joined and began attending summer educational classes that proved beneficial. After three years as General Manager of TPC at Eagle Trace, Bartolec moved to Pelican Marsh and eventually to his current General Manager position at Shadow Country Club.

“In both of these roles as the GM, the members and the board members were very in favor of me continuing to do both the Club Managers Association and the PGA,” Bartolec explained.

For Bartolec, who has spent three years on the Florida Chapter Board, education opportunities, specifically within finance, were a huge help as a young professional early on.

"You have to have some type of financial acumen because of the pressure for budgeting, creating budgets, running a golf operation, and you need to know how to hire someone, train them, and schedule," explained Bartolec. "For all those things, you can go to classes at the CMAA, which are very helpful.

As a young professional with Troon, Kosak worked as a General Manager in Dubai in the early 2000s. While abroad, Kosak was exposed to a completely different set of dynamics outside traditional golf. As a result, Kosak was introduced to the CMAA.

“For me, it was interest in self-improvement, self-knowledge, and adding extra tools to the toolbox”, Kosak explained.

While all three professionals above serve in General Manager roles, their backgrounds and start as PGA Professionals demonstrate a career path that might have been unexpected at times, but ultimately led them to the top of their profession.

"It offers so many different perspectives, and each time I go to an event, I come back with half a dozen new ideas to work with," said Oosterhuis.

As more PGA professionals ascend to the role of General Manager, this group of PGA members can serve as a valuable resource for those who may be unsure or unfamiliar with the General Manager role at a facility. For all three, the start was golf and the PGA of America membership.

"No one can take away your golf knowledge; those are the things you are expected to know as a PGA Member," Kosak reiterated. "If you have that knowledge and all these other tools to work off as well from the CMAA, that makes you an incredible resource, and if they know you have this additional bandwidth of skills that you can offer, the sky's the limit."

Mark Mielke Claims South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 20:49:22 GMT

Jupiter, FL - Mark Mielke, PGA, fires consecutive under-par rounds to narrowly win the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship, played August 19-20 at The Bear’s Club.

In addition to being crowned the 2025 Senior Section Champion, Mielke, a Teaching Professional at High Ridge Country Club, and the other nine top-finishers advanced to the Senior PGA Professional Championship, which will be held October 23-26 at PGA Golf Club.

Mielke opened the 2025 Championship with a birdie en route to a 2-under 70, putting him in a share for the lead with Tim Turpen, PGA, and on pace to meet his pre-event goal.

“The golf course is so tough, which is kind of a benefit to me, I usually tend to hit a lot of fairways and greens,” Mielke explained. “My goal was to shoot 5-under.”

Going into the final round, Mielke stuck to his goal, not allowing the scoreboard to dictate how he plays. He rode his opening round momentum to another 2-under 70, one shy of his goal but enough to claim the victory by one over Alan Morin, PGA, and Justin Hicks, PGA.

While Mielke completed the wire-to-wire victory, it did come with having to dodge a few bullets, first, coming from Hicks as he was playing in the group ahead and hit the par-5, 18th green in two, setting himself up with a 45-foot eagle putt. Hicks would go on to three-putt and finish at 3-under total. The second bullet dodged came from his fellow playing partner, Morin, who was greenside on the 18th in two. Morin could not get up and down, ultimately finishing at 3-under total.

Over the 36-hole Championship, Mielke managed only three bogeys to go along with seven birdies.

“I hit it well off the tee, hit a lot of greens and didn't get in any trouble," Mielke said. “The only bogey I made today was a three putt.”

A member of the SFPGA and avid section player since 2016, Mielke has earned several team and individual wins, but this marks his first Senior Section individual Major victory. Mielke and Mark Brown recently won the Senior Pro-Pro for their third consecutive year.

“It's nice in the team events when you have competition and get to feel the nerves a little bit so when you do get in on your own, it is not as devastating and it definitely helps,” Mielke shared when expressing his nerves down the stretch.

Joining Mielke in the National Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club, October 23-26 will be: Scott Newhouse, Mark Brown, Jared Isaacs, Roger Kennedy Jr., Paul Scaletta, Jerry Tucker, Michael Kostelnik, Tim Turpen and Brett Melton. Exempt players: Tim Cantwell, Gene Figer, Mike San Filippo, Justin Hicks, Roger Kennedy Sr., Alan Morin, Wes Smith and Peter Oakley.

For the first time, the Bear’s Club hosted the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship, which was supported by Golf Channel, PGA TOUR, PXG and Stitch.

The Bear’s Club is led by PGA Director of Golf and SFPGA Section President, Eric Veilleux, and PGA Assistant Professional, Michael Kartrude and Associate Assistant Professional Philip Manceri.

Mark Brown and Mark Mielke Win Third Consecutive Senior Pro-Pro

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 19:03:23 GMT

North Palm Beach, FL - Mark Brown, PGA and Mark Mielke, PGA fired a 10-under 61 to win their third consecutive Senior Pro-Pro Championship today at North Palm Beach Country Club.

This year’s event welcomed 42 two-person teams of senior PGA Professionals playing in a four-ball format.

Brown, a PGA Teaching Professional at the Yacht and Country Club, and Mielke, a PGA Teaching Professional at High Ridge Country Club, first teamed up in the 2023 Senior Pro-Pro when Brown joined the Section. Since then, the pair have not lost a Senior Pro-Pro Championship at North Palm Beach Country Club, including a 12-under 59 last year for a total of 32-under in the last three years.

Starting on hole number 12, the duo started slower than years past, playing the first seven holes at 2-under. Once they turned to the front-nine, Brown and Mielke played the next 11 holes at 7-under to secure the win by one over Daniel Heaslip, PGA, and David Witt, PGA, at 9-under.

Finishing in a tie for third at 8-under were the teams of Jerry Tucker, PGA, and Joe Kern, PGA, and the team of Paul Scaletta, PGA, and Tim Turpin, PGA. Rounding out the top-5 were four teams at 6-under: Paul Crespo, PGA, Derek Niszczak, PGA, Colin Amaral, PGA, Jared Isaacs, PGA, Justin Hicks, PGA, Matt Ball, PGA, Michael Kostelnik, PGA, and Alan Morin, PGA.

The 2025 Senior Pro-Pro was supported and hosted by North Palm Beach Country Club. Thank you to PGA Director of Golf, Allan Bowman and his entire staff for hosting.

The Senior Section season will culminate on August 19-20 at the Bear’s Club for the Senior Section Championship.

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Ty Patterson Wins Bushnell Stroke Play Championship - Evan Bowser, PGA Qualifies for Corales Puntacana Championship

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:09:02 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - Ty Patterson played the final two holes at 3-under to win the Bushnell Stroke Play Championship, played August 4-5 at Old Palm Golf Club and BallenIsles Country Club. Alan Morin, PGA, claims the Senior Division title with a 7-under performance.

The South Florida PGA Bushnell Stroke Play Championship is the third of four SFPGA Majors to be played throughout the 2025 season. In addition to the major, the 36-hole event also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Corales Puntacana Championship on the PGA TOUR, in which Evan Bowser earned the spot as the low Class-A Professional.

After a 6-under 66 in the opening round at BallenIsles North Course, which included only 25 putts, Patterson, an Associate Assistant Professional at the Golf Club of the Everglades, trailed by one. With his final round at Old Palm, Patterson opened with a bogey before finishing his first nine holes at 2-over.

With Evan Bowser, PGA of LaPlaya Golf Club, holding a two-shot lead on the back nine, Patterson checked the leaderboard and knew he needed to make a charge.

“I looked at it (leaderboard) on 15 and that's when I knew I needed to make some birdies," Patterson said. “I looked at it on 17, and Evan was 8-under, so I was two back.”

Patterson proceeded to make an eagle on the par-5 17th and a birdie on the par-4 18th to claim the outright title by one in only his third SFPGA Major since joining the Section in 2024.

“I'm still taking it in and processing," Patterson said following the win. “I'm going to play in every tournament now.”

While finishing runner-up to Patterson by one, Bowser, a PGA Assistant Professional at LaPlaya Golf Club, secured low Class-A Professional honors, earning him entry into the Corales Puntacana Championship on the PGA TOUR.

“It is super exciting,” exclaimed Bowser, who was unsure he would even be able to play in the event. “I was flying back from a trip in Michigan, and my flight got cancelled, so I didn’t get here until 2:30 AM Monday.”

Bowser is no stranger to competing at the highest level, as he competed in the 2024 PGA Championship with his sister on the bag and family cheering him on, and looks to have the same support at the 2026 Corales.

“I am sure she will be there for me, and it should be a family affair for sure, it will be a lot of fun,” Bowser said as he just returned from a family trip in his hometown in Michigan.

In the Senior Division, Alan Morin, PGA Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis, managed a two-day total of 7-under to win the Senior title by one over Justin Hicks, PGA, Paul Scaletta, PGA, and Brett Melton, PGA.

Over the 36-hole event, Morin managed two clean scorecards, as the only player in the field to go bogey-free.

Morin added his second win of the year after winning the South Florida Senior Open in May.

The 2025 Bushnell Stroke Play Championship, supported by DR Golf Sales, Melin, Oakley, and Nexbelt, was hosted at Old Palm Golf Club and BallenIsles Country Club.

Old Palm is led by PGA Director of Golf, Ryan Flinn, and PGA Assistant Professional, Joey Medora, while BallenIsles is led by PGA Director of Golf Jeff Fitzherbert, PGA Head Professional Chris Hayes, and five PGA Assistant Professionals.

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Christine Meier: Staying Connected to the Game She Loves

ttolley@pgahq.com (Tami Tolley) — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:59:35 GMT

In the five years after graduating from Michigan State University, Christian Meier, PGA, took her Toyota Prius from 10,000 to over 300,000 miles, competing all across the country on the Symetra Tour (now Epson Tour).

A four-year starter for the Spartans, where she competed in 42 career events, won three Big 10 Conference titles, and boasted the 10th lowest scoring average in school history, Meier was set on making it to the highest level of women's golf.

Growing up in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Meier loved competing, and having an older sister who also played golf made that competitive drive even deeper. The two were talented junior golfers, often competing head-to-head as the only girls in junior events back home.

While Christine headed to Michigan State and her sister, Amy, to conference competitor Ohio State, the Meier sisters were carving their own paths. The summer following her sophomore year, Christine qualified for the U.S. Women's Open, becoming the first Spartan to qualify for the Major Championship while still in school. A year later, Amy qualified as well.

With both sisters having standout college careers, they hit the road together, traveling across the country, searching for their breakout opportunity. Christine's came in her second-to-last year on tour, but it was vastly different from what she initially envisioned.

While having an extensive break on her schedule, Christine came across a high school coaching position in Memphis, Tennessee. Not ready to give up on her playing aspirations, Christine saw this as an opportunity to do something different and get her mind off the grueling stretch of competitive golf.

"The woman who hired me was Mary Murphy, a PGA Professional who teaches in Memphis and Olive Branch, Mississippi," explained Christine. "She talked about the PGA Program a little bit, and I kind of brushed it off initially, not in a negative way, I was just still in the mindset of, I'm going to play, I'm a player."

The experience turned out to be extremely beneficial for Christine, who began falling in love with coaching—so much so that she came back the following season to coach for another 10 weeks.

This time, Christine was introduced to Jennifer Hudson, the PGA Director of Instruction at Sankaty Head Golf Club in Texas.

"I saw what she did, she helped me with my game a little bit, and it started to look like a life I would enjoy," Christine recalled. "It keeps you around the game, you learn a ton, and you get to meet a lot of other people. That may have nudged me in that direction more than I already was."

Throughout this entire time of playing professionally and coaching, Christine maintained a seasonal position inside the golf shop at The Club at Mediterra while working up north for a few seasons.

Following her second stint coaching, when Christine returned to Mediterra for the winter season, PGA Director of Golf Kevin Swan again encouraged her to enter the program.

Because of her time competing on tour and experience working at different facilities, Christine had the necessary knowledge to knock out the program.. Between the encouragement from Swan and others, Christine was all in on the PGA of America, becoming a Class-A Member in 2023.

While proud and happy with her new life in golf, Christine is not afraid to admit that the transition from playing full-time to now working in golf was incredibly daunting.

"Golf was such a huge part of my identity that it was really difficult to wrestle with the potential of that not being the case anymore, not being able to be around the game, not playing a ton anymore," Christine explained. "I really struggled with that idea."

A few years into her full-time position with Mediterra, Christine is just as involved with the game as she ever was, only now in a different setting.

"It has been a perfect fit because I can still be around the game, which was so important to me," emphasized Christine. "I never really want to lose that or the playing or teaching piece of it."

Justin Hicks, PGA & Robbie Wight 3Peat at Pro-Scratch Championship

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:59:49 GMT

Naples, FL - For the third consecutive year, Justin Hicks, PGA, and Robbie Wight claim the Pro-Scratch Championship, presented by Srixon | Cleveland, played July 22-23 at Talis Park Golf Club and Grey Oaks Country Club.

Hicks and Wight first teamed up in the 2022 Pro-Scratch Championship, where they finished in the top-25. Since then, the duo has won three straight, making them the first pair to win three consecutive titles in the event's 45-year history.

Finishing at 19-under, 62-63–125, Hicks and Wight outlasted the teams of Michael Kartrude, PGA of The Bear’s Club, with amateur partner, Justin Grondahl, and the team of Brant Peaper of Lost Tree Club and amateur partner, Mackenzie Edwards, by one.

With rain falling throughout the front nine of the final round for Hicks and Wight, they managed a 3-under performance, which saw them trail by two going into the final nine holes. As the rain subsided, Hicks and White caught fire, playing the final six holes at 5-under, including an eagle on the par-5 13th hole from Hicks.

“We get a sandwich at the turn and somehow go gangbusters on the back, which was a lot of fun, " said Hicks. “We managed to really ham and egg it well on the back nine and saw ourselves go from chasing to the ones being chased.”

Finishing in fourth was the Bowser team of Evan Bowser, PGA of LaPlaya Golf Club, and sister Elayna Bowser, who finished at 17-under. Rounding out the top-5 were the teams of Kenny Leech, PGA of Don Law Academy @ Osprey Point, with Elijah Zamarron, and the team of Kyle Horvath, PGA of Quail Creek Country Club, and partner, Victor Prokop, at 15-under.

This year’s Pro-Scratch Championship was held at Grey Oaks Country Club and Talis Park Golf Club. Grey Oaks Country Club is led by PGA Directors of Golf, Martin DeAngelo and Leslye Dyke, PGA Head Professional of Golf Professional Avery Radunz. Talis Park Golf Club is led by PGA Director of Golf, David Witt, and Associate Head Professional, Cory Briney.

Srixon and Cleveland were the presenting partners, while Airshare, Ghost Golf, Kohler Wisconsin, The Back Nine Golf, Florida Window and Door, and Unknown Golf were the supporting partners.

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Cahill and Chang Win Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship at 21-under

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:37:27 GMT

Naples, FL - Seminole Golf Club Professionals, Matt Cahill and Dakun Chang, win the Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship, presented by Callaway, July 8-9 at The Rookery at Marco and Hammock Bay Golf Club.

Head Professional, Cahill, and Assistant Professional, Chang completed the wire-to-wire victory with a 21-under performance, adding their third team championship together but first Pro-Pro victory.

This year’s Championship returned to The Rookery at Marco and Hammock Bay, serving as the host facilities for the fourth time in the last five years. A full field of 240 South Florida PGA Professionals and Associates competed in a team four-ball format over the 36-hole event.

After an 11-under opening round, Cahill and Chang held a one-shot lead over Andrew Filbert, PGA of West Bay Club, and Justin Smith, PGA of Bonita Bay Club. Leaving no room for question, the duo of Cahill and Chang opened the final round with five straight birdies to expand their lead.

The two again managed five straight birdies on the back nine on holes 12-16 to ultimately finish at 21-under and three shots ahead of Filbert and Smith.

In third place came the Peaper duo of Brian and Brant, who wrapped the event at 17-under. Finishing in a tie for fourth at 16-under were the teams of Greg Martin and Michael Kartrude, Ashley Grier and Alan Morin, and Mark Mielke and Mark Brown.

The 2025 Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship was presented by Callaway and supported by Dunning/Greg Norman, Global Golf Sales, Heritage Creations, Hole In One USA, JumboMax Grips, and Toptracer.

The Rookery at Marco is led by PGA Director of Golf, Scott Lien, PGA Head Professional, Phillip Ott and PGA Assistant Professionals, Tony Kelley and Nicholas Fairneny. Hammock Bay is led by PGA General Manager, Anthony Schmid and PGA Assistant Professionals, Raymond Miron and Brandon Rowcliffe.

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Herring and De Greiff Win Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 23:51:16 GMT

Atlantis, FL - Brian Herring, PGA, and Christian De Greiff, PGA, claim the Yamaha Junior-Senior with a bogey-free, 10-under performance today at Lost City Golf Club.

The 2025 Yamaha Junior-Senior welcomed 50 two-person teams of a junior SFPGA Member under the age of 50 and a senior SFPGA Member over the age of 50. Holes 1-6 were played in a best-ball format, while holes 7-12 were played in a modified alternate shot format, and holes 13-18 were played in a scramble format.

Herring, a Don Law Academy Teaching Professional, and De Greiff, a Coral Ridge Country Club Teaching Professional, birdied the final three holes en route to a 6-under back-nine, defeating the teams of Justin Hicks, PGA, and Taylor Morgan, PGA, and the team of Alan Morin, PGA, and Taylor Collins, PGA, by one shot.

The team from The Breakers Rees Jones Course, Richard Terga, PGA, and Timothy Collins, PGA, finished in fourth place, shooting an 8-under 64.

Originally slotted for a 9 AM shotgun start, the event was delayed due to inclement weather, with the start moved to 11 AM.

Yamaha was this year’s title partner, while Global Golf Sales, Levelwear, and OluKai were all supporting partners. For the fourth straight year, Lost City Golf Club has hosted the Championship, which is led by PGA Director of Golf Mason Colling and PGA Head Professional Peter Haupt.

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Chang and Hicks Capture 2025 E-Z-GO South Florida Open

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:25:58 GMT

Miromar Lakes, FL - Dakun Chang, PGA wins the Championship Division while Justin Hicks, PGA wins the Senior Division at the E-Z-GO South Florida Open, played June 24-26 at Miromar Lakes Golf Club and Bonita Bay Club.

The second South Florida PGA Major of the year and first three-day Major featured 167 total players competing at Miromar Lakes Golf Club and Bonita Bay Club. Following round 2, a Senior Champion was crowned, and the field was cut to 51+ ties for the final round.

Seminole Golf Club Assistant Professional, Dakun Chang, PGA, opened the three-day event with a 5-under 67 to trail John Lento, PGA, by one. Chang managed a shot better in the second round, firing a 6-under 66 to hold the lead by one over Justin Hicks, while managing a clean scorecard through the first 36-holes. Chang's first bogey didn't come until the 14th hole in the final round as he held a two-shot lead over the field.

“After I made my first bogey on 14, I had to look at the leaderboard," Chang said. “I felt like I was in a pretty comfortable position, and after I looked, it did help me understand what I had to do.”

Following his first bogey, Chang birdied the par-5 16th before making a double bogey on the 17th hole, narrowing his lead to one. Chang rebounded with a birdie on the 18th to secure the win by two with a final score of 67-66-71–204.

“I have been working on my game pretty hard this summer, and things have been turning around for me,” Chang said. “The putter was very clutch this week. I am pretty excited for this win.”

Capitulating himself up the leaderboard over the final 18 holes was Brant Peaper of Lost Tree Club, who fired a tournament round low of 8-under 64 to finish in a tie for second at 10-under, tied with Michael Kartrude, PGA of the Bear’s Club.

Hicks finished in fourth at 9-under while Evan Bowser, PGA of LaPlaya Golf Club rounded out the top-5 at 7-under.

In the Senior Division, Justin Hicks, PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Golf and Country Club secured the title with a pair of 5-under 67 performances. After trailing Mark Mielke, PGA of High Ridge Country Club for the majority of the final round, Hicks managed to birdie three of the last four holes, including the 18th, to earn the win by one shot over Mielke.

Hicks, who is coming off a start in the U.S. Open at Oakmont now adds his first South Florida PGA Senior Championship win of his career.

Finishing in third at 6-under was Tim Cantwell, PGA of PGA National Golf Club, while Matt Lucchesi, PGA of the Loxahatchee Club, and Joe Kern, PGA of Mangrove Sands Golf Club, finished in a tie for 5th at 5-under.

The E-Z-GO South Florida Open is the second of four South Florida PGA Major Championships to be played throughout the 2025 season. E-Z-GO served as the event's title partner while Ahead, Ballz4Change, Foresights Sports, Perry Weather, StrackaLine, StickX, and Winners Award Group served as supporting partners.

Miromar Lakes Golf Club and Bonita Bay Club boast 15 combined PGA Members. Miromar is led by PGA General Manager Kenneth McMaster and PGA Head Professional Daniel Lee, while Bonita Bay Club is led by PGA Director of Golf Elliott McDonnell and PGA Head Professionals Andrew Gibson and Kyle Heaton.

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Tom Patri’s Ninth Annual Golf Marathon Raises Over $12,000 for the South Florida PGA Foundation

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 16:34:49 GMT

Tom Patri, PGA Director of Player Development at The TwinEagles Club, completed his ninth annual Golf Marathon, raising more than $12,000 by playing 100 holes in a single day. The proceeds will benefit the South Florida PGA Foundation and its local community programs.

Since launching the marathon in 2017, Patri has played over 1,000 holes of golf and raised nearly $80,000, using his passion for the sport to make a meaningful impact across South Florida.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is dedicated to changing lives through the game of golf, with a charitable focus on youth, military, and families.

“I just completed my ninth annual golf marathon to support the South Florida PGA Foundation, and I couldn’t be happier to dedicate a day to such a wonderful cause,” said Patri. “My only hope is that the funds raised will positively impact lives in South Florida. As long as I’m alive, I will continue to support the Foundation. Thank you to the South Florida PGA headquarters for all your support; I could not do this without you.”

Patri’s annual challenge—to play as many holes as possible in one day—has become a tradition of giving back.

Click here to support Patri’s Golf Marathon.

Click here to learn more about the South Florida PGA Foundation and its programming.

Braden Miller and Dounia Bezzari Awarded 2025 SFPGA Foundation Scholarships

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:14:07 GMT

(West Palm Beach, FL - June 16, 2025) – For the first time in its history, the South Florida PGA Foundation has awarded two scholarships as part of its annual scholarship program. Braden Miller and Dounia Bezzari have been selected as the 2025 recipients.

Now in its ninth year, this prestigious $20,000 scholarship will be awarded in increments of $5,000 over four years.

The SFPGA Foundation Scholarship is a merit-based award created to assist individuals with strong ties to the South Florida PGA Foundation and to recognize exceptional leaders in our local community.

Miller recently graduated from Barron Collier High School in Naples and plans to attend the University of Florida this fall, where he will major in Biochemistry and pursue a career in medical research. He is the son of Jason Miller, PGA of America Head Golf Professional at Copperleaf Golf Club. Miller's academic achievements, leadership, and passion for golf make him an ideal representative of the Foundation’s mission.

Bezzari, a recent graduate of Vero Beach High School, was also selected by the Board of Directors for her dedication to the sport, volunteer work, and involvement in the local community. She will attend Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, where she will play on the women’s golf team and major in Accounting. Bezzari currently works at the Quail Valley Golf Club Professional Shop and is an active member of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour.

Congratulations to Miller and Bezzari on this well-deserved honor. The South Florida PGA Foundation is proud to support their continued success and looks forward to following their academic and personal journeys in the years ahead.

About the South Florida PGA Foundation

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida community, focusing on youth, military, and families. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization of over 1,900 PGA of America Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.

Eric Veilleux, PGA Elected 24th South Florida PGA Section President

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:20:16 GMT

(West Palm Beach, FL - June 13, 2025) - Eric Veilleux, PGA, was elected the 24th South Florida PGA President yesterday at the SFPGA Annual Meeting, hosted at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens.

A PGA of America Golf Professional since 1993, Veilleux is the Director of Golf at The Bear’s Club, a position he has held since 1999 when the Club was founded. Before his time with The Bear’s Club, Veilleux was on the bag for the golden bear, Jack Nicklaus, for five years.

Veilleux succeeds Paul Clivio, PGA Director of Golf at St. Andrews Country Club, who completed his two-year term as President and will now serve as the Honorary Past President of the Section and Secretary of the SFPGA Foundation.

Jeff Waber, PGA, follows Veilleux as Vice President. Waber is the Director of Golf at Broken Sound Club - Old Course and has served as the Section Secretary for the last two years. Ben Bauer, PGA Director of Golf at Hunter Run Golf & Racquet Club, was elected by the Membership as the new Section Secretary.

In addition to the Section Officer Election, yesterday’s annual meeting marked the first in-person meeting since 2019 and was hosted at the SoFi Center, gathering over 200 South Florida PGA Professionals and partners. CJS Global served as the presenting partner of the Meeting, while Airshare, Florida Window & Door, and PGA National Resort served as supporting partners.

Pictured from left to right - Ben Bauer, PGA (Secretary) / Eric Veilleux, PGA (President) / Paul Clivio, PGA (Honorary Past President) / Jeff Waber, PGA (Vice President)

Eric Veilleux, PGA - 24th Section President

Veilleux first became a PGA of America Golf Professional in 1993 when he was employed in the Colorado Section. From 1993 to 1996 Veilleux split time between the South Florida Section and the Southern Ohio Section prior to making South Florida his permanent home in 1997.

Before serving as an officer of the Section, Veilleux first took on a leadership position in 2012, serving as the Education Chairperson from 2012-2014. Veilleux was then elected Section Secretary in 2021, Vice President in 2023 and now Section President.

Jeff Waber, PGA - Vice President

Waber, a member of the South Florida PGA Section since 2000 has been elected Section Vice Present after his term as Section Secretary. Prior to being elected as a Section Officer, Waber served as the Southeast Chapter President from 2020-22.

The 2022 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor a PGA Golf Professional can receive at the Section level, began his involvement in Section leadership in 2015 when he served on the Executive Committee as the Tournament Chairperson until 2020 and due to vacancy in the position in 2022, he assumed that role once more from 2022-23.

Ben Bauer, PGA - Secretary

A PGA of America Golf Professional since 2006, Bauer has been elected by the Membership as the Section Secretary. Bauer spent the last six years serving on the Southeast Chapter board as the Secretary, Vice President and most recently as the President from 2022-2024. Prior to being a Chapter Officer, Bauer’s leadership involvement began as the 2017 Southeast Chapter Education Chairperson.

In addition to his service to the Chapter, Bauer has been heavily recognized for his involvement in the association, being named the 2016 Southeast Chapter Horton Smith Award recipient, 2018-19 Southeast Chapter Bill Strausbaugh Award Recipient and the 2021 South Florida PGA Section Professional Development Award Recipient.

Nick Beddow and Austin Davenport Capture Pro-Assistant Championship

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:36:56 GMT

(Fort Myers, FL - June 10, 2025) - Apogee Club Professionals, Austin Davenport, PGA, and Nick Beddow, PGA, captured the Pro-Assistant Championship, presented by Club Car, with a 20-under performance over the last two days at The Verandah Club.

This year’s Championship welcomed 70 two-person teams playing The Verandah Club Old Orange and Whispering Oak Courses. Old Orange played a scramble format while Whispering Oak played a Chapman format.

The duo of Beddow, Apogee Head Professional, and Davenport, Club Fitting Specialist, managed a 13-under 59 during round one in the scramble format, putting them in a tie with Brian and Brant Peaper of Lost Tree Club following the first day.

With the more difficult Chapman format left for the final round, Beddow and Davenport managed a bogey-free 7-under showing, holding off Broken Sound Club - Club Course Professionals, Josh Bialowans and Nathan Lingard by two who fired a tournament low, 14-under 58.

Finishing in a tie for third at 17-under came the teams of Eric Veilleux, PGA, and Michael Kartrude, PGA of the Bear’s Club, Brian Peaper, PGA, and Brant Peaper of Lost Tree Club, and Gene Fieger, PGA, and Justin Bertsch, PGA of Club Pelican Bay.

Two-time defending champions Matt Cahill, PGA, and Dakun Chang, PGA of Seminole Club, finished sixth at 16-under.

In addition to the team division, supporting partner Garmany Golf administered a “shoutout” for a trip to Portugal, where the top-10 closest competitors battled it out in a closest-to-the-hole competition following round one. Jared Werner, PGA Head Professional at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club, took home the bucket list experience.

Club Car presented the 2025 Pro-Assistant Championship, which was supported by Garmany Golf, Heritage Creations, Meridian, NextRound, Pride Sports, Range Servant, and Tagmarshal.

The Verandah Club served as this year’s host facility, led by PGA Director of Golf Adam Miller and PGA Head Professional Tony Osborn.

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Northern Michigan Hosts Annual South Florida PGA Travel Pro-Am

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 14:36:57 GMT

The South Florida PGA hosted its annual Travel Pro-Am in Northern Michigan, playing three different facilities, June 1-5.

The event was supported by Kickpoint and featured 11 teams comprised of one South Florida PGA Professional and three amateurs. The competition consisted of three rounds played at High Pointe Golf Club, Arcadia Bluffs the Bluffs Course, and Grand Traverse Resort the Bear Course. Each day featured a different format, along with a low professional division scored based on stableford.

Winning this event at twenty-eight under for the week was the team from Trump Jupiter Golf Club, led by PGA Professional Alastair Mackenzie and amateurs Matt Lindahl, Tony Assawamatiyanont, and Imaad Qureshi. Capturing low professional honors was Assistant Professional at Lost Tree Club, Brant Peaper 122 earning points.

Special thanks to all those who joined us, as next year's trip will head to Scotland.

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Golf Over Graduation - Tim and Chandler Cantwell

Fri, 30 May 2025 18:00:57 GMT

In September of 2024, Tim Cantwell, PGA, qualified for the 2025 Senior PGA Championship after finishing T17 in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship, allowing him to make his second career Senior PGA Championship start.

Incredibly proud and honored by the achievement, Cantwell was later faced with a nightmare decision: His 18-year-old son Chandler had his high school graduation on the Friday of the Major.

A Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Tour member for over five years, Chandler knew what the opportunity meant to his Dad. In talks with his son, Tim told Chandler he would fly back down for the graduation to ensure he doesn't miss this moment for his son.

In response, Chandler said, “No, Dad. I want to come up there, I want to watch you play, and I want to experience it with you.”

With full support, the entire Cantwell family made the trip to Congressional Country Club for the 85th Senior PGA Championship.

After an opening round of 5-over 77, Tim’s chances of making the cut had become slim as he sat in 105th place. In watching the round, Chandler noticed a flaw in his Dad’s putting stroke and offered him a tip following the round.

“Dad, you just are not staying down through your putting stroke,” Chandler shared. The two went over to the putting green to practice before a vital second round.

With his newfound confidence on the putting green and a better understanding of the course, Tim bounced back in an inspiring way, matching the second-round low score of the day with a 4-under 68, catapulting him over 70 spots up the leaderboard to make the cut.

The difference was the putter, Tim said proudly. “Chandler deserves a lot of credit for that Friday round, I putted really well.”

With a lifetime dedicated to golf and over 30 years of playing professionally, Tim was headed to the weekend for the first time in a Major Championship.

“I love the opportunities PGA of America gives to play,” Tim said. “It means a lot to me to compete.”

After 20+ years of caddying at Seminole Golf Club while playing full-time, Tim transitioned to a full-time career with the PGA of America in 2019, serving as a Teaching Professional at PGA National Golf Club.

Since then, Tim has won the 2022 South Florida PGA Professional Championship, qualifying him for the Puerto Rico Open on the PGA TOUR. He has also secured wins at the 2024 E-Z-GO South Florida Open, 2024 South Florida Senior Open, and 2025 Florida Senior Open.

During his time at Seminole, Tim was encouraged by longtime Head Professional Bob Ford, PGA, and current Head Professional Matt Cahill, PGA, to enter the PGA program, a move for which Tim is incredibly thankful.

Lastly, Tim could not be more thankful for the opportunities PGA National gives him to teach while taking advantage of every playing opportunity that comes with being a PGA of America Golf Professional.

Jeff Nixon, PGA Presented 2024 Deacon Palmer Award

Wed, 21 May 2025 13:18:06 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Jeff Nixon, PGA Director of Professional Operations at G to Z Turf Services, Inc. and Consulting Managing Partner at Myerlee Country Club, was presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Deacon Palmer Award.

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

“It is with immense fulfillment and gratitude that I accept the Deacon Palmer Award, " Nixon expressed. “This recognition embodies the spirit of perseverance, integrity, and dedication that defines our profession.

The Deacon Palmer Award is named in honor of Arnold Palmer’s father, Deacon Palmer, a lifelong Golf Professional who embodied resilience and passion despite personal health challenges. The award is presented to a PGA Professional who has not only overcome a significant obstacle in their life but has also gone above and beyond to inspire others through their leadership and service both on and off the course.

“It is a true honor to be acknowledged alongside those who inspire and uplift, and it fuels my commitment to continue serving the game and its community with passion and purpose,” said Nixon.

In the spring of 2023, Nixon suffered a stroke, not only putting a question mark on his future as a Golf Professional but, more importantly, how this could affect his life. As an active Professional, Nixon went from playing 4-5 times a week to being unable to walk, a complete life-altering shift that Nixon admits was not easy.

Determined to get back to the game he loves, Nixon battled through his condition and returned to the golf course. Additionally, Nixon returned to his position as head coach of the Bishop Verot Catholic High School's Girls Golf Team, something Nixon was incredibly passionate about, to prove that nothing can keep you down.

As Nixon continues to be an active SFPGA Member at every level, the 2024 South Florida PGA Annual Award marks Nixon’s 20th in his 20 years as an SFPGA Member.

The Deacon Palmer Award is one of the South Florida PGA's annual awards. Nixon was honored at the Southwest Chapter Meeting, May 19, at The TwinEagles Club.

Click here for a complete list of award winners.

9th Annual PGA HOPE Classic Raises Nearly $85,000

Thu, 15 May 2025 23:25:56 GMT

(North Palm Beach, FL - May 15, 2025) - The South Florida PGA hosted its 9th Annual PGA HOPE Classic at Lost Tree Club, raising nearly $85,000 to support the South Florida PGA Foundation’s flagship program, PGA HOPE.

The PGA HOPE Classic raises funds to enhance the lives of veterans through the game of golf, helping to improve their mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being.

Established in 2015, the South Florida PGA HOPE program has impacted the lives of nearly 2,000 Veterans at 122 different 6-week programs with the help of 189 PGA of America Golf Professionals.

Competing in teams of four in a one-net best-ball format, this year’s HOPE Classic was won by Foundation supporter, Hunter Hallowell, and his team of Kris Kampsen, Dr. Lee Greenwald, and Peter Mendina, with a score of 57.

For the fourth straight year, Lost Tree Club served as the host facility. The facility is led by PGA Director of Golf Brian Peaper, PGA Head Professional Mike Kostelnik, and three PGA Assistant Professionals.

This year's event was also presented by Keiser University and supported by Raymond James, Rob Torrington, Weber Ranch Vodka and Bank United.

Alan Morin Captures Second Career South Florida Senior Open Title

cbressler@pgahq.com (Chance Bressler) — Tue, 13 May 2025 21:03:51 GMT

(Jupiter, FL / May 13, 2025) - Alan Morin, PGA , carded a 3-under back nine to capture the 38th Annual South Florida Senior Open, supported by Wilson Golf at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club at Old Trail - Medal Course.

After an opening round, 3-under 69, Morin, the Assistant Professional at the Club at Ibis, trailed Joe Kern, PGA of Mangrove Sands Golf Club, by two shots. Heading into the final round after significant rain overnight, Morin knew birdies were on the table.

“The greens were soft with all the rain, so you can fly it right at the flag and don't have to worry about the ball taking off you,” Morin explained. “So it frees your mind up.”

With a 2-under performance on the front nine, Morin had secured the solo lead heading into the final nine, with Morin ultimately prevailing, finishing at 8-under, while Kern finished at 6-under and in solo second.

“I played steady today and I finally made a few putts today,” Morin said, holding his second career South Florida Senior Open trophy.

Finishing in a tie for third at 4-under was Tim Cantwell, PGA of PGA National Golf Club, Jared Isaacs, PGA of Adios Golf Club and Rod Curl, PGA of Cranewatch of Evergreen.

The event also featured age divisions with the following Professionals taking home first-place honors:

60-69 (T1) = Jim Karr, PGA - Palm Beach Country Club | Victor Tortorici, PGA - Sailfish Sands Golf Club | Matt Ball, PGA Delray Indoor Golf Center (1-under)

70-74 = Joseph Bostic, PGA - Turtle Creek Club (6-under)

75+ = Fred Harkness, PGA - PGA Life Member (8-over)

Wilson Golf supported the South Florida Senior Open at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club. For the second consecutive year and the 12th time in the event's history, Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club at Old Trail has served as the host facility. The team is led by PGA Director Brian Corbit, PGA Head Professional Jared Werner, and five PGA Assistant Professionals.

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South Florida PGA Concludes Debut Trip to PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup

Tue, 13 May 2025 14:39:42 GMT

(Charlotte, North Carolina - May 12, 2025) - The South Florida PGA made its debut appearance at the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup on Monday, hosted at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, enjoying several days of camaraderie before the ninth playing of the prestigious event.

The PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup celebrates the transformative power of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) by honoring Veterans and the PGA Professionals who lead with purpose and compassion to positively impact their lives. The event, held annually in conjunction with PGA Championship Week, began in 2016 and is named in honor of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, recognizing the long-standing partnership between PGA HOPE and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Each Secretary’s Cup team featured four PGA HOPE Graduates and one PGA of America Professional or Associate in a five-person scramble format.

Competing against 11 other PGA of America Sections, Team South Florida, led by PGA Associate and U.S. Army Veteran Zach Anzaroot of The Rookery at Marco, completed play at 2-over, finishing in a tie for tenth.

Prior to the week culminating on the golf course, team South Florida arrived in Charlotte last Friday, enjoying a special welcome dinner, a trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame for the events reception, and a team practice round. Each team member was proudly recognized on the first tee with their name and branch of service.

Additionally, team South Florida was gifted custom golf bags from Vessel Golf, custom headcovers and shoe bags from Winston Collection, and apparel, including polos and mid layers from Dunning Golf.

In its first trip to the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup, the following South Florida PGA HOPE Graduates made up team South Florida:

Patti Baker – U.S. Air Force

Richard George – U.S. Navy

Dwight Hanners – U.S. Navy

Chris Short – U.S. Army

Zach Anzaroot, PGA Associate, The Rookery at Marco – U.S. Army

Collet, Hicks & Kartrude Reflect on Memorable 2025 PGA Professional Championship

Fri, 09 May 2025 18:47:03 GMT

At 6:00 AM, May 1st, Tyler Collet, PGA, was back at John’s Island Club, fulfilling his role as an Assistant Professional. Only about 12 hours prior, he was handed the Walter Hagen Cup, winning the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club by 10 shots - The largest margin of victory in the Championship's history.

“It still doesn’t feel real; I am just super thankful to have the trophy,” Collet said proudly.

Not only did the 29-year-old earn entry into his fourth PGA Championship in five years, but the win also granted Collet six special PGA TOUR invitations.

“My excitement is off the charts; I honestly can’t put it into words,” exclaimed Collet.

A South Florida PGA Member since 2018, Collet has won two South Florida PGA Professional Championships (2020/23) and was named the 2022 and 2023 Rolex South Florida PGA Player of the Year. As a result, Collet has previously earned four PGA TOUR invitations, excluding PGA Championships, through the SFPGA.

“I am super thrilled with the opportunity, and I am so happy and thankful that the PGA offers these exemptions and everything that comes with this win,” said Collet.

Collet will be well accompanied on his trip to the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Golf Club as Justin Hicks, PGA, and Michael Kartrude, PGA, finished within the top-20, joining Collet and 17 other PGA of America Golf Professionals as the Corebridge Financial PGA Team.

A Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Golf & Country Club, Hicks wrapped the four-day championship in a tie for ninth at 2-under, earning entry into his first career PGA Championship.

“Coming from our Section, we have such a strong group of players, and I think we all feed off of that, and it promotes us all to get better throughout the year,” explained Hicks on being one of five different SFPGA Members to qualify for the PGA Championship in the last two years. “I have watched several of our guys make it to the PGA while I've been playing, and it drives me.”

While this marks his first PGA, Hicks is no stranger to competing against the world’s best. Before fully transitioning to a career with the PGA of America in 2022, Hicks competed on the PGA TOUR for over a decade, playing in more than 100 events, including seven Major Championships (6 U.S. Open Championships / 1 Open Championship).

A self-proclaimed “late bloomer,” Hicks was a 36-year-old rookie on the PGA TOUR, consistently competing against younger talent, but for Hicks and his ability to keep up - age is irrelevant.

“I don’t think of age as how most people see it because for some crazy reason and maybe because of my time now as an instructor, I am hitting the ball further now than when I was on TOUR 10 years ago,” said Hicks.

As Hicks looks ahead to the Major Championship, he is reminded by his 13-year-old son Owen, a Member of the SFPGA Junior Tour, that it is just another round of golf and to not look at it any differently.

“You always play well with me, so maybe just try to feel like you are out there playing against me instead of anyone else,” Owen told his dad. “When you stay in your little comfort zone, it's easier to do what you have always done, and I think that's the way to look at it,” Justin added.

In his first attempt at the PGA Professional Championship as a Class-A Member, Kartrude was forced to earn it. Coming off a lengthy par save on the 71st hole, the Assistant Professional at The Bear’s Club made a costly 3-putt bogey on the 72nd hole, dropping him to even-par total and into a 4 for 1 playoff for the 20th and final spot.

“I was crushed. I've missed by one so many times in so many tournaments, and it's going to happen again,” Kartrude began telling himself. “As I saw it unfold, I was saying, just give me a shot.”

Kartrude got his opportunity and was mentally not going to squander it, telling himself, “You didn't beat 19 guys, but you already beat 290 or whatever. What's three more?”

After four intense playoff holes that was narrowed down to a head-to-head following the second playoff hole, Kartrude was standing on the 475-yard par-4 13th hole with out-of-bounds left and hazard right. Only hours earlier in regulation, Kartrude pulled this same tee shot left.

“I guarded against left, I hit it off the heel, and I blocked it over to the right,” explained Kartrude as he began thinking of his chances if he had to drop.

Amazed to see his ball in play, Kartrude is left with 210 yards to the pin as trees overhang, impeding his angle.

“I hammered this five iron as hard as I could with a held-off face, and then as soon as I hit it, that ball did exactly what I pictured,” Kartrude said, reliving the shot. “It was probably one of the best shots I've ever executed, given the situation.”

With his ball ending roughly 20 feet from the hole, a two-putt par secured Kartrude the 20th and final spot, and a dream came true.

“I didn't win the golf tournament, but I couldn't have scripted it any other way, hitting one of the greatest shots of my life, my daughter, wife, and son on the green giving me hugs. It was one of the best feelings ever,” Kartrude exclaimed.

Hicks and Kartrude will join the ever-growing list of SFPGA Members to qualify for the PGA Championship, with five in total in the last two years alone.

South Florida PGA Members have excelled on the national level. In addition to sending five different Members to the PGA Championship, the South Florida PGA currently holds all three PGA of America National Championships.

Tyler Collet, PGA - PGA Professional Championship

Alan Morin, PGA - Senior PGA Professional Championship

Domenico Geminiani, PGA - National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship

Isaacson and Kostelnik Claim Shortened Fort Lauderdale Open

Tue, 06 May 2025 20:33:33 GMT

Parkland, FL (May 6, 2025) - Ryan Isaacson and Michael Kostelnik, PGA, won the shortened Fort Lauderdale Open, presented by Srixon/Cleveland, played May 5-6 at Parkland Golf & Country club.

The first South Florida PGA Major of the Year, the Fort Lauderdale Open, was shortened to an 18-hole Championship due to inclement weather impacting the first day of play. Play was suspended on Monday and resumed today.

Isaacson, an Associate Teaching Professional at the John Webster Golf Academy at the Breakers, managed a 6-under 66 in his first event of the year, edging out Ashley Grier, PGA of The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club, by one shot.

“I made the most of my round,” explained Isaacson, who was in the third group to tee off on Monday and was able to complete all 18 holes the first day. “I was thrilled to post a number that could be chased.”

In his first event of the 2025 season, the 29-year-old Isaacson carded only one score worse than par, a double on the fourth hole, which helped calm his nerves.

“I had a double early in my round, and it kind of settled me in,” said Isaacson. “With it being the first event I've played in several months, there are a few jitters getting going, but the double on four settled me in and then made a great eagle on nine.”

Following a 3-under front nine, Isaacson added a bogey-free, 3-under back nine, which included a chip-in from the front of the green on the par-4 17th.

In the Senior Division, Michael Kostelnik, PGA Head Professional at Lost Tree Club, signed for a 7-under 65, besting fellow playing partner, Jared Isaacs, PGA, by one shot.

“I'm excited to sneak out a win against a strong field of talented professionals,” emphasized Kostelnik. “A little unexpected to play that well coming out of a busy season,” he added.

Starting on hole 10, Kostelnik opened his round with a bogey before rattling off three straight birdies and finishing the opening nine at 4-under. Kostelnik rode that momentum into the second nine, carding three more birdies to finish at 7-under, his lowest individual stroke play round as an SFPGA Professional.

“It was very unexpected to putt so well, but the greens were phenomenal," said Kostelnik, who first became a Member of the SFPGA in 1995. “

The South Florida PGA Fort Lauderdale Open is one of four South Florida PGA Majors to be played throughout the 2025 season. This year’s Championship was presented by Srixon / Cleveland and supported by Ahead, Global Golf Sales, Golf Sign & Design, Maui Jim, Prize Possessions, Strackaline, and the Turf Guy Pro.

Parkland Golf & Country Club is led by Miles Harris, the PGA Director of Golf; Spencer Stillman, the PGA Head Professional; Scott Rolland, the PGA Director of Instruction; and three PGA Associates.

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Tyler Collet Wins 2025 PGA Professional Championship in Historic Fashion

Thu, 01 May 2025 13:56:51 GMT

Tyler Collet is a PGA Professional Champion. And he earned his victory with a record-breaking performance.

The PGA Assistant Professional from John's Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida, won the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club with a final score of 15-under par, beating Houston's Jesse Droemer by 10 shots to claim the Walter Hagen Cup. It's the largest margin of victory for a Champion since Matt Dobyns in 2012, who won by 8 strokes.

The victory march for Collet started on Sunday, when he fired a 65 on PGA Golf Club's Wanamaker Course to have a share of the lead with Michael Block after the first round. He followed that up with a 67 on the Ryder Course, taking a solo lead by three shots. Collet then kicked it into overdrive in the third round back on the Wanamaker Course, mastering windy and firm conditions to fire 68. A final-round 72 sealed the win for him.

With the victory, Collet receive $66,700 for first place, as well as exemptions in six PGA TOUR events over the next 12 months. He'll lead the Corebridge Financial Team of 20 PGA of America Golf Professionals to Quail Hollow Club for the PGA Championship next month.

Collet also becomes the first player since Wayne DeFrancesco in 2001 to go wire-to-wire with a victory.

More to come on PGA.com on this record-breaking performance from Collet, and the 20 PGA of America Golf Professionals who are heading to Quail Hollow .

Heather Angell, PGA Presented South Florida PGA Professional Development Award

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:31:36 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Heather Angell, PGA Director of Instruction at The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek, has been awarded the 2024 South Florida PGA Professional Development Award.

The PGA Professional Development Award bestows special recognition on a South Florida PGA Golf Professional who personally displays a strong desire for lifelong education, including outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education.

“I am honored to receive the SFPGA Professional Development award,” said Angell. “ As PGA Professionals, it is our responsibility to enhance the game of golf not only to our students but also to fellow PGA Professionals.”

Before starting at Fiddler’s Creek in November of 2024, Angell served as the Director of Instruction at Heritage Palm Golf & Country Club from 2019 to 2024.

A PGA of America Golf Professional for a decade, Angell is a prime example of a “lifelong learner” who wants to be as informed as possible to better herself, her students, and her fellow professionals.

In addition to her position as the Director of Instruction at The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek, Angell plays an integral role in the Southwest Chapter, serving as one of the Education Committee Chairpersons.

In 2024, Angell led the charge in creating the Southwest Chapter Teaching Symposium, which welcomed 75 Professionals and featured a Top-100 instructor as the keynote speaker.

Additionally, Angell is very passionate about mentoring, which is apparent in her work at Florida Gulf Coast University. From 2018 to 2024, Angell had the opportunity to impact over 115 Professionals as an adjunct professor. Angell also worked several evening clinics at FGCU, serving over 40 PGA Professionals while providing insight on instruction and various topics.

“Creating accessible educational opportunities lifts us all to be better industry representatives,” explained Angell.

Angell was presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Professional Development Award last Saturday at Fiddler’s Creek.

Kyle Schulte, PGA & Stoneybrook Golf Club Win Cadillac Pro-Am

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 14:49:01 GMT

Fort Myers, FL (April 25, 20245) - Kyle Schulte, PGA and the team from Stoneybrook Golf Course of Estero won the South Florida PGA Cadillac Pro-Am, presented by DeVoe and Val Ward Cadillac, played April 25th at Miromar Lakes Golf Club.

The 2025 Cadillac Pro-Am welcomed 15 teams of a South Florida PGA Professional and three amateurs, playing in a team two best ball of four format with one net and one gross.

Schulte, the PGA Head Professional at Stoneybrook and amateurs Chris Larson, Matt Dennis and Brent Wright managed a 19-under total, defeating Jon Pazdera, PGA and the team from Cypress Lake Golf Club by four.

In addition to the team division, SFPGA professionals were able to compete for low professional honors.

Jonas DeWitte of Indian River Club claimed Low Professional honors with a 5-under performance, holding off Schulte by two.

This year’s Cadillac Pro-Am was presented by DeVoe and Val Ward Cadillac, respectively, with Airshare and XXIO | Never Compromise | Asics as supporting partners.

Miromar Lakes Golf Club is led by PGA General Manager, Ken McMaster as well as PGA Head Professional, Daniel Lee and PGA Assistant Professional, James Tamasy. Click below to view event results.

Leaderboard

Teaching Runs in the Family - Jarryd Wood, PGA

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 16:56:39 GMT

As a college student, Jarryd Wood, PGA, practiced at the Diplomat Golf and Tennis Club (now Shell Bay Club). Following practice sessions, Wood would help legendary teaching professional Manny Zerman tidy the practice area at the end of the day, fostering a strong relationship that would greatly impact Wood’s life beyond what he could have imagined.

Born into a family of golfers on Long Island, Wood's father served as a PGA Professional at Inwood Country Club for 40 years, affording a young Wood many opportunities to experience all that golf can provide and different avenues available to continue to advance in the game.

A strong junior golfer, Wood earned a spot on the Johnson and Wales University Golf team in North Miami. At the team's first event during Wood's freshman year, he started alongside four seniors and fired rounds 75’s across the board. Respectable scores for a Freshman in his first event, but his score did not contribute to the overall team score once.

"If I can't beat these guys, who am I going to beat?" Wood recalled telling himself.

While defeated in the moment, Wood's focus transitioned to what a career as a teaching professional could look like. He used the rest of his college career as an opportunity to grow and learn.

While Wood was in college, Zerman began working at La Gorce Country Club, where Wood spent three months as an intern. Upon graduation, Wood obtained a job at Pine Hallow Country Club in Long Island, where he spent one season before receiving a chance to reconnect with his mentor.

In need of an assistant, Zerman called Wood.

"He called me in October asking if I wanted to come down as an assistant. So I quit my job up north and moved to Miami," Wood deadpanned.

For Wood, the facility or location wasn't important; it was simply the chance to work for Zerman. Wood did not take the chance lightly, following Zerman like a fly and studying his teaching philosophy. As Zerman moved on, Wood was fortunate to obtain many of Zerman's clients.

"I started teaching them a little bit, and even though it was maybe a little early for me in my career, it was always my passion because that is what I grew up around," Wood said.

Following Zerman at La Gorce came Ray Boone, PGA, another successful teaching professional and valuable resource for Wood. Similar to Zerman, Wood followed Boone closely, building a bond with many of his clients. As with Zerman, once Boone moved one, Wood obtained even more clients, virtually having a full book within his first four years.

At this time, Wood had found his niche and was only growing. Incredibly passionate about teaching, Wood approached the La Gorce board and transitioned from an assistant to a teaching professional.

As Wood thrived for nearly the next 10 years as a teaching professional, La Gorce experienced many transitions in the leadership space. With almost 16 years at La Gorce, the facility had become home to him and his family, and Wood was committed to the long haul.

In 2023, the head professional role was vacant.

"I stepped in, not really because that is what I wanted to do as much as what needed to be done," explained Wood passionately.

A familiar face brought comfort to La Gorce and its membership, but Wood has no issue admitting the leadership transition is not easy.

"It was definitely a change for me to manage people," said Wood. "But the membership is super respectful of me and the position I took."

As Wood grew in his new role, the challenges of hiring and maintaining staff in a major city like Miami became evident compared to the extensive community facilities in Palm Beach County and others within our Section.

"It is different to get assistants down here. It's a big city, and it's a big city life, and to get a family to move here is nearly impossible," explained Wood.

While Wood continues to manage all the moving parts of being a head professional at a facility to the magnitude of La Gorce, there has always been one consistent piece to his life… his Dad.

"He is the only reason I do what I do. I talk to him every day, sometimes twice a day. We know each other's lives, and he knows exactly what I am saying when I tell a story because he has been there and done that,” emphasized Wood. "I have grown my business, and I have grown my life learning from what he did and how he managed and made himself part of the community."

Perry's Birdie on 17 Seals Florida Senior Open Victory

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:20:25 GMT

Special from the Florida State Golf Association

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (April 24, 2025) – In a final round filled with nonstop leaderboard shifts it was Rod Perry of Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club who stayed steady amid the storm to emerge victorious at the 48th Florida Senior Open Championship.

The day began like any other final round, with the leaders going off in the final group. But it didn’t take long for the leaderboard to unravel. Players rose and fell with nearly every hole, creating a whirlwind of momentum shifts that made it nearly impossible to keep track of who was actually in control.

Miles McConnell, who started the day with the lead, stumbled early with a double bogey on the 4th, falling to 2-under. First-round leader Timothy Cantwell also faltered, dropping three shots on holes five, six, and eight to sit at 1-under by the turn. Meanwhile, Frank Bensel surged into contention with three front-nine birdies to briefly grab the lead.

As players made the turn, the lead changed hands so rapidly it seemed like every hole produced a new frontrunner.

Perry, starting the day in second, posted a 3-over front nine. But then came the spark. Back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes put him right back in the mix.

Also making noise was Jonathon Kaye, who clawed his way into contention after a 76 in the opening round with a gritty comeback in round two.

The first sign of clarity came on the 14th when Cantwell birdied to take solo possession of the lead at 3-under. But Perry was lurking just one shot back. McConnell and Kaye were still within striking distance, turning the final stretch into a high-stakes showdown.

By the end of the 16th hole, the original leaders had clawed their way back to the top, and Cantwell and Perry were tied at 3-under with just two holes to play. Then Perry struck. A clutch birdie on the 17th pushed him to solo first, the decisive blow that sealed his win.

Perry’s consistent play across all three rounds, 70-70-71--212, earned him the title and a $12,000 payday as the 48th Florida Senior Open Champion. It was a wild finish, but in the end, calm and composure carried the day.

Timothy Cantwell of PGA National Resort & Spa finished in second place with rounds of 69-73-72--214. Third place was a tie between Jonathan Kaye and Miles McConnell who both finished at 1-under total. McConnell earned Low-Amateur Honors after rounds of 71-69-75--215.

Results

Southwest Chapter Claims 2025 Nelson Cup; Breaks Southeast Chapter Streak

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:49:34 GMT

B oca Raton, FL (April 22, 2025)— The Southwest Chapter earned 31 points in the annual Nelson Cup Matches, played at Stonebridge Country Club, claiming the 2025 Nelson Cup by half a point.

The Southeast Chapter streak of three consecutive wins came to a close as the Southwest Chapter earned their first Nelson Cup since 2019 with the 2020 event being cancelled due to the pandemic and the 2021 event being rained out.

The day started with nine-hole foursome matches, which saw the Southeast Chapter get out to an early 3-point lead over the Southwest Chapter and a 9-point lead over the Southern Chapter. Three-ball matches were played on the second nine, where the Southwest Chapter managed to earn 7.5 points to the Southeast Chapter’s 5, giving the Southeast Chapter a .5 lead over the Southwest Chapter.

Heading into the singles matches, the scores stood: Southeast (15), Southwest (14.5), and Southern (6.5), with the most points up for grabs in the singles matches.

Matt Markle, PGA of True Spec Golf, led off for the Southwest Chapter, earning two 4 & 2 wins to earn the first two points of the singles matches. With only a few matches left on the course, a tie between Andrew Filbert, PGA of West Bay Club, and Mike Midgette, PGA of Delaire Country Club, flipped the Southwest to have a .5 point lead. Kyle Horvath, PGA of Quail Creek Country Club, was ultimately the deciding point with his 2 & 1 victory over Stephen Conte, PGA of Conte’s Palm Aire Golf Academy.

In the Cup’s 31-year history, the Southwest Chapter has now earned 13 wins.

The annual Nelson Cup was supported by Scales, who outfitted each team. This year’s Cup was hosted at Stonebridge Country Club, led by PGA Director of Golf, Jeff Hall, and PGA Head Professional, Jordan Mathers.

Southwest Chapter Roster:

Justin Bertsch - Club Pelican Bay - Bay/Club

Evan Bowser - LaPlaya Golf Club

James Desanges - Panther Run Golf Club

Gary Shea - The Club at Olde Cypress

Andrew Filbert - West Bay Club

Jeremy Wells - Cypress Lake Golf Club

Domenico Geminiani - Old Corkscrew Golf Club

Kyle Horvath - Quail Creek Country Club

John Lento - The Golf Club at Crown Colony

Nick Marcoaldi - Colonial Country Club

Matt Markle - True Spec Golf - Naples Grande

The Club at Admirals Cove Hosts Club Car Pro-Official

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:13:28 GMT

Jupiter, FL —The Club Car-Pro Official, presented by Earth Networks, opened the 2025 South Florida PGA Section Tournament season today at The Club at Admirals Cove with Richard Terga and Alex Gilmurray from the Breakers Rees Jones Course taking home first place honors.

Admirals Cove East Course welcomed 50 teams comprised of one SFPGA Professional and an Official from the same facility competing in a four-ball stroke play format.

With a 9-under 61, Terga and amateur Gilmurray were tied with Justin Rountree, PGA at Eagle Lakes Golf Club, forcing a scorecard playoff where the team from The Breakers Rees Jones Course were the eventual champions.

In the gross division, John Brunet, PGA General Manager at Eagle Lakes Golf Club and amateur Dan Sopcak at 5-under 65 were crowned the champions after winning a scorecard playoff with four other teams.

Brunet also captured the low professional division at 5-under, defeating runner-up finisher Michael Kartrude, PGA of the Bear’s Club by three. Brunet and Kartrude were the only two professionals who finished under-par.

Brunet managed only two bogeys on his round, which was highlighted by an eagle on par-5, 17th hole.

The 2025 Club Car Pro-Official was presented by Earth Networks and supported by Ballz 4 Change, BlueGolf, DLL Financial Solutions, Golf Sign and Design, ExecuSearch, Holderness and Bourne, Jacket, Prize Possessions, Relay, TRUE Linkswear and Toptracer.

The Cub at Admirals Cove boasts six PGA Professionals and four PGA Associates, led by PGA Director of Golf Sean Burke-McDermott and PGA Head Professionals Matt King and Chas Golibart.

Leaderboard / Photo Album

4th Annual Play Yellow Birdie Bash Raises Over $300,000

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 22:18:57 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - The South Florida PGA administered its fourth annual Play Yellow Birdie Bash, today at PGA National Resort, raising $303,576.78 to benefit the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

34 two-person teams of South Florida PGA Professionals and Associates took on the Match and Staple courses at PGA National, playing 81 holes in an effort to make as many birdies as possible. Each birdie was supported by donor pledges with funds aiding the SFPGA Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation to promote its missions further.

The fourth annual event raised over $300,000, bringing the grand total to just shy of 2 million in four years. Donations will be available until Friday, April 18th. Eric Veilleux, PGA Head Professional at The Bear’s Club, managed to keep his streak of most funds raised alive with a new partner, Michael Kartrude, PGA Assistant Professional at The Bear’s Club. The duo raised nearly $55,000 alone, making 54 birdies over the 81 holes.

Play Yellow Birdie Bash returners Josh LaPointe, PGA Head Professional at Addison Reserve Countr. and Kevin Baldizar, PGA Director of Golf at Addison Reserve Country Club, led the field in birdies with 60, besting Veilleux and Kartrude by six.

Now in its fourth year and extended to both the East and West Coast of Florida, the South Florida Play Yellow Birdie Bash has nearly surpassed the $2 Million mark. In the past two years alone, the SFPGA Foundation has administered free golf lessons to more than 600 military personnel, granted $40,000 to support students in higher education, and provided smiles to more than 1,000 children going through a range of hardships at six medical facilities.

“What we accomplished together goes beyond just golf,” said Paul Clivio, SFPGA Section President. “It is about making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community through the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.”

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida community, focusing on youth, military, and families. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization of 2,000 PGA of America Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.

To support the South Florida Play Yellow Birdie Bash, click here.

South Florida PGA Selected for the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:26:41 GMT

The South Florida PGA will compete for the first time in the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup on May 12th at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. This prestigious event, held during PGA Championship Week, celebrates the transformative impact of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) on Veterans and military personnel.

The PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup provides a unique and memorable experience for Veterans and the PGA of America Golf Professionals who dedicate themselves to positively impacting military personnel through the game of golf. The annual event, which started in 2016, honors the Secretary of Veteran Affairs and recognizes the Memorandum of Understanding between PGA REACH and the Department of Veteran Affairs.

The competition follows a 5-person scramble format featuring four PGA HOPE Graduates and one PGA/LPGA Professional from each of the 12 selected teams. The host course is always located within the same PGA Section as that year’s PGA Championship, providing participants with an unforgettable experience alongside one of golf’s most prestigious events.

Representing Team South Florida at the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup are:

Patti Baker – U.S. Air Force

Richard George – U.S. Navy

Dwight Hanners – U.S. Navy

Chris Short – U.S. Army

Zach Anzaroot, PGA Associate, The Rookery at Marco – U.S. Army

“This is an incredible milestone for our Section and a testament to the strength of our PGA HOPE program,” said Darrell Bock, PGA, Director of Foundation Programs. “We are honored to showcase our Veterans and Section on a national stage and continue our mission of using golf to change lives.”

Following the event, the momentum will continue with the PGA HOPE Classic on May 15th, the South Florida PGA’s signature charitable event that directly supports local PGA HOPE programming. Click here to view the event page and register.

Stay tuned as we spotlight Team South Florida in the coming weeks. Click here to learn more about PGA HOPE and how you can support our mission.

Celebrating Legacy: The Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 19:03:30 GMT

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour began recognizing a junior boy and girl annually in 2006 for displaying extraordinary sportsmanship with the Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award.

The award was established as a gesture to Ficker, his commitment to the South Florida PGA, the South Florida community, and his 41 years as the PGA Head Professional at Tequesta Country Club.

“He was simply an incredible guy,” recalled Don Law, PGA of Don Law Golf Academy and a 2013 SFPGA Hall of Fame inductee. “He was one of the nicest humans you will ever meet in your life.”

In 1965, Ficker took over as the club’s second head golf professional, succeeding Dow Finsterwald, who enjoyed a very successful playing career, proudly displaying his 1958 PGA Championship Wanamaker Trophy in the golf shop. Ficker stayed loyal to Tequesta, serving 41 years until his retirement in 2006.

Following his retirement, the award was created and included in the South Florida PGA Junior Tour’s Annual Award honors. Since then, several recipients have gone on to work in the golf industry, including Matt Cahill, PGA, a 2008 Ed Ficker Sportsmanship award recipient and current Head Golf Professional at Seminole Golf Club.

As a young junior golfer, it is difficult to expect one to know or understand the impact a retired golf professional had, but that is what raised the curiosity for Cahill to learn more.

“I wanted to really find out what he stood for and learn about his life,” explained Cahill. “I was blown away at how much he gave back to the game of golf and the community. Not just going to work each day as a club professional, but spending time to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

Samantha (Coleman) Lodigiani, PGA, a 2011 award recipient, went on to study Professional Golf Management at Florida Gulf Coast University and is currently an Assistant Professional at Babcock National Golf Club.

And, Danny Green, a current University of Florida student, and 2021 award recipient. Green grew up as a member of Tequesta, and when he received the recognition, Ficker arranged a dinner to spend extra time with Green.

“Dinner was wonderful, and he was kind, attentive, and very knowledgeable,” explained Green. “Mr. Ficker was a great man. I am honored to carry on his legacy.”

The names featured above are just a few examples of individuals of whom Ficker had a positive impact on. The range of effects Ficker had is unmeasurable, and the Annual Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award is a small indication of our appreciation.

"Ed Ficker was the consummate PGA Professional and one of the most respected PGA members not just in South Florida but the entire country. Honoring and carrying on his legacy with the Sportsmanship award is a small way we can ensure the impact of Ed Ficker will never be forgotten," said South Florida PGA Executive Director Geoff Lofstead.

All Award Winners:
2024:

Boy: Thomas Nevico

Girl: Eva Lye
2023:

Boy: Alex Greer

Girl: Dounia Bezzari
2022:

Boy: Danny Green

Girl: Punchy Mahathep
2021:

Boy: Michael Rivera

Girl: Ariana Silva
2020:

Boy: Chase Cohen

Girl: Erin Marcelino
2019:

Boy: Matthew Myers

Girl: Madyson Gold
2018:

Boy: Chase Scholze

Girl: Kelli Kragh
2015

Boy: Joe Lewis

Girl: Jillian Bourdage
2014

Boy: Timothy Simpson

Girl: Emily Faulkner
2013

Boy: Matt Newman

Girl: Mary Janiga
2012

Boy: Robert Butler

Girl: Radi Sauro
2011

Boy: Jackson Schoenfelt

Girl: Samantha Coleman
2010

Boy: Harley Abrams

Girl: Annie Dulman
2009

Boy: Jaime Rodriguez

Girl: Ashley Burke
2008

Boy: Matthew Cahill

Girl: Julie Olmo
2007

Boy: Derek Wilcox

Girl: Christina Amoriello
2006

Boy: Ben Vertz

Girl: Kristen Hill

Bob Usher, PGA Awarded South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:07:34 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Bob Usher, PGA Director of Instruction at Grey Oaks Country Club, has been named the 2024 South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year.

The Teacher of the Year Award honors outstanding teachers of golf among the ranks of the SFPGA membership. This award is based on the PGA Professional’s overall performance in teaching; unusual, innovative and special teaching programs that the Professional has initiated or played a key role in implementing; articles published in books and magazines; as well as outstanding golfers the Professional has instructed.

“Winning the South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year is the biggest highlight of my career. I am so honored to be selected by my peers,” said Usher.

Usher has displayed a strong passion for teaching and has shared the passion with the team and members of Grey Oaks Country Club since taking over as the Director of Instruction in 2011.

“I was given a tremendous opportunity to do what I’m most passionate about. I’ve been teaching golf for over 34 years; But in 2011 I was given the opportunity to do it full time,” explained Usher.

That passion has held true as Usher has pursued several teaching certifications to expand his knowledge and expertise. A few of those certifications include: TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Level 3 Certified in Golf Instruction and Junior Coach, The Golfing Machine Certified Master Instructor, U.S. Kids Certified Coach and many more.

Along with his personal accomplishments, Usher serves as a leader for eight other instructors at Grey Oaks, generating over a half a million dollars in revenue throughout the 2023/24 fiscal year.

In addition, Usher has instilled new player development programs, resulting in an increased overall number of members who take lessons, but specifically Juniors and Women. Compared to 2023, over 200 more female lessons and over 100 more junior lessons were given.

Lastly, as personal marketing has continued to evolve for Teachers, specifically, Usher has not fallen behind, utilizing Instagram and Facebook as key tools to promote his business. Additionally, Usher is able to further connect with his students and members, sharing instructional videos and recognizing others for their accomplishments.

Although Usher has seen great success personally as a Teacher and and leader at Grey Oaks, his desire to learn more and get better at his own craft has not diminished.

“I am proud of the instructor I have become, and I will continue to pursue more knowledge and build more relationships with other teachers for a very long time,” explained Usher.

Bridget Ackley, PGA Awarded South Florida PGA Player Development Honor

bgraf@pgahq.com (Brett Graf) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:30:12 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Bridget Ackley, PGA Junior Golf Leader at the Park has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Player Development Award.

The "PGA Player Development Award" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development. The award considers the PGA Professional’s 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.

“Winning the Player Development Award is an incredible honor that reflects my unwavering commitment to growing the game,” said Ackley. “As a PGA Professional, my goal has always been to create opportunities for everyone in a fun and welcoming environment, where every player—no matter their background or skill level—can learn, grow, and enjoy the game that has given me so much.”

As a the Junior Golf Leader at the Park, Ackley plays an integral role in all player development and programming and while the Park has only been open for a little over a year, Ackley has managed to attract players of all ages and skills levels through fun and creative approaches.

Since opening in April of 2023 Ackley has already administered seven, six-week adult programs for new golfers and women, working with over 50 golfers. Additionally, Ackley has hosted over 195 clinics for juniors 3-13, working with over 1,000 participants.

At the same time, Ackley utilizes key PGA resources, such as PGA Coach and the ADM framework, to expand her personal lesson business. As a result of Ackley’s commitment to expanding programming at her own facility, the Park has hosted two six-week PGA HOPE clinics for over 30 Veterans and two PGA Jr. League teams for the 2024 season for 58 juniors, all with Ackley as the lead instructor.

“This recognition motivates me to continue finding new ways to make golf accessible and enjoyable for all,” emphasized Ackley.

The Player Development Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Ackley was presented with her award yesterday at The Park.

Guided By Mentorship: Donald Shea’s Journey To General Manager at Foxfire Country Club

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:53:49 GMT

As a college student pursuing a bachelor's degree in education, Donald Shea, PGA, had his future all mapped out. With an affinity for teaching, Shea planned to use his education degree to teach school during the year in Florida and return to his hometown in Massachusetts to teach golf for the summer.

Growing up in Billerica, Massachusetts, Shea, PGA General Manager at Foxfire Country Club, was always looking for work. At 16 years of age, his father worked at a private club outside of Boston as the caddie master. One night, Shea's father asked him if he would pick the range, and although Shea had little interest in golf at the time, he agreed.

"That's where my golf journey began, at the Weston Golf Club, and I just fell in love with the game," explained Shea. "I tell people all the time, I went to pick the range one night and ended up picking it for the next five years."

At Weston, Shea was introduced to and worked for Tony Morosco, PGA, a 2001 PGA of America Hall of Fame inductee and highly celebrated New England PGA Professional. Morosco mentored the young Shea and brought him on the bag for several National Senior events.

"I could see what drove Tony as far as his playing and teaching abilities. He was just someone I looked up to because he was such a good player and teacher," said Shea.

As his golf bug grew, Shea met Barrie Bruce, PGA, who operated the Golf School at The Country Club of Billerica. While in college, Shea began working in the golf shop at Weston during the day, and gave lessons and ran junior clinics at Billerica in the evenings.

At this point, Shea was hooked and entered the PGA Associate Program, or what was then called the GPTP program, in 1997.

"I was 25 years old, and I knew I was going to pursue being a PGA Professional," said Shea. "It kind of clicked that this was my desire to get my Class-A and move through the programs."

In 1998, Shea joined the team at Foxfire as an associate, working under another highly celebrated PGA Professional, Jim Kurtzeborn, Past President of the Section and a 2023 South Florida PGA Hall of Fame inductee.

"Jim was definitely my greatest mentor of all," emphasized Shea. "He taught me all the little things and inspired me to be the very best I could be in many different ways."

Shea served as Kurtzeborn's first assistant for three years before Kurtzeborn eventually accepted another role, leaving a vacancy in the head professional position.

Unbeknownst to Shea, Kurtzeborn, who had been with Foxfire for 13 years, recommended him to the board to become the next head professional, a move that springboarded his professional career.

"Jim had notified the board one Friday afternoon that he was going to resign as the director of golf at Foxfire," explained Shea. "Three days later, the board met and voted me unanimously as the next head golf professional."

While the move was great for Shea's career, it did come with uncertainty. Shea was still an associate with no head professional experience, but Kurtzeborn's unwavering confidence was all Shea needed.

"He (Jim) said to the board, I'm not worried about whether or not all of you can do my job; I'm worried about who's going to do his job," recalled Shea. "To have that sense of someone's confidence unsolicited and to have someone you admire so much behind you meant the world."

After only two years as head professional, Shea, who had become a full Class-A Member, was promoted to director of golf, assuming full golf responsibilities, just as his mentor Kurtzeborn did.

"It was a member who recommended to the board that they change my title and role to director of golf," explained Shea. "That, of course, inspired me to stay."

In only eight years, Shea had moved from a first assistant role as an associate to a Class-A PGA director of golf, all at the same facility.

With nearly 15 years of experience working at Foxfire, Shea was approached by the board in 2011, asking about his interest in becoming the next general manager. Content with his position as director of golf, Shea was not interested. Less than a year later, the board again approached Shea, and they were very keen on him becoming the general manager.

"It wasn't something that I was looking to do again as a career move," explained Shea. "I felt like, hey, you can sit on the sidelines and not take it, or you can step in there and take on the challenge, and that's what I ended up doing."

Similar to his time taking over as head professional, the new general manager position did come with some uncertainty, but Shea was prepared for the challenge.

"It's an incredible learning curve, and I think it is something that most head pros, directors of golf, or other department heads will underestimate," said Shea. "The way you have to look at things and change your perspective and understand there's so many different perspectives and points of view."

In 2013, Shea took over as general manager and still serves in this role, bringing his time with Foxfire to over 27 years, an accomplishment Shea and Foxfire are very proud of.

"I was given an opportunity to put my fingerprint on something, and something big, which has certainly been a motivator for me," emphasized Shea. "I've always wanted this club to be the best it could be for the members and the entire staff. That's how I approach my work every single day. When I come to work at Foxfire, I come to work for every single member and their families, and every single employee and their families."

Super Bowl of Monday Qualifiers Comes to a Close

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 14:07:40 GMT

Five years ago Ryan French wrote a feature for PGATour.com, labeling the Honda Classic Monday Qualifier as the Super Bowl of Monday Qualifiers. The Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches Monday Qualifier or the “Honda Monday” as most people still call it, came to a close Monday as the South Florida PGA hosted its 52nd and final “Honda Monday.”

The Honda Classic was first played in 1972 and the South Florida PGA was established in 1979. Meaning that since the very beginning, the “Honda Monday” has always been, just like for aspiring Playing Professionals, circled on the calendars of SFPGA staff as a premiere event.

A lot has changed over the years, including event name changes, but whether it is the Honda Classic or the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, the “Honda Monday” in South Florida has always featured standout fields.

Monday's event at The Tesoro Club was no different. It featured 109 participants with well over 500 career combined TOUR starts, all competing for four spots in this week's PGA TOUR event at PGA National. Before Monday’s qualifier, four pre-qualifying events took place, hosting 480 participants.

Over its 52-year history, and as a result of the Cognizant Classic or Honda Classic being the start of the Florida swing, the qualifier has attracted serious fields, with the likes of Open Champion Shane Lowry, 12-time PGA TOUR winner Steve Stricker, and recently AJGA Rolex Player of the Year Miles Russell, to name a few.

“It is sad to see the qualifier eliminated. Monday qualifying has been part of the PGA Tour since the beginning, and so many have quite literally changed their lives by getting the opportunity to qualify for a PGA Tour event,” said South Florida PGA Executive Director Geoff Lofstead. “480 players started last week with the dream of qualifying, and unfortunately, they will not have that opportunity going forward.”

The depth of talent only deepens as you look year-over-year at multi-time PGA TOUR Winners and Major Champions Jason Dufner, Billy Mayfair, and Rich Beem, amongst others, to add to the list. In 2019 alone, the field included 47 total TOUR wins, with 24 players having at least one win.

Outside the immense talent in each qualifier, the event can act as a jump start to one's career. Take this year as an example, with Patrick Sheehan leading the way as a recent Penn State graduate who will make his first PGA TOUR start this week.

With the changes being made to the PGA TOUR schedule structure, the South Florida PGA will no longer administer the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches Monday Qualifier beginning in 2026. It is because of the host facilities and PGA of America Golf Professionals over the years that allowed this event to be referred to as the “Super Bowl of Monday Qualifiers.”

2025 Leaderboard

South Florida PGA Junior Tour Announces Srixon as Presenting Partner

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:54:19 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - The South Florida PGA Junior Tour has teamed up with Srixon, agreeing on a three-year partnership as the presenting partner of the SFPGA Junior Tour.

The partnership will enhance the ability of the SFPGA Junior Tour, now the Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Tour, to deliver first-class, competitive, and fun tournaments hosted at prestigious South Florida facilities for juniors.

“We are excited to join forces with the Srixon team,” said South Florida PGA Assistant Executive Director Meredith Schuler. “Between the commitment given at the Section Level to our South Florida PGA Professionals and now the relationship with our Junior Tour, we are confident this partnership will raise the standard and professionalism of all Junior events while further promoting our mission.”

The announcement is shared as the Junior Tour is coming off celebrating its 25th year anniversary in 2024, where a record number of members was set at over 1,300. In this partnership, the SFPGA will look to set another record high as each event administered this year has included a sellout field.

“Srixon is proud to partner with the South Florida PGA Junior Tour and support the next generation of talented golfers,” said Srixon’s Marketing Communications Director, Noelle Zavaleta. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to growing the game by providing young players with premier competitive opportunities and access to top-tier equipment. We look forward to seeing these juniors develop their skills and passion for golf through the SFPGA Junior Tour.”

Along with being the presenting partner, the Medalist and Prep Tour Player of the Year Points race, which annually recognizes the top male and female juniors in their respective age divisions, will be renamed the Srixon Player of the Year Points Race.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour falls under the umbrella of the South Florida PGA and its 501-c-3 not-for-profit, the South Florida PGA Foundation. The Junior Tour is composed of three separate Tours, each offering a different experience based on the level of play.

ABOUT the South Florida PGA:

The South Florida PGA Section is an association of golf professionals whose mission is to promote interest, participation, and enjoyment in golf, establish and maintain professional standards of practice, and enhance the well-being of golf professionals. Over 2,000 PGA members and associates are employed at over 375 facilities in the South Florida Section, ranking as the second largest Section amongst all 41 PGA Sections in the United States. Giving back, changing lives, and growing the game – that is the mission of the South Florida PGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the South Florida PGA. This mission has been carried out by enhancing the lives of youth, families, and military, on and off the golf course. The Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Tour has a membership of more than 1,300 junior golfers ages 6-18 and conducts nearly 100 events annually. We strive to provide opportunities to those juniors who possess the potential skill and aspirations to compete at the high school and/or collegiate level, in addition to those who are new to the game.

ABOUT Dunlop Sports Americas:

Based in Huntington Beach, CA and Greenville, SC, Dunlop Sports Americas (DSA) is the North American subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. We manufacture and sell premium golf and racket sports equipment to players of all skill levels under a portfolio of brands: Dunlop, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and XXIO. DSA is also a licensed exclusive distributor of ASICS golf footwear. Our unique global sales network and infrastructure in R&D, manufacturing, and material science elevates our brands onto a global stage where we encourage players from around the world to experience our incredible products. For more information, please contact Noelle Zavaleta at noellezavaleta@srixon.com .

Justin Rountree, PGA Presented 2024 SFPGA Merchandiser of the Year Award - Public Category

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:05:06 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Justin Rountree, PGA Head Professional at Eagle Lakes Golf Club, was presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year Recognition in the public category.

The Public Merchandiser of the Year recognizes the professional who has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf, focusing on the individual’s inventory, shop display, staff and merchandising techniques at a public facility.

“Our team at Eagle Lakes works hard every day to continuously improve and provide the PGA Experience to our patrons,” explained Rountree.

Rountree credited his colleagues' support and collaboration with their shared success and offered special thanks to Josh Brunet, the PGA General Manager at Eagle Lakes Golf Club.

"Josh's trust and support allowed us to be aggressive and creative in expanding our merchandising and marketing strategies, which has added both breadth and depth to the pro shop," he said.

The Public Merchandiser of the Year award is presented to PGA Professionals who demonstrate superior skills in merchandising golf products, managing inventory, and enhancing the retail experience for golfers. Award recipients are recognized for their expertise in shop displays, staff management, and innovative merchandising techniques that enrich the golfing experience for patrons of public facilities.

Rountree’s dedication to elevating the pro shop’s offerings and ensuring a top-tier customer experience has set a new standard at Eagle Lakes Golf Club.

The Merchandiser of the Year (Public Category) is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA will honor each recipient at their individual facilities amongst members, friends and family.

Click here for a full list of award winners.

Domenico Geminiani Wins PGA Stroke Play Championship

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 20:32:21 GMT

By Craig Dolch

Special to the PGA of America

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2025) – When Domenico Geminiani, PGA of Italy gets hot, it seems like the rest of the field is playing for second place.

Even when he makes a major putting change.

Geminiani of Old Corkscrew Golf Club took control of the PGA Stroke Play Championship with a first-round 63 Sunday and never let go. He closed with a 4-under 67 Tuesday on the Ryder Course to win by three shots at PGA Golf Club.

Geminiani went wire-to-wire to finish at 14-under 200, three ahead of Jared Jones of Houston, to earn the $6,000 first prize

“I played phenomenal the first day, one of the better rounds I’ve had in a while,” said Geminiani, a PGA Assistant Professional at Old Corkscrew Golf Club near Naples. “And I had a lot of putts lip out. It was crazy.”

Geminiani maintained his two-shot lead Monday with a 70 on the tougher Wanamaker Course. He bogeyed his first hole Tuesday, before he started dealing with more lip outs.

“I had four lip outs for birdies on the next five holes,” Geminiani said. “Jared asked me, ‘What did you do last night’ (to deserve that bad luck)? It would have been easy to get frustrated, but I started making some putts on the back nine.”

Geminiani had been putting with great success the last year with the flag in, but decided to take the flag out two weeks ago after he struggled on the greens. Wise move.

“I wasn’t holing much, and I was feeling tentative, so I pulled the flag back out,” he said. “Who knows, in a couple months, maybe I’ll put it back in.”

Jones (68) twice got within a shot of Geminiani on Tuesday. The last time, Geminiani then matched Jones’ birdie on the 14th hole to keep a multiple-shot lead the rest of the day.

“He played great and made some great putts at the end,” said Jones, the PGA Director of Instruction at River Oaks Country Club. “It was fun to keep him on his toes.”

Also at stake Tuesday were the final two spots in the PGA Professional Championship, the PGA Professional’s premier event, held at PGA Golf Club on April 27-30. They went to Andre Chi of Flushing, N.Y., with a sparkling, bogey-free 64, capped with a 60-foot birdie on the 18th; and Jon Mayer of Greenville, S.C., to finish tied for third at 10-under 204.

“I wasn’t eligible to qualify in my Section because I didn’t have my Class A (until after the Section Championship), so I knew this was my last chance,” said Chi, a 24-year-old Assistant PGA Professional at Deepdale Golf Club. “I’m glad I was able to get it done. I wanted to get to 10 (-under). Making that long putt at the end was a bonus.”

Mayer shot 68 to achieve his goal for the week – qualifying for the PPC.

“That was my only goal after missing it at Section,” Mayer said. “I just wanted to grind, get better and be one of those guys who gets those PPC spots.”

Andy Svoboda (70-206) was fifth and defending champion Dylan Newman (69-207) tied for sixth with Greg Koch (67-207) of Orlando and Evan Bowser (69-207) of Naples.

In addition to Geminiani finishing in first and Bowser in a tie for sixth, the following SFPGA Members all made the cut: John Lento (T12), Andrew Filbert (T16), Christian De Greiff (T16), Zach Shriver (T16), Matthew Sita (T23), Kenny Leech (T23), Dakun Chang (T37), Ron Philo (T49), David Marano (T58), Mark Brown (T58), Justin Smith (T63), Nick Latimer (T67) and Taylor Collins (T71)

The PGA Winter Championships, presented by GolfPass and On Location, will conclude with the Women’s Stroke Play Championship Sunday-Tuesday.

Guy Mancini, PGA Presented 2024 South Florida PGA Salesperson of the Year Award

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:24:30 GMT

West Palm Beach, Fl - Guy Mancini, PGA District Sales Manager for Yamaha Golf-Car Company, has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Salesperson of the Year award.

The Salesperson of the Year award honors a sales representative (hard or soft good) serving the Section who has made significant contributions to the game of golf at the Section level and within his/her company and whose overall performance as a sales representative, including service to accounts, overall integrity, courtesy, and professionalism is second to none.

“I am truly honored to have been chosen as the 2024 South Florida PGA Section Salesperson of the Year,” said Mancini, who obtained his full Class-A PGA Membership in 2020. “This award holds a significant meaning, especially as a proud PGA Member.”

Before his time with Yamaha, Mancini served on the green grass side of the golf industry, working as a golf professional at Lost Tree Club and Mariner Sands Country Club, among others. Now, because of this experience, Mancini is able to obtain more accounts due to his already-established relationships.

“I know what they [PGA Members] go through on a daily basis. Therefore, this allows me to assist them better,” explained Mancini. “I know the operation side of the business, and hearing and seeing what they need/want comes easy to me.”

Similar to his time as club professional, Mancini’s number one focus is always the customer and their experience.

“Whether it is in the golf shop assisting a member or selling golf carts, the customer has to always be first and foremost,” Mancini emphasized. “I believe one of the best attributes for a salesperson in the golf industry is to be a good listener.”

While Mancini leads his team at Yamaha, he is incredibly thankful to all those who have played a role and recognizes others’ efforts in getting him to this point.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who bestowed this tremendous honor upon me,” said Mancini. “Your support and recognition inspire me to continue striving for excellence in our community and the sport we all cherish.”

Mancini’s dedication to building strong relationships and supporting the PGA Professionals in the South Florida Section has earned him this distinguished honor.

Reflecting on his journey, Mancini added, “I am grateful for the camaraderie, mentorship, and opportunities our association provides, and I look forward to contributing even more in the future. Thank you once again for this incredible honor.”

The Salesperson of the Year award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Mancini was presented with his award yesterday during day two of the 2025 PGA SHOW in Orlando.

Click here for the full list of award winners.

Jason Baile, PGA & Pam Elders, PGA Honored as 2025 PGA of America National Award Recipients

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:08:17 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL —South Florida PGA Golf Professionals Jason Baile and Pam Elders have been recognized as 2025 PGA of America National Award Winners.

The PGA of America annually recognizes 13 award recipients for their extraordinary accomplishments and efforts within the golf industry, standing out among more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals. Each award recipient was recognized for their accomplishment during day one of the 2025 PGA SHOW yesterday in Orlando.

Baile, the PGA Director of Instruction at Jupiter Hills Club, was recognized as the 2025 PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year, the first SFPGA Member since Martin Hall, PGA in 2008, and only the third SFPGA Member to receive the honor. Joining the SPFGA in 2019, Baile was previously named the 2022 SFPGA Teacher of the Year.

Elders, the PGA Director of Instruction at Boca West Country Club, was honored as the PGA of America Player Development Award recipient, the first SFPGA Member to receive this recognition. An SFPGA Member since 1992, Elders was previously recognized as the 2023 SFPGA Patriot Award recipient.

Baile and Elders will be formally recognized during the 2025 PGA of America Annual Meeting in November.

Provided by PGA of America:

JASON BAILE, PGA - PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year - Jupiter Hills Club - Tequesta, Florida

Jason Baile, PGA, the Director of Instruction at Jupiter Hills Club in Tequesta, Florida, has been named the 2025 PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year for his outstanding services as a golf teacher, innovator, and coach.

A Member of the South Florida PGA Section and a PGA of America Golf Professional since 1999, Baile’s quarter-century career has been marked by dedication, innovation and continuous growth.

Among his achievements is the creation of the Jupiter Hills Performance Center (JHPC), a state-of-the-art facility that promotes excellence in golf and physical fitness. Together with his team—which includes PGA Tour winner Brad Faxon as Director of Putting and LPGA Hall of Famer Judy Dickinson—he has built a hub of expertise that guarantees unparalleled instruction.

Baile coaches players of all skill levels, including players from the PGA, LPGA, Champions, and PGA Tour Americas Tours. Notable students include Lucas Glover, Peter Uihlein, Bud Cauley, Hayden Buckley, and Ryan Gerard.

An award-winning instructor, Baile has received several within the South Florida PGA, including the Southeast Chapter PGA Professional Development Award (2023), Southeast Chapter Teacher of the Year (2022), and the South Florida Section Teacher of the Year (2022). Additionally, he received the Carolinas Section PGA Teacher of the Year (2018) and the Carolinas PGA Low Country Chapter Teacher of the Year (2018, ‘16).

Nationally, Baile has been named to the Golf Magazine “Top 100 Teachers in America” list annually since 2019, the 2023 Golf Digest “Top 50 Teachers in America” list, the Golf Digest “Best in State - Florida” list, Golf Digest “Best in State - South Carolina” list and is a Golf Range Association of America “Top 100 Growth of the Game” Professional.

Prior to Jupiter Hills Club, Baile served as the Director of Instruction at Belfair in Bluffton, South Carolina (2012-19), and Sea Island Golf Performance Center in Sea Island, Georgia (2009-12).

Baile resides in Jupiter, Florida, with his wife, Mollie.

PAM ELDERS, PGA - PGA of America Player Development Award - Boca West Country Club – Boca Raton, Florida

Pam Elders, a South Florida PGA Section member and the Director of Golf Instruction at Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, is the 2025 PGA of America Player Development Award recipient. This honor bestows special recognition to a PGA of America Golf Professional who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development.

A PGA of America Golf Professional for 32 years, including the last 22 at Boca West CC, Elders demonstrates a commitment to player development and mentorship through her teaching style and her innovative line-up of programs. Responsible for creating custom programs for more than 2,000 members annually, Elders has been instrumental in implementing and elevating diverse player-development programs throughout her teaching career, highlighted by Ladies Beginner Clinics, Get Golf Ready, and her Break 100 Program, among many others. Additionally, Pam is a gifted High School golf coach, PGA HOPE instructor, former First Tee Instructor, and former Special Olympics Volunteer, further reinforcing her commitment to player development.

Elders serves as the lead instructor for the SFPGA Section’s Annual Women’s Golf Day event and a lead instructor for PGA HOPE, where she continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of the South Florida PGA HOPE program, including women’s Veterans. An accomplished player, Elders was the 1978 Junior College individual Champion (Miami-Dade Community College-North) before spending three successful years on the Women’s Golf team at the University of Miami. Pam has been recognized at the South Florida Section level as the Patriot Award recipient (2023), the SFPGA Player Development Award recipient (2020), the Southeast Chapter Player Development Award recipient (2020), and the Southern Chapter Teacher of the Year (1994). From 2019-21, the Palm Beach Post recognized Pam as the Women’s High School Golf Coach of The Year.

Marty Hall, PGA Presented South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:40:33 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Marty Hall, PGA Assistant Director of Professional Golf Management at Florida Gulf Coast University has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award.

The Bill Strausbaugh Award is presented to a PGA Professional who by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations and through service to the community.

“I am incredibly humbled to be recognized with the South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award,” said Hall. “This award is not only a personal recognition; it is a recognition of the incredible community of PGA Professionals, workplace colleagues, and students with whom I have the honor to collaborate to promote the game and the profession every day.”

Hall was given two pieces of valuable advice as a young professional that have stuck with her throughout her 20+ year career as a PGA of America Golf Professional. One, regardless of position, title, and wealth, treat everyone you encounter the same. Two, your most valuable asset is continued education.

As the Assistant Director of Professional Golf Management at Florida Gulf Coast University, these two values coincide perfectly as Hall continues to play a significant role in the development of golf industry professionals.

“I am immensely grateful for a career path that has allowed me the privilege of empowering others in their educational and professional journeys,” explained Hall. “The mentoring and encouragement I receive from my PGA Professional mentors inspires me to pay it forward, nurturing the growth of others just as they have done for me.”

The work Hall is doing is being noticed not only by the South Florida PGA but also by FGCU, as Hall was named the 2024 FGCU Student Success Champion Award winner. This honor recognizes FGCU faculty and staff who continuously go above and beyond normal expectations to lead transformative initiatives and activities inside and/ or outside the classroom, and they place the success of the FGCU students above all else.

Over her 17-year career at FGCU, Hall has influenced the careers of over 350 PGA Member graduates and currently mentors 210 students daily. While those numbers are extremely impressive and a testament to Hall's passion for helping others, her efforts expand far beyond FGCU. Hall has served 659 PGA-recognized facilities nationwide by providing them with a PGM intern or post-graduate professional.

Lastly, Hall credits several of her mentors for providing invaluable support that has assisted Hall in getting to where she is now, making this award even more meaningful.

“The fact that several of my mentors are past SFPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award winners makes this recognition even more special,” said Hall “Being acknowledged by my industry peers with this award is the highlight of my career as a PGA Professional.”

Julie Carse, PGA Presented 2024 Merchandiser of the Year - Private Category Award

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 22:30:09 GMT

West Palm Beach, Fl - Julie Carse, PGA Director of Golf at Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club, has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year in the Private Category.

The Private Merchandiser of the Year recognizes the professional who has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in promoting golf. The award focuses on the individual’s inventory, shop display, staff, and merchandising techniques at a private facility.

This award is not only special for myself and our Shop Manager, Penny Patton, but for the entire staff and the Members of Kelly Greens," said Carse as she expressed her appreciation for the recognition.

Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Ian's devastation, Carse and her team successfully transformed their temporary space into a welcoming and efficient pro shop. Her ability to maintain high standards of service and provide a wide range of products while operating out of a 320-square-foot trailer is a testament to her dedication and creativity.

“We are so proud of what we were able to accomplish in a 320-square-foot trailer while we recovered from Hurricane Ian,” said Carse. “It really shows the type of membership we have at Kelly Greens and how much they care and support us. We are very grateful to receive this award, and we thank you for the recognition.”

The members of Kelly Greens Golf and Country Club played a key role in supporting the pro shop during this recovery period, showcasing the strength and unity of the club’s community.

The Merchandiser of the Year (Private Category) is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA will honor each recipient amongst members, friends, and family.

Click here for a full list of award winners.

Christopher Cupp, PGA Presented 2024 South Florida PGA Youth Player Development Award

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:10:55 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Christopher Cupp, PGA Teaching Professional at The First Tee - Broward / AllGolf at CB Smith Park, has been awarded the 2024 South Florida PGA Youth Player Development Award.

The PGA Youth Player Development Award is for the PGA Professional who has made extraordinary and exemplary contributions to youth player development. Work by this PGA Professional includes involvement in promoting and developing junior golf at the facility level and support for national junior golf programs.

“Winning the South Florida Section PGA Youth Development Award is an incredible honor that humbles me deeply,” expressed Cupp. “I am so grateful for the outstanding team (PGA, First Tee - FGC, Volunteer Coaches, AllGolf Facility) that has supported me every step of the way, as well as the wonderful players and parents who inspire me daily.”

While humble in his achievements, Cupp’s commitment to junior golfers, whether in life or in golf, is exactly why Cupp deserves recognition. Doubling down on the recognition, Cupp was honored with a 2024 #GameChanger Award, an honor given by the PGA of America to coaches who significantly contribute to growing the game of golf among young players by actively developing and leading large PGA Junior League programs.

Over the 2024 calendar year, Cupp saw a 300% increase in his First Tee 8-week junior programs with nearly a 100% retention rate compared to 2023.

This increase is in large part due to Cupp’s teaching philosophy for juniors, which revolves around fostering a love for the game, emphasizing personal growth, all while creating a supporting community around the junior golfer.

In addition, Cupp’s number one goal is to always ensure the juniors are enjoying their time on the course. With that, Cupp is able to utilize Toptracer range integration, allowing juniors to track their numbers all while playing interactive games.

Lastly, Cupp has familiarized himself with the online world as a way to continue to interact with his students and as a way to offer remote coaching. This allows Cupp to review footage and provide feedback even when the player is not physically present.

In closing, Cupp is extremely grateful for what golf has done for his life and wants to continue to share that love and passion with his students.

“I am driven by the opportunity to inspire young golfers, helping them discover the same love for the game that I have,” said Cupp. “Seeing the growth and enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding.

South Florida PGA Professionals Shine in 2024: A History Making Year Full of Major Accomplishments

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:12:56 GMT

As a PGA of America Golf Professional, playing in competitive events is considered a luxury and a significant benefit of becoming a PGA Member.

The South Florida PGA administers more than 20 Section events annually, each offering a professional purse and, in special cases, an opportunity to qualify for a National or PGA TOUR event. With over 2,000 PGA Members and Associates, the SFPGA ranks second amongst the 41 PGA Sections in its number of Members and is often regarded as the Section with the best players in the country.

If that statement was ever in doubt, the accomplishments made during the 2024 calendar year are a true testament to the amount of talent SFPGA Professionals possess.

Each year, PGA of America administers three National Championships, which PGA Members qualify for through their respective Sections. In 2024, the SFPGA Professionals claimed two of the three titles.

In late September, Alan Morin, of The Club at Ibis, won the Senior PGA Professional Championship by two shots at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon. With the win, the 2021 SFPGA Hall of Fame inductee earned entry into the 2025 Senior PGA Professional Championship, his fifth straight year qualifying for the Major Championship.

Two months later, Domenico Geminiani, of Old Corkscrew Golf Club, ran away with the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club, winning his second title in three years by three shots. Geminiani was well accompanied at the top of the leaderboard as four other Members finished in the top 10, including Evan Bowser (T4), Michael Kartrude (T4), Morin (T8), and Dakun Chang (T10).

Of the three National Championships, the PGA Professional Championship is considered the premiere event for PGA of America Golf Professionals as the top 20 finishers advance to the PGA Championship.

Tyler Collet, PGA of John's Island Club, Jeremy Wells, PGA of Cypress Lake Golf Club, and Bowser of LaPlaya Golf Club all finished in the top 10, making it the first time three SFPGA Members qualified for a PGA Championship.

While making a Major Championship start is already an incredible accomplishment, Wells, who was making his second consecutive PGA Championship appearance, had his eyes set on making more Section history—advancing to the weekend.

After rounds of 69-71, the Director of Instruction at Cypress Lake Golf Club had successfully made the cut, becoming the first SFPGA Professional to advance to the weekend at a PGA Championship in Section history.

The PGA Championship was not the only Major including an SFPGA Professional, as David Ladd of Champions Club at Summerfield and Morin competed in the Senior PGA Championship. Additionally, Susan Bond Philo of PGA Magazine qualified for and competed in the U.S. Senior Women's Open, while Mark Brown of The Yacht and Country Club competed in the U.S. Senior Open, bringing the total to seven SFPGA Professionals competing in a 2024 Major Championship.

Similar to the Ryder Cup, the PGA hosts “The PGA Cup,” a biennial contest between PGA Professionals from the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland and the PGA of America. Each team consists of 10 players, determined through a two-year point system. Wells, Matt Cahill of Seminole Golf Club, and Collet all qualified for the team, filling three of the 10 roster spots for the first time in Section history while playing key roles in an American victory.

Outside of Major participation, SFPGA Professionals have the opportunity to qualify for PGA TOUR events throughout the Section season. In 2024 alone, four Members competed in three PGA TOUR events.

After winning the 2023 South Florida PGA Rolex Player of the Year, Collet got 2024 started by making his second consecutive start in the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. After narrowly missing the cut, Collet traveled to Puerto Rico the following week to compete alongside Geminiani in the Puerto Rico Open on the PGA TOUR. Given his recent strong performances, Collet broke through, made his first cut, and became the first SFPGA Member to make a cut on the PGA TOUR since 2008. A month later, SFPGA was back on TOUR as Hicks made his second consecutive Corales Puntacana Championship.

As we near the end of 2024, SFPGA Professionals are already preparing for another record-breaking 2025.

Thus far, the SFPGA will send the most Members in history to the PGA Professional Championship with 18. Hicks will make his third straight trip to the Corales Puntacana Championship and his sixth trip to PGA National for a PGA TOUR event but his first time at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. Andrew Filbert, PGA, will make a start at the Puerto Rico Open. On the Major side, Morin and Cantwell qualified for the 2025 Senior PGA Championship, and Heather Angell, PGA of Heritage Palm Golf and Country Club, will compete in the 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship.

As we reflect on an incredible 2024 playing season, it is amazing to see the commitment to one's full-time job and to representing the Section and their respective facility to the highest level throughout all the accomplishments.

December Foundation Spotlight: Alba's Inspiring Journey of Courage and Hope

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:55:42 GMT

At only 15 years old, Alba, a patient at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, has already faced and overcome challenges that most people can't even imagine.

In May 2022, Alba was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Over the next two years, she faced numerous challenges but found unwavering support from her family, friends, and the compassionate team at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.

"Golisano helped by being there for me and making me feel like part of their family," said Alba. "They always know how to cheer you up and make you feel welcome."

This October, Alba courageously shared her story at the inaugural South Florida PGA West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash. The event raised over $250,000 to benefit Golisano Children's Hospital and the South Florida PGA Foundation.

"It felt good to share my story at the Birdie Bash because it shows that the community is here for everyone, no matter what you're going through," Alba reflected.

Since its inception, the Play Yellow initiative, spearheaded by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus in partnership with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, has raised over $100 million for children's hospitals across North America, and more than $1.5 million of that was generated through the South Florida PGA Foundation.

Just four days after the Birdie Bash, Alba reached a milestone she once thought impossible. On October 25th, she rang the bell at Golisano Children's Hospital, signifying the end of her cancer treatment.

"As soon as I walked into the hospital and through the doors where my party was, I realized that it was real and I had actually finished cancer treatment," Alba shared. "It was a big shock and very exciting."

Thanks to the care received at Golisano Children's Hospital and the support of events like the Birdie Bash, children like Alba can overcome unimaginable challenges.

Alba's advice is simple but profound for others facing similar challenges: "There is always an ending. Keep pushing through it; you are almost there."

Now cancer-free, Alba is looking forward to learning the game of golf—a new chapter in her life made possible by the support of her community and the South Florida PGA Foundation.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that serves the South Florida community, focusing on youth, military, and families. Learn more about how you can support the Foundation's mission here .

Hicks, Collins, Morin Named 2024 Rolex Players of the Year

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 17:17:05 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Justin Hicks, PGA, Taylor Collins, PGA, and Alan Morin, PGA, named the 2024 Rolex Section, Women’s and Senior Player of the Year, respectively.

Determined by a season-long points race, the South Florida PGA Section honors a Section, Women’s and Senior Player of the Year for their outstanding play during the tournament season.

After spending nearly a decade competing on the PGA TOUR, Hicks, a Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Golf and Country Club, earned his Class-A PGA of America Membership in 2022, becoming a staple on top of leaderboards almost immediately.

As consistent as his play has been, Hicks was still missing a valuable piece on his playing resume heading into the 2024 season. After a runner-up finish in the Fort Lauderdale Open to begin the season, Hicks won his first individual Section Major at the Bushnell Stroke Play Championship at John’s Island Club in late August, which also came with a special invitation to the 2025 Corales Puntacana Championship, his third straight year qualifying for the PGA TOUR event.

Hicks carried that momentum into a runner-up finish at the South Florida PGA Professional Championship at Imperial Golf Club, concluding the season with a runner-up, sixth place, first place, and runner-up performance in all Majors. With securing the Rolex Player of the Year honor, Hicks earned entry into the 2025 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches.

From a first-time Player of the Year honoree to the most decorated SFPGA playing professional in Section history, Morin has successfully captured four of the last five Senior Player of the Year titles since becoming eligible for the division in 2020.

The 2021 SFPGA Hall of Fame inductee’s 2024 season was highlighted by hoisting his second South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship trophy in the last three years. A month later, Morin captured the National Senior PGA Professional Championship in Sunriver, Oregon, and was the first SFPGA professional to win the championship since Gene Fieger, PGA, in 2014.

In addition, Morin, an Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis, managed a runner-up finish at the E-Z-GO South Florida Open and a T4 finish at the Bushnell Stroke Play Championship.

Staying on the trend of well-decorated SFPGA playing professionals, Collins has now claimed three of the four Women’s Player of the Year awards, which first began in 2021 after Collins became the first SFPGA professional to earn a male or female National Player of the Year honor.

A Coral Ridge Country Club teaching professional, Collins was the highest female finisher in each major she competed in. She won the Women’s Section Championship by eight shots, her second title in as many years.

The Player of the Year is presented by Rolex and is a season-long points race designed to honor the best overall Section, Female, and Senior players. Each player will be recognized for their incredible play throughout the season with a plaque.

Michael Littlejohn, PGA Named Srixon | Cleveland Golf | XXIO Assistant of the Year

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:07:10 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Michael Littlejohn, PGA Assistant Professional at Emerald Dunes Club has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Srixon|Cleveland Golf | XXIO Assistant of the Year Award.

The Assistant of the Year Award recognizes the individual’s overall performance as an assistant through his/her willingness to accept responsibility, promotion of the game, and his/her promotion of the overall image of the PGA.

“With so many talented PGA members in the South Florida Section, it’s an honor to be recognized for this award,” said Littlejohn. “Golf has always been such a big part of my life and this acknowledgment from my peers is truly a highlight.”

A Florida State University Professional Golf Management graduate, Littlejohn has served as an Assistant Professional at Emerald Dunes Club since 2022.

With Emerald Dunes having a seasonal golf operation, Littlejohn is responsible for training and onboarding the entry level and seasonal golf staff, allowing him to serve as a mentor to younger aspiring professionals.

“At Emerald Dunes, I have spent much more time learning and honing the managerial and team development skills of my job.”

Littlejohn was selected as the golf operations representative for the Emerald Dunes employee advisory committee, a program designed to improve the work environment and develop ways of improving the quality of life at the facility.

“One of the programs I led included offering free golf clinics and tournaments to our non-golf staff in season. Twice a month, I assigned one of our golf interns to develop a clinic where they advertise, recruit people, and successfully deliver a fun game improvement activity,” explained Littlejohn. “ This helps our younger staff develop some teaching and promotion skills while cultivating a positive relationship across departments with whom the golf staff may not regularly interact.”

Another key focus for Littlejohn since his arrival at Emerald Dunes has been improving as an instructor. Even with the season being cut a month and a half short due to construction, Littlejohn was able to increase the number of hours teaching by 54%.

This increase was in large part due to a program called “Coaching the Coaches,” in which interns and all Emerald Dunes professionals have to lead a clinic to the rest of the PGA staff on a topic of their choosing. This practice has allowed Littlejohn and others to learn and develop new approaches to teaching.

Lastly, Littlejohn has continued to involve himself with the South Florida PGA Section and the Southeast Chapter. Already an active player, Littlejohn was exposed to the PGA HOPE program, where he became a certified instructor and completed a six-week program. In addition, Littlejohn has volunteered for Drive, Chip & Putt Qualifiers, and Habitat for Humanity and is looking forward to being involved with the 10 All In program.

The Assistant of the Year award is one of the South Florida PGA annual awards, and Littlejohn was presented with his honor at Emerald Dunes Club during a special awards presentation in front of more than 130 club members and family.

Click here to view the rest of the annual award winners.

Sailfish Point Golf Club Wins 6th Annual SFPGA Pro-Lady

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:05:27 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - The South Florida PGA hosted its 6th Annual SFPGA Pro-Lady today at Old Marsh Golf Club to close out the 2024 SFPGA Section tournament season.

25 teams of a SFPGA Professional and three female amateurs hit the course for an 18-hole stroke play event that consisted of a best-ball format, taking the best score on the par-4’s and par-5’s, while taking the two top scores on the par-3’s

Victor Tortorici, PGA Director of Golf at Sailfish Point Golf Club and his team of amateurs, Pat Wilks, Nancy DelPriore and Carol Web took home first place honors with a 69, one shots better than Joey Medora and his team from Old Palm Golf Club and Tom Patri, PGA and his team from The TwinEagles Club.

Finishing in a tie for low professional was Jeff Waber, PGA of Broken Sound Club - Old Course and John Lynch, PGA of Windsor Club at 4-under 68. Both Waber and Lynch managed only one bogey to go along with five birdies on the day.

The 2024 SFPGA Pro-Lady marked the final event of the 2024 Section tournament season and was supported by XXIO | Never Compromise | ASICS.

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Annual South Florida PGA Cadillac Pro-Am Raises $9,000

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 23:38:19 GMT

Naples, FL— The annual South Florida PGA Cadillac Pro-Am Invitational took place today at The TwinEagles Club on the Talon Course, raising $9,000 for the South Florida PGA Foundation.

Cadillac, a longstanding partner of the South Florida PGA, supported this event generating funds and awareness for the South Florida PGA Foundation and its community outreach programs. These programs annually enhance the lives of youth, military, and families throughout the south Florida community.

21 teams, each consisting of one PGA of America professional and three amateurs, competed in a two best ball of four format. The professional individual division was played in a Stableford format.

The team from Pelican Sound Golf & River Club, led by Head Golf Professional Tim Harris, PGA, along with amateurs Chuck Thompson, Tom Elfers, and Dan Gregory, earned low team honors with a score of three under par.

Gyles Robin, Director of Golf at The Club at Gateway, captured low professional honors with 38 Stableford points.

The event was presented by Cadillac, with DeVoe Cadillac and Val Ward Cadillac serving as representatives, while The Baldwin Group and The Golf Rope acted as supporting partners.

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South Florida PGA Foundation Presents $127,500 to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 20:23:08 GMT

The South Florida PGA Foundation presented a check in the amount of $127,500 to Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida on Tuesday, December 10th. This contribution, raised during the inaugural West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash, will help support local children's healthcare initiatives and ensure critical resources for families in Southwest Florida.

The ceremony brought together South Florida PGA Foundation Board Members, hospital representatives, patient families, and event participants to celebrate the impact of the successful event held on October 21st at The Glades Golf & Country Club.

Alba, a Golisano Children's Hospital patient who spoke at the Birdie Bash, was among those in attendance. Just four days after sharing her inspiring story at the event, Alba rang the hospital's bell, signifying her victory over cancer. Thanks to the care received at Golisano Children's Hospital and the support of events like the Birdie Bash, children like Alba can overcome unimaginable challenges.

“Golf is the more charitable sport in the world, and today is a great example of why that is the case, it is due to the philanthropy done at the grassroots level, by PGA Professionals nationwide. We look forward to many more days like today, being able to support our local community through golf, and change the lives of those facing medical hardship,” Tom Wildenhaus, PGA - South Florida PGA Foundation President.

During the Play Yellow Birdie Bash, 36 PGA of America Professionals participated in an 81-hole team challenge, with each birdie supported by donor pledges. The event raised over $250,000 to benefit Golisano Children's Hospital and the South Florida PGA Foundation.

The funds donated to Golisano Children's Hospital will enhance the hospital's ability to deliver world-class pediatric care. Established in 1994, Golisano Children's Hospital is the only recognized children's hospital between Tampa and Miami, earning the designation of "Top Hospital" by The Leapfrog Group for three consecutive years.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida Community, focusing on youth, military, and families. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of 2,000 men and women PGA Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.

Taylor Collins, PGA Wins Second Consecutive Women’s Section Championship; Susan Bond-Philo, PGA Secures Senior Section Championship Honor

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 19:26:18 GMT

Bonita Springs, Fl - Taylor Collins, PGA of Coral Ridge Country Club, won the 2024 South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship today at Shadow Country Club - Preserve course as the only player in the field to finish under-par.

First played in 2020, the Women’s Section Championship has been held concurrently with the overall Section Championship for the last two years. Inclined to present the Pam Brosnihan, PGA Women’s Section Championship trophy as a part of its own event, this year’s Championship was held at Shadow Country Club - Preserve Course, played yesterday and today, and hosted 12 SFPGA female Professionals.

Collins, the defending Women’s Section Champion, started off her 2024 title pursuit with an even-par 72 in round one, enough to gain a three-shot lead heading into the final round over Jessica Dickson, PGA of Palmira Golf Club. Her opening 18 was highlighted by a hole-in-one on the par-3, sixth hole.

The Coral Ridge Country Club Teaching Professional looked to expand on her lead in the final round, playing the front-9 at 2-under. Collins cruised into the clubhouse, signing for a 1-under 71 final round scorecard, clinching her second consecutive and fourth overall Women’s Section Championship.

With the win, Collins was also named the South Florida PGA Rolex Women’s Player of the Year, her second straight year earning the honor.

Dickson, a Teaching Professional at Palmira Golf Club, took home second-place honors at 7-over 75-76–151.

Susan Bond-Philo, PGA of PGA Magazine, captured the Senior Women’s Section Championship with an 24-over 85-83–168 performance, defeating Karen Sherman-Lavin, PGA of Addison Reserve Country Club, and Tish Certo, PGA of Island Country Club.

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12th Annual Quail Valley Holiday Pro-Am Raises Over $10,000

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:19:04 GMT

Vero Beach, FL - The South Florida PGA Foundation raised more than $10,000 during the 12th Annual Quail Valley Holiday Pro-Am at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida, raising funds and awareness to support the SFPGA Foundation .

A total of 46 teams, comprised of one PGA of America Professional and one amateur, competed in a Stableford team format. Contests were held in net, gross, and professional divisions.

More than $10,000 was raised to directly support the SFPGA Foundation's mission of serving the south Florida community and changing lives through golf.

Through its various programs—PGA HOPE, Smiling Fore Life, Habitat for Humanity, Golf & STEAM Camp, and annual scholarships—the SFPGA Foundation annually reaches over 3,000 local youth, military personnel, and families.

PGA TOUR Professional Nick Lindheim and amateur Casey Sherwin secured first place in the gross division with a total of 49 points. Lindheim also took the top spot in the professional division, scoring 48 points. In the net division, Cory Cooper, PGA Head Golf Professional at Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club and John Colo claimed first place with 51 points.

In addition to the event champions, Tom Kubinski, amateur partner of Michael Kostelnik, PGA Head Golf Professional at Lost Tree Club scored a hole-in-one on the 12th hole, hitting an 8-iron from 155 yards.

For full results, click here .

The Quail Valley Holiday Pro-Am is made possible by Quail Valley Golf Club and its General Manager, Kevin Given, along with Director of Golf, Don Meadows, PGA. In addition to the host facility, the following companies served as supporting partners: Doc Murphy, Fairways to Heaven Golf Travel, Fire Marker Brewing Company, Heritage Creations, and Maui Jim.

November Foundation Spotlight: Jan Fessel, PGA Life Member, Gives Back Through Golf

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 14:54:24 GMT

Jan Fessel, PGA of America Life Member, embodies dedication to the game of golf and the community it serves. After nearly three decades as a green grass golf professional, Fessel found a new and meaningful way to stay connected to the sport she loves: through volunteering.

In 2024 alone, Fessel devoted over 100 hours of service across 17 South Florida PGA event days, focusing primarily on junior golf. Her efforts highlight a strong commitment to growing the game while supporting the mission of the South Florida PGA Foundation.

Dedicated to serving the south Florida community and changing lives through the game of golf, the SFPGA Foundation has impacted more than 12,000 individuals over the last ten years with a charitable focus on youth, military and families.

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Fessel became a Class A PGA of America Professional in January of 1981. Throughout her career, she held various positions, including assistant golf professional, head golf professional, and teaching professional at different facilities before retiring. Since 2007, Fessel has called Florida her year-round home, eventually aiding in her rediscovering her passion for service through golf.

"I grew up playing all sports, but golf really stood out because it was an individual sport. I could play and practice whenever I wanted," Fessel recalled. "My first tournament was at 12 years old, and it was a completely different experience than what young players have today. Watching how the game and opportunities have evolved is one of the reasons I love volunteering."

Fessel's connection to the SFPGA Foundation began over 15 years ago when she first lent her time to its junior programs. After stepping away for a period, she returned to volunteering when her schedule allowed. "I enjoy being around golf and staying connected to what's happening in the sport. It's inspiring to see junior golfers developing their skills and competing."

The South Florida PGA Junior Golf program is dedicated to fostering the growth of the game among young golfers. With a membership of more than 1,200 junior golfers, nearly 100 tournaments are administered annually.

"Even if you only have a few hours, it's worth it," said Fessel. "It's a chance to see how different facilities operate and witness incredible talent. Volunteering is a wonderful way to stay engaged and give back."

Through her service, Fessel continues to inspire and support the next generation of golfers, demonstrating that the impact of a PGA of America Professional extends far beyond the golf course.

Click here to learn more about the South Florida PGA Foundation.

Click here to get involved today.

James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational is Presenting Partner of South Florida PGA GolfPass

bgraf@pgahq.com (Brett Graf) — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:56:44 GMT

Boca Raton, FL – November 15, 2024 - The James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational announced today that it is the new presenting partner of the South Florida PGA (SFPGA) GolfPass. The South Florida Section of the PGA of America is an association of golf professionals whose mission is to promote interest, participation, and enjoyment in golf, establish and maintain professional standards or practice, and enhance the well-being of golf professionals. The SFPGA GolfPass offers members the ultimate summer golf experience.

The annual pass provides more than 14,000 annual pass holders discounted play at private, semi-private and public courses from May 1 through October 31, exclusive outings and more. With JHI as the presenting partner, pass holders will now receive special invites, offers and experiences to JHI events and programs as well as a branded JHI Bag Tag (limited to the first 5,000 pass holders).

"For more than thirty years now, the South Florida PGA GolfPass has been coined the best summer playing program in South Florida,” said Meredith Schuler, Assistant Executive Director, South Florida PGA. “It affords avid golfers an opportunity to enjoy some of South Florida's finest golf courses during the summer months. Being in the golf capital of the world, we are grateful our local facilities support this program and are excited to elevate it with the support of the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational this year!"

The James Hardie Invitational takes place March 31 to April 6, 2025 at the Old Course at Broken Sound in Boca Raton, Florida, and features Pro Football Hall of Famers competing alongside PGA TOUR Champions professionals. A total of 26 football legends and 78 PGA TOUR Champions professionals will come together for an exciting three-day tournament that will be televised live on the Golf Channel.

“We are thrilled to be the presenting partner of South Florida PGA GolfPass,” said Ken Kennerly, Executive Director, James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational. “Our goal is to grow the game of golf by providing innovative and fun experiences to thousands of golf fans here in South Florida. Partnering with an industry leader like GolfPass allows us to do just that.”

The James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational promises to be a memorable blend of football and golf, complemented by a full schedule of parties, celebratory events, and off-course happenings to ensure a fun and exciting week for everyone involved. Tickets will be available to the general public on December 1.

James Hardie, America's leader in home-building products, has committed to a multi-year partnership to serve as the title sponsor of this new and exciting event. The James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational will be managed by Pro Links Sports, a nationally recognized sports marketing and event management firm that assists in running several PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions tournaments. The tournament will support cornerstone charities, including the Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, and First Tee Foundation, reinforcing the event’s commitment to community and philanthropy.

For more information on the SFPGA GolfPass or to purchase a membership, visit https://www.sfpgagolf.com/golfpass.

For more information about the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, visit JamesHardieInvitational.com and follow @JamesHardieInvitational on Instagram and @JamesHardieInv on X [formerly Twitter] for tournament updates and player commitments.

About the James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational

The inaugural James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational takes place March 31 to April 6, 2025, at the Old Course at Broken Sound in Boca Raton, Fla. The tournament, which will be televised on the Golf Channel, will feature a field of 78 PGA TOUR Champions professionals competing for a purse of $2.2 million dollars. Playing alongside the Champions Tour players will be 26 football legends, who will tee it up on Friday and Saturday of the event. Benefitting the Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, and First Tee Foundation, the James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational will be managed by Pro Links Sports, a nationally recognized sports marketing and event management firm that assists in running several PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions tournaments. For more information about the James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, please visit www.JamesHardieInvitational.com.

About Pro Links Sports

Pro Links Sports is an industry leading sports marketing and professional management firm that operates several PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions events. Since 1993, Pro Links Sports has also worked with companies throughout the world to implement, full-service golf and corporate programs to fit their particular needs and objectives.

About the South Florida PGA

The South Florida Section of the PGA of America is an association of golf professionals whose mission is to promote interest, participation, and enjoyment in golf, establish and maintain professional standards or practice, and enhance the well-being of golf professionals. Approximately 2,000 members and associates are employed at over 475 facilities in the South Florida region, currently ranking the South Florida Section as the second largest Section of PGA Professionals amongst all 41 PGA Sections in the

United States. Learn more at https://www.sfpgagolf.com.

Florida’s Domenico Geminiani Wins National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship for Second Time

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 22:16:45 GMT

Special By PGA of America

It may not have been the runaway victory everybody was expecting, but Domenico Geminiani was all smiles Sunday after winning the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship for the second time in the last three years at PGA Golf Club.

Then again, Geminiani is always smiling. If you played golf like he did, you’d be happy, too.

Geminiani shot a steady 2-over 74 on the Wanamaker Course to cruise to a three-shot victory over defending champion Preston Cole of Quail Hollow Club and Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club.

After making 18 birdies and an eagle to build a seven-shot lead after 54 holes, Geminiani didn’t make a birdie Sunday until the 16th hole. But he didn’t have to; he just had to avoid big mistakes, which he did with three bogeys. He finished at 12-under 276.

“I was playing the same way, just wasn’t playing as well,” said Geminiani, who was born in Lugo, Italy and works at Old Corkscrew Golf Club in Naples. “I really hung in there, which is important on this course with the (renovated) greens so firm.

“My words for the day were patience and maturity. At the beginning of my career, when I’m not playing well, I might have forced it and tried to make birdies. I stayed really patient and let the game come to me.”

Oakley (68) made a Sunday charge, playing a four-hole stretch in 4-under on the back nine to move within two shots of Geminiani. Oakley’s hopes ended with a double bogey on the 18th hole to drop into a tie with Cole.

“I made eagle on 13 and I had a really good look for eagle at 16, but I misread that putt,” Oakley said. “Then I just completely botched the final hole.”

Oakley’s runner-up finish was impressive, considering he almost had to start his third round with three clubs after he locked the rest of his clubs in his car. His father, Pete, the 2004 Senior British Open champion, rushed to PGA Golf Club to bring Zac a set of spare keys.

“It was perfect timing – I was just about to take the club back (on the first tee) when my clubs arrived,” Oakley said. “I gave my dad a ton of props. It will be a fun story to tell.”

Cole (70) was looking to become the first repeat champion since Frank Bensel in 2010-2011, but settled for T2 after making eagle at 16 and a birdie at 17.

“I played well all week, just didn’t make a lot of birdie putts,” Cole said. “I couldn’t put pressure on Dom early today.

“Dom made a couple conservative moves that were smart and made total sense. He was not going to make mistakes for us to catch him.”

Evan Bowser (68) of LaPlaya Golf Club tied for fourth place with Michael Kartrude (69) of The Bear’s Club. Kartrude was playing a week after he and wife Ashley welcomed their second child.

Geminiani earned the $14,700 first prize. He was already qualified for next year’s PGA Professional Championship – where a top-20 finish would earn him a spot in the PGA Championship, his first major.

PGA Golf Club has become like a second home to Geminiani. In addition to his two National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship titles, he was the leading money winner in last year’s PGA Tournament Series.

“It’s just the energy, the aura of this place,” he said. “The people here are amazing, and the courses are great. I just love coming back here.”

The 72-hole tournament record score for the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship is 23-under 265 in 2009 by Tim Thelan, who would go on to win five European Senior Tour titles.

The National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship is supported by Srixon Golf and Cleveland Golf.

For more about the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, visit here .

October Foundation Spotlight: Todd Frey, PGA HOPE Graduate Promotes Veteran Well-Being Through Golf

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:02:00 GMT

"Father, husband, service member, and civilian worker."

These are the words Todd Frey used to describe his identity.

This year, Frey, a PGA HOPE graduate, was selected as a PGA HOPE Ambassador and will attend the 2025 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week, where he will complete the requirements to officially fulfill the role.

His story underscores the mission of PGA HOPE, which focuses on helping Veterans improve their well-being through golf and reflects his lifelong commitment to service. Since 2015, the South Florida PGA Foundation has impacted more than 1,550 Veterans.

Frey had a military career spanning over two decades, serving in both active and reserve roles before retiring as a US Navy Chief in 2019.

After transitioning to civilian life, Frey's dedication to serving the Veteran community continued.

"I currently work for a company called Equinix," said Frey. "We have a Pathways program, which supports underrepresented workforce members, such as Veterans, Military Service Members, and Military Spouses."

Frey's civilian work and recruiting experience align well with the goals he is pursuing through the PGA HOPE program.

"When I moved to my house in Babcock National, I ended up buying a home on the golf course," explained Frey. "Although I wasn't a seasoned golfer, I enjoyed playing. I figured since I lived on a golf course, I better get better at the game. I found myself falling in love with the sport and watching the PGA TOUR."

Through researching golf, Frey discovered PGA HOPE, and he was excited to learn the program was offered nearby at Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club.

"We Veterans like to have something to identify ourselves with, where we feel safe and have a sense of belonging and unity," Frey shared. "And PGA HOPE tied into something I had a true passion for—golf."

For Frey, PGA HOPE became more than just an introduction to the game. It was an opportunity to reconnect with a diverse group of Veterans and find a renewed sense of community. "There was such a diverse group of people in my class. It wasn't just people I would've served with—people my age or from my time frame. It was a complete mixture of people," Frey recalled.

He quickly realized that the participants shared a fundamental bond despite differences in age, service branch, or experience. "What the common denominator is—no matter where you served, when you served, or how you served—there is that shared experience of service. I felt so blessed to be a part of something, and it was as close as I would get to being on the PGA TOUR."

The positive impact of PGA HOPE motivated Frey to take on more responsibility. "After completing the program, I wanted more. I wanted to be a part of it, something bigger than myself. I knew I wanted to give back."

As a National PGA HOPE Ambassador, Frey will represent the South Florida PGA Section on a broader scale and work to engage more Veterans in the program. His goal is to expand PGA HOPE's reach, particularly on the West Coast, helping Veterans find camaraderie, purpose, and joy through golf.

"Golf gives us a reason to keep going, to reconnect—not just with each other, but with ourselves," Frey explained. "That's what I want other Veterans to experience."

Click here to learn more about South Florida PGA HOPE.

South Florida PGA Wins Fourth Consecutive Senior Challenge Cup Matches

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:19:48 GMT

Charlotte Harbor, FL - The South Florida PGA defeated the North Florida PGA in the 19th Senior Challenge Cup Matches at Aileron Golf Club, successfully defending the Cup for the fourth consecutive year.

The South Florida PGA, captained by Roger Kennedy Sr., PGA Life Member, earned 18.50 points to North Florida’s 11.50 points in the annual Ryder Cup style matches, played yesterday and today.

The two-day event was broken up into four separate formats, played over 36-holes. South Florida jumped out to an early lead in the opening four-ball matches, claiming four matches and tying two. Heading into the afternoon foursome matches, South Florida held a commanding 5-1 lead before tacking on four more points to North Florida’s two.

South Florida concluded day one with a 9-3 lead, needing 15.5 total points to retain the Cup. After an undefeated record at the 44th Annual Challenge Cup Matches earlier this month, Tim Cantwell, PGA of PGA National Golf Club kept the momentum going teaming up with Mike San Fillipo, PGA Life Member to win their opening match 3 & 2 and their afternoon match 4 & 3. The duo of Brett Melton, PGA of Apogee Golf Club and Mark Brown, PGA of The Yacht and Country Club added two opening day points, winning their matches 1 up and 3 & 1.

Day two began with a scramble where South Florida added 2.5 more points as the duo of San Filippo and Cantwell won their match 1 up while Colin Amaral, PGA of The Country Club at Mirasol and Rod Curl, PGA of Crane Watch Club won their match 4 & 3.

With only singles matches left to be played, South Florida held a 11.5 - 6.5 lead. After wins from Pete Oakley, PGA Life Member, Ben Stewart, PGA of Grand Harbor Club, Curl and Cantwell, South Florida had successfully earned 15.5 points to retain the Cup. With the singles win, Cantwell was able to stay undefeated for the third consecutive year, competing in six total Challenge and Senior Challenge Cup Matches.

Leaving no doubt, San Filippo and Alan Morin, PGA of The Club at Ibis simultaneously finished their matches as South Florida managed to claim the Cup outright, adding another win to the historical cup record of 15-3-1.

Each team was made up of 12 PGA Professionals who earned an invitation based on ROLEX Senior Player of the Year Points Standings. The following PGA Professionals made up the South Florida PGA team:

Colin Amaral, PGA Mark Brown, Tim Cantwell, Rod Curl, Brett Melton, Mike Melton, Alan Morin, Mike San Filippo, Ben Stewart, Pete Oakley and Jerry Tucker.

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Revolutionizing the South Florida PGA: Kevin Marrone

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:16:33 GMT

In 1980, the South Florida PGA Section had an annual revenue of $96,000 and an annual cost of doing business of $110,000. The South Florida PGA Foundation and the Junior Tour had yet to be established, and the South Florida PGA GolfPass program, the largest source of net revenue to the Section today, was not even a thought.

This and much more would soon change as Kevin Marrone, a 2009 South Florida PGA Hall of Fame inductee, secured the reigns as Executive Director of the South Florida PGA in 1981.

Before moving to the Section, Marrone served as the General Manager of Jacaranda Golf Club in Plantation, Florida. Dave Anderson, a PGA Professional at Jacaranda, mentioned the opening at the Section to Marrone. Interested in the position, Marrone spoke with SFPGA Section President Roger Kennedy Sr., PGA.

While learning more about the operation, Kennedy shared the Section's financial state. After hearing this, Marrone questioned how he would be compensated, to which Kennedy replied, "That is up to you to figure out."

Marrone accepted the challenge, walking into an office that consisted of himself and a secretary. For the next 25 years, Marrone would grow the Section exponentially, building the staff and developing integral programs, such as the South Florida PGA Junior Tour, Foundation, and GolfPass, allowing the Section to thrive for decades.

"Kevin was just so organized and forward-thinking," said Kennedy. "He quickly became the best Executive Director in the country."

First, the South Florida PGA Junior Golf program which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. With the help of Junior Golf Committee Members Don Law, PGA, and Bobby Brown, PGA, the trio developed the Junior Tour with a strong emphasis on providing an affordable, competitive playing opportunity while providing young athletes an avenue to college.

The Tour started with six events annually for around 70 juniors, which quickly doubled the following year due to the increase in demand. Shortly after, a second Tour was created to give more opportunities while running each event to the "PGA TOUR Level," recalled Law.

Marrone's support was invaluable to Law, allowing him to confidently bring new ideas to the table.

"He bought into it, lock, stock, and barrel," said Law. "I can't overstate the importance of having that kind of support because it would have never worked out. I was fortunate to work with Kevin."

The program has grown to heights even Marrone and Law did not envision. With a membership of 1,300 plus, the program has three competitive Tours and administers nearly 100 events annually.

"The creation of the Junior Golf Program allowed us to meet some of the most amazing and wonderful people," recalled Marrone. "It was certainly my number one accomplishment."

Next, the South Florida PGA GolfPass program, which has grown to be the Section's largest source of net revenue and has consistently broken sales records year after year.

The GolfPass originally started as the Florida Passport, a golf-playing program that covered the entire state of Florida and included partnerships with the South and North Florida PGA Sections. The program was eventually dismantled, but Marrone secured the south Florida territory, resulting in the South Florida PGA GolfPass, a summer playing program with more than 100 courses.

During its initial stages, the GolfPass was limited to well under 5,000 purchasers; today, more than 14,000 were sold this year alone.

"It does not surprise me that it continues to grow because of the people I worked with all those years," explained Marrone. "They were stars, no question about it."

Lastly, the South Florida PGA Foundation, the heartbeat of the SFPGA. As the Section continued to grow at astronomical rates, Marrone identified a greater need for community involvement. Starting at the base level, the Foundation began spreading its mission to local facilities as a way to raise money for college scholarships and to support Junior Golf.

Because of Marrone's effort in putting the Section in a great financial position and with the leadership of Tom Wildenhaus, PGA, Michael O’Brien, and Kevin Murphy, PGA, the SFPGA Foundation took off in 2010 to positively impact the South Florida community on and off the golf course. Focusing on youth, military, and families as the three pillars, the Foundation has impacted over 15,000 individuals.

"When he retired, we had one direction, which was up because it was all there for us. It was all set in motion, and all we had to do was follow through," explained Wildenahus.

These programs are just three examples of the commitment and dedication made to the South Florida PGA, not only during Marrone’s time as Executive Director but proceeding his tenure leaving the Section in a financial position to continue to grow.

While all of these programs have evolved into incredible Section assets, they would not have been possible without the business decisions Marrone made to set the Section up for further success.

"His business acumen, his ability to read through contracts and dissect those kinds of things, was really cool to be a part of," said Wildenhaus. "He really did set the Section up in a good, solid financial foundation which allowed us to do the things we do today."

Humble about his triumphs and accomplishments, Marrone credits his success to the people around him, who made the Section what it is today.

"I can't stress it enough. I'm blessed to have the people who worked with me in the Section," explained Marrone. "I kind of directed a lot of things, but there were many people behind me that had a far larger impact than many people know."

In another effort to allow the Section to grow, Marrone hired Geoff Lofstead as Director of Operations in 2002, and a succession plan was developed for his ultimate retirement at the end of 2008.

“Kevin taught me a great deal about how to work with a board, and his business acumen was second to none,” explained Lofstead. “So much of our success today is a direct result of having such a solid foundation of programs, leadership, and financial stability when he retired.”

When Marrone retired in 2008, the Section had grown to six full-time employees and an annual budget ten times greater than what Marrone had adopted. The Section and Foundation now operate with a budget in excess of $6 million and a full time staff of 13.

"I can't tell you how he did it; he brought us from practically nothing to where we are now," exclaimed Kennedy.

Inaugural SFPGA West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash Raising over $250,000

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 22:19:16 GMT

Naples, FL - The South Florida PGA held its first West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash at The Glades Golf & Country Club to raise funds for the Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida and the South Florida PGA Foundation.

A total of $255,688 was raised, surpassing the $200,000 fundraising goal. Donations will continue to be accepted until Friday, October 25th.

During the event, 36 South Florida PGA of America Professionals completed 81 holes on The Pines and The Palmetto courses at The Glades, making as many birdies as possible in a team doubles format. Each birdie was backed by donor pledges and funds raised will support the missions of the SFPGA Foundation and Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.

The Old Collier Golf Club Professionals Steve Waugh, PGA General Manager and Jason Martin, PGA Director of Golf were the highest earners, raising over $45,000 through 63 birdies.

Over $1 million has been raised through past East Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash events and this recent West Coast event to support youth, military, and families in the local community.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the South Florida community. It operates under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a non-profit organization of 2,000 PGA of America Professionals who are experts in business and the game of golf.

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South Florida PGA Claims Fourth Consecutive Challenge Cup Victory

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:23:49 GMT

Naples, FL - The South Florida PGA defeated the North Florida PGA for the fourth consecutive year to successfully defend the 44th Annual Challenge Cup.

Team South Florida earned 15 points to North Florida’s nine points in Ryder Cup-style matches played yesterday and today at Imperial Golf Club in Naples, FL. With the win, South Florida earned the Challenge Cup for the 28th time, while North Florida remains at 14 victories.

“It was great to watch some amazing golf this week, " said John Lee, PGA General Manager at Imperial Golf Club and Captain of team South Florida. “It is a culmination of multiple factors, and for everything to work the way it did was special to a part of.”

Opening with four-ball matches, South Florida jumped out to an early 4-2 lead, winning three matches, tying two, and only dropping one match. Remaining in control, South Florida again claimed four points in the afternoon foursome matches, ending day one with an 8-4 lead.

The veteran duo of Justin Bertsch, PGA, and Tim Cantwell, PGA, led the charge on day one, winning both of their matches, 4 & 3 and 4 & 2, while 2024 Section Champion Andrew Filbert, PGA, assisted in winning both of his opening day matches. Making his Challenge Cup debut, Domenico Geminani, PGA, commanded both opening day matches, winning his morning match with teammate Justin McCarraher, PGA, 5 & 4. In the afternoon, Geminiani teamed up with fellow first-year Challenge Cup participant Nick Latimer, PGA, to win their match 4 & 3.

Heading into the singles matches, South Florida needed 12 points to retain the Cup and 12.5 to win outright. Bertsch tallied the first point of the day with an 8 & 7 win, while Latimer and Justin Hicks followed closely behind, closing out their matches 4 & 3 and 4 & 2, respectively. After a tie from Andrew Filbert, Cantwell added the winning point with a 7 & 6 victory.

Dakun Chang and Alan Morin continued adding on with individual wins, while Evan Bowser, PGA, managed a tie to bring the point total to 15.

Each team was made up of 12 PGA of America Golf Professionals who earned an invitation based on ROLEX Player of the Year Points Standings.

John Lee, PGA of Imperial Golf Club, captained South Florida’s winning efforts with the following PGA Professionals:

Justin Bertsch, Evan Bowser, Tim Cantwell, Dakun Chang, Andrew Filbert, Domenico Geminiani, Justin Hicks, Michael Kartrude, Nick Latimer, Justin McCarraher, Alan Morin and Jeremy Wells.

Thank you to FootJoy for outfitting the entire team.

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2024 South Florida PGA Annual Awards Announced: Kevin Swan, PGA Named Golf Professional of the Year

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 18:50:59 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL —Kevin Swan, PGA Director of Golf at The Club at Mediterra, has been named the 2024 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year, the highest recognition a South Florida PGA Professional can receive. In addition to Swan, 12 SFPGA professionals are recognized as Annual Award recipients.

The Golf Professional of the Year award recognizes a PGA of America Golf Professional for overall performance, level of service to the Association, leadership, image, and ability to inspire fellow professionals and promote the game of golf.

"I am honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award," said Swan. "There are so many great professionals in our Section that are deserving of this award and to be recognized amongst them is surreal."

A graduate of Methodist University's Professional Golf Management program, Swan began his Professional Career as a Member of the Illinois Section. He then moved to the North Florida Section and eventually landed in the South Florida PGA Section as the Director of Golf at The Club at Mediterra in 2018.

As a PGA of America Golf Professional for over 15 years, Swan has been fortunate to have many great mentors throughout his career, supporting him in his journey to where he is today. Since arriving in the South Florida Section, Swan has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and mentoring, both with his staff at Mediterra and the students in the Florida Gulf Coast Professional Golf Management Program.

"The mentoring side of the business is something that I take great pride in," explained Swan. "Throughout my career, I have been driven to help fellow professionals and help them grow professionally and personally."

Outside of time spent at Mediterra, Swan, the 2022 Southwest Chapter Golf Professional of the Year, is an active Mentor in the FGCU PGM Program, and was awarded the 2023 FGCU PGM Mentor of the Year for his contributions and assistance to the program.

Earning his PGA Master Professional Status in 2020, Swan is adamant about encouraging his team to pursue further education, such as specializations, certifications, or Master Professional Programs.

"Continued education is essential to the growth of our profession and industry," said Swan. "The technology boom that is erupting in our industry is so strong that if you are not educating yourself on the latest trends, you will be left in the dark."

In addition to his mentoring efforts, Swan is keen on developing a family atmosphere and culture amongst the Mediterra team, comparing it to a sports team. As the leader, Swan takes responsibility for motivating and positioning each team member to where they can excel and grow.

"This philosophy is the main drive for my team and me. Although we are all unique individuals, we function like a family," expressed Swan. “Everyone helps each other, and we all want to see each other succeed."

Swan expressed his gratitude to his mentors, the Mediterra team, and family for all their efforts in helping him receive this recognition.

"I have been very fortunate to have great mentors throughout my career, a highly talented team at Mediterra, and a loving wife & family to support all my efforts, and this award is dedicated to them."

The Golf Professional of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA's annual awards. Throughout the year, the South Florida PGA will honor the recipients at their facilities. Below is the complete list of 2024 South Florida PGA Annual Award recipients.

Teacher of the Year:

Bob Usher, PGA (Grey Oaks Country Club)

Bill Strausbaugh:

Marty Hall, PGA (Florida Gulf Coast University PGA Golf Management)

PGA Professional Development:

Heather Angell, PGA (Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club)

Player Development:

Bridget Ackley, PGA (The Park)

Youth Player Development:

Christopher Cupp, PGA (The First Tee - Broward)

Srixon | Cleveland | Asics Assistant of the Year:

Michael Littlejohn, PGA (Emerald Dunes Club)

Merchandiser of the Year - Public Category:

Justin Rountree, PGA (Eagle Lakes Golf Club)

Merchandiser of the Year - Private Category:

Julie Carse, PGA (Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club)

Merchandiser of the Year - Resort Category:

Doug Fox, PGA (Trump National Doral)

Patriot Award:

Mark Cammarene, PGA (Fairwinds Golf Course)

Deacon Palmer:

Jeff Nixon, PGA (G to Z Services, Inc.)

Salesperson of the Year:

Guy Mancini, PGA (Yamaha Golf Car)

September Foundation Spotlight: Jon Pazdera, PGA, Brings Joy to Children’s Healthcare Through Golf

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:49:37 GMT

“You never really know what these kids are going through, but seeing the joy on their faces makes everything worthwhile.”

Jon Pazdera, PGA Director of Golf at Cypress Lake Golf Club, visited Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida weekly to administer the South Florida PGA Foundation’s Smiling Fore Life program before the pandemic.

Launched in 2010, Smiling Fore Life offers children and families facing hardships a unique outlet through the game of golf. The program is designed to bring joy and distraction to young patients during difficult times.

“Smiling Fore Life helps get the kids out of their hospital rooms,” Pazdera explained. “A lot of them have never even touched a golf club before. But just like the name says, seeing the smiles on their faces sticks with you—watching them forget, even if for just a moment, why they’re there.”

Smiling Fore Life is currently offered at six locations across south Florida, including Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Quantum House, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, and Valerie’s House.

"It's not always about golf,” emphasized Pazdera. “It's about making kids happy and growing the game in hopes that when they get out of the hospital, they might take up golf and have a sport for a lifetime."

The South Florida PGA Foundation is continuing its support of children’s healthcare in our local community through the inaugural West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash. The event aims to raise $200,000 for the SFPGA Foundation and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, where Pazdera initially became involved with the Smiling Fore Life initiative.

South Florida PGA of America Professionals will take on the 81-hole challenge, with each birdie backed by donor pledges, October 14 at The Glades Golf and Country Club in Naples.

Pazdera encourages others to join the effort. “We have so many PGA Professionals in our Section. Just imagine the difference we could make if more people got involved.”

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida community, focusing on military, junior golf, and education. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization of 2,000 men and women PGA of America Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.

Get involved here and help make a difference by supporting the Foundation’s mission.

Click here to donate and bring smiles to more faces through the joy of golf.

Click here to learn more and pledge to the West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash.

Alan Morin Clinches Two-Shot Victory at 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:43:30 GMT

Written By PGA of America

Alan Morin had come close several times before in the Senior PGA Professional Championship, but he never quite finished at the top of the leaderboard — until this Sunday.

Morin (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) registered an impressive 6-under-par 65 on Sunriver Resort’s Meadows course Sunday to finish the week at 14-under-par 271 and win by two. His 65 matched the record for the lowest fourth round score in Championship history.

The win marks Morin’s first time hoisting the Leo Fraser Trophy and follows his recent string of notable finishes in the Senior PGA Professional Championship including T-3 (2022), T-4 (2021) and T-8 (2020). The PGA Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis also won the 2024 South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship in August.

“To finally be able to put everything together and not make too many mistakes, it’s quite a sense of accomplishment just from playing golf for many years, being in this business and being able to compete against a lot of really good players,” said Morin.

Robert Russell (Stilwell, Kansas) finished second at 12-under-par 273. Jeff Gove (Sandpoint, Idaho) and Tracy Phillips (Tulsa, Okla.) tied for third at 11-under-par 274. Third-round leader Steve Holmes (Simi Valley, Calif.) finished fifth at 10-under-par 275.

Morin entered Sunday’s final round in third, three shots off the lead. He tallied his first of four front-nine birdies at the par-5 2nd then three in a row on holes 4-6.

The South Florida PGA Member made the turn at 4-under-par 31, and added birdies at the par-4 11th and 12th holes. After another birdie at the par-4 15th, Morin posted the lone blemish on his scoreboard, a double-bogey at the par-3 16th.

He rebounded nicely with his eighth and final birdie at the par-5 17th to extend his lead to two. Morin parred the par-4 18th to finish with the low round of the day at 65 and secure the win.

“I was playing steady,” said Morin. “I was playing really well. I hit a lot of greens.”

Russell, the PGA Head Golf Professional at Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate, started T-4 on Sunday, before shooting a solid 5-under-par 66 to finish runner-up. The Midwest PGA Member went 4-under on the front nine by birdieing three of his first four holes. Back-to-back birdies on holes 8-9 followed his lone bogey on the front at the par-4 7th. Russell collected birdies at the par-4 11th and par-3 16th as well as a bogey on the par-4 14th to finish 1-under-par 35 on the back-nine.

“It was fantastic, what a great place and great venue,” said Russell. “I made the best of the opportunity. I drove it fairly well for the most part. I putted well and hit a lot of greens over the four days.”

Gove, a Pacific Northwest PGA Life Member, shot 5-under-par 66 on Sunday. Phillips, the PGA Director of Instruction at Cedar Ridge Country Club, registered 1-under-par 70. Holmes, a PGA Teaching Professional at Rustic Canyon Golf Course, posted 1-over-par 72.

Morin headlines the Corebridge Financial Team of PGA of America Golf Professionals who will compete in the 2025 Senior PGA Championship on the Blue Course at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, May 19-25. Since turning 50, Morin has qualified for five consecutive Senior PGA Championships.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to play in that Major,” said Morin. “To have Corebridge behind us, sponsoring us so nicely like that, it's pretty exciting. I can’t wait. I’ve never played Congressional. I watched it for so many years on TV now I get to play it.”

The complete roster of 36 PGA of America Golf Professionals who earned a place on the Corebridge Financial Team for the 2025 Senior PGA Championship is below in the order they finished. Additionally, Jason Caron (Oyster Bay, N.Y.) earned a spot on the Corebridge Financial Team due to his T-4 finish in the 2024 Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores.

Alan Morin (Royal Palm Beach, Fla., The Club at Ibis, South Florida Section)
Robert Russell (Stilwell, Kansas, Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate, Midwest Section)
Jeff Gove (Sandpoint, Idaho, PGA Life Member, Pacific Northwest Section)
Tracy Phillips (Tulsa, Okla., Cedar Ridge Country Club, South Central Section)
Steve Holmes (Simi Valley, Calif., Rustic Canyon Golf Course, Southern California Section)
Eric Bogar (Houston, Texas, Golfcrest Country Club, Southern Texas Section)
Scott Hunter (Hilton Head Island, S.C., Wexford Golf Club, Carolinas Section)
Tom Walters (Cincinnati, Ohio, Summit Hills Country Club, Kentucky Section)
Jeffrey Schmid (Iowa City, Iowa, Brown Deer Golf Club, Iowa Section)
Ryan Malby (Kalispell, Mont., PGA Life Member, Pacific Northwest Section)
Bob Sowards (Dublin, Ohio, Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club, Southern Ohio Section)
Sean McCarty (Solon, Iowa, Brown Deer Golf Club, Iowa Section)
Mick Smith (Summit, Wis., Mick Smith Golf, Wisconsin Section)
Todd Sapere (Cobbtown, Ga., Ohoopee Match Club, Georgia Section)
Omar Uresti (Austin, Texas, PGA Life Member, Southern Texas Section)
Greg Bisconti (South Salem, N.Y., The Saint Andrew’s Golf Club, Metropolitan Section)
David Hutsell (Lutherville, Md., Baltimore Country Club, Middle Atlantic Section)
Dick Mast (Forest, Va., PGA Life Member, Middle Atlantic Section)
Rod Perry (Port Orange, Fla., Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club, North Florida Section)
Steve Schneiter (Sandy, Utah, Schneiter’s Pebblebrook, Utah Section)
Judd Gibb (Fort Dodge, Iowa, Hanson’s Custom Golf, Iowa Section)
Tim Cantwell (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., PGA National Golf Club, South Florida Section)
Mike Stone (Perrysburg, Ohio, Belmont Country Club, Northern Ohio Section)
Frank Bensel (Jupiter, Fla., Century Country Club, Metropolitan Section)
Dave Carr (Marysville, Calif., Teal Bend Golf Club, Northern California Section)
Birk Nelson (Eugene, Ore., Orange Whip Golf & Fitness, Pacific Northwest Section)
Paul Claxton (Claxton, Ga., Willow Lake Golf Club, Georgia Section)
Mike Fergin (Santa Ana, Calif., Mesa Verde Country Club, Southern California Section)
Jim Carter (Scottsdale, Ariz., PGA Life Member, Southwest Section)
Brennan Little (Plano, Texas, PGA Tour, Northern Texas Section)
Mitch Lowe (Portland, Ore., Glendoveer Golf Course, Pacific Northwest Section)
Tim Fleming (Oklahoma City, Okla., Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club, South Central Section)
Michael Crowley (Fox Point, Wis., Morningstar Golfers Club, Wisconsin Section)
Tim Weinhart (Canton, Ga., Heritage Golf Links, Georgia Section)
Derek Stendahl (Maple Grove, Minn., Rush Creek Golf Club, Minnesota Section)
Jason Caron (Oyster Bay, N.Y., Mill River Club, Metropolitan Section)

The top eight finishers — Morin, Russell, Gove, Phillips, Holmes, Bogar, Hunter and Walters — also automatically qualified for the 2025 Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Mike Berger, PGA, and Jeremy Hsu Capture 2024 SFPGA Pro-Junior Title with Dominant 14-Under Performance

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 20:20:41 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Mike Berger, PGA, and Jeremy Hsu, a member of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour, claimed the 2024 South Florida PGA Pro-Junior title, presented by Callaway and Toptracer, and supported by TravisMathew with a 14-under-par at The Park West Palm.

The event featured 50 two-person teams, each consisting of a South Florida PGA Professional and a junior golfer (age 18 and under). The 18-hole tournament was split into two formats: a four-ball format on the front nine and a scramble on the back nine.

Berger, a teaching professional at Hammock Creek Golf Club, and Hsu, the 2024 South Florida Junior PGA Championship Boys Division runner-up, delivered a flawless performance. Their scorecard boasted 12 birdies, two eagles, and zero bogeys.

For Berger, this victory was a sweet redemption after narrowly missing the title at the Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship in July. Hsu's success was no surprise, given that he claimed the runner-up title at the 2024 SFPGA Junior PGA Championship. Last month, Hsu represented the SFPGA at Congressional Country Club in pursuit of a national title.

The duo showcased their dominance, shooting 5-under 31 on the front nine and an extraordinary 10-under 26 on the back nine, finishing with a total of 57 strokes. They played the par-4s and par-5s at a combined 6-under.

John Fanning, from Fairways to Heaven Golf, and junior partner Gabe Hull tied for second at 10-under with the father-son team of Justin Hicks, a teaching professional at Stonebridge Golf & Country Club, and Owen Hicks, a member of the SFPGA Toptracer Prep Tour. Fanning and Hull ultimately secured the runner-up spot after a scorecard playoff.

The 2024 South Florida PGA Pro-Junior was presented by Callaway and Toptracer, with support from TravisMathew. Special thanks to The Park West Palm's PGA General Manager, Brian Conley, and PGA Director of Golf, Cody Sinkler, for hosting the event.

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Andrew Filbert Wins Second South Florida PGA Professional Championship

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 19:18:09 GMT

NAPLES, FL - Andrew Filbert, PGA Assistant Professional at West Bay Club in Estero secured his second South Florida PGA Professional Championship after firing an 8-under 64 during round three today at Imperial Golf Club.

The 45th South Florida PGA Professional Championship serves as a celebration for the PGA Professionals, whose work on the course and across south Florida’s golf facilities grows the game of golf. The championship was contested the last three days, September 18-20, at Imperial Golf Club’s East and West Courses.

The tournament also serves as the premier event on the annual SFPGA tournament schedule and the first stop in a PGA of America Professional’s journey to the PGA Championship, with spots in the PGA Professional Championship on the line.

“Coming out of the Bushnell, I didn’t play very well,” explained Filbert. “Luckily I saw a great instructor in Jonathan Sutera who helped me think of one swing thought during the golf swing and then for some reason my putter came alive this week.”

Hicks shot an 8-under 64 on Imperial Golf Club’s West Course yesterday to put him in front of a tight leaderboard as five players entered today’s final round within four strokes of the lead. Filbert (-10), Evan Bowser, PGA (-9), Dakun Chang, PGA, (-8) and Tom Cooper (-8) were all chasing Hicks to open the final round which was contested on Imperial’s East Course.

Filbert wasted no time separating himself from the pack with two birdies to open his day, the only player in the bunch to do so. After collecting two more birdies before a bogey at the ninth, the 2017 and 2018 South Florida PGA Player of the Year carded four consecutive birdies on his back nine to pull away for good, winning by three strokes.

“Seven years later and I am just happy to be out here,” said Filbert remembering his previous Section Championship. “I mean life has changed completely in seven years. I got married and have a little one now so it changes life a little bit but makes this more enjoyable.”

With his family walking with him and cheering him on all day, Filbert acknowledged his fanbase aided his play, “it means I’m not alone. They want me to succeed as much as I want to succeed so I couldn’t do it without them.”

Filbert’s win also earns him a spot in the 2025 PGA Professional championship where he will compete for a chance to reach the 2025 PGA Championship, previously qualifying for the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage. Additionally, Filbert earned a berth into the 2025 Puerto Rico Open.

“The most important thing is winning this championship against all these great professionals,” said Filbert. “Getting another spot in a PGA TOUR event, I didn’t think that would happen again since our Section has gotten so tough.”

Filbert will be joined at the PGA Professional Championship by Bowser (LaPlaya Golf Club), Hicks, Chang (Seminole Golf Club), Cooper (Pine Tree Golf Club), Michael Kartrude, PGA (The Bear’s Club), Justin McCarraher, PGA (Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club), Alan Morin, PGA (The Club at Ibis), Nick Latimer, PGA (Trump International Golf Club), Domenico Geminiani, PGA (Old Corkscrew Golf Club), David Ladd, PGA (The Champions Club), Jared Isaacs (Adios Golf Club), Justin Smith, PGA (Bonita Bay Club West) and Darin de Lelys (Fiddlesticks Country Club)

The South Florida PGA received 13 entries into the 2025 PGA Professional Championship,tied for the most of any of the 41 Sections. In addition to these entries, Bowser, Tyler Collet, PGA, Jeremy Wells, PGA, Matt Cahill, PGA and Ron Philo, PGA were exempt, bringing the total count for SFPGA Professionals to compete next year at PGA Golf Club to 18.

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"There is a Special Place in my Heart for Imperial" - Joe Allinder III, PGA

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 18:17:18 GMT

For the first six months after graduation, Joe Allinder III, PGA Head Professional at Imperial Golf Club, traveled from Niceville, Florida, to Orlando to compete on mini-tours. He worked three days a week at a facility and spent the rest of the week traveling and competing.

After a recommendation from a PGA Professional at Bluewater Bay Resort in Niceville and having observed and spent time with the Northwest Florida—Alabama PGA Section, Allinder decided to work towards his PGA of America Membership.

Shortly after earning his Membership, Allinder received a call from another fellow Florida panhandle native, John Lee, PGA General Manager at Imperial Golf Club. At the time, Lee had just been named the Head Professional and was looking for a First Assistant.

A year prior, Lee and Allinder qualified for the National PGA Assistants Championship. While they were familiar with each other, being from the same area, the two naturally spent a lot of time together that week.

Once Lee reached out to Allinder with the opportunity, he quickly accepted the offer and moved down to the west coast of Florida. Allinder served as the First Assistant at Imperial under Lee for the next five years.

Towards the end of his fifth season, the President of Imperial jokingly said to Allinder, "What are you still doing here?"

While initially confused by this comment, Allinder realized it was more of a compliment that he took to heart and began looking for Head Professional jobs, accepting the position at Highlands Woods Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs.

After three years, a Ranger at Imperial Golf Club and board member for Spring Run Golf Club, encouraged Allinder to apply for their Head Professional opening, where Allinder would spend the next 12 years.

In 2014 Lee was named the General Manager at Imperial, leaving the Head Professional role vacant. While Allinder was completely content with life at Spring Run, Imperial was the one facility that Allinder would consider leaving Spring Run for.

As fate would have it, Lee reached out to Allinder once again to offer him the Head Professional role, and Allinder happily accepted, returning to the facility nearly 15 years after his first stint.

"I was happy at Spring Run; they treated me well, but I just had a special place in my heart for Imperial," Allinder said.

Throughout his over 33 years as a PGA of America Golf Professional, Allinder has spent over half of that time working alongside Lee and the two have developed a strong respect for one another.

"John is Imperial; he has been here since 1993, so he knows the ins and outs and the small things I don't know," explained Allinder. "We are good friends and have a great working relationship, so he is very easy to work with."

The two will add another solid piece to their resumes as Imperial Golf Club is the host facility of the 2024 South Florida PGA Professional Championship, which begins tomorrow.

This is the third time Imperial has hosted, first in 2004 and most recently in 2022.

"We love hosting events for the Section, and this is a premiere event, and we treat it like one," said Allinder.

The Club at Quail Ridge Hosts 2024 SFPGA Teaching Symposium

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 19:19:59 GMT

The South Florida PGA hosted its annual Teaching Symposium, September 9-10 at The Club at Quail Ridge, headlined by Chris Como, Iain Highfield and Kevin Weeks, PGA.

This year’s symposium allowed South Florida PGA Golf Professionals to learn extensive coaching techniques and philosophies led by several nationally recognized Instructors. Day one started off with a special question and answer session led by Weeks, 2023 National PGA of America Teacher of the Year and SFPGA Teaching and Coaching Committee member Kellie Stenzel, PGA Teaching Professional at the Palm Beach Par 3.

The group was then introduced to GolfForever, a swing trainer used by world #1, Scottie Scheffler. The group participated in several training techniques with the goal of extending your golfing lifespan.

Following lunch the group heard from Iain Highfield, the Academy Director and Mental Performance Coach for KOHR Golf. Iain’s presentation was centered around coaching strategies that lead to retention & transfer of skills from the range, to the course. Prior to closing out the day, Foresight Sports provided a brief presentation before ending the day by celebrating the 2023 South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year, Renee O’Higgins, PGA.

Day two took the group outside to learn from many rising stars in the coaching world - Derek Swoboda, PGA, Grayson Zacker, PGA, Jon McLean, PGA, and Alex Iguchi, PGA. To close out the program, Chris Como joined the program in a panel discussion led by Kevin Weeks and Jason Baile. He shared his knowledge, experience, and stories on how his career has evolved and the students he has been able to coach overtime.

The 2024 Teaching Symposium was supported by GolfForever, Clippd and Foresight Sports.

Domenico Geminiani, PGA Wins National Car Rental South Florida PGA Assistant Championship

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 19:00:09 GMT

Fort Myers, FL - Domenico Geminiani, PGA was the only player to finish double-digits under par to win the National Car Rental South Florida PGA Assistant Championship held September 5-6 at Cypress Lake Golf Club.

Geminiani, who recently was elected into Class-A PGA Membership fired a second round 65 to finish at 13-under par over 36 holes, beating Brant Peaper by four. The assistant professional at Old Corkscrew Golf Club carded eight birdies, including three straight to open round two.

After an opening round 66, Geminiani was tied with Peaper, assistant professional at Lost Tree Club but used five birdies in his first six holes to build a lead and never looked back.

With the win, Geminiani will qualify for the National Car Rental Assistant Professional Championship on November 14-17 at PGA Golf Club. Geminiani won the national event in 2022 which annually brings together the top assistant professionals in the country.

Joining Geminiani in qualifying for the national tournament will be Alan Morin, PGA (The Club at Ibis), Kraig Joy, PGA (Medalist Golf Club), Evan Bowser, PGA (LaPlaya Golf Club), Dakun Chang, PGA (Seminole Golf Club) and Michael Kartrude, PGA (The Bear’s Club).

SOUTH FLORIDA PGA & FIRE MAKER BREWING COMPANY PARTNER TO ELEVATE GOLFING EXPERIENCE

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 17:45:20 GMT

The South Florida PGA is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Fire Maker Brewing Company, an Atlanta-based brewery renowned for its craft beers. This collaboration introduces Calamity Jane, Fire Maker’s golf-inspired beer, to the South Florida market through the partnership with the South Florida PGA.

Elliott Hall, Co-Owner & CEO of Fire Maker Brewing Company, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "Golf and brewing have always been passions of mine, so teaming up with the South Florida PGA to introduce Calamity Jane is a perfect match. This beer isn’t just another product for us; it’s a tribute to the sport and the community that loves it. With only 95 calories and a 4.2% ABV, Calamity Jane is light, crisp, and refreshing—ideal for enjoying on the course, at a tournament, or simply relaxing with friends after a round. We’re excited to see it become a favorite among golfers in South Florida."

The partnership features a co-branded label on Calamity Jane cans, highlighting the South Florida PGA as a proud partner. Calamity Jane will be available on draft and in packages throughout South Florida, distributed by Progressive Distribution, ensuring golfers across the state can enjoy this exceptional beer. It will also be featured at various South Florida PGA events.

“Fire Maker Brewing has made a significant investment in golf, and we are thrilled to partner with them in South Florida. We look forward to a long partnership in the South Florida, Section,” Executive Director of the South Florida PGA, Geoff Lofstead.

ABOUT CALAMITY JANE BEER & FIRE MAKER BREWING COMPANY

Calamity Jane is a light beer brewed ‘for golfers by golfers,’ making it the ideal choice for anyone who enjoys the game. This easy-drinking brew is smooth, crisp, and refreshing—just like a perfect round of golf. With only 95 calories and a 4.2% ABV, it’s designed to be enjoyed during or after a game. Calamity Jane is proudly the official craft beer of the PGA Georgia, PGA Carolinas, PGA North Florida, and PGA South Florida Sections. Distributed throughout Florida by Progressive Distribution, Calamity Jane is crafted to inspire and bring people together, whether on the green or at any gathering. Fire Maker Brewing Company is committed to creating high-quality beverages that elevate every occasion.

ABOUT THE SOUTH FLORIDA PGA

The South Florida PGA, one of 41 PGA Sections throughout the United States, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The South Florida Section is comprised of more than 2,000 members and associates who are employed at more than 380 green grass facilities. Dedicated to growing the game, serving the members, and impacting lives through the game of golf, the Section was established in 1979. Geographically, the South Florida PGA extends as far north as Vero Beach on the east coast, to Punta Gorda on the west coast, and south through the Florida Keys, in addition to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. For more information, please visit www.sfpgagolf.com or call 561-729-0544.

Cahill, Collet & Wells to Represent the United States in the 31st PGA Cup

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:55:12 GMT

We were all able to watch the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, as athletes from all over the world represented their respective countries. The 2024 Presidents Cup begins at the end of this month with the best American and International players from the PGA TOUR competing against one another. There is an honor that comes with representing your country on a National stage, and opportunities in golf only come around so often.

Next week, Matt Cahill, PGA, Tyler Collet, PGA and Jeremy Wells, PGA will all have that honor, representing the United States as members of the 31st PGA Cup Team, competing against Great Britain and Ireland, September 10-15 at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon.

“It’s an incredible honor,” expressed Collet, of John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Fl. “Not only to get to represent the South Florida Section on the National stage, but to represent the USA for the first time, I couldn’t be more thrilled!”

First played in 1973, the PGA Cup is a biennial contest between PGA Professionals from the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland and the PGA of America. The event is contested by teams of 10 players over three days, with four foursomes and four four-ball matches on each of the first two days, and 10 singles matches on the final day.

The U.S. Team was determined through a two-year point system, which included the 2023-24 PGA Professional Championships and 2023-24 PGA Championships. The points race concluded with the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.

The SFPGA holds three of the 10 roster spots for the first time in Section history.

“To have three players selected from the South Florida PGA is incredible, it's a testament to the high level of play in our section,” said Cahill, the Head Golf Professional at Seminole Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Fl. “No wonder it is so hard to win a Section event,” added Wells, the Director of Instruction at Cypress Lake Golf Club in Estero, Fl.

Over the two year point cycle, Cahill, Collet and Wells have played in a combined four PGA Championships: Matt Cahill - 2023 PGA Championship | Tyler Collet - 2024 PGA Championship | Jeremy Wells - 2023 & 2024 PGA Championship

Cahill, Collet and Wells, joined by their seven other teammates, will look to defeat PGA of Great Britain & Ireland to retain the Cup as they travel west for the 31st PGA Cup in Sunriver, Oregon.

“Im proud to represent our incredible country and can’t wait to tee it up and fight for a win for the PGA of America,” exclaimed Wells.

Matt Cahill, PGA - Seminole Golf Club

Tyler Collet, PGA - John's Island Club

Jeremy Wells, PGA - Cypress Lake Golf Club

Justin Hicks, PGA Wins Bushnell Stroke Play Championship, Qualifies for Corales Puntacana Championship

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 19:25:48 GMT

Vero Beach, FL - Justin Hicks, PGA finished the second annual Bushnell Stroke Play Championship at 11-under, 65-65–132 to claim his first South Florida PGA Section Major at John’s Island Club and Indian River Club.

In addition to winning the Major, Hicks, a Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club, successfully qualified for his third consecutive Corales Puntacana Championship on the PGA TOUR.

“We have a really strong Section here and it is cool in a way because in order to come out at the top or near the top, you have to play great golf,” explained Hicks. “It is nice to get a Section win no matter what it is and this one is pretty good.”

After finishing his opening round at 6-under at John’s Island Club - North, Hicks was tied with Michael Katrude, PGA of the Bear’s Club who played Indian River Club. Due to the event being at two different facilities, Hicks and Kartude were not paired together during the second round.

While looking at the leaderboard is not typically Hicks’ playing style, this one felt different and with the strong play of Kartrude throughout this season, Hicks knew he needed to know where he stood in relation to the field

“He (Kartrude) has been showing up in these second rounds all year where he shoots 60-nothing and just leap frogs everybody,” said Hicks who lost to Katrude in the recent Southeast Chapter Championship and in a playoff hole at the Fort Lauderdale Open. “I actually looked at the leaderboard a few times down the stretch to see if I needed to make a birdie or not and that goes against what I do and who I am.”

With the top of the leaderboard tight, Hicks began to break away, finishing his final nine holes at 3-under to secure the win by two shots over Brant Peaper of Lost Tree Club and Domenico Geminiani, PGA of Old Corkscrew Golf Club. Kartrude played his final round a 2-under to take solo fourth place while Brady Allbritton of Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club and Allastair Mackenzie, PGA of Trump National Golf Club finished in a tie for fifth at 3-under.

In the senior division, Pete Oakley, PGA claimed victory at 3-under, beating out Colin Amaral, PGA of the Country Club at Mirasol and Tim Cantwell, PGA of PGA National Golf Club by two shots in a tight battle.

Oakley concluded his opening round with a 4-under 67, the senior low-round by one shot, managing six birdies throughout the round. Heading into the final round, Oakley had a one shot lead over Ben Stewart, PGA of Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club. A 1-over final round was enough to hold off the rest of the field by two shots to earn the win.

Bushnell Golf served as the title partner of the 2024 Bushnell Stroke Play Championship while Bridsgeton Golf, DR Golf Sales, Melin, Nexbelt, Stitch and Therabody served as supporting partners.

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August Foundation Spotlight: Hunter Hallowell’s Impact Through Golf and Generosity

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 17:01:18 GMT

The notion that "It is better to give than receive" deeply resonates with Hunter Hallowell. As a cherished friend, fervent supporter, and vocal advocate, Hallowell's contributions to the South Florida PGA Foundation have left an indelible mark on its outreach initiatives.

For over two decades, the South Florida PGA Foundation has dedicated itself to serving youth, military, and families throughout the local community, impacting more than 15,000 lives through the game of golf.

"When I retired and moved to south Florida, I met Dana Middleton [SFPGA HOPE Classic Tournament Committee Member], who got me involved with PGA HOPE," recalled Hallowell.

The rest is history: Hallowell has participated in seven of nine PGA HOPE Classics, an annual event that brings together like-minded, philanthropic business leaders from the local community to raise funds and awareness for the SFPGA Foundation's flagship military program, PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere). This charitable event has raised over $500,000 for local PGA HOPE programming.

"Through the first two years of the PGA HOPE Classic, I came to really enjoy it as I got to know everyone and learn about the program," said Hallowell. "Meeting and playing with the Veterans is surreal and rewarding."

PGA HOPE is a free program that allows Veterans and Active-Duty Military personnel to learn the game of golf. Golf is proven to help Veterans assimilate back into their community and improve their overall well-being through the social interaction and camaraderie the game provides.

Hallowell finds the Veterans "a group uniquely deserving of special efforts." Last year, Hallowell hosted two play days for more than 30 Veterans at Banyan Golf Club and Breakers West Country Club, where he personally played and interacted with them.

Through Hallowell's steadfast support of PGA HOPE and active participation in the PGA HOPE Classic, he has made a tangible difference in countless Veterans' lives and set a powerful example for others to follow.

"It is gratifying to witness the relief and joy experienced by the Veterans. We must never forget how much they give us," emphasized Hallowell.

Since 2015, the SFPGA has impacted nearly 1,600 Veterans and Active-Duty Military personnel through over 100 six-week PGA HOPE programs. This year, the Foundation is on track to host a record 25 programs in one year.

"If you see the SFPGA Foundation or PGA HOPE, try it. Get involved. You'll like it," said Hallowell. "The people are fantastic on all sides, and the work is important and rewarding. Just try it."

Click here to get involved.

Click here to support PGA HOPE programming in south Florida.

Noah & David Kent, PGA: A Father's Pride and a Son's Triumph

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 18:11:31 GMT

Ahead of the 2024 Amateur Championship in Ballyliffen, Ireland, Noah Kent wrote a special Father's Day note to his Dad, David Kent, PGA General Manager at The Golf Club at Crown Colony.

"Thank you for everything you have done for me the past 19 years. You're the best Dad ever and the best role model," Noah wrote. "Hopefully, I can take home the win so we can go inside the ropes at Augusta! Happy Father's Day!"

While Noah was not able to get the job done in Ireland, his runner-up finish last week in the U.S. Amateur Championship will guarantee him a spot in the 2025 U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club and an invitation to the 2025 Masters.

"For me personally, as his father, it was the greatest golfing experience of my life," David recalled about the week he spent watching Noah. "It felt like the entire world was pulling for Noah Kent, and I think he could feel it too.”

As special as the opportunity was for Noah and his Dad who make annual appearances in the South Florida PGA Pro-Scratch Championship, the most impactful message from Noah’s letter to David was being named a "role model."

"If I've been any sort of example or role model to Noah that's influenced him to get to where he is, it's one of the greatest gifts that I could ever hear from my son."

A former South Florida Junior Tour Member, Noah, being the son of a PGA Member, was born and raised on the golf course, picking up the club at the age of three.

“As a PGA Professional, it was a blessing that he had access to the facilities that I served at,” expressed David. “We had so much fun on the range and course together.”

David was keen on the fundamentals and etiquette of the game and instilled proper mechanics, encouraging Noah to embrace the challenge the game provides and pushed him to always believe in himself.

When Noah received his first set of US Kids clubs, he loved the 3-wood, wanting to hit it over and over again, recalled David.

“As soon as he struck one pure and perfect, he would look up at me and say, Dad, that's the 3-wood sound!”

From an early age, Noah was obsessed and David knew the potential in his son.

At 11-years-old and sitting in church, Noah wrote a note on a church offering envelope, saying that he would be a winner on the PGA TOUR and win the grand slam before Dustin Johnson, one of his golfing idols.

While bold, Noah, now 19 and a sophomore at the University of Iowa, took a step towards that dream at Hazeltine where he entered the 124th U.S. Amateur Championship as the 561st-ranked amateur in the world.

Noah carded a 77 in the first round of stroke play, which put him outside the top 200 and well shy of the top 64 which was needed to move on to the match play rounds. As David recalled, Noah stuck to his routine, stayed positive and regrouped for a vital round two.

"You could see when he started his round on Tuesday he brought a level of focus and determination to that round of golf that was not quite like I had seen before," explained David. "He got himself into a zone incredibly early in the round, and as you can see, he rode that focus and excellent execution all the way to the finish with a 64 to make match play."

Entering the match play portion, it was game on, and David and all his supporters knew it.

"There was a simple confidence in Noah and all of us supporting him," said David.

As Noah advanced through the rounds of 64, 32, and 16, his quarterfinal match was the standout moment for David. Noah was facing 64th-seeded Ethan Fang, who was coming off a win against the number one-seeded player. Noah was ready and came out firing.

"To start your match, birdie, birdie, birdie, birdie was just sensational, and that was really the difference," said David. "It was like okay; Noah Kent can very well run the table this week."

Next up, the semi-final match, a massive opportunity as all competing and watching are aware of the major championship implications that come with a victory. Noah never trailed, and after a two-up victory, he secured entry into the 2025 U.S. Open Championship and a special invitation to the 2025 Masters.

"It was just a beautiful and magical moment to win and to know what comes with it," explained David. "It was the most amazing celebration around the game of golf for your son."

Noah had made it to the Championship match and was up against Spain's Jose Luis Ballester, the 10th-ranked amateur in the world coming in. Noah and Jose battled for the next 36 holes, with Luis ultimately coming out on top, but the resiliency and composure Noah showed could not have made David more proud as a father.

"I have always believed in Noah, 100 percent in his ability and how he plays the game," said David. "It is just incredible pride in your son, and the turning point for him happened this week where his self-belief just completely blossomed."

As a father and PGA Member, the response heard from peers and supporters was almost indescribable for David, recalling the entire experience as "incredibly humbling."

"From the core of our family to the core of the PGA of America, the staff at the SFPGA, my peers, the members at the club, the team at the club, it's amazing, and you feel incredible pride as the father and as a PGA member for how amazingly the entire group rallied around Noah in staggering numbers and staggering ways so positively every day."

Current and Former SFPGA Junior Tour Members Making a Difference

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 15:25:02 GMT

In south Florida, the game of golf is not just about skill and competition—it's also about giving back. This community spirit is embodied by countless individuals and organizations, including the South Florida PGA and the SFPGA Foundation. In early 2023, the SFPGA proudly partnered with Ballz4Change, a unique initiative founded by SFPGA Junior Tour alumni Max Sherman and Michael Hulle, to help drive meaningful change.

Ballz4Change takes a simple idea and turns it into impact. Their mission? To retrieve, recycle, and repurpose golf balls while supporting local charities. They work directly with golf facilities, sending divers into the lakes to recover lost golf balls. Once collected, the balls are inspected and resold, with the proceeds benefiting charitable causes. It’s a cycle of sustainability that addresses waste and channels funds into the community.

Recognizing the need for a greater environmental focus in golf, Ballz4Change partnered with Green Golf Impact (GGI), a new nonprofit founded by three current SFPGA Callaway Medalist Junior Tour members: Alexander, Jonathan, and Stephanie Weinberg. Competitive golfers with a deep love for the sport, the Weinberg siblings were struck by the piles of used golf balls cluttering their garage. They realized that these small pieces of plastic were part of a much bigger environmental problem.

Their research revealed a startling gap in golf ball recycling solutions. Despite the growing demand for golf balls since the pandemic, there was little focus on sustainability within the industry. Determined to make a difference, the Weinbergs founded GGI with a mission to raise awareness about the environmental impact of golf ball waste and promote sustainable practices.

"We are committed to protecting our planet and fostering a greener future for the golfing community," the Weinbergs shared. Green Golf Impact measures success by tracking both the number of golf balls collected and recycled, as well as the growing awareness and participation from golfers and facilities. One of their long-term goals is to raise enough money to establish a foundation scholarship, which will be awarded to a well-rounded SFPGA junior golfer pursuing higher education after high school.

Looking ahead, the Weinbergs envision a network of golf facilities and players across South Florida, united in their sustainability commitment. They aim to strengthen their local presence while developing a model that can be replicated in other regions. "Working closely with Ballz4Change, we believe we can rally the south Florida golf community around the cause of sustainability, creating a lasting impact on both the environment and the game of golf."

Now in its second year, Ballz4Change has faced challenges in gaining credibility in the community. However, their perseverance has paid off. In 2024, they raised over $10,000, which was donated to support charitable causes throughout the community. Looking ahead to 2025, Sherman and Hulle plan to focus on educational initiatives to highlight the major impacts Ballz4Change is making at facilities across the region.

This partnership between Ballz4Change and Green Golf Impact is poised to get the ball rolling on a new era of sustainability in south Florida's golf community. By combining Sherman and Hulle’s expertise in golf ball recycling with the Weinbergs' passion for sustainability, they are creating a powerful force for good.

"Partnering with Green Golf Impact was a no-brainer for us," shares Max Sherman. “Both Michael and I care deeply about golf, and we want to ensure its future is sustainable. GGI’s vision for a more environmentally-conscious golfing community aligns perfectly with what we're trying to achieve at Ballz4Change.”

Junior golfers, like those involved with the SFPGA, are the game's future, and they can lead a new wave of sustainability efforts in the golfing world. As GGI remarked, "together, we can ensure that the sport we love contributes to environmental conservation rather than detracting from it."

To increase junior golfer involvement, SFPGA will be placing collection buckets at Medalist Tour events, starting with the Labor Day Classic at the end of August. These efforts aim to encourage more young golfers to take an active role in the sustainability movement, contributing directly to the cause by recycling golf balls.

As these initiatives gain momentum, Ballz4Change and Green Golf Impact are set to leave a lasting legacy on the sport, showing that the game of golf can drive environmental change.

Ballz4Change Website | Green Golf Impact Website

Alan Morin, PGA Claims the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 23:33:13 GMT

Jupiter, FL - Alan Morin, PGA fires a 7-under 65 final round today at Loxahatchee Golf Club to win the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship and advance to the National Senior PGA Professional Championship.

In addition to being crowned the 2024 Senior Section Champion, Morin, an Assistant Professional at The Club At Ibis, along with the other eight top-finishers advanced to the Senior PGA Professional Championship, September 26-29 at Sunriver Resort in Oregon.

Since becoming eligible for the Senior Division, Morin is four for four in qualifying for the Senior PGA Championship.

Morin, the 2022 Champion, opened the 36-hole championship with a 2-under 70, enough to be in the final group and only two shots behind Tim Cantwell, PGA. Through his first eight holes, Morin was already 3-under on the day and a shot ahead of the field.

Standing over a six footer on the ninth green, the horn blew, leading to a near three hour weather delay. Once play resumed, Morin sank his birdie putt, managing a 4-under front-nine.

Morin cruised on the back-nine, adding three more birdies to turn in a clean 7-under scorecard and secure the Major win.

“It is a nice sense of accomplishment to know I can still play and compete,” explained Morin.

Finishing in second at 3-under was Tim Cantwell, PGA of PGA National Golf Club who was dealing with a hand injury which happened during the weather delay in round one. Cantwell battled through, finishing the final round at 1-over.

Ben Stewart, PGA of Grande Harbor Golf and Beach Club finished in third at 1-under, while John Neiporte, PGA of Trump International Golf Club finished in fourth at even-par. Rounding out the top-5 in a tie for fifth was Joe Kern, PGA of Mangrove Golf Club and Daniel Heaslip of Windstar at Naples Bay.

Joining Morin in the National Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sunriver Resort will be:

Tim Cantwell, Ben Stewart, John Nieporte, Joe Kern, Daniel Heaslip, Rick Gomes, Jerry Tucker and Steve McDonald.

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Not Pictured: Jerry Tucker, Rick Gomes, Steve McDonald and Ben Stewart.

Junior Tour Alum Noah Kent Shines at the 124th U.S. Amateur

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 22:13:28 GMT

CHASKA, Minn. - South Florida PGA Junior Tour Alum Noah Kent’s remarkable run at the 124th U.S. Amateur came up just short, falling to Jose Luis Ballester on the 36th hole at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

A rising Sophomore at the University of Iowa, Kent's remarkable performance this week is a testament to both his current skill and the strong foundation he built during his time on the South Florida PGA Junior Tour. Son of South Florida PGA Member David Kent, PGA General Manager at The Club at Crown Colony, Kent grew up in Naples and began his journey with the SFPGA in 2015 as part of the South Florida PGA Team Golf program.

As a member on the SFPGA Junior Tour, Kent won the prestigious Patty Berg Championship in 2020 and was the individual champion at the 2021 SFPGA High School Championship before going on to compete for the Hawkeyes.

To begin the week at Hazeltine, Kent opened the stroke play portion of the event with a 77, before he bounced back with a 64 to finish in a tie for 32nd, advancing to the round of 64 to compete in match play.

Noah went on to defeat Xihuan Chang 4 and 2 to advance to the round of 32, where he beat Tom Fischer 2 and 1. Noah then beat Garrett Engle 4 and 2 before facing Ethan Fang in the quarterfinals, winning 3 and 2. Yesterday, Kent capped his storybook run with a birdie on the 18th hole to beat Jackson Buchanan 2 up on the final hole.

Kent’s final match against Jose Luis Ballester, a rising senior at Arizona State University, was challenging, with Ballester taking an early lead. The 19-year-old Kent stayed steady, carding pars on the first three holes. His birdie on the fourth hole put him back in contention, but Ballester responded with a birdie at the 8th hole and took a 4-up lead after the first 18 holes.

However, like he did all week, Kent never wavered and continued to fight hard during the second 18 holes. Kent, who never closed the gap closer than two down, won three of five holes during the second back nine stretch before carding a par to Ballester's bogey on the 34th hole to narrow the gap to one down. The two exchanged pars on the 35th hole before Ballester closed out the championship on the 36th hole.

With his performance, Kent will receive an exemption into the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club and will receive an invitation to the 2025 Masters Tournament.

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Marty Price, Steve Waugh, PGA Elected to South Florida PGA Hall of Fame

jhobson@pgahq.com (Jackie Hobson) — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 15:25:41 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Longtime South Florida PGA volunteer Marty Price and Steve Waugh, PGA General Manager of The Old Collier Golf Club have been inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame, making up the Class of 2024.

The South Florida PGA Hall of Fame has long stood for those who have been recognized for extraordinary leadership and commitment to the game of golf and service to the South Florida PGA and South Florida PGA Foundation.

While Price has made a career in contracting, primarily luxury homes, and currently installs artificial turf with his company Great Greenz Inc., he has committed as much time to growing the game of golf in south Florida as a volunteer for the last 40 years.

“When I first started volunteering, this was not my goal but it is wonderful to have achieved it,” explained Price.” I always wanted to have a commitment through the game of golf, it was just something that I needed to do.”

Price’s volunteerism has taken him on the course, in the media center and to the starting tee for many PGA TOUR, LPGA and PGA TOUR Champion events but his commitment to the South Florida PGA has made him a friendly, recognizable face on the starting tee since the inception of the SFPGA Junior Tour in 1999.

Driven by his fierce love for the game, Price has started over 250 events, both SFPGA Junior Tour and Section events, calling the names of over 50,000 junior golfers and PGA of America Professionals. The 2016 SFPGA Distinguished Award recipient’s impact is felt at every SFPGA event and his dedication to growing the game resonates across the SFPGA Section boundaries.

“I’ve never thought about those terms,” Price said after hearing the amount of people he’s impacted throughout the years. “I was kind of shocked when that was told to me. I’ve had a lot of fun and it has been an awesome ride,” said Price.

A PGA member for 41 years, Waugh has been at The Old Collier Golf Club since 2000, which he helped open as the Director of Golf before becoming the General Manager in 2021. Throughout Waugh’s years of service to the Association, he has exemplified the ultimate PGA Golf Professional trait: The strong desire and affection to serve and help others.

“It is truly rewarding and humbling to be thought of in the same manner as those in our Hall of Fame,” explained Waugh. “To be elected to join such an elite group, to me, is a direct reflection on all the outstanding people I have been blessed to know and work with over my years in golf.”

In addition to serving his membership at The Old Collier Golf Club, Waugh has remained committed to developing young PGA Professionals through mentorship and has been a Director on the South Florida PGA Foundation Board since 2018, regularly leaving his mark by lending a helping hand to every SFPGA Foundation program.

“I have received so much more than I could ever return, I would never have been in this position without gracious influence and assistance,” said Waugh.

This year’s Hall of Fame induction caps a career of highlights for Waugh which include being named the 2021 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year, 2020 Southwest Chapter Golf Professional of the Year and General Chairman for the USGA Women’s Mid-Amtuer Championship in 1988, all while remaining a high-level player, competing in the 2010 Senior PGA Championship.

The South Florida PGA Hall of Fame inducts new members each year and Price and Waugh were recently surprised with their honor at the SFPGA Senior Pro-Pro where Price volunteered and Waugh played. The SFPGA will later honor each individually in front of family, friends, members and colleagues. Click here for a full list of South Florida PGA Hall of Fame members.

John Lee, PGA Named 2024 South Florida PGA Challenge Cup Captain

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 17:09:18 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - John Lee, PGA General Manager at Imperial Golf Club, has been named captain of the South Florida PGA team for the 44th Annual Challenge Cup Matches, hosted by the SFPGA in October.

Started in 1981, the Challenge Cup is a long-standing tradition between the top PGA Professionals in the North and South Florida Sections, competing in Ryder Cup-style matches. The field is by invitation and is based on Player of the Year Points Standings, where the top 12 players from each Section are invited to compete.

"I'm looking forward to being the captain of such an outstanding group of players," said Lee, A seven-time Challenge Cup Champion. "Qualifying for, and playing on Section Challenge Cup teams has always been a goal for the South Florida Section players."

A PGA of America Golf Professional and Member of the South Florida PGA Section since 1989, Lee has a proven track record as a player, being named the 1993 Section Player of the Year and the 1995 South Florida PGA Section Champion.

Additionally, Lee has competed on 10 Challenge Cup Teams and four Senior Challenge Cup teams, winning nine in total. As we near the 44th annual competition, south Florida holds a commanding lead in the Cup count, winning 28 total Cup Matches to North Florida's 13.

"I'm looking forward to seeing some really good golf," explained Lee. "The South Florida Section has some of the best players under the PGA of America umbrella, which shows each year at the Chapter, Section, and National levels."

South Florida, coming off a 16.5 to 7.5 point win last year, will look to win its fourth consecutive Cup. The team will be finalized following the final event of the South Florida PGA tournament season, the South Florida PGA Professional Championship, September 18-20 at Imperial Golf Club.

Mark Brown, PGA and Mark Mielke, PGA Defend Senior Pro-Pro Title

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 19:56:43 GMT

North Palm Beach, Fl - Mark Brown, PGA and Mark Mielke, PGA successfully defended their Senior Pro-Pro title, today at North Palm Beach Country Club with a 12-under 59.

This year’s event welcomed 41 two-person teams of senior PGA Professionals playing in a four ball format.

After winning the 2023 Senior Pro-Pro at 10-under, Mielke, a Teaching Professional at High Ridge Country Club and Brown, a Teaching Professional at The Yacht & Country Club outdid their 2023 performance, finishing at 12-under, four shots better than Colin Amaral, PGA and Jared Isaacs, PGA in second place.

Starting on hole number three, Mielke and Brown played their first four holes at 5-under, making an eagle on the par-4 sixth hole. On the back nine, the duo caught fire again, making five straight birdies on holes 11-15.

In a tie for third at 7-under was the team of David Ladd, PGA and Brett Melton, PGA, the team of Michael Kostelnik, PGA and Alan Morin, PGA and the team of Michael Valicenti, PGA and Matt Markle, PGA.

The 2024 Senior Pro-Pro was supported and hosted by North Palm Beach Country Club. Thank you to PGA Director of Golf, Allan Bowman and his entire staff for hosting.

The Senior Section season will culminate, August 20-21 at the Loxahatchee Club for the Senior Section Championship.

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PGA of America Golf Professional Tom Wildenhaus Earns PGA Master Professional Designation

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 19:29:18 GMT

By PGA of America

FRISCO, Texas (August 5, 2024) - PGA of America Golf Professional Tom Wildenhaus, the Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, Florida, has earned PGA Master Professional Status, the highest educational designation a PGA of America Member can obtain.

The Association comprises more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals, and Wildenhaus, a Member of the South Florida PGA Section, joins a special group as the 448th to earn Master Professional status. He achieved his designation in Executive Management.

“I never originally planned to be a Master Professional, however I enjoy continuing this lifelong learning and I wanted to challenge myself,” said Wildenhaus. “I learned a lot about myself and my operation throughout the process. Knowing some of the Master Professionals who’ve come before me, most of them were mentors to me in some way, whether they know it or not. Realizing that I’m now associated with them in that way is really impactful for me.”

The PGA Master Professional Program is available to those with at least 10 years of PGA of America Membership along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Specialized and Certified Professional Programs. The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the project’s presentation.

In 2021, Wildenhaus earned the PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Award, the highest annual honor given to a PGA of America Golf Professional, awarded for leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf.

Wildenhaus has earned numerous South Florida PGA Section awards and accolades, including the Golf Professional Development Award (1996, 1998), Golf Professional of the Year Award (2007, 2016) and the Bill Strausbaugh Award (2008). He was elected to the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame in 2011.

Wildenhaus has held a consistent presence in PGA of America governance beginning in the South Florida PGA Section’s Southwest Chapter in 1994, where he served as Education Chairperson prior to serving on the Chapter’s Board of Directors. He also served on the South Florida PGA Section Board of Directors (1999-2007). He was elected Section Secretary in 1991 and served two-year terms as Secretary, Vice President and President. He was elected President of the South Florida PGA Foundation in 2010 and still holds that position today. At the National level, Wildenhaus served on the PGA of America Public Relations Committee (2010-2012) and was appointed to the Board of Control (2015-2019).

Wildenhaus has spent more than 30 years at Olde Florida Golf Club, where his leadership has continually driven a full membership.

Wildenhaus resides in Naples, Florida, with his wife Tracy.

About the PGA of America

Sandridge Golf Club and The Club at Emerald Hills Win the 2024 Travel Pro-Am

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:41:13 GMT

Bela Nagy, PGA and Sandridge Golf Club win the Rosapenna Classic while Bob Mallek, PGA and The Club at Emerald Hills win the Mill Park Open during the 2024 Travel Pro-Am in Northwest Ireland.

The 2024 Travel Pro-Am featured 13 teams of one South Florida PGA Professional combined with three amateurs, competing over five days, across five different courses in Northwest Ireland - Rosapenna Golf Club (Sandy Hills Links), Rosapenna Golf Club (St. Patrick's Links), Ballyliffin Golf Club (Glashedy Course), Donegal Golf Club and Narin & Portnoo Golf Club.

The first two rounds were played at Rosapenna Golf Club’s St. Patrick’s Sandy Hills Links and St. Patrick’s Links courses, making up the Rosapenna Classic. Nagy, PGA Director of Golf at Sandridge Golf Club and his team of Dan Gaines, Adam Preuss and Michael Paolin combined for a 21-under total, defeating Gyles Robin and his team by four shots.

The final three rounds were played at Ballyliffin Golf Club (Glashedy Course), Donegal Golf Club and Narin & Portnoo Golf Club to make up the Mill Park Open. Mallek, PGA Director of Instruction at The Club at Emerald Hills and his team of Shawn O’Toole, Tasso Sterghos and Tracy Henning completed the three rounds at 16-under, defeating Don Meadows, PGA and his team from Quail Valley Golf Club by five shots.

Spallone, PGA Director of Instruction at Quail Valley Golf Club secured low-pro honors with a three-day total of 185 points, 13 points better than fellow Quail Valley Golf Club Teaching Professional Ryan Isaacson. All professionals competed in a stableford format.

The 2024 South Florida PGA Travel Pro-Am was supported by Carr Golf, Forecaddie, Holderness & Bourne and Winston Collection

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July Foundation Spotlight: Empowering Veterans Through Golf with Mark Cammarene, PGA, and the SFPGA Foundation

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:42:27 GMT

As the PGA General Manager at Fairwinds Golf Course, Mark Cammarene has been a PGA of America Golf Professional for over 25 years, but it wasn’t until six years ago that Cammarene got involved with the South Florida PGA Foundation.

Cammarene's journey with the South Florida PGA Foundation began with his initial interest in expanding Fairwinds' support of Veterans beyond the annual Patriot Golf Day.

"When I saw the information about PGA HOPE, I knew that was something I would love to be involved with," Cammarene recalled. Hosting one program led to the effortless decision to continue offering this valuable resource, time and time again.

The SFPGA Foundation, through PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), has benefitted over 1,500 Veterans and Active-Duty Military personnel in the local community since 2015. The program's focus on leveraging the game of golf as a tool for rehabilitation and social reintegration has consistently proved to be an invaluable resource for Veterans seeking support beyond their service.

"It is so striking the way the Veterans just want to give back," reflected Cammarene. "An early participant, Jim Leschinsky, completed the program, approached me eager to get further involved with the game, and even helped with the club's Special Olympics programs. Again, this all grew out of PGA HOPE."

Under Cammarene's leadership, Fairwinds has proudly hosted nine PGA HOPE programs, positively impacting more than 150 Veterans since 2018.

"I encourage any PGA Member, wherever they are, to get involved with the program," said Cammarene. The level of appreciation that comes back to you is unexpected and really makes you want to continue being involved and helping these men and women."

Click here to support PGA HOPE programming in south Florida.

Click here to get involved.

Becoming a Major Champion - Pete Oakley, PGA (July Member Spotlight)

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:14:33 GMT

"My life is changing right before my very eyes."

With Tom Kite and Eduardo Romero in the clubhouse at 3-under, the stage was set for an unlikely figure to prevail. On the 72nd hole of the 2004 Senior British Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club, Pete Oakley, PGA, held a one-shot lead. Standing on the 18th green, Oakley was a 10-foot par putt away from etching himself into golf history as a Major Champion.

"I knew my best chance at winning this event was going to be right then and there, and you know, I better get it done," Oakley told himself. "Lo and behold, it went in the hole; that ball went in like it knew where it was going."

At that moment, Oakley, a PGA of America Golf Professional, was a Major Champion.

While most can only dream of this experience, Oakley lived it. His journey to being crowned a champion on one of the biggest stages in golf is nearly as incredible as the win itself.

A PGA Life Member in the South Florida PGA Section, Oakley's journey in golf began in his hometown of Panama City, Florida. A talented junior and amateur golfer, Oakley wanted to follow his older brother to the University of Florida and compete on the golf team. After an unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the team, Oakley spent two years at Florida before deciding to start a professional career.

Confident in his abilities and eager to be involved in golf, Oakley took an Assistant job at International Town and Country Club in Fairfax, Virginia, the first golf course Oakley had ever played at. During this time, Oakley got a head start on his professional working career while playing professionally at the same time.

From Virginia, Oakley moved to Delaware and became a PGA Member in the Philadelphia PGA Section and saw great success as a player. For the next 20+ years, Oakley worked full-time, and continued to pursue a full-time playing career but was unable to get his big break.

This was until a recommendation from his older brother, who was playing very well on the European Senior Tour, having already notched four wins:

"It (Europe) is really different from golf in the U.S.; you would do well over here," Oakley recalled the conversation with his older brother.

Taking his brother's advice, Oakley traveled to Portugal to compete in qualifying school for the European Senior Tour. In the final round, Oakley was one-over through the first seven holes and needed to get to one-under to have a chance.

On the eighth hole, Oakley was left with a blind approach shot with an eight iron in his hand.

"I'll be very honest; I scalded that 8 iron, and I'm running up the top of the hill because I couldn't see it land," Oakley said. "I see some guy standing by the green, and he throws his arms up in the air, and my ball happens to hit the flagstick and drops into the hole for a two."

With momentum and a little luck, Oakley qualified on the number to join just seven others to make it through. While overwhelmed with emotion, Oakley had to compete in a playoff for seeding purposes - the importance of which he was unfamiliar with.

On the first playoff hole, Oakley made a birdie to secure the fourth seed which allowed him to get an entire season's worth of starts on the European Senior Tour.

In 2004, Oakley began playing full-time in Europe and while his position at 21 on the money list helped him confirm internally that he belonged, it wasn’t good enough. Only the top-20 on the money list were exempt into the Major, again, forcing Oakley to qualify.

While not pleased at the time, Oakley traveled to Portstewart Golf Club to attempt to qualify. After the first nine holes of pushing his bag, Oakley was approached by a local caddie who told him that he was a friend of his brother who was staying at his house and offered to caddie for him.

Oakley brought him on the bag for the final nine holes, and with two holes to play, the conditions completely switched to 40-mile-an-hour winds.

"It was impossible to play in," recalled Oakley. "I played the last two holes in par, bogey to shoot 72, and nobody, maybe one guy, qualified in the afternoon. I got under that and out of that mess before the afternoon and qualified."

With no time to celebrate, Oakley had one day to prepare for the biggest event of his life. Going into the first day, Oakley has one goal in mind.

"My intent was, let's make the cut; if you make the cut, you make a check, and you will maintain your position on the European order of merit," explained Oakley.

Oakley was undoubtedly on his way to cashing a check. After rounds of 73, 68, and 73 in horrible conditions, Oakley was the 54-hole leader heading into the final round.

At this time, the nerves had not set in for Oakley. He still did his regular nightly routine and managed to sleep on the lead just fine. It was not until the morning that it began to set in, nearly throwing up before teeing off.

Still undeterred by the situation, Oakley felt he belonged, even playing with the guys he had idolized. On the 14th hole, facing a long par-3 into a galling wind, Oakley hit a 3-wood to about 35-40 feet and drilled the birdie putt.

"Suddenly, my name goes up there on the leaderboard, and I'm 5-under, and the closest guy to me was 2-under," explained Oakley. "I'm thinking, Pete Oakley, you could even win this thing."

Oakley proceeded to par the 15th and bogey the 16th hole, bringing him to 4-under total. At the same time, Tom Kite and Eduardo Romera made birdies on the 17th and 18th holes to get into the clubhouse at 3-under.

Knowing his position, Oakley managed to par the par-5, 17th hole, leaving only the 450-yard, par-4 18th hole left to play.

After his tee ball ended left of a fairway bunker, Oakley was left with 195 yards to a green protected by a "gaping" green side bunker short and left, where his ball ultimately finished.

While he could not see the pin, Oakley's bunker shot ended 10 feet from the hole, a putt away from winning the Senior British Open.

"I saw a big scoreboard up there, Tom Kite, Eduardo Romero, and me sitting on top, and I had it by one shot," said Oakley, walking to his ball on the green surrounded by the gallery.

Oakley and his caddie accounted for a small left-to-right break, and the rest is forever part of golf history.

"Pandemonium breaks loose, and I just can't believe I had just won the Senior British Championship; I am now a Major winner," exclaimed Oakley.

Justin Hicks, PGA and Robbie Wight(A) Win Second Consecutive Pro-Scratch Championship

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 21:00:41 GMT

Tequesta, Fl - Justin Hicks, PGA and Robbie Wight(a) win the 2024 Pro-Scratch Championship presented by Srixon | Cleveland | Nike for the second consecutive year at Tequesta Country Club and Turtle Creek Club.

Hicks and Wight bested their 2023 Championship victory by one shot, posting a 16-under, 63-64–127, winning the 2024 Championship by three shots over Patrick Ross, PGA of Mizner Country Club and amateur Justin Ross.

“We play similar games and I know how good of a player he is so I never get too worried out there and on my own ball and I feel like we are always going to be in every hole together, " explained Hicks. ”It was a lot of fun together.”

After an 8-under opening round, Hicks and Wight found themselves tied with four other teams heading into the final round. New for this year, live scoring was incorporated into the event, allowing players and those interested to follow along in real time. Even with the addition of live scoring, the duo of Hicks and Wight did not look at any leaderboard until the 16th hole. All in an effort to stay within their own game. The strategy proved to work as the two played the final 9-holes at 5-under to secure the win.

A friendship that was assembled several years ago, Hicks, a Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club and Wight, a consistent competitor in local and state amateur events, have a level of comfort together that allowed them to separate themselves from the rest of the field.

“There is a big comfort level because we play a lot together, so there was a lot of home cooking this week, no doubt,” added Wight.

Finishing in a tie for third at 12-under were the teams of Rod Curl, PGA of Crane Watch at Evergreen, and amateur Scott Turner, as well as Brant Peaper of Lost Tree Club and amateur Mackenzie Edwards.

The 2024 Pro-Scratch Championship hosted a sold-out field of 112 two-person teams, consisting of a South Florida PGA Professional and a scratch amateur, competing over 36 holes in a best-ball format.

This year’s Championship was presented by Srixon | Cleveland | Nike and supported by CTS3 Solutions, Forecaddie, Ghost Golf, Putt View, Rapsodo, Stache and Tour Greens Palm Beaches.

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Nick Beddow and Matthew Sita Win the Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 20:53:12 GMT

N aples, FL - Nick Beddow, PGA and Matthew Sita, PGA win the 2024 Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship presented by Callaway and Toptracer after making a birdie on the first playoff hole at Tiburon Golf Club.

Following a 7-under 65 in round one, Beddow, the Head Professional at Apogee Club and Sita, PGA Assistant Professional at Boca Rio Golf Club sat just one back of the lead going into the final round, but the groups ahead would not be the concern. The Beddow and Rita duo would finish play at 15-under following an 8-under final round.

Catching fire in the final round was the team of Daniel Lee, PGA and John Lento, PGA who carded a tournament low 10-under 62 to match the 15-under, two-day total.

The par-5, 18th hole served as the playoff hole.

“Hit a good drive, hopefully get a 3-wood on or around the green, make a birdie and take our chances from there,” explained Sita while talking strategy going to hole 18.

After a good tee ball from Sita and a positional layup from Beddow, Sita managed to hit the green from 267 out, going on to make a two-putt birdie to secure the Championship.

“It’s my first season down in the South Florida Section, so it's very exciting to get my first win with him (Beddow)”, explained Sita.” We have been friends for a long time going back to the Met Section so to win this event together is special.”

Over the 36-hole stretch, Beddow and Sita recorded only one bogey to go along with their 16 birdies.

“In this type of format, a team event it's just pedal to the medal, make as many birdies as you can,” said Beddow. “We made one bogey, it kind of took us out of our rhythm but we came back with a couple birdies right after that, it was a nice bounce back,” said Sita.

Finishing in a tie for third at 14-under was the team of Nick Latimer, PGA and Justin Hicks, the team of Rod Curl, PGA and Matthew Springer and the team of Taylor Collins, PGA and Christian De Greiff, PGA.

This year’s Championship was hosted at Tiburon Golf Club and Bay Colony Golf Club and welcomed the largest field in Pro-Pro history with 120 teams of PGA of America Golf Professionals.

Yamaha Golf Car served as the title partner of this year’s Championship while Callaway and Toptracer served as the presenting partners. Supporting partners included, Greg Norman, Dunning, Heritage Creations USA, Hole In One USA, JumboMax Grips and Global Golf Sales.

The Bear’s Club Claims the Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 21:24:05 GMT

Atlantis, FL - Eric Veilleux, PGA and Michael Kartrude, PGA of the Bear’s Club won the Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship after a three-team playoff, July 3rd at Lost City Golf Club.

With three teams tied at 11-under following regulation, Veilleux and Kartrude made birdie on the first playoff hole to defeat the team of John Pershern, PGA and Jake Kramer, PGA of Hobe Sound Club and the team of Andrew Filbert, PGA of West Bay Club and Matt Markle, PGA of True Spec Golf.

Playing in a 6-6-6 format with the first six holes being best ball, the next six being modified alternate shot and the final six being a scramble, the duo from the Bear’s Club managed a clean scorecard, including a 7-under 29 on the front-nine. With the win, Kartrude, who was elected to PGA Membership this season, added another title to resume this year after claiming victory at the Fort Lauderdale Open in May.

Finishing in fourth place was the team of Mike Midgette, PGA of Delaire Country Club, and partner Brett Melton, PGA of Apogee Club. Rounding out the top-5 in a tie was the team of Tim Cantwell, PGA of PGA National Golf Club and Jason Martin, PGA of The Old Collier Golf Club and the team of Christopher Finke, PGA and Kurt Thompson, PGA of Dye Preserve Golf Club

This year’s Junior-Senior Championship welcomed 50 teams. Yamaha served as the title partner while OluKai served as a supporting partner.

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June Foundation Spotlight: Rob Torrington's Dedication to the South Florida PGA Foundation and Community Impact Through Golf

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 13:37:52 GMT

“It’s a meaningful endeavor,” said Rob Torrington as he reflected on his nearly 15-year relationship with the South Florida PGA Foundation.

For Torrington, the "why" behind his continued involvement with the SFPGA Foundation is simple: “Combining my passion for golf with people I love being around to achieve the noble and significant purpose of making a difference in people's quality of life."

Senior Vice President-Investments for Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Torrington has proven to be an invaluable resource as the Section’s financial advisor, Foundation advocate, and, most importantly, friend.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is dedicated to serving the south Florida community and changing lives through the game of golf. Over the last ten years, the SFPGA Foundation has impacted more than 12,000 individuals, with a charitable focus on youth, military, and families.

"In 2011, as I co-chaired an annual golf event for Habitat for Humanity, I connected with Geoff Lofstead [SFPGA Executive Director] and Meredith Schuler [SFPGA Assistant Executive Director] as a potential resource to elevate our golf tournament and improve our results," recalled Torrington.

The partnership rapidly progressed, and Torrington, in collaboration with the South Florida PGA, effectively organized the Habitat for Humanity benefit tournament for four years.

Beyond the fairways, the SFPGA Foundation was concurrently sponsoring the construction of a Habitat house each year, thereby deepening the impact of their collective efforts.

With 10 homes down and number 11 beginning this summer in the Florida Keys, the SFPGA Foundation aims to construct 14 homes: one in each county of the Section, including Puerto Rico. The Foundation contributes $50,000 and more than 250 hours of sweat equity from PGA of America Professionals to each project.

"After creating a golf tournament process and template that Habitat could execute themselves, I redirected my resources toward PGA HOPE," Torrington recollected. "Geoff invited me and other members of our golf committee to continue our partnership running successful golf tournaments for the benefit of the PGA HOPE program."

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a free program that allows Veterans and Active-Duty Military personnel to learn the game of golf. Golf is proven to help Veterans assimilate back into their community and improve their overall well-being through the social interaction and camaraderie the game provides.

In collaboration with the PGA HOPE Classic golf committee, Torrington has helped to successfully administer eight PGA HOPE Classic events, raising over $500,000 and impacting more than 1,500 Veterans in the local community.

At the 2019 PGA HOPE Classic, Torrington organized the push-up challenge, completing 1,000 push-ups and raising $40,000 for Veterans and South Florida PGA HOPE programming.

"I love the Foundation," said Torrington. "I love working and partnering with the team, people of character, integrity, faith, and genuine commitment to improving the lives of so many people in our community. People who encourage and lift others up."

To learn more about the South Florida PGA Foundation, click here .

To make a donation, click here .

June Member Spotlight: Payton Scarbrough, PGA - From College Baseball to PGA of America Golf Professional

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:10:59 GMT

At the end of May 2023, Payton Scarbrough, PGA, decided to enter the PGA Associate Program. Scarbrough had never played competitive golf, rather a baseball player who spent the prior three years coaching at his Alma Mater, Liberty University.

Just a year after passing his playing ability test (PAT) on the first try, Scarbrough was a Class-A PGA of America Golf Professional and full-time Assistant Professional at Bonita Bay Club.

Growing up a baseball player in Maryville, Missouri, Scarbrough never played golf because it overlapped with baseball season, the sport that took him to Liberty first as a player, later as an assistant coach.

After coaching, Scarbrough and his family moved to Naples where he was left looking for the next opportunity that would fill his competitive drive. Scarbrough began in an outside operations role at Bonita Bay Club while working on his game with Director of Instruction Jonathan Sutera, PGA.

Sutera, and several other professionals at Bonita Bay saw Scarbrough’s potential and played a crucial role in encouraging him to join the PGA program. The two began working together regularly from December until Scarbrough’s PAT in April. As someone who obsesses over getting better, Scarbrough "buckled down" and passed on his first try.

"When you see a young man with his goals and motivations, it is an honor and privilege to help him accomplish those goals," said Sutera. "He motivates all of us to work hard and be better at what we do. He has helped me as much, if not more than I have helped him."

Scarbrough quickly turned his motivation to the next part of the PGA Program and dove right into his bookwork, taking advantage of the large professional staff at his facility.

"I honestly feel like I was the luckiest guy ever because I got to work with a Class-A Member on basically every single assignment that I did," he explained. "It was a different member, so I could hear all these different perspectives of guys who've been in the business a long time."

In only 12 months and a week after beginning his bookwork, Scarbrough completed the program to become a Class-A PGA of America Golf Professional with his eyes set on helping as many people as possible.

"I have a passion for serving and helping others, and if someone shares a similar passion, I want to help that person as much as I can," he said. "I had a lot of people help me, and I feel the only way to repay those individuals is to help somebody else."

That passion for helping others has already gone beyond his own facility. Scarbrough earned his PGA HOPE Instructor certification, allowing him to be involved in a program that's impact aims to change lives.

As a portfolio assignment, Scarborough had to observe a specialty PGA of America program. Scarbrough called Bridget Ackley, PGA Junior Golf Leader at the Park, to observe one of her PGA HOPE sessions.

"That was probably the coolest thing I've ever experienced," explained Scarbrough. "We are talking about individuals who have served our country and sacrificed their lives; the PGA HOPE program is incredible."

Additionally, Scarbrough has already involved himself with the South Florida PGA Mentorship program, which recruits newly elected PGA Members to mentor aspiring PGA Professionals.

"There are a lot of young college kids and young professionals out there that are hungry and driven," explained Scarbrough. "I want to help them in any way along their journey."

Scarbrough's mission and goals have always been the same, whether as a player, coach, or PGA Professional. He is passionate about cultivating relationships with others, getting better every day, and helping others in any way possible.

"Payton's dedication and determination have been based on the goal of wanting to make a difference in many lives in his future. Golf is the tool that he will use to show love, care, and encouragement to all he comes in contact with," expressed Sutera. "He has a very bright future."

Cantwell and Vecellio Make Final Round Surges to Win the E-Z-GO South Florida Open

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:56:12 GMT

Miromar Lakes, FL - Tim Cantwell, PGA made a final round surge, erasing a two-shot deficit to win the E-Z-GO South Florida Open by two shots at Miromar Lakes Golf Club and Olde Hickory Golf and Country Club.

After two consecutive rounds of 3-under par 69, Cantwell, a PGA Teaching Professional at PGA National Golf Club entered the final round two shots back of Christian De Greiff, PGA.

Cantwell started off with a birdie on hole number one, setting the stage for his eventual third consecutive 3-under par round to claim the Major Championship by two shots over De Greiff, Justin Bertsch, PGA and Brant Peaper.

“I knew it was going to be tough out there, I just took it one shot at a time,” said Cantwell.” It was exciting to play well, this was very unexpected.”

With wind gusts up to 25 mph consistently throughout the final round, Cantwell managed only two bogeys over his final 18 holes to match the final round low of 3-under 69.

“With the fairway being a little more generous, for me, it came down to making putts, and thankfully, I was able to make a couple,” explained Cantwell.

Rounding out the top-5 at 6-under par was Alan Morin, PGA.

In the Senior Division, which finished after the conclusion of round two, Steve Vecellio, PGA took home the Major Championship honors at 7-under, outlasting Morin and Cantwell by one shot.

“I'm pretty stoked, I can’t even explain it,” said Vecellio, the PGA Director of Instruction at Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club.

A 3-under 69 in round one had Vecellio only one shot behind Morin entering the final round. After a 1-over first nine holes, Vecellio dropped to three back. With six holes left to play, Vecellio caught fire, playing the final stretch at 6-under, including a chip-in eagle on the par-5, fifth hole.

That stretch was enough to outlast Morin and Cantwell, who made bogey and double bogey, respectively, on the 17th, dropping them both one shot shy.

The win marked the first individual stroke play event win for Vecellio and credited a lesson with Jerry Tucker, PGA that made the difference.

“I took a lesson with Jerry Tucker, PGA, last week, and all we talked about was setting goals and getting a win,” explained Vecellio. “It is kind of weird that it happened this quickly.”

The E-Z-GO South Florida Open is the second of four South Florida PGA Major Championships to be played throughout the 2024 season. E-Z-GO served as the event's title partner while Ahead, StrackaLine, StickX Golf, Tagmarshal and the PGA TOUR served as supporting partners.

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Don Kennedy III Awarded 2024 SFPGA Foundation Scholarship

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 17:53:21 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Recent Cape Coral High School graduate Don Kennedy III is the 2024 South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship recipient.

Kennedy, the eighth honoree of this prestigious $20,000 scholarship, will receive the award in increments of $5,000 over four years.

The SFPGA Foundation Scholarship is a merit-based award created to assist individuals with strong connections to the South Florida PGA Foundation and recognize exceptional leaders in our local community.

Kennedy, who is a member of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour and works as part of the outside operations staff at Palmetto Pines Country Club, was ranked second in his class and actively participated in various school clubs and community organizations.

Kennedy will attend the University of Florida this fall where he will pursue a degree in finance.

Originally from Singapore, Kennedy moved to the United States in middle school. Despite this significant transition, he quickly became an integral part of his community. Kennedy's journey and achievements make him a fitting ambassador for the South Florida PGA Foundation.

Congratulations to Don Kennedy III on this well-deserved honor. The South Florida PGA Foundation looks forward to supporting his continued success and watching his journey unfold at the University of Florida and beyond.

About the South Florida PGA Foundation

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida community, focusing on junior golf, education, scholarships, and charitable gifting. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization of over 1,900 men and women PGA of America Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.

Cahill and Chang Add Second SFPGA Pro-Assistant Championship Title

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 18:50:44 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Matt Cahill, PGA and Dakun Chang, PGA of Seminole Golf Club win the South Florida PGA Pro-Assistant presented by Club Car and Global Golf Sales at The Park and Bear Lakes Country Club with a 14-under total.

Cahill, Head Professional and Chang, Assistant Professional at Seminole, now add their second Pro-Assistant title in only three years, previously winning the 2022 Pro-Assistant.

“I have a really good partner so we can just play our game and try to make a few putts. This is an awesome win” said Cahill.

The duo played round one at Bear Lakes Country Club in a scramble format, firing a 10-under 62 to put themselves in a tie for first going into the field round. Final round play took them to The Park, playing in a modified alternate shot format where they managed to card the tournament-low round for the alternate shot format at 4-under. Cahill and Chang managed to keep a bogey-free score throughout the 36-hole stretch, the only team in the field to do so.

“We have similar games and distances, so we can just play our shot”, said Cahill. “We didn't really have any mistakes and just kept it in front of us,” added Chang.

Finishing in second at 13-under was Matt Lucchese, PGA and Matt Ceravolo, PGA of The Loxahatchee Club. In a tie for third at 12-under was Kenny Leech, PGA and Diego Velasquez, PGA of Don Law Golf Academy and Robin Boretti, PGA and Alan Morin, PGA of The Club at Ibis.

The championship featured 87 teams composed of a PGA Professional and Assistant Professional from the same facility playing in two different formats. The format at The Park was a modified alternate shot while the format at Bear Lakes was a scramble.

Club Car and Global Golf Sales presented the 2024 SFPGA Pro-Assistant, which was supported by Ahead, Heritage Creations, NextRound, Pride Sports, Range Servant, and TRUE Linkswear.

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How an ACL Injury Turned into a Career in Golf: Sara Dickson, PGA

Fri, 31 May 2024 19:32:42 GMT

A talented high school basketball player and Providence, Rhode Island native, Sara Dickson, PGA, had her eyes set on attending Brown University. It was the only school on Dickson's radar, and the pieces were falling in place until her senior year basketball season.

Dickson tore her ACL, which ultimately resulted in Brown rejecting her. While devastated in the moment, Dickson now looks back with a different perspective.

"It was one of the best things that could have happened," she explained.

At only 18-years-old, Dickson, now the Director of Golf at Wilderness Country Club, was not fazed one bit. While basketball was her main focus at the time, Dickson was also recruited by Methodist University to play golf.

Already interested in turning golf into a potential career due to her time working at a local driving range, Dickson enrolled at Methodist to study Professional Golf Management.

"I experienced internships at places that I never dreamed of even going to," she said. "Methodist was a blessing in disguise, but something I kind of knew I wanted to do anyway."

Fully passionate about the golf industry, Dickson spent the first several years after graduation working seasonally between south Florida and the Metropolitan area before making south Florida her official home in 2020 as the Head Golf Professional at Wilderness Country Club.

Two years later, Dickson was promoted to Director of Golf, overseeing the entire golf operation at Wilderness. While Dickson has made tremendous strides as a PGA of America Professional within her facility, she is also solidifying herself as an extremely valuable asset to the South Florida PGA.

Dickson was recently elected the Southwest Chapter Member-At-Large Chairperson, who also serves as a Section Board of Directors member, one of only two females on the board.

Additionally, Dickson is the 2023 Southwest Chapter Merchandiser of the Year - Private Category and the 2023 Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient, which recognizes an individual who excels in mentoring fellow PGA Professionals.

Mentoring her fellow PGA Professionals, especially at her own facility, is extremely important to Dickson as a leader.

"I know I have to be extremely organized and set expectations very early," she explained.

Dickson is committed to continued learning and taking advantage of education opportunities, seminars and programs that allow her to add skills to her arsenal.

Through a golf business network class, Dickson exposed herself to the power of having one-on-one meetings, an idea she now practices weekly.

"Every week, there is a half-hour set aside on both my schedule and every full-time member's schedule where they know they have half-an-hour with me."

This practice has allowed Dickson to foster better relationships with her staff, resulting in professional and personal growth between Dickson and her entire team.

For Dickson, growing personally and professionally within the golf industry never ends, and she compares it to the actual playing of golf.

"There's not that tangible time when you're like, yes, I have completed golf," Dickson explained. "I view that the same way with the operation at Wilderness. I can always get better at efficiency, communication, leadership, and the environment we are in; it changes more than what we might think."

In closing, Dickson's response was simple when asked about being a female in a male-dominated industry:

"It is golf, a game for everybody."

May Foundation Spotlight: Tom Patri, PGA, Transforms Lives Through Golf Marathons

Thu, 30 May 2024 18:45:24 GMT

Tom Patri, PGA Director of Player Development at TwinEagles Club, has played over 1,000 holes of golf to raise funds and awareness for the South Florida PGA Foundation and its programming.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is the charitable arm of the South Florida PGA, with a mission to serve the south Florida community and change lives through the game of golf.

"When I first got involved with the South Florida PGA Foundation, I wanted to give back through the game of golf," recalled Patri. "The golf marathon and mission of the Foundation made the most sense for what I was trying to accomplish."

Each year, Patri sets out to play as many holes as possible in one day. Since 2017, Patri has raised nearly $70,000, showcasing his commitment to the cause.

The SFPGA Foundation has been a beacon of hope and transformation in south Florida for nearly two decades. Its charitable focus aligns perfectly with Patri's vision of using golf as a vehicle for positive change.

This year, Patri continued his annual tradition with his eighth golf marathon on May 28th, adding over $10,000 to his fundraising efforts through 117 holes of golf.

"Every day I come to the golf course, and it's like a paid vacation," Patri reflects. "There are people out there who are not nearly as fortunate and do not have the resources available that I do. If I can help them get ahead or get back on their feet, whatever the case, I want to do that."

The SFPGA Foundation has a charitable focus on youth, military, and families and has transformed the lives of over 12,000 individuals in our local community.

Patri's legacy extends beyond the holes he has played and the funds he has raised; it includes the countless lives he has touched with his unwavering commitment to giving back through the game of golf.

Click here to support Patri's golf marathon.

Click here to learn more about the SFPGA Foundation and its programming.

Click here to get involved.

Kartrude and Tucker Win Fort Lauderdale Open Presented by Srixon | Cleveland | Nike

Tue, 21 May 2024 19:53:11 GMT

Davie, FL - Michael Kartude, PGA defeats Justin Hicks, PGA in a one-hole playoff to win the Fort Lauderdale Open presented by Srixon | Cleveland | Nike at Grande Oaks Golf Club and Lago Mar Country Club.

Kartrude, an Assistant Professional at the Bear’s Club fired a tournament low, 7-under 64 in the final round to come back from four shots down and force a playoff with Hicks, a Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club. The playoff lasted just one hole as Katrude made par to claim the title, finishing the two day Championship at 9-under 70-64–134.

Katrude previously won the Fort Lauderdale Open in 2020 as an Associate, now only becoming a full Class-A PGA of America Golf Professional in April, Katrude has successfully won his first event as a full Member.

Domenico Geminiani of Old Corkscrew Golf Club, Nick Latimer, PGA of Trump International Golf Club and Tyler Collet, PGA of John’s Island Club all finished in a tie for third at 8-under.

In the Senior Division, Jerry Tucker, PGA claimed victory with an 11-under 65-67–132 total, defeating Rod Curl, PGA of Crane Watch at Evergreen by four shots. Over the 36 holes, Tucker managed only one bogey. In a tie for third was Jared Issacs, PGA of Adios Golf Club and Mark Brown, PGA of The Yacht and Country Club while Brett Melton, PGA of Apogee Club and Mike Melton, PGA of Fairwinds Golf Club rounded out the top-5 in a tie.

The Fort Lauderdale Open was the first of four Section Majors to be played throughout the 2024 SFPGA Section season.

This year’s Championship was presented by Srixon | Cleveland | Nike and supported by Golf Sign and Design, Prize Possessions, Maui Jim and Strackaline.

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PGA of America Golf Professionals Jeremy Wells & Braden Shattuck to Play Weekend at 106th PGA Championship

Sun, 19 May 2024 17:17:39 GMT

By PGA of America

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (May 18, 2024) - PGA of America Golf Professionals Jeremy Wells (South Florida Section) and Braden Shattuck (Philadelphia Section) made the cut at the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. It’s the first time since 2021 that more than one PGA of America Golf Professional will play the weekend at the PGA Championship.

Wells (2-under), the PGA Director of Player Development at Cypress Lake Golf Club in Fort Myers, Florida, finished his second round Saturday morning after play was suspended due to darkness on Friday.

A good night’s rest isn’t always easy to come by for a father of three. Trying to sleep with two holes still to play to make his first cut at the PGA Championship may be even harder.

“We woke our kids up at 4:30 to get to the golf course,” Wells said. We were in blankets in the clubhouse. Yeah, I didn't sleep very well, but it wasn't the first time I felt that way."

“Fortunately, I got to play 8 and 9 this morning, which are kind of normal holes here. But even still, I knew I was going to have to stand over a couple 3-

footers.”

With a two-putt par on the par-3 8th hole, Wells had a shot to spare to make the 1-under cut on his 36th hole, alleviating some stress for the 2-footer that finished his even-par round.

Wells made the Corebridge Financial Team in 2023 at Oak Hill, but missed the cut. Making the weekend this year was the ultimate goal.

“We have a Section Championship which leads to the National Championship (PGA Professional Championship), which leads to the PGA Championship, and then you have a cut at the PGA Championship,” Wells said. “Now that I've made this cut, hopefully some of the pressure is off because these next two days are kind of the goal for my year. I'm fortunate enough to get this far to the PGA Championship.”

Wells will begin his third round at 1:01 p.m. ET off the 10th tee paired with 2010 PGA Champion Martin Kaymer (2-under) and Tyrell Hatton (2-under).

Shattuck, the PGA Director of Instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, made the cut after missing last year in his first appearance in the PGA Championship.

Beginning the second round on the 10th hole, Shattuck got off to a quick start with birdies on holes 11-13. He made the turn at 2-under, however bogies on holes 3 and 4 nudged him outside the cutline. He needed at least one birdie over the final two holes to get within the top-70 and ties to reach the weekend. The birdie came on the par-3 8th hole (his 17th of the round) courtesy of draining a 35-footer.

On the par-4 9th, he found the fairway bunker off the tee and a greenside bunker with this approach. He stared down a 4-footer then holed it for par.

“The cup looked like the size of a thimble on that last 4-footer,” Shattuck said, smiling, “but, thankfully, it found its way to the middle.”

Shattuck had to rebuild his swing due to a car accident in 2019, herniating two disks in his back and unable to swing a golf club for two years. He won the 2023 PGA Professional Championship to play at Oak Hill, where missing the cut last year left him wanting more. This will be his first time playing the weekend of a Major Championship as part of the Corebridge Financial Team.

“That’s something you take a lot of pride in,” he said. “It’s nice to represent the PGA of America out here.”

Shattuck will begin his third round at 1:34 p.m. ET off the 10th tee paired with S.H. Kim and Stephan Jaeger.

The last time more than one PGA of America Golf Professional made the cut at the PGA Championship was 2021 at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, when Ben Cook (Michigan Section) and Brad Marek (Northern California Section) played the weekend.

Corebridge Financial broadened its partnership with the PGA of America to include title sponsorship of the PGA of America Member teams, formerly known as the Team of 20 (PGA Championship); Team of 35 (KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship); and Team of 9 (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship). Each group will now be recognized as the Corebridge Financial Team.

The PGA Championship continues May 18-19 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. You can stream, watch or listen on the networks of CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount, ESPN, ESPN+ and SiriusXM Radio.

About PGA of America

information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contacts

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

Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com

Tim Cantwell, PGA Captures the 37th South Florida Senior Open

Tue, 14 May 2024 18:30:23 GMT

Jupiter, Fl - Tim Cantwell, PGA, fires back-to-back sub-par rounds to capture the 37th Annual South Florida Senior Open, supported by Wilson Golf at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club.

The South Florida Senior Open is the inaugural Senior Section event of the 2024 season, played May 13-14 on the Medal course at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club.

After an opening round, 2-under 70, Cantwell, a Teaching Professional at PGA National Golf Club, managed to match the tournament low round of 4-under 68 in round two to beat out Mark Mielke, PGA, Mark Brown, PGA and Brett Melton, PGA by one shot. Cantwell concluded play at 6-under 70-68–138.

Cantwell led the field with 11 birdies, seven of them coming in the final round.

In the 60-69 age division, Mike Gray, PGA Life Member, carded two consecutive 2-under par rounds of 70, beating Peter Oakley, PGA Life Member, by one shot.

Behind matching the tournament low round of 4-under 68 in round one, Kevin Morris, PGA Life Member won the 70-74 age division, beating Jay Horton, PGA by one shot. Morris finished the 36-hole event at 2-under, 67-75–143.

Fred Harkness, PGA Life Member and former long-time Director of Golf at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club from 1978-2014, won the 75+ age division, finishing at 1-over, 73-72–145.

The South Florida Senior Open at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club was supported by Wilson Golf. The SFPGA Section season will continue next Monday at the Fort Lauderdale Open at Grande Oaks Golf Club and Lago Mar Country Club.

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Three South Florida PGA Members Qualify for 2024 PGA Championship

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Thu, 02 May 2024 17:11:55 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - South Florida PGA of America Professionals Evan Bowser, Tyler Collet and Jeremy Wells qualified for the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, finishing in the top-10 yesterday at the PGA Professional Championship at PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch.

Bowser, Assistant Professional at LaPlaya Golf Club (Naples), Collet, Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club (Vero Beach) and Wells, Director of Development at Cypress Lake Golf Club (Fort Myers) will join 17 other PGA of America Professionals as the Corebridge Financial PGA Team at Valhalla Golf Club.

The PGA Professional Championship (PPC) is the annual “National Championship” for PGA of America Golf Professionals who qualify for the event through the 41 Section’s individual championships. For the first time in Section history, the South Florida PGA will have three representatives at the PGA Championship.

“Having three Section Members make the PGA Championship for the first time in Section history validates how strong of players PGA Professionals are in the South Florida Section,” said Geoff Lofstead, Executive Director of the South Florida PGA.

This year’s PPC was held, for the first time, at PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch. Due to weather, the start of the opening round was delayed substantially, ultimately causing delays for the rest of the week, adding another layer of difficulty.

“This week was full of just grind mode,” said Collet. “With weather delays, fog delays, wind and gnarly rough, I was very happy to walk with a top-20 finish.”

Collet obtained his Class-A PGA Membership in 2018 after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University with a Professional Golf Management degree. After finishing in a tie for sixth yesterday, Collet will be making his third PGA Championship start, with prior starts being in the 2021 and 2022 PGA Championships.

The 28-year-old Collet has enjoyed an exciting 2024 playing season, already making starts at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches and the Puerto Rico Open, where he made his first cut on the PGA TOUR.

“This just keeps the momentum going for me and gives me more and more confidence going forward,” explained Collet.

Bowser made his first trip to the PGA of America Frisco Headquarters last year as an associate for his level three PGA seminar, the very same week as the 2023 PPC.

“I thought to myself, I should be playing in this event next year,” said Bowser who became a full member in 2023 and finished tied for eighth yesterday at his first PPC. “It is amazing how it all came together.”

The week was incredibly special for Bowser and his entire family as his sister was on the bag all week with his Dad and wife following along showing their support.

“Honestly they are happier than me,” said Bowser. “Plus I'm thankful for all my supporters at LaPLaya Golf Club for helping me achieve this goal.”

During the 2023 PPC, Wells entered the final round in a tie for 29th. He managed to match the final round low, moving up the leaderboard to seventh place, clinching his first Major Championship berth in his first attempt at the PPC, much like Bowser this year.

Entering the 2024 final round, Wells was in a tie for 44th, making his attempt for consecutive PGA Championship berths a tall task.

Once again, Wells was up for the challenge, firing the final round low (70) by two shots and moving 37 spots up the leaderboard to finish in a tie for eighth.

“I shot 80 (in round three) and I'm still kind of in it, "explained Wells. “That's how hard that place was. If I just go out and shoot under-par, I have a really good chance.”

Tomorrow, Wells will officially be a Class-A PGA Member for two years, he is now on his way to making his second PGA Championship start.

“To make it through in my first two tries to the PGA Championship, I am incredibly proud of that,” said Wells. “There are 30,000 of us and to get down to the top-20 twice in a row, I wouldn't of predicted that.”

Bowser, Collet and Wells will all travel to Valhalla Golf Club to represent the South Florida PGA and their respective facilities at the 2024 Championship, May 16-19.

April Foundation Spotlight: Jerry Impellittiere, PGA, Drives Hope For Veterans Through Golf

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:20:50 GMT

Jerry Impellittiere, PGA Director of Instruction at Monarch Country Club, found more than just a career in golf; he found a calling.

Having grown up in the shadow of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where his father worked for nearly five decades, Impellittiere’s early experiences around those who served instilled deep-seated respect and a desire to give back to the military community.

“It is incredible the sacrifices these Veterans have put down for us and seeing their courage and fight despite what they have endured,” said Impellittiere.

Military continued to be a big part of Impellittiere’s life after he started his career as a PGA of America Professional.

“When I owned my driving range in New York, I employed several individuals from the nearby Stewart Air Force Base,” noted Impellittiere. “I would support Master Chief Bruce Lubkeman’s golf events and hold clinics for Officers and enlisted personnel.”

After operating his driving range for nearly 30 years, Impellittiere moved to south Florida.

“When I transferred from the Met [Metropolitan PGA Section] to South Florida, I was looking for some way to get involved to help Veterans,” recalled Impellittiere.

It was then that Judy Alvarez, PGA, a pioneering figure in the PGA HOPE program in south Florida, introduced him to PGA HOPE.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a free program that allows Veterans and Active Duty Military to learn the game of golf. Golf is proven to help Veterans assimilate back into their community and improve their overall well-being through the social interaction and camaraderie the game provides.

“I immediately got involved, completed the adaptive golf and military cultural competency training, and started teaching classes as a certified instructor,” said Impellittiere.

Impellittiere’s involvement with PGA HOPE is more than just a professional commitment; it is a heartfelt mission.

"I love helping the Vets," Impellittiere often says, reflecting on his passion for teaching golf and his admiration for those who have served. "I never had to serve, so this is a way that I can give back to those who did."

In 2022, Impellittiere received the South Florida PGA Patriot Award. The Section presents the Patriot Award to a PGA of America 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.

Through his work with PGA HOPE, Impellittiere has encountered over 160 Veterans, each with harrowing tales of sacrifice and resilience.

“One person who has always stood out to me is Mary [Anderson-Kokell],” said Impellittiere. “She isolated herself for a long time, and yet a single golf ball lured her from seclusion, eventually leading her to become an ambassador for the program. Now she is changing the lives of other Veterans.”

Amid the inspiring stories of recovery and camaraderie, Impellittiere has also been confronted with the grim reality of Veteran suicide.

“The one thing that rips my heart out is the fact that 22 Veterans a day commit suicide,” stated Impellittiere. “This little white golf ball we all obsess about is a miracle in many Vets’ lives.”

PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy.

Impellittiere’s journey with PGA HOPE and his dedication to serving Veterans showcases the profound impact that compassion, gratitude, and a little golf can have on the lives of those who have served.

“This whole program just humbles me, and that’s why I am so glad I am in a position where I can give back,” said Impellittiere.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida community, focusing on military, junior golf, and education. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of 2,000 men and women PGA of America Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.

Click here to support PGA HOPE programming in south Florida.

Click here to get involved.

Taking Full Advantage - Jeremy Wells, PGA (April Member Spotlight)

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:52:30 GMT

“As soon as I finished my round, I was taken in a golf cart up the hill for a golf channel interview,” recalled Jeremy Wells, PGA, remembering the moment he qualified for the 2023 PGA Championship. “I called my wife and couldn’t even talk, I was so emotional. It was just a very proud moment in my life.”

Going into the final round of the 2023 PGA Professional Championship (PPC) in New Mexico, Wells, Director of Player Development at Cypress Lake Golf Club, was in a tie for 29th and needed to get inside the top-20 to qualify for the PGA Championship.

Wells delivered and fired a final round low 66, moving him 22 spots up the leaderboard, into seventh place.

“It is just amazing how quickly things can change on a golf course,” Wells said. “A few hours earlier I was in a divot in the middle of the fairway about to make a bogey to move to 40th place and three hours later I'm on the golf channel thinking about how my kids are going to be watching me play against guys like Jon Rahm.”

While qualifying for a Major Championship is an incredible feat, it wasn’t the only major accomplishment for Wells in the months leading into the PPC.

Playing in the PGA Professional Championships requires being a Class-A PGA of America Professional which Wells earned in May of 2022. The new status allowed him to compete in the South Florida PGA Professional Championship that September where his third place finish qualified him for the PPC, April 30-May 3, 2023. Just 15 days later, Wells was teeing it up in the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club, competing against the best players in the world.

A Virginia native, Wells grew up around the game, attending the College of William and Mary where he competed on the golf team for all four years. Upon graduation, Wells, like many aspiring TOUR players do, moved to south Florida. He settled in Fort Myers and was fortunate to find Cypress Lake Golf Club where he practiced and played while competing on mini-tours.

After three years, Wells wasn’t seeing the results he wanted and decided to try teaching, as someone who has always loved the mechanics of the golf swing. He began giving lessons at a local driving range in August of 2016.

“I still remember my first paycheck for two weeks. I made $1,100 and that was more money than I had ever made for a few weeks of teaching compared to three years of playing,” Wells recalled laughing.

The transition was smooth for Wells and proved to be a smart decision financially and professionally.

“I’ve always had an obsession with the mechanics of the golf swing so it was a natural transition to get into teaching,” he said. “Towards the end of my first season I had basically a full book of business at a local driving range.”

Wells continued teaching for the next two-and-half years before deciding to enter the PGA Associate Program. For Wells, the idea of becoming a Member was perfect.

“I can be busy teaching all winter, and then when my lesson book isn't as full in the summertime, I can go and play competitive golf against my peers,” he explained.

Officially committed to his career as a teacher, Wells had the opportunity to move into a full-time teaching role at Cypress Lake, the facility that was so gracious to him as a player. With this role, Wells gained support and mentorship from the PGA Professionals at the facility, which allowed him to stay motivated to finish the Associate Program.

Once completed in May of 2022, Wells took off, making the most of his PGA Membership and all the opportunities that became possible with it.

At 33 years old, Wells is as happy as he has ever been personally and professionally.

“It is a very well-rounded situation that I have created and I am very proud of what I've done,” he explained. “I spend every day trying to help members at Cypress Lake enjoy their golf games and their lives more, but I also get to compete at a national level and potentially a world level at a PGA Championship. I am incredibly proud of the work I have done.”

As Wells reflects on an incredible first two years as a PGA of America Professional, he once again has the chance to play on one of the biggest stages in golf as he competes in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship, starting Sunday at PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch, vying to once again finish in the top-20 to make his second consecutive PGA Championship start.

Adam Miller, PGA and Verandah Golf Club win SFPGA Pro-Am, Presented by Cadillac

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:43:29 GMT

Fort Myers, FL - Adam Miller, PGA and his team from Verandah Golf Club won the South Florida PGA Pro-Am presented by Cadillac, yesterday at The Club at Renaissance.

Miller, the Director of Golf at Verandah Golf Club was joined by amateurs, Lee Bennett, Wayne Morris and Anita Morris. The team finished play at 17-under, one better than the team from Esplanade Golf and Country Club led by Nick Marcoaldi, PGA.

James Desanges, PGA of Panther Run Golf Club claimed low pro honors with a total of 47 points, edging Miller by one point. Desanges managed only one bogey to go along with six birdies.

20 teams of a PGA of America Professional and three amateurs competed in a two best ball of four format with the maximum score allowed per hole being a double bogey. The professional individual division was played in a stableford format with pars worth two points, birdies worth four points and eagles worth eight points.

The event was presented by Cadillac with Devoe Cadillac and Val Ward Cadillac supporting the event.

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Southeast Chapter Claims Third Consecutive Nelson Cup

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 17:40:13 GMT

West Palm Beach, Fl - The South Florida PGA Southeast Chapter claimed its third consecutive Nelson Cup victory, yesterday at West Bay Club with a total of 57 points.

The Nelson Cup is an annual South Florida PGA Ryder Cup style tournament between the Southeast, Southwest and Southern Chapters. The day started with a foursome match play / alternate shot format before ending the day with a three-ball match play format. All matches were worth a maximum of three points with single points being rewarded for the front nine, back nine and overall 18-hole total. Ties resulted in split points.

The Southeast Chapter jumped out to an early lead in the morning matches, led by partners Kenny Leech, PGA of Don Law Golf Academy, and Alastair Mackenzie, PGA of Trump National Golf Club, securing the maximum of three points. After the morning matches, Southeast held a 1.5 point lead over the Southern Chapter and a three point lead over the Southwest Chapter.

Moving onto the three-ball match play format, Leech and Mackenzie continued adding to the point total, winning all four of their individual matches, catapulting the Southeast Chapter to a commanding lead.

After all matches were complete, the Southeast Chapter finished with a total of 57 points, while the Southwest Chapter’s comeback fell shy, finishing with 52.5 points and the Southern Chapter completed play with 25.5 points.

With the win, Southeast has now won six of the last seven Nelson Cups, bringing their total up to 13 total wins (excluding 2020 - Pandemic / 2021 - Rain Out).

This year’s Nelson Cup was supported by Scales Gear, which supplied uniforms for each chapter.

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South Florida PGA Opens Section Tournament Season at Club Car Pro-Official

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:26:48 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL —The South Florida PGA opened its 2024 Section Tournament Season yesterday with the Club Car Pro-Official, presented by Toptracer, at St. Andrews Country Club.

The first event of the season welcomed 50 teams, each consisting of a PGA of America Professional and an Official from the same facility, who competed in a four-ball stroke play format.

Jonas Dewitte and Robert Poore (a) of Indian River Club took home low net honors with a 9-under 63, clean scorecard. Their round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-5, 10th hole.

Justin Rountree, PGA Head Professional at Eagle Lakes Golf Club and Will Latreille (a) secured low gross honors with a 5-under 67 scorecard. Brandon Holden, PGA Head Professional at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club secured low pro honors with a 4-under 68.

The 2024 Club Car Pro-Official was presented by Toptracer and supported by Ballz 4 Change, BlueGolf, DLL Financial Solutions, Earth Networks, Prize Possessions, and Turtleson.

This event would not have been possible without the support of St. Andrews Country Club's General Manager, Marc Ray, PGA Director of Golf, Paul Clivio, and the entire team.

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Third South Florida PGA Play Yellow Birdie Bash Helps Annual Event Raise Over $1 Million

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:38:24 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - The South Florida PGA concluded its third annual Play Yellow Birdie Bash, yesterday at PGA National Resort in which all proceeds benefited the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

Fifty PGA of America professionals set out on a challenge to complete 81-holes on The Match and The Staple courses at PGA National, with the goal of making as many birdies as possible in a doubles golf team format. Each birdie was backed by donor pledges and the funds raised will help further the missions of the SFPGA Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in support of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

In total, this year’s event has raised over $330,000 so far with donations still open until Friday. For the third consecutive year, The Bear’s Club professionals Eric Veilleux and Ryan Fountain were the highest earners with over $58,000 raised, bringing their three-year total to over $220,000.

In the spirit of competition, Stan Moore, PGA and Tanner Barnahrd, PGA of Don Law Golf Academy made the most birdies with 58, beating Allastair MacKenzie, PGA and Sean O’Donnell, PGA by one.

This unique event has now surpassed the $1 Million mark in its first three years of existence. In the past two years alone, the SFPGA Foundation has administered free golf lessons to more than 600 military personnel, granted $40,000 to support students in higher education, and provided smiles to more than 1,000 children going through a range of hardships at six medical facilities.

For the first time this year, the South Florida PGA will extend its reach across the Section to introduce the West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash this October at The Glades Golf and Country Club in Naples.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit dedicated to serving the South Florida community and changing lives through the game of golf. The SFPGA Foundation administers a diverse set of programs that use golf to enhance the lives of local military personnel, children, and families.

Jack and Barbara Nicklaus founded the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2004 to provide world-class pediatric care to children in Palm Beach County and beyond. The Foundation’s primary beneficiary is Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, which has helped children from every state in the union and 119 countries. Celebrating its 20th year, the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation has raised $200 million to advance and enhance health care for children locally and globally.

To support the South Florida Play Yellow Birdie Bash, click here .

Jason Miller, PGA Presented 2023 Youth Player Development Award

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 19:18:34 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Jason Miller, PGA Head Professional at Copperleaf Golf Club was presented his 2023 South Florida PGA Youth Player Development Award, last night, honoring his commitment to junior golf.

The PGA Youth Player Development Award is for the PGA Professional who has made extraordinary and exemplary contributions to youth player development, which includes involvement in the promotion and development of junior golf at the facility level and support for national junior golf programs.

“We are not only helping develop golf games, but we are helping to develop amazing young adults,” said Miller. “I cherish having the opportunity to mentor and lead in the many programs I am involved in.”

Miller’s junior golf philosophy is “straightforward and simple,” he explained. “Create and engage in a maximum number of youth programs across all spectrums to drive positive, energetic and excitable opportunities for youth.”

Outside of his commitment to volunteering at several Drive, Chip and Putt qualifiers and hosting many SFPGA Junior Tour events, Miller is the head coach for the Barron Collier High School boys golf team. As the coach, Miller has created highly active social media pages for the team, prompting other teams at the school to follow his lead.

Additionally, Miller has earned his Certified Coach 1 status with the US Kids Golf organization, which helps Miller continue his mission “to be a positive role model across as many junior golf spectrums in south Florida as possible.”

At the facility level, Miller instilled video coaching technology and launch monitor platforms in junior instruction and created a new program to fit junior golfers for clubs.

Miller is passionate about growing the game amongst the youth in south Florida and always has one goal in mind: to create smiles and fun for youth in golf.

“It is so important to continue this mission in the South Florida PGA and I am 100 percent committed to doing so.”

Click here for a full list of award winners.

More than Just a Golf Guy - Rob Oosterhuis, PGA (March Member Spotlight)

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:42:08 GMT

"You're just a golf guy."

For Rob Oosterhuis, PGA General Manager/COO at Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, this is what he often heard as a PGA Member looking to become a General Manager.

Oosterhuis has enjoyed a career filled with various experiences worldwide, proving to be far more than, "just a golf guy." He is most notably a life-long learner, fascinated with "figuring out what you don't know."

This fixation has allowed Oosterhuis to earn his PGA Membership and his Certified Club Manager and Certified Chief Executive Licenses as a Member of the CMAA (Club Management Association of America). With these credentials, Oosterhuis sat on the Board of Directors for the Southern California PGA Section and The Golden State Chapter of the CMAA.

Born in London, England, Oosterhuis grew up in South Africa before moving to Santa Barabra, California, at an early age. He is the son of Peter Oosterhuis, a long-time Touring Professional and current broadcaster.

Oosterhuis attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played on the golf team and studied history. His initial plans were to become a history professor or pursue a law degree, but his fascination with learning clicked with golf.

While attending UCLA, Oosterhuis spent summers working Nike Golf camps in Lake Tahoe and Pebble Beach. "That's where I kind of got the bug for the instructional side of things," Oosterhuis said.

After graduating, Oosterhuis moved to Texas to work at The Four Seasons TPC Las Colinas, making $8 an hour before eventually becoming Head Golf Professional in just three years.

Shortly after earning his Class-A PGA Membership in 2003, Oosterhuis received a call from The Four Seasons Hotel General Manager, asking Oosterhuis what he thought about Costa Rica. Oosterhuis responded, "Not a whole lot other than the project being built down there."

Eventually, Oosterhuis was offered the Director of Golf position at The Four Seasons Costa Rica. While quick to accept the position, Oosterhuis can now look back with perspective: At 30 years old, a new PGA Member who had never served in a Director of Golf role, Oosterhuis took a leap of faith, and moved to another country to build a golf department from the ground up.

He was all in.

Oosterhuis recalls the experience being unlike anything else - from interacting and working with people from different cultures, hiring individuals with no prior golf experience, breaking language barriers and playing an integral role in the entire build of a luxury resort and golf experience, the first the country had ever seen.

"Golf was still sort of an unknown quantity in Costa Rica, and I just looked at it as an adventure," Oosterhuis said. "We were the first real, at least on that scale, luxury product in the country. You couldn't go anywhere without everybody knowing about the hotel, which was cool."

While the experience was incredible, Oosterhuis did look at the position as a means to an end and an invaluable experience that set the framework for the rest of his career.

"My way of thinking was, whatever the next thing is, I can't get on to the next thing until I get that. I can't be a Director of Golf at a multi-facility property or whatever, make a giant leap in terms of membership or compensation without getting that on the resume and learning about it," he explained.

Oosterhuis' next adventure took him back to California to work for JC Golf, a premiere golf management company. There, he was more entrenched in the business side of golf, something he always wanted to learn more about.

"I just love the business side of golf, and that's what JC did for me," Oosterhuis explained. "I learned so many more layers of the business with math, psychology, everything you can use to try and formulate decisions."

From JC Golf, Oosterhuis returned to The Four Seasons family to manage the entire operation for Montecito Club in Santa Barbara, California, a facility featuring a main club and a beach club. This was incredibly special for Oosterhuis as Montecito was the club where he initially learned the game.

Oosterhuis described this time as the most fun ever had while being a significant learning experience. When talking with a fellow General Manager, Oosterhuis was given valuable advice.

"Don't lean into the things that you already know; lean into those things that you don't know and get the feel, education, and understanding for them."

That conversation prompted Oosterhuis to dive more into the food and beverage world, where he began sitting in every meeting, asking questions to become more familiar with the ever-changing dynamic of food and beverage. At the same time, Oosterhuis joined the CMAA and earned status as a Certified Club Manager.

"I realized that there was a lot I didn't know about private clubs, and this was going to be another of those things where you can call me the golf guy all you want, but I'm also going to have this credential," he said.

With all the experience of his previous roles, his PGA and CMAA Membership, Oosterhuis was hired in 2016 as the General Manager/CEO at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California.

Sherwood was the host site of the PowerShares QQQ Championship and ZOZO Championship on the PGA TOUR Champions which allowed Oosterhuis to see firsthand how a TOUR-level event is operated and all the moving parts included.

This experience helped Oosterhuis understand the most effective ways of leading a team.

"When it comes to big-picture decisions and discussions, you're the one that has to make the decisions," he explained. “That's when I learned to develop a core group of leaders and lean on them for their advice and feedback."

After nearly five years at Sherwood, Oosterhuis and his family were ready to change locations and circled south Florida as a target where Oosterhuis was offered the General Manager/COO position at Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, a facility he was well suited for.

"You take away a few tennis courts and add in a few boat slips, and you're basically talking about the same club," he said, laughing. "So, from a comfort standpoint, I was very comfortable entering this environment."

Outside of the club itself, the wealth of intelligence offered in south Florida as a premier destination for golf and club professionals has continued to intrigue Oosterhuis.

With over 25 years of golf and club industry experience, Oosterhuis is still fascinated with learning more and encouraging others to learn beyond their jobs.

"It is fulfilling to learn more, Oosterhuis said. "The most important thing is knowing what you don't know."

As a PGA Member and a CMAA Member with his Certified Club Manager and Certified Club Executive licenses, Oosterhuis is a prime example of someone who took the positive out of every position, leading him to where he is today.

"Be the first person to put your hand up," he said. "Usually, something good happens that way.”

South Florida Play Yellow Birdie Bash Returns to Support South Florida Community

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:40:09 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (March 27, 2024 ) – The South Florida Play Yellow Birdie Bash returns to PGA National Resort on Monday, April 15, to benefit Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and the South Florida PGA Foundation (SFPGA).

Fifty PGA of America professionals will embark on an 81-hole challenge on The Match and The Staple courses at PGA National, and attempt to make as many birdies as possible in a doubles golf team format. Each birdie is backed by donor pledges with a goal of raising $500,000. The funds raised serve to further the missions of the SFPGA Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in support of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. The Play Yellow Birdie Bash fundraisers have had a tangible and positive impact on the lives of individuals throughout the South Florida community.

This unique event has raised more than $900,000 for these impactful charities in its first two years of existence. In the past two years, the SFPGA Foundation has granted free golf lessons to more than 600 military personnel, granted $40,000 to support students in higher education, and provided smiles to more than 1,000 children going through a range of hardships at six medical facilities.

Back-to-back PGA champions Eric Veilleux and Ryan Fountain, who are representing The Bear’s Club, will return to the field this year. Veilleux and Fountain have raised a cumulative amount of $168,750 over the past two years of the event.

To support the South Florida Play Yellow Birdie Bash, click here .

To learn more about how to get involved, contact Brianna Alonso, SFPGA Foundation Manager, at balonso@pgahq.com .

MEDIA CONTACT

Chelsea Casagrande

Venue Marketing Group

(561) 844-1778, ext. 120

chelsea@venueadv.com

March Foundation Spotlight: The Mirasol Fun Group’s Impact on Youth and Golf in South Florida

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:41:11 GMT

Founded on the basis of Fun, The Mirasol Fun Group has made golf more affordable and accessible for more than 100 South Florida PGA Junior Tour members.

What began more than 20 years ago as a group of members at The Country Club at Mirasol who banded together to secure tee times, play golf and establish new relationships, The Fun Group has evolved into much more.

Through its partnership with the South Florida PGA Foundation, The Fun Group established the Mirasol Assistance Fund in 2009 to serve the community through golf.

“When I first met Meredith Schuler [SFPGA Assistant Executive Director] and heard the story of the Foundation, I was overwhelmed by the need to do something, and our organization, The Fun Group, had funds that we felt could be beneficial to the Foundation,” recalled Arthur Rosen, founding member of The Fun Group.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the south Florida community and changing the lives of youth, military and families through the game of golf.

With the aid of the SFPGA Foundation, the Mirasol Assistance Fund aims to financially support junior golfers in south Florida who have a desire to participate in the game of golf, but don’t have the means to do so.

Juniors apply for the scholarship annually, and, if approved, receive a reduced entry fee into SFPGA Junior Tour, presented by Callaway and Toptracer tournaments. The Fun Group funds cover the remaining amount of the player's entry.

The SFPGA Junior Tour has a membership of more than 1,200 junior golfers ages 6-18 and conducts more than 100 tournaments annually at some of south Florida’s most prestigious golf courses.

In its first year, the Mirasol Assistance Fund collected $3,500 to support nine Junior Tour members with 30 tournament entries.

“We donate small sums,” explained Rosen. “But they add up and make an impact in the end.”

Since the inception of the Mirasol Assistance Fund, The Fun Group has donated nearly $100,000 to the SFPGA Foundation, supporting over 100 Junior Tour members to play in more than 340 events.

Of the Junior Tour members that the Assistance Fund has helped, several have gone on to play golf at the collegiate level, a dream that might not have been possible without the generosity of Rosen, along with additional founding Fun Group partners Larry Feit, Matt and Dee Simpson.

As The Fun Group celebrates its 20th season, its charitable support continues to impact children and junior golf. The Fun Group is a shining example of how community, compassion and the love of golf can come together to create lasting change.

Click here to get involved with the Foundation and help us continue our mission of changing lives through the game of golf.

Click here to make a donation.

Tyler Collet, PGA Makes Cut at Puerto Rico Open

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 12:17:55 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - South Florida PGA Member and PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club, Tyler Collet, made the cut at the 2024 Puerto Rico Open after carding a 3-under second round to put him at 4-under total.

“It means I can do this,” said Collet. “It just gives more confidence.”

Collet, the reigning back-to-back South Florida PGA Rolex Player of the Year, is the first Section Member to make a cut in a PGA TOUR event since Alan Morin, PGA, at the 2008 Honda Classic.

With tough conditions in round one, play was suspended due to inclement weather on Collet’s sixth hole at Grand Reserve Country Club. After nearly a two-hour delay, play was resumed, but Collet only managed to get through 13 holes and was forced to finish his opening round at 7:20 Friday morning. With an already early starting time in round two scheduled for Friday, Collet combined for 23 holes played on Friday.

The 28-year-old, West Virginia native was on the second leg of consecutive PGA TOUR starts, narrowly missing the cut last week at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches.

On Saturday, Collet climbed up the leaderboard as high as tied for 39th place thanks to a 4-under day and an 8-under total to finish round three. Collet finished his week with a four-over 76 on Sunday and finished in a tie for 68th place.

Also competing in the Puerto Rico Open was Domenico Geminiani, Assistant Professional at Old Corkscrew Golf Club who earned a spot in the field after winning the 2023 Michelob Ultra Golf Tour. Geminiani finished the week at even par.

Tyler Collet, PGA Returns to PGA National for Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:47:46 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - The 2024 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches will mark the fifth career PGA TOUR start for Tyler Collet, PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida.

Elected to PGA of America Membership in 2018, the Eastern Kentucky Professional Golf Management graduate has since solidified himself as one of the best players in the South Florida PGA Section, already winning two South Florida PGA Professional Championships and is currently the back-to-back SFPGA Player of the Year.

At 28 years of age, Collet, originally from West Virginia, made his first career TOUR start at the 2021 Puerto Rico Open, followed by the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island. Since then, Collet has made at least one TOUR start a year, including the 2023 Honda Classic.

While Collet continues to showcase his talent on the course, he still serves as a full-time Assistant Professional for a facility that boasts three championship-level courses. With the support and guidance of Steve Hudson, PGA Director of Golf, the two have effectively managed Collet’s playing aspirations while serving as a valuable member of the Professional staff.

A typical day for Collet consists of arriving at the golf course around 6:00 a.m. to help the outside operations staff before clocking out for the day at 2:00 p.m. Thanks to Hudson's support, Collet then uses the rest of the day to fine-tune his game.

The 2024 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches at PGA National will again be a home event for Collet as several John’s Island members and employees will follow him throughout the week.

While Collet prepares for Thursday, he will have very little time to waste before making his sixth career PGA TOUR start the following week at the Puerto Rico Open, courtesy of his 2023 South Florida PGA Professional Championship victory.

For Collet, this was never necessarily part of the plan when coming out of college as a Class-A PGA Member.

“Until about a year and a half ago, I was solely focused on being a Club Pro, working my way up to being a Head Professional, Director of Golf or Teaching Pro, whatever the avenue was, that was the end goal,” Collet said.

When asked what changed in his game to allow him to become so successful as a player, Collet credited “self-belief.”

That self-belief has turned into incredible experiences, and Collet could not be more thankful for the PGA of America and the South Florida PGA for giving him the opportunity to showcase to the world the abilities of a PGA Member.

“I wouldn't be where I am without the PGA of America, and I'm extremely grateful,” Collet explained. “It's a really, really nice perk of being in the South Florida Section to be able to get into these events.”

As far as Collet’s outlook on his career moving forward, his new end goal is to obtain full status on the TOUR.

“I want to play full-time, that's my goal,” Collet explained. “My goal is to get full status somewhere and kind of run with it.”

Rising Above Adversity: JoAnna Ehret, PGA, Lead of Championship Administration for the PGA of America

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:40:24 GMT

Standing on the tee as a starter for the first time as a Tennessee PGA Section Intern, JoAnna Ehret, PGA, faced a challenging situation.

The event's title sponsors are due on the tee, but they are late. The 23-year-old Ehret, familiar with the rules, welcomes the group and informs them they will be assessed a two-stroke penalty for their tardiness. Unbothered, the group proceeded to tee off and virtually ignored Ehret.

Worried she may have misstepped, Ehret informed her boss of the situation, only to be reassured that she did the right thing. Later at scoring, the group told Ehret's boss that she was wrong and didn’t know what she was talking about.

Ehert's boss responded, "she is absolutely right; she did the right thing, and you have a two-stroke penalty."

At that moment, Ehret, now Lead of Championship Administration for the PGA of America, gained the confidence she needed and the reassurance that she belonged.

"I know what I'm doing, I can do this," Ehret recalled telling herself. "No matter what anybody else thinks, I can do it."

A Minnesota native and a talented junior golfer, Ehret competed on her high school golf team as a middle schooler, assuming the captain's position by the time she was a freshman. Her talents took her to Western Kentucky University on a full academic and athletic scholarship. Her eyes were set on pursuing professional golf until a back injury during her junior year halted her playing career.

Still incredibly passionate about the game, Ehret knew she had to do something in the industry. Her first opportunity came as an intern with the Tennessee PGA, then the Tennessee Golf Association, before eventually earning her first full-time position with the South Florida PGA.

"I had a background in tournament administration but was open to learning everything about the golf industry and all the different paths I could take," she explained.

While at the Section office, Ehret had her hands in nearly every aspect of operations. From tournament operations, growth of the game, and communications, it allowed her to find what she truly enjoyed most.

"I fell in love with tournament operations and the connections you make with the members, and I loved it," Ehret said.

With her passion in mind, Ehret had the opportunity to move to the green grass side of the industry at Trump International Golf Club - West Palm Beach. This move allowed her a unique opportunity to continue building her network while running all member outings and events.

During this time in 2014, Ehret entered the PGA Associate Program, figuring the best way to serve the members was to be one herself.

"I want to know what they do on a daily basis, what kind of knowledge they need so that I could better help them do what they need to do," she said.

While her time at Trump was beneficial and a great learning experience, Ehret quickly realized that amateur events were not necessarily her passion. Ehret noticed a position available at the PGA of America headquarters, and as she read the job description, she thought, "this is literally my dream job."

Ehret was offered the position and started at the PGA of America Headquarters in 2016 as the Member Championships Coordinator before moving to Senior Member Championship Coordinator and eventually Lead of Championship Administration, the position she currently holds.

The feeling Ehret had when she first read the job description is still true after seven years.

"I have loved every minute of it," Ehret said, smiling. "It's exhausting and a lot of work, but when you're working with an amazing team for a shared goal like that, and then to see it all come to fruition in a major championship is pretty awesome."

Exhausting may be an understatement in this case. Ehret runs 14 Championships from November through February, including all PGA Tournament and Winter Series events at PGA Golf Club and all PGA Professional Championships.

That is not all; Ehret plays a critical role in all Major Championships run by the PGA of America, including the Ryder Cup. In 2021, Ehret experienced a full circle moment at the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, as she was responsible for marking the entire golf course and played an integral role in all course setup and preparation.

For some, that may not register as much, but when you are responsible for properly preparing a golf course for the sport's most recognized and viewed event, the pressure is at an all-time high.

"It was exhausting and terrifying but something I will never forget," Ehret said.

As Ehret continues to excel and grow in her career, challenges often arise as a female in a historically prominent male industry and especially as someone running events for males.

When asked what has allowed her to shine through adversity, Ehret's most significant advice is to prove yourself through your actions.

"You just have to have thick skin, and you can't let it bother you," she explained. "You just have to prove and show through your actions, product, and productivity that you are fully capable. You have to go out there and show it to them."

February Foundation Spotlight: Dave Pesacov, PGA Gives Back Through Smiling Fore Life Program

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:02:51 GMT

Every Thursday afternoon, Pesacov leads the program at Quantum House, a healthcare facility where families come to stay while their children undergo treatment for a critical illness or injury.

“The most rewarding part for me is the continuity with the kids,” explained Pesacov. “Most of the kids that I come into contact with have lifelong disabilities that require them to make return visits and spend extended time at the facility. You get to know the families, so it becomes more personal.”

Smiling Fore Life is offered at six locations across south Florida, including Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Quantum House, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, and Valerie’s House.

“I enjoy seeing the kids return years later as healthy teenagers,” said Pesacov. “They often attribute their love for the game to Smiling Fore Life.”

Tim McKenna, PGA - A Career Dedicated to Mariner Sands Country Club

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:36:01 GMT

"We are in the happiness business, and I have kept the members happy for all these years. That's how you stick around."

For over 30 years, Tim McKenna, PGA, has dedicated his career to Mariner Sands Country Club, where he started in outside operations before eventually advancing to Director of Golf, the position he has held for well over a decade.

After graduating from Providence College with a business degree, McKenna decided to pick up the game of golf with his dad. As a former hockey player, the switch was natural.

Born and raised in Rhode Island, McKenna worked in the bag room at his local facility, Wannamoisett Country Club. After that first season, McKenna began looking for winter work in Florida. Several members at Wannamoisett were also members at Mariner Sands and connected him with Chuck Knebels, PGA, the Director of Golf at the time.

After four seasons and keen on the membership at Mariner Sands, Knebels brought McKenna in full-time as an Assistant in 1992. A year later, McKenna finished the associate program to become a Class-A PGA Member and set himself up for a successful future in the industry.

As an Assistant, McKenna focused on lessons where he expanded his customer service knowledge and fostered a relationship with numerous members. After three years, McKenna was promoted Head Professional - a strategic move by Knebels to build McKenna’s resume for future roles.

With five years as Head Professional under his belt, facilities began to contact McKenna with opportunities, several close to his hometown in Rhode Island.

"It's always five years of Head Pro experience, and as soon as that happened, I started getting opportunities," he explained. "So I was actually going to leave."

At the same time, Knebels accepted a new position in Georgia which allowed McKenna to take over the Director of Golf role, making his decision to stay at Mariner Sands an easy one.

Now, McKenna has spent over 17 years as Director of Golf and nearly 35 years at Mariner Sands, witnessing four clubhouse renovations, two renovations on both golf courses, and is currently undergoing a complete clubhouse renovation.

McKenna credits relationships and respect when asked what has been the key driving force to staying for so many years. McKenna is fearless in leading by example.

"I've done virtually every single position there is in the business, and that helps me with relationships with my employees; I can relate to everything they do," he said. "So I don't think twice about hopping in the picker; I am just going to get it done."

The "get it done" attitude trickles down to the rest of the team, as McKenna's management style is simple.

"Keep learning because there is always a better way to do something and treat others how you would want to be treated,” he said.

McKenna is thankful to have several PGA Members mentor his career, with none more important than Knebels. Now, as a veteran in the field, McKenna is playing a key mentor role for Knebel's son, Logan, the current Head Professional and member of McKenna's Professional staff since 2019.

As someone who did not take the traditional route to becoming a PGA Member, McKenna is proud of his success throughout his career and looks to instill those same values of humbleness and respect to the next generation of PGA Members.

Steve Hudson, PGA is Awarded the PGA Professional Development Award

jhobson@pgahq.com (Jackie Hobson) — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 18:53:27 GMT

VERO BEACH, FL - Steve Hudson, PGA Director of Golf at John’s Island Club has been awarded the 2023 South Florida PGA Professional Development Award.

The PGA Professional Development Award recognizes a professional who provides outstanding and continuous contributions in developing and improving education opportunities for the PGA Professional.

“It has been an honor to have a platform to impact so many PGA Professionals,” said Hudson. “My goal each day is to impact as many team members and members at John’s Island Club through the game of golf.”

In his role as Director of Golf at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Hudson employs 20-30 PGA-affiliated Professionals to support the golf operation each year. Hudson works to help each member of his team continue to grow and develop so that when they leave John’s Island, they are in a position to maximize their skills as their career progresses.

This staffing approach has been modeled by other facilities in the Section and nation, creating countless opportunities for the PGA Professional or associate to benefit and enhance their careers.

Under Hudson’s leadership and through prioritizing each person as an individual on their career journey, John’s Island has developed Head Professionals, Directors of Instructions, Lead Assistants and elite PGA of America Playing Professionals.

In addition to his dedication to his facility, Hudson serves as Vice President for the Southeast Chapter and has volunteered at the Chapter and Section level for the last 10 years, inspiring and impacting PGA Professionals throughout south Florida.

Hudson also organizes educational programs for the Professionals in the Indian River Community to help address important, relevant and career-advancing topics in today’s golf business.

Hudson was presented with his award today during a celebration in front of colleagues, members and family at John’s Island Club. Click here for a full list of award winners.

Morgan Jewell, PGA Honored as 2024 PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year - Private

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 22:58:54 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Morgan Jewell, PGA Head Professional at Floridian National Golf Club was named the 2024 PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year - Private Category, yesterday at the 71st PGA Show.

The award recognizes PGA of America Golf Professionals who have excelled in business and merchandising in the promotion of golf.

In all, 13 Award recipients were recognized at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on the PGA of America Industry Stage presented by CapTech.

“Our 2024 PGA of America Award recipients have dedicated their lives to helping countless individuals enjoy this game we all love, and they do it exceptionally well,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. “I have had the opportunity to get to know several of our winners over the years and they truly are a great representation of what our more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals do on a daily basis. To stand out among their peers is an incredible achievement.”

Jewell, the South Florida PGA Section Merchandiser of The Year - Private (2018) and a three-time Association of Golf Merchandisers Platinum Award Winner while in the Massachusetts PGA Section (2010, 2011, 2012), has been with Floridian National Golf Club since 2015.

He also helps manage merchandise at the Houston Open on the PGA Tour, as well as the retail store in Minute Maid Park where he manages all Houston Astros golf products. Throughout his professional career, Jewell has created a four-point merchandising philosophy: Attention to detail, communication, creativity and personal touch.

His main goal is to create an environment and retail experience that customers can only get at Floridian National Golf Club.

Jewell is the 10th South Florida PGA Member to be recognized on the National level with an annual award. The most recent being in 2021 when Tom Wildenhaus, PGA Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club was named the Golf Professional of the Year.

January Foundation Spotlight: How Craig Perna Helped Build a Legacy of Giving Back through Golf

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 20:17:23 GMT

“Okay, let’s get it done then.”

These were Craig Perna’s words when the idea of the South Florida PGA Foundation first floated across the SFPGA boardroom.

Perna, a successful businessman in south Florida, developed many golf communities in the area and knew what it would take to build something from scratch.

“I had the ability within the communities I was developing to get them done and get them done the right way,” Perna recalled.

While developing these communities, including The Country Club at Mirasol and Addison Reserve, Perna first met the late Don Beattie, PGA Director of Golf at Country Club at Mirasol and past Section President. Beattie was instrumental in Perna’s initial involvement with the Section in the mid-90s as an Advisory Board Member.

Beattie prompted Perna’s involvement with the Section due to his industry experience and business savvy, which was no different when the Foundation received its charter in 2004.

“Without Craig’s efforts, I am really not sure that our Foundation would have survived as an entity,” former Executive Director Kevin Marrone said at the time. “He provided the Section with his superior knowledge about the business of golf.”

At first, the concept was simple - give back to the community through the game of golf. For nearly 20 years, this mission has been carried out by enhancing the lives of youth, families and military, on and off the golf course.

“At the time, I was the Project Director for The Country Club at Mirasol and Addison Reserve Country Club and was able to coordinate outings to help generate monetary support, which helped to jumpstart what is now the SFPGA Foundation,” explained Perna.

Since its inception, the Foundation has impacted over 13,500 individuals through the game of golf, with over $740,000 annually spent on programming.

“What started with my relationship with Don [Beattie] grew into something very enjoyable and rewarding on a personal level because the Foundation was a way we could give back to the community through the game I love,” said Perna.

Perna served on the Section’s Advisory Board and the Foundation Board for over a decade and was inducted into the SFPGA Hall of Fame in 2006.

In January of 2023, the SFPGA opened its new headquarters at The Park West Palm, where Perna helped establish the Don E. Beattie Past Presidents’ Room in remembrance of Beattie.

“Don Beattie, to me, was an extraordinary, gentle, highly professional individual, and I didn’t want his name to be forgotten. I wanted a place where Don Beattie’s legacy would be known because he loved his profession and he loved the South Florida PGA.”

The idea of a charitable foundation that Perna helped bring to fruition in the SFPGA boardroom 20 years ago has exceeded all expectations. With the assistance of the SFPGA Foundation’s various fundraising events, donations from the community, and dedicated PGA Professionals, the South Florida PGA intends to endow all Foundation programming to make golf more than just a game for years to come.

Scott Lien, PGA Awarded 2023 SFPGA Merchandiser of the Year (Resort)

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:55:11 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Scott Lien, PGA Director of Golf at The Rookery at Marco has been named the 2023 Merchandiser of the Year for the Resort category.

The Merchandiser of the Year Award bestows special recognition on a South Florida PGA Professional who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of merchandising.

“To be nominated, let alone win the South Florida PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year for Resort facilities is a true honor and I am beyond humbled,” explained Lien. “Being selected by my peers makes this extra special.”

“I am also thankful for the support from our leadership team at the JW Marriott Marco Island and the team at the Rookery and Hammock Bay for giving me the opportunity to think outside the box and provide a unique buying experience for all those that come into our shops,” said Lien. “ This award is just as much theirs as it is mine.”

As the Director of Golf, Lien is responsible for all merchandising and prefers to work directly with vendors to ensure he is fully engaged from start to finish.

In 2022, The Rookery saw a 13 percent increase in sales compared to 2021, earning just shy of $1 million in sales. A major factor to the increase was the addition of “online trunk shows.”

“We work closely with select vendors to either build a microsite or build a Jotform to promote a certain item(s) during a small time frame window (usually 1-2 weeks),” he said. “Typically, we work with lesser known vendors on these to establish and build brand recognition prior to adding them into our shop mix during a future season.”

This is just one example of an idea Lien has implemented to boost sales.

Although Lien is in charge of merchandising, he credits his team for continued success and pushes them to take on more responsibility.

“My team is the most important piece of the retail operation and I focus on having them involved in the buying process from start (viewing product) to finish (closing the sale).

The Merchandiser of the Year (Resort) is one of the South Florida PGA annual awards and Lien was presented with his plaque surrounded by family, colleagues and members at The Rookery at Marco.

Click here to view the rest of the annual award winners.

Ryan Fountain, PGA Named Srixon/Cleveland Assistant Professional of the Year

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:18:39 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Ryan Fountain, PGA Assistant Professional at the Bear’s Club has been named the 2023 South Florida PGA Srixon/Cleveland Assistant Golf Professional of the Year.

The Assistant of the Year award recognizes the individual’s overall performance as an assistant through his/her willingness to accept the responsibility, promotion of the game and his/her promotion of the overall image of the PGA.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to work with like-minded people throughout my career thus far," Fountain said. “We all truly enjoy what we do, but more importantly who we get to do it with. I push them to get better every single day and expect the same from them in return."

Fountain started at the Bear’s Club after college graduation and has spent the last several years developing his skills and gaining the trust of the members and other Professionals and has become an influential leader in the golf operation.

That desire to play a bigger role led Fountain to create a new guest play policy, an important topic for the facility that was eventually approved and implemented by the Board of Governors.

Additionally, as a PGA Member, Fountain finds it crucial to play your part as a Member and none more important than raising money and volunteering for charities.

In 2022, the South Florida PGA Foundation hosted its first annual Play Yellow Birdie Bash in collaboration with Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation. Fountain, partnered with Bear’s Club Head Professional, Eric Veilleux, PGA led the field in donations, raising over $77,000. The duo doubled down in 2023, raising over $90,000.

Lastly, Fountain is passionate about growing the Game. As someone who has special memories of his first instructor, Fountain believes the initial involvement in the game is crucial.

This past season, Bear’s Club Assistant Professionals started junior golf camps during the winter season, a program never offered before and saw great success.

The Assistant of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA annual awards and Fountain was honored in front of colleagues, members, family and friends at The Bear’s Club.

Click here to view the rest of the annual award winners.

Sara Dickson, PGA Awarded South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 16:31:32 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Sara Dickson, PGA Director of Golf at Wilderness Country Club in Naples has been awarded the 2023 South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award.

The Bill Strausbaugh award recognizes the professional whose overall commitment is to promoting the game, the Association and fellow PGA Professionals. This professional is honored for his/her integrity, leadership, professional mentoring and community involvement related to golf activities.

“We are all the result of others who have given selfless time and energy towards our development,” said Dickson. “I am fortunate to have worked for three Bill Strausbaugh Section Award winners Brendan Walsh (2016 – New England Section), Tim O’Neal (2009 – Illinois Section), and Mike Summa (2000 – Metropolitan Section). It is an honor to carry out the lessons I learned from their mentorship and pass those lessons on to others.”

Because of the way her mentors have shaped her career so far, Dickson understands and appreciates the role she now is in as a mentor to young associates in the industry.

In her early days as an assistant, Dickson gave free lessons to two FGCU students whom she went on to mentor over the years. Just 10 years later, one is employed at The Country Club (Brookline) and the other is the Director of Instruction and Center Manager at Naples GolfTec.

“It is special to see how mentoring comes full- circle,” explained Dickson. “It is my goal to pave the way for others so they can also provide mentorship and service to those in this game we all love. The opportunity to make someone's day or career better through golf is invigorating.”

In addition to mentoring, Dickson is an advocate for her staff at Wilderness. In the summer of 2021, Dickson compiled comprehensive compensation reports to present to her Finance Committee which resulted in a 35 percent salary increase for her assistants.

This type of support has helped retain much of Dickson’s staff year-over-year, helping Wilderness seemingly execute its busy event calendar.

Dickson’s success has made her a model in both the south Florida golf community and nationally. The PGA of America and Golf Business Network use Dickson’s resume and video interviews as examples for those aspiring to achieve leadership roles within the industry.

“To me, this is the greatest honor I could receive in the golf industry,” said Dickson. “I am just a regular person who loves the golf business and who has put a lot of time and effort into being a Director of Golf , teacher and a player.”

The Bill Strausbaugh Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA honored Dickson today during a presentation in front of Wilderness staff, members and family and friends. Click here for a full list of award winners.

Andy Scrivner, PGA - Welcome the Challenge (December Member Spotlight)

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 16:04:41 GMT

As a high school student just outside Baltimore, Maryland, Andy Scrivner, PGA Assistant General Manager at Shadow Wood Country Club, decided he wanted to be a PGA Professional.

A late bloomer to the game, Scrivner’s Dad took him to Diamond Ridge, a Baltimore County Course, where he was introduced to the Professional Staff. The staff took an interest in Scrivner and they began playing together regularly, giving him an inside look into the day-to-day life of a PGA Professional.

With his new-found goal in mind and desire to attend a larger school, Scrivner chose Penn State University, an ideal match as one of the few universities that offered the Professional Golf Management Program at the time.

Diving fully in, Scrivner's first internship brought him to Baltimore Country Club, where Tony Pancake, PGA served as the Head Professional and an early mentor for Scrivner.

“There were numerous paths that I learned about during my time at Baltimore, and I was just so fortunate to cross paths with Tony when I was there,” explained Scrivner. “For him to be my first boss and the first established pro that I worked for, I couldn’t have asked for anybody better.”

Outside of this invaluable relationship, Scrivner's eyes were opened to what a position in management could look like, a route that became very appealing to him.

With the experience of a high-end, private facility down, his next internship brought him to Palm Coast Golf Outlet, a resort facility that at the time boasted four courses. Another valuable experience as an opportunity to see a resort-style operation. Additionally, Scrivner took advantage of his time, utilizing the large PGA Professional staff to get ahead of his PGA book work, a move that eventually paid dividends.

From there, Scrivner moved to Aspen Golf Club, one of the most highly-rated municipal golf courses in the country and another unique-style atmosphere that Scrivner experienced.

With timing on his side, Penn State began allowing students to take winter internships, giving Scrivner an opportunity to work for a facility with a winter season, which was ultimately the Ocean Course at The Breakers, an elite, nationally-recognized facility.

Now, because of his due-diligence getting school work done, Scrivner managed to finish his school credits a semester early, which allowed him to get a jumpstart on his professional career. The Breakers established an internship position for him to work in the “Sports Pro Shop,” a position that gave Scrivner a true understanding of what merchandising looks like, something he knew he always wanted to learn.

Before starting, the expectations of Scrivner were set very high.

“If you choose to come down here and work for us, we're going to spend the first three weeks training you in our back-of-the-house areas on everything about the facility,” Scrivner recalled a conversation he had with the hiring manager. “You're going to be expected to know all of the hours of operations for the restaurants, what time the first coffee service is available, the Henry Flagler history, etc.”

Unbothered by the expectations, Scrivner accepted the challenge with his main focus being on the retail side. Additionally, the Todd Anderson Golf School was on property and Scrivner shadowed Anderson, spending time in his administrative office while getting to see exactly how the golf academy ran.

Upon finishing the internship, Scrivner was left with a decision to make, continue in a new, full-time role at The Breakers or take an offer from Aspen Golf Club as a First Assistant.

Each internship and experience was strategic, with a goal of getting exposed to as much as possible. Due to his desire to continue to learn more, Scrivner took his first full-time industry position at Aspen Golf Club.

For the next four years, Scrivner was able to continue expanding his knowledge, assuming more responsibility each year. After four years, Scrivner was ready to tackle a different market, one where the playing season lasted longer.

Through a fellow Penn State alum, Scrivner was connected with Pelican Marsh Golf Club in Naples, a facility with roughly 325 members and one championship golf course.

Intrigued by the facility and with fond memories of his time in south Florida, Scrivner and his wife moved to Naples and he began working as an Assistant Professional before quickly assuming the Head Professional role in 2008.

“I had a chance to put together a golf operations team and recruit assistant professionals, outside staff and teaching professionals,” Scrivner said. “That was really my first chance to show everything that I've learned through all the internships.”

Now thriving, with all the effort he put into PGM paying off, Scrivner felt he made it. However, Pelican Marsh soon brought in a PGA Member as a General Manager which opened Scrivner’s eyes to what else could be possible.

After five great years and with no real desire for a change, Scrivner was offered the Director of Golf position at Shadow Wood Golf and Country Club, a facility with more than 1,300 members and 54-holes of golf.

“Quite honestly, I never envisioned departing my position at Pelican Marsh. I enjoyed everything about it, and I felt like I had achieved the position that I was working for starting back at Baltimore Country Club,” explained Scrivner.

Seeing this as an opportunity to continue to grow, Scrivner accepted the offer to serve as the Director of Golf overseeing an entire golf facility that averaged over 105,000 rounds of golf a year and a team of over 100 employees.

“Moving into a bigger role would provide more resources, a bigger team and allow me to put my fingerprint on more things because we have the resources that aren’t possible at a smaller 18-hole facility,” he said.

Scrivner continued in the Director of Golf role the next nine years, as Scrivner continued to grow and evolve, Shadow Wood did as well, leaving an Assistant General Manager position available that the club offered to him.

“It gave me a chance to, again, use the skills that I had been successful with here, with all of the different department heads and senior managers,” Scrivner said.

In August of 2022, Scrivner began as the Assistant General Manager, a full circle moment that goes back to his first time meeting a PGA Professional as a high schooler in Baltimore.

As a PGA Professional, Scrivner is now able to use all of his prior knowledge to help in other areas of operations. From supporting food and beverage operations to helping the HR department, Scrivner now has the time and ability to look into the finer details that makes an operation so great.

Like every new position, adapting can be challenging, but over his entire career, Scrivner has embraced and welcomed the challenge as an opportunity to better himself and others around him.

“I've always enjoyed the challenges of each day," Scrivner said. “I know that I'm going to be in my office every day and eight to 10 people are going to come in and say, we need to close the door to talk about this. I welcome whatever that conversation and whatever that challenge is going to be.”

South Florida PGA Quarry Pro-Am Raises $29,000 to Support Foundation Programming

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:11:58 GMT

Naples, Fl. - The Quarry Pro-Am benefiting the South Florida PGA Foundation hosted at The Quarry Golf Club raised over $29,000 to support Foundation programs.

The SFPGA Foundation serves as the charitable arm of the SFPGA with a mission to change lives in the south Florida community through the game of golf. Funds raised from this event will directly support youth, families and military.

27 teams, comprised of one PGA Professional and three amateurs, competed in an 18-hole, team two best ball of four, one gross/one net format.

Finishing at 23-under and taking home first place honors by 10 strokes in the last Section event of the season was the team from Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club led by Director of Instruction, Heather Angell, PGA and amateurs Michael Brake, Steve Hall and Richard Jenkins.

The 2023 Quarry Pro-Am was presented by Cadillac and supported by BKS Partners, TRUE Linkswear, and Signature Golf. Without their support, this event would not be possible. Thank you to the Quarry Golf Club General Manager, Bob Radunz, PGA, Head Professional Patrick Doyle, PGA and their entire team for hosting.

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Renee O’Higgins Named 2023 South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 19:55:27 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Renee O’Higgins, PGA Director of Instruction at Quail West Golf and Country Club, has been named the 2023 South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year.

The Teacher of the Year recognizes the professional who provides outstanding service as a golf instructor. The recipient is selected based on his/her efforts in promoting golf, involvement in junior golf activities and teaching techniques.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized as the first female South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year. This award means that my desire to learn, determination and years of dedication to teaching is recognized by my fellow peers, mentors and colleagues in the industry.”

As the Director of Instruction, O’Higgins is tasked with creating, marketing and executing all player development programs for a wide variety of Quail West members. Upon arrival in 2018, Quail West offered nine total clinics. Since then, that number has skyrocketed to 140 clinics annually with a 70 percent utilization rate.

Additionally, O’Higgins is responsible for the growth and success of each golf instructor at the facility. In 2017, the team at Quail West gave roughly 250 lessons. Last year alone, that number rose to 1,250.

“In the five off-season months, I hold regular instruction meetings with the staff to collaborate, share and learn from one another," explained O'Higgins, who takes pride in preparing her instructors for their future roles. “I work with them to be better teachers,

get comfortable on camera and understand the business behind golf instruction.”

The incredible growth of player development programs at Quail West in just the last few years doesn’t happen without the commitment and dedication of O’Higgins.

“I had to establish the expectation that instruction is taken seriously at Quail West through clinics and lessons," explained O’Hggins. “ I have created a private area for lessons on the range, improved the practice facility with a wedge range and a fairway bunker.

“Keep it simple and make it fun” is the approach O’Higgins takes when it comes to teaching which has allowed O’Higgins, her team and Quail West Golf and Country Club great success.

The Teacher of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA annual awards and O’Higgins was honored in front of colleagues, members, family and friends at Quail West Golf and Country Club.

Click here to view the rest of the annual award winners.

Boca Greens Country Club Wins 5th Annual Pro-Lady

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 22:37:30 GMT

Hobe Sound, FL - Boca Greens Country Club, led by Teaching Professional Paul Wilson and amateurs, Tracy Wester, Miriam Evans and Sheila Pascar won the 5th Annual SFPGA Pro-Lady at Hobe Sound Golf Club.

This event marked the second to last event of the Section tournament season and consisted of 23 teams of one PGA Professional and three female amateurs from the same facility. Teams played a best-ball format, taking the best score on par-4 and par-5’s and taking the two best scores on par-3’s.

Wilson and team managed a 4-under 68, the only team to finish under-par, beating out four teams tied for second at 1-over.

Wilson and Justin Hicks, PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club finished in a tie for low-professional honors at 1-under 71

The 2023 SFPGA Pro-Lady was supported by Luxe Golf Concierge. Special thank you to Head Professional, John Pershen, PGA and the entire team at Hobe Sound for hosting.

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South Florida PGA Foundation and Keiser University Will Partner to Serve the Community Through Golf

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:52:59 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - The South Florida PGA Foundation and Keiser University have joined forces in a partnership with the goal of positively impacting the south Florida community through the game of golf and education.

“The South Florida PGA Foundation is thrilled to leverage the support of Keiser University to continue to make a difference through golf in our community,” said SFPGA executive director Geoff Lofstead. “We enthusiastically welcome Keiser University to our family of partners.”

With a membership of nearly 2,000 PGA Professionals, the South Florida PGA’s mission goes far beyond serving its members and growing the game of golf. Through its programming, the SFPGA Foundation has impacted over 13,500 individuals through the game of golf, focusing on youth, military and families. The $740,000 annually spent on programming will be enhanced through the support of Keiser University.

“We all strive to grow the game, membership and peak interest in the industry," said South Florida PGA Hall of Fame inductee Donna White, PGA. “Through the Keiser Flagship-SFPGA partnership, opportunities abound for our golf students and those majoring in other disciplines to get involved in the many section level initiatives.”

The program is led by nine PGA Professionals, including Legacy Master Professional, Eric Wilson, Ph.D., PGA Master Professional in Instruction, Brian Hughes, PGA and PGA Master Professional, David Wixson, PGA to name a few.

“The partnership brings together two organizations whose missions coincide to promote the game of golf and advance the benefits of higher education,” explained Wilson. “We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship going forward.”

Looking ahead to 2024, Keiser will be the presenting partner of the PGA HOPE Classic, the flagship event for the South Florida PGA Foundation that annually raises over $80,000 to support local veterans. The 2024 HOPE Classic will be held on May 16 at Lost Tree Club.

Additionally, Keiser will serve as the presenting partner for the South Florida PGA Junior Tour’s East and West Coast High School Championships which are held each fall, one on both coasts of south Florida.

To learn more about the South Florida PGA Foundation or the South Florida PGA Junior Tour, click here . To learn more about Keiser University, click here.

Humble and Thankful - Kyle Sanders, PGA (November Member Spotlight)

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 19:25:02 GMT

Timing, luck and gratitude are three words that Kyle Sanders, PGA used to describe his route to becoming the Head of Business Development in Florida for StickX Golf.

Originally from Kansas City, Sanders was recruited by Methodist University to play soccer where he originally discovered and decided to pursue the PGM program there.

“I just kind of went for it,” explained Sanders. “I had zero friends when I went there and just went in with an open mind and there was a lot of good that came out of it.”

His open-minded approach led Sanders to four vastly different internships during his time at Methodist with his last and favorite being at Chicago Golf Club, where he was hired as an Assistant Professional after graduation.

“Working at Chicago Golf Club was the best thing that ever happened to me and my career,” said Sanders. “It was a super unique place to start my career and I still reap the benefits.”

Sanders described Chicago Golf Club as a true golf club environment, which he felt at the time was the best fit for him.

After three years in Chicago, Sanders was connected with Hugh Matthis, PGA, another Methodist University grad, at the Fox Club (Now The Cape Club of Palm City) in Palm City.

Similar to his time in Chicago, the club environment at the Fox Club appealed to Sanders and after two years, he was promoted to head professional.

Like many new head professionals, Sanders inherited inventory, including many used golf clubs. While looking to get rid of the clubs at the time, Sanders was connected with Kyle Branham who ran an Ebay store selling sporting goods who took them off his hands.

Fast forward three years later, the original owner of the Fox Club was forced to sell due to health reasons, ultimately bringing in a larger ownership group which pushed Sanders to look for his next move.

Once again, timing was on his side as one door closed, another opened for Sanders.

“He [Brandon McHugh] was just a really good guy and in my mind the best rep in the area and we became friends,” explained Sanders who was connected with Summit Golf Brands and sales rep Brandon McHugh. “He was leaving the south Florida territory to go to the headquarters in New York and was again like a lot of things, it was the timing.”

In 2018, Sanders decided to fully transition as a golf professional at a green grass facility and became a sales accountant for facilities from Jupiter to Jacksonville, selling apparel to the golf shops.

“It was a totally different job description, there was definitely a learning curve to just learn how to be a sales guy and communicate with different professionals,” he said. “What was beneficial is I already had a good relationship with a lot of the pros and understood how the country and golf clubs operated.”

Sanders continued at Summit Golf Brands for the next three years, continuing to enhance his people and sales skills before he was reconnected with Branham who’d taken the used clubs from Fox Club many years prior.

At this time, Branham’s Ebay store had become StickX Golf and the company was growing at a fast pace. Sanders believed he could be a valuable asset as a PGA Member and former head professional with great connections who had now spent three years in sales.

Sanders pitched Branham his idea and explained how he could help elevate StickX to the next level. In 2021, only two years after StickX became a company, Sanders was hired as the Head of Business Development for the Florida region.

As the 2018 South Florida PGA Section Champion, Sanders knew it was important to continue his strong relationship with the members of the South Florida PGA Section, facilitating a partnership with the Section as one of his very first tasks.

When Sanders first joined the team in 2021, StickX worked with 40 clubs in the greater Palm Beach county, over the last two years that number has grown to 120, with Sanders being a key contributor.

Looking back on his career thus far, Sanders reiterated how fortunate and thankful he is for every stop he has made throughout his career and the lessons each role taught him. As someone with a humble approach, Sanders biggest advice is to be open minded.

“Be open minded, talk to everyone, ask questions and be curious about what someone is doing,” he said.

South Florida PGA Foundation Hosts 11th Annual Quail Valley Pro-Am

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 20:44:07 GMT

VERO BEACH, FL - The South Florida PGA Foundation hosted the 11th Annual Quail Valley Pro-Am at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach Florida to raise funds for the SFPGA Foundation.

The 52 participating teams consisted of one PGA Professional and one amateur. While competing in a Stableford format in Gross and Net divisions, the 104 participants raised $10,000 for the SFPGA Foundation.

The money raised will directly support the SFPGA Foundation which strives to impact the lives of many in the south Florida community through the game of golf.

Through its programs - PGA HOPE, Smiling Fore Life, Habitat for Humanity, 10 All In and annual scholarship - the SFPGA Foundation annually impacts 2,500 lives in the south Florida community, focusing on youth, families and military.

Competing in a Stableford better-ball format, Sal Spallone, PGA Director of Instruction at Quail Valley Golf Club and Bill Mallon finished first in the Gross Division while Brant Peaper, Assistant Professional at Lost Tree Club and Chuck Schamming placed first in the Net Division.

Joining Peaper and Spallone with 46 stableford points to finish in a three-way tie for low professional was 2023 Senior Player of the Year in the South Florida Section, Alan Morin, PGA. To see full results, click here .

The Quail Valley Pro-Am is made possible by host facility Quail Valley Golf Club and General Manager, Kevin Given and Director of Golf Don Meadows, PGA.

Matt Oakley, PGA Awarded the 2023 South Florida PGA Deacon Palmer Award

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 15:45:12 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Matt Oakley, PGA Head Professional at Worthington Country Club, is the 2023 Deacon Palmer Award recipient.

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

When Hurricane Ian touched down in southwest Florida last September, Oakley’s home (which he shares with his wife and three dogs) on Fort Myers Beach was flooded and the bottom floor was completely destroyed.

While Oakley worked desperately to save what he could of his flooding house against the hurricane’s 150+ mph winds and storm surge, Oakley also saved the lives of his neighbors, resembling the quintessential PGA Professional - helping others before yourself.

As his neighbors, originally from Wisconsin, were experiencing their first hurricane, they looked to Oakley for help. Oakley coached them through each step as the water levels rose rapidly until they were safely on the roof of their sinking home.

The Oakleys, and their neighbors, survived the hurricane and for the last year have been rebuilding their home for the second time (the first coming after Hurricane Irma in 2017). Regardless of his personal struggles, Oakley didn’t skip a beat at work, returning to Worthington after 13 days once he was able to get off the Island.

“Despite our hardship, I wanted to continue to do my job, to mentor my assistants and interns and to serve my Chapter,” said Oakley.

Oakley, who serves as the President for the Southwest Chapter of the SFPGA, has committed his life to serving others and his reaction to help others while in the throes of the terrors of Hurricane Ian are no different then how he serves each day as a PGA Professional.

“I feel like during the storm, I did what anyone would do,” explained Oakley. “When my neighbor needed help, I helped. When I could, I got back to my job and back to serving my Chapter and my Section. As a PGA Professional, I have dedicated my life to serving others.”

The Deacon Palmer Award is one of the South Florida PGA annual awards and honored Oakley, yesterday during a ceremony in front of colleagues, members, family and friends at Worthington Country Club.

Mike Richards, PGA Presented 2023 South Florida PGA Player Development Award

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 22:49:43 GMT

Michael Richards, PGA Director of Instruction at Mike Richards Golf Academy has been awarded the 2023 South Florida PGA Player Development Award.

The Player Development Award recognizes a PGA Professional who has made extraordinary contributions and achievements in the area of player development.

“Being recognized by my peers for my dedication, hard work and ability to grow the game of golf is truly very special,” said Richards. “Winning this award validates my passion for teaching over the last 36 years and I will continue to enjoy teaching and I am proud to be a PGA Member and a Golf Professional.”

As the founder and leader of Mike Richards Golf Academy, Richards is committed to

growing the game for people of all ages and skill levels. With the goal of getting kids involved early, Richards develops programs for students that fit their current abilities.

A vital part of Richards programming is PGA Junior league, which started as Team Golf, where Richards originally coached 12-15 kids and now has grown the program to 24-30 kids per month.

Additionally, Richards implemented the Get Ready Golf Program, an instructional program for ladies once a week. Over the last three years, the program has grown to 15-18 women who meet three days a week and the success helped catapult Get Ready Golf 201, a program that sees 12 students a week for advanced programming.

Lastly, Richards is committed to the PGA of America and strives to shine a light on all PGA Members. After starting Mike Richards Golf Academy in 2001, Richards has since only hired PGA or LPGA Members in good standing.

The Player Development Award is one of the South Florida PGA annual awards and honored Richards at his facility today. Click here to view all 2023 SFPGA award winners.

Suzy Whaley 'Incredibly Honored' to Join Golf Legends in PGA of America Hall of Fame

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:50:43 GMT

Story Credit: Ryan Adams, PGA (PGA of America)

Suzy Whaley carries a perspective bursting with gratitude.

Her attentive appreciation of those who’ve come before her but also her recognition of the ability to change the future is what makes her such an outstanding PGA of America Golf Professional.

And now, the newest member of the PGA of America Hall of Fame.

Whaley, who was the first woman to serve as PGA President from 2018-20, will be honored on Nov. 8 alongside fellow 2023 inductees Robert Dolan, PGA; Don Wegrzyn, PGA; Herb Wimberly, PGA; LPGA legend Kathy Whitworth and broadcasting icon Jim Nantz in Frisco, Texas. Her family, Connecticut PGA friends and PGA of America friends will all be in attendance to see one of the Association’s brightest stars see such a well-deserved recognition.

“It truly means the world to me,” says Whaley, who serves as the PGA/LPGA President of Golf Nation and is the Director of Instruction at The Country Club at Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. “Renee Powell sent me a note yesterday saying that I’ll be the eighth woman inducted, which is incredible. And to be alongside all the men who are in the Hall of Fame, all the names who’ve paved the way, it’s just hard to imagine. I’m incredibly honored.”

Whaley remembers the moment PGA President John Lindert called her with the news. It was special for her, since Lindert and Whaley served together as PGA Officers and had gotten close. She was floored by the news.

“Candidly, I thought he was calling for something else,” laughs Whaley. “We chatted niceties for a bit and then he says, ‘By the way, I’m calling to let you know you’ve been inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame.’ I said, ‘Really?!’ It was one of the moments where you take it all in, everything that’s happened and can’t believe it. I called my family right away.”

Throughout her career, Whaley has delivered an impressive resume of accomplishments that truly create a Hall of Fame-worthy legacy. Among them:

First woman elected to serve as PGA President in 2018.
Played in the 2003 Greater Hartford Open after winning Connecticut PGA Section Championship, becoming the first woman since Babe Zaharias in 1945 to qualify for a PGA Tour event.
As President, steered the Association through the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, leading to the establishment of the nearly $8 million Golf Emergency Relief Fund for golf industry personnel in need and an unprecedented growth in rounds played, using social distancing protocols established in conjunction with the CDC and Back2Golf.
Led the 2022 U.S. PGA Cup Team to a 15.5-10.5 victory as first woman captain
Led the 2019 U.S. Women's PGA Cup Team to an inaugural victory
Dual PGA/LPGA Professional and PGA Master Professional
Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee
Connecticut Golf Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
LPGA Tour member in 1990 and ‘93.
Three-time Connecticut Women’s Open Champion
Three-time Connecticut PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year
Golf Digest Top 50 Instructor and GOLF Top 100 Teacher in America

The list could keep going, but you get the point of how decorated Whaley is at this point in her career. She’ll be inducted alongside another legendary woman in golf, Kathy Whitworth, the LPGA legend who will be honored posthumously for her iconic career. It’ll be the first time two woman will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same class.

“That’ll be a new moment for the room,” Whaley laughs. “Kathy Whitworth is an idol — I had posters of her in my room growing up as someone I looked up to every day. How could you not with 88 worldwide wins? And to be in the same Hall of Fame as Babe Didrikson Zaharias? It’s just surreal.

And as always, just as Whaley appreciates those who’ve come before her, she knows what it’ll mean to the young women in the room wondering if it’s possible for them to get to the mountaintop like she has.

“Having the women alongside who’ve been inducted, I hope the next generation sees this as something that’s possible for them,” Whaley says. “To think about it, to know it’s a real thing that can be accomplished for anyone.

“It’s super inspiring.”

Collet, Collins, Morin Honored as 2023 Rolex Players of the Year

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:43:23 GMT

Tyler Collet, PGA, Taylor Collins, PGA and Alan Morin, PGA named the 2023 Rolex Section, Women’s and Senior Player of the Year, respectively.

Determined by a season-long points race, the South Florida PGA Section honors a Section, Women’s and Senior Player of the Year.

Since joining the South Florida PGA Section in 2018, Collet has consistently been one of the best players in the Section. The Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club now adds back-to-back Rolex Player of the Year titles to his growing resume. Collet’s 1,397 points is over 300 points better than second place finisher, Jeremy Wells, PGA of Cypress Lake Golf Club.

Throughout the 2023 season that paid out Collet more than $23,000, his top finishes include; South Florida PGA Professional Championship (1st), Bushnell Stroke Play Championship (1st), South Florida PGA Assistant Championship (1st), Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship (1st), E-Z-GO South Florida Open (2nd) and Fort Lauderdale Open (T8).

After securing a start at the Puerto Rico Open, courtesy of his South Florida PGA Professional Championship win, the Player of the Year honor also gives Collet a bid into the Classic of the Palm Beaches.

In the women’s race, Collins won her first South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship to secure her second Women’s Player of the Year honor in the last three years.

A PGA Teaching Professional at Coral Ridge Country Club, Collins became a Class-A Member in the South Florida Section in 2018. Since then her accolades include; 2021 South Florida PGA Professional Championship win (first female in Section history), 2021 Women's PGA Professional Player of the Year, 2021 South Florida PGA Women’s Player of the Year, 2021 Challenge Cup Member (First Female selected to the team in Section history), 2023 Women’s Section Champion and now 2023 South Florida PGA Women’s Player of the Year.

Morin, already one of the most decorated players ever in the South Florida PGA Section, adds another Senior Player of the Year honor, his third in the last four seasons. Throughout Morin’s career in the South Florida Section, he has accumulated 11 Section Player of the Year honors and now three Senior Player of the Year honors.

During the 2023 season alone, Morin managed a win at the Fort Lauderdale Open, a T2 finish at the South Florida Senior Open, a T4 finish at the E-Z-GO South Florida Open, a T2 finish at the SFPGA Senior PGA Professional Championship, a T4 finish at the Bushnell Stroke Play Championship and a T5 finish at the SFPGA Professional Championship to qualify for the National PGA Professional Championship.

The Player of the Year is presented by Rolex and is a season-long points race designed to honor the best overall Section, Female and Senior player.

Final Standings

South Florida PGA Claims Third Consecutive Senior Challenge Cup

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 19:41:41 GMT

Palm City, FL - The South Florida PGA successfully defeated the North Florida PGA in the 18th Annual Senior Challenge Cup Matches at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club.

The South Florida PGA, captained by Roger Kennedy Sr., PGA Life Member, earned 27 points to North Florida’s seven points. The ryder cup style matches were played over two, 18-hole rounds, consisting of four nine-hole matches.

South Florida jumped out to an early lead, notching 10.5 points to North Florida’s three points over the first two rounds. South Florida continued to coast in the third round, claiming all six points. Finally, South Florida earned seven points in the 12 singles matches to bring the tally to 27.

This year marked the 18th time the Senior Challenge Cup Matches were contested, with South Florida winning 14 times. South Florida PGA Captain, Roger Kennedy Sr. and North Florida PGA Captain Alex Romanoff, PGA originally started the Senior Challenge Cup and have captained each Section every year.

With the win, South Florida now leads the series 14-3-1.

Each team was made up of 12 PGA Professionals who earned an invitation based on ROLEX Senior Player of the Year Points Standings. The following PGA Professionals made up the team:

Mark Brown, Tim Cantwell, Mike San Filippo, Jared Isaacs, Joe Kern, David Ladd, Mike Melton, Mark Mielke, Alan Morin, Jerry Tucker, Mike Valicenti and Steve Vecellio.

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Golf Around the World - Alex Iguchi, PGA (October Member Spotlight)

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:07:17 GMT

“It’s the year 2000, this is Tiger Woods, you have to be in America,” exclaimed Alex Iguchi, PGA Director of Coaching at PGA Golf Club. “That is where golf is happening. I'm going to go all in.”

Over his 20+ year career, Iguchi has worked all across the world in vastly different environments - all unique and all helping him to where he is now.

Named the 2023 SFPGA Southeast Chapter Teacher of the Year, Iguchi feels recognized for the work he does and the journey that led him there.

"It is the only nomination I have ever had and as a teacher, something I've always wanted," he explained. "I was going to treat it like winning an academy award."

___________________________________________________

G rowing up in Holland, Iguchi periodically went to the local driving range with his Dad who worked as a freelance photographer for the Japanese Golf Digest.

Through his Dad's work, Iguchi experienced different TOUR-level events, eventually meeting an Australian PGA Professional, who introduced him to the PGA Holland Program at Van Swinderen College.

Upon encouragement from this Professional and the head of the program, who ironically ran the driving range Iguchi grew up going to, Iguchi decided to enroll in the two-year program.

In what Iguchi described as an apprenticeship, the program was rigorous - two days spent in the classroom, four days at a club, one day off and no compensation. Iguchi was also required to study biomechanics, which proved to help his career tremendously after graduating in 1997.

“I was getting to the age where I needed to decide what I wanted to do,” reflected Iguchi. “I like traveling, I like golf and I like business. I thought with golf, I might be able to do all three.”

___________________________________________________

W ith his three passions in mind, Iguchi took a leap of faith and accepted a job as an Assistant Professional at a facility in Georgia, bringing him, for the first time, to America.

Despite graduating from the Holland program, Iguchi was not considered a PGA Member and enrolled in the associate program because the facility agreed to increase his pay by 20 cents if he completed the program.

Iguchi described this experience as a big culture shock and tough to adapt to “America’s Corporate Golf.”

After a short stint in Georgia, Iguchi was transferred to Ko Olina Resort & Marina in Hawaii in 2001, a part of the country that Iguchi felt he would be more comfortable in and a chance to learn from some of the best, working under former PGA of America President Jim Richerson.

However, the tragedies of 9/11 brought many uncertainties to the Island, prompting Iguchi to make a change.

“I came to America to be where Tiger Woods was,” explained Iguchi. “I wanted to experience where pro golf was. I looked up the number one course in the country and Pebble Beach popped up so I reached out.”

The desire to work for the best led Iguchi to an Assistant Professional role at The Links at Spanish Bay. For the next three years, Iguchi continued to grow working at an extremely high level and fast paced facility.

“The experience was tough, I have never been so busy in my life, but I thought Pebble Beach was the place where I grew up. It was where I went from a boy to a man.”

Iguchi’s maturity and rise was recognized by Rob Oosterhuis, the son of Peter Oosterhuis, who offered him a job at the Four Seasons in Costa Rica.

With the eight-year window closing to finish the PGA program, Iguchi forwent his membership to focus on his new role as Head Professional and later as Director of Golf of the Four Seasons, Costa Rica.

In that role, Iguchi began to feel insecure and doubted his own abilities as the position was not aligning with his three main passions. A change was inevitable.

___________________________________________________

W ith $75,000 in savings, Iguchi went all in on his dream of playing professional golf. He worked with instructors Mike Adams and Jim McLean and competed in events all around the world. While his game was improving, he didn’t have the scores to show for it.

Iguchi allowed his past insecurities and doubt to creep in and eventually sought out a high level sports psychologist.

“He didn’t turn my game around but changed my perspective of the game and that was the beginning of the change in my career.

__________________________________ _________________

I n 2010 and now 33, Iguchi spoke at the European Golf Course Owners Association Conference.

After giving his speech, job offers began coming his way and he ultimately accepted a position in Ukraine, bringing him back to golf management.

While in Ukraine, Iguchi's main role was to teach the locals the American way of golf management. While there, Iguchi met his future wife.

Now married and with his first child at home, Iguchi and his wife decided Ukraine may not be the best place to start a family.

Iguchi stumbled upon a position in Japan at Camp Zama Golf Club. While unfamiliar with the location himself, Iguchi’s wife had visited the Military Base where the course was frequently while growing up.

For the next four years, Iguchi served as Assistant Manager at Camp Zama Golf Club and finished his PGA Membership, becoming a Class-A Member.

Now with his full membership and the cost to raise a family in Japan on the rise, Iguchi spent the next six months back in Ukraine searching for what would be next.

While searching, a job at Golf Galaxy in Pembroke Pines continued to pop up. With little desire to work in retail golf, Iguchi felt as if he was running out of options.

“I can’t make it any wors e than it already is," he said. “My resume has already gotten bad.”

___________________________________________________

O nce again, Iguchi took a leap of faith and moved to Florida to work as an instructor at Golf Galaxy.

Iguchi bought in fully to his new role and over his first 12 months, his store was named the No. 1 Golf Galaxy in the country, gave 1,200 30-minute lessons, became the first instructor to use Trackman and Iguchi was promoted to oversee the entire Florida District.

Biomechanics was a skill Iguchi was required to learn as a youngster in the Holland PGA Program and now as an Instructor, who also happens to speak seven languages, his people skills have improved because he is able to translate the information given to him by the trackman into a way anyone can understand.

For two years, Iguchi thrived at Golf Galaxy, adjusting his approach to become the most positive and best version of himself.

_______________________________________ ____________

N ow fully comfortable in his environment and with himself, Iguchi applied for the Director of Coaching position at PGA Golf Club.

Despite his most recent experience at a box office golf retail store, Iguchi was offered his dream position.

Once there, Iguchi dove head first and immersed himself in all PGA Programming - PGA HOPE, PGA Junior League, PGA Family Golf, all while giving lessons and serving in a mentor role for all the assistants under him.

While everything is now going great for Iguchi and his family settled in America, the Ukraine war has wreaked havoc on family and friends back home, including Iguchi’s mother-in-law whom he helped rescue and bring to America.

Additionally, Ignuchi received a phone call from his former first assistant in Ukraine who called to thank Iguchi for giving him a life in golf, sharing his appreciation in case he didn’t survive his deployment in the war.

“You made such a big difference in my life,” he said. “I’m headed to the front line of the war and not sure I will survive.”

Thankfully his friend survived the one-year service and he saw the great work Iguchi was doing with PGA HOPE in America and wanted to start something similar in Ukraine. With the help of Iguchi, a similar PGA HOPE program was developed in Ukraine for kids who may have lost family members in the war.

Now a year and a half in, Iguchi has found his footing at PGA Golf Club and his perspective on life and the PGA of America has never been better.

“Once I figured out that is not what the PGA can do for you, but what you can do for the PGA, tha t is when my career really changed.”

Ladd and Morin Secure 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship Berth

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:43:54 GMT

Port St. Lucie, FL - David Ladd, PGA and Alan Morin, PGA qualified for the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship after finishing in the Top-35 in the Senior PGA Professional Championship, played at PGA Golf Club October 26-29.

The Senior PGA Professional Championship is a 72-hole event consisting of the best Senior PGA Professionals across the country vying for a chance to play in the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

Ladd, the PGA General Manager at the Champions Club at Summerfield, opened the tournament with a 3-under 69 to put himself well inside the Top-35 following round one. After playing the next 36-holes at 5-over his hopes for competing in a Major championship were in jeopardy. Thanks to an even-par final round, Ladd managed to finish in a tie for 13th at 1-over, securing his first Senior PGA Championship start.

Similar to Ladd, Morin opened his week with a 1-under round one before playing the next 36 at 4-over, sitting outside the Top-35 going into the final day. The Assistant Professional at the Club at Ibis managed a 1-under final round, moving him into a tie for 20th, earning his 4th consecutive Senior PGA Championship berth.

Ladd and Morin will join the 33 other PGA Professionals who qualified for the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship by way of the Senior PGA Professional Championship.

The 84th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will be held at Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor, MI, May 23-26.

Results

Park Ridge Golf Course and The Club at Ibis Win the 2023 Club Car Pro-Official

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 19:06:00 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl - The Club Car Pro-Official was contested yesterday at BallenIsles Country Club with Chuck Schmiedel, PGA and teammate, Sean Steinemann winning the net division and Alan Morin, PGA and David Buckner winning the gross division.

Additionally, Morin, a PGA Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis, took home low professional honors with his 7-under 65, beating out Colin Amaral, PGA by three shots. Morin managed a clean scorecard despite heavy winds and light rain throughout the day.

Schmidel, the General Manager of Park Ridge Golf Course and his teammate, Steinemann fired a 9-under 63. Their round was highlighted by a 7-under 29 on the back-nine that included an eagle on the par-5 17th hole.

Morin and his partner, Buckner were only one shot back, carding a bogey-free 64 that included an eagle on the par-5 third hole to win the gross division.

After being canceled in April due to inclement weather, the event was played yesterday and consisted of 48 teams with one PGA Professional and an Official from the same facility, competing in an 18-hole best-ball format.

In addition to the 18-hole tournament, supporting partner, TopTracer provided a special par-3 contest on the driving range, utilizing the impressive TopTracer technology to allow players to play a simulated par-3, taking the combined distance to the pin of both the Pro and Official to determine a champion.

BallenIsles Country Club served as the host facility, spoiling each contestant with a buffet style brunch as well as cocktails and a full buffet for dinner following play.

Club Car served as the Title Partner, TopTracer as the Presenting Partner and Supporting Partners; DLL Financial Partner, Prize Possessions, Turtleson, Ball Hawker, CTS3 Consulting Technology Solutions, ExecuSearch, Balls 4 Change, LivPur and Earth Networks.

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South Florida PGA Pro-Am at Floridian National Golf Club Raises $22,000 for the SFPGA Foundation

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:45:42 GMT

PALM CITY, FL - The South Florida PGA Pro-Am at Floridian National Golf Club raised over $22,000 today for the South Florida PGA Foundation.

The money raised will directly support the SFPGA Foundation which strives to impact the lives of many in the south Florida community through the game of golf.

Through its programs - PGA HOPE, Smiling Fore Life, Habitat for Humanity, 10 All In and annual scholarship - the SFPGA Foundation annually impacts 2,500 lives in the south Florida community.

This year's event consisted of 16 four-person teams of a PGA Professional or Associate alongside three amateurs, competing in a team, best-ball format, taking two balls on each hole.

Bob Mallek, PGA Director of Instruction at The Club at Emerald Hills partnered with amateurs Shawn O’Toole, Jon Hinden and Jonas Wasserstrom to shoot 125. The foursome beat Travis Johnson, PGA Assistant Professional at Pine Tree Golf Club and Kyle Roig, PGA Assistant Professional at Parkland Country Club whose team’s came in at 131, six strokes back.

The SFPGA Pro-Am is one of several fundraising events administered each year by the SFPGA

The SFPGA Pro-Am was presented by TBC Corporation and supported by Heritage Creations and TRUE Linkswear. To learn more about the SFPGA Foundation, click here .

South Florida PGA Earns Third Consecutive Challenge Cup Victory

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 18:04:56 GMT

Ocala, FL - For the third consecutive year, the South Florida PGA has successfully defended the Cup, beating the North Florida PGA to win the 43rd annual Challenge Cup at Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club.

Team South Florida, captained by David Ladd, PGA of Champions Club of Summerville, earned 16.5 points to North Florida's 7.5 points in the annual Ryder Cup style matches played over today and yesterday.

“Our guys have so much talent and I knew how badly they wanted to win,” said Ladd. “To be around all the guys from both Sections was a ton of fun, definitely a lot of laughs and a great experience.”

The first matches started with a Four-Ball format where South Florida jumped out to an early 5-1 lead. Returning partners, Jeremy Wells, PGA and Justin Hicks, PGA picked up exactly where they left off last year, earning South Florida their first point.

Foursome matches followed as South Florida added four more points to bring their total to a 9-3 lead. Wells and Hicks kept their undefeated streak going while partners Matt Cahill, PGA and Tim Cantwell, PGA as well as partners Evan Bowser, PGA and Justin Bertsch, PGA added their second points of the day.

Going into the final day of single matches, South Florida needed just 4.5 points to retain the Cup. After a tie from Cahill and wins from Cantwell and Hicks, Joe Kern, PGA clinched the winning point in a 5 & 3 match win.

Christian De Greiff, PGA, Tyler Collet, PGA, Alan Morin, PGA and Justin Bertsch, PGA added four more points with their wins to bring the total points tally to 16.5.

With the win, South Florida earns the Challenge Cup for the 27th time while North Florida remains at 14 victories.

Each team was made up of 12 PGA Professionals who earned an invitation based on ROLEX Player of the Year Points Standings. David Ladd, PGA captained South Florida’s winning efforts, with the following PGA Professionals:

Tyler Collet, PGA, Justin Bertsch, Evan Bowser, PGA, Matt Cahill, PGA, Christian De Greiff, PGA, Joe Kern, PGA, Brett Melton, PGA, Alan Morin, PGA, Justin Hicks, PGA, Tim Cantwell, PGA, Richard Terga, PGA, and Jeremy Wells, PGA,

Jim Kurtzeborn, PGA Elected to South Florida PGA Hall of Fame

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 17:32:41 GMT

NAPLES, FL - Jim Kurtzeborn, PGA General Manager of Cedar Hammock Golf and Country Club has been inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame, making up the Class of 2023.

The South Florida PGA Hall of Fame has long stood for those who have been recognized for

extraordinary leadership and commitment to the game of golf and service to the South Florida PGA and South Florida PGA Foundation.

“It is an honor and very rewarding to be chosen for induction into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame,” said Kurtzeborn. “I was fortunate to work with so many talented PGA Professionals, who guided me in the advancement of the PGA and the South Florida section.

Since becoming a PGA Member in 1986, Kurtzebron has been an ambassador for the game of golf in south Florida. As a mentor to over 100 PGA Members and Associates, Kurtzeborn has bettered the game of golf through leadership, watching mentees go on to assume Director of Golf positions and serving on Chapter and Section Boards.

As an advocate for lifelong learning, Kurtzeborn has remained committed to excellence as a player, administrator and ambassador of the game, receiving the SFPGA Golf Professional of the Year honor in 1999. In addition, Kurtzeborn gave 16 years of service to the Chapter and Section Boards, including his term as Section President from 2005-07.

During his time on the Section board, Kurtzeborn was a part of the inception of the South Florida PGA Foundation, worked to grow the South Florida PGA GolfPass program and the new junior golf program.

“The establishment of a successful Charitable Foundation to help those who need it most, creating great Junior Golf opportunities, and improvements in PGA education and programs, are accomplishments that I will always cherish,” explained Kurtzeborn.

Kurtzeborn’s efforts assisted in the establishment of the SFPGA Foundation which now impacts 2,416 individuals annually through the game of golf; the SFPGA Junior Tour which brings competitive playing opportunities to over 1,000 members each year; and a GolfPass program that this year, surpassed 14,000 sales for the first time in its 29-year history.

The South Florida PGA Hall of Fame inducts new members each year and honored Kurtzeborn today in front of the entire Southwest Chapter of the South Florida PGA, where Kurtzeborn has been a member for almost his entire career. Click here for a full list of South Florida PGA Hall of Fame members.

Mark Brown, PGA and Jose Diaz Edge Out Win at Senior/Super Senior Pro-Scratch

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 18:51:44 GMT

Mark Brown, PGA and amateur, Jose Diaz won the Senior/Super Senior Pro-Scratch Championship at The Preserve at Ironhorse with an 8-under 64.

Brown, a Teaching Professional at The Yacht Country Club and his partner, Diaz managed a clean scorecard despite the high winds throughout the entire round, carding four birdies on each nine.

The victory marks Brown's second team win of the year as he joined the South Florida PGA Section at the end of 2022. His first win came with Mark Mielke, PGA of HIgh Ridge Country Club at the Senior Series Pro-Pro. Brown's best individual finish came at the South Florida Senior Open where he finished in a tie for second.

Brown and Diaz narrowly edged out PGA Life Member, Steve McDonald and amateur, Scott Snyder by one shot.

Finishing in a tie for third was Robin Boretti, PGA of Ibis Golf and Country Club, partnered with Paul Steinhardt and Scott Deitrich, PGA of BallenIsles Country Club, partnered with Steve Anderson.

The championship consisted of 28 two person teams of a Senior SFPGA Member and a scratch senior amateur playing in a four-ball stroke play format.

The 2023 Senior / Super Senior Pro-Scratch was presented by Global Golf Sales. Special thank you to Preserve at Ironhorse, General Manager, Tim Turpen, PGA, Maddox Morneau, PGA Assistant Professional and their entire team for hosting.

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Jon Davis, PGA Named South Florida PGA Salesperson of the Year

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:03:48 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Jon Davis, PGA sales representative for XXIO, has been named the 2023 South Florida PGA Salesperson of the Year.

The Salesperson of the Year recognizes an individual for their overall performance as a sales representative serving the South Florida PGA Section. This is the highest honor paid to a sales representative.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, believes his philosophy for success is simple: Do what you say you are going to do. As a PGA Professional, Davis holds himself to a high standard and carries that out each day through the service he provides his customers.

“To me, service is more important than sales,” explained Davis. “Sales is presenting a product and asking for an order. Service is getting to know your customers, their teams and their needs.”

After working for several facilities in the Section, Davis moved over to Honma Golf in 2017 before starting with XXIO in 2021. Having worked as a PGA Club Professional, Davis understands what his customer needs.

Davis’ philosophy has helped him establish long standing relationships within the industry while still chasing new ones to help XXIO grow its products within the south Florida community.

“I absolutely love the hunt for any new business,” said davis. “It feeds my competitive nature and makes the job fun.”

The Salesperson of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Davis and the other 2023 award winners will be honored at their individual ceremonies in front of colleagues, family and friends. Click here for the full list of award winners.

South Florida PGA Foundation Kicks Off PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign in Support of Veterans and Active Duty Personnel

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:43:33 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL (Oct. 11, 2023) – The South Florida PGA Foundation has officially launched the PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign benefiting PGA HOPE ( Helping Our Patriots Everywhere ) programs across south Florida.

In its seventh year, the PGA National Day of HOPE spans for over a month, running today through Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11) and culminating on November 30. This annual campaign celebrates our nation’s heroes who protect our freedom, while raising awareness and support for PGA HOPE.

PGA HOPE is designed to introduce Veterans and Active Duty Military to the game of golf as an avenue to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The free program aspires to create a physically and emotionally healthier Veteran community through a six-week curriculum led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.

Ernest “ET” Tornabell IV, retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, touches on what the SFPGA HOPE program brought to his life since graduating in May:

“Participating in the PGA HOPE program has been an immensely rewarding experience, evoking a profound sense of camaraderie and fellowship,” explained Tornabell. “The PGA HOPE program provides a platform where Veterans can come together, heal, and build lasting connections that can blossom into friendships.”

Since 2015, the South Florida PGA Foundation has administered over 90 PGA HOPE programs, impacting over 1,360 lives, which includes over 900 hours of instruction by local PGA Professionals.

“The PGA HOPE program goes far beyond the golf course; it's a lifeline for our Veterans, offering healing, camaraderie, and renewed purpose,” says Executive Director of the South Florida PGA, Geoff Lofstead. “This program truly embodies the core mission of our Foundation as through the game of golf, we can serve, change, and in some cases save the lives of our nation’s heroes.”

All funds raised through the PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign will directly support the 20+ programs annually conducted in south Florida, as well as ongoing opportunities to keep individuals engaged and reaping the benefits the great game has to offer.

To learn more about the South Florida PGA Foundation and how you can support the 2023 PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign, please click here .

ABOUT PGA HOPE

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6- to 8-week curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA PGA FOUNDATION

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida Community, with a focus on military, junior golf, and education. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of 1,900 men and women PGA Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.

Jordan Mathers Wins 2023 Global Golf Sales Cup

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:02:05 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Jordan Mathers, PGA made seven birdies to win the 2023 Global Golf Sales Cup, today at Breakers West Rees Jones Course.

The 18-hole event was played in a stableford competition based on assigned player quotes calculated by 2023 tournament performance. The leaderboard was determined by a point system based on the following structure; Bogey = 1 point / Par = 2 points / Birdie = 4 points / Eagle = 6 points.

Mathers, PGA Head Professional at Stonebridge Country Club earned the most points with 47 total, edging out Mark Mielke, PGA of High Ridge Country Club and Will Coleman, PGA of Palm Beach Country Club.

Mathers’ round included seven birdies which equalled 28 points, eight pars totalling 16 points and three bogeys for three points.

The 2023 Global Golf Sales Cup was presented by Global Golf Sales and hosted at Breakers West Rees Jones Course.

Special thank you to Global Golf Sales representative, Steve Sponder and Breakers West Host Professional, Tim Collins, PGA.

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Cypress Lake Golf Club Claims 2023 Pro-Superintendent Presented by E-Z-GO

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 22:47:35 GMT

Jupiter, FL - Jon Pazdera, PGA Director of Golf at Cypress Lake Golf Club and Superintendent, Bryce Koch win the E-Z-GO Pro-Superintendent Championship at Turtle Creek Club with a 12-under 60 total.

The 18-hole event consisted of 45 teams of a PGA Member and Superintendent from the same facility competing in a scramble format.

Pazdera and Koch, who started on hole #17, played their first 11 holes at 5-under before going on a seven hole birdie streak to win the overall gross division. Pazdera/Koch beat out Victor Tortorici , PGA and Scott Macphee of Sailfish Point Golf Club and Clay Myers, PGA and Frank O’Rourke of The Park West Palm.

In the net division, Myers, PGA Head Professional at The Park West Palm and Director of Agronomy, O’Rourke, scored a 59.2, edging out Pazdera and Koch by .8 points.

Myers/O’Rourke managed two eagles on the front nine, highlighted by Myers hitting his tee shot over the par-4 fourth green and following it up with a chip-in eagle.

The 2023 Pro-Superintendent was presented by E-Z-GO Golf Cars and supported by Advanced Arborist.

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Pam Elders, PGA Honored with South Florida PGA Patriot Award

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 18:27:59 GMT

West Palm Beach, Fl – Pam Elders, PGA Director of Instruction at Boca West Country Club, is the fifth recipient of the South Florida PGA Patriot Award.

The Patriot Award recognizes a PGA member who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to all who have served the United States. One of PGA of America’s national awards, the SFPGA began recognizing the Patriot Award on the section level in 2019.

“It is an honor to win the Patriot award, I’ve learned to never underestimate the power that the game of golf has,” Elders said. “I have watched over the last six years just how important having golf in a Veteran’s life can be.”

Elders plays a pivotal role in the South Florida PGA HOPE program, leading numerous programs since becoming a certified instructor six years ago. Her commitment to the game and her role in impacting the lives of our nation's heroes has come full circle from where she started.

“My father served in the Navy before I was born and was later transferred to Homestead Air Force Base during the Bay of Pigs Operation. It was there that I learned to play because the base had its own golf course,” Elders said.

Because of the opportunity given to her as a child, Elders now views her commitment to PGA HOPE as a way to give back.

Over the last six years, Elders has administered HOPE programs at Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club and Osprey Point Golf Course, with a goal of bringing more females into the program.

This past year, Elders was a key figure in the Women’s PGA HOPE program at Broken Sound Club, the first program that featured all female participants and instructors.

In addition, Elders has attended three PGA HOPE training seminars and multiple classes, in an effort to be the best instructor she can be.

“Golf has given them the ability to make friends, to have a purpose and the opportunity to start something new,” Elders said. “For some, it has been life changing but for me this has been so fulfilling.”

The Patriot Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Elders and the other 2023 award winners will be honored at their individual facilities in front of members, family and friends. Click here for the full list of award winners.

JJ Sehlke, PGA: Manager, Member and Owner - September Member Spotlight

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:53:46 GMT

In 1954, Robert Trent Jones was asked by a group of developers in Coral Ridge to build a golf course. Upon agreeing that Jones could own and operate the facility, Coral Ridge Country Club was developed.

For the next several decades Jones and his wife ran the club with the help of their two sons, Robert Trent Jr. and Rees Jones. In 2000, the legendary architect passed away, leaving the ownership of Coral Ridge to his children.

In 2004, a partnership group reached out to the Jones brothers about potentially buying Coral Ridge from the family. This group included now Managing Partner and General Manager, JJ Sehlke, PGA.

For Sehlke, this was not his first time involved in the purchase of a club/development.

The son of a PGA Life Member, Jerome Sehlke, Sehlke was entrenched in golf from an early age, first working in the shoe room in the early 80’s at Grande Oaks Golf Club, formerly known as Rolling Hills Country Club.

Sehlke went onto study finance and play golf at the University of Miami, before finishing his degree at Nova Southeastern University. During this time, Sehlke took classes at night while working in the bag room and as an assistant professional at Grand Oaks under Tom Pomante, PGA.

While working in golf as a way to pay for school, Sehlke had zero interest in making a career in golf. “I was interning with different financial groups, I was going to do anything but golf,” he said.

Upon graduating, Sehlke was offered a deal by the ownership group of Grande Oaks that he simply couldn’t deny, ultimately establishing his career in golf.

“In 1992, I would have been 24 and the owners of Grande Oaks said, will you be our Director of Golf and we will pay you 1,000 bucks a week?”

Sehlke, remembered thinking to himself, said, “I'm rich, this is amazing!”

Sehlke remained in that role until 1996 when he decided to go back to school to earn his masters in finance. Having maintained a strong relationship with the ownership group of Grande Oaks, Sehlke was offered the General Manager position, overseeing the entire golf and hotel operations.

After two years, Sehlke, as he describes it, was “sold” to Boca Resorts, Inc., another ownership group that focuses on high end luxury communities. With several projects lined up in the Hilton Head Island area, the company wanted to bring Selkhe on as a minority partner to oversee golf and staffing.

Selkhe would stay involved with the group until 2004 when a longtime family friend and Coral Ridge Country Club member, Phil Smith, owner of Phil Smith Automotive Group, called with an offer.

He said, “if I buy a country club, will you come down and be my partner, manage it and oversee it for me?”

Reluctant to say yes due to the fact Selkhe and his wife just had their third child and were happy with their life in Hilton Head, Smith made an offer Sehlke could not deny.

In 2004, Sehlke, Smith, former Florida Senator, Jim Scott and other local businessmen purchased Coral Ridge Country Club from Rees and Robert Trent Jones Jr.

At the time, Coral Ridge featured one 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones and the American Golfers Club - a public, daily fee, executive course with a driving range.

In 2005, hurricane Katrina made a significant impact on the property, ultimately closing down the American Golfers Club. As a result, Sehlke was dealt a 10-year rezoning project which resulted in building 45 homesites, a city park and brand new par-3 course, named the Rees Jones Nine. All in an effort to improve the community environment of Coral Ridge Country Club and the surrounding communities.

Fast forward to 2020, Coral Ridge was looking to redesign the golf course and reached out to Rees Jones to do a complete ground-up restoration on his dad’s original project, ultimately reopening the course in December 2020.

While consistently moving locations and jobs early in his career, Sehlke could not be more proud of the obstacles he has overcome and legacy he is now a part of at Coral Ridge Country Club.

During the early stages of his career, Sehlke considered regaining his amateur status and forgoing his PGA Membership but recalled a very important conversation with John Reed, a mentor of Sehlke, that changed the outlook on his career.

He said, "you have two options right now, do you want to work at a club or do you want to belong to a club?" “Because you have to decide what you want to do.”

Now, Sehlke is pleased to say he works at a club, belongs to a club and owns a club.

Tyler Collet Wins South Florida PGA Professional Championship, Taylor Collins Wins Women's Section Championship

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:33:09 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

PALM BEACH GARDENS (Sept. 21, 2023) – Tyler Collet, PGA doubled over when he learned Thursday he had won the South Florida PGA Professional Championship by the smallest of margin.

It was that kind of a day over at BallenIsles Country Club’s vaunted East Course. “What a battle it was today,” said Collet, a PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach.

And what has become a theme in the South Florida PGA the last two years, Collet won this battle. He shot 1-under 71 – one of only nine rounds under par – to win the South Florida PGA Professional Championship by a stroke over defending champion Tim Cantwell, PGA of PGA National and Joe Kern, PGA of Hawk’s Nest Golf Club.

The victory clinched Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive year for the 28-year-old Collet. The POY gets him into next year’s PGA Tour event at PGA National (formerly the Honda Classic) and Thursday’s win also gets him exempt into the PGA Tour event in Puerto Rico.

“It feels so good, I can’t even describe it,” Collet said. “After last year’s Honda, the way it ended missing the cut, I really wanted to get back there. Puerto Rico was a bonus.”

The drama was all on the very difficult par-4 18 ^th hole on the East Course, site of the PGA Championship, the World Cup and PGA Tour’s final Q-school in 1971. Collet and Cantwell, playing together in the penultimate group, were tied for the lead at 5-under going to the closing hole.

Cantwell’s approach from 207 yards hooked and bounced into bushes left of the green, where he had to take an unplayable penalty. He nudged his fourth shot toward the green, chipped to the fringe and made the unlikely 30-footer for double bogey.

But Cantwell’s chances were over when Collet just missed his 30-footer par try, tapping in for bogey to finish at 4-under.

“We found the ball, which was great, but if I tried to hit a shot from there, I would have been at the mercy of where the ball rolled,” Cantwell said. “It would have been great to defend this title, but I had my chances. I four-putted the 14 ^th hole, though it was nice to hit my drive on 15 to one-foot and make the eagle.”

Kern could have also been tied for the lead heading to No. 18, but he three-putted the par-5 17 ^th from the fringe. After Collet’s bogey, Kern needed a par at 18 to force a playoff.

His approach, a 3-wood from 232 yards, missed the green left. Kern’s chip came up 20 feet short and he missed the par putt. Tournament over.

“I just hit the chip fat,” Kern said. “I’m disappointed. I work on a thing called wholeness – keeping yourself calm – and I broke my wholeness today. But it was a good week.”

The top 13 finishers earned spots in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship. Joining Collet, Cantwell and Kern were Darin de Lelys (72-214), PGA of Fiddlesticks Country Club, Alan Morin (72-215), PGA of The Club at Ibis; Brett Melton, (74-215) PGA of Dye Preserve; Paul Scaletta, (73-216) PGA of the Bear’s Club; Jared Isaacs, (71-217) PGA of Adios Golf Club, Evan Bowser, (73-217) PGA of LaPlaya Golf Club; Kenneth Leech, (75-217), PGA of Don Law Academy; Zach Haynes (71-218), PGA, of Ocean Reef Club; Justin Hicks (74-218), PGA, of Stonebridge Country Club; and and Christian De Greiff, ( 72-219), PGA of Coral Ridge Country Club.

Matt Cahill and Jeremy Wells already were exempt for the 2024 PPC.

Taylor Collins, PGA, of Coral Ridge Country Club won the 36-hole South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship at 1-over 145, five ahead of Alex Jacobsen, PGA, of the Everglades Club. Two years ago, Collins became the first women to win the South Florida PGA Professional Championship at BallenIsles. She finished 30 ^th after a final-round 78.

“I had never won a Women’s Section Championship, so I was hoping to do that this year,” Collins said. “I love coming to BallenIsles because it feels like you’re coming to a championship. They treat you so well and the course is in great shape. I didn’t get a qualifying spot for the National Championship, but at least I get to leave with the Women’s Section Championship.”

The South Florida PGA Professional Championship is presented by Club Car, Corebridge Financial and Rolex and is run by the South Florida PGA. Supporting partners are Gallagher Insurance, Golf Channel, PGA TOUR, Titleist, FootJoy, Callaway Golf, Nike, TaylorMade and Whistling Straits-Kohler.

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Lee Stroever of Emerald Dunes Club Headlines the South Florida PGA 2023 Award Recipients

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:06:49 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Lee Stroever, PGA Director of Golf at Emerald Dunes Club has been awarded the 2023 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor a South Florida PGA Golf Professional can receive. Stroever leads the 2023 SFPGA Awards Class, which recognizes 12 Professionals.

The Golf Professional of the Year award recognizes a PGA Professional for overall performance, level of service to the Association, leadership, image and ability to inspire fellow professionals and promote the game of golf.

Elected to membership in 2011, Stroever has been the Director of Golf at Emerald Dunes since 2017, with stops at Kiawah Island Club, North Palm Beach Country Club and McArthur Golf Club prior.

“It is overwhelming and almost unbelievable,” Stroever said. “For me, I was lucky to start with really great mentors, guys like Fred Harkness, Bill Davis, Kevin Murphy are my key mentors I have worked for and with. I always looked up to them and saw them win these awards, so it is very gratifying.”

A proud member of the PGA, Stroever lives out what it means to be a PGA Professional each day at his facility, elevating the standard for all professionals. In his role, Stroever has implemented strategies, including his Golf Operations Training Manual, New Employee Orientation and Golf University, to help cultivate a culture of lifelong learning at Emerald Dunes.

In helping grow his employees and the golf operations at Emerald Dunes, Stroever remains passionate about playing the game and pushing those he works alongside to do the same. As a golf Professional, Stroever believes playing ability sets someone apart from other positions at a facility and helps to form trust with a membership.

“I almost mandate my young professionals (at Emerald Dunes) to get involved with the Section, volunteer at events, play in tournaments, " Stroever explained. That brand awareness of getting to know other professionals, it is amazing how those come to bear fruit.”

In addition to his role at Emerald Dunes, Stroever has made a considerable impact on the South Florida PGA Foundation, spending four years as the Junior Golf Chairperson before recently assuming the role of Foundation Vice President. Under his leadership, the SFPGA Junior Golf program grew membership by 70 percent, expanded programming and created a culture of giving back through volunteering amongst PGA Professionals in the Section.

In addition to this award, Stroever received the PGA Professional Development Award in 2020 for his impact on fellow PGA Professionals. Whether it's the work at Emerald Dunes, mentoring young professionals, junior golf or his commitment to the SFPGA Foundation, Stroever’s goal is to leave golf better than he found it.

Lastly, Stroever expressed his gratitude to his team at Emerald Dunes, going as far as saying this award is not only for him but a team award and validation of the great things accomplished on a daily basis.

The Golf Professional of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Throughout the year, the South Florida PGA will honor the recipients at their individual facilities.

Tyler Collet Wins Bushnell Stroke Play Championship

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 19:18:35 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

VERO BEACH (Sept. 8, 2023) – Tyler Collet of Vero Beach continued his dominant play in the South Florida PGA on Friday when he won the Bushnell Stroke Play Championship at Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club.

Collet, a PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, showed why he’s the reigning South Florida PGA Player of the Year by collecting his third title of the season. He opened with a course-record 8-under 64 Thursday and never trailed.

But the win didn’t come easy – Collet saw his four-shot lead at the start of the day turn into a tie with one of his playing partners, Christian De Greiff, PGA, of Coral Ridge Country Club, after De Greiff played his first 16 holes in seven-under.

Collet parred the Harbor Course’s difficult par-3 17 ^th , which earned him the lead for good when De Greiff bogeyed the hole after missing the green. Collet won at 11-under 131 after his final-round 67. Collet didn’t make a bogey in 36 holes.

“I didn’t play great today, but I didn’t play that badly,” Collet said. “I thought I was in good shape, but Christian came out of nowhere on the back nine. Once we were tied, I wanted to finish with two pars and see if that would be enough.”

It turned out to be. De Grieff hit into a bunker on the 17 ^th hole and failed to get up and down. Collet also missed the green, but chipped within a foot. Collet clinched the win with a routine par at the 18 ^th .

“It was definitely a good battle. I enjoyed putting some pressure on Tyler,” said De Grieff, a PGA Teaching Professional. “I just kind of ran out of steam at the end. I had the pleasure of playing with Tyler the last two days and he just doesn’t make many mistakes. He’s very consistent and a great putter.”

Collet seems poised to win his second consecutive Player of the Year Award, but is hoping he won’t earn a third one next year. That’s because last week he made it through the first stage of qualifying for the DP World Tour, finishing T14 with a final-round 2-under to barely advance.

“That’s always been my dream, to play professionally,” said Collet, who recently turned 28. “I feel I have the game to do it and a lot of people at JI (John’s Island) have been supporting me and telling me to go for it.”

Justin Hicks, PGA, of Stonebridge Country Club finished third, three shots back, after a final-round 66 on the Harbor Course. Hicks played in more than 100 PGA Tour events and led after the first round of the 2008 U.S. Open – the one where Tiger Woods won on a broken leg – before becoming a PGA Teaching Professional.

Alan Morin, PGA, of The Club at Ibis and Troy Pare, PGA, of host Grand Harbor shot 6-under 66s Friday on the Harbor Course to share fourth place at six-under 136 with Dakun Chang, PGA, (67) of Seminole Golf Club and Jeremy Wells, PGA, (68) of Cypress Lake Golf Club.

The Bushnell Stroke Play Championship is run by the South Florida PGA. Supporting partners are DR Golf, Melin, Stitch and Theragun. For scores, go to Bushnell Stroke Play Championship - Championship Division Leaderboard | South Florida PGA (bluegolf.com) .

Bo Preston, PGA and Team Win the South Florida PGA HOPE Cup

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 17:31:30 GMT

BOCA RATON, FL – Bo Preston, PGA and his team of PGA HOPE Graduates fired a seven-under 29 to win the Second Annual South Florida PGA HOPE Cup this morning at St. Andrew’s Country Club.

Preston, PGA General Manger at The Links at Boynton Beach, and his team of PGA HOPE graduates – Patrick Miller, Christine Olivarez, Richard George and Theolene Johnson - were determined winners after a scorecard playoff with Lynn Bernstein, PGA and company.

The Cup, which began last year, brings together 20 PGA Professionals and 80 past PGA HOPE participants for a fun day of golf. Playing together, in a nine-hole, five-person scramble, each team has one thing in common: PGA HOPE Graduate.

PGA HOPE affords veterans throughout the south Florida community an opportunity to learn the game of golf at zero cost to them. Learning and playing the game of golf is a proven activity which has helped thousands of veterans assimilate into their community through the social interaction the game of golf provides.

Each program is six-weeks, where PGA Professionals provide free golf lessons to HOPE participants, leading to their graduation at the end of the program.

As of this year, the South Florida PGA HOPE program has impacted 1,090 veterans through 72 programs. The participants in this year’s PGA HOPE Cup have all graduated from a program and each participating PGA Professional is a certified PGA HOPE instructor.

The winning team was awarded PGA HOPE and South Florida PGA Foundation co-branded Callaway golf bags.

PGA HOPE is just one of many programs the South Florida PGA Foundation offers to use golf as a vehicle to make a positive impact on the community. Click here to learn more about the SFPGA Foundation.

The special day and round of golf would not have been possible without the support of SFPGA President and Director of Golf at St. Andrews Country Club Paul Clivio, PGA and his entire team for hosting our nation’s heroes.

August Member Spotlight: The Value of Mentoring - Jeff Fitzherbert, PGA

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:42:06 GMT

“I can remember sitting in the caddie yard just watching what the assistant professionals and head professional did and saying wow, I wouldn’t mind doing that one day.”

As a youngster in the North Shore region of Massachusetts, Jeff Fitzherbert, PGA wanted to start making money and decided to go to his local municipal course to become a caddie.

At 12-years-old, thanks to his new caddie gig, Fitzherbert, who grew up playing hockey, was now hooked on the game of golf.

During his time as a caddie, Fitzherbert observed the PGA Member staff closely, thinking to himself, if professional sports don’t work out, this could be a really good career as he recalled the staff playing an instrumental role in his early stages.

Due to injuries, Fitzherbert soon realized hockey wouldn’t work out and he switched his full focus to golf around the age of 16, setting the goal to play college golf.

Fitzherbert’s college golf aspirations led him to Miami Dade College, where he played for two years. As many college golfers do, Fitzherbert decided to leave school and begin the grind of chasing professional golf.

During this time, Fitzherbert began working in outside operations at Boca Woods Country Club, his first industry job and the ultimate springboard for the rest of his career.

Similar to his time as a caddie, Fitzherbert’s observant nature led staff to take an interest in him as a young employee. After six months in his outside role, the head professional at the time began exposing Fitzherbert to what an assistant professional role looked like, a role Fitzherbert then held for the next couple years.

Fully immersed in the golf industry, Fitzherbert recalled the moment his career took off, when Dave Salerno, PGA was hired as the head professional at Boca Woods. Salerno instantly fell into a mentorship role for Fitzherbert, becoming a key component in his development.

No longer chasing the dream of becoming a professional golfer and with the encouragement of Salerno, Fitzherbert set his goal to become a PGA Professional and began the program in 1992.

At the time, business school was required for all PGA Associates and Fitzherbert needed to go.

“I said to my boss (Salerno) I can't go, it's the middle of February.” Salerno responded, “you're going, I'll watch the shop, you're going to business school.”

From there, Fitzherbert got through the week-long business school in Atlanta and was off and running.

In December 1993, Salerno took the director of golf position at BallenIsles Country Club, while Fitzherbert stayed at Boca Woods. Just two months later, Fitzherbert received a call from Salerno letting him know there was a spot for him and by March of 1994, Fitzherbert started at BallenIsles.

Three years later, Fitzherbert gained his class-A PGA Membership, giving him the confidence to make the next stride in his career, which came in 2002 when Fitzherbert was moved into the head professional role at BallenIsles. Fitzberbert remained in that role for the next 10 years, maintaining his already humble attitude and the passion for learning.

“The first thing I learned and probably the most valuable thing I've learned over time is listening to those who are smarter than me, watching those that are better than me and just learning from them,” said Fitzherbert.

That humble attitude and commitment to BallenIsles eventually led Fitzherbert to obtain the director of golf position in 2013, the position he currently holds today.

Fitzherbert heavily credits his mentor, Salerno and several other PGA Members for taking interest in him and developing him into the professional he is today. As the director of golf, mentoring the next generation is extremely important to Fitzherbert.

“Between head professional Chris Hayes, PGA and myself, we are their mentors," he explained. “I enjoy being out there with the teams, I enjoy mentoring them, I enjoy pumping them up and getting them ready for their next job. I love the development side of things.”

To say Fitzherbert has “paid his dues” would be an understatement as someone who has made his way from an associate assistant professional to a PGA director of golf, all at the same facility. During Fitzherbert’s nearly 30 years at BallenIsles he has been a part of three clubhouse renovations, six total golf course renovations, the recent east course and teaching center renovations and an initiation fee that has grown nearly seven-times in cost.

Starting off as a 12-year-old caddy just trying to make a couple bucks, to overseeing a facility to the magnitude of BallenIsles, Fitzherbert is a prime example of how a humble attitude and the willingness to learn from others can take you as far as you want, and he still holds that same attitude today.

“My philosophy is that it is the team that is in front of you, those people on the front lines are the ones that make the difference day in and day out.”

Sean Foley, Jon Tattersal Headlined South Florida PGA Teaching Symposium

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 23:37:14 GMT

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – The South Florida PGA Teaching Symposium took place the last two days at the Country Club at Mirasol and was headlined by speakers Sean Foley and Jon Tattersall.

Joining Foley and Tattersall to educate the 100 PGA members in attendance were Will Robins, PGA, Jeremy Wells, PGA, Renee O’Higgins, PGA, Jess Dickson, PGA, Chase Garris, PGA and Teaching and Coaching Committee Chair Jason Baile, PGA.

The group led sessions over the two days that covered golf swing coaching and technique, technology, fitness, short game, programming and how to overall, be a better PGA coach to clients, students and members.

Tattersall, an early adopter of technology, co-founding Fusion ATL and a coach of multiple touring professionals, opened the first day with a two-hour presentation covering technology in coaching and techniques to building a better golf swing with students. Foley, current host of Golf Channel’s, “Playing Lessons,” and successful PGA/LPGA TOUR coach followed with stories on his career, lessons learned and the components that build a great athlete, player and person.

Day two began with stations hosted by rising stars in the south Florida teaching scene, featuring Section professionals: Jeremy Wells, PGA Director of Instruction at Cypress Lake Golf Club; Renee O’Higgins, PGA Director of Instruction at Quail West Country Club, Jess Dickson, PGA Teaching Professional at Palmira Golf Club and Chase Garris, PGA Teaching Professional at Jupiter Hills Club.

Will Robins, PGA, owner of WRGolf Coaching based in Sacramento County, CA and the CEO of Robins Golf Logistix (RGX), closed out the program with a presentation on the PGA Modern Coach and the fundamentals of group coaching.

The Teaching Symposium was supported by Foresight Sports, JumboMax Grips, Liv Pur Nutrition and Clippd who each presented over the two days.

Jerry Tucker (74) Becomes Oldest South Florida PGA Senior Professional Championship Winner

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 20:23:18 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to the South Florida PGA

NORTH PALM BEACH (Aug. 23, 2023) – At 74, Jerry Tucker refuses to act his age.

The Stuart resident became the oldest player to win the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship on Tuesday at Lost Tree Club. Tucker fired a 5-under 67 to charge from five shots back to win by one over four players. He birdied five of his last seven holes to finish at 6-under 138.

“I’m almost shocked,” Tucker said. “Qualifying for my first U.S. Open was my biggest highlight, but this ranks in the top five because it was unexpected. I didn’t know if it was possible, between my game and the nerves.”

Tucker also became the first player to win the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship five times – the first coming in 2000 and the last coming in 2007. The other wins were in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

The win qualifies Tucker for the 35 ^th Senior PGA Professional Championship Oct. 24-29 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. If he finishes in the top 35 there, he’d qualify for next year’s Senior PGA Championship.

“I’ve played in 19 majors and I’d really like to get to 20,” Tucker said. “That was my big goal this year. It’s getting harder every year, especially because this is without a doubt the best Section for seniors in the country.”

Tucker got some unexpected help Tuesday to win. Defending champion Alan Morin, a PGA Assistant Professional at the Club at Ibis, appeared to be cruising to another title until he played his back nine at 3-over, finishing in the group one shot behind.

“I really didn’t play that bad,” Morin said. “At 17, I hit a shot right at the pin and couldn’t believe it was over the green into a bunker (for a bogey).

“It’s incredible what Jerry did today. It just shows you the depth that this Section has. Jerry has proven himself for many years. To be able to hang with these guys at that age is pretty impressive.

First-round leader David Ladd of the Champions Club had the misfortune of receiving a two-shot penalty when he inadvertently hit the slope button on his rangefinder while measuring his approach to the par-4 sixth hole. A bogey on the hole became a triple-bogey, and even with three birdies on the back nine, Ladd (73) came up one shot short, tied with Morin, Tim Cantwell of PGA National (70) and Michael Valicenti (67) of PXG.

“I’m frustrated, but that’s what makes golf the greatest game in the world because you monitor yourself,” Ladd said. “It’s a game of integrity.”

And an ageless game, as well. Asked for the secret for his longevity, Tucker gave three reasons: 1) Desire; 2) Emphasis on short game; 3) Ability to hit different shots.

Joining Tucker, Morin, Ladd, Cantwell and Valicenti at the Senior PGA Professional Championship with good showings Tuesday were Eric Veilleux (69-142) of the Bear’s Club, Mike Melton (73-142) of Fairwinds Golf Course, Rod Curl Jr. (75-142) of Crane Watch at Evergreen and Steve Vecellio (73-143) of Frenchman’s Reserve, who won a playoff with a birdie for the final spot.

The South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship is run by the South Florida PGA. Presenting Partners are JaniKing and Cadillac and Golf Channel is a Supporting Partner.

For scores, go to SFPGA Senior PGA Professional Champ - Senior Section Champion Leaderboard | South Florida PGA (bluegolf.com) .

Mark Brown and Mark Mielke Win Senior Series Pro-Pro

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 18:42:52 GMT

North Palm Beach, FL - Mark Brown, PGA and Mark Mielke fired a 10-under 61 to win the South Florida PGA Senior Series Pro-Pro at North Palm Beach Country Club.

Mielke, a Teaching Professional at High Ridge Country Club and Brown, a Teaching Professional at The Yacht & Country Club managed a clean scorecard, including eight birdies and an eagle on the par-5 third hole to win the championship by two shots.

Since becoming a member of the South Florida PGA Section in October of 2022, Brown has made his case as one of the best Senior Players in the Section, competing at and winning low-pro honors at the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. His teammate, Mielke was also a participant in the Major Championship.

Finishing in a tie for second was host professionals, Allan Bowman, PGA and Chris Dachisen, PGA who matched Lance McAllister, PGA and Dave Alpeter, PGA of Wellington National Golf Club at 8-under.

Rounding out the top-5 at 7-under were the teams of Steven Vecellio, PGA / John Pershern, PGA, John Lee, PGA / Daniel Heaslip, PGA and defending champions, Jerry Tucker, PGA and Joe Kern, PGA.

Mielke, the reigning Section Senior Player of the year currently sits in second in the points standings, only 10 points behind Alan Morin, PGA while Brown sits in third, seven points back of Mielke with less than two weeks to go before the South Florida PGA Senior Section Championship.

The event hosted 33 teams of two Senior PGA Professionals competing in a four-ball format over 18 holes at North Palm Beach Country Club.

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Justin Hicks, PGA and Robbie Wight Claim the 2023 Pro-Scratch Championship

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 23:18:28 GMT

BOYNTON BEACH, FL - Justin Hicks, PGA and amateur Robbie Wight shoot 15-under (64-65–129) to win the South Florida PGA Pro-Scratch Championship, presented by Cleveland/Srixon/ASICS and Foresight Sports.

The 36-hole event was contested at Pine Tree Golf Club and Broken Sound - Old Course and hosted 112 teams, each made up of a PGA Professional and a scratch amateur, competing in a best-ball format.

Michael Berger, PGA with teammate amateur Joseph Latowski and Mike Melton, PGA with partner amateur Raines Holmes set the pace after round one, shooting 9-under to earn a one stroke lead over Hicks and Wight.

After already posting an 8-under par round at Broken Sound the first day, going into the final round at Pine Tree, Hicks, a former member of the golf club and Wight, a current member, felt comfortable playing on familiar turf.

“With our history here, knowing that we got off to a good start yesterday and knowing that we were going to come here and play a course we are both familiar with, we knew this was right here for us," Hicks explained.

The duo opened the final round with three consecutive pars before catching their stride, making birdie on the next three holes and closing out at the front nine at 4-under. Keeping that momentum going into the back, and ultimately finishing the final round at 7-under.

“We tagged teamed it pretty well,” Wight said. “We did not overlap on many birdies, so almost all of our birdies counted.”

The relationship between Hicks and Wight goes back over 10 years when they first met at Bear Lakes Country Club and have since played many rounds together, even to the point of Hicks bringing Wight on the bag for a U.S. Open qualifier.

After a T23 finish in last year’s Pro-Scratch, Hicks and Wight wanted to redeem that effort. When this year's event was announced, Hicks reached out to Wight to be partners again. Before the start of the first round Hicks asked Wight about how his game was feeling and Wight replied by saying, “I haven't touched a club in two weeks.” Unsure of how this would play out, Wight proceeded to birdie the first three holes and from there Hicks knew he was ready to play.

“To team up in a prominent event with the South Florida PGA it is pretty cool to come out on top,” said Wight. “We are lucky to have these two courses for an event, these are exceptional courses and to have these two for an event is special,” Hicks said.

The 2023 Pro-Scratch Championship was presented by Cleveland / Srixon / ASICS and Foresight and supported by Doc Murphy, The Golf Clinic, LensCrafters and Signature Golf.

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Sink or Swim - The Journey of Bill Scott, PGA (July Member Spotlight)

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 18:40:00 GMT

For over 30 years, Bill Scott, PGA has dedicated his career to teaching and sharing his passion for the game of golf with younger generations.

At age nine, Scott was invited by his older brother to the golf course for the first time. His brother was a new member of Mount Vernon Country Club in Alexandria, Virginia where the Scott family grew up. It was a junior summer camp at the Club that initially sparked Scott’s interest in the game and from there, he was hooked.

Fast forward to Scott’s freshman year of high school where football was his main passion, while enjoying golf on the side. In a talk with the golf coach, who also happened to be the former football coach, Scott was hit with some harsh reality.

“Bill, you have about a one-in-a-million chance of playing professional football, " his coach said. “You already play golf, you can maybe make a career out of this, there are lots of different avenues.”

Moving forward, Scott was fully committed to golf and by the time he graduated high school, he had a decision to make - go to college or begin a career in golf. After a semester in college, Scott decided school was not for him.

Thanks to his childhood spent at Mount Vernon Country Club, Scott was hired and enrolled in the PGA Apprenticeship Program in 1992. For ten years, Scott would work at Mount Vernon Country Club, starting in the bag room, working his way to first assistant and obtaining his Class-A PGA Membership. During that time, Scott worked heavily in junior golf and ran the same junior golf camp where his love for the game was first established.

After ten years, Scott wanted to pursue a professional playing career. He and his wife quit their jobs and moved to south Florida in 1998. Again, Scott was hit by the harsh reality of trying to play golf for a career and the grueling path of making it in professional golf.

Scott knew a change was inevitable and made, what he called, a “cold stop” at Banyan Golf Club to see about potential opportunities. Two months later, David Eby, PGA Director of Golf at Banyan Golf Club, called Scott to let him know about a position opening that he should interview for. Scott was hired as an Assistant Professional in September of 1998.

Not long after he started at Banyan Golf Club, Scott was introduced to Don Law through Law's daughter who worked as a shop assistant at Banyan. The Don Law Golf Academy was just starting and Law asked Scott if he wanted to come teach. Scott turned down the opportunity and remained at Banyan.

Several years later, Bobby Brown, PGA, a well-respected professional and the South Florida PGA Southeast Chapter Junior Chairman at the time, decided to take a job in Connecticut. Scott wanted to get more involved at the Section level, particularly in Junior Golf and he reached back out to Law, who was the Section Junior Chairman at the time. Scott was able to meet with Law and Rick Heard, PGA, the Southeast Chapter President to learn more about junior programming at the Section and Chapter levels. During the meeting, Scott felt as if it turned more into an interview, and was once again offered by Law to teach at the Academy.

More intrigued by the opportunity and ready for a change, Scott consulted with his wife.

“We already quit our jobs once to move to Florida with no jobs, I'll just quit my job again with a baby on the way and start a new career teaching,” Scott laughed as he recalled the conversation with his wife. “It really was just sink or swim.”

In 2003, Scott quit his job and moved into a full-time teaching role at Don Law Golf Academy, a position unlike his salaried position at Banyan. Scott’s income solely came from teaching.

“It was certainly stressful," Scott expressed. “But it was something I always talked about wanting to do. Jim McLean, David Leadbetter, those were the guys I studied and as a kid, those were the guys I wanted to be one day.”

With seven full years of “swimming” at Don Law Golf Academy, Scott was offered the opportunity to take over the Academy as the Director of Instruction in 2010 - the position he currently holds today.

While it may seem as if Scott’s route to becoming the Director of Instruction at one of the most well-known and respected Junior Academies in south Florida was seamless, Scott did not have the background of teaching at that level and became obsessed with learning to be the best.

During his early days at Don Law Academy, video lessons and swing technology was just becoming a popular asset for teaching and Scott made sure to take advantage, allowing him to set himself apart from other teachers.

“I always wanted to stay ahead, I wanted to be first,” said Scott. “Obviously we are all on the same team at the Academy, but in my mind I wanted to be that leader.”

As a junior, Scott recalls several PGA Members that showed interest in him and supported him when he started the game and now sees himself in the juniors he works with today.

“I just want to give back because of all those guys that supported me,” he said. “They made me who I am today.”

The Don Law Golf Academy has several students that come to train at the Academy from all across the world. One student in particular, Chonpatchsorn Mahathep or “Punchy” as most people call her, has been coming to the Academy seasonally for a couple of years now. She always wanted to be able to live and go to high school in the United States but it would take a family to take her in full-time to have that opportunity. Once Scott caught wind, he spoke with his family because it would ultimately mean a four year commitment. The entire family was on board immediately and now two years later, Punchy is a full-time member of the Scott family.

Punchy is a member of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour and competes at the highest level on the Medalist Tour. In late June, The 39th Nicklaus Junior Championship, one of eight junior majors played throughout the season took place.

The week before the event, Punchy came to Scott and said, “Coach Bill, I never win, I only have gotten second.” Noticing that she was questioning herself, Scott responded, “It will happen, you just have to be patient and keep doing what you are doing.”

With full support from Scott, his wife and son Corbin, also an SFPGA Junior Tour member, Punchy claimed her first win at the 39th Nicklaus Junior Championship by two shots.

After the win Scott said to her, "I guess you can’t say you haven't won one before and you won a pretty big one too. The entire family was so happy for her.”

After all the support Scott has given to Junior Golf, Scott remains determined to continue to impact the younger generations.

“I encourage every PGA Professional to show support for junior golf because you can have an impact on not only golf but life in general,” Scott said. “They are the future of our game, you just never know how you can impact someone.”

Justin Bertsch, PGA and Daniel Heaslip, PGA Capture Yamaha Junior-Senior

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 19:42:37 GMT

Atlantis, FL - Justin Bertsch, PGA and Daniel Heaslip, PGA made birdie on the third playoff hole to win the Yamaha Junior-Senior over David Ladd, PGA and Paul Scaletta, PGA at Lost City Golf Club.

At the conclusion of play Bertsch/Heaslip and Ladd/Scaletta were tied at 10-under. The two teams would play a modified alternate shot, sudden death playoff. After both teams made two consecutive pars, Bertsch stuck his approach shot inside eight feet, to take the advantage on the third hole After a two-putt par from Ladd/Scaletta, Heaslip, PGA Director of Golf at Windstar on Naples Bay managed to drop the birdie putt, capturing the win for Bertsch/Heaslip.

“I think our partnership goes back to close to 15 years," said Bertsch, PGA Head Professional at Club Pelican Bay. “We have gotten really close several times, so it is nice to get over the hump finally and get into the winners circle.”

Bertsch/Heaslip managed a clean scoreboard that included eight birdies and an eagle on the par-5, fifth hole that was made possible by a Bertsch 3-wood that was hit to tap in range, as Heaslip described it.

“We had some good highlights,” said Bertsch. “Dan made some great putts and hit some great drives. I hit some nice approaches, it was just great teamwork.”

Similar to Bertsch/Heaslip, Ladd/Scaletta also managed a clean scorecard that included eight birdies and an eagle on the par-5, fifth. Finishing in third place was Taylor Collins, PGA and Alan Morin, PGA at 9-under, followed by Tim Cantwell, PGA and Zach Shriver, PGA, tied with Mark Brown, PGA and Ryan Fountain, PGA.

The 18-hole stroke-play event was played in a 6-6-6 format, with four-ball stroke play for the first six, modified alternate shot for the next six and scramble for the final six holes. The event included 52 teams of one Senior PGA Professional (50+) and one Junior PGA Professional (-50) to make up the 104 person field.

Yamaha served as the title partner of the 2023 SFPGA Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship while Global Golf Sales and LevelWear served as supporting partners.

Thank you to Mason Colling, PGA Director of Golf at Lost City Golf Club and his entire staff for hosting.

Tyler Collet Wins National Car Rental South Florida PGA Assistant Championship

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 19:58:15 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to the South Florida PGA

NAPLES (July 26, 2023) – For eight holes Wednesday, golf was a grind for Tyler Collett. He missed a couple of 3-footers and had made only one birdie in the National Car Rental South Florida PGA Championship at Verandah Golf Club.

Then, something clicked. Collet hit it close at 9 for birdie. Then Collet got hotter than the weather, playing like the reigning South Florida PGA Player of the Year.

Starting at No. 12, Collet played the next five holes in 5-under, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 15 ^th that gave him the lead for good, and the PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club pulled away for a four-shot victory.

“It feels good to play that well on the back nine,” said Collet, who finished third in this event last year. “I just couldn’t get anything going on the front. I didn’t make a putt until the ninth hole. I didn’t know where I stood, but I knew I needed to make some birdies.”

Instead, it was the eagle at the 15 ^th hole, when he hit a 3-hybrid from 237 yards to 12 feet that was the shot of the day. He added birdies on the next two holes and finished with a par for a 5-under 67 to finish at 9-under 135.

“It lets me know my game is in a good place,” said Collet, who was scheduled to fly to North Carolina Wednesday night to try and qualify for next week’s Wyndham Championship on the PGA Tour. “I’ve got a lot of golf coming up the next two months.”

Five players tied for second place at 5-under 139: Kyle Horvath (67) of Worthington Country Club, Kyle Schulte (69) of Stoneybrook Golf Club of Estero, Nick Hocker (70) of the Bear’s Club, Andrew Filbert (70) of West Bay Golf Club and Brad Gray (69) of Lost Tree Club.

The top six finishers earned a spot in the National Car Rental Assistant Professional Championship Nov. 14-19 at PGA Golf Club. Joining Collet at the national championship are Horvath, Schulte, Hocker, Filbert and Alan Morin (68-140) of The Club at Ibis.

Domenico Geminiani, a PGA Assistant Professional at Old Corkscrew Golf Club, won last year’s national championship. Defending champion Ryan Fountain (79-161) of the Bear’s Club tied for 60th and Geminiani was 28 ^th (76-148).

The National Car Rental South Florida PGA Assistant Championship is run by the South Florida PGA. Supporting Partners are Srixon/Cleveland/Asics and JaniKing.

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Coach and Student Duo win the 2023 SFPGA Pro-Junior

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 19:21:33 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Joe Kern, PGA and Jackson Hiller, a South Florida PGA Junior Tour Member captured the 2023 South Florida PGA Pro-Junior title, presented by Callaway and Toptracer, with a 15-under total at The Park West Palm.

After a four year hiatus, the Pro-Junior returned to the South Florida Section schedule for the first time since 2019. The event consisted of 52 two-person teams, one South Florida PGA professionals and one junior (age 18 and under) playing in an 18-hole event featuring two different formats. The front nine played as a better-ball format while the back nine was played as a scramble.

Kern, the Director of Instruction at The Moorings at Hawks Nest Golf Club and Jackson Hiller, the 2023 South Florida Junior PGA Championship, managed a clean scorecard that included 11 birdies and two eagles.

“We just made everything, it was freaky,” Kern and Hiller said.

It is no surprise the two were able to play well together as Kern teaches Hiller and the two just came off a T7 finish at the South Florida PGA Southeast Chapter Pro-Scratch, July 17th. Hiller is also coming off a win at the South Florida Junior PGA Championship, earning him a spot into the National Junior PGA Championship.

The coach and student duo led the field in par-4 and par-5 scoring average, playing both a 6-under. Kern and Hiller played the back nine at 9-under 27, the best nine hole stretch by any team in the field.

Josh McCormack, PGA Assistant Professional at Tiburon Golf Club and junior, Spencer Ives finished in solo second at 12-under while Zack Shriver, PGA Assistant Professional at North Palm Beach Country Club and Ryder Kenney finished in third at 10-under.

The 2023 SFPGA Pro-Junior was presented by Callaway and Toptracer and supported by Branded Bills. Thank you to the Park West Palm PGA General Manager, Brian Conley and PGA Director of Golf, Cody Sinkler for hosting.

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Back-To-Back Yamaha Pro-Pro Championships for Tyler Collet, PGA and Alan Morin, PGA

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 21:04:16 GMT

Naples, FL - Tyler Collet, PGA makes birdie on the second playoff hole to win the Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship, presented by Callaway Golf, for the second consecutive year with teammate, Alan Morin, PGA.

After two days and 36 holes, Collet, of John’s Island Club and Morin, of The Club at Ibis were tied at 19-under with Michael Berger, PGA and Matthew Campbell, PGA of Hammock Creek Golf Club. The two teams would play hole 18 at Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club until a winner was decided. After both teams made par on the first hole, Collet secured the win with a birdie on the second hole, sticking his approach shot within 10 feet and making the putt.

“It feels great to win, especially back-to-back and in back-to-back playoffs, " said Morin.

The duo started off on fire, carding an 11-under 61 in the first round at the Rookery at Marco, which included a bogey on the 18th hole, their only bogey of the week. Heading into the final round, Morin and Collet had a two shot lead over two teams. With a birdie on the first hole, the two were off once again, combining for eight birdies to finish the final round at 8-under 64.

“Our saying when we play together in tournaments is to win by ten, " said Collet. “It just really keeps us in the mindset to stay aggressive knowing there are several good teams right behind us.”

The Collet and Morin partnership began four years ago at this event as Collet was in search of a partner. He reached out to Morin who quickly said yes. Since then, the duo has finished in third, second and have now won twice.

Finishing in third place at 15-under was Jeremy Wells, PGA of Cypress Lake Golf Club and Evan Bowser, PGA of LaPlaya Golf Club.

The 2023 Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship was played over two days at Hammock Bay Golf and Country Club and The Rookery at Marco. Both rounds consisted of a best ball format.

Yamaha Golf Cars served as the Title Partner, Callaway Golf as the Presenting Partner and Supporting Partners - Dunning, Greg Norman, Golf ScoreCards, Hole-In-One USA and JumboMaxGrips.

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Back to Where the Journey Began for Ed Rodgers, PGA - June Member Spotlight

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:40:13 GMT

At 10 years of age, Ed Rodgers, PGA, picked up his first golf club. His dad had been diagnosed with diabetes and it became an outlet to help him be more active.

Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, Rodgers won several junior events and after he graduated high school, the Rodgers' family moved to south Florida. Rodgers attended a small junior college in southwest Florida before transferring to the University of West Florida to finish his degree in Marketing and continue his playing career.

After college, Rodgers was in need of a job and decided to go to Cypress Lake Golf Club to see about potential opportunities under the recently hired head professional.

Rogers described his younger self as, “as raw as you could be,” but was hired right then as a full-time assistant professional. His new gig became a springboard for his career and he entered the PGA Apprenticeship program shortly after.

During his first five year stint at Cypress Lake, LPGA legend and a founding club member, Patty Berg was one of the first people Rodgers met.

“She was just the nicest, most welcoming person in the world,” said Rodgers. “Quite frankly, other than knowing my mom had a set of clubs with Patty Bergs’ name on them, I didn’t really know about Patty Berg until I met her and played golf with her.”

As an assistant, Rodgers worked 13 straight days from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and had every other Sunday off. Every night, Rogers would hand pick the range and Berg would patiently wait for him to be done so she could hit her Wilson Staff balls and pick them up after.

While Rodgers would have to pick the range by hand regardless, he insisted that she could hit whenever she’d like and Rodgers would separate each of her balls, clean them and give them back.

“Hers were the easiest in the world to pick up because once I found one, they were all within a 10x10 circle,” Rogers explained laughing.

From there, the relationship grew stronger, resulting in the two playing nine holes together four to fives times a week after work, sharing many great memories.

After five years as an assistant professional at Cypress Lake, Rodgers was ready for his next step and took a head golf professional role at Lochmoor Country Club in North Fort Myers. Rodgers spent seven years at Lochmoor where he continued to learn and grow his portfolio. From there, Rodgers was hired as the director of golf and general manager at Bonita Bay Club.

After six years, Rodgers became the vice president of the Bonita Bay Group, overseeing 16 golf courses and seven club houses. During that time, Rodgers gained a detailed understanding of the development and club business, managing the entire amenities division.

With the experience as an assistant professional, head professional, director of golf, general manager and vice president, Rodgers was ready to take on his dream of owning his own golf course.

In 2005, Rodgers bought Jefferson Landing Golf Club in North Carolina, his ultimate goal when he first entered the golf industry. Unfortunately, due to timing and the recession that hit in 2008, Rodgers owned the property for three years before it returned to the original ownership group.

Undeterred, Rodgers was still passionate about golf management and returned to the club that gave him his first opportunity as a 21-year-old. In 2011, nearly 40 years after he first stepped foot on property, Rodgers returned to Cypress Lake Golf Club as the General Manager and Chief Operating Officer.

During his 50-year journey in the golf industry, Rodgers has remained fully committed to being the best golf professional that he can be in every area that he is involved with and now, looks to instill those values in the younger generation of PGA professionals.

“Be willing to do whatever it takes to be good, if it is more hours than it is more hours,” said Rodgers. “You have to be willing to make certain sacrifices but at the same time there is always a work life balance that you need to maintain, just know what those limitations are.”

When looking back on an amazing career, Rodgers has accomplished each goal he set out to achieve. From being a 21-year-old young man walking into the pro shop at Cypress Lake, to owning and operating a golf course and to now being able to finish his career at the club that gave him his first opportunity.

“I started my career at the same club that I will end my career at, in the sense of when I started here as an assistant professional, I didn’t know anything,” said Rodgers. “In the 12 years that I have been back, I actually believe that I have made a difference and that is all I can hope for.”

*Patty Berg plaque at Cypress Lake Golf Club

*Bonita Bay Club

*Jefferson Landing Golf Club (North Carolina)

Austin Davenport Wins E-Z-GO South Florida Open with Course-Record 10-under 62

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 20:16:03 GMT

NAPLES – Austin Davenport’s first shot in the E-Z-GO South Florida Open didn’t go so well Thursday. It landed in a fairway bunker, near the lip.

Oh, it’s going to be one of those days, Davenport thought.

It turned out to be a day Davenport will never forget.

His shot with one leg out of the bunker somehow rolled onto the first green and he made birdie. The other 60 shots weren’t bad for the PGA Head Professional at Dye Preserve, either.

That’s right, Davenport shot a course-record (and career low) 10-under 62 to win the E-Z-GO South Florida Open at Miromar Lakes Golf Club. He finished at 15-under 201.

“It feels pretty surreal, especially after that start,” said Davenport, a Stuart resident. “I didn’t see this coming at all. I texted my dad last night and told him five shots behind was too much against these guys. I was just hoping to go out and have a good round.”

Instead, he shot one of those dream rounds that included two eagles, six birdies and no bogeys. At the 18 ^th , Davenport hit a 9-iron from 133 yards to 11 feet and made the birdie to clinch a two-shot victory over reigning Player of the Year Tyler Collet of John’s Island Club in the South Florida PGA’s second major of the season.

“It was kind of lucky because I had that same (yardage) number a couple times earlier in the round with the same wind, and hit good shots,” Davenport said. “I purposely didn’t look at leaderboards, but I had a feeling I knew where I was at. I knew I needed to shoot 8 or 10-under to beat these guys.”

Davenport charged into contention with a six-under 30 on the front nine that included an eagle on the par-5 eighth hole when hit a 4-iron to 9 feet. He added an eagle on the par-5 16 ^th hole to tie Collet by making a 45-foot putt, setting the stage for Davenport’s final-hole heroics.

Collet, a PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, shot a respectable 3-under 69 to finish at 13-under 203. Collet needed to birdie the 18 ^th to force a playoff, but bogeyed the final hole.

Nick Beddow (68) of Mayacoo Lakes was third at 12-under, a shot ahead of Justin Hicks (68) of Stonebridge Country Club and Alan Morin (69) of The Club at Ibis. Defending champion Justin Bertsch of Club Pelican Bay was fifth at 10-under.

Stan Geer, the PGA Head Professional at Bentley Village Golf Club, won the Senior Division on Tuesday when he beat Morin in a one-hole playoff with a par, Geer and Morin finished at 8-under 136, Morin shooting a 63 after opening with a 73.

Jerry Tucker (66-138) of Stuart was third, a shot ahead of Mark Mielke of High Ridge in West Palm Beach and Joe Kern of Hawks Nest Golf Club in Vero Beach.

The first two rounds of the E-Z-GO South Florida Open were played at Miromar Lakes and The Club at Gateway, with the final round at the former.

The E-Z-GO South Florida Open, run by the South Florida PGA, includes these Supporting Partners: Ahead, LivPur, StrackaLine, Signature Golf. StickX, TurfHound and Tagmarshal.

For scores, go to E-Z-GO South Florida Open - Championship Division Leaderboard | South Florida PGA (bluegolf.com)

SOUTH FLORIDA PGA FOUNDATION HOSTS THIRD ANNUAL GOLF & STEAM CAMP

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:45:04 GMT

Belle Glade - The South Florida PGA Foundation and the 10 ALL IN Foundation hosted the third annual Golf and STEAM Camp at Glades Central High School this week.

Since 2021, the SFPGA Foundation has worked with SuperBowl MVP and Glades Central High School graduate Santonio Holmes and his 10 ALL IN Foundation to bring golf to the Belle Glade community.

During the week-long camp, students were introduced to the fundamentals of golf by PGA Professionals who volunteered their time to help with this initiative. In addition, employees from Pratt & Whitney worked with the students on projects focused on science, technology, art and math.

“Golf can be challenging at times but it teaches you a lot about yourself,” said SFPGA foundation president Tom Wildenhaus.

Wildenhaus, who has served as the president of the SFPGA Foundation since its inception in 2011, presented the $20,000 SFPGA Foundation Scholarship to E’Rinze Murphy on Tuesday at the camp. Murphy is a Glades Central graduate and a past camp participant which proved to be a catalyst for his new goals and his growing interest in the game of golf.

“When I first played golf I remember learning it isn’t about winning it’s about having fun,” explained Murphy. “You get to meet new people and learn about their lives which is really cool.”

Murphy is an example of what the mission of the 10 ALL IN Foundation and SFPGA Foundation partnership is - to grow the game of golf in underserved communities. With the help of the Foundation Scholarship, E’Rinze will be able to achieve his goals and embark on the next chapter of his life at Florida Southern College.

“We want to give kids like us an opportunity to learn the game of golf and E’Rinze is a prime example of what we have created through this program,” explained Holmes. “An opportunity to grow through this game.”

Like past years, the program wrapped up today with the campers having the opportunity to play a scramble at the Belle Glade Municipal Golf Course.

The 2023 10 All In Golf and STEAM Camp was a great success thanks to the help from our PGA Professionals, Santonio Holmes, Jimmy Sexton and the engineers at Pratt & Whitney.

South Florida PGA Foundation Hosts Second Annual Women’s PGA HOPE Clinic

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 14:59:54 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens - For the second consecutive year, the South Florida PGA Foundation has conducted its all-female PGA HOPE Clinic. This year programming was administered at PGA National Resort due to the support of PGA Professional and Club Manager, Jane Broderick, PGA.

. Over the course of two-weeks, 15 female Veterans were afforded the opportunity to learn the game of golf and meet other women similar to themselves during four sessions taught by all-female PGA Professionals.

“A lot of us suffer from military sexual trauma and unfortunately it is still difficult for some to be around men,” PGA HOPE Ambassador, Mary Anderson-Kokell explained.

Since 2015, the South Florida PGA Foundation has administered nearly 80 PGA HOPE Programs across south Florida for veterans with disabilities. “By giving an all-women golf clinic, the least we can do is introduce the game of golf,” Kokell stated.

Helping teach alongside Kokell were golf professionals; Pam Elders, PGA, Sue Boyer, PGA, Terry Farino, PGA, Connie Capanegra, LPGA and Trish Beucher, LPGA.

The clinic consisted of four, two-hour sessions involved around, learning the rules of golf, swing technique and putting practice. On the clinic’s last day, the participant’s skills were put to the test in a scramble at PGA Nationals Par-3 Staple Course.

At the end of the clinic, South Florida PGA Foundation Manager, Brianna Alonso explained the Foundation’s gratitude towards those participants within the PGA HOPE Program. “The more people we are able to impact, the greater our program will grow and the more lives we will be able to touch,” she said.

With a mission of serving the South Florida community through the game of golf, this year the Foundation was able to conduct another successful PGA HOPE Women’s clinic and hopes to have another available this coming fall!

To learn more about the South Florida PGA Foundation, Click here .

To view WPTV’s coverage of the clinic, click here.

Photo Album

Paul Clivio, PGA Elected 23rd South Florida PGA President

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 18:55:26 GMT

Paul Clivio, PGA, was elected the 23rd South Florida PGA Section President on June 7th during the SFPGA Annual Meeting of the Membership supported by PGA National Resort.

Clivio, an active member of the South Florida PGA for over 20 years, is the Director of Golf at St. Andrews Country Club.

“I am honored to be elected as the 23rd President of the South Florida PGA," said Clivio. “It means the world to me to be able to serve our members and associates while helping to make a difference, not only for them but for our community, and to build the brand of PGA members.”

He succeeds Don Meadows, PGA Director of Golf at Quail Valley Golf Club who completed his second two-year term as President, the first time in Section history, who will now serve as the Honorary President of the Section and Secretary of the SFPGA Foundation Board.

Eric Veilleux follows Clivio as Vice President. Veilleux is the PGA Head Professional at The Bear’s Club and has served as the Section Secretary for the last two years. Jeff Waber, PGA Director of Golf at Broken Sound Club - Old Course was elected by the membership as the new Section Secretary.

Paul Clivio, PGA - 23rd Section President

Clivio has been a PGA Member since 2002, all as a member of the South Florida PGA Section while working at St. Andrews Country Club.

Clivio first became heavily involved at the Chapter level serving as the Southeast Chapter President from 2018-20. He then was elected Section Secretary in a special election in 2020, serving a one-year term before becoming Section Vice President in 2021 and ultimately becoming the 23rd Section President. In addition to his service to the association, Clivio has won many awards, one being the Section Bill Strausbaugh award which he received in 2019. This award recognizes a professional whose overall commitment is to promote the game, the Association and fellow PGA Professionals, honoring the professional for his/her integrity, leadership ability, professional mentoring and community involvement.

Eric Veilleux, PGA - Vice President

Eric Veilleux, PGA first became a PGA Member in 1993 when he was employed in the Colorado Section. From 1993 to 1996 Veilleux split time between the South Florida Section and the Southern Ohio Section prior to making South Florida his permanent home in 1997. Veilleux first took on a leadership position in 2012, serving as the Education Chairperson from 2012-2014. Veilleux was then elected Section Secretary in 2021 and will now serve as Vice President.

Jeff Waber, PGA - Secretary

Jeff Waber, PGA, a member of the South Florida PGA Section since 2000 has been elected Section Secretary after his term as the Southeast Chapter President from 2020-22. Waber began his involvement in Section leadership in 2015 when he served on the Executive Committee as the Tournament Chairperson until 2020 and due to vacancy in the position in 2022, he assumed that role once more from 2022-23. Waber rejoins Clivio in a leadership role after spending over five years together at the Chapter level. In addition, Waber was recognized as the 2022 Section Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor a PGA Golf Professional can receive at the Section level.

Don Meadows, PGA - Honorary Past President

Don Meadows, PGA first became a PGA Member in 1998 in the Gulf States Section before moving to the Middle Atlantic Section in 1998 and ultimately coming to the South Florida Section in 2007.

Meadows first stepped into leadership in 2011 as the Section Awards Chairperson before becoming President in 2017. Meadows was then elected President again in 2021, becoming the only President in Section history to serve two-terms as President. He will now move into the Honorary President for the second time.

During Meadows tenure of service, the Section has grown dramatically. Key highlights from his time in office include; the inaugural Honda Classic Cares Play Yellow Birdie Bash, the South Florida PGA headquarters relocation to The Park West Palm, 133% growth on the junior tour, and much more.

To view the full list of Section Leadership, please click here .

The Preserve at Ironhorse’s Morneau and Turpen Win the 2023 Pro-Assistant Championship

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 19:41:00 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Tim Turpen, PGA and Maddox Morneau, PGA of The Preserve at Ironhorse won the 2023 South Florida PGA Pro-Assistant Championship, presented by Clu b Car today with a two-day total of 12-under.

The Pro-Assistant was hosted for the first time by Emerald Dunes Club and The Park West Palm, both courses making their Section tournament debut.

Over the two days, 94 teams of two, composed of a PGA Club Professional and Assistant Professional from the same facility, competed in three different formats. At Emerald Dunes, teams played a four-ball format for all 18 holes while playing a modified alternate shot on the front-nine at The Park and a team scramble on the back-nine.

Turpen and Morneau managed only one bogey to go along with 13 birdies, routing their way to a one shot victory over The Club at Gateway, Bonita Bay Club West - Bay Island and Trump National Doral Golf Club.

“Maddox and I finished in the top-three at least twice before, losing by one shot,” explained Turpen. “To finally get to the top felt great and to be able to represent the club and our membership was great.”

The 2023 Pro-Assistant marked the fifth time Turpen, PGA General Manager at The Preserve at Ironhorse and Maddox, PGA Assistant Professional at The Preserve at Ironhorse have competed together, finishing in the top-10 every time.

Thank you to Lee Stroever, PGA and his entire team at Emerald Dunes, as well as, Brian Conley, PGA and Cody Sinkler, PGA and the team at the Park West Palm for hosting.

The 2023 Pro-Assistant Championship was presented by Club Car and supported by; AndersonOrd, ahead, NextRound, Heritage Creations, TaylorMade and Global Golf Sales.

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From Bag Room to Club Manager at PGA National Resort

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Wed, 31 May 2023 14:49:52 GMT

Fresh out of college with an undeniably strong work ethic but no set plan for a job, Jane Broderick decided to take a chance and move to south Florida to pursue a career in golf, her new found passion.

As a college student, Broderick worked two jobs to get through school, as a telephone operator during the evening hours and painting houses in the summer. During her final year, Broderick’s mother suffered a heart attack, while she did survive, Broderick knew she needed to get more active. The following semester, Broderick quit her job painting houses and recommended to her mother that they begin playing golf together, the sport her mom always loved.

During that time, Broderick became hooked and was introduced to a local Golf Professional in her hometown named Pat Palmieri, who helped Broderick learn the game. He told Broderick that if she didn't have any plans after school that she should come down to Florida and try to work at this place called PGA National because he believed she had a future in golf.

The following fall, Broderick did exactly that and took a chance, moving to south Florida with no plan of action but believed golf was what she wanted to pursue. She was able to find a place to live through a family member and commuted to the PGA National area daily to work with Palmieri on her game in a field behind a local school.

Every other day, Broderick would call PGA National asking if there were any positions available until one day she decided to go into the pro shop and ask to speak with the Head Professional. To her surprise the head professional turned around and said, “Jane, I have been meaning to call you, when can you start?” From there, Broderick took the opportunity and did not look back.

Starting off in the bag room, a position quickly opened in the tee time office and because of her experience as a telephone operator, Broderick made sure to take the opportunity.

From there, Broderick’s journey really began, as she was moved into the Golf Shop, then Golf Shop Supervisor, Tournament Coordinator, Director of Tournament Operations, Head Golf Professional, Director of Golf and now nearly 38 years later, Broderick serves as the Club Manager at PGA National.

Growing up, Broderick did not have a huge interest in golf as her passion was heavily in skiing, but she knew there were not as many opportunities in skiing and believed she had bigger plans. Even during her college years, Broderick did not see herself in golf and it wasn’t until her senior year that she found an interest in the game.

“My college focus went from being an environmental attorney to working in cardiac rehabilitation to then all of sudden, I had this massive interest in golf,” she said. “I figured I could do the other things later down the road if golf didn’t pan out.”

While golf certainly worked out for Broderick, her path to becoming one of the most respected Professionals in south Florida was not always easy. Broderick found her passion and immediately became obsessed with it.

Broderick comes from a small town in upstate New York and the community and small town feel she grew up accustomed to, is similar to PGA National which has helped her stay at the facility all these years.

“There are more residents that live in PGA National than people that live in my hometown,” Broderick explained. “From the minute I first stepped on the property, I can remember it like it was yesterday, an energy came through my body. PGA National is like a little city and I wanted that small town feeling.”

Now after nearly 38 years at the same place, Broderick has learned a lot about herself and how to manage a facility as prolific as PGA National.

Broderick is extremely loyal, which in fairness is obvious by her commitment to the resort. Additionally, the relationships and trust in her team created over the years has helped make Broderick so successful - even working with the children of her past employees.

“You have to have trust in the people around you and allow them to make decisions," Broderick said. “I challenge people when they come to me with a problem, to also come with a solution that we can talk through. You have to be able to delegate and respect the work that your team does.”

Lastly, when asked what has led Broderick to all the success she has seen, she mentioned a quote that she often recites to her employees.

“Trust your gut,” she says. “A wrong decision in my world is probably better than no decision at all.”

Morin, Mielke and Brown Represent the South Florida PGA in Historic KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

Tue, 30 May 2023 14:54:41 GMT

Mark Brown, PGA, Alan Morin, PGA and Mark Mielke, PGA joined an elite group as participants in the 83rd KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, the first major championship held at PGA Frisco, the new home of the PGA of America.

Morin, Mielke and Brown all qualified for the Senior PGA Championship by way of the Senior PGA Professional Championship, where they each finished in the Top-35, joining the Corebridge Financial PGA Team. While Brown, now a PGA Teaching Professional at The Yacht and Country Club is a South Florida PGA Member, he did qualify while a member of the Metropolitan Section.

The major marked Brown’s third trip to the Senior PGA Championship and his second time sharing PGA low-pro honors, finishing in a tie with Tim Weinhart, PGA of the Georgia Section.

Brown’s four-day total of 6-over was enough to finish T-55, beating two-time U.S. Ryder Cup Captain and 1997 PGA Champion Davis Love III and 2016 KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion Rocco Mediate.

“Anytime you can get Low Club Professional at a major championship is awesome,” said Brown. “It means the world, and it's kind of the goal coming here — make the cut and then try to get Low Club Pro.

Morin, PGA Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis also made his third Senior PGA Championship start, missing the cut by three shots. Mielke, PGA Teaching Professional at High Ridge Country Club made his ninth PGA Championship start and missed the cut by four shots.

The 83rd KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship was the first Major ever to be played at the new PGA of America Headquarters at PGA Frisco at Field Ranch Frisco.

Jason Martin, PGA and The Old Collier Golf Club Win 2023 Travel Pro-Am at Casa De Campo Resort

Wed, 24 May 2023 21:34:05 GMT

Jason Martin, PGA and his team from The Old Collier Golf Club win the 2023 Travel Pro-Am at 38-under, while Steve Vecellio, PGA takes low-pro honors after three days at Casa De Campo Resort in the Dominican Republic.

The 2023 Travel Pro-Am featured 16 teams of one South Florida PGA Professional combined with three amateurs, competing over three days at the Casa De Campo Resort on the Teeth of the Dog and Dye Fore courses.

Martin, PGA Director of Golf at The Old Collier Golf Club and his team of Gail Lynch, Jane Dennis and Gwyn Sanford combined for a 38-under total, defeating Cory Cooper and his team by one shot.

Vecillio, PGA Director of Instruction at Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club secured low-pro honors with a three-day total of 115 points, three points better than fellow Frenchman’s Reserve, Cory Cooper, PGA. All professionals competed in a stableford format.

The 2023 South Florida PGA Travel Pro-Am was supported by Harlestons, who provided shirts for all participants.

Results

Cahill and Wells Look Back on an Incredible Experience at the 2023 PGA Championship

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Mon, 22 May 2023 14:14:40 GMT

The 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club is complete and Jeremy Wells, PGA and Matt Cahill, PGA reflect on their opportunity to live out a dream.

Wells and Cahill represented the South Florida PGA and the PGA of America as members of the Corebridge Financial PGA Team at this year's PGA Championship after qualifying through the National PGA Professional Championship.

“It is so difficult to put into words how incredible it is to play against the best golfers in the world in front of thousands of fans on one of the greatest courses ever built,” Wells said. “I am honored to have represented the PGA in such a great tournament.”

The Major marked the debut for both Wells, the Director of Instruction at Cypress Lake Golf Club and Cahill, the Head Professional at Seminole Golf Club.

“The PGA Championship was everything I expected and so much more," Cahill explained. “I was thrilled to be able to represent the PGA of America Professionals in the strongest field of the year.”

Getting to tee it up alongside the games best players at an iconic venue is something most people will only ever be able to dream about and Wells made sure to take everything in as an incredible learning experience.

“It was certainly the most difficult golf course I've ever played, I absolutely cannot wait for another chance at this," Wells said.

While Wells and Cahill didn’t have the finish they wanted, the overall support from the South Florida PGA community and support from Seminole and Cypress Lake was something they will never forget.

“A huge thank you to my family and team for their sport and encouragement, the staff and members of Seminole made me feel like I had the whole world behind me,” Cahill said. I will remember this week for the rest of my life.”

Image Credit - PGA

More Than $230,000 Raised Through Two Events for the South Florida PGA Foundation

Fri, 19 May 2023 19:17:40 GMT

This week, the South Florida PGA Foundation raised over $230,000 through its 7th Annual HOPE Classic and the inaugural Seminole Day of Fun.

The funds raised through the PGA HOPE Classic will support 18 of the 20 PGA HOPE programs administered annually impacting over 270 veterans. The additional funds raised through the Seminole event will support the Foundations capital campaign launched in an effort to endow the Foundation ensuring the programs continue to not just operate but that they can grow over the next few decades.

The 7th Annual PGA HOPE Classic was hosted on Wednesday at Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach. The 24 teams, made up of 96 golfers, raised $85,000 for the PGA HOPE Program which affords our nation's heroes access to the game of golf as a form of therapy.

While participants enjoyed food, drinks and a round of golf, veterans on site helped to keep the reason for the event at the forefront.

“I always have in the back of my head, that little white golf ball that I know I can whack, good, bad or indifferent,” said PGA HOPE grad and Vietnam War Veteran Mary Anderson-Kokell. “Or if I just need to ride in the golf cart on the course to make me feel better.”

Learning and playing the game of golf is a proven activity which has helped thousands of military personnel assimilate into their community through the social interaction the game of golf provides. It is welcoming to those with disabilities, enhancing their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

“Each year the PGA HOPE program conducts over 20 programs to nearly 280 participants,” explained Rob Torrington who sits on the South Florida PGA Foundation PGA HOPE Classic Committee. “The cost of one program is close to $5,000 and the cost to put one veteran through a program is $315 dollars.”

After Torrington’s comments, hands flew up to offer donations, helping the 2023 HOPE Classic raise a record amount.

Following Wednesday's great event, 80 golfers, now friends of the Foundation, enjoyed a round of golf on Thursday at one of south Florida’s most renowned golf facilities in Seminole Golf Club.

With the support from those who played, $145,000 was raised in support of the South Florida PGA Foundation programs which aim at serving youth, military and families across the south Florida community.

In addition to PGA HOPE, the South Florida PGA Foundation hosts programs including Habitat for Humanity, Smiling Fore Life, 10 ALL In, junior golf and offers college scholarships.

With assistance from the participants, PGA Professionals and supporting partners across the two events, the South Florida PGA Foundation raised over $230,000 through the two events this week.

Mielke Makes it Back-to-Back South Florida Senior Open Victories

Fri, 19 May 2023 18:57:00 GMT

Palm City, Fl - Mark Mielke, PGA records two consecutive under-par rounds to claim the South Florida Senior Open, presented by Jani King and supported by Wilson Golf, for the second straight year.

Over the two-day stretch, the 2022 South Florida PGA Senior Player of the Year carded only two bogeys to go along with nine birdies and two eagles, routing him to a five shot victory over Alan Morin, PGA and Daniel Heaslip, PGA.

With only one week until Mielke takes on the Senior PGA Championship, the High Ridge Country Club Teaching Professional gained some valuable confidence this week after carding the tournament-low round of 66 in round one, before firing a 5-under 67 today.

Finishing in a tie for second was Morin, PGA Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis and Heaslip, PGA Director of Golf at Windstar on Naples Bay, wrapping play at 5-under.

Mielki and Morin will look to build on their solid play as they will be competing in the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship in Frisco, Texas, beginning May 24.

The South Florida Senior Open was presented by Jani King and supported by Wilson Golf.

Overall Champion

Mark Mielke, PGA 66-67–133 (-11)

50-59 Age Division

Mark Mielke, PGA 66-67–133 (-11)

60-69 Age Division

Gary Ostrega, PGA 69-73–142 (-2)

70-74 Age Division (Tie)

Gary Baker, PGA 76-74–150 (+2)
Jay Horton, PGA 77-73–150 (+2)

75+ Age Division

Roger Kennedy, PGA 80-79–159 (+15)

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South Florida PGA Foundation announces 2023 Scholarship Recipient

Fri, 12 May 2023 19:55:39 GMT

Each year the South Florida PGA Foundation selects one high school senior to receive $20,000 to support their college education. This year the Foundation Board of Directors selected E’Rinze Jeremiah Murphy of Belle Glade to receive this scholarship.

Murphy is no stranger to the South Florida PGA Foundation and its impact on the community, rather an example of a life that has been touched through the Foundation's efforts.

Dating back to the Summer of 2021, Murphy participated in the inaugural 10 All In Golf and STEAM camp - a week inspired by SuperBowl MVP and Belle Glade native Santonio Holmes. Through South Florida PGA Professionals and employees from Pratt & Whitney, the camp focuses on STEAM and golf.

The week-long camp included several activities ranging from assembling engine prototypes to creating rockets that would be tested to see if they could go further than Santonio’s drive off the tee. Outside of the classroom, Murphy was introduced to PGA professionals who taught him the fundamentals of the game and the life lessons golf has on a person's life.

Prior to the camp, Murphy didn’t know what his future would hold or the impact the game of golf would have on him.

“To be honest, I didn’t know anything about golf,” Murphy stated.

Soon he realized that the camp was a catalyst for his goals and dreams to be achieved.

“I have always loved Science, the STEAM portion of camp just boosted my passion for it.” Murphy explained.

After the camp ended the school administrators decided to create a golf team because there was enough interest amongst the kids who attended the camp.

“My brother and I were among the first to sign up,” Murphy stated.

During his time on the golf team, Murphy escaped the hardships he was facing and enjoyed learning a new and fun activity.

“It helped me relieve stress throughout my challenging class schedule and extracurriculars,” Murphy explained.

In addition, Murphy created relationships that went beyond the course and made for lifelong friendships.

As Murphy concludes his second year as team captain for the Glades Central High School golf team and prepares to embark on this next chapter of his life attending Florida Southern College, he reflects on how he got here.

“I thank Santonio Holmes, my high school, and PGA Professionals for introducing me to this sport.”

Golf has given Murphy the opportunity to establish friendships, learn the importance of teamwork and set goals for himself.

“The camp allowed me to meet new people and connect with them… it allowed me to practice networking which is a tool I will need to have for the future.”

E’Rinze Jeremiah Murphy will attend Florida Southern College this fall where he will study Biochemistry, due in part to the STEAM Camp, and one day become a Medical Health Scientist and find a cure for his moms diabetes.

“My goal is to go to college, earn a degree and set a good example for my brothers,” said Murphy. “This scholarship will help me change my life and the lives of my family.”

Morin Opens South Florida PGA Section Season With a Win at Fort Lauderdale Open

Tue, 09 May 2023 23:06:19 GMT

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Alan Morin, PGA opened his 31st South Florida PGA Section season doing what he does best - winning. The 11-time SFPGA Player of the Year shot 10-under to win the Fort Lauderdale Open presented by Cleveland/Srixon/ASICS by one stroke.

While Morin has never had a problem winning golf tournaments throughout his Hall of Fame career in the South Florida Section, the 53-year-old hasn’t won a non-senior stroke play event since turning 50 at the Section level.

The last non-senior Section win Morin had was the Yamaha Pro-Pro July of 2022 with partner Tyler Collet, PGA of John Island’s Golf Club.

Morin played both rounds bogey-free while holding off Zach Haynes of Ocean Reef Club who fired a 7-under final round, finishing in second place at 9-under.

“There is a lot of talent in our Section, two of them going to the PGA Championship,” Morin said. “To win this is truly unexpected, I was happy with just contending.”

Morin, assistant professional at The Club at Ibis, opened the two-day tournament with a bogey-free, seven-under 65 on Fort Lauderdale Country Club’s North course and broke free of a packed group at four-under par, which included PGA Championship-bound Matt Cahill, PGA.

“Competing against all these young guys and still being able to win, just reaffirms to me that I can still play,” Morin said. “It is really unbelievable, and I am just honored to win.”

The 2023 Fort Lauderdale Open is presented by Cleveland / Srixon / Asics and supported by Eye Promise, Maui Jim, Strackaline, Golf Sign and Design, Prize Possessions, Scales and Global Golf Sales.

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Tom Patri, PGA Plays 150 Holes of Golf in Support of the South Florida PGA Foundation

Fri, 05 May 2023 12:10:51 GMT

Fort Myers, FL - Tom Patri, PGA completed his seventh consecutive Golf Marathon in support of the South Florida PGA Foundation, playing 150 holes of golf today, at Crown Colony Golf & Country Club.

Patri, whose 150 holes totaled a full eight rounds of golf, has raised over $10,000 this year alone and over $50,000 in total. The money raised supports the South Florida PGA Foundation and its mission of impacting the lives of youth, military and families across the south Florida community. After playing 140 holes of golf last year, Patri had a goal of playing 150 this year and completed that goal in just 11 short hours.

Golf has given Patri so much in life, “I can never do enough to repay the game” he explained.

Patri’s efforts throughout his many marathons have shown his dedication and selflessness to give back to the game.

It is PGA Professionals like Patri that help the South Florida PGA Foundation to impact the lives of so many. Tom has touched the lives of thousands of individuals in the south Florida community and is looking forward to continuing the impact for many years to come.

Patri closed the day by saying, “when you have a chance, you give back. I wanted to do something that gave back to the game and this is what I chose.”

11 hours, 25 birdies, 150 holes, and $10,000 later, Tom Patri, PGA has completed his seventh successful golf marathon!

Cahill and Wells Punch Ticket to the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill

Wed, 03 May 2023 23:16:19 GMT

Santa Ana Pueblo, NM - South Florida PGA members Matt Cahill, PGA and Jeremy Wells, PGA finished in the Top 20 at the PGA Professional Championship, earning their first bids into the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill.

The PGA Professional Championship is the national event for club professionals around the country, played over the last four days at Santa Ana and Twin Warriors Golf Clubs in New Mexico. The 312-player field qualifies through the 41 Sections Professional Championship, with 13 coming from the South Florida Section.

Cahill, PGA Head Professional at Seminole Golf Club, earned his ticket to his first PGA Championship after shooting 70-71-71-68, totaling an 8-under, finishing in a tie for second. While this will be his first major championship and PGA TOUR event, Cahill is no stranger to high-level competitions, qualifying for the PGA Professional Championship in each of the past three seasons.

After opening his tournament with a 2-under 70, Cahill coasted in round two, climbing to as high as tie for second on the leaderboard, while remaining well inside the top 20. Entering the third round, Cahill saw his biggest adversity of the week, going 3-over on the front nine before catching fire on the back nine, making four birdies with no bogeys. His final round was no different as he fired a 4-under 68 to secure his PGA Championship berth. Cahill played his final 28 holes at 8-under with zero bogeys.

Entering the final round today outside the Top 20, Wells, PGA Director of Instruction at Cypress Lake Golf Club, fired a 6-under 66 in the final round today to charge up the leaderboard and earn entry into his first PGA Championship. Finishing in seventh place, Wells’ finish comes on the heels of his third place finish at the 2022 SFPGA Section Championship, fourth at the 2021 Florida State Open and third in the 2021 National PGA Assistants Championship.

After making the turn at one-under on the day, Wells knew he had to make magic happen on his back nine if he wanted to tee it up at his first Major Championship. The Fort Myers resident carded two birdies and an eagle to open the back nine, moving well inside the Top 20 and finishing the back nine at five-under.

Cahill and Wells tee it up alongside the 18 other PGA Professionals who qualified for the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill, May 18-21.

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An Unexpected Connection Creates an Unforgettable Friendship

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:04:19 GMT

Every golfer has a point in their career where they have struggled with their swing, ultimately causing less than desirable play. When this happens, golfers will go to the extreme to find a solution, but when you are a two-time major champion with access to the best coaching in the world and that still doesn’t work, where do you turn next?

In 2000 an infomercial played during commercial breaks on the golf channel, caught the attention of Masters and Open Champion, Sandy Lyle who at the time, was struggling with his game. The infomercial was by a company called Natural Golf, a method instruction company that taught the legendary Moe Norman, single-plane swing method.

Lyle was intrigued by the method and called the 1-800 number on the infomercial. A young man answered the phone, unaware of who was on the other line until Lyle introduced himself. Catching the young man off guard, he responded, “you mean the seven-iron out of the bunker to win the Masters, that Sandy Lyle?”

From there, Lyle was connected with the President of the company, who connected Lyle with his Director of Instruction and current Keiser University Instructor, Ken Martin, PGA.

Ecstatic about the opportunity, Martin took a trip to meet Lyle at his Ponte Vedra home where he spent two days staying with Lyle while teaching him this swing method. After those two days, Lyle signed a contract for two years with Natural Golf and Martin was locked in as his coach.

Why would an already six-time winner on the PGA Tour, and a player highly regarded by many as one of the best players of his generation put his full trust into a method swing company and a coach with no prior experience of working with PGA Tour players?

Insert, Ken Martin, PGA, a talented player in his own right with a deep obsession and understanding for the game. Martin played college golf at FIU before testing the waters in professional golf.

To support his professional golf journey, Martin took his first golf industry job at Moon Valley Country Club in Arizona where he was introduced to the Professional Golf Management Program in the mid-1980s, entering the associate program before ultimately obtaining his class-A PGA membership in 1988.

Still pursuing professional golf throughout the 90’s while also working, Martin’s passion drew him to teaching after two stints as a Head Professional, changing his PGA Member status to an A-6, self-employed teaching professional. During this time, Martin was introduced to the Natural Golf Company and joined as an Education Coordinator before becoming the Director of Instruction and receiving the opportunity of a lifetime to work with Sandy Lyle.

Throughout the two years Martin spent teaching Lyle, the two also developed a close friendship, leading to Lyle bringing Martin on his bag for several events and even greater opportunities. Martin vividly recalled one of his favorite moments that he had with Lyle.

“During the 2005 Open Championship at St. Andrews, on the last day every grandstand we walked by gave him a standing ovation. When we were coming up 18, you had the grandstands wrapped around 18 green and you had the Royal and Ancient clubhouse in the back and everybody was on their feet giving him a round of applause, it was just really really special stuff,” he said.

From caddying during the 2005 Open Championship at St. Andrews, meeting and working with the great Arnold Palmer and even being welcomed into the very sacred Masters’ Champion Locker Room at Augusta National, Martin and Lyle share a friendship that goes far beyond the golf course.

Just a couple weeks ago, Martin again had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, caddying for the eighth time for Lyle at his 42nd and final Masters Tournament. During that week, Martin reminded himself of all the remarkable memories he was a part of during his time working with Lyle.

In conclusion, Martin ended with a quote from another Keiser University legend, Donna White, PGA, she says, “you never know where your golf ball will take you.” For Martin he said, “It's not all me, that golf ball has taken me to a lot of great places and the opportunities still abound.”

The Nelson Cup Remains in the Southeast Chapter

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:15:45 GMT

Key Biscayne, FL - South Florida PGA Southeast Chapter hoists the 31st Nelson Cup trophy, defeating the Southwest and Southern Chapters, earning a total of 74.5 points, yesterday at Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne.

The Nelson Cup is an annual South Florida PGA Ryder Cup style tournament between the Southeast, Southwest and Southern Chapters. The day started with three-ball match play, offering the most possible points per player before ending the day with foursome match play/ alternate shot format.

Southeast jumped out to a narrow lead over Southwest and Southern after the morning matches, led by Stonebridge Country Club Teaching Professional in Boca Raton, Justin Hicks, PGA who swept his matches and earned the max of 6 points. Brett Melton, PGA of Dye Preserve and Paul Scaletta, PGA of the Bear’s Club were right behind, adding 5.5 points each to the total to bring the Southeast Chapter lead up to 5 after the opening round.

John Lee, PGA General Manager at Imperial Golf Club led the way for Southwest, winning both morning matches and securing the max points for his team. Dan Lee, PGA earned 5.5 while Justin Bertsch, PGA, Eric Costa, PGA and Justin Ahasic each added 4.5. For the Southern Chapter, Jared Isaacs, PGA of Adios Golf Club and Christian De Greiff, PGA of Coral Ridge Country Club both added 3.5 points.

Southeast began pulling away in the afternoon matches as Alan Morin, PGA of the Club at Ibis and Pete Oakley, PGA secured 5.5 points in the first afternoon match. Scaletta and Nick Beddow, PGA of Mayacoo Lakes Country Club added 5 more points as Southeast earned 26 total points in the afternoon matches, winning the cup by 15 points.

With the win, Southeast has now won five of the last six Nelson Cups, bringing their total up to 12 total wins (excluding 2020 - Pandemic / 2021 - Rain Out).

This year’s Nelson Cup was supported by Scales Gear who supplied uniforms for each Chapter.

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Over $440,000 Raised at Second Annual Play Yellow Birdie Bash

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 19:10:40 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - Over $440,000 was raised by South Florida PGA Professionals who made 1,356 birdies during the Honda Classic Cares Play Yellow Birdie Bash Monday at PGA National. The funds raised will impact the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

The 60 PGA and LPGA Professionals who competed took on PGA National’s Staple par-3 course and the Match course, playing 81 holes. With each birdie made, backed by donor pledges, the 30 teams playing, played a scramble format, vying to make as many birdies as possible.

“To hear the numbers and see the stories of those impacted throughout the community is astounding,” said Andrew George, Executive Director of the Honda Classic.

For the second consecutive year, Eric Veilleux, PGA and Ryan Fountain, PGA, representing the Bear’s Club, earned the top fundraising team with over $90,050 raised, topping their $70,000 raised in the event’s inaugural year, 2022. Adam Miller, PGA and Brett Blackburn, PGA out of Verandah Golf Club in Fort Myers carded the most birdies with 63.

The historic day ended with a special ceremony including speeches from Andrew George, Executive Director of the Honda Classic, Geoff Lofstead, Executive Director of the South Florida PGA, and Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, founders of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

Each speaker expressed their gratitude towards every PGA Professional and to all the donors who made the event possible.

The South Florida PGA Foundation administers outreach programs including, PGA HOPE , Smiling Fore Life , Habitat for Humanity , the Foundation Scholarship , junior golf and more. All these programs are designed to use golf as a tool to enhance the lives of local military veterans, children in hospitals, as well as families. To learn more about the South Florida PGA Foundation, click here.

Photo Album

South Florida PGA Juniors Head to Augusta National

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 18:23:23 GMT

South Florida PGA Junior Tour members Daniel Barcenas, Leah Gram, Luke Parsons and Larissa Wheelless head to Augusta National Golf Club to compete in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals this weekend.

Annually the South Florida PGA administers 10 local qualifiers, 2 sub-regionals and one regional, where juniors have the ability to advance to the national event in Augusta.

Barcenas, Gram, Parsons and Wheelless all won their age divisions during the regional competition at The Bear’s Club last October where 97 junior golfers from Florida, Georgia and Alabama competed after advancing through their respective sub-regional and local qualifiers.

Barcenas (Weston), a member on the SFPGA Prep Tour, holed his putts from six and 30 feet on his way to winning the putting skill as well as the Boys 10-11 age division title. On the Prep Tour, Barcenas won three times in 2022 and collected three additional top five finishes.

A Jupiter native, Gram finished second at the 2021 regional but this time, she used her driving to win the Girl’s 12-13 division with 129 points, earning 52 points with her driver. A member of the SFPGA Medalist Tour, Gram has one top-10 victory so far this year.

“I am looking forward to watching the professionals play such an amazing course,” said Gram. “My grandparents are also coming all the way from Swedan to watch my compete.”

Parsons (Palm Beach Gardens) was the only player from the regional qualifier to advance to a second DCP National Final, first competing at Augusta National in 2018 where he finished third. Competing in the 14-15 age division, Parsons is a member of the Medalist Tour where he won twice in 2022 and has two top-five finishes so far this year.

Lastly but certainly not least, Wheelless of Miami compiled the most points across all three skills to win the Girl’s 7-9 division by 47 points last October. A member of the Prep Tour, Wheeless has won every tournament (4) she has played in this season.

To prepare for the moment, Wheelless is doing one thing: “I am taking my wedge everywhere I go,” said Wheelless. “I even took it to Costa Rica. On Sunday, I hope to just keep calm, relax and try my best.”

Local qualifying for the ninth season of Drive, Chip and Putt began last May and was held at 342 sites across the country over the summer with 80 juniors advancing nationwide.

The 80 juniors represent 29 states and will tee it up this Sunday, April 2nd at Augusta National. Coverage will begin at 8:00 a.m. Sunday on The Golf Channel.

Click here for photos from the 2022 Regional Qualifier at The Bears Club.

Different Paths Lead to the Same Destination for Stephanie Reeves and Sam Coleman

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 18:51:12 GMT

When thinking of typical punishments for 13-year-olds, making them go to a golf course to be around the game is not the first that would come to mind. While a punishment at the time, nearly 30 years later, the “punishment” has turned into Stephanie Reeves, PGA’s life.

For almost ten years, Reeves has served as the Director of Golf at Countryside Golf and Country Club, but her path to becoming a Class-A PGA member was not always the easiest.

At 13, Reeves was introduced to the game of golf, but not in a typical manner. After a school incident that had her suspended for a number of days, Reeves was forced to go to the golf course to learn about the game. Shortly thereafter, Reeves grew a liking for the game and quickly realized she was pretty good at it.

“My mom was not going to let me stay home and enjoy myself so she took me to the golf course,” explained Reeves. “When I was there I realized I was the only girl and there were other young boys that played, so as a 13-year-old girl I thought this was pretty cool.”

After catching on quickly, Reeves joined the high school team and eventually had the opportunity to play college golf at Siena College where she led her team in scoring average and was named to the MAAC Women’s Golf All-Academic team as a Junior.

Graduating with a finance degree, Reeves knew her passion was still in golf and decided to enroll in the PGA Program in Port St. Lucie while taking a seasonal position in Naples.

Upon finishing the program, Reeves obtained an Assistant Professional position at Bear’s Paw before eventually moving to Countryside as an Assistant Professional and ultimately becoming the Director of Golf in 2014.

As an Assistant, Reeves knew she had the ability to lead a team and become a Director of Golf but knew the odds were stacked against her as a female in a traditionally male-dominated role.

“You kind of feel like you beat the odds,” she explained. “When I applied for this position here at Countryside there were roughly 90 applicants.”

Now, as a leader in her field, Reeves is passionate about growing the game and encouraging other females to enter the industry, believing the opportunities for women exist.

As a result, Reeves has had the opportunity to mentor and guide another young female, Samantha Coleman, PGA who serves as an Assistant Professional and Head of Merchandising at Countryside Golf and Country Club.

Coleman, a South Florida PGA Junior Tour Alum, had a different path to becoming a Class-A PGA member, taking the Professional Golf Management route while an undergraduate at Florida Gulf Coast University.

During her time on the Junior Tour, Coleman was introduced to the PGM program through a South Florida PGA College Seminar, led by industry professionals, former junior tour members and FGCU PGM Director, Tara McKenna, PGA.

As a sophomore in high school, Coleman immediately knew this was her path as she recalled looking at her dad and saying how cool it sounded while listening to McKenna explain what the PGM program was.

As Coleman began the program, she was introduced to Reeves who served as a mentor for up and coming female PGA Professionals at FGCU. The two kept in contact as Coleman continued at FGCU as the only female in a class of 36 people.

While being the only female in her class, Coleman said she never felt discouraged or out of place, but took it more as encouragement to continue keeping her head down as she knew there was a path for her.

Fast forward to her senior year, Coleman had already spent one season interning at Countryside, as she began looking for full-time positions, Countryside was in need of Assistant Professionals, so Coleman called her mentor Reeves and before graduating she was hired full-time.

The two now share a special bond as two female professionals with very different routes to where they are now, but their outlook on the industry and the potential for more females in the profession has never been more positive.

When asked for words of encouragement for females interested in pursuing a career in golf, their answers were simple but held a strong message.

“If you are passionate about it, go do it,” Reeves explained.

“There is so much that you can do in the industry, but until you get there, you don’t truly know," said Coleman. “There is really no limit on what you can do.”

Justin Hicks, PGA Closes Corales Puntacana Championship Friday

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 23:47:54 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Justin Hicks, PGA finishes the Corales Puntacana Championship Friday, missing the cut after playing 36-holes at 3-over.

The Stonebridge Country Club Teaching Professional started his 113th PGA TOUR event Thursday, finishing the opening round at even-par 72 while leading the field in driving accuracy, hitting 13 of 14 fairways.

Starting in the afternoon for round two, Hicks dropped two shots on his first hole, making a double before making three birdies in a row. Hicks wrapped the second round at 3-over 75, missing the cut by three shots.

In August of 2022, Hicks won the South Florida PGA Member Qualifier at Hammock Creek Golf Club, earning him a spot in this year’s Championship.

This event marked Hicks first PGA Tour event since obtaining his Class-A PGA Membership in 2019.

Honda Classic Cares Play Yellow Birdie Bash Returns to PGA National to Benefit SFPGA Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:48:59 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - The Honda Classic Cares Play Yellow Birdie Bash returns April 10th to PGA National Resort and Spa. The event benefits the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

Played on PGA National’s Match and Staple courses, 27 two-person teams of South Florida PGA Professionals will set out to make as many birdies as possible from sunset to sundown, playing in a doubles golf team format. Each birdie is matched by donor pledges, with a goal of raising $600,000 to benefit the two impactful organizations.

Jack and Barbara Nicklaus founded the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2004 to provide world-class, pediatric care to children in Palm Beach County and beyond. The Foundation supports Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, which has helped children from every state in the union and 119 countries.

Alongside the PGA TOUR, Jack and Barbara Nicklaus helped launch Play Yellow in 2019 with a mission to raise $100 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals over a five-year period. Honda Classic Cares is honored to further their partnership with the Nicklaus’ and support their efforts to impact the lives of children in local hospitals.

This year, Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation will distribute funds amongst Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers.

The event’s inaugural year in 2022 raised more than $460,000 due in part to Eric Veilleux, PGA and Ryan Fountain, PGA of The Bear’s Club, who raised more than $77,000.

“To have another opportunity to support two organizations that give back to the local community is incredibly fulfilling, especially being able to do it through the game which has given us so much,” Veilleux expressed.

After being asked if they were ready to defend their title as top fundraisers, Veilleux responded, “We are definitely looking forward to defending our title and making a greater impact on our community through the game of golf.”

For more information about the event, please visit hondaclassicbirdiebash.com .

To learn more about how to get involved, reach out to Brianna Alonso, SFPGA Senior Foundation Programs Coordinator, at balonso@pgahq.com .

ABOUT THE SOUTH FLORIDA PGA FOUNDATION

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida Community, with a focus on military, junior golf, and education. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of 1,875 men and women PGA Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.

ABOUT NICKLAUS CHILDREN’S HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION

Jack and Barbara Nicklaus founded the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2004, in an effort to provide families access to world-class pediatric health care in their own communities. Collaborating with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and pediatric hospitals across the country, the Foundation has made a tremendous impact by supporting innovative programs focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of childhood illnesses. For more information, nchcf.org .

ABOUT THE HONDA CLASSIC AND HONDA CLASSIC CARES

Children’s Healthcare Charity is the host organization of The Honda Classic established to contribute net proceeds from tournament and special event programs to South Florida 501(c)(3) organizations. Through our primary beneficiary, Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, we are able to support initiatives that advance and enhance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood diseases and disorders, as well as other not-for-profit programs and projects aimed at pediatric health care and health-related services.

ABOUT PLAY YELLOW FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS

Led by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and in cooperation with the PGA TOUR, Play Yellow strives to bring the entire golf world together through charitable initiative to help the 10 million kids treated at local children’s hospitals each year.

Tim Cantwell, PGA Closes Puerto Rico Open Friday

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 22:56:11 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Tim Cantwell, PGA Teaching Professional at PGA National Resort, completed his first Puerto Rico Open start, Friday, finishing at 5-over after 36 holes.

Played on Grand Reserve Country Club, the Puerto Rico Open is 52-year-old Cantwell’s fourth PGA TOUR start since turning professional in 1999.

Cantwell earned entry after winning the 2022 South Florida PGA Professional Championship at Imperial Golf Club last fall, only his second SFPGA Professional Championship after obtaining his Class-A PGA Membership in January of 2021.

After carding an opening round of 3-over 75, Cantwell wrapped the second round at 2-over 74, missing the cut by 6 shots.

"My experience in Puerto Rico was fantastic, I love the entire setup in Puerto Rico, the course, the area, the hospitality of the Grande Reserve and the PGA TOUR," said Cantwell. "Thank you again to the PGA of America and the South Florida PGA for giving me the opportunity for this tournament."

From PGA TOUR to PGA Teaching Professional for Justin Hicks, PGA

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 19:42:59 GMT

With more than 100 PGA TOUR starts, 150 Korn Ferry Tour starts and over $3 Million earned, Justin Hicks, PGA has transitioned from playing professional golf at the highest level to a PGA Teaching Professional, sharing his knowledge and passion for the game with the next generation of golfers.

For Hicks, originally from Wyandotte, MI, golf has always been a staple in his life. Playing professional golf at any level is a dream for many golfers growing up, but for Hicks, that dream didn’t come easy.

“I was a late bloomer," he explained. “It took me a while to get going, I was working the first five-six years at clubs and then finally was able to get enough money raised through friends, that I was able to go out there and give it a shot.”

After graduating from the University of Michigan, Hicks finished 25th on the Korn Ferry Tour (formerly known as the Nationwide Tour) money list and earned a PGA TOUR card for the 2011 season.

Over his nine year career on TOUR, Hicks had the opportunity to play alongside the best players in the World, competing in seven major championships and even leading the 2008 U.S. Open after an opening round 68.

However, as the 2016 season got underway, Hicks struggled to maintain his TOUR card while dealing with injuries and the grueling mental battle of playing a professional sport at the very highest level. During this time, Hicks began thinking of other options outside of playing, but knew his passion was still in golf.

“I considered some options, but I've done golf my whole life," Hicks said. “It is something that I love to do and I thought I wanted to give this a go with teaching.”

Thankfully, Hicks surrounded himself with a supporting cast of PGA Professionals that helped guide him through the process, including his swing coach, Matt Messer, PGA Director of Golf at Bear Lakes Country Club and Steve Haggard, PGA.

Once Hicks received his A-6 PGA Membership, he dove right into teaching, while learning from other PGA Members to help him perfect his new craft.

“I really enjoy the feeling I get from accomplishing stuff with my students, that is a huge part of it," he said. “It is something that comes from within, I'm driven to see success, I get a lot of happiness myself from seeing that other people are feeling happier about their golf game.”

Now, roughly three years into his teaching career, Hicks has spent time at the Don Law Teaching Academy, a premiere Junior Golf Academy in south Florida, and recently began teaching out of Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton, working with all ages and skill levels of golfers.

“Coming from the playing side of it, the one thing that playing golf for a living taught me was that whatever I am going to do, I'm going to try and be the best at it,” explained Hicks, “When you are out there playing and you realize you are literally out there trying to be the best golfer in the world or chasing that person down, I think that mentality is what I try to bring to my job now.”

Hicks encourages other playing professionals to consider teaching as a way to continue their involvement with the game and to also share their experiences to help groom the next generation of great golfers.

Having the ability to reach out to other PGA Professionals is extremely important when considering the transition, because of the difficulties and unknown, said Hicks.

“You have to have some people who are accomplished PGA Professionals that can kind of help mentor or guide you in the process,” he said. “Having some people out there that you can talk to that are able to help you understand a little bit of what you are going through and how to navigate some of these hurdles is really helpful, that is a huge part of it for me.”

Playing professional golf on the PGA TOUR is the ultimate goal for many golfers, but the opportunities available to stay within the golf industry and to make an impact on others will always be there. From playing a full PGA TOUR season to becoming a PGA Member, Hicks has not lost his passion and drive to become the best version of himself in whatever area he is in.

Tyler Collet, PGA Wraps his first Career The Honda Classic Start

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:50:54 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Tyler Collet, PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club wraps up his first Honda Classic start, Friday at PGA National, playing 36-holes at 4-over.

Collet earned entry into this year's Honda Classic by winning the 2022 South Florida PGA Rolex Player of the Year award, a year long points race.

Finishing his opening round at 2-under 68, making five birdies including a chip-in on the par-4, sixth hole. Round one marked Collet’s lowest card in his four career PGA TOUR starts.

“Nerves were there for sure but I was feeling very confident with my game, " said Collet after his opening round of 68. “Today was a lot of fun and had a lot of positives to take away.”

Collet was well supported by his friends and family at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach as over 70 members and staff were in attendance to show their support.

Starting in the afternoon on day two, Collet played the second round at 6-over 76, five shots back of the cutline.

Collet graduated from the Professional Golf Management Program at Eastern Kentucky University in 2017 before becoming an Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach. This year’s Honda Classic marks his fourth PGA TOUR start (Puerto Rico Open, 2021 / PGA Championship 2x, 2021-2022).

The Honda Classic Wednesday Pro-Am Featuring Glades Central High School Golf Teams

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 21:33:02 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - The Glades Central High School boys and girls golf teams attended the Honda Classic Wednesday Pro-Am, a trip supported by the South Florida PGA and 10 All In Foundation.

Through its partnership, the South Florida PGA Foundation and the 10 ALL In Foundation, founded by SuperBowl MVP and Glades Central High School Alumni, Santonio Holmes have been committed to improving the lives of youth in Belle Glade through the game of golf.

Since 2021, the partnership has brought golf and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) to the youth of Belle Glade, introducing them to the game while teaching lessons that can last a lifetime.

For the second consecutive year, Glades Central High School Golf teams, including coaches, were invited to experience The Honda Classic Wednesday Pro-Am. The group started the day with 2022 Honda Classic Champion, Sepp Straka before heading to the famous “Bear Trap” to see how the professionals handle one of the hardest stretches of golf on tour. The Bear Trap festivities included lunch, corn hole and life lessons with a PGA HOPE graduate and World War II Veteran.

Before the day ended, the group had the opportunity to sit down with The Honda Classic Executive Director, Andrew George to discuss the opportunities that golf both in life and in a career.

Alan Morin Wins Playoff, Secures Spot in Chubb Classic

jhobson@pgahq.com (Jackie Hobson) — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 23:46:07 GMT

Alan Morin, PGA Assistant Professional at the Club at Ibis shot five-under and survived a playoff to earn a berth in the Chubb Classic, PGA TOUR Champions event.

Morin birdied three of his first four holes at the Forest Country Club in Fort Myers en route to a four-under 32 on his front nine.

The multi-time Player of the Year in the South Florida PGA Section and in the senior division, carded just one bogey before entering the clubhouse at five-under to force a playoff.

Morin needed just one hole to punch his ticket, draining a six-foot putt for par to earn his first Chubb Classic appearance.

At the Section level, the 52-year-old Morin has won 10 of the South Florida PGA major tournaments and one at the senior level. Morin’s major wins include, two Fort Lauderdale Opens (‘08, ‘11), three South Florida Opens (‘04, ‘11, ‘15), five Section Championships (’02, ’08, ’10, ’15, ’16) and one South Florida Senior Open (’21).

In addition to his dominant run in the South Florida Section, Morin has also appeared in 26 PGA TOUR events and 18 Korn Ferry Tour events.

The Chubb Classic is set to take place this week, February 17-19th at Tiburon Golf Club.

Click here for the event qualifier full leaderboard.

South Florida PGA Foundation Celebrates 10th Habitat for Humanity Home in St. Lucie County

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 16:17:24 GMT

Port St. Lucie - The South Florida PGA Foundation dedicated its 10th Habitat for Humanity Home this morning to Paulette Coakley and her family. For the last 11 years, the South Florida PGA Foundation has built a home with a local Habitat for Humanity chapter.

This home is dedicated to Paulette Coakley, a single mother to son John (age 13), daughter Sa'Rae (age 11) and her mother Daphne. Paulette is a medical transcriptionist and a full-time caretaker for her mother who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

Prior to the build, the family was sharing a four bedroom house with six people. This home represents a new beginning for the family.

“One void that I was unable to fulfill was to be able to provide a home that I can call my own, today that changes,” said Paulette Coakley. “Seeing my kids happy and enjoying their own space where they can grow and become young adults, that is just amazing all on its own.”

This year we were excited to have more than 25 SFPGA staff and dedicated PGA Professionals assist in building, painting and assembling the house.

Through the support of donors, friends and partners, the South Florida PGA Foundation continues to move toward the goal of building a home in each of the 13 counties in the South Florida PGA Section boundaries.

Click here to read more about The Coakley Family and the received a home through Habitat for Humanity. For more information on the South Florida PGA Foundation and the associated programs, please click here .

Lebrun and Bacardi Open 2023 Season With Wins at The South Florida PGA Winter Kickoff

carolinel@pgahq.com (Caroline Lewis) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:43:27 GMT

Boynton Beach, FL - Emelie Lebrun and Remi Bacardi captured the first wins of the 2023 South Florida PGA Junior Tour season today at the Winter Kickoff, hosted by Indian Spring Country Club.

Running away with a wire-to-wire victory, Canadian native, Lebrun who now resides in Port St. Lucie wrapped the 54-hole event as the only male in the field to finish under-par at 73-68-70–211. Lebrun managed nine birdies and two eagles, which helped him to an eight shot victory over Pavel Tsar of Palm Beach Gardens.

In addition, Lebrun will receive four AJGA stars while the top-10 percent of finishers will receive one.

Tsar shot a three-day total 75-74-70 to finish in second.

Bacardi, of Miami, catapulted herself to the top of the leaderboard after firing a tournament- low five-under 67 in round two, including only one bogey to go along with six birdies. Bacardi completed the three-day championship at 5-under 211, three shots better than runner-up finisher, Marley Pedrique of West Palm Beach.

Pedrique closed out the tournament at 2-under, 214 with the help of 14 total birdies.

The South Florida PGA Winter Kickoff is the first of eight junior majors to be played throughout the 2023 season. Each major consists of the best junior golfers in south Florida and beyond. The 2023 season will continue February 4-5 as the Medalist Tour takes on the Links at Boynton Beach (Champ Course).

Thank you Indian Spring Country Club General Manager, Robert Foster, PGA and his entire staff for hosting!

Leaderboard | Full Schedule

Collet, Angell Headline 2022 South Florida PGA Rolex Players of the Year

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 19:02:23 GMT

West Palm Beach, Fl - The 2022 South Florida PGA tournament season has come to an end with two new Rolex Players of the Year being named in Tyler Collet, PGA and Heather Angell, PGA.

After being edged out in 2021 by South Florida PGA Hall of Fame Member, Alan Morin, PGA, Collet, an Assistant Professional at John’s Island Golf Club accumulated 1,337 points over the 2022 tournament season, notching his first Rolex Player of the Year by nearly 400 points.

This season, Collet finished in the top-10 in five of his nine starts, highlighted by his second place finish at the E-Z-GO South Florida Open at Miromar Lakes Golf Club. On a national level, Collet finished T11 at the National PGA Professional Championship, earning 394 points and catapulting him to the top of the points standings.

In addition, Collet made his second consecutive PGA Championship start and his third PGA TOUR start of his career. As the 2022 Rolex Player of the Year, Collet was granted a berth into the 2023 Honda Classic and a spot in the National 2023 PGA Professional Championship.

Angell, The Director of Instruction at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club, managed a near perfect season, accumulating three first place finishes and one third place finish, none sweeter than winning the 2022 Women’s Section Championship at Imperial Golf Club.

With 880 total points in only five events, Angell beat out Katie Dixon, PGA Assistant Professional at St. Andrews Golf Club by 170 points.

Additionally, Angell secured a top-5 finish at the Cadillac Invitational and a second place finish at the Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship.

On the Senior level, Mark Mielke, PGA Teaching Professional at High Ridge Country Club accumulated 1,321 points to win his third Senior Player of the Year, narrowly edging out Morin who was the 2021 Senior Player of the Year.

Throughout the 2022 season, Mielke managed one first place finish at the South Florida Senior Open and two second place finishes. On the national level, Mielke earned a second place finish at the Florida Senior Open and a T26 finish at the 2022 Senior PGA Professional Championship. Additionally, with a seventh place finish at the SFPGA Section Championship, Meilke earned a spot into the 2023 PGA Professional Championship, joining Collet and others.

Finishing in a tie for the Super Senior Player of the Year, PGA Life Member, Pete Oakley, and Jerry Tucker, PGA of Jerry Tucker Golf, wrapped the season at exactly 237.50 total points.

The South Florida PGA Player of the Year Awards are based off ROLEX Player of the Year points accumulated throughout the SFPGA Tournament season.

Four Members Split $11,400 Hole-In-Club Pot Supported by Majors Challenge and Global Golf Sales

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 20:36:34 GMT

West Palm Beach, Fl - Steve McDonald, PGA, Jason Robinson, PGA, Joe Kern, PGA and Dennis Meyer, PGA all split the $11,400 pot as the 2022 South Florida PGA Hole-In-One Club season concluded after the SFPGA Quarry Pro-Am last Friday.

The $11,400 pot was generated by member fees and contributions from partners, Majors Challenge and Global Golf Sales.

This year's pot, unlike last year where we saw Austin Davenport, PGA take home the entire $19,150 pot, will be split evenly between McDonald, Robinson, Kern and Meyer who all had hole-in-one’s during one of the eligible events.

The South Florida PGA Hole-in-One Club is open to all SFPGA Members and Associates. If a hole-in-one is made during an eligible event, the player will get a share of the money pool, provided that member or associate was a HIO Club member prior to the event.

Joe Kern, PGA (Director of Instruction at The Mooring at Hawks Nest Golf Club)

July 29th | North Palm Beach Country Club | Senior Series Pro-Pro | Hole #7

Dennis Meyer, PGA (Director of Instruction at Dennis Meyer’s Golf School)

September 14th | Imperial Golf Club | SFPGA Section Professional Championship |Hole #12

Steve McDonald, PGA (Life Member)

April 11th | Banyan Cay Resort and Golf | Nelson Cup Matches

Jason Robinson, PGA (Assistant Professional at Country Club At Mirasol)

June 20th | The Club at Gateway | Tournament Series #1 | Hole #4

South Florida PGA Quarry Pro-Am Raises 6,500 to Benefit Foundation Programs

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 00:14:08 GMT

Naples, FL - The South Florida PGA Foundation Annual Quarry Pro-Am hosted today at The Quarry Golf Club raised $6,500 to support Foundation programs.

The charitable arm of the SFPGA, the SFPGA Foundation strives to positively impact the south Florida community through the game of golf, funds raised will directly support those efforts.

24 teams, comprised of one PGA Member and three amateurs competed in a 18-hole, team two best ball of four, one gross/one net format.

Finishing at 15-under and taking home first place honors was the team from Bay Colony Golf Club led by Director of Golf, Andrew Zullo, PGA and his team of Greg Dewitt, Kevin Powderly and Ed Dunphy. After a 6-under front-nine, the group managed a 9-under back-nine to beat out Jon Pazdera, PGA and his team from Cypress Lakes Golf Club by two shots.

The 2022 Quarry Pro-Am was supported by BKS Partners and Titliest, without their support, this event would not be possible. Thank you to The Quarry Golf Club General Manager, Bob Radunz, PGA, Head Professional Patrick Doyle, PGA and their entire team for hosting.

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Old Marsh Golf Club Hosts 4th Annual South Florida PGA Pro-Lady

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:24:12 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - The South Florida PGA hosted its 4th Annual SFPGA Pro-Lady today at Old Marsh Golf Club with 24 teams of one PGA Professional and three female amateurs competing.

The 24 teams hit the course for an 18-hole stroke play event that consisted of a best-ball format, taking the best score on the par-4’s and par-5’s, while taking the two top scores on the par-3’s

The team from Mayacoo Lakes Country Club, led by Assistant Professional Nick Beddow, PGA and his team of Nicole Bielen, Rebekah Alfond and Jessica Shapiro took home first place honors with a 18-under 66, beating out two other teams by one shot.

Taking home his second low-professional title in the last week, Justin Hicks, PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club fired a 7-under 65, beating out Kyle Roig, PGA and Nick Beddow, PGA by one shot. Hicks' round included eight birdies to go along with an eagle on the par-5, 17th hole.

Special thank you to supporting partner, XXIO and Jon Davis, PGA for all their efforts in making this event so successful. In addition, thank you to Old Marsh PGA General Manager, Michael Menery, PGA, Director of Golf, Brian Boushie, PGA and their entire team for hosting.

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South Florida PGA Retains Cup at 17th Annual Senior Challenge Cup

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 20:37:48 GMT

The South Florida PGA captures the 17th Senior Challenge Cup, defeating North Florida PGA for the second consecutive year.

Over the two-day stretch of Ryder Cup style matches, South Florida tallied 18.5 total points compared to North Florida’s 11.5 points at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa yesterday and today.

Team South Florida finished the first round of four-ball match play with a one point lead over North Florida before winning three of the five foursome match play matches in the second round, securing a four point lead going into the final day.

Yielding four points to North Florida in the round three scramble matches, Jerry Tucker, PGA and Pete Oakley, PGA maintained their undefeated streak, securing the only point for team SFPGA going into the final round singles matches.

With a two point lead entering the final round, team SFPGA needed five points to successfully retain the cup.

Tucker and Oakley continued their dominant play taking both their singles matches 3 & 2 and recording a perfect record for team SFPGA throughout the four rounds.

Chris Kaufman, PGA officially secured the win for South Florida with his 3 & 2 win, solidifying a clean sweep for Kaufman over North Florida in 2022 as he Captained the South Florida PGA Challenge Cup team in late October.

Steve Veceillio, PGA, Tim Cantwell, PGA, Mike San Filippo, PGA and Joe Kern, PGA all secured wins as well in their singles matches to bring the total tally up to 18.5 points.

The win marks the 12th Senior Challenge Cup victory in just 17 tries for South Florida PGA.

Each team was made up of 12 PGA Professionals who earned an invitation based on ROLEX Player of the Year Points Standings. Roger Kennedy Sr, PGA captained South Florida’s winning efforts, with the following PGA Professionals:

Tim Cantwell, PGA, Mike San Filippo, PGA, Chris Kaufman, PGA, Joe Kern, PGA, David Ladd, PGA, Mike Melton, PGA, Mark Mielke, PGA, Scott Newhouse, PGA, Pete Oakley, PGA, Jack Shoenfelt, PGA, Jerry Tucker, PGA and Steve Vecellio, PGA.

Kenny Leech is Awarded the South Florida PGA Professional Development Award

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:28:07 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Kenny Leech, PGA Academy Director at The Don Law Golf Academy has been awarded the South Florida PGA Professional Development Award.

The PGA Professional Development Award recognizes a professional who provides outstanding and continuous contributions in developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA Professional.

“I’m so honored to receive this award. I have been shaped and molded by so many PGA professionals and I am so thankful for all that my mentors have done for me,” said Leech. “For me to be the one doing the sharing is extremely rewarding and I look forward to every opportunity to help fellow PGA professionals.”

Throughout his career, Leech has been a big believer in giving back to the game and to those that want to pursue a career in it. As a South Florida PGA Junior Tour alum, Leech benefitted from so many hardworking PGA Professionals through his journey with golf and now gives back through those he teaches and mentors.

In his role at the Don Law Golf Academy, Leech mentors each of the PGM interns who work at the Academy during the summer months. This past summer, Leech assisted a young student transition her career path from teaching to retail management, helping her land a summer internship at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo.

In addition to his work with the interns and students at Don Law Golf Academy, Leech is passionate about sharing his knowledge with his peers in the Section. Leech has created education videos and presentations to help PGA Professionals, has presented at the SFPGA Teaching Symposium and is an advocate for junior golf.

“I love helping and mentoring other driven professionals,” explained Leech. “I work hard but I cannot help all the golfers in the world which is why it is important to help all the coaches so we can all have a positive impact on our communities.”

Outside of teaching, Leech is also a top player in the South Florida Section and this past summer, won the SFPGA Pro-Scratch Championship with his student, Elijah Zamarron.

The PGA Professional Development Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA will honor each recipient at their individual facilities amongst students, members, friends and family. Click here for a full list of award winners.

10th Annual Quail Valley Pro-Am Raises Nearly $10,000 to Support South Florida PGA Foundation Programs

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 21:44:31 GMT

Vero Beach, FL - The South Florida PGA conducted its 10th Annual Quail Valley Pro-Am, benefitting the SFPGA Foundation today at Quail Valley Golf Club, raising nearly $10,000.

The money raised will directly support the SFPGA Foundation which strives to impact the lives of many in the south Florida community through the game of golf.

This year's event consisted of 27, two-person teams of a PGA Professional or Associate along with an amateur competing in an 18-hole, better-ball stableford point system (Net & Gross) format.

David Carey and Matt Avril finished atop of the Gross Division with 56 points, two points better then the three teams who tied for second. With two eagles, including the par-4, fourth hole, Avirl tallied 12 points between those two holes alone.

In the Net Division, Ryan Isaacson and Terry Arenson of Quail Valley Golf Club took home first place honors with 63 points, edging out Bob Mallek, PGA and Shawn O’Toole of The Club at Emerald Hills by five points. The duo of Isaccson and Arenson managed three eagles to go along with eight birdies, routing them to the win.

Justin Hicks, PGA of Stonebridge Golf Club secured his third low-professional win at this event with 48 points. Hicks turned in a clean scorecard that included a 4-under back-nine, wrapping the event at 5-under. Greg O’Mahony of Celtic Golf finished in second with 46 points, two behind Hicks.

The 10th Annual Quail Valley Pro-Am was presented by Tire Kingdom, along with supporting partners, Heritage Creations and Sailfish Brewing Company. Thank you to Quail Valley Director of Golf and SFPGA Section President, Don Meadows, PGA and his entire team for making this event so successful.

Justin DeFont, PGA Awarded South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 19:17:38 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Justin DeFont, PGA Head Professional at Audubon Country Club has been awarded the 2022 South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award.

The Bill Strausbaugh award recognizes the professional whose overall commitment is to promoting the game, the Association, and fellow PGA Professionals. This professional is honored for his/her integrity, leadership ability, professional mentoring and community involvement related to golf activities.

“Being selected as the 2022 Bill Strausbaugh award recipient is an incredible acknowledgement, '' said DeFont. “I’m driven by a passion to mentor and share the knowledge I have gained as a PGA Professional. It’s an honor to be chosen for this award and the highlight of my career.”

DeFont and his team at Audubon Country Club are committed to teaching and grooming the next generation of PGA Professionals. During Defont’s first year as Head Professional, Audubon had just one Professional Golf Management student on the golf operations staff. By Defont’t fourth year, six students were on staff, including four inside operation interns and two outside operation interns.

DeFont has made it a priority to work with each individual to help teach new facets of the industry from tournament operations to club financials.

“I believe the hands-on approach we offer is a great educational tool that better prepares our interns and certainly creates a sense of accomplishment all under the watchful eye and guidance of our PGA Professional staff,” explained DeFont.

Overall, DeFont has played a role in mentoring 16 interns at Audubon during his six years. Each of these interns have gone on to obtain full-time positions, with a majority of them in the golf industry.

The Bill Strausbaugh Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA will honor DeFont and present his award March 14th.. Click here for a full list of award winners.

Alejandro Fernandez, PGA Award South Florida PGA Youth Development Award

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:07:38 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Alejandro Fernandez, PGA Director of Instruction at Crandon Golf Academy has been named the 2o22 South Florida PGA Youth Player Development Award recipient.

The Youth Player Development Award annually recognizes the professional who uses his/her leadership skills to promote and develop junior golf at both the club and community levels.

“That commitment to reaching as many juniors as possible and seeing them grow at all levels of the game drives us to succeed every day. Receiving this award means the world to myself and my staff. It is a culmination and validation for years and years dedicated to growing our great game at every level.”

As owner of Crandon Golf Academy, operating out of all three Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Golf Courses, Fernandez is committed to junior golf and growing the game amongst the community of all ages and backgrounds.

With Crandon Golf Academy being a staple of Junior Golf programming, Fernandez and his team offer a variety of opportunities for juniors, culminating over 2,500 hours dedicated to junior activities yearly.

“Programs over the last 15 years have directly led to a sense of community at the facility,” Fernandez said. “I am now instructing children of the first participants in our facility.”

Fernandez believes his biggest contribution to youth player development has been the success and impact of PGA Junior League at three facilities.

Starting in 2018, the program had 7o participants join before growing to 130 in 2019, the most for any single facility in Florida and South Georgia. This past year, Crandon Golf Academy saw a 100 percent increase in enrollment.

“This incredible result could not be possible without the commitment of both my staff and parents, wishing to expose the game of golf to their children,” Fernandez explained. “My entire staff at Crandon Golf Academy believes golf is a universal language, bridging all socioeconomic backgrounds”

The Youth Player Development Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA will honor Fernandez and present his award December 3rd. Click here for a full list of award winners.

Domenico Geminiani Wins 2022 National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 22:28:57 GMT

Special From PGA Of America

Author: Craig Dolch

Domenico Geminiani showed he can take a punch Sunday and keep on smiling.

Geminiani made four consecutive bogeys to lose a five-shot lead, but responded with a pair of birdies for a three-shot victory in the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship supported by Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO/Asics.

Geminiani shot a 1-over 73 on the Wanamaker Course to win by three over Brian Bergstol and Riley Wheeldon in windy, rainy conditions at PGA Golf Club. Playing in his first Assistant PGA Professional Championship, Geminiani finished at 6-under 282 to earn the $12,000 first prize.

“I was hitting it really well but there’s going to be times on this course, especially in these conditions, where it’s going to be tough,” said Geminiani, who works at Old Corkscrew Golf Club in the South Florida PGA. “It’s never easy to win a four-day tournament.”

Geminiani started the final round with a two-shot lead over Bergstol, thanks to playing his final four holes at five-under Saturday, and extended his advantage to five with birdies on the first and sixth holes.

But starting at the ninth hole, Geminiani made four consecutive bogeys. When Bergstol birdied the 12th, they were tied.

“Those are tough holes,” Geminiani said. “I felt my game was still there. I was just trying to have fun, but that’s easier said than done, especially when you lose a five-shot lead.”

As quickly as Geminiani lost the lead, he regained it when Bergstol three-putted the par-5 13th for bogey after his third shot barely cleared a greenside bunker. Geminiani extended his lead to three when he birdied the 14th after hitting it close and Bergstol made a good bogey after hitting his drive into the trees.

“I made a mistake at the 13th when I hit it into a fairway bunker and tried to hit my second shot near the green,” said Bergstol from the Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in the Philadelphia PGA. “In hindsight, I should have laid up.”

It marked the second consecutive runner-up finish for Bergstol, who bogeyed the 18th to share second with Wheeldon of Desert Forest Golf Club in the Southwest PGA.

“I’ll take that finish every time. At the end of the day, it’s a job and I’m here to make money,” said Bergstol, who earned $8,450. “But this is the second year in a row where I had to make a run in the middle of the round. I’m going to have to learn how to start faster.”

Andy Svoboda, the 36-hole leader from Engineers Country Club in the Metropolitan PGA, shot 73 and tied for fourth with Zac Oakley (72) of Bidermann Golf Club in the Philadelphia PGA. Only seven players broke par for the week.

Geminiani turned pro a decade ago when he was 16. He was born in St. Martinique, lived with his mom in Saint Lucia and his father in Bradenton. He started working at Old Corkscrew earlier this year.

“I feel Italian even though I was not born there,” Geminiani said. “It’s been a long road since I turned pro.”

That road took him to an Assistant PGA Professional Championship title Sunday.

Lynn Myers, PGA is Awarded the South Florida PGA Player Development Award

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:05:31 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL – Lynn Myers, PGA Assistant Professional at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club has been awarded the South Florida PGA Player Development Award.

The Player Development Award recognizes a PGA Professional who has made extraordinary contributions and achievements in the area of player development.

“I am delighted and honored to receive the Player Development Award,” said Myers. “The South Florida Section is so strong and has many talented professionals. Each of us works on a daily basis to share our love of the game and help more players participate.”

Myers’ contagious love for the game of golf has been the centerpiece for success throughout her 30-year career as a PGA Professional, helping her gain trust with each player she works with.

Since beginning at Harbor Ridge Yacht and Country Club in 2002, Myers has developed a roadmap to building successful golfers, starting with beginner-level programming and a pathway to build a young player through personal support and enthusiasm.

In addition to Myers’ successful junior programming, she has increased the number of lessons at Harbor Ridge by 17 percent in 2020 and 25 percent in 2021 and has brought many new players to the game, including many females.

Myers has also implemented programs at Harbor Ridge to increase player fitness, catering to older members in an effort to create lifelong golfers. Through all the programs she offers at Harbor Ridge, Myers has cultivated a community where each golfer is included at her facility.

“Thank you for the opportunity to stand with the other award winners, both past and present, who have inspired me,” continued Myers. “I truly appreciate the award and the work of both the Section and the committees to make it happen.”

The PGA Professional Development Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA honored Myers during a private celebration in front of family and friends at Harbor Ridge Yahct and Country Club last week. Click here for a full list of award winners.

Jason Baile Named 2022 South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 13:40:10 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Jason Baile, PGA Director of Instruction at Jupiter Hills Club has been named the 2022 South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year.

The Teacher of the Year recognizes the professional who provides outstanding service as a golf instructor. The recipient is selected based on his/her efforts in promoting golf, use of teachings, involvement in junior golf activities, and teaching techniques.

“The opportunity to represent the South Florida Section as Teacher of the Year is a tremendous honor, because it is a reflection of all of the PGA Mentors who have helped me grow and learn throughout my career. It is really their award. “

In just three years, Baile has increased the lesson revenue at Jupiter Hills by over 37%. By developing a team approach to lessons and clinics, Baile’s method has allowed for growth for his entire team.

Outside of Teaching, Baile is passionate about helping the next generation of coaches and teachers grow into great professionals. While in the Carolina PGA Section, where he was the Director of Instruction at Belfair until 2019, Baile started a mentor initiative called “Coaches Camp” - a complimentary program designed to help young coaches evolve as instructors. Baile has since brought this program with him to the South Florida PGA Section and has seen great success, filling up every camp he’s hosted.

Additionally, Baile has been instrumental in the creation of Jupiter Hills University which takes the seasonal staff at Jupiter Hills through every aspect of the business, preparing them to be well-rounded golf professionals.

“I believe in sharing what I've learned in my career with others in order to grow the game,” explained Baile. “When I do it this way, I feel I get more out of it.”

In an ever-changing industry, Baile is committed to adapting, growing his social media brand which has allowed him to connect and share his knowledge with countless individuals.

Over the last several years, Baile has been consistently recognized as one of the premiere coaches in the game, being named as a Top-100 Coach by Golf.com while contributing several articles to Golf.com, Golf Magazine and PGA Magazine.

The Teacher of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Click here for the full list of award winners.

Member Spotlight - Scott Newhouse, PGA & Gerardo Lugo-Trejo, PGA

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 20:28:54 GMT

“Do you remember who I am, you know the reason that I became a PGA Professional was because of all of the things you did, I want to do the same thing.”

Nearly a decade after first meeting each other at the Immokalee Foundation, now Head Golf Professional at Panther Run Golf Club, Gerardo Lugo-Trejo, PGA ran into Scott Newhouse, PGA for the first time since becoming a PGA Member.

“Wow,” Newhouse thought to himself while showing Lugo-Trejo the framed picture he still has in his office from all those years ago. “You want to talk about hitting you right in the stomach, it was quite a conversation.”

Lugo-Trejo picked up the game before high school when he joined the First Tee Program, which partnered with the immokalee Foundation. Through this experience, Lugo-Trejo was introduced to many different PGA Professionals who provided him pointers in golf and in life.

Newhouse, the Director of Golf at Naples National at the time, participated in the Immokalee Foundation’s annual pro-ams with the Immokalee High School Students, where his group included Lugo-Trejo.

During Newhouse’s early experiences with the Foundation, a young lady in his group was the first to hit a short putt on their last hole of the day when she began crying.

When asked what was wrong, the young lady explained that this would be the last shot she could hit with her clubs before giving them back, Newhouse remembered.

“That round of golf with the young lady was really the catalyst,” Newhouse explained. “I couldn’t get over how a person would cry that they're not going to have golf clubs, it was just amazing.”

Taken back by the situation, Newhouse knew he had an opportunity to use his network to help and decided to reach out to the Immokalee High School Athletics Director to see if clubs could be donated to the school for the students.

Immokalee High School agreed that if students played a minimum of two years on the golf team and kept a certain grade average, the student would be able to keep the clubs.

“It was 77 sets of golf clubs that the Naples National members donated,” said Newhouse. “It was to the point that the AD at the High School called me and said we have no more space for these golf clubs.”

Now, after all the time he spent working with students from the Immokalee Foundation, Newhouse was able to see the work he did come full-circle when Lugo-Trejo became a fellow PGA Professional.

“It is neat to see a young man come out of Immokalee High School and choose to be a PGA Professional, '' he said. “That is the thing that he wanted and that meant a lot to me.”

Newhouse explained how it is important to show others that you care, especially as a PGA Professional working with younger generations.

“The fact is that the charitable things that we do as PGA Professionals does make a difference and we can see that with a young man like Gerardo, that is proof right there, proof that what we do with our time is extremely important.”

Steve McDonald Honored with South Florida PGA Deacon Palmer Award

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 14:29:12 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Steve McDonald, PGA Life Member, is the 2022 South Florida PGA Deacon Palmer Award Recipient.

The Deacon Palmer Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf 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 at their facility and in their community, who serves to inspire, empower and assist others, both inside and outside the game.

“Tremendously humbled, honored and appreciative beyond belief to be the recipient of the 2022 Deacon Palmer Award,” said McDonald. “Especially given the names of those who have received the award previously and what the award stands for! Congratulations to the other Section award recipients.”

For nearly 40 years, McDonald built a career as a golf professional, successful player, teacher and champion of the game throughout the Midwest Section and the South Florida Section.

In 2015 McDonald was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer: Subclavius Carcinoma. stemming from being in the sun too long without sunglasses. A PGA Professional since 1987, McDonald spent his whole career outside giving lessons and on the golf course.

After a series of surgeries, McDonald was cancer free and returned to work at the First Tee of the Palm Beaches as a golf instructor, developing youth golfers and instilling the core values of golf in young people. However, in March of this year, McDonald's cancer returned, this time in the form of a squamous cell carcinoma tumor in his tongue.

Sentenced to a seven-week chemotherapy treatment, McDonald had to step away from work and on his last day suffered a displaced fracture which complicated his treatment and required surgery. By viewing setbacks as setups for better things to come, McDonald works each day in an effort to make a full recovery.

“I inspired a generation of youth golfers,” explained McDonald. “Throughout my career, I’ve learned to stretch myself, be creative, and never give up.”

The Deacon Palmer Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA will honor each recipient at their individual facilities amongst students, members, friends and family. Click here for the full list of award winners.

South Florida PGA Defends, Keeps the 42nd Annual Challenge Cup

jhobson@pgahq.com (Jackie Hobson) — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 17:35:30 GMT

For the second consecutive year, the South Florida PGA downed North Florida PGA to successfully defend the 42nd Annual Challenge Cup.

Team South Florida earned 20.5 points to North Florida’s 3.5 points in Ryder Cup-style matches played yesterday and today at Dye Preserve Golf Club in Jupiter. The 20.5-point total is the highest point total earned by a team throughout the historic rivalry.

After racing out to a fast start in yesterday morning’s four-ball matches, South Florida never looked back and continued to dominate in the foursome matches Wednesday afternoon and the singles matches this morning.

South Florida yielded just a half point to North Florida on day one and entered today with an 11.5-0.5 lead. Playing in his first Challenge Cup, Justin Hicks, PGA of Stonebridge Golf and Country Club was the first to the clubhouse today after carding a 7 & 5 victory over Clint Avret, PGA to guarantee South Florida the victory.

Hicks was joined by fellow first-year Challenge Cup participant Jeremy Wells, PGA of Cypress Lake Golf Club in the clubhouse, who brought in another point with a 2 & 1 victory over Clint Avret.

Tyler Collet, Justin Smith, Andrew Filbert, Tim Cantwell, Justin Bertsch, Jason Martin and Alan Morin continued the victory lap, all delivering wins to push the point total to 20.5.

With the win, South Florida earns the Challenge Cup for the 26th time while North Florida remains at 14 victories.

Each team was made up of 12 PGA Professionals who earned an invitation based on ROLEX Player of the Year Points Standings. Chris Kaufman, PGA of BallenIsles Country Club captained South Florida’s winning efforts, with the following PGA Professionals:

Tyler Collet, PGA, Justin Bertsch, PGA, Kenny Leech, PGA, Alan Morin, PGA, Justin Hicks, PGA, Andrew Filbert, PGA, Paul Scaletta, PGA, Justin Smith, PGA, Tim Cantwell, PGA, Jason Martin, PGA, Jeremy Wells, PGA, Austin Davenport, PGA.

Mike Bove, PGA Named Assistant Professional of the Year supported by Srizon/Cleveland

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:54:46 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Mike Bove, PGA Assistant Professional at Boca West Country Club has been named the 2022 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year supported by Srixon/Cleveland.
The Assistant of the Year award recognizes the individual’s overall performance as an assistant through his/her willingness to accept the responsibility, promotion of the game and his/her promotion of the overall image of the PGA.
“I am humbled and honored to have been recognized by the South Florida PGA Section as the Assistant Golf Professional of the Year,” said Bove. ”This award would not have been possi ble without having the opportunity to work for exceptional leadership.”

Bove first joined the team at Boca West Country Club in 2008 as an Associate before obtaining his full PGA membership in October of 2011. Since then, Bova has played a key role in many different areas as an Assistant Professional at Boca West.

While having a broad skill set, Bove has his hands in several fields including, staff training, financial review, retail management, instruction, tournament play and member programming.

Bove says the leadership at Boca West has allowed him to grow and be successful within the industry and described how that leadership starts from the top.

“For 14 years, I have been given the freedom to think big, embrace change, always learn from failure and recognize that you’re always on stage,” explained Bove.

The Assistant of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA will honor each recipient at their individual facilities amongst members, friends and family. Click here for a full list of award winners

Craig Dolch and Donna White Inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 19:03:50 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Longtime sportswriter Craig Dolch and LPGA/PGA Professional Donna White make up the 2022 South Florida PGA Hall of Fame Class.

Since 1982, Dolch has written about golf in south Florida and on the national level, covering 50 major championships as well as a series of Ryder Cups primarily for the Palm Beach Post and later, Sports Illustrated, New York Times, Golf World, Golf Digest and USA TODAY.

“I’ve covered every sport and I can say with certainty that PGA Professionals and golfers in general are the best athletes to deal with in sports,” explained Dolch. “Most of them have fabulous stories and I’ve been fortunate to tell these stories because the Section has so many great players. I just wish knowing them would make me a better golfer.”

Dolch is estimated to have written over 5,000 stories on golf, many of which have been published on the local level where he has found his niche in covering the unwritten stories of the sport. Committed to the local golf scene and PGA Professionals that work at the countless south Florida golf courses, Dolch has covered South Florida Section tournaments, events and the SFPGA Junior Tour for many years.

In addition to his storytelling, Dolch upholds the standards of the philanthropic efforts of the game, raising over $100,000 for the local community through his son Eric’s Foundation after he was diagnosed with encephalitis in 2005.

The Golf Writers’ of America Award winner, 2014 Golfweek Father of the Year and Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame Member, Dolch will join his mentor Tim Rosaforte as the next sportswriter to be inducted into the SFPGA Hall of Fame.

“It means the world to me to be inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame,” said Dolch. “I’m very honored to become the first journalist to be inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame since our good friend, Tim Rosaforte. It’s an honor to be mentioned with Rosie.”

Like Dolch, White has made a tremendous impact on golf in south Florida since beginning her career as a golf professional in 1992, after a 14-year professional playing career. Driven by her desire to make golf more affordable and accessible, White took over the professional services for Okeeheelee Golf Course in 1995 and built one of the most successful player development programs in the country.

“I am elated and honored to learn of my acceptance into the SFPGA Hall of Fame,” exclaimed White. “There are so many wonderful PGA and LPGA members who have influenced my career and life over the years. I strived to simply pass what I have learned from others forward, both on the lesson tee, classroom and in my business.”

For the next 25 years, White and her company, Professional Golf Services Inc., helped manage John Prince Golf Learning Center and Park Ridge Golf Course, expanding all programming in Palm Beach County. White’s Junior Golf Foundation of America, at its peak, had 6,000 junior golfers, including Lexi Thompson and Brooks Keopka as alumni.

“My golf journey has been one of great satisfaction and joy,” continued White. “This honor would not have been possible without the support of my family, business partners, mentors and a long list of wonderful staff.”

Since 2010, White has been a professor at the Keiser School of Golf and has focused on mentoring and teaching rising professionals in the sport and has helped to open the Keiser golf facilities to the public.

Committed to growing the game through all walks of life in the south Florida community, White also continues to play a key role in the South Florida PGA Foundation PGA HOPE program and was a part of the first program ever conducted in late 2015.

The South Florida PGA Hall of Fame inducts new members each year and will celebrate White and Dolch in separate ceremonies in front of their colleagues, family and friends. Click here for a full list of South Florida PGA Hall of Fame members.

South Florida PGA Members Show Support for Southwest Florida

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:49:19 GMT

When the disaster of Hurricane Ian shook Southwest Florida in September, PGA Professionals were quick to lend a helping hand to those impacted.

Over the last several weeks, southwest Florida has had to endure the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Those impacted have dealt with the personal trauma as well as disruption in their place of work.

With no hesitation, the South Florida PGA Family has responded with quick action, any form of assistance to help those impacted get back on their feet. From the PGA of America offering Hurricane Relief Funds, to PGA members taking it upon themselves to help their fellow professionals and families with basic resources and necessities.

As soon as Hammock Creek Golf Club Teaching Professional, Michael Berger, PGA, learned of the devastation, he quickly came up with a plan to help as many people as he could with basic necessities.

After raising over $2,000 in donations through social media networks, Berger and his wife packed as much as they could into a Uhaul to take across the state to help those in need.

Additionally, Club Car Representative, Chris Shaul, PGA has actively put together groups of fellow PGA Members to help in the clean-up efforts of several family and friends’ homes in southwest Florida. PGA Members who have helped include Don Law, Tom Wildenhaus, Zach Cooper and several others.

The efforts shown by numerous members proves the selfless attitude and willingness of PGA Professionals to put others before themselves.

Sean Olson Named South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year for Resort Category

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:19:16 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Sean Olson, PGA former head professional at Turnberry Isles - Miami and current assistant professional at Addison Reserve has been named the 2022 Merchandiser of the Year for the Resort category.

"I am honored to be chosen for Merchandiser of the Year for the Resort Category,” said Olson. “I truly enjoy working with all the product representatives and vendors to ensure our members and guests are provided with the best products possible."

Olson, who recently moved to Addison Reserve in September after a five-year stint as head professional at Turnberry Isles - Miami, found his niche as a merchandiser by keeping up with the current trends in golf and believing in every product displayed in his shop. This has been a key in his merchandising success and in supporting the 44,000-round average Turnberry has seen over the last three years.

“I wouldn't purchase and sell anything that I don't believe is a great product,” explained Olson. “The product must appear, perform and wear well.”

By maintaining honesty and integrity, Olson has consistently delivered the best products and services to his members and guests, surpassing a million dollars in sales the last three years.

The Merchandiser of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA will honor each recipient at their individual facilities amongst members, friends and family. Click here for a full list of award winners.

PGA Works Fellow Helps Change Lives Through Golf at Belle Glade High School

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 13:27:31 GMT

Belle Glade- After spending some time with the Honda Classic, JT Moore joined the SFPGA team in April of 2022. Since then, Moore has played a vital role in the Junior Golf department, the SFPGA Foundation and as an assistant coach for the Glades Central High School Golf Teams.

In partnership with Santonio Holmes 10 All In Foundation, the South Florida PGA Foundation continues to support the Glades Central Boy’s and Girl’s Golf teams as they begin introducing more students to the game. The SFPGA provided the students with golf clubs, bags, training aids and new team uniforms.

Since August, Moore has visited the Belle Glade area twice a week and coached the team during practices and matches.

“I enjoy working with the kids and giving them information that was once given to me,” Moore explained.

In only its second year with a golf program, the Glades Central High School Golf Teams have many players that are new to the game. Moore uses this opportunity to instill the life lessons that the game provides by coaching the students on how to properly set up and swing the golf club, giving the team drills to practice when at home or at the course by themselves.

“I enjoy seeing the looks on their faces when they make solid contact with the club, and the urge to become better is quite contagious amongst the team,” Moore stated.

Through the lessons golf instills, the SFPGA Foundation and JT Moore have been able to impact several kids’ lives throughout the Belle Glade area with a goal of increasing that number in the months and years to come.

For more information on the SFPGA Foundation, click here or the 10 All In Foundation, click here.

Morin and Mielke Punch Ticket to 83rd KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 16:18:12 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - Alan Morin, PGA and Mark Mielke, PGA secured their spot in the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship after finishing in the top 35 at the 2022 Senior PGA Professional Championship Sunday.

Behind a four-day, 7-under 71-70-66-74–281 total, Assistant PGA Professional at the Club at Ibis, Morin finished in a tie for third, earning a berth in his third straight Senior PGA Championship.

Morin jumped 18 spots during his 6-under, bogey-free third round, catapulting him to a tie for sixth going into the final round. With the entire field battling tough conditions over the final 18 holes, Morin managed to move up three additional spots, well inside the top 35 who advance to the Senior PGA Championship.

With eight Senior PGA Championship starts on his resume, Mielke, a Teaching Professional at High Ridge Country Club, will add his ninth after finishing T26 at 3-over 70-70-74-77–291.

Morin and Mielke will join the 33 other PGA Professionals who qualified for the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship by way of the Senior PGA Professional Championship.

The 83 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will be held for the first time at the new PGA of America headquarters in Frisco, Texas, May 24-28.

Results

Cypress Lake Duo Wins the E-Z-GO South Florida PGA Pro-Superintendent Championship

jhobson@pgahq.com (Jackie Hobson) — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 17:44:30 GMT

Cory Cooper, PGA and John Colo take net division

Jeremy Wells, PGA and Bryce Koch from Cypress Lake Golf Club fired a 14-under 58 to win the gross division at the E-Z-GO South Florida PGA Pro-Superintendent Championship today at Mar Lago Country Club.

Playing in a two-person scramble, Wells and Koch carded 12 birdies and one eagle en route to a three-stroke victory. Throughout the round, Wells and Koch broke par on all but five holes, including just one hole on their front nine.

Benjamin Claus, PGA and Eric Bennet (Ocean Reef Club), Victor Tortorici, PGA and Scott Macphee (Sailfish Point Golf Club), Jordan Mathers, PGA and Chris Schultz (Stonebridge Country Club) and Bill Friesing, PGA and Walter Chavez (Country Club of Coral Springs) all finished at 11-under in a tie for second.

Cory Cooper, PGA and John Colo from Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club won the net division, edging Wells and Koch by less than a stroke, 57.2-58.0. The net division was scored off handicap, where 30 percent of each superintendent’s handicap was deducted from the total team score.

Teams for the event were made up of one PGA Professional and one superintendent from the same working facility.

The E-Z-GO Pro-Superintendent was supported by E-Z-GO and Sailfish Brewing who provided the South Florida PGA Pale Ale for players.

Month-Long National Day of HOPE Begins Today

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:27:59 GMT

The South Florida PGA Foundation has conducted over 675 hours of PGA HOPE programming and has impacted the lives of over 1,000 local veterans since 2015.

“Participation in the SFPGA HOPE program has provided me the opportunity to meet and socialize with other veterans who, like me, enjoy the game of golf, '' said United States Navy Veteran, Carl Wolf. “The SFPGA Family is special in that it goes beyond the golf course and friendships are made.”

Starting today, National Day of HOPE runs until November 11th with the goal of raising funds for PGA HOPE Programs nationwide. The month-long campaign aims to commemorate our nation’s heroes who protect our freedom and raise awareness and support for PGA HOPE programs.

PGA HOPE South Florida affords Veterans throughout the south Florida community an opportunity to learn the game of golf at zero costs to them. Programs are open to all veterans with disabilities, enhancing their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

The South Florida PGA Foundation has set a goal of raising a minimum $5,000 this month with PGA Reach matching up to $5,000 in funds. All funds raised will go directly to our South Florida PGA HOPE programs.

While PGA HOPE programs run for six weeks, our main goal is to continue offering various golfing opportunities that will help veterans reap the benefits the game has to offer.

“PGA HOPE has provided healing and comradeship that I never thought was possible,” explained Ken Strange, a United States Army Veteran. “Sharing golf with fellow Veterans has fostered a renewed purpose and sense of belonging that is priceless.”

If your facility is not currently involved with PGA HOPE, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity as any donation will go a long way.

Donations can be made to our fundraising page

Tony Chateauvert, PGA Named South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year in the Public Category

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:48:00 GMT

Atlantis, FL - Tony Chateauv e rt, PGA Head Professional at the Palm Beach Par 3, has been named the 2021 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year in the public category.

The Public Merchandiser of the Year recognizes the professional that has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf with a focus on the individual’s inventory, shop display, staff and merchandising techniques at a public facility.

“Having fun and enjoyment of the game is what we are about and our golf shop reflects that,” explained Chateauvert.

Striving to promote the game of golf to all, Chateauvert believes the fun and approachable atmosphere that the Palm Beach Par 3 offers starts in the golf shop.

“I come from the era where the golf shop was the epicenter of the club and the PGA Head Professional was the ambassador of golf. I try to uphold that tradition at the Palm Beach Par 3.”

Chateauvert, along with three other staff members, have seen over a 25 percent increase in growth and annual sales each year since 2020, already surpassing $600,000 in sales in 2022 alone.

David Morano and Kenny Leech Win the Global Golf Sales Cup

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 23:52:17 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - David Morano, PGA and Kenny Leech, PGA tied for the win at the Global Golf Sales Cup at The Club at Ibis on Thursday afternoon.

Playing in an 18-hole Stableford competition based on assigned player quotas, Global Golf Sales Cup participants were awarded a point quota determined by their 2022 Tournament Performance (stroke average).

In a race against their point quotas, players accumulated points by hole (Bogey - 1 point, Par - 2 points, etc.), with those who had a higher scoring average throughout the year, having a less point deficit to avenge.

Leech (64), carded eight birdies while Morano (68) made seven and both ultimately tallied 11 points, narrowly beating Ricardo Ronderos, PGA of Miami Shores Country Club who had 10 points.

Beginning the day at a 41-point deficit, Leech’s 52 Stableford points were the most earned on the day while Morano earned 47 to erase his 36-point deficit.

Morano and Leech beat a field of 87 PGA Professionals, vying for a piece of the $27,000 purse, who qualified for the Global Golf Sales Cup through participation points gained throughout the season.

The Global Golf Sales cup is presented by Global Golf Sales, who was represented on site today by Steve Sponder.

“Global Golf Sales has always been very honored to be a part of the golf community and the South Florida PGA,” explained Sponder. “The PGA Members here have been great to work with and I show my appreciation by supporting the Section for all these years.”

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Eric Shillinger, PGA Named South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year for the Private Category

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 13:05:11 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL – Eric Shillinger, PGA Director of Golf at Delray Dunes Golf and Country Club has been named the 2022 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year in the Private Category.

The Merchandiser of the Year Award bestows special recognition on a South Florida PGA Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of merchandising.

“I’m honored and humbled to have been chosen by my peers to win this award,” said Shillinger. “I’m thankful for the support of the Delray Dunes membership and my team, without whom this wouldn’t have been possible. Everyone on staff contributed to this award, however Ellen Harris our Merchandiser played a key role. This is a great team win for sure.”

Shillinger, who oversees and owns the golf shop at Delray Dunes, has worked to create a family-owned business environment to help build trust with his staff and his members. During his first year, Shillinger had to overcome many obstacles that the COVID-19 pandemic presented. By taking his golf shop outside and creating pop-up trunk shows, Shillinger created an environment where members felt comfortable engaging with staff and sales representatives, developing a safe and successful experience for all.

“We believe our most successful sale is when we hear our members say, ‘I only buy from my Pro,’” explained Shillinger. “We strive to create customers for life. To accomplish and sustain this takes a lot of effort, relationship-building and trust.”

The Merchandiser of the Year (Private Category) is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA will honor each recipient at their individual facilities at a later date. Click here for a full list of award winners.

The Board of Directors and the Golf Committee would like to congratulate Eric Shillinger and his staff for being named PGA South Florida Merchandiser of the Year in the Private Category. Needless to say, this is a great accomplishment given the number, size and “prestige” of the clubs in this category. To win this award requires both leadership and a great team. We are proud Eric and His staff and lucky to have him and his team here at the Dunes. Again Congratulations and well done!

The Merchandiser of the Year (Private Category) is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA will honor each recipient at their individual facilities amongst members, friends and family. Click here for a full list of award winners.

Tucker and Shoenfelt Win South Florida PGA Senior-Super-Senior Championship

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 19:45:53 GMT

Coral Springs, FL - Jerry Tucker, PGA Master Professional at Jerry Tucker Golf and Jack Shoenfelt, PGA Director of Golf at Oriole Golf and Tennis Club win the South Florida PGA Senior-Super-Senior Championship Monday at the Country Club of Coral Springs.

The 13-team field competed in a four-ball format on the front-nine before rounding out the Championship with a scramble format on the back-nine.

The Tucker and Shoenfelt duo, as the only team to get to double-digit under-par, managed only one bogey to go along with an eagle and nine birdies, including four birdies in a row to close out the day and solidify the trophy at 10-under.

Finishing in a tie for second at 7-under were the teams of Fred Harkness, PGA / Rick Gomes, PGA and Jay Horton, PGA / Craig Lindsey, PGA.

While the win marks the first for Shoenfelt, Tucker adds his fourth Senior-Super-Senior Championship, the most in the history of the event.

Thank you to The Country Club of Coral Springs General Manager, Corey Henry, PGA and his entire team for hosting.

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PGA of America Hurricane Relief Fund

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 21:09:55 GMT

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those impacted by Hurricane Ian. As you begin to work through the cleanup process, the PGA of America has quickly enacted the Hurricane Relief Fund which is available to provide some immediate support as you work to recover. CLICK HERE to view the details of the fund that will immediately provide up to $1,000 in Phase 1 and up to $9,000 in additional funding in Phase 2. The funding is available to PGA Members with documented loss as a result of the storm. Associates are also eligible for up to $500 in Phase 1.

With the lack of power, we realize the challenge in communicating this opportunity to our membership. We appreciate any assistance you can provide in distributing this information.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Section Office. (561-729-0544)

South Florida PGA hosts the first PGA HOPE Cup at Banyan Cay Resort and Golf

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 16:11:00 GMT

West Palm Beach, FL - On Saturday, the South Florida PGA Foundation hosted its inaugural PGA HOPE Cup at Banyan Cay Resort and Golf.

Since 2015, the South Florida PGA has conducted over 60 PGA HOPE Programs for more than 1,000 local Veterans. In addition, SFPGA Professionals have dedicated over 650 hours of instruction to PGA HOPE Programs.

With the goal to provide a memorable experience to military veterans and the PGA Professionals who positively impact their lives through the HOPE Program, the inaugural PGA HOPE Cup included 11 teams playing in a 9-hole scramble. Each team was composed of four veterans who have graduated from the PGA HOPE program, and one PGA professional.

“It was amazing that we were able to play at such a beautiful golf course. The PGA HOPE program has been an excellent program to get us, Veterans, together and learn the sport of Golf. At least for me, it was a dream come true and complete motivation to continue golfing." A participant shared.

John Moscoso, PGA, and his team, including HOPE graduates, Luis Chamorro Pachecho, Cesar Romero, Carlos Lopez, and Laz Fumero finished in first place with a group total of 6-under 30. Moscoso has been a part of the South Florida PGA HOPE program since 2016 and has instructed 12 programs.

In support of our veterans and PGA HOPE Programming the South Florida PGA is excited to launch this year’s National Day of HOPE Campaign set to begin October 11th and run through Veteran’s Day on November 11th. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates and more information on the campaign.

To learn more about the PGA HOPE Program, click here.

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Joe Baker Named South Florida PGA Salesperson of the Year

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 12:44:18 GMT

Atlantis, FL - Joe Baker, sales representative for Callaway Golf, has been named the 2022 South Florida PGA Salesperson of the Year.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected as the Section Salesperson of the Year, '' said Baker. “I am so honored to be recognized during the pandemic and all the challenges and opportunities it brought to the golf industry.”

With 21 years of commitment and dedication to Callaway Golf, Baker has more recently had to manage the uncertainties and changes that COVID-19 has presented, resulting in losses to the supply chain with an ever-growing demand in golf.

“The last year has proven to be one of the most challenging but also rewarding of my entire career, '' he said. “We saw supplies shrinking while our demand increased. That being said, we had the most successful season of my career and really never missed any opportunities.”

Previously the 2002 and 2012 Callaway Sales Representative of the Year, Baker credits Callaway for giving him the opportunity to be successful and build connections to further enhance himself as well as the Callaway brand.

“I am grateful for the amazing relationships I forged over the last 20 years, they have a huge part of my success as we all navigated the ever-changing business landscape,” explained Baker.

Annually, Callaway supports the South Florida PGA Pro-Pro Championship as a presenting partner, allowing that Championship to continue to grow.

The Salesperson of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Baker and the other 2022 award winners will be honored at their individual ceremonies in front of colleagues, family and friends. Click here for the full list of award winners.

Jerry Impellittiere Honored with South Florida PGA Patriot Award

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 14:58:56 GMT

Atlantis, FL – Jerry Impellittie re, PGA Director of Instruction at Monarch Country Club, is the fourth recipient of the South Florida PGA Patriot Award.

The Patriot Award recognizes a PGA member who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to all who have served the United States. One of the PGA of America’s national awards, the SFPGA began recognizing the Patriot Award on the section level in 2019.

“My family background was instrumental in the development of my appreciation for the sacrifice and service of veterans and their family,” explained Impellittierre whose father worked for the West Point Officers Club for 47 years.

After learning the game from veterans at West Point Golf Club, Impellittiere’s work with veterans began while in the Metropolitan Section where he and his wife owned a learning center and often opened its doors to programs that impacted the lives of veterans. Once transferring to the South Florida Section in 2005, Impellittierre got involved with the PGA HOPE program upon its inception.

At Monarch Country Club, Impellittierre has turned the private club into a sanctuary for veterans, running two HOPE programs annually and offering up four tee times every Sunday to veterans as well as a league during the summer months.

“As long as I am employed at Monarch, everything will remain as it is for veterans,” said Impellittiere. “We are honored to have the opportunity to ‘Pay it Forward’ and give back.”

With plans to continue growing his PGA HOPE programs and impact on veterans, Impellittiere never forgets to do the little things along the way. Known as the “collector” by his members, Impellittierre constantly collects golf clubs to donate to veterans.

The Patriot Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Impellittiere and the other 2022 award winners will be honored at their individual facilities in front of members, family and friends. Click here for the full list of award winners.

Tim Cantwell Wins South Florida PGA Professional Championship; Heather Angell Wins Women’s Section Championship

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 22:33:54 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to the South Florida PGA

NAPLES (Sept. 15, 2022) – Tim Cantwell, PGA, of Jupiter birdied the first playoff hole Thursday to defeat Justin Hicks, PGA, and win the South Florida PGA Professional Championship at Imperial Golf Club.

Cantwell eagled the first hole on Imperial’s East course with a chip-in from behind the green and rode that momentum to a 3-under 69 that got him into the playoff with Hicks at 9-under 207. Cantwell finished the job with a two-putt birdie from 15 feet on the par-5 10 ^th hole after he hit the green with a 3-wood from 248 yards to win the South Florida PGA’s premier championship.

“I’ve had the privilege of winning more than 25 mini-tour events, but this victory ranks way up there,” said Cantwell, a PGA Instructor at PGA National Resort who also caddies at Seminole Golf Club.

“Thanks to (former Seminole PGA Head Professional) Bob Ford and (PGA National’s PGA Director of Golf) Jane Broderick, because they encouraged me to get Class-A PGA Membership. I became a Class-A PGA member at the beginning of 2021 and for a 50-year-old this is a great step in my career.”

The victory earned Cantwell a spot in next year’s Puerto Rico Open on the PGA Tour. Tyler Collet (67-211), PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, finished tied for ninth to clinch section Player of the Year honors, earning him a spot in next year’s Honda Classic.

Wellington resident Hicks, 47, birdied the 18 ^th hole to force the playoff after a 70. Hicks, PGA Instructor at Don Law Academy, earned almost $3.8 million combined on the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour before he stopped playing professionally. His career highlight was sharing the 18-hole lead at the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines that Tiger Woods eventually won in a 19-hole playoff.

Finishing a shot out of the playoff were Justin Bertsch (69-208), PGA Head Professional Club Pelican Bay, and second-round leader Jeremy Wells (72-208), PGA Director of Instruction at Cypress Lake Golf Club. Bertsch won the championship in 2019.

The top 11 finishers advanced to next year’s PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac. In addition to Cantwell, Hicks, Bertsch and Wells, also qualifying were: fifth-place finishers Jon Balyeat (69-209) PGA at Quail Creek Country Club PGA Director of Golf; Justin McCarrahar (72-209) PGA at Heritage Ridge Golf & Country Club; seventh-place finishers Gene Fieger (70-210), Club Pelican Bay PGA Director of Golf, and Paul Scaletta (71-210), the Bear’s Club PGA Assistant Professional; and ninth-place finishers Christopher Finke (70-211), Dye Preserve Golf Club PGA Assistant Professional; Mike Berger (72-211) PGA at Hammock Creek Golf Club and Matt Cahill (71-211), Seminole Golf Club PGA Head Professional.

Greenacres resident Alan Morin (70-211), The Club at Ibis PGA Assistant Professional, lost a four-way playoff for the final qualifying spot and is the first alternate. Morin has been named Player of the Year in the Section a record 11 times.

Collet and Ron Philo (72-219), PGA Professional Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, already were qualified for the PGA Professional Championship.

Heather Angell, the PGA Director of Instruction at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club, won the PGA Women’s Section Championship on Wednesday with a pair of 72s on the West Course. It was the first time the Women’s Section Championship was combined with the South Florida PGA Professional Championship. Angell shot 74 Thursday and finished 38 ^th overall.

The South Florida PGA Professional Championship, run by the South Florida PGA, is Presented by Club Car, Cadillac and Rolex. Supporting partners are Titleist/FootJoy, Callaway Golf, Nike, TaylorMade, Stache Cups, Whistling Straits, PGA Tour and Winner’s Award Group.

Parsons, Desmond, and Girault Take Home The Gold

carolinel@pgahq.com (Caroline Lewis) — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 22:44:25 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - Luke Parsons, Jude Desmond, and Leelou Girault take home the wins at this weekend’s South Florida PGA Medalist Tour event at PGA National Estates Course.

L uke Parsons of Palm Beach Gardens has been on a hot streak the past couple of months. Leading the Boys 13-18 division throughout both rounds, Parson’s pulled through for a final score of 3-under 72-69- 141. Alexander Weinberg of Palm Beach Gardens landed in second with 2-under 71-71-142. Parsons and Weinberg both carded a total of 9 birdies each.

Special mention to Oscar Crowe in the boys 13- 18 age division, for acing hole 8 of the second round. This marks Crowe’s third hole-in-one of his junior golf career.

In the Boys 11-12 division, Jude Desmond, of Pompano Beach fired a 2-day total, 138 to claim the first place title. Coming close behind, Matthew Marigliano of Palm Beach Gardens posted a 2-under 142.

Both Desmond and Garigliano capped their rounds with 8 birdies each.

For the girls 13-18 age division, Leelou Girault of West Palm Beach landed first place with a 74-72-146. In second, Zoe Shamy of Jupiter finished with a 75-74-149.

Thank you to everyone who participated and a special thank you to PGA National Estates course and their entire team for all their help. The Medalist Tour season will continue next weekend , September 17th, at Copperleaf Golf Club.

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Gabriel Holtz, Marley Pedrique Win South Florida PGA Labor Day Classic

jhobson@pgahq.com (Jackie Hobson) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 12:19:19 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

WEST PALM BEACH (Sept. 5, 2022) – Gabriel Holtz of Boca Raton birdied the 18 ^th hole Monday to win the South Florida PGA Labor Day Classic at Banyan Golf Club.

Marley Pedrique, a 12-year-old from West Palm Beach, won the girls’ title by shooting a 2-over 74 to claim a two-shot victory over Ann-Sophie Bourgault of Naples.

Holtz was tied for the lead with Mateo Desmond (72) of Pompano Beach until he closed with the birdie to cap a 5-under 31 on his back nine. Holtz shot 5-under 67 and finished at 7-under 209.

Holtz was 1-over through six holes, before playing his last 12 in 6-under. He eagled the par-3 10 ^th and added three birdies on the back nine.

Aiden Arce (76-216) of Davie tied for third with Evan Pana (71-226) of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico.

In the girls, Pedrique, Bourgault and Angela Nip of Port St. Lucie entered the final round tied for first place at 5-over 149. Pedrique was two shots behind Borgault at the turn, but a birdie at the first (her 10 ^th ) started her comeback that was completed when she birdied No. 7.

“I was just trying to trickle it near the hole, and it went in,” said Pedrique, who is home schooled. “I putted pretty well this week.”

Nip shot 81 and finished sixth. Krishny Elwin (74-226) of Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico was third.

The South Florida PGA Labor Day Classic, run by the South Florida PGA, is Presented by the Honda Classic. Supporting partners are the Don Law Golf Academy, Titleist, The Fun Group at Mirasol, Junior Golf Hub, TimberTech Championship, ASM Scholarships, First Tee-Florida Gold Coast, College Golf Experience and Florida Junior Golf Council.

Jeff Waber of Broken Sound Old Course Headlines the South Florida PGA 2022 Award Recipients

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 12:42:28 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL – Jeff Waber, PGA Director of Golf at Broken Sound – Old Course, has been awarded the 2022 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. As the highest honor a South Florida PGA Golf Professional can receive, Waber leads the 2022 SFPGA Awards class.

The South Florida PGA annually recognizes a PGA Professional for overall performance, level of service to the Association, leadership, image and ability to inspire fellow professionals and promote the game of golf.

A PGA member for 18 years, Waber has been at Broken Sound Golf Club’s Old Course since 2007, where he began as the Head Professional before becoming the Director of Golf in 2015. Having spent his whole career in south Florida, prior to Broken Sound, Waber was the head professional at Adios Golf Club and an assistant at Bear Lakes Country Club.

“I am proud and humbled to be selected as the 2022 Golf Professional of the Year for our Section,” said Waber. “The 41 previous winners dating back to 1980 are some of the most highly respected people in the Country. I find myself awestruck by receiving this award and thankful to those who laid the path before me and invited me to join the ranks.”

In his years of service to the Association and his facilities, Waber has always made it his goal to be the ultimate team player. In keeping with his “walk-the-walk” mentality, Waber excels in every job he does; is never too big for a job and pushes his staff to do the same, constantly bettering those around him.

“My thoughts are very simple: We are the leaders in the game of golf,” explained Waber. “Playing, teaching and promoting the game are the pillars we, the PGA, stand for.”

In addition to his role at Broken Sound, Waber is an advocate for playing the game, keeping an active tournament schedule each year. Waber believes his members, clients and customers expect PGA Professionals to have the skill-set and drive to play the game. The essentials of playing, teaching, and giving back to the PGA through service helps define Waber as the most well-rounded PGA Professional.

“It is critical to play and help keep our PGA credibility high,” noted Waber. “I want to be remembered as a man, father, husband and brother who gave back to the game that gave me so much. I am lucky to do what I do everyday.”

In addition to this award, Waber was selected as the 2022 Southeast Chapter Golf Professional of the Year. Waber has also been involved in Section leadership, serving as the Section Tournament Chairperson and most recently, the President of the Southeast Chapter.

The Golf Professional of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Throughout the year, the South Florida PGA will honor the recipients at their individual facilities.

Recipients of the 2022 South Florida PGA Awards include the following:

Teacher of the Year – Jason Baile, PGA - Jupiter Hills Club (Jupiter)

PGA Professional Development – Kenny Leech, PGA - The Don Law Golf Academy (Boca Raton)

Bill Strausbaugh – Justin DeFont, PGA - Audubon Country Club (Naples)

Player Development – Lynn Myers, PGA - Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club (Palm City)

Youth Player Development – Alejandro Fernandez, PGA - Crandon Golf Academy (Key Biscayne)

Assistant of the Year – Mike Bove, PGA - Boca West Country Club (Boca Raton)

Merchandiser of the Year Public – Tony Chateauvert, PGA - Palm Beach Par 3 (West Palm Beach)

Merchandiser of the Year Private – Eric Shillinger, PGA - Delray Dunes Golf and Country Club (Delray Beach)

Merchandiser of the Year Resort – Sean Olson, PGA - Turnberry Isles (Miami)

Deacon Palmer Award – Steve McDonald, PGA - Life Member (Coral Springs)

Patriot Award - Jerry Impellittierre, PGA - Monarch Country Club (Palm City)

Salesperson of the Year – Joe Baker - Callaway

Chris Kaufman, PGA Named 2022 South Florida PGA Challenge Cup Captain

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 13:12:13 GMT

Chris Kaufman, PGA, Teaching Professional at BallenIsles Country Club, will serve as the captain of the South Florida Challenge Cup team for the 42 nd Annual Challenge Cup matches.

The Challenge Cup is a long-standing tradition between the top PGA Professionals from the North and South Florida PGA Sections. The format includes a first-round four-ball match play, a second-round foursome match play and a third-round singles match play.

“It is a great honor to be captain of the Challenge Cup team,” said Kaufman. “The matches are the one event annually that I have always looked forward to.”

The current South Florida PGA Senior Chairperson, Kaufman is well-decorate himself as the 2011 South Florida PGA Professional Championship, 8-time member of the Challenge Cup team and he has participated in many national PGA of America, PGA TOUR and Champions Tour events, most recently the 2018 U.S. Senior Open.

The Challenge Cup matches are invitation-only event. Invitations are based on Player of the Year Points Standings where the top 10 juniors and two seniors from each Section are invited to compete. The 2022 event will take place October 26-27 at Dye Preserve Golf Club.

“We have so many great players in our Section and it will be a pleasure to watch them play and help strategize,” explained Kaufman. “I think we will have a great team and will retain the cup.”

South Florida, who broke a two-year drought to bring the cup home by a score of 17.5 to 6.5 last year, will look to win its second consecutive cup. The team will be finalized following the final event of the South Florida PGA tournament season, the South Florida PGA Professional Championship September 13-15 at Imperial Golf Club.

The Club at Ibis’ Alan Morin Wins South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship

jhobson@pgahq.com (Jackie Hobson) — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 20:02:32 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

STUART (Aug. 24, 2022) – There aren’t many tournaments in the South Florida PGA that Alan Morin hasn’t won. When you’ve been named Player of the Year a record 11 times, you have plenty of trophies.

Morin crossed another one off the list Wednesday when he won the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship at Sailfish Point Golf Club.

And he did so despite a double bogey on his first hole. Morin overcame the early mistake -- tree problems led to a ball in the water – to shoot 3-under 69 and win by four shots at 7-under 137.

“I don’t think I’ve ever done that before, winning after making double on the first hole,” Morin said. “I wasn’t too worried because I knew I was playing well. I still had 17 holes to go, and I didn’t let it bother me.”

Morin, a PGA Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach, overcame the shaky start with birdies on the four par-5 holes, as well as the par-3 eighth. He was the only player in the field to shoot both rounds in the 60s on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course.

It wasn’t like Morin had struggled in this tournament; he tied for second last year and tied for third in 2020. This was just the third time the 53-year-old has played in the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship.

“One of my goals is to win both section championships,” Morin said. “I knew this was one of the tournaments I hadn’t won, so this feels great. It’s been quite a ride.”

Sharing second place at 3-under 141 were Mark Mielke, PGA (74), a PGA Teaching Professional at High Ridge Country Club, and David Witt, PGA (72), the PGA Director of Golf at Talis Park Golf Club. Mielke had a two-shot lead after he birdied the par-5 second, but eventually he was passed by Morin.

The top eight eligible finishers qualified for the Senior PGA Professional Championship in mid-October at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana in New Mexico. Morin and Mielke already were in the field.

Advancing: Steven Vecellio, PGA (71-142), PGA Director of Instruction at Frenchman’s Reserve; John Nieporte, PGA (71-144), Head PGA Professional at Trump International Golf Club; Dennis Meyer, PGA (72-144), PGA Director of Instruction at Dennis Meyer’s Golf School; Scott Newhouse, PGA (73-144) of The Forest Country Club, Roger Kennedy Jr., PGA (75-144), PGA Director of Golf at The Club at Mirasol; Dai Daily, PGA (74-144) of Don Law Academy; and Ben Stewart, PGA (78-145) of Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club.

Stewart won a two-hole playoff over former three-time champion Lee Rinker (72-145), PGA Teaching Professional at Emerald Dunes. Defending champion Jack Shoenfelt, PGA (77-154), Director of Golf Operations at Oriole Golf Club, tied for 34 ^th place.

The South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship, run by the South Florida PGA, is Presented by Cadillac. Supporting partners are Golf Channel, PGA Tour and Jani King.

South Florida PGA Jr. League Teams Advance to Regional Qualifier

jhobson@pgahq.com (Jackie Hobson) — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 19:11:27 GMT

North Palm Beach Country Club and Wellington National Golf Club Advance

BOCA RATON, FL - North Palm Beach Country Club and Wellington National Golf Club advance to the PGA Jr. League Regional Qualifier next month after besting the field today at Osprey Point Golf Course's Hawk Course.

North Palm Beach Country Club, coached by Zack Shriver, won the 13-under age division while Wellington National, coached by Sherri Pla, PGA, won the 17-under age division.

The qualifier was a 9-hole scramble, stroke-play competition where each of the All-Star Teams were broken into four two-person teams. Due to weather conditions, play was cut short but not before Wellington National secured seven flags to top Rick Smith Golf Performance Center.

In the 13-under division, North Palm Beach fired a team 86 (28-29-29) to advance with the 13-under team from Rick Smith Golf Performance Center coming in second.

North Palm Beach Country Club and Wellington National Golf Club will move on to compete at the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Regional Championship September 9-11 at PGA Golf Club in Port Saint Lucie.

Today's Section Qualifier served as the first of three phases en route to the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship which annually highlights the best PGA Jr. League teams across the country in Scottsdale, AZ.

Kenny Leech, PGA and Ellijah Zamarron Take the South Florida PGA Pro-Scratch

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 19:28:42 GMT

Palm City - Kenny Leech, PGA of the Don Law Golf Academy and amatuer, Ellijah Za marron won the South Florida PGA Pro-Scratch Championship, Tuesday at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club.

Kenny Leech, PGA of the Don Law Golf Academy and amatuer, Ellijah Zammarron won the South Florida PGA Pro-Scratch Championship, Tuesday at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club.

The duo fired a two-day total of 17-under par to edge out Andrew Filbert, PGA of the West Bay Club and amatuer, James Tureskis (-16).

“I was really excited to do it with him,” Leech said. “I have been coaching Ellijah since he was eight.”

Leech and 16-year-old Zammarron, who fired a 10-under on Harbor Ridge Yacht and Country Club’s Golden Marsh course on Monday, carded 18 birdies against one bogey throughout the 36 holes. No birdie was more important than the three they made down the stretch, birdying 16, 17 and 18 to win the event outright.

The teaching professional out of the Don Law Golf Academy and the South Florida PGA Junior Tour member split duties evenly, both tallying eight birdies.

“The whole front nine it seemed like only one of us was in the hole,” explained Leech. “We kept managing it and working together.”

The two-day, 36-hole Championship consisted of 186 players across 93 two-person teams of a professional and amatuer playing a four-ball stroke-play format. All teams played both the River Ridge and Golden Marsh courses.

This event would not be possible without the help of presenting partner Foresight Sports and supporting partners: Ahead, Bushnell, Aurora Anguilla, Therabody, The Golf Clinic and Player Brand Biltong.

Thank you to Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club, Director of Golf, Joe Beezup, PGA and his entire team for all their help.

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Miami’s Garcia, Colombia’s Medina Win South Florida PGA Doral Junior Open

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 12:44:45 GMT

MIAMI (Aug. 3, 2022) – A nthony Garcia couldn’t have picked a better scenario Wednesday to end his South Florida PGA junior career.

The 18-year-old Miami resident birdied his final hole to get into a playoff and then birdied the extra hole – both par-5s -- to win the South Florida PGA Doral Junior Open on the Red Course at Trump National.

“I knew where I stood on the last hole, but I hit my drive into the rough and had to lay up and rely on my wedge game,” said Garcia, who will attend La Salle University this fall. “I didn’t hit a great wedge, but I made a 20-footer.”

Garcia rolled in a 15-footer on the playoff hole, the 10 ^th , to beat Yinxuan “Kevin” Wu. Garcia shot a 2-under 70 and finished at 7-under 209 with Wu (68).

Luciana Medina of Cali, Colombia won the girls title by shooting 2-over 74, finishing at 15-over 231, five ahead of Dariana Breto (79-236) of Hialeah. The 13-year-old Medina won despite a final-hole double bogey.

“I was so nervous, I was trembling on the last hole,” Medina said. “It’s my first win in the U.S. I have to play here so people get to know me and I can play in college. It’s tough here; you have to play well to win.”

Garcia won all three of the South Florida PGA junior events he entered this year. He finished his career in style with the two clutch birdies.

“It’s nice to say I did that. But all I’m thinking about is going out and practicing some more,” Garcia said.

Gabriel Holtz of Boca Raton fired a 68 to finish a shot out of the playoff at 6-under 210. Luke Parsons (68-213) of Palm Beach Gardens was fourth.

Summer Pilot of Boca Raton (79-243) was third in the girls and Nicole Yugay (79-245) of Delray Beach was fourth.

The South Florida PGA Doral Junior Open, run by the South Florida PGA, is Presented by the Honda Classic. Supporting partners are the Don Law Academy, Titleist, The Fun Group at Mirasol, Junior Golf Hub, the TimberTech Championship, ASM Scholarships, First Tee-Florida Gold Coast, College Golf Experience and Florida Junior Golf Council.

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Joe Kern-Jerry Tucker Win Senior Series Pro-Pro

dmuench@pgahq.com (Danielle Muench) — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:37:00 GMT

North Palm Beach (July 29, 2022) – Joe Kern, PGA of The Moorings at Hawks Nest Golf Club and Jerry Tucker, PGA of Jerry Tucker Golf claimed victory this afternoon at the Senior Series Pro-Pro at North Palm Beach Country Club.

The Kern and Tucker duo beat out the 28 total teams that competed in the event with a nine-under 62. The team’s shot of the day came at the seventh hole, with Kern acing the par-3 with his seven iron.

Kern’s hole-in-one was accompanied by seven birdies from the team.

Louie Bartoletti, PGA of Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Jack Shoenfelt, PGA of Oriole Golf and Tennis Club finished two strokes behind with a seven-under 64.

The format consisted of 18 holes of team stroke play (four-ball format).

Thank you to Director of Golf Allan Bowman, PGA and the team at North Palm Beach Country Club for hosting today’s event.

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Parsons, Smith and Koehn Claim Medalist Tour Victory at Bent Pine Golf Club

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 19:38:03 GMT

Vero Beach, FL - Luke Parsons, Abigail Smith and Christain Koehn took home first place honors at Bent Pine Golf Club during a South Florida PGA Medalist Tour event Thursday .

After a 2-under 70 in round one, Parsons of Palm Beach Gardens was one shot back of Henry Kuehne of Palm Beach Gardens going into the final round. Notching a tournament low-score in round two, 4-under 68, Parsons claimed the boys 13-18 boys division title by six shots over Kuehne.

Parsons managed only one bogey over the 36-hole stretch combined with seven birdies, tied for the most of any player in the field.

In the girls 13-18 division, Smith of Port St. Lucie wrapped play at 8-over with a two-day total of 79-73–152. Smith started the final round three shots back of Polina Anisimova of Port St. Lucie before carding the tournament low-round for the girls of 1-over 73, including an eagle on the par-4, eighth hole.

In the boys 11-12 division, three players were all within two shots after the first round with Koehn in the lead. Koehn got off to a hot start in the final round, making three birdies and no bogies on the first nine holes, finishing four shots ahead of Cooper Foegen of Winter Park.

Thank you to everyone who participated and a special thank you to Bent Pine Golf Club Director of Golf, Patrick Gorman and his entire team for all their help. The Medalist Tour season will continue September 10-11 at PGA National Estates.

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Ryan Fountain Wins National Car Rental South Florida PGA Assistant Championship

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:36:46 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

BOCA RATON (July 26, 2022) – Ryan Fountain, PGA of Jupiter fired a 6-under 66 Tuesday, his second in a row, to win the South Florida PGA Assistant Professional Championship at Bocaire Country Club.

Fountain, a PGA Assistant Professional at the Bear’s Club in Jupiter, finished at 12-under 132 to win by five shots over Domenico Geminiani of Old Corkscrew Golf Club. Fountain made only one bogey in the 36 holes despite lengthy weather delays Tuesday.

Fountain said he was motivated to play well after finishing 47 ^th in last month’s E-Z-GO South Florida Open, when he shot rounds of 67-78-80.

“It didn’t go the way I wanted at the South Florida Open, and I wanted to prove I’m a better player than that,” Fountain said. “I got to prove it to myself that I can do it, and I did it against some of the best players in the country. This one really feels good.”

Fountain led the field by going 8-under on the par-5s, averaging a birdie a hole. He led by two entering the final round and steadily pulled away.

“The weather didn’t look great, but I wanted to get back out there and get it done,” Fountain said. “I pretty much did everything well.”

The top five finishers earned spots into the National Car Rental PGA Assistant Professional Championship on Nov. 17-20 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. They included the trio at 6-under 138: Ben Spector (69) of Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club, Tyler Collet (70) of John’s Island Club and Andrew Filbert (70) of West Bay Club.

Defending champion Evan Bowser (73-144) of LaPlaya Golf Club tied for 14th.

The South Florida PGA Assistant Professional Championship, run by the South Florida PGA, is presented by National Car Rental. Supporting partners are Jani-King, XXIO and Srixon/Cleveland/ASICS.

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South Floridians Cynthia Liu, T.J. Thompson Win Patty Berg Junior Championship

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 19:30:19 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

NAPLES (July 24, 2022) – When Cynthia Liu of Parkland played her first eight holes in 4-over par Sunday, she wasn’t thinking about winning the Patty Berg Junior Championship at Cypress Lake Golf Club.

“I wasn’t even sure if I was going to finish in the top five,” Liu said. “It had been a rough front nine.”

But she hit a 9-iron from 120 yards to 20 feet at the ninth and made the birdie to ignite a comeback. Liu was 3-under on her last 10 holes for a 1-over 73 and a one-shot victory over Gloria Nip of Port St. Lucie.

“That birdie at 9 gave me confidence, and I just calmed down and worried about my own game,” said Liu, a 17-year-old who will be a senior at Stoneman Douglas High. “It means a lot to win my first junior major and to honor Patty Berg."

T.J. Thompson of Coral Springs, also a senior at Douglas High, was the only boy to finish under par (1-under 215), with a final-round 77, to cruise to a six-shot victory over Michael Bevins of Fort Myers (71-221). Thompson, who won last year’s Nicklaus Junior Championship, fired a 67 Saturday to take a five-shot lead into the final round.

“I made a double (bogey) on the second hole, and it kind of got to me,” Thompson said. “After that I just started to play match play against the course: ‘a par-4, I make a birdie 3 and I’m one up.’ That settled me down.”

Bevins was the only player to break par Sunday, a 1-under 71. Tomy Jaunet (72-222) and Aiden Miller (73-222) of Palm Beach Gardens tied for third.

Nip was trying to win for the second consecutive week after she captured the Brendan Cunningham Junior Open. Nip (75) led for most of the Patty Berg, but finished with a pair of bogeys.

Jordan Knox (73-225) of Fort Myers was third, followed by Erin Marcelino (77-226) of Plantation and Madison Moman (75-227) of Palm Beach Gardens.

The Patty Berg Junior Championship, run by the South Florida PGA, is Presented by the Honda Classic. Supporting partners are the Don Law Academy, Titleist, The Fun Group at Mirasol, Junior Golf Hub, the TimberTech Championship, ASM Scholarships, First Tee-Florida Gold Coast, College Golf Experience and Florida Junior Golf Council.

Berg was a Founding Member of the LPGA Tour, the women’s all-time leader with 15 majors, served as the LPGA ‘s first president and was a huge supporter of junior golf.

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Alan Morin-Tyler Collet Win Playoff To Earn Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship Title

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 20:18:29 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

NAPLES (July 19, 2022) – It took a ton of birdies to make the playoff, but only a par for Alan Morin, PGA of The Club at Ibis and Tyler Collet, PGA of John’s Island Club to win the Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship at Hammock Bay Golf and Country Club.

Morin and Collet parred the first playoff hole Tuesday, the difficult par-4 18 ^th , to win when the other two teams -- Zachary Wood, PGA of Broken Sound Club/New Course and Patrick Ross of Mizner Country Club and Jeremy Wells, PGA of Cypress Lake Golf Club and Michael Welch of Kensington Golf & Country Club – bogeyed the hole.

None of the three teams made a bogey during the 36-hole event. That’s golf.

Morin and Collet shot 7-under 65 at The Rookery at Marco to finish at 15-under 129. Wood and Ross matched the 65 at The Rookery, while Wells and Welch had a 64 at Hammock Bay, where the playoff started on the 18 ^th hole.

“It’s not an easy hole,” Collet said. “Alan hit a good drive and I stepped up and hit one down the middle. We both had birdie putts. You don’t usually win these things with a par.”

“That was unexpected,” said Morin, who also won the 2017 Pro-Pro with partner Brett McCurdy. “It was tough to see some unexpected drives and both of them lipped out putts. What a crazy ending.”

Morin and Collet have become a formidable team. They finished second in this event last year and have won a pair of Southeast Chapter team events.

“We’re both really consistent and we usually are good for about four to six birdies a round,” Collet said.

Two teams tied for fourth place, a shot out of the playoff, at 14-under 130: Adam Miller, PGA (66) and Jon Balyeat, PGA of Quail Creek Country Club and Daniel Heaslip, PGA (66) of Windstar on Naples Bay and Justin Bertsch, PGA of Club Pelican Bay. Jason Robinson, PGA of Country Club at Mirasol and Will Coleman, PGA of The Club at Admiral’s Cove were sixth at 13-under 131 after 67.

Defending champions Andrew Filbert, PGA (63-133) of West Bay Club and Justin Smith, PGA of Bonita Bay Club tied for 10th.

The Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship is run by the South Florida PGA with Callaway also a presenting partner. Supporting partners are Dunning/Greg Norman, Global Golf Sales, Hole-in-One USA, PGA Tour and Winner’s Award Group.

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Cameron Swartz, 100 HOLES OF GOLF Fundraiser Raises Nearly $5,000 For Smiling Fore Life Program

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 15:12:50 GMT

Atlantis, FL - In conjunction with the South Florida PGA Foundation, Cameron Swartz, an SFPGA junior tour member completed his 100 HOLES OF GOLF fundraiser, benefiting the SFPGA Smiling Fore Life program yesterday at Lost City Golf Club, raising nearly $5,000.

Playing alongside close friend and fellow junior tour member, Haris Khan, the two teed it up on the first hole of Lost City Golf Club at 8 a.m., before finishing their 100th hole nearly 12 hours later, just before 8 p.m.

The duo continued playing all day, only stopping to talk to local media and the occasional snack and water break along the way. Both Haris and Cameron made 11 birdies each while Cameron added one eagle.

Cameron’s desire to give back stems from his brother’s diagnoses with Type 1 Diabetes nearly eight years ago. Confined to a hospital room for a week, Cameron would visit his brother daily, bringing games and stories to help pass the time, which of course included golf.

As time went on, Cameron, an active junior tour member since 2017, learned about the SFPGA Smiling Fore Life program, where PGA Professionals visit local children’s hospitals to provide patients an outlet from their everyday struggle to enjoy some fun outside of their hospital room. The funds raised yesterday by Cameron will benefit this SFPGA Foundation program.

Cameron hopes to inspire others to not only pick up golf as a game, but as a way to escape the struggles you may be experiencing and enjoy time with others.

Naples’ Ryan Miller, Port St. Lucie’s Gloria Nip Win Brendan Cunningham Junior Open

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:43:23 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

NAPLES (July 15, 2022) – Ryan Miller of Naples and Gloria Nip of Port St. Lucie would have made Brendan Cunningham proud Friday by winning the South Florida PGA junior championship named after him.

Miller celebrated his 17 ^th birthday by winning the Brendan Cunningham Junior Open’s Boys 13-18 title by four shots at 6-under 138. Miller shot rounds of 70 and 68 at Hammock Bay and won when Friday’s third round had to be canceled because of thunderstorms. He still led by four over Graham Boone of Naples when play was stopped.

“It was a big deal to play in Mr. Cunningham’s tournament because I knew him for four years,” said Miller, a junior at Gulf Coast High School. “He was a super nice guy to meet (as a starter) on the first tee and he always wanted us to go out there with the mindset of having fun.”

Nip won the Girls 13-18 title by a shot over Madison Moman of Palm Beach Gardens. Nip shot 70-71, just edging Moman (71-71).

“I wore a green shirt because I knew that was (Cunningham’s) favorite color,” said the 16-year-old Nip, who finished runner-up in the 2018 National Drive Chip & Putt finals. “I’m excited to win this tournament because I was under par in all three of my rounds (she was 1-under when play was stopped).”

Miller took a four-shot lead with an opening 70 and kept that advantage with a 68 in the second round (that was matched by Boone). Miller was still comfortably ahead when the horn sounded.

“It feels amazing to win my first event,” Miller said. “It’s awesome to shoot 6-under. I’ve never done that in a tournament. I kept the ball in play, and I was making everything.”

Nip has won more tournaments than she can count. She didn’t want to rank where this victory belonged.

“All my wins are special,” she said.

Jackson Mills of Naples won the Boys 11-12 division with rounds of 72-77. Cunningham died in 2020 and was a longtime supporter and volunteer of the South Florida PGA.

The Brendan Cunningham Junior Open, run by the South Florida PGA, is Presented by the Honda Classic. Supporting partners are the Don Law Academy, Titleist, The Fun Group at Mirasol, Junior Golf Hub, the TimberTech Championship, ASM Scholarships, First Tee-Florida Gold Coast, College Golf Experience and Florida Junior Golf Council.

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Morin, Sterling, Willoughby and Andros Win 2022 Scotland Travel-Pro-Am Overall Championship

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 20:36:04 GMT

The 2022 South Florida PGA Travel Pro-Am completed its weeklong trip in Scotland Friday, with the team from The Club at Ibis taking home the overall championship at 37-under after five rounds.

The team consisted of Gary Sterling, Brad Willoughby, John Andros, and low-pro stableford winner, Alan Morin, PGA.

Competing at five different well known courses, the trip started at Carnoustie Golf Links (Championship Course), followed by St. Andrews Links (Castle Course), Balcomie Links, Gleneagles Golf Resort (King’s Course) before rounding out the week at Kingsbarns Golf Links.

Overall, nine teams participated, consisting of one PGA Member and three amateurs representing different golf facilities in the south Florida area.

The shot of the trip came from South Florida PGA Assistant Executive Director, Meredith Schuler, who made a hole-in-one on the par-3, third hole at Balcomie Links.

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South Florida PGA Partners with 16-year-old Junior Tour Member, Cameron Swartz for 100 Holes of Golf Fundraiser

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:04:04 GMT

The South Florida PGA Foundation is thrilled to join in partnership with Cameron Swartz, a 16-year-old SFPGA Junior Tour member who is shining a light on the Smiling Fore Life Program with the goal of raising $5,000 during his 100 HOLES OF GOLF fundraiser.

On July 18th, Cameron will play 100 HOLES OF GOLF at Lost City Golf Club in Atlantis, Florida, raising money for the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Smiling Fore Life program.

Cameron’s passion to help others stemmed from his brother being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2013. Cameron described the experience as tough but an experience he will never forget. “Everyday after school I would come down to Hollywood with my Grandma or Dad to visit Harrison, bringing stories from my day at school, '' he said. “But also, playing with a fisher price golf set in the play area of the pediatric unit.”

Once Cameron caught wind of the Smiling Fore Life program, he knew there was a bigger opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others.

“I am an avid golfer and have decided to partner with the South Florida PGA and their Smiling Fore LIfe Charity to provide young hospital patients an outlet to escape the hardships they are facing,” he said. “The funds I will raise will help to get young kids out of their hospital rooms and out to enjoy a fun and new activity, GOLF!”

As of June 30th, Cameron is a quarter of the way to his goal of raising $5,000, already raising over $1,500. To support Cameron and the Smiling Fore Life program, please consider pledging a donation HERE .

Bridget Ackley, PGA: Welcoming All to the Game

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 13:07:02 GMT

By Anthony Witrado | PGA of America

Bridget Ackley’s dream was alive, and she was intent on pursuing it.

She had a successful junior golf and high school career, so the Wisconsin native went on to play college golf at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Indeed, she was living out her dream.

Until the summer going into her sophomore year. That’s when Ackley was involved in a serious car accident that left her without use of her left hand for about 18 months. During her playing hiatus, as the teenager pondered her future in the game, she caught the teaching bug.

“That’s really when I started to change my focus more to coaching,” Ackley says.

It was also when Ackley truly started understanding how LGBTQ+ golfers and communities fit into the game’s landscape, and how she could be among their advocates for making it more welcoming and inclusive. It’s partly why she earned her PGA of America Membership in 2018, and why she was chosen to be part of the PGA LEAD Class of 2021-2022.

PGA LEAD is a way for diverse Members to work their way into governance and leadership roles within the Association at the Chapter, Section and National levels. That attracted Ackley, who believes this is a way to effect change and acceptance for underrepresented people in golf, particularly those from LGBTQ+ communities.

Studies are finding larger numbers of people identifying as LGBTQ+, as high as 30% of Millennials and nearly 40% of Gen Z. As that population expands in the public eye, so does its spending power and participation in golf. As Ackley and others see it, the facilities willing to create a welcoming experience for those people are going to reap the benefits.

Ackley, who is part of the LGBTQ+ population, believes giving people from different backgrounds a voice can lead to changes in how the game is perceived, how the workforce looks and acts, and how people (including parents) are willing to give the game a chance.

“Being part of that community, and also a golfer, there’s a very large community out there that many don’t even know exist at their golf course,” says Ackley, who is the PGA Teaching Professional at Lake Forest Golf Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “The older generation of golfers in the LGBTQ+ community, a lot of them are still very closeted when they go to the course because they are so used to attitudes toward somebody who’s different, so they just stick to their own games. My philosophy around creating things as a teacher, whether it’s for adults of juniors, I want it to be welcoming for everyone.”

"The gestures don’t have to be grand," Ackley says. Nobody needs to paint their clubhouse like a rainbow or fly pride flags above the 18th green – unless they want to, of course. Simple things can make it known that all people can feel comfortable at a golf facility, and it can lead to large swaths of people frequenting those businesses they believe want them there.

“If I ever owned a golf course,” Ackley says, “I’d have a big sign on the front that says, ‘All are welcome.’ Because that’s the invitation most facilities are missing, and it makes a big difference.”

Ackley also makes sure her junior golfers feel welcomed. She was named a U.S. Kids Top 50 Coach in 2020 after earning honorable mentions in 2018 and 2019, a Top 100 GRAA Growth of the Game Teaching Professional in 2020 and 2021, and the 2021 South Florida PGA Section Youth Player Development Award recipient. Those accomplishments come in part because of how Ackley’s students and parents speak of her being a friend and mentor, not just a coach.

"My philosophy around creating things as a teacher, whether it’s for adults or juniors, I want it to be welcoming for everyone."

–Bridget Ackley, PGA

Ackley makes sure her juniors know they can come to her with non-golf issues, that they can trust her because she operates in a judgment-free world with them. If the golf industry operated similarly, that could change the way it looks and is represented.

“We need to start seeing people of color, people of the LGBTQ+ community, underrepresented communities in leadership positions,” Ackley says. “If not, how are we going to welcome these groups into golf?

“Everybody in golf has a responsibility to welcome others to the game, not just PGA Professionals. But it is our job also to create those welcoming environments, so others can help people find the game.”

Naples Duo Justin Bertsch, Gene Fieger Win E-Z-GO South Florida Open

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:57:37 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

NAPLES (June 23, 2022) – Justin Bertsch eagled the 16 ^th hole Thursday, turning a one-shot deficit into a one-shot lead, to win the E-Z-GO South Florida Open, one of the South Florida PGA’s major championships.

Bertsch, the PGA Head Professional at Club Pelican Bay in Naples, shot a 3-under 69 at Miromar Lakes Golf Club to finish a shot ahead of Tyler Collet at 8-under 208. Bertsch was one back with three holes to play after Collet posted 67-209, but Bertsch hit a good drive, a 4-iron to 15 feet and made the putt for the decisive eagle.

“I absolutely knew where I stood,” said Bertsch, who played his last 12 holes in 5-under to earn the $4,300 first prize. “They (South Florida PGA) do a great job with the live scoring to know where you are. I was thinking I would birdie 16 and then par 17 and 18 to get into a playoff, but the eagle changed everything."

“It’s great to win, but it’s getting more and more difficult to do so. We have about 10 to 15 players in our Section who are really good players and have proven themselves on the national stage. You know they’re not going to go backward down the stretch.”

Bertsch started the final round tied for the lead, but lost the lead when he double-bogeyed the par-4 sixth hole. He responded with three birdies, but was one behind Collet after he parred the par-5 15 ^th . Bertsch also eagled the 16 ^th hole Wednesday.

Collet has been on a recent hot streak. The PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach qualified for the last two PGA Championships – shooting a 71 at Southern Hills for the low PGA Professional score in the second round – and just missed qualifying for last week’s U.S. Open by two strokes.

Five players tied for third place at 5-under 211: Domenico Geminiani (68) of Old Corkscrew Golf Club, defending champion Justin Smith (68) of Bonita Bay Club, Andrew Filbert (69) of West Bay Club and Kenneth Leech (70) and ex-PGA Tour member Justin Hicks (69) of Don Law Golf Academy.

Matt Cahill (69) of Seminole Golf Club and Nick Beddow (73) of Mayacco Lakes tied for eighth at 4-under 212.

Gene Fieger, the PGA Director of Golf at Club Pelican Bay, fired a 5-under 67 to finish at 5-under 211 and defend his Senior Division title by three shots over Mark Mielke (70-214), a PGA Teaching Professional at High Ridge Country Club. Fieger won the overall title in 2003 and 2004 and gave Club Pelican Bay a sweep of the titles Thursday.

The E-Z-GO South Florida Open is run by the South Florida PGA. Supporting partners are Antigua, Blue Tees Golf, Kalyagen, Orange Whip Golf and TurfHound Tee Surfaces.

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Jenny Suh Thompson, PGA and Tim Cantwell, PGA Set to Compete on National Stages

dmuench@pgahq.com (Danielle Muench) — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 16:40:57 GMT

June 22 – Jenny Suh Thompson, PGA and Tim Cantwell, PGA have earned a spot in this week's KPMG Women's PGA Championship and U.S. Senior Open, respectively.

Jenny Suh Thompson, PGA and Tim Cantwell, PGA have earned a spot in this week's KPMG Women's PGA Championship and U.S. Senior Open, respectively.

A PGA teaching professional and membership director at The Dye Preserve, Suh Thompson is one of nine PGA/LPGA Professionals competing at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. She qualified in February after sixth in the PGA Women's Stroke Play Championship. This marks her second KPMG Women's PGA Championship appearance.

In 2020, Suh Thompson won the inaugural SFPGA Women's Section Championship. From 2011-'15, Suh Thompson played intermittently on the LPGA Tour.

Tee Times
Round 1 – 12:17 p.m. ET | Hole 10
Round 2 – 7:00 a.m. ET | Hole 1

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More: Jenny Suh Thompson ready for LPGA Championship
Meet the PGA/LPGA Professionals in the KPMG Women's PGA Championship Field

Cantwell, a PGA teaching professional at PGA National Resort and Spa, will take the stage in the 42nd U.S. Senior Open on Thursday at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa.

Cantwell was the first alternate after carding a 69 at the qualifying event at Hidden Glen Golf Club in Cedarburg, Wis. in May.

He recently competed in the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship where he posted a round one 77 and second round 75. This is Cantwell's first U.S. Senior Open appearance.

Tee Times
Round 1 – 9:06 a.m. ET | Hole 1
Round 2 – 2:36 p.m. ET | Hole 10

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The Pros Go Low at Tournament Series No. 1

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 20:17:56 GMT

June 20 – Will Coleman, PGA of The Club at Admirals Cove and Domenico Geminiani of Old Corkscrew Golf Club tied for first in Tournament Series No. 1 Monday at The Club at Gateway.

Coleman and Geminiani fired a pair of 65’s to win the one-day stroke-play event ahead of this week’s E-Z-GO South Florida Open.

Coleman’s day was highlighted by eight birdies, four on each nine, with only one bogey coming at the par-5 9th hole for a round of 7-under. Geminiani fired five birdies on the day but vaulted into the first spot after carding an eagle at the par-5 18th hole to round out his bogey-free round.

Coming in with a round of 66 was runner-up Justin Bertsch, PGA of Club Pelican Bay, only finishing a stroke behind but who’s round was also boosted due to an eagle at the par-4 6th hole. Also tying for third is John Lento, PGA of The Club at Renaissance, who posted five birdies and no bogey’s on the day, including three straight birdies to close out his front nine.

In addition, Jason Robinson, PGA of The Country Club at Mirasol, made a hole-in-one on No. 4 to jumpstart his round of 70.

The Tournament Series No. 1 is annually played ahead of the South Florida Open on one of the two courses. This year’s event was presented by Foresight Sports and supported by Tagmarshal.

The South Florida Open will tee off tomorrow at The Club at Gateway and Miromar Lakes Golf Club with a full 168-person field.

Rene Nicolas, Valentina Marie Guertin and Jack Zejda Win 38th Nicklaus Junior Championship

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 22:22:19 GMT

Jupiter, FL - Rene Nicolas, Valentina Marie Guertin and Jack Zejda battle two tough courses to claim victory at the 38th Annual Nicklaus Junior Championship Sunday at The Club at Admirals Cove and Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club at Old Trail.

Nicolas of Delray Beach started the final round four shots back of the lead after carding a 2-over round one. He responded with the tournament low round of 5-under 67 that included only one bogey to go along with six birdies on the day.

“It feels great, '' said Nicolas, who climbed six spots up the leaderboard over the final round to win the title at 3-under, 73-67–140. “I know it is such a prestigious tournament and to come back after having a not so good first day, it felt amazing.”

With the event being held at two different courses, Nicolas played his final round at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club, while five of the six players ahead of him, played at The Club at Admirals Cove. Live scoring was available, but only after each nine holes, leaving a lot of room for the unknown.

“It was a bit nerve racking, but I knew that course played a lot harder,” he said. “I trusted that if I kept taking it one shot at a time, whatever happened, happened.”

Guertin of Boynton Beach captured a wire-to-wire victory in the girls 13-18 division with a two day total of 2-over, 70-75–145.

“I am very happy because I have not won (a tournament) in like two years and I have been working really hard to finally win,” she said. “I am very proud of myself.”

Guertin finished round one with a tournament low round in the girls division of 2-under 70, sinking five birdies over the 18 holes. After a one-over front nine in the final round, she sat two shots back going into the final nine holes.

“I knew I was down a couple of shots, I just scrambled to not get higher than a bogey, '' she said, as she carded no worse than a bogey over the 36-hole stretch. I continued to play my game, play one shot at a time because you never know what could happen.”

Zedja of Naples jumped out to a commanding lead in the boys 11-12 division after round one, finishing at 2-over 74, his lowest tournament round of his life, he said. Zedja led the field by eight shots to start the final round, completing play at 16-over, 74-85–159. He led the field in birdies with four while tying in most pars or better with 22.

The Nicklaus Junior Championship is jointly administered by the South Florida PGA and the Palm Beach County Golf Association, two of south Florida’s largest golf organizations.

Thank you to Director of Golf at The Club at Admirals Cove, Sean Burke-McDermott, PGA and Head Professional at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club at Old Trail, Jared Warner, PGA for all the help.

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South Florida PGA Foundation and 10 ALL In Conduct Second Annual Golf and STEAM Camp

jhobson@pgahq.com (Jackie Hobson) — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 19:56:25 GMT

Belle Glade, FL (JUNE 17) – The South Florida PGA Foundation and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes’ 10 ALL IN Foundation conducted its second annual Golf and STEAM Summer Camp for students in Belle Glade. This year the camp was supported by Pratt and Whitney, Florida Junior Golf Council and the Florida Golf License Plate Program.

“My goal is for all of you to learn the game and play it for a lifetime,” Holmes told the students as they gathered for the start of the final day. “Golf will help you build and keep relationships and you never know where it may take you.”

The camp, which began Monday and concluded today, brought south Florida PGA professionals to students in Belle Glade for a week of golf instruction. In addition to golf, Pratt and Whitney engineers guided students through projects in science, technology, art and math.

The projects, which the students presented at the conclusion of the camp, were bottle rockets where each team tried to launch further than Holmes’ tee shot. Following their presentations, the students got to test the golf skills they learned throughout the week in a scramble at the Belle Glade Municipal Golf Course.

Since its inaugural year in 2021, the South Florida PGA Foundation and 10 ALL In have brought golf to more than 30 students in Belle Glade, Holmes’ hometown.

In partnership the SFPGA and 10 All IN hope to continue a golf and STEAM camp each summer as well as provide access to golf and resources to the youth in Belle Glade.

Davie’s Aiden Arce, Naples’ Addison Klonowski Win South Florida Junior PGA Championship

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:37:18 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

BOCA RATON (June 14, 2022) – Aiden Arce of Davie and Addison Klonowski of Naples emerged from talented fields Tuesday to win the South Florida Junior PGA Championship at Stonebridge Country Club.

Arce started the round with a one-shot lead and birdied four of his first seven holes to take a commanding lead. He shot a second consecutive 68 for a three-shot victory over Wylie Inman (67) of North Palm Beach.

“It feels amazing,” said Arce, a 16-year-old who will be a junior at American Heritage High School-Broward. “My good friend Luke Clanton won this tournament two years in a row (2017-’18), so I really wanted to win it. I’ve been hitting the ball well all week and today the putter got hot and everything clicked.”

The 17-year-old Klonowski shot a bogey-free 69 to finish at 6-under 138, two shots ahead of Gabriella Albert (71-140) of Delray Beach. The winner shared the first-round lead with two others.

The victories earned Arce and Klonowski, along with runner-up finishers, Inman and Albert, spots in the National Junior PGA Boys Championship and the National Junior PGA Girls Championship, respectively, Aug 2-5 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club near Chicago.

“I’m really excited because my dad (Mark) grew up at Cog Hill and I’ll get a chance to play it like he did and see the family roots,” said Klonowski, a senior at Naples High who qualified for last year’s Girls Junior PGA Championship and made the cut.

“The first couple holes today I was trying to get into a rhythm and hit the greens. On the back nine, I started going at the pins and the putts started to fall. It’s a great feeling.”

Arce didn’t have much stress Tuesday until late in the round, and it had nothing to do with his golf.

“My phone died on the 17th hole, so I couldn’t see where I stood,” he said. “I had to ask Pavel (Tsar, a playing partner) and he told me I had a good lead.”

The South Florida Junior PGA Championship, run by the South Florida PGA, is presented by The Honda Classic. Supporting partners are Don Law Golf Academy, Titleist, The Fun Group at Mirasol, Junior Golf Hub, TimberTech Championship, ASM Scholarships, First Tee-Florida Gold Coast, College Golf Experience and Florida Junior Golf Council.

JASON ROBINSON-ROGER KENNEDY, JR. WIN YAMAHA JUNIOR-SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP IN PLAYOFF

dmuench@pgahq.com (Danielle Muench) — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 22:08:25 GMT

Atlantis, Fla. – Jason Robinson, PGA and Roger Kennedy, Jr., PGA of Country Club at Mirasol posted a 10-under 62 to capture the win after a single-hole playoff at this year’s Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship at Lost City Golf Club.

Despite battling some long weather delays, Robinson and Kennedy, Jr. combined for eight birdies and an eagle. Kennedy made a 20 foot birdie putt from the back fringe to secure the victory on the first playoff hole against Justin Hicks, PGA of Don Law Golf Academy and Life Member Matt Ball, PGA. Hicks was unable to match Kennedy’s birdie putt from the same distance.

The Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship is an 18-hole team stroke play competition where PGA Professionals from across south Florida team up with a senior PGA member (age 50 and up). Competition followed a 6-6-6 format including best ball, modified Pinehurst and a scramble.

Thank you to Mason Colling, PGA and the entire team at Lost City for hosting this event.

The Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship is supported by Global Golf Sales.

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Tsar, Sardinha and Assis Win Medalist Tour Event at Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 18:57:33 GMT

Fort Lauderdale, FL - The South Florida PGA Medalist Tour completed its first midweek event of the summer, Thursday at Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club.

Pavel Tsar of Palm Beach Gardens, carded two consecutive under-par rounds that included 10 birdies and only three bogeys or worse through the 36-hole stretch. Tsar wrapped the event at 6-under 68-70–138, outlasting five other players who finished the event under-par.

While only carding one bogey over the two-days, Aidan Miller of Palm Beach Gardens, finished the 36-hole event at 5-under 70-69–139, claiming his second runner-up finish of the season.

In the girls 13-18 division, concluding the event at 6-over 76-74–150, Nicole Sardinha of Doral claimed first place honors by two shots. Sardinha was able to take advantage of the par 5s both days, as she went 1-under over eight combined par 5s.

Finishing runner-up in scorecard playoff, Jade Scott of Lauderhill finished the event at 8-over 71-81–152, including the tournament low-round for the girls of 1-under 71 in the first round.

Starting the event with a bogey-free 70, Bento Assis of Porto Alegre, Brazil matched the tournament low-round of any age division with a 4-under 68 in the second round. Assis won the boys 11-12 division by nine shots.

Sarp Gurdogan of Palm Beach Gardens, finished runner-up with scores of 72-75–147, 3-over.

The event also doubled as a South Florida Junior PGA Championship Qualifier, the last qualifier before the Major will take place on June 13-14 at Stonebridge Country Club. The top seven boys and top four girls scores after round one were able to advance.

Those names include:

Boys - Ryan Nana Tanke (Palm Beach Gardens), Jake Manelas (Fort Lauderdale), Ryan Peskin (Boca Raton), Jacob Kutner (Palm Beach Gardens), Sean Richards (Parkland), Colton Nash (Boca Raton) and Sam Davey (Fort Lauderdale)

Girls - Nicole Sardinha (Doral), Jennie Pan, (Delray Beach), Angelina Marie Guertin (Boynton Beach) and Ana Victoria Soto (Weston)

Thank you to Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club for having us!

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Vineyards Country Club Hosts Memorial Day Weekend Medalist Tour Event

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Tue, 31 May 2022 15:11:51 GMT

Naples, FL - The South Florida PGA Junior Tour spent the Memorial Day weekend at Vineyards Country Club for a two-day, 36-hole Medalist Tour event May 28-29.

After two consecutive under-par rounds, Anthony Garcia of Miami finished the 36-hole-event at 8-under, 67-69–136. Garcia managed only two bogeys over the two-day stretch, to go along with 10 birdies, routing himself to his second Medalist Tour victory of the year in the boys 13-18 division.

Finishing runner-up in the boys 13-18 division, Christian Allen of Estero carded the tournament low round of 6-under 66. Allen recorded eight birdies over his final 18 holes with five of them coming on the back-nine.

In the girls 13-18 division, Jordan Knox of Fort Myers, in her first Medalist Tour event of the year, managed a two-day total of 6-over, 74-76–150, claiming first place honors by one shot over Morgan Franklin of Fort Myers. Knox led the field in pars or better with 30.

Christian Koehn of Winter Park won the boys 11-12 division at 3-under, 70-71–141, one shot better than runner-up finisher, Sarp Gurdogan of Palm Beach Gardens. Koehn, who was one of only two players in the entire field to finish both rounds under-par, managed only one bogey over the two days, including a bogey-free final round.

The event also doubled as a South Florida Junior PGA Championship qualifier, with the top seven boys and top three girls scores from the first round advancing.

Those names include:

Boys - Hubert Ramirez (Miami), Bautista Valeiras (Naples), Charlie Davis (Naples), Connor DeMichele (Sarasota), Christian Allen (Estero), Graham Boone (Naples) and Antonio Justo (Miami Shores)

Girls - Morgan Franklin (Fort Myers), Payton Balliet (Naples) and Gloria Nip (Port St. Lucie)

Special thank you to Vineyards Country Club and Director of Golf, Tom Metzger, PGA for having us.

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Five South Florida PGA Professionals to Compete in 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Wed, 25 May 2022 17:53:53 GMT

May 25, 2022 – The 82nd KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship returns this week to Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor, Mich.

Five South Florida PGA Professionals have advanced and will compete in the Senior PGA Championship beginning May 26. These PGA Professionals are five out of the total 35 PGA Club Professionals who qualified through the 2021 Senior PGA Professional Championship.

South Florida PGA Professionals

Tim Cantwell, PGA – PGA National Resort & Spa
Round 1 – 9:42 a.m. | Hole 1
Round 2 – 3:02 p.m. | Hole 10
Mark Mielke, PGA – High Ridge Country Club
Round 1 – 1:23 p.m. | Hole 10
Round 2 – 8:03 a.m. | Hole 1
Alan Morin, PGA – The Club at Ibis
Round 1 – 9:31 a.m. | Hole 1
Round 2 – 2:51 p.m. | Hole 10
Mike San Filippo, PGA – Life Member
Round 1 – 8:58 a.m. | Hole 10
Round 2 – 2:18 p.m. | Hole 1
Mike Valicenti, PGA – PXG Headquarters
Round 1 – 3:02 p.m. | Hole 10
Round 2 – 9:42 a.m. | Hole 1

Notes

Field: 156 players, 50 years of age or older
Mark Mielke, PGA finished runner-up in the 2021 Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club after falling short in the first playoff hole against Paul Claxton, PGA.

Click here for the leaderboard .

Click here for Round 1 starting times .

Cahill and Chang Win Pro-Assistant Championship

Tue, 24 May 2022 19:34:36 GMT

Naples, Fla. – Matt Cahill, PGA and Dakun Chang, PGA of Seminole Golf Club claimed victory on Tuesday with a two-day total of 15-under to win the Pro-Assistant Championship after a single hole playoff against Jon Pazdera, PGA and Jeremy Wells, PGA of Cypress Lake Golf Club.

Chang made birdie on the par-4 18th to beat Pazdera and Wells on the first playoff hole.

The duo carded a total of 15 birdies over the two rounds, including nine birdies on Tuesday to make a leap up the leaderboard and ultimately force the playoff.

This year’s event was hosted at Quail West Golf and Country Club and Bear’s Paw Country Club. Tournament play followed a 36-hole team play format. Quail West included eighteen holes of four-ball stroke play while a nine-hole modified alternate shot and a nine-hole scramble format was conducted at Bear’s Paw.

Thank you to Director of Golf Casey Brozek, PGA of Quail West Golf and Country Club and Head Golf Professional Wayne Jardin, PGA of Bear’s Paw Country Club for hosting this event.

Special thanks to Ahead, Club Car, Fore2Feet, Global Golf Sales, Golf Pro Payments and TaylorMade for supporting the Pro-Assistant Championship.

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Jake Debien Awarded Fifth $20,000 South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship

mdetullio@pgahq.com (Matt De Tullio) — Fri, 20 May 2022 19:09:04 GMT

Oftentimes, the hardest things in life bring about significant perspective. This is the case for 2022 South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship recipient Jake Debien of Palm City.

Debien, a soon-to-be-graduate of Martin County High School is the fifth recipient of the SFPGA Foundation Scholarship which started in 2017. The SFPGA Foundation annually supports one high school senior through a $20,000 scholarship who is connected to the golf community that excels in academics, community service and leadership.

“It was a tremendous honor to be awarded this scholarship,” said Debien. “It is definitely the pride and feeling of accomplishment, I am very grateful for it.”

Diagnosed with type one diabetes nearly five years ago, Debien was uncertain on how it would affect his future as an athlete, student and what that meant for his ability to grow and mature as a young adult.

“Looking back now, I'm not going to say it was a good thing or that I am happy that I was diagnosed, but being diagnosed changed me for the better,” said Debien.

Not only did his diagnosis change the way Debien operated throughout his high school years, it also built the foundation for his future.

“Before my diagnosis, I had no intention of going into the medical field,” admitted Debien. “Over the years as I have been in many doctors offices, it has made me realize that this could be something to pursue for my future career.”

With the advice Debien was given by doctors and others with a similar condition to him, he was encouraged to return that lesson learned to others by volunteering his time to help make a difference.

“I started looking to help others by trying to show them that no matter what challenges you face ahead of you, you can still accomplish it through the right mindset.”

Shortly after being diagnosed, Debien began to work closely with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) of Palm Beach as an advocate, student ambassador and youth mentor.

Debien will be attending the University of Florida in the Fall with aspirations of getting into the Pre-Med school with hopes to become an endocrinologist and continue helping others with type one diabetes.

As Debien sets his sights on the University of Florida, the first SFPGA Foundation scholarship recipient, Tyler Nagy is set to finish his MBA from Rollins College in May of 2023.

Atlantis' Mark Mielke Wins South Florida Senior Open

Fri, 13 May 2022 19:07:17 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

JUPITER (May 13, 2022) – Mark Mielke of Atlantis shot a blistering 7-under 65 Friday to win the South Florida Senior Open by seven shots.

Mielke made seven birdies, an eagle and two bogeys at Jonathan’s Landing to shoot the 65 and finish at 13-under 131. He started the final round tied with Mike San Filippo of Hobe Sound, who finished second after a 72.

“It feels so awesome to win,” said Mielke, PGA Teaching Professional at High Ridge Country Club. “I’ve been so close the last couple of events. I played great the last couple days.”

Mielke’s victory came after a near-miss at last month’s 45th Florida Senior Open. He led by one going into the final hole, but bogeyed it and eventually lost a three-way playoff to Gene Fieger.

“That was kind of a bummer, but this is sweet revenge,” Mielke said. “There are so many good players, you have to keep playing well or they are going to catch up with you."

San Filippo was hoping to win after he got a bad break in last week’s Fort Lauderdale Open. San Filippo was in position to win the Senior Division after he led with an opening-round 67. But he and several other players missed their final-round tee time after they were caught in an accident on Florida’s Turnpike that caused a three-hour delay.

As it turned out, everybody was playing for second place Friday. Tim Cantwell of Palm Beach Gardens was closest to Mielke, but made a 10 on the par-5 15th hole.

Michael Valicenti of Jupiter shot 4-under 68 to finish tied for third at 5-under 139 with Jimmy Buell (70) of Jupiter and Matt Markle (70) of Naples.

Defending champion Alan Morin, PGA Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach, shot 71 and tied for seventh at 2-under 142.

The South Florida Senior Open is administered by the South Florida PGA. Supporting partners are Relay, Jani-King, Korn Ferry Tour and Winner’s Award Group.

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Sixth Annual South Florida PGA HOPE Classic Raises Over $81,000 for South Florida Veterans

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Fri, 13 May 2022 18:24:54 GMT

North Palm Beach, Fl - The South Florida PGA Foundation hosted its Sixth Annual PGA HOPE Classic yesterday at Lost Tree Club, raising over $81,000 to support the South Florida PGA HOPE program.

The South Florida PGA HOPE Classic is the flagship Foundation event for the South Florida PGA HOPE program, raising funds to enhance the lives of veterans through the game of golf, helping to improve their mental, emotional, physical and social well-being.

South Florida PGA HOPE graduate and national PGA HOPE Ambassador Mary Anderson-Kokell addressed the field following yesterday’s event, noting how her participation in HOPE saved her life.

Since 2015, the SFPGA HOPE program has helped nearly 1,000 veterans like Anderson-Kokell who have struggled to assimilate back to everyday life following their service. The funds raised through the PGA HOPE Classic will further improve and elevate each six-week program administered by the South Florida PGA and taught by PGA Professionals.

Competing in teams of four in a one net best-ball format, amateurs Gary Klein, Bob Gormley, Paul Ward-Smith and Richard Kontos shot 58 to win the HOPE Classic.

Without the help of our many partners, who play a key role in ensuring a great event for all, this event would not be possible. Those partners include: PXG, Kalyagen, Rob Torrington/Raymond James, Hilton West Palm Beach, Sailfish Brewing Company, Tito’s Vodka and SBA Communication Cooperation.

Thank you to Director of Golf, Brian Peaper, PGA, Head Professional, Michael Kostelnik, PGA and the entire Lost Tree staff for having us.

Photo Album

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PGA HOPE Video

Inman and Shanahan Win Medalist Tour Event at Osprey Point Golf Course

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Tue, 10 May 2022 20:04:27 GMT

Boca Raton, Fl - Wylie Inman claimed the boys division title after a three-hole playoff and Kelly Shanahan won the girls division by two shots during a weather impacted South Florida PGA Medalist Tour event at Osprey Point Golf Course May 7 and 8.

The weather played a big role over the weekend as Saturday’s opening round was suspended twice because of lightning in the area. Players had to deal with higher winds and spotty showers throughout round one, making the course play much tougher.

With the help of a two-under back nine during the first round, Inman of North Palm Beach concluded the first 18 holes at 1-over and only two shots back of the lead. Inman started the final round with an eagle on the par-5 12th hole, his third hole of the day, routing him to a 2-under 70, forcing a sudden-death playoff with Jack Kantowski of Boca Raton.

Both players made birdie on the par-5 18th hole during the first playoff hole before going back to the tee for a second playoff hole. On the second attempt, Inman was forced to lay up while Kantowski hit the green in two, giving himself a 30-foot putt for eagle.

Inman hit his third to about 15 feet and made his birdie putt in dramatic fashion while Kantowski two-putted for his birdie, forcing a third playoff hole. This time, the two would play the par-4 eighth hole, where Inman eventually came out on top with a par, claiming the boys title.

On the girls side, in her first event of the season, Shanahan of Coral Springs finished round one with a 3-over 75, putting her four shots off the lead going into the final round. During the second round, Shanahan shot a tournament-low, 3-under 69 that included only two bogeys to go along with five birdies. Shanahan finished the weekend at even-par, the only girl in the field to finish at even-par or better.

The event also played as a qualifier to the South Florida Junior PGA Championship, with the top 18 boys scores and the top five girls scores after round one advancing.

Those players included:

Boys

Gabriel Holtz

Diego Azar

Brooks Colton

Luke Parsons

Brayden Jenard

Jake Navaretta

Harrison Delisle

James Earle

Stefan Daley

Preston Worch

Alex Heard

Jack Earle

Sam Brown

Rene Nicolas

Jonathan Weinberg

Tomy Jaunet

Ethan Keen

Girls

Chonpatchsorn Mahathep

Staci Pla

Kelly Shanahan

Dariana Breto

Kaylee Ehret

The Medalist Tour season will continue May 28-29 at Vineyards Country Club in Naples.

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Photo Albu m

Meet the Team of 20 Competing at the 2022 PGA Championship - Part I

Tue, 10 May 2022 16:49:23 GMT

PGA of America – The 2022 PGA Championship is fast approaching and the ‘Team of 20’ PGA Professionals competing are getting ready to tee it up at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa. Each of them earned their spot at the PGA Professional Championship last month in Austin.

Some are veterans of the major championship while others will be starting in their very first Tour event. Now, we’ll be taking a closer look at the Team of 20 so you can get to know them before they tee it up with the best come May 19th. Here are the first 10.

Alex Beach

Club/Facility: Westchester Country Club, Rye, NY
PGA Championship Appearance : 5th
Metropolitan PGA Section

Beach emerged from a four-players-for-three-spots playoff at the 2022 PGA Professional Championship to secure his fifth PGA Championship appearance. He is the winner of the 2019 PGA Professional Championship, becoming the second left-hander to capture the national title. Beach is ambidextrous, and says that he can swing a golf club better right-handed most days. He has served at some of the country's finest venues: Congressional Country Club; Burning Tree; Desert Mountain, The Ridgewood Country Club and Baltusrol. Beach is a 2012 graduate of the University of Nebraska’s Professional Golf Management program.

Brandon Bingaman

Club/Facility: Bent Tree Country Club, Dallas, TX
PGA Championship Appearance : 1st
Northern Texas PGA Section

Brandon is making his PGA Championship debut. He chased 51 spots up the leaderboard in the final round of the 2022 PGA Professional Championship to secure his place. He has won several section tournaments including the 2021 Northern Texas PGA Section TPX Communications Western Championship and the 2021 Northern Texas PGA Section EX-GO Eastern Championship. Brandon played college golf and earned All-American status at Division II Colorado Mesa University.

Michael Block

Club/Facility: Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, Mission Viejo, CA
PGA Championship Appearance : 4th
Southern California PGA Section

Block will be making his first PGA Championship appearance since 2018. His son served as his caddie during the 2022 PGA Professional Championship. He was the champion of the 2014 PGA Professional Championship after a two-hole playoff. Block has played in three previous PGAs, including 2018 at Bellerive in his hometown of St. Louis. He also qualified for the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock and has been named Southern California PGA Section Player of the Year nine years in a row. Michael has imprinted on his TaylorMade golf balls the words, "WHY NOT?"

Matt Borchert

Club/Facility: Isleworth Country Club, Windermere, FL
PGA Championship Appearance : 2nd
North Florida PGA Section

Matt Borchert is returning to the PGA Championship for the second time, his first since 2018. He has won several Section events including the 2020 North Florida PGA Section Professional Championship and the 2017 North Florida PGA Stableford Championship. Matt also played in the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont. He played professionally for 12 years on the PGA Tour (2009 primarily, made five cuts) and the Korn Ferry Tour. Before that, he played collegiately at the University of North Florida.

Tyler Collet

Club/Facility: John's Island Club, Vero Beach, FL
PGA Championship Appearance : 2nd
South Florida PGA Section

Tyler Collet will be playing in second career PGA Championship, after debuting in 2021 at the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island. He also played in the PGA Tour’s 2021 Puerto Rico Open. He's a winner of several Section tournaments including the 2021 South Florida PGA Section Professional Championship and the South Florida PGA Section/SE Chapter 2020 GGS Jupiter Classic. Tyler graduated in 2017 from the PGA Golf Management program at Eastern Kentucky University, where he had a hand in the team winning the 2016 PGA Jones Cup at PGA Golf Club.

Paul Dickinson

Club/Facility: Atlantic Golf Club, Bridgehampton, NY
PGA Championship Appearance : 1st
Metropolitan PGA Section

Paul Dickinson will be making his PGA Championship debut. He is the winner of the 2017 Mohegan Sun Tournament of Champions. Paul played on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2003. During his college golf career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he won four events.

Tim Feenstra

Club/Facility: Broadmoor Golf Club, Seattle, WA
PGA Championship Appearance : 1st
Pacific Northwest PGA Section

Tim Feenstra is set to make first career start in the PGA Championship. He has won several Section tournaments including the 2011, '13, '15 Pacific Northwest PGA Professional Championship. Tim was also a semifinalist at the 2006 USGA U.S. Amateur Public Links and was named 2003 NCAA Division II GCAA National Freshman of the Year. Tim was inducted into the Western Washington University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.

Austin Hurt

Club/Facility: Wing Point Golf & Country Club, Bainbridge Island, WA
PGA Championship Appearance : 1st
Pacific Northwest PGA Section

Austin Hurt is debuting in the PGA Championship. He has an impressive history in competitive golf, he was the champion of the 2009 Washington State Men's Amateur Championship and the 2019 Club Car WWC PGA Chapter Championship. Austin played college golf at Washington State University, where he set what was at the time the lowest freshman scoring average in school history (73.8).

Colin Inglis

Club/Facility: Shadow Hills Country Club, Junction City, OR
PGA Championship Appearance : 1st
South Florida PGA Section

Colin Inglis is playing in his first PGA Championship. He has previously won the 2021 Pacific Northwest PGA Section Professional Championship, the 2021 Pacific Northwest Rosauers Open Invitational and the 2020 Washington Open. He was named the 2021 Northwest PGA Section Player of the Year. His sister, Caroline Inglis, plays on the LPGA Tour.

Nic Ishee

Club/Facility: Preston Trail Golf Club, Dallas, TX
PGA Championship Appearance : 1st
Northern Texas PGA Section

Nic Ishee is debuting in the PGA Championship. He won both the 2019 and '21 Northern Texas PGA Section Assistant Professional Championship. Before that, he played collegiately at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (2010 First-Team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American) and William Carey University in Mississippi (Second-Team NAIA All-American; 2012 NAIA National Tournament Appearance).

South Florida PGA Tire Kingdom Charity Pro-Am Raises Over $20,000 to Support the Foundation

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Mon, 09 May 2022 20:14:06 GMT

Naples, Fla. – The South Florida PGA hosted its 12th Annual South Florida PGA Foundation Tire Kingdom Charity Pro-Am today, raising more than $20,000 for the SFPGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the South Florida PGA.

This year, 10 teams comprised of a PGA Professional and three amateurs, participated in the 18-hole event at Olde Florida Golf Club.

Scott Lien, PGA of The Rookery at Marco, paired with amateurs Bill Conway, Carla Craycraft and Roger Craycraft, took home the win after a scorecard playoff. The team finished their round at 11-under.

Since 2010, the Tire Kingdom Charity Pro-Am has been the primary fundraising event for the South Florida PGA Foundation. Since 2004, the event has given back to the South Florida community by way of programs such as the South Florida PGA Junior Tours, PGA HOPE, Habitat for Humanity and Smiling Fore Life.

Thank you to everyone who participated and played a part in achieving this total. Special thanks to Tom Wildenhaus, PGA and the entire team at Olde Florida Golf Club for hosting this event.

This event is presented by Tire Kingdom and supported by Heritage Creations.

For more information about the South Florida PGA Foundation or if you would like to make a donation, please click here .

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CBS Sports Special to Showcase PGA REACH’s Positive Community Impact Ahead of the 2022 PGA Championship

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Fri, 06 May 2022 13:51:11 GMT

“PGA REACH: Impacting Lives Through Golf” airs Sunday, May 8 at 2 p.m. ET;
the hourlong special shows how the PGA of America’s charitable
foundation has used the game to help people and communities

Editor’s note: For a teaser clip of the show, click here.

FRISCO, Texas (May 6, 2022) – CBS Sports and the PGA of America have collaborated on a unique documentary-style television special, “PGA REACH: Impacting Lives Through Golf.” The nationwide one-hour program showcases the PGA’s charitable foundation and its positive effects on people across the country.

The show follows several individuals who, under the guidance of PGA Professionals and PGA programs, have found a love for the game through PGA REACH’s four pillars – youth (PGA Jr. League), military (PGA HOPE), inclusion (PGA WORKS) and A Place to Play.

“Our partnership with CBS Sports allows the PGA of America to tell the stories that show a tangible impact that PGA Members are making on the lives of the people PGA REACH supports,” PGA President Jim Richerson said. “We are deeply committed to these programs, and because of the incredible work of so many of our PGA Professionals, the 41 PGA Sections throughout the country and our REACH team, we are able to introduce and inspire new people to the game and industry. PGA REACH is truly changing lives.”

PGA Jr. League Storylines
If not for PGA REACH and the PGA Jr. League program in Tucson, Arizona, most players would never pick up a club. Cesar Balgagnon II, a PGA Jr. League Co-Captain at Sewailo Golf Club, aims to inspire and be a role model for the Pascua Yachi Tribal community, fostering a culture of inclusion.

Huston Nagy and Vinny Mercurcio are both PGA Jr. League participants and part of The Turn, an organization specializing in helping those with disabilities get back into golf. Whether it's helping line up a putt, teeing up a ball or being the eyes for someone who may be visually impaired, The Turn provides an equal opportunity for everyone to be treated as a team member. At North Olmsted Golf Club, PGA Assistant Golf Professional Erin Craig leads The Turn and offers instruction to those no matter what skill level or disability they may have.

PGA Golf Management Universities are integrating other PGA REACH pillars, like PGA Jr. League, into its curriculum to help students make an impact in the community. The program at New Mexico State is led by Henry Stetina, PGA, who is creating new avenues for his students to help shape the game’s future.

PGA HOPE Storylines
Waco Blakle, PGA HOPE Ambassador for the South Central PGA Section, started with PGA HOPE in the Spring of 2021 and has been a great leader for PGA HOPE Tulsa. Through his passion for helping fellow Veterans, he has helped his local PGA Professional grow the PGA HOPE Tulsa program. He’s seen the impact that golf can have and wants to make sure others get to experience it. Blakley is helping the South Central Section spread program awareness through local public relations efforts as well as being a part of the PGA HOPE activations on-site at the 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship held at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

During PGA HOPE Wellness Week, 20 Veterans met in the nation’s capital for the PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week. The feature showcases passionate HOPE Graduates who excelled in their personal rehabilitation journey and became PGA HOPE Ambassadors in their local communities. In addition, PGA Professionals offered instruction to help Veterans step up their game, no matter what kinds of physical limitations they may have.

PGA WORKS Storylines
JT Moore has played in the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, has interned with the PGA of America and is now a PGA WORKS Fellow, lending his unique skill set to the South Florida PGA Section as he experiences what a career in the golf industry can provide.

Cameron Dinkins, a former PGA Fellow, never had a career in the golf industry on her radar. She is now the PGA WORKS Program Coordinator at the PGA of America’s new headquarters in Frisco, Texas. Through PGA WORKS and its Beyond the Green career-exploration initiative, Cameron is striving to inspire and recruit young people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in the business of golf.

About PGA REACH

PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf. For more information on PGA REACH, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.

Evan Bowser Wins Fort Lauderdale Open; Joe Kern Claims Senior Division Title

Tue, 03 May 2022 23:00:33 GMT

FORT LAUDERDALE (May 3, 2022) – Evan Bowser eagled the par-5 14 ^th hole Tuesday at Fort Lauderdale Country Club to break out of a tight leaderboard and win the Fort Lauderdale Open.

Bowser parred his first 13 holes before he bombed his drive at the par-5 14 ^th and only had an 8-iron from 173 yards. Bowser hit it inside a foot and made the eagle to take the lead for good in the first South Florida PGA major championship of the season.

Bowser, an Assistant Professional at LaPlaya Golf Club in Naples, shot 2-under 69 to finish at 7-under 135. He was one ahead of three golfers.

“It was a little frustrating to make all the pars because I had birdie looks at every hole,” Bowser said. “But I hit a good drive at 14 and had a perfect yardage.”

Bowser added a birdie at No. 16 to give him a two-shot lead, which came in handy when he three-putted the final hole for a bogey.

It was Bowesr’s only bogey of the tournament, but it didn’t matter. He had won the season-opening Fort Lauderdale Open, long considered a major on the South Florida PGA schedule.

“It’s such a great feeling to win this tournament because it kicks off everyone’s year,” Bowser said. “The tournament has great history and it’s a good course. Hopefully, I can carry this momentum through the summer.

Paul Scaletta (66) of the Bear’s Club made four birdies in a five-hole stretch and tied for second with Kenny Leech (67) of Don Law Academy and Joe Kern (67) of The Moorings at Hawk’s Nest Club in Vero Beach.

Andrew Filbert of West Bay Club, who won this event in 2017 and 2018, tied for fifth at 137 with Jason Martin (68) of Old Collier Golf Club, Dustin Wallis of Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club and Nick Latimer-Zabor (70) of Trump International Golf Club.

Kern won the Senior Division, finishing a shot ahead of Gene Fieger (69-137) of Club Pelican Bay.

Mike San Filippo of Hobe Sound led after a 66 Monday, but he and four others were disqualified Tuesday after an accident on Florida’s Turnpike caused them to miss their tee times because of a three-hour delay. San Filippo still drove to the course to honor an old friend, Steve Mullen.

Mullen was the former Director of Instruction at Fort Lauderdale Country Club who died about a decade ago at 51. The club had dedicated a plaque to Mullen and San Filippo noticed how the plaque had been overgrown by weeds.

“You couldn’t even make out the name, it was so dirty and overgrown,” said San Filippo, who brought his own shovel and bucket. “I made up my mind I was going to fix that, and that’s why I came today. It’s the only thing that salvaged my day.”

The Fort Lauderdale Open is run by the South Florida PGA and Presenting partner is Srixon Cleveland ASICS. Supporting partners are Blue Tees Golf, Global Golf Sales and Maui Jim.

For scores, go to Fort Lauderdale Open - Championship Division Leaderboard | South Florida PGA (bluegolf.com)

Fieger Survives Playoff to Win FL Senior Open

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 21:47:59 GMT

MIROMAR LAKES, Fla. – Gene Fieger survived a playoff to capture the 45th Florida Senior Open Championship on Wednesday at Miromar Lakes Golf & Beach Club. The Naples resident used a 5-under 211 and a par on the first playoff hole to capture the Senior Open victory.

This is Fieger’s third-career Florida Senior Open victory and his first since 2018. He becomes the third person in Senior Open history to win three titles and the first since Mike San Filippo in 2008.

Fieger began the final round in a tie for sixth place, three shots behind the leaders, after rounds of 71-71 to begin the championship. After a bogey on the second and a birdie on the eighth, Fieger made the turn at 2 under for the championship.

The 2010 and 2018 champion birdied the 10th to move to 3 under and sit two shots back of Mark Mielke who held the lead. Mielke began the day with a share of the lead and took the outright lead with a birdie on the eighth. He added another birdie on the 11th to take a two-shot lead over the field.

Fieger kept it rolling on the back side, birdieing back-to-back holes on the 15th and 16th to cut Mielke’s lead to one shot. Fieger finished the final round with two-straight pars to finish with a final-round 69 and take the clubhouse lead with Todd Franks at 5-under 211.

Franks began the final round in a tie for sixth with Fieger. He got it going on the front side, birdieing three of four holes on Nos. 3-6. He ran into some trouble on the seventh with a double bogey on the seventh to make the turn at 3 under. The Forty Myers amateur carded to birdies on the back to finish the day at 5-under 211.

Mielke held the top spot on the leaderboard, heading to the 18th tee with a one-shot lead over Fieger and Franks. His second shot put him in the greenside bunker, needing to get up and down to save par and capture the win. His 20-foot putt for par lipped out and forced a playoff with Fieger and Franks.

All three players headed to the 18th tee again. Fieger hit his second shot to eight feet and two-putted for par to capture the victory, while Mielke and Franks finished the week in a tie for second place. Franks earned Low-Amateur honors, ending the championship two shots ahead of Miles McConnell.

Timothy Cantwell and Paul Tesori both carded the low-round of the championship (6-under 66). Cantwell birdied nine holes in second round to post his 66, while Tesori posted an bogey-free 66 in the final round with six birdies.

Results

John's Island pro Tyler Collet keeping it simple ahead of 2022 PGA Championship

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 13:31:16 GMT

April 26 – Tyler Collet experienced a lifetime thrill last year when he qualified for the PGA Championship. It was the first career major for the PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach.

But the thrill didn’t last long. He shot rounds of 88 and 82 at Kiawah Island to miss the cut and rattle his confidence.

He knew he needed to make changes, and not just with his swing.

“I had to rethink how I looked at the game,” Collet said. “I obviously didn’t play great at Kiawah, but I was getting in my own way mentally. Yes, there’s pressure, but it’s not the end of the world. Golf is a game and I need to treat it as such.”

Collet was so determined to make changes after the PGA, he hired a full-time coach for the first time – Sal Spallone, the director of instruction at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach. Spallone played on the Korn Ferry Tour for three seasons and qualified for a major (2005 U.S. Open) before switching to the teaching side about a decade ago.

The move paid off last week when Collet finished 11th at the PGA Professional Championship to qualify for next month’s PGA Championship at Southern Hills. It’s not actually a mulligan, but it gives Collet a second chance to show he can play with the game’s elite.

“It’s a great honor to qualify for another PGA,” Collet said. “I feel like I belong there and I can compete against these guys.”

Collet wasn’t looking to overhaul his swing with Spallone. It was good enough for him to win the 2020 South Florida PGA Section Championship earning him a spot in his first PGA Tour event, in Puerto Rico.

Many instructors believe a player’s swing is like their DNA – unique to them. Don’t change it; improve it.

“At our first lesson, he had me hit a couple shots and we looked at them on Trackman and on video,” Collet said. “Sal asked me, ‘What do you like about your swing and what don’t you like about it?’ He didn’t want me to do anything with my swing I didn’t want.”

As a former pro, Spallone knew the 26-year-old Collet didn’t want his swing overhauled. It’s not like he was working with a high handicapper.

“He was good enough to play in a major championship,” Spallone said. “He just wanted to be a little more confident in what he was doing. He does a lot of really good things with his golf swing. His swing was productive.”

The key was to simplify Collet’s swing and his approach to golf. Simple seems to be a key word in golf – the best players make the game look effortless.

That’s not easy for a PGA Professional who works 40-plus hours a week at a private club and doesn’t have the luxury to practice whenever he wants. Collet will be working at John’s Island until he flies to Tulsa, OK., on May 15.

That’s not to say the John’s Island membership doesn’t support Collet. Last year was unique because the club had three PGA Professionals qualify for the PGA Championship (Ben Cook, who made the cut, and Brett Walker were the others). The membership raised money to help the trio with their expenses.

Now it’s just Collet who is carrying the John’s Island’s banner at the PGA.

"The club is still really excited for me,” Collet said. “They are again taking care of my expenses and they are throwing a party for myself and my wife. I’m super appreciative of everything they have done.”

Collet said he will take a different approach to Southern Hills as he did to Kiawah Island. He’s not there just to make the cut.

“You don’t play to make the cut. You play to win, right?” he said. “If I’m playing just to make the cut, I’m probably not going to make the cut. My goal is to be low club professional.”

It’s been a generation since Spallone played in his lone major, but he feels like part of him will be at the PGA. That’s the joy of an instructor … to see your students improve and have success.

Spallone hopes to someday join Collet at the PGA. Spallone said he’s on the verge of earning his Class A status as a PGA Professional, allowing him to compete in PGA of America events.

Not to get ahead of ourselves, but how many instructor-student teams have qualified for a major?

Craig Dolch - Special to TC Palm

Arce, Zepeda and Brown Win South Florida PGA Medalist Tour Event at Crane Watch Club

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 18:46:37 GMT

Palm City, FL - Aidan Arce, Vanessa Zepeda and Nicholas Brown took home championship honors after a windy weekend at Crane Watch Club for the South Florida PGA Medalist Tour event Saturday and Sunday.

After finishing the first round at 6-over 78, Arce of Davie was five shots back going into the final round on Sunday. With the help of five birdies and only two bogeys in the 18 holes, Arce matched the tournament-low round of 3-under 69 to force a playoff with Luke Parsons of Juno Beach.

With both players at 3-over at the end of the 36-hole regulation, the two would compete in a sudden death playoff, starting on the par-5, first hole. Arce would come out on top with a par, ultimately winning the boys 13-18 division.

In the girls 13-18 division, Zepeda of Boca Raton finished the 36-hole-event at 6-over with scores of 76-74–150, claiming the title by two shots. Zepeda led the field in number of pars or better with 28.

Winning the boys 11-12 division, Brown of Sarasota sank five birdies to go along with just two bogeys en route to matching the tournament-low round of 3-under 69. Brown followed up his opening round with a 1-under 71, making him the only player in the event to finish both rounds under par. Brown wrapped the two day event at 4-under with scores of 69-71–140.

Thank you to Crane Watch Club and Ryan Ramirez, PGA for having us.

The Medalist Tour season will continue next weekend at Pointe West Country Club.

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Cadillac Invitational Raises $10,000 for South Florida PGA Foundation

jhobson@pgahq.com (Jackie Hobson) — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 23:58:58 GMT

Fort Myers, FL – The Cadillac Invitational held today at Fiddlesticks Country Club in Fort Myers raised $10,000 for the South Florida PGA Foundation.

Cadillac, a longtime partner of the South Florida PGA, supported this event to raise money for the South Florida PGA Foundation and its community outreach programs which annually enhance the lives of the south Florida community.

South Florida PGA Professionals and teams of three amateurs competed in the Cadillac Invitational in a two team best ball format. Winning the event was Jon Pazdera, PGA and his team from Cypress Lake Golf Club, with a net team score of 15-under, three clear of the lead.

In addition to the team score, there was a three-way tie for low professional at even par between Pazdera, Nick Marcoaldi, PGA of Esplanade Golf and Country Club and Andrew Zullo, PGA of Bay Colony Golf Club.

As a result of efforts from Cadillac and the participating teams, $10,000 will be poured back into the south Florida community through the game of golf and the SFPGA Foundation.

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Tyler Collet, PGA Qualifies for the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 13:51:27 GMT

Austin, Texas – Tyler Collet, PGA secured his spot in the Top 20 at the PGA Professional Championship

yesterday, qualifying for the 2022 PGA Championship next month at Southern Hills.

The PGA Professional Championship is the national championship for club professionals around the country, played over the last four days at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin. The 312-player field qualifies through the 41 Sections Professional Championship, with 19 coming from the South Florida Section.

Collet, a PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, held the 18-hole lead after carding a six-under 65 on Sunday. Despite stumbling on Monday with a three-over 73, Collet never fell outside the top 20 throughout the four days.

The 26-year-old finished the 72 holes at one-under par, tied for 11th place amongst the best PGA Professionals in the country.

Collet, who attended the Professional Golf Management Program at Eastern Kentucky University, graduating in 2017, will be making his third PGA TOUR appearance and is accepting his second PGA Championship invitation (previously qualified in 2021).

On a Section level, Collet won the South Florida PGA Professional Championship in 2020.

Collet will tee it up alongside 19 other PGA Club Professionals in the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa on May 16-22.

$460,000 Raised at the Inaugural Honda Classic Cares Play Yellow Birdie Bash

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 19:53:03 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl - Over $460,000 was raised by South Florida PGA Professionals who made 1,070 birdies during the Honda Classic Cares Play Yellow Birdie Bash Monday at PGA National. The funds raised will impact the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

The 44 PGA Professionals who competed took on PGA National’s newly redesigned, Match course and the newly introduced, par-3 Staple course. With each birdie made backed by donor pledges, the 22 teams played a scramble format for 81 holes, vying to make as many birdies as possible.

“We made a lot of birdies today, and the fact that it was for the kids, we would stand over a putt and say it is for the kids, that is what it is all about,” said Lynn Valentine, PGA of Broken Sound Club.

The $460,000 raised marks the largest single fundraiser that the South Florida PGA has ever administered. Eric Veilleux, PGA and Ryan Fountain, PGA, representing the Bear’s Club, earned the top fundraising team with over $77,000 raised. Ryan Leahey, assistant golf professional at the Bear’s Club and Jeff Hall, PGA director of golf at Stonebridge Golf and Country Club, carded the most birdies with 64.

“Honestly I didn't really know what expectations to have today, but I would say what happened today, far exceeded anything that we would have thought of, '' said South Florida PGA Executive Director, Geoff Lofstead. “We have been able to raise a lot of money to help a lot of local charities here in south Florida.”

The historic day ended with a special ceremony including speeches from Ken Kennerly, executive director of the Honda Classic, Lofstead and Jack and Baraba Nicklaus, founders of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

Each speaker expressed their gratitude towards every PGA Professional and to all the donors that made this event possible.

“Thank you for helping us touch so many hearts,” said Barbara Nicklaus. “that is what it is all about.”

Special Highlights:

Over $460,000 raised to benefit the South Florida PGA Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation
1,070 total birdies made
Individual team top fundraiser: Eric Veilleux and Ryan Fountain ($77,450)
Most Birdies made by a team: Jeff Hall and Ryan Leahey (64)

To view photos from the day, click here .

Greens to Beans: Local Pro Uses His Golf Knowledge to Run Own Unique Business

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 18:26:10 GMT

For most people being a skilled golf professional means total commitment, but for Michael Mann, PGA, he was able to accomplish that and much more.

Growing up in North Carolina on the tennis courts, Mann had the athleticism to pursue any sport, and after picking up a golf club for the first time, it took only three rounds for him to break 80. Mann turned pro at the age of 17 and graduated from Appalachian State University in 1999.

In 2007, Mann earned his Class-A through the PGA of America and found a home as director of golf and general manager of the Santa Lucia River Club in Port St. Lucie.

However, Mann isn’t your run-of-the-mill PGA professional, he also doubles as owner and master roaster of The Roasted Record coffee shop in downtown Stuart.

Away from the golf course, Mann always had a hobby of making things like beer and cheese, eventually becoming interested in producing his own coffee. After buying his own roasting machine, he began selling coffee to his friends, who thought the coffee was too good not to commercialize. With the help of a contact Mann had from his golf work, he was able to open up his own establishment in 2014.

In addition to selling coffee, which has won awards in international competitions, including two bronze medals at the Golden Bean North America in 2019, his shop is also a fully blown record store, selling vintage records and turntables. With Mann also becoming fully licensed in record dealing, the unique twist became an immediate hit.

“In the first year we were around, we sold almost half as many records as we did coffee,” Mann said. “Selling records helped offset the cost of manufacturing the coffee, it kept me alive.”

From the outside, managing a golf course and owning a coffee shop appear vastly different, but using what he has learned in the golf industry, Mann feels it taught him everything he needed to know to run a successful coffee shop.

“My training in golf has been to create a great product with great service and everything should take care of itself,” Mann said. “I try to concentrate on the product as much as possible.”

Mann tries to take what he’s implemented at his coffee shop to the Santa Lucia River Club as well, saying that a business has to have a feel, an experience, something people would want to come back to.

With The Roasted Record making over half a million dollars in sales a year and producing all coffee themselves, it’s certainly one of the most piping hot spots for coffee lovers (and music lovers) in town.

Nineteen South Florida PGA Professionals to Compete in PGA Professional Championship

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 21:31:46 GMT

The PGA Professional Championship is the national championship for PGA Professionals with the 312 competing professionals who qualify through the 41 Sections and their respective championships. This year, 19 South Florida PGA Professionals will compete at Omni Barton Creek in Austin, with a spot in the 2022 PGA Championship on the line.

The first two rounds will take place on Sunday, April 17 and Monday, April 18 before the 36-hole cut. The third and final rounds will take place on April 19 and 20. The top 20 finishing PGA Professionals will be extended invitations to the 2022 PGA Championship.

SOUTH FLORIDA PGA PROFESSIONALS: Justin Ahasic (Synergy Golf - Naples), Matt Cahill (Seminole Golf Club - Juno Beach), Tyler Collet (John's Island Golf Club - Vero Beach), Taylor Collins (Coral Ridge Country Club - Fort Lauderdale), Austin Davenport (The Dye Preserve - Jupiter), Andrew Filbert (West Bay Club - Estero), Kenny Leech (Don Law Golf Academy - Boca Raton), Jason Martin (The Old Collier Golf Club - Naples), Justin McCarraher (Fiddlesticks Country Club - Fort Myers), Brett Melton (Melton Golf Academy - Palm City), Alan Morin (The Club at Ibis - West Palm Beach), Troy Pare (Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club - Vero Beach), Patrick Rada (McArthur Golf Club - Hobe Sound), Justin Smith (Bonita Bay Club - Bonita Springs), Mike Valicenti (PXG - Jupiter) and Steve Vecellio (Frenchman's Reserve - Palm Beach Gardens).

The following PGA Professionals also qualified through a previous Section before becoming employed in the South Florida Section: Dal Daily (Don Law Golf Academy, Hammock Creek - Port Saint Lucie), Eric Dugas (aboutGolf Ltd. - Naples) and Ron Philo (Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club - Vero Beach).

Click here for the leaderboard.

McGinness/Mangine and King/McCart Capture Club Car Pro-Official Titles

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 00:07:41 GMT

April 13 – The 2022 Club Car Pro-Official presented by Toptracer kicked off the start of the South Florida PGA Section tournament season. Hosted by Quail Creek Country Club in Naples, 37 teams, comprised of a PGA Member and a golf industry official from the same facility, competed in four-ball stroke play.

After checking out Toptracer’s technology setup on the range, players took to the course for an afternoon shotgun.

Sean McGinness, PGA and Jolly Mangine of Olde Hickory Golf and Country Club fired an impressive seven-under 65 to ultimately take home the win in the net division after a scorecard playoff. The gross division title went to Matt King, PGA and Joe McCart of The Club at Admiral’s Cove after posting a five-under 67.

Teams competed in separate net and gross competitions with amateurs receiving 85 percent of their handicap.

The SFPGA tournament season continues with the Fort Lauderdale Open next month at Fort Lauderdale Country Club. The Club Car Pro-Official is supported by DLL, Doc Murphy, Earth Networks, Golf Sign and Design, Prize Possessions and Turtleson.

Click here for the full leaderboard .

South Florida PGA Hosts Golf Fitness and Nutrition Seminar

jhobson@pgahq.com (Jackie Hobson) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 00:20:16 GMT

Thor Parrish, PGA and Ryan Harmon, RD deliver fitness and nutrition seminar

The South Florida PGA hosted a golf fitness and nutrition seminar today at Quail Creek Country Club in Naples. Thor Parrish, PGA and Ryan Harmon, RD presented to the more than 20 PGA Professionals in attendance.

Parrish is the current Director of Operations at the Junior Golf Performance Academy, the No. 1 ranked junior golf academy in Southwest Florida. Specialized in teaching, coaching, TPI Fitness Certified and a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, Parrish also founded the Play for Life program at Quail Creek Country Club, striving to create a community of golfers focused on their fitness, nutrition and golf game.

Joining Parrish was Harmon, a leading board certified and licensed sport dietician and nutrition expert. Harmon was the former head sports RD for the Tampa Bay Rays through the 2021 season and, was the head golf sports RD at IMG Academy

Parrish and Harmon joined forces to deliver a an all-encompassing presentation on best-practices in nutrition and fitness for golf-specific activity.

In addition to the presentation, those in attendance were treated to a special message from Toptracer and time on the Toptracer range set up at Quail Creek Country Club, ahead of tomorrow’s Pro-Official.

Southeast Chapter Claims Victory at Nelson Cup Matches

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 00:28:30 GMT

South Florida PGA’s three mainland chapters went head-to-head in the 30th Annual Nelson Cup Matches at Banyan Cay Resort and Golf.

Earning 65 points to claim the cup was the Southeast Chapter comprised of PGA Professionals: Will Coleman, Ryan Fountain, Sonny Grosso, Brian Herring, Morgan Jewell, Joe Kern, Mike Midgette, Alan Morin, Jason Robinson, Chris Stanko, Steve Vecellio and Jeff Waber. The Southeast Chapter’s last victory was in 2018.

The Southwest Chapter finished close behind with 58.5 points and the Southern Chapter earned 38.5 points.

The Nelson Cup Matches are an annual tradition where each team competes in two 18-hole matches, a foursome format in the morning and singles matches in the afternoon.

The Nelson Cup holds a special place within the SFPGA. For many years, John Nelson, PGA and the entire Nelson family have made significant contributions to junior golf in south Florida and we thank them for their continued support.

The SFPGA would like to thank Head Golf Professional Jared Chipley and the entire team at Banyan Cay Resort and Golf for hosting this year’s Nelson Cup. And a special thanks to Scales for outfitting our players again this year.

Congratulations to each of the players!

Click here to view the full leaderboard.

South Florida PGA Hosts First Women’s PGA HOPE Clinic

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 23:53:16 GMT

The South Florida PGA Foundation introduced the inaugural Women’s PGA HOPE clinic for female veterans today at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton thanks to PGA Director of Golf and Section Vice President, Paul Clivio along with the membership at the facility.

Since 2015, the South Florida PGA Foundation has administered PGA HOPE programs across south Florida for veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Today marked the first time a program was offered to females only in an effort to help grow the game of golf amongst women. The clinic hosted 12 veterans for free one-on-one golf instruction from seven PGA Professionals.

Practicing alongside the clinic’s participants was two-time LPGA Tour winner and LPGA Major Champion Morgan Pressel.

After hitting balls on the driving range and practicing on the putting green, the group sat down to learn more from Morgan and hear about her journey in golf while having the opportunity to ask questions.

“It (golf) is a lot like life, you wake up every day and there is something new you can work on and there are different ways you can improve on,” said Morgan.

Morgan was very proud to be able to speak with each veteran, offering advice on not only golf but how to stay positive and enjoy what you are doing.

“It is an honor of course for me to be here with veterans who served our country, said Morgan. “I chased a white ball around for a living and now I talk, I can't imagine what you all have been through.”

The South Florida PGA Foundation strives to serve the south Florida community by changing lives through the game of golf.

Click here to view and download photos from the event.

Crowe and Mages Win Medalist Tour Event at Indian Spring Country Club

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:04:51 GMT

Boynton Beach, Fl - Oscar Crowe won the boy’s 13-18 division by one shot and McKenzie Mages claimed first place honors in the girl’s 13-18 division after a four-hole playoff during the weekend’s South Florida PGA Medalist Tour event at Indian Spring Country Club.

Going into the final round three shots back, Crowe of Boca Raton sank four birdies, en route to a 2-under final round to win the boys 13-18 division by one shot over Ismael Garcia of Port Saint Lucie. Crowe finished the 36-hole tournament with a two-day, two-under total of 72-70–142.

In the girls 13-18 division, McKenzie Mages of Marietta, GA, Gabriella DeGasperis of Palm Beach Gardens and Ariana Silva of Fort Lauderdale were all tied at one-over after the two rounds, forcing a three-way playoff, starting on the par-5, 10th hole.

Mages and Silva went on to make par as DeGasperis made bogey, eliminating her from the playoff. Mages and Silva proceeded to make par on the next two playoff holes before Mages eventually came out on top with a par on the fourth and final playoff hole to win the title. Mages earned four AJGA stars for the win, while the top 10 percent of female 13-18 finishers received one.

The South Florida PGA Medalist Tour is the premier tour on the South Florida PGA Junior circuit. The season will continue April 23-24 at Crane Watch Club.

Special thank you to Indian Spring Country Club and Mike McLellan, PGA for having us!

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Angela Nip Places Third in Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 16:19:36 GMT

Angela Nip of Port St. Lucie placed third in the girls 14-15 division at the National Drive, Chip & Putt Finals at Augusta National on Sunday, with a total score of 20 points.

“I am very happy that I had the chance to compete,” said Nip. “I feel very proud that I came in third.”

Nip, a South Florida PGA Junior Tour member, was one of 10 girls from around the country to compete in the 14-15 division after advancing through three stages of qualifiers.

With so much media attention surrounding the event, Nip said it was a different atmosphere compared to the other three qualifiers, especially because there were only two balls per station compared to three at the previous qualifiers.

“The nerves were a lot stronger, but it was mostly excitement,” she said. “I just kept drinking water, so that helped.”

Other than getting to compete at the highest stage of Drive, Chip and Putt, Nip said her favorite part of the trip was getting to meet U.S. Open Champion, Bryson DeChambeau who signed her hat and trophy.

At 14, Nip has one more year left to compete in Drive, Chip and Putt and said she learned some valuable lessons from the experience and is hopeful to make it to Augusta again next year.

“I learned a lot from the experience,” she said. “I learned that you need to be more patient, and I have to work on some more stuff with my swing.”

Founded in 2013, DCP is a joint initiative through the Masters Tournament, the United States Golf Association and the PGA of America to grow the game of golf by offering a free nationwide competition to junior golfers everywhere. The South Florida PGA administers 10 local qualifying events throughout the section.

Angela Nip Days Away From Competing at National Drive, Chip and Putt Finals

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 16:25:36 GMT

South Florida PGA Junior Tour member Angela Nip will compete at the National Drive, Chip and Putt Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 3rd.

“It is like a once and a lifetime thing, it is like a dream come true, '' said Nip.

Nip, a Junior Tour member since 2018, will be competing in the girls 14-15 division, the oldest available division.

For Nip, heading to Augusta National is a family affair. Older sister Gloria, competed in the National Finals in 2015 and 2018 with Angela supporting her every step of the way.

“It is super special, it is something I feel like for me and my sister, it makes us much closer,” said Nip. “I feel very lucky to have her with me.”

With the experience Gloria gained from her two trips to Augusta, she made sure to give Angela important advice on how to deal with the attention you receive during the event.

“Basically just to stay calm,” Nip explained. “She told me just to stay calm and everything is going to work out the way you want it to.”

With the competition day quickly approaching, Nip is taking her sister's advice. In addition to her calm composure the 14-year-old is not letting any nerves affect her.

“You don't need to deal with nerves, you just breathe and it just deals with itself, '' she said. “If you ignore it, it will go away.”

Nip made it to the National Finals by way of advancing through three qualifiers in the south Florida area, including the regional qualifier at the Bear’s Club. In that regional qualifier, Nip earned consistent scores, finishing in second in driving, tied for third in chipping and first in putting to advance by a total of 16 points.

Since qualifying for the National Finals, Nip has finished in the top-5 in each of the four SFPGA Medalist Tour events she has competed in during the 2022 season. This play has Nip sitting atop the Medalist Tour player of the year rankings.

Live coverage of the 2022 National Drive, Chip, and Putt Finals will air on Sunday, on Golf Channel from 8 A.M. to 1 P.M. ET. Good luck Angela!

South Florida PGA Mourns the Loss of Dave Cunliffe, PGA

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 20:34:06 GMT

The South Florida PGA lost a dear friend, a husband, great player of the game and supporter of the South Florida PGA Foundation with the passing of PGA Professional Dave Cunliffe on March 25th.

Dave was more than just a golf professional, playing a vital role in the Foundation’s Smiling Fore Life program at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Every week for more than six years, Dave visited Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital for an hour to bring golf to the hospital patients, taking their minds off the hardships they were facing.

There was one patient he connected with on a deeper level - a young man named Joel who was a regular during Dave's weekly visits to Joe DiMaggios Children’s Hospital. Their instant connection had Dave wanting to do anything to help Joel during his time at the hospital, especially when Joel was absent from the program while undergoing a heart transplant.

Once Joel was healthy enough to return, Dave presented him with a set of golf clubs donated by the Don Law Golf Academy as well as a few signed gifts and a personal message from PGA Tour member, Eric Compton who successfully underwent two heart transplants.

Stories like this truly show just how passionate and caring Dave was, always inspiring others.

“Dave was one of my best friends and probably the most popular player on the Treasure Coast Senior Tour,” said Jerry Tucker, Master PGA Professional at Jerry Tucker Golf. “He won our first Sportsmanship award and we could have given it to him every year!”

Moving forward, the Treasure Coast Senior Tour Sportsmanship award will be called the Dave Cunliffe Sportsmanship award, said Tucker.

Dave will be greatly missed by the south Florida golf community.

To read more about his relationship with Joel and the impact Dave had on him through the game, click here .

Honda Classic Cares to Host inaugural Play Yellow Birdie Bash to Benefit the South Florida PGA Foundation

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 19:30:32 GMT

Honda Classic Cares, the charitable arm of The Honda Classic, is excited to announce the inaugural Honda Classic Cares Play Yellow Birdie Bash benefiting the South Florida PGA Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

The event, scheduled for Monday, April 18 at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens will host South Florida PGA Professionals all vying to make as many birdies as possible.

“The Honda Classic team is thrilled to host the inaugural Honda Classic Cares Play Yellow Birdie Bash, and we look forward to welcoming 27 two-person teams to PGA National all with the same goal of making as many birdies as possible to raise significant money for our philanthropic partners: Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and the South Florida PGA Foundation...it will be a fun day indeed,” stated Ken Kennerly, Executive Director of The Honda Classic.

The proceeds from the event will be shared between Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in support of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, as well as the South Florida PGA Foundation.

The Birdie Bash will feature up to 54 SFPGA Members teaming up to play in a doubles golf format on the newly redesigned Match and Staple Courses. The intent is to play from sunrise to sunset, giving each team ample time to make as many birdies as possible. Donors will contribute pledges per birdie a team makes throughout the day.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with Honda Classic Cares and we are extremely excited for the opportunity to be part of this event,” said Tom Wildenhaus, PGA. “I could not think of a better way for PGA Members to come together to raise money and awareness for two impactful organizations in our local south Florida community.”

The South Florida PGA Foundation administers countless outreach programs including, PGA HOPE , Smiling Fore Life , Habitat for Humanity , the Foundation Scholarship , junior golf and more. All these programs are designed to use golf as a tool to enhance the lives of local military veterans, children in hospitals, those taking their first swing or trying to reach the next level.

For more information about the event, please visit hondaclassicbirdiebash.com . To learn more about how to get involved, reach out to Brianna Alonso, SFPGA Foundation Programs Coordinator, at balonso@pgahq.com or Madison Proctor, Manager of Special Events, The Honda Classic at madison.temple@img.com .

ABOUT THE HONDA CLASSIC AND HONDA CLASSIC CARES
Children’s Healthcare Charity is the host organization of The Honda Classic established to contribute net proceeds from tournament and special event programs to South Florida 501(c)(3) organizations. Through our primary beneficiary, Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, we are able to support initiatives that advance and enhance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood diseases and disorders, as well as other not-for-profit programs and projects aimed at pediatric health care and health-related services.

ABOUT PLAY YELLOW FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS
Led by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and in cooperation with the PGA TOUR, Play Yellow strives to bring the entire golf world together through charitable initiative to help the 10 million kids treated at local children’s hospitals each year.

ABOUT THE SOUTH FLORIDA PGA FOUNDATION
The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida Community, with a focus on military, junior golf, and education. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of 1,850 men and women PGA Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.

ABOUT NICKLAUS CHILDREN’S HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION
Jack and Barbara Nicklaus founded the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2004, in an effort to provide families access to world-class pediatric health care in their own communities. Collaborating with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and pediatric hospitals across the country, the Foundation has made a tremendous impact by supporting innovative programs focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of childhood illnesses. For more information, nchcf.org .

Anthony Garcia, Ariana Silva Fight Tough Conditions to Win Medalist Tour Event at Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 17:59:44 GMT

Anthony Garcia and Ariana Silva battled tough conditions during this weekend’s South Florida PGA Junior Tour Medalist event at Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne to win the Boy’s Overall and Girl’s Overall Divisions, respectively.

With gusting winds and dropping temperatures, the entire 81-player field was put to the test this weekend, March 12th and 13th. Garcia and Silva both fought to gutsy 79s on Saturday, tying the lowest score carded during round one.

Using his seven birdies and one eagle, Garcia of Miami carded a one-under 71 in the second round to finish at six-over for the tournament, eight strokes better than the field. Garcia’s second round included a three-under 32 on the opening nine, making birdie on the first two holes and an eagle on the fifth to complete the only round in all divisions under par.

Harrison Browne of Westport, CT and Jack Kantowski of Boca Raton finished in a tie for second at 14-over for the tournament.

In the Girl’s Division, Silva of Fort Lauderdale followed up her 79 with a three-over 75 on Sunday to finish at 10-over through the 36 holes of play. Silva’s 75 included an eagle on 18 to edge out runner-up Amelie Phung of Forest Hills, NY by one stroke who also carded 75 on Sunday, to add to her 80 on Saturday.

The South Florida PGA Junior Medalist Tour is the premier junior tour in south Florida hosting some of the best juniors aged 13-18. The Medalist Tour event at Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne was the third of the season which will continue this weekend March 19-20 at Martin Downs Golf Club.

Click here for the full leaderboard.

Glades Central High School Golf Teams Visit The Honda Classic Wednesday Pro-Am

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 21:46:09 GMT

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl - In conjunction with the South Florida PGA Foundation and the 10 All In Foundation, Glades Central High School boys and girls golf teams took a trip to The Honda Classic to experience the Wednesday Pro-Am.

At this time last year, many students at Glades Central High School had very little access to the game, lacking facilities to practice and golf clubs to use. However, the South Florida PGA Foundation and its partnership with the 10 ALL IN Foundation helped to change that last summer.

Through its partnership, the South Florida PGA Foundation and the 10 ALL IN Foundation created a camp to bring golf and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) to youth in Belle Glade last July. With the help of 10 All In Founder, SuperBowl MVP and Glades Central High School alumni Santonio Holmes, the school now has two golf teams and recently finished their first season.

Today, the boys and girls golf teams, including coaches, had the unique opportunity to experience a PGA Tour environment and all the amenities that come along with a high level professional golf event.

“Going to this event is great exposure, but it has also opened our players' world, '' said Felicia Patrick, Girls Golf Coach at Glades Central High School. “Golf was never part of their world and now it is because of these experiences.”

The group watched Rickie Fowler practice on the driving range with his coach and Henrick Stenson’ pre-round putting routine, that included a special aid every student wanted to know the purpose of, before heading out to the course. The highlight of the day was when the group was invited onto the 17th hole to take a picture on the tee box, catching a glimpse of what the pros get to do.

“Today was a great experience, showing us new things about golf and a lot of things that I didn't really know, '' said one student. “It really showed that I can actually do something in golf.”

The day ended with special conversations with Santonio Holmes, Ken Kennerly, executive director of the Honda Classic and Geoff Lostead, executive director of the South Florida PGA. The three discussed the benefits of being involved in golf and all opportunities that are available to make connections and further improve your network.

Hall of Famer Alan Morin, PGA Set to Play in his 12th Honda Classic

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 16:02:03 GMT

Atlantis, FL – South Florida PGA Hall of Fame member Alan Morin, PGA will tee it up in his 12th Honda Classic this week at PGA National Resort & Spa, Champions Course.

This week’s event will be the first of two consecutive weeks for Morin on the PGA TOUR. The low-eligible player at the 2021 SFPGA Section Championship, also qualified for the Puerto Rico Open, played next weekend March 3-6.

Morin earned entry into the 2022 Honda Classic by way of his 2021 South Florida PGA Player of the Year honor, a title he has now claimed a record 11 times. The 52-year-old has also been the SFPGA Senior Player of the Year two times (’20, ’21).

These achievements, alongside numerous others, earned Morin entry into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame late last year. Along with Jerry Tucker, PGA, the duo became the first two PGA members inducted based on playing achievements.

Morin’s 12 Honda Classic appearances are part of his 25 PGA TOUR events and 18 Korn Ferry Tour events, making the Assistant PGA Professional at The Club at Ibis no stranger to competing with the world’s best players.

“I thought last year might be my last year to play in the Honda,” said Morin, who has made the cut at Honda three times. “It’s quite the bonus for the Player of the Year to get to play in the Honda. I’ve gotten to meet so many great players at the Honda over the years. They see me and say, ‘Oh, you did it again. You beat up on all those kids.’”

Morin will tee off at 8:51 a.m. on Thursday and 1:46 p.m. on Friday with Max McGreevy and Adam Svensson. Click here to follow along via social and the Honda Classic leaderboard .

Earle, Nip Claim Victory at Sandridge Golf Club

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:11:35 GMT

Vero Beach - James Earle of Jupiter and Gloria Nip of Port Saint Lucie won the South Florida PGA Junior Medalist Tour event at Sandridge Golf Club Sunday, with Vasili Gianakas of Lauderdale by the Sea earning low honors in the boys 11-12 division.

Despite having to play round one through rain in the morning and wind in the afternoon, Earle carded a two-over opening round of 74, co-leading with Gabriel Holtz of Boca Raton and Ismael Garcia of Port Saint Lucie. Earle’s one-over final round was highlighted by four birdies and an eagle coming at the par-5 12th hole. His 74-73–147 proved enough to hold off Sohan Patel of Weston who finished solo second.

In the girls 13-18 division, and with Sandridge baring its teeth in the windy afternoon conditions, Nip carded two double bogey’s on the back nine, but limited the damage with a strong birdie-birdie finish en route to a three-over 75 opening round, good for a two stroke lead heading into Sunday. Nip led the field this weekend in par 5 scoring average, additionally tying runner-up Katie Carman of Estero with total birdies made.

Despite shooting a four-over opening round 76 to trail Jude Desmond of Pompano Beach by three strokes, Gianakas led a 3-under charge on the back nine for a two-under final round 70 to win by three strokes. Gianakas’ final round was the lowest round to par of any player this weekend. Desmond finished runner-up with a weekend total of 73-76-149.

The two-day, 36-hole Medalist Tour event consisted of 79 SFPGA Junior Tour members with the boys 13-18 champion receiving two AJGA stars with the top-5 finishers receiving one.

The Medalist Tour at Sandridge Golf Club was the second event of the 2022 season. The regular season will continue March 12-13 at Crandon Golf Course in Key Biscayne.

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From PGA HOPE Graduate to PGA Affiliate for Retired Marine Corp Veteran, Vincent Caballero

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:33:40 GMT

After graduating from the South Florida PGA HOPE program just a few weeks ago, Vincent Caballero, a retired Marine Corps Veteran of 18 years, is enrolling into the PGA Affiliate program, setting his sights on becoming a PGA Professional.

Caballero’s participation in PGA HOPE, which introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities through free, six-week sessions with PGA Professionals, inspired his desire to become a PGA Professional.

While he was involved in golf and passionate about the game prior to PGA HOPE, Caballero credits the program for changing his perspective.

“It was just one of those blessings in disguise,” he said about his involvement with PGA HOPE.“I can only give kudos to the PGA for having the program, but also being able to get Veterans of all ages and all services to come out and get instruction,” he said.

Now, thanks to his experience with PGA HOPE, Caballero wants to make a bigger impact in golf by becoming a PGA Professional.

“When you do what you love, you don't worry about money, I think Oprah taught me that,” said Caballero. “There are things that the PGA can do, to reach out and help grow the game, but also keep those who have been playing for years to be a little more involved.”

Outside of the impact the program had on Caballero, he also made a significant impact on the others around him.

“I was kind of taken aback one day because he (Caballero) came up to me on the putting green and he said, ‘I need to thank you’, and I said no, ‘I need to thank you for all you have done,’” said Bridgett Ackley, PGA Professional at the Don Law Golf Academy and PGA HOPE instructor.

Ackley said it is people like Caballero that make you feel a sense of pride and joy knowing you are playing a significant role in helping individuals grow and in some cases, find a new purpose for their lives.

“Caballero later told me that he enrolled into the PGA affiliate program and wants to get his class A card,” she said. “It was so cool to hear that first-hand, and also to dive deeper into his history, because he has been involved in golf but he has an incredible story.”

PGA HOPE is a six week program, introducing golf to veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. To learn more about PGA HOPE, click here .

South Florida PGA and Sailfish Brewing Company Announce Partnership, Launch of South Florida PGA/Sailfish Pale Ale

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 17:09:50 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL – The South Florida PGA and Sailfish Brewing Company are excited to announce a new partnership with the official launch of its co-branded South Florida PGA/Sailfish Pale Ale. The goal in partnering is to enhance the lives of people throughout the south Florida community.

This unique partnership is designed to bring the two entities’ missions together with a tasty, easy-to-drink pale ale brewed with only local ingredients – a Sailfish Brewing staple – and the common interest to serve the community.

“The South Florida PGA is thrilled to welcome Sailfish Brewing Company to its family of partners,” said Geoff Lofstead, Executive Director of the SFPGA. “We are both equally excited to have this new co-branded product on the shelves and in the hands of south Floridians but more looking forward to the impact this partnership will bring to our community.”

The South Florida PGA, committed to growing the game of golf in south Florida while serving its community, and the Sailfish Brewing Company who looks to enrich its community through its local beer with local flavors, will use this new beer and partnership to do just that.

Hitting the shelves in Total Wine and throughout south Florida golf facilities this month (and other retail locations to be announced soon) the South Florida PGA/Sailfish Pale Ale and Sailfish Brewing Company will support SFPGA Foundation initiatives, including Habitat for Humanity, PGA HOPE and more.

“Commitment to our community is the cornerstone of Sailfish Brewing Company and aligning with partners like SFPGA, who share our same values, is the key to establishing our longevity through enhancing the community we live in,” said David BuShea President and Co-Founder of Sailfish Brewing Company

Along with its co-branded cans, the South Florida PGA/Sailfish Pale Ale will also feature a co-branded tap handle and, as a beer designed to enjoy on the 19th hole, is set to be on tap in golf facilities later this spring.

In addition, the South Florida PGA/Sailfish Pale Ale will be a staple at all South Florida PGA events, including the countless Pro-Am’s throughout the year that raise significant funds for the SFPGA Foundation.

To learn more about Sailfish Brewing Company and the South Florida PGA/Sailfish Pale Ale , click here . To learn more about the South Florida PGA and the South Florida PGA Foundation, click here .

Albert, Sommerville Win First SFPGA Medalist Tour Event of 2022

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 23:06:50 GMT

Port Saint Lucie - The first South Florida PGA Medalist Tour event of the 2022 season took place this weekend with Gabriella Albert winning the girls division by an impressive 10 strokes and Ryan Sommerville taking the boys title after a 3-man sudden death playoff Sunday, at Santa Lucia River Club.

With tough conditions throughout round one, Albert of Delray Beach managed to shoot 3-under 69, building a seven shot lead going into day two. Adding a 1-over 73 in the final round, Albert finished at 2-under 69-73–143, a tournament low amongst all divisions. Albert recorded eight birdies over 36 holes.

The 36-hole event was not enough to decide a boys champion as Gabriel Holtz of Boca Raton, Ismael Garcia of Port Saint Lucie and Sommerville of Port Saint Lucie all finished at 2-over, forcing a sudden-death playoff.

Sommerville and Garcia both made par on the par-4 18th while Holtz made bogey, putting him out of the playoff. Following one more playing of 18, Sommerville managed a birdie to ultimately claim the trophy.

Using 10 birdies, the most carded in the field, Sommerville shot 1-over 73 both rounds before securing the victory in the playoff. Garcia finished in second, decided by a scorecard playoff against Holtz.

Coming in second in the girls division, Angela Nip of Port Saint Lucie finished play at 8-over, 78-74–152. Nip made the most pars of any girl with 26 to go along with two birdies.

The two-day, 36-hole Medalist Tour event consisted of 81 SFPGA Junior Tour members with the girls champion receiving eight AJGA stars while the top-3 finishers earned four and the top-5 received one. The boys champion received four while the top 10 percent of finishers all received one.

The Medalist Tour at Santa Lucia River Club was the first event of the 2022 season. The regular season will continue February 19-20 at Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach.

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Meet the teaching pro with a great story who's teeing it up on the LPGA this week

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 13:26:15 GMT

As she describes it, Taylor Collins is just riding the wave.

Collins, a 32-year-old former Symetra Tour player and currently an assistant pro at Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, made history last September by beating the men and becoming the first woman to win the South Florida PGA Professional Championship. The victory then helped her capture the PGA of America’s 2021 Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Award earlier this month.

This week, she’ll try to beat the LPGA’s best.

Thanks to a sponsor exemption, Collins is among the 120 players teeing it up at the Gainbridge LPGA, which begins Thursday at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton, Florida. Also in the field: world No. 1 Nelly Korda, Inbee Park, Lydia Ko and Lexi Thompson.

“I would say this is probably my favorite year in golf that I've ever had,” said Collins, who also won the 2011 NCAA Division II individual title and three team championships at Nova Southeastern before capturing “Big Break Mexico” in 2013. “Winning the section championship and getting the player of the year; those are my favorite things I've ever done. … Now, I get to go live out my childhood dream of an LPGA event here as like a local girl, which is just incredible. If I could ask for any way for it to happen, it would be how it's happening right now.”

This won’t be Collins’ first LPGA start. She earned an exemption into the 2013 Lorena Ochoa Invitational, a no-cut, limited-field event, courtesy of her “Big Break” win and promptly finished last among the 35 players who completed 72 holes.

“There was no relating while I was out there,” Collins recalled. “They were the best of the best. I don't remember a lot of it. I feel like it was almost like I blacked out from being overwhelmed by it.”

Collins enters this week’s start with much different perspective. She’s just happy to be here. After a few seasons on the Symetra Tour, Collins started feeling pain in her joints. The severity quickly increased and eventually she had to retire from tour golf.

“It got to the point where I couldn't grip a club anymore,” she said. “I probably went through that for about a year or two. I was struggling to pretty much walk. I almost bought a cane to start walking with.”

After a few years of struggles, Collins was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She briefly worked a corporate job, but her love of the game drew her to teaching. With her RA now under control after trying several different medications, Collins scratches her competitive itch by playing section events.

Teeing it up is still not without its challenges. Right before her historic section-championship win, Collins experienced a flare-up in her wrists and knees.

“I wasn't even sure I was going to play in the event,” Collins said. “So, I just rested, got back on my medications because I went off of them because I was feeling good – that was wrong. Got back on them, and it happened to kick in right in time.”

Playing from 81% of the men’s distance, per South Florida PGA rules, Collins, who a day earlier had won a one-day section tournament, shot 8 under in 54 holes and won by four shots. As the event’s first female winner in its 42-year history, she claimed the $7,500 first-place check and more importantly, earned a berth in the PGA Professional National Championship this April in Austin, Texas.

“It just felt good to know that I still had that competitive sort of play in me,” Collins said. “And it's great to be back as like a whole different golfer.”

Indeed, a lot has changed in the nine years between Collins’ LPGA starts. Collins, who grew up under the tutelage of legendary instructor Bob Toski, no longer aspires to be like Annika Sorenstam. Instead, she looks up to teaching pros such as Toski and Alan Morin, a recent inductee into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame.

Collins plans to have her students mark her golf balls for the Gainbridge for further inspiration.

“Any time I look down at that golf ball, I'm just going to remind myself that I love my job, I love teaching my kids,” Collins said. “And hopefully, it will help me calm down and realize, it's not like do-or-die here. I love the job that I have outside of it, but I'm extremely lucky to have the privilege to pursue a passion and a childhood dream and play in this event.”

Just keep riding the wave.

Tom Wildenhaus, PGA Named PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:43:37 GMT

13 Award Winners Unveiled at PGA Show Opening Ceremonies

ORLANDO, FL - PGA Golf Professional of the Year Tom Wildenhaus, PGA, Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club headlines the 2021 PGA of America National Awards. The 13 honorees were announced this morning at the PGA Show Opening Ceremony in Orlando. “This year’s outstanding class of National Awards recipients are inspiring those involved with the game of golf and the advancement of PGA Professionals throughout our industry,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “The PGA of America is proud to recognize their accomplishments, as they reflect the incredible expertise and talent throughout our Association. From nearly 28,000 PGA Professionals, these 13 recipients are at the forefront, reflecting a standard of success for all of us to emulate and admire.”

The National Golf Professional of the Year is the highest honor a PGA Professional can receive, recognizing the professional for overall performance, level of service to the Association, leadership, image and ability to inspire professionals and promote the game of golf.

A member of the South Florida PGA Section throughout his nearly 32-years as a PGA Member, Wildenhaus’ involvement in the PGA of America began in the Southwest Chapter in 1994 when he served as Education Chairperson and went on to serve on the Board of Directors from 1997-2007.

Additionally, Wildenhaus served on the Section Board of Directors from 1999-2007, elected President of the South Florida PGA Foundation in 2010, holding that position to current day. Wildenhaus served on the PGA of America Public Relations Committee from 2010-2012 and served on the PGA of America Board of Control until 2019.

Wildenhaus received the South Florida PGA Horton Smith Award in 1996 and 1998, Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2008 and Golf Professional of the Year in 2007. In 2011 he was inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame.

Wildenhaus has spent more than 28 years at Olde Florida Golf Club, where his leadership has continually driven a full membership and his business acumen has helped retire all debt. Perhaps his greatest impact on the game us from the many PGA Professionals and assistants he has coached and mentored to be better in their roles.

For bios and information on all the PGA of America National Award winners, click here .

Registration Now Open for the 2022 Drive, Chip and Putt Qualifiers, Administered by the South Florida PGA

Blake@longdriveagency.com (Blake Davis) — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 15:19:47 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL - Registration is now open for the South Florida PGA 2022 local Drive, Chip and Putt qualifying schedule. Local qualifiers will begin June 2nd in Puerto Rico and will end August 2nd at Trump National Doral.

Founded in 2013, DCP is a joint ini tiative through the Masters Tournament, the United States Golf Association and the PGA of America to grow the game of golf by offering a free nationwide competition to junior golfers everywhere. The SFPGA administers 10 local qualifying events throughout the South Florida Section.

Starting this June, the local qualifying will be held at sites across south Florida and are open to all junior golfers ages 7-15 looking to showcase their driving, chipping and putting abilities. DCP age divisions - (7-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15) - are based on the participant's age as of the National Finals on Sunday, April 2, 2023.

Following local competition, finalists move onto the sub-regional held at either Old Collier Golf Club or Old Marsh Golf Club before the regional qualifier at The Bear’s Club in October. Advancing participants will finish at Augusta National Golf Club held the Sunday prior to the 2023 Masters Tournament.

This April, eight skilled junior golfers, including Angela Nip, an SFPGA Junior Tour winner and sister of 2014 DCP finalist Gloria Nip, will compete at Augusta National by way of the South Florida PGA qualifiers. In 2020, Elyse Meerdink of Tampa won the overall National girls 10-11 division.

For more information on DCP and to follow along this summer, click here.

Locals:

June 2nd- Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club - Puerto Rico

June 4th- Osprey Point Golf Course

June 10th- The Falls Club of the Palm Beaches

June 17th- Vineyards Country Club

June 30th- The Club at Ibis

July 8th- The Club at Mirasol

July 11th- Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club

July 18th- PGA Golf Club

July 21st- Pelican Marsh Golf Club

August 2nd Trump National Doral Miami (Rick Smith Academy)

Sub Regionals:

August 20th- Old Collier Golf Club

August 27th- Old Marsh Golf Club

Regional:

October 2nd- The Bear’s Club

About the South Florida PGA Junior Tour

The SFPGA Junior Tour presented by The Honda Classic provides five levels of golf programming to youth ages 6-23 in South Florida with the aspirations and skill levels to compete at the High School and Collegiate level and features some of South Florida's most talented junior golfers.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour, run under the South Florida PGA Foundation, is committed to its mission of keeping membership and tournament-related costs low while providing first-class quality golf at championship courses throughout South Florida.

For more information on the Junior Tour and its respective Championship and Challenge tours, please visit the new South Florida PGA Junior Tour website at www.sfpgajuniorgolf.com .

Larkin Gross, Taylor Collins and Bob Sowards Earn PGA Professional Player of The Year Awards presented by Rolex

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 15:05:56 GMT

Larkin Gross of Center Cross, Virginia; Taylor Collins of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Bob Sowards of Dublin, Ohio, captured their respective 2021 PGA of America PGA Professional, Women’s PGA Professional and Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year awards presented annually by Rolex in conjunction with the PGA of America.

Gross, a PGA Assistant Professional at Springfield (Va.) Golf and Country Club, had a memorable year, winning three single-day events in Middle Atlantic PGA Section play in addition to victories in the Section’s PGA Professional and Assistant PGA Professional Championships, but it was his performance in April’s PGA Professional Championship that will be best remembered.

Despite being the youngest player—23—at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Gross finished fourth among the talented 312-player field. His debut in the PGA Professional Championship was headlined by a 64 on Tuesday afternoon that included 11 birdies to match the lowest third round in the 54-year history of the event. His remarkable effort allowed him to advance to his first PGA Championship three weeks later at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Gross, now 24 years-old, collected 870.000 total points to garner the initial national award of his career, while Brett Walker of Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, was runner up with 826.667. Tyler Collet of Vero Beach, Florida, (680.417) was third and Mick Smith of Summit, Wisconsin, (675.000) finished fourth.

“To win this award is awesome,” said Gross, who was a member of Methodist University’s Division III National Championship squad in 2018 before becoming a PGA Professional in 2020. “To be honest, I was more focused on winning the Player of the Year award for the Middle Atlantic Section. So it is great to accomplish both. My iron play was really good this year, especially my wedges from 100 yards and in. That gave me a chance. But my greatest strides came with the putter. I did not always feel like I was putting so well, but as I looked back on the year, that was my greatest area of improvement. I had and made a number of birdie putts and that’s how I elevated my game.”

Collins—a PGA Teaching Professional at Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale—tallied 522.500 points to earn her first career national award from the PGA of America. She claimed a pair of South Florida PGA Section victories, highlighted in September by a four-shot victory over a predominantly male field in the Section’s PGA Professional Championship at BallenIsles Country Club-East Course. In doing so, Collins became the first woman to win the South Florida PGA Section’s signature event. Collins tacked on another South Florida PGA Section victory in the Section’s Tournament Series Event No. 2, also in September.

Ashley Grier of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, (475.000) was runner up to Collins, while Allie Knight of Knoxville, Tennessee, (343.750) and Jennifer Borocz of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, (335.000), finished third and fourth, respectively.

Collins, 32, played collegiate golf at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, where she had a hand in NSU winning four team National Championships. She added an individual Division II national title in 2011. Two years later, she won Golf Channel’s “Big Break Mexico,” which closely coincided with stints on the LPGA and Symetra Tours.

“I’m excited about winning the Women’s Player of the Year, it feels like the perfect way to end such a memorable year,” said Collins, who was elected to PGA of America membership in 2018. “I had two goals this year, to qualify for the National Championship and to win this award. Winning the (South Florida PGA) Section Championship was the cherry on top and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Sowards—a PGA Director of Instruction at Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio—bolstered his lengthy championship resume in 2021, winning three times in Southern Ohio PGA Section play, but it was his T-5 finish in the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Southern Hills that was most impressive. Sowards led the most historic and prestigious event in senior golf during portions of the second round before a late-round fade, which served to set up a weekend charge that earned the second largest payday of his professional career ($106,000).

Back home in Ohio, Sowards’ three wins included a fourth consecutive victory in the Southern Ohio PGA Section’s Senior Professional Championship, played at Scioto Reserve Country Club, and a third straight title in the Ohio Senior Open at Firestone Country Club (Fazio Course). His year began with a flourish as he partnered with Ben Kern of Round Rock, Texas, to win the Senior-Junior Team Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year citation was Sowards’ third as a senior golfer (also 2018 and ‘19) and his seventh overall (he’s been PGA Professional Player of the Year four times: 2003-05, ‘14), which nudged him past Sonny Skinner for the most all time.

Sowards’ 1292.500 points outpaced the 906.030 accumulated by runner-up Omar Uresti of Austin, Texas. Rob Labritz of Pound Ridge, New York, (711.667) took third and Alan Morin of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, (681.500) fourth.

“This was a great year, especially because it started with wholesale changes to my game, both putting and with my swing,” said the 53-year-old Sowards, a PGA Professional since 1994. “The week in Tulsa (T-5 in the KitchenAid Senior PGA Professional Championship) was great. To play so well in a Major Championship was a great thrill. It was also gratifying to qualify for and make the cut at the (Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex). I reached most of my goals this year and it was neat to jump past Sonny to grab that seventh national PGA of America award.”

Taylor Collins, PGA Named ROLEX Women's PGA Professional Player of the Year, Earns LPGA Tour Berth

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Taylor Collins, PGA will add two more accolades to cap one of the most historic seasons ever by a female PGA Professional: ROLEX Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year and LPGA Tour tournament participant with a berth in the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio.

The Teaching Professional at Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale has already claimed the South Florida PGA Women’s ROLEX Player of the Year and has now secured the award at the national level.

“The national Player of the Year award and the Section Championship win are the highlights of my career and they are goals I’ve set for down the road, so to have achieved them this year is wild,” said Collins. “I hope to keep the ball rolling in the upcoming years. It’s great to be surrounded by such great golfers.”

The ROLEX Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year was honored for the first time by the PGA of America following the 2019 season and is based on Player of the Year points a player accumulates in their respective section and national events. Collins will join Joanna Coe, PGA and Ashley Grier, PGA as the only two female professionals to receive this honor.

Collins made history in September when she became the first female to win the South Florida PGA Professional Championship/Section Championship in the event’s 42-year history. The 32-year-old former Nova Southeastern University golfer went 68-68-72 (-8) at BallenIsles Country Club, beating the male-dominated field by four strokes.

The unprecedented victory earned Collins a spot in the 2022 PGA Professional Championship, a place on the winning South Florida PGA Challenge Cup team and ultimately the South Florida PGA Women’s Player of the Year and the Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year honors.

Through seven South Florida PGA Section events, Collins earned 522 national points to edge out Ashley Grier, PGA of the Philadelphia Section and Allie Knight, PGA of the Tennessee Section.

Collins is a South Florida Junior Tour alum who also won the Division II Individual National title while competing at Nova Southeastern and spent time on the Symetra Tour. However, she has never played in an LPGA Tour event, until now.

As a result of her outstanding play this season, the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio has extended an invitation to Collins to tee it up with the best players in the world at Boca Rio Golf Club on January 27-30.

Collins will be honored by the PGA of America with her Player of the Year award during the 2022 PGA Professional Championship at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas in April.

2021 South Florida PGA Junior Tour Award Winners

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour has named five outstanding junior tour members award winners for the 2021 season: Most Improved Award, Sportsmanship Award and Don Law Service Award.

After the end of round one of the Junior Tour Championship on Saturday, December 4th, five junior tour members were presented with their awards.

First, the most improved player award was given to Aidan Miller of Palm Beach Gardens and Zoe Shamy of Jupiter. Both Miller and Shamy were members of the Prep Tour during the 2020 season and made the transition to the Challenge Tour for the 2021 season.

Miller finished the 2020 season on the Prep Tour with a scoring average of 80.86 to go along with five top ten finishes. While on the Challenge Tour in 2021, Miller had a 78.00 scoring average with seven top ten finishes. Making the jump from the Prep to Challenge Tour is not easy, and to be able to improve in multiple aspects is an accomplishment in itself.

Shamy had an impressive 2020 season on the Prep Tour accumulating five wins in only 12 events with a scoring average of 82.25. During her 2021 season on the Challenge Tour, Shamy recorded two first place finishes to go along with top ten finishes in all 14 events she played in with a scoring average of 79.57.

Next, the Sportsmanship award, given to one male and one female who displays the best overall sportsmanship throughout the season voted on by staff members.

This year, Ariana Silva of Fort Lauderdale and Michael Rivera of Miami Springs were presented this award for their character and respect shown on the golf course to not only players, but volunteers and staff as well.

Others have taken notice of Silva’s and Rivera’s sportsmanship on the course, Angela and Gloria Nip, two SFPGA Junior Tour members said, “Ariana is always respectful and displays good sportsmanship throughout and after each round.”

Tomas Borquez, also a SFPGA Junior Tour member said, “Michael is a great teammate. He is very funny and brought joy to the team in good and bad moments.”

Lastly, the Don Law Service Award is given to an individual who has made an effort to serve their community.

This year, Oscar Crowe of Boca Raton was given the award for his contribution to the birdie club. During the 2021 season, Crowe managed 64 birdies, raising $448 to support the South Florida PGA Foundation programs.

Each individual award winner received a plaque and poster for their accomplishment.

Austin Davenport, PGA Cashes in on Hole-in-One Club, presented by Global Golf Sales and ACE Golf Technologies

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Austin Davenport, PGA Head Professional at the Dye Preserve hit the jackpot, ending the south Florida PGA tournament season making the only eligible hole-in-one to take the entire Hole-in-One Club pot.

Davenport, like all HIO Club members, paid $25 at the start of the season to enter the club and will receive the $19,150 purse thanks to his hole-in-one during the Junior-Senior at The Falls Club this summer.

New in 2020, the HIO Club’s money pot is contributed to by participating partners Global Golf Sales and ACE Golf Technologies. The total pot rolled over from 2020, where no participating member made a hole-in-one, was $13,000.

Through member fees and partner contributions, the 2021 pot grew to $19,150 which would normally be split between all eligible members who made a hole-in-one during the season. Given Davenport was the only participating member to make a hole-in-one, he receives the entire pot.

The South Florida PGA Hole-in-One Club is open to all SFPGA Members and Associates. If a hole-in-one is made during an eligible event, the player will get a share of the money pool, provided that member or associate was a HIO Club member prior to the event.

South Florida PGA Foundation Dedicates Ninth Habitat for Humanity Home

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The South Florida PGA Foundation dedicated its ninth Habitat for Humanity Home this morning to the Brick family, a deserving family selected to live in the new Punta Gorda home. For the last 10 years, the South Florida PGA Foundation has built a home annually with a local Habitat for Humanity chapter.

A grandmother to two young ladies, Teresa Brick is hoping to provide a better life by surrounding these two girls with a home that provides security and comfort. Now the single provider for their family of three, Teresa will move out of their current tight quarters and into a home that allows these young ladies to have their own space and be comfortable together.

"I am doing the best I can so that my girls will have a better life and I will not stop until I have accomplished that for them, they deserve it," said Brick.

Through the support of donors, friends and partners, The South Florida PGA Foundation continues to move toward the goal of building a home in each of the 14 counties in the South Florida PGA Section boundaries.

Aside from financing the home, more than 20 SFPGA staff and dedicated PGA Professionals volunteered over 600 hours to build, paint and assemble the house.

Click here to read more about Teresa Brick and why she applied for a home through Habitat for Humanity to raise her grandchildren. For more information on the South Florida PGA Foundation and the associated programs, please click here .

South Florida PGA Hosts Pro-Am at The Quarry Golf Club, Raises $5,000 for South Florida PGA Foundationâ's Charitable Efforts

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The South Florida PGA’ annual Pro-Am at the Quarry Golf Club featured 24 teams to raise money for the South Florida PGA Foundation and its many charitable efforts.

The teams were comprised of one PGA Professional and three amateurs playing in a team best ball of four gross and one net.

The winning team featured Kyle Horvath, PGA Assistant Professional at Worthington Country Club and amateurs Jared Burch, Joe Renda and Gregg Hartman. The foursome fired a 15-under to edge out Tyler Peterson, PGA, Kyle Tyll, Lou Mohn and David Zeffery from The Club at Olde Cypress.

The money raised during the event will directly impact the South Florida PGA Foundations charitable outreach programs which include PGA HOPE, Smiling Fore Life, Habitat for Humanity, 10 All IN and the South Florida PGA Scholarship.

Through these programs, the South Florida PGA Foundation and its more than 1,800 PGA Professionals are able to positively impact the south Florida community through the game of golf.

The South Florida PGA Foundation Quarry Pro-Am is supported by BKS Partners, Dave and Linda Hill from Hill Financial Group, Kevin and Kathy Ryan and The Quarry Final Final Group.

Morin, Collins Win South Florida PGA ROLEX Player of the Year Honors in Historic Fashion

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL – A historic South Florida PGA tournament season has ended in historic fashion as Alan Morin, PGA captures both the South Florida PGA ROLEX Player of the Year and South Florida PGA ROLEX Senior Player of the Year honors and Taylor Collins, PGA earns ROLEX Women’s Player of the Year.

The Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis, Morin has become the only player to sweep both Player of the Year titles twice and this comes in consecutive seasons. Additionally, Collins, PGA Assistant Professional at Coral Ridge Country Club became the first female to win the SFPGA Professional Championship in the event’s 42-year history to help earn her first Women’s Player of the Year.

The South Florida PGA Player of the Year Awards are based off ROLEX Player of the Year points accumulated through the SFPGA Tournament season.

Morin’s 1,082.33 points-earned this tournament season, edged Vero Beach resident and Assistant Professional at John’s Islands Golf Club Tyler Collet, PGA, earning him a berth in the 2022 Honda Classic, his 25th PGA Tour appearance. Morin will also compete at the 2022 Puerto Rico Open.

This season Morin placed second three times (Fort Lauderdale Open, Yamaha Pro-Pro, Section Championship) and finished in the Top 10 seven of his 11 SFPGA Section tournament appearances.

On the Senior Level, Morin accumulated 1,624 points to top High Ridge Golf Club’s Mark Mielke, PGA and won outright the South Florida Senior Open and tied for first in Tournament Series No. 2. In addition, Morin topped all Seniors at the Section Professional Championship and finished second amongst seniors at the South Florida Open.

Based on performance, Morin was honored to be a part of both winning South Florida Challenge Cup Teams. On a national level, Morin finished T-4 at the 2021 Senior PGA Professional Championship and made the cut at the Senior KitchenAid PGA Championship.

Collins historic win at the South Florida PGA Professional Championship in September fueled her run to Women’s Player of the Year. The 32-year-old former Nova Southeastern University golfer went 68-68-72 (-8) at BallenIsles Country Club, beating the male-dominated field by four strokes.

The unprecedented victory earned Collins a spot in the 2022 PGA Professional Championship, a place on the winning South Florida PGA Challenge Cup team and ultimately the Women’s Player of the Year honor.

Through seven South Florida PGA Section events, Collins earned 800 points to top Loretta Giovannettone, PGA of High Ridge Country Club. Earning first-place honors three times amongst females in the field, Collins’ play also topped all competitors in the field twice at those events (Tournament Series No. 2 and Section Professional Championship).

Read more about Morin and Collins’ historic seasons.

South Florida PGA Hosts Third Annual Pro-Lady at PGA National Resort and Spa

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL – The South Florida PGA hosted its third annual Pro-Lady this afternoon on The Palmer Course at PGA National Resort and Spa.

Eighty-four players took to the course for an afternoon shotgun start. The teams, comprised of one Professional and three female amateurs, played 18 holes of team stroke play with one best ball on the par 4s and par 5s and two best balls on the par 3s.

Bringing home the win after a scorecard playoff was Richard Terga, PGA Assistant Professional at Old Palm Golf Club joined by Cindy Langenfeld, Lisa Lappin and Dana Price with a score of 69. Matt Cahill, PGA Head Professional at Seminole Golf Club joined by A.K. Frazier, Tinker Sanger and Maureen Wright took home second place.

Jeff Waber, PGA Director of Golf at Broken Sound Club – Old Course earned Low Professional honors after carding an impressive 66.

For full results, click here .

Michael Rivera to Continue Golf Journey on the Course and in the Classroom

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Rivera may be closing out his last full South Florida PGA Junior Tour season, but his journey in golf is just getting started.

“When I first started playing golf I knew that I wanted to do something with golf even if it wasn’t playing professionally,” he said. “Whether it is fitting clubs, becoming a coach or running a golf course, I just knew, I at least wanted to do something with golf.”

The Miami Springs native and South Florida Junior Tour member since 2019 was recently accepted into the Florida Gulf Coast University Professional Golf Management Program, where he will attend starting in August 2022.

At the beginning of 2020, Rivera attended a college seminar with the South Florida PGA, where he was introduced to Professional Golf Management and later had the opportunity to tour and learn more about the facilities at Florida Gulf Coast University. He immediately knew it was for him.

Rivera gives a lot of credit to the SFPGA Junior Tour, where he was able to learn about the many different opportunities in golf and what a career in the industry could look like.

“Everytime I play in these tournaments I get to talk with Phillip, Ellen, Cole and all the others [SFPGA Staff] and get to learn from them,'' he said. “I definitely learned a lot from them and from the Junior Tour, which I think helped me want to make golf the focus of my career.”

Rivera has been an active member of the Junior Tour since 2019 and was awarded the 2021 Ed Ficker Sportsmanship award, given to a Junior Tour member that exhibits positive sportsmanship throughout the season.

A major goal of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour is to promote a love for the game of golf, whether that is playing or simply just enjoying the game. As Junior Tour members become older it is important to understand that there are many opportunities to stay in the golf industry without having to play on tour. The game of golf and the golf industry itself has so many different opportunities and avenues to excel in.

Quail Valley Golf Club Hosts Ninth Annual Quail Valley Pro-Am

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

December 6, 2021 – Today the South Florida PGA conducted its ninth annual Quail Valley Pro-Am benefitting the South Florida PGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the South Florida PGA, at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach.

The teams consisted of one PGA Member/Associate and one Amateur played in a Stableford format.

Bringing home the win in the gross division was Kenny Leech, PGA and Mike Weeks with 54 points, edging out second-place finishers Jonas DeWitt and Al Lhota by two points.

PGA Professional Steve Vecellio, PGA and Charles Berle ultimately took home first place in the net division, scoring 56 points after a tie with fellow competitors Alvin Okada and Douglas Wade.

In addition to the team competition, Leech and DeWitt tied with 50 points apiece to earn Low Professional honors for the event.

A big thank you to Quail Valley General Manager Kevin Given, Director of Golf Don Meadows, PGA and their entire team for allowing us to host today’s event. We would also like to thank our partners at Tire Kingdom, Blue Delta Jeans, Heritage Creations, Sailfish Brewing Company, Signature Golf and StickX for their generous support.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and scholarships, and charitable gifting. Annually through outreach programming including PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), Smiling Fore Life , Habitat for Humanity , 10 All In and our Junior Tours we impact more than 1,800 individuals with that number rising annually. To learn more about the Foundation, click here .

South Florida PGA Junior Tour Wraps 2021 Season with Tour Championship at Banyan Cay Resort and Golf

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

West Palm Beach FL - The South Florida PGA Junior Tour season concluded Sunday at Banyan Cay Resort and Golf with the SFPGA Junior Tour Championship, presented by the Honda Classic.

Raines Holmes of Vero Beach finished the two-day, 36-hole championship at 5-under 68-71–139, winning the boys 13-18 division title by one shot over runner-up Graham Boone of Naples.

Holmes entered the final round with a two-shot deficit to Boone. After a 1-over front nine, Holmes quickly bounced back to a 2-under back, enough to steal the victory. Boone wrapped play at 4-under 66-74–140.

Meanwhile, Paval Tsar of Palm Beach Gardens celebrated his 15th birthday with a third place finish at 3-under 68-73–141.

Winning the girls 13-18 division championship, Ariana SIlva of Fort Lauderdale turned in a two-day total of 3-over 73-74–147. Silva found success on the par 5s as she went 2-under over the stretch of eight par 5s throughout the two rounds.

Madison Moman of Palm Beach Gardens finished runner-up with a very consistent 2-round total of 4-over 74-74–148. After Sunday's finishes, Moman and Silva successfully managed to finish in the top-10 in all events they played in this season.

In the boys 11-12 division, Jude Desmond of Pompano Beach claimed first honors by one stroke over Alen Gurdogen of Palm Beach Gardens. Desmond wrapped play at 4-over 73-75–148 while Gurdogen finished at 73-76–149. With the win, Desmond concluded the 2021 season with three first place finishes and ten top-10 finishes.

Brett White of Fort Lauderdale had the shot of the weekend with a hole in one at the 115-yard 11th hole with a 56-degree wedge.

The 2021 South Florida PGA Junior Tour Championship was an invite-only event based on player of the year points of both Challenge and Champion Tour players.

Florida's Zack Shriver (68) Wins Event No. 2 in PGA Tournament Series

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By Craig Dolch

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (Dec. 3, 2021) - Sometimes, all it takes is watching a putt go in the hole to kick-start a round.

That’s what happened to Jupiter’s Zack Shriver on Friday. Shriver started the final round in Event No. 2 of the PGA Tournament Series three shots behind leader Craig Bowden, and bogeyed the second hole to fall four back.

Then Shriver made a birdie putt. And another one. And another one. And … well, you get the picture.

Shriver made five consecutive birdies on the Dye Course at PGA Golf Club to shoot 4-under 68 and earn a one-stroke victory. The 36-year-old finished at 6-under 138, a shot ahead of Jake Scott (67) of Strongsville Ohio, and David Abolt (71) of Cuba, Missouri.

“I’ve been hitting it good, but hadn’t been making any putts,” said Shriver, a PGA Assistant Professional at North Palm Beach Country Club. “I hit a great putt on No. 2 that didn’t go in, but I made a putt on the next hole and made a putt on the next hole.

“After the five straight birdies, I had to reset a little and not think about winning because this course is a pain. There’s trouble on every hole.”

Shriver encountered a problem on the par-4 18th when his drive landed in a bush. He was able to hack it out into a greenside bunker and got up and down from 20 yards, making a 4-foot putt.

It was Shriver’s second PGA Tournament series victory; he won Event No. 4 last year. He earned $5,000.

“It’s always fun to win and validate that victory,” Shriver said. “It wasn’t the best ball-striking round, but I had some good up-and-downs. I’m thankful for Allan (Bowman, North Palm Beach’s Director of Golf) to give me this opportunity to play. It’s great to represent the club with a win.”

Scott won Event No. 1 on Tuesday and he almost made it two consecutive titles, but a costly bogey on the par-5 17th hole derailed his chances. Abolt birdied the 17th to move within a shot of Shriver, but parred the final hole.

Dylan Newman, who’s attempting to win the money title for the third consecutive year, had a 68 and the New Rochelle, N.Y., native tied for fourth at 4-under 140 with Tyler Collet (69) of Vero Beach, Florida, Alex Beach (70) of Stamford, Connecticut, Brett Melton of Palm City, Florida, and Bowden (73) of Bloomington, Indiana.

The PGA Tournament Series is Presented by GOLF ADVISOR.

South Florida PGA Junior Tour Member, Addison Klonowski to Compete in 2021 PGA National Club Championship in Palm Springs, California

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Atlantis, FL - Addison Klonowski of Naples, a 16-year-old South Florida PGA Junior Tour member, has been invited to the 2021 PGA National Club Championship in Palm Springs, California, December 4-6.

Addison was invited by way of winning the Women’s Club Championship at Naples Grande Golf Club in Naples, FL. She will compete in the Amatuer Women’s Division against other women from around the country who have won their Club Championship during the 2021 calendar year.

The three-day, 54 hole stroke play Championship will take place across PGA WEST Stadium Course, Indian Wells Celebrity Course and Desert Willow Firecliff Course.

Overall, over 500 Men and Women Club Champions from all over the Country will take part in the Championship while being able to play three prestigious courses with the chance of becoming the 2021 PGA National Club Championship.

Addison has been a member of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour since 2016. During that time, she has accumulated one first place finish to go along with eight top-10 finishes.

We will be cheering you on from South Florida, Addison!

Osprey Point Golf Club Hosts Final South Florida PGA Junior Tour Event Before Tour Championship

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Boca Raton, FL - Rene Nicolas of Delray Beach finished first in the boys 13-18 division while Ariana Silva of Fort Lauderdale took home the trophy in the girls 13-18 division Sunday in a South Florida PGA Junior Tour event hosted at Osprey Point Golf Club.

Nicolas fired a two-day total of 2-under, following his opening round 75 up with a 67 today. Nicolas found success on the par 5s, going 4-under on those holes for the tournament. He added 11 birdies across 36-holes and moved up five spots on the leaderboard during the final round to win the trophy.

Wrapping the two-round event tied at even-par, Jake Manelas of Fort Lauderdale and Harrison Delisle of Miami Beach were forced to determine second place with a scorecard playoff. Manelas would come out on top after carding a 4-under on the back nine of the final round compared to Delisle’s 2-under.

Silva finished first in the girls 13-18 division at 1-under 74-69–143. Silva, coming into the final round with a one shot lead only added to it as she secured the tournament low round in her division with a final round of 3-under 69.

Coming in second, Angela Jiang of Miami wrapped play at 2-over 75-71–146.

Gabriella Albert of Delray Beach had the shot of the tournament with a hole in one of the par 3 No. 7 with a 7-iron from 145 yards.

Groundbreaking Celebrates Future West Palm Golf Park Clubhouse

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (November 17, 2021) – The City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Golf Community Trust (“Trust”) broke ground on the future West Palm Golf Park clubhouse. The 20,000 sq. ft. facility will complement the Gil Hanse designed golf park now under construction. The clubhouse is being built by Mason Development and Construction and will feature amenities including lockers, event space, and a full-service restaurant and bar with sweeping views of the course. The restaurant will also serve as a public and private event venue. Additionally, the South Florida PGA Headquarters will be housed in a separate building with a unique space for youth to gather for junior golf programs. The West Palm Golf Park will be located at the site of the former West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course, just south of Forest Hill Boulevard, east of Interstate 95, west of South Dixie Highway, and north of the Lake Worth “C-51” Canal.

“We are so pleased to join the West Palm Golf Community Trust in breaking ground on the clubhouse to complement the future West Palm Golf Park,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “I expect that the clubhouse will be a popular community gathering place for the residents of our city. The City of West Palm Beach is grateful to the Trust for its outstanding efforts in fundraising. We are appreciative to the Trust for working so diligently to develop this fantastic golf facility for all residents of West Palm Beach to enjoy.”

“The West Palm Golf Park presented a unique opportunity for an innovative public/private partnership to come to life as a model for the golf industry and communities around the county,” said West Palm Golf Community Trust President Seth Waugh. “Our group of generous thought leaders formed a true partnership with the City of West Palm Beach towards re-imagining what municipal golf can look like in the future. The response to our concept has been extraordinary. The foundation will fully fund, endow and operate the facility and develop programs and a golf experience that will serve everyone in the community. It will be not only welcoming but also a world class facility that is intentionally invitational to everyone from every background. From every type of person to every skill level, from experienced golfers to absolute beginners, from seniors to juniors, all at affordable prices. We look forward to working with the city and the South Florida PGA Section as we develop programs that will benefit a variety of people and promote this great game far into the future.”

The project vision features a Gil Hanse designed 18-hole course, a 9-hole short course similar to his acclaimed “Cradle” course at Pinehurst, a full short game area and two putting greens, a practice range, clubhouse and facilities. The West Palm Golf Park will have a major focus on junior golfers with world class coaching and golf experiences at affordable prices.

The city and the Trust are partners in this initiative. The project is being funded through individual charitable contributions. The Trust was established as a non-profit organization to raise the funding to build and operate the course. The committee leading the Trust is made up of local business, community and golf leaders. The city and Trust have entered into a 50-year lease with an option to renew for an additional 20 years.

Opening day is expected in early 2023. For more information on West Palm Golf Park please visit www.westpalmgolfpark.com . For information about the City of West Palm Beach, visit www.wpb.org or call (561) 822-1200 (TTY: 800-955-8771).

South Florida PGA Junior Tour Modifies Levels of Play, Introduces Medalist Tour

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL – The South Florida PGA Junior Tour has modified its current levels of play and will introduce the Medalist Tour, accompanying the Links and Prep Tours, beginning in 2022.

Under the current structure, which includes the Links, Prep, Challenge and Championship Tours, the South Florida PGA Junior Tour provides youth golfers across south Florida ages 6-18 a journey through the game of golf.

Beginning in 2022, the Medalist Tour will combine the former Challenge and Championship Tours to provide more opportunities, better competition and exposure for young junior golfers.

The South Florida PGA Medalist Tour will be a series of two-day tournaments at some of south Florida’s premier facilities. Juniors are eligible based on the previous year’s Junior Tour scoring average and point standings and the current year’s performance.

Under this renovated structure, all South Florida PGA Medalist Tour tournaments will attract stronger fields and will be nationally ranked by AJGA stars and Junior Golf Scoreboard, ultimately helping junior golfers with aspirations to play in college get recruited.

Starting with its 9-hole Links Tour, golfers will then advance to the developmental, single-day, 18-hole Prep Tour before qualifying for the Medalist Tour. A junior golfer will move to the Medalist Tour once they have a scoring average of at least 74.99 (Boys 11-12), 78.99 (Boys 13-18), 76.99 (Girls 11-12) or 81.99 (Girls 13-18).

The Medalist Tour will serve as the premier tour on the South Florida PGA Junior Tour journey, playing Girls at 5,800-6,000 yards and boys at 6,600-7,000 yards, preparing players for college and beyond.

In addition to the three tours, junior golfers can get involved with other South Florida PGA Foundation programs to continue help develop their skills, including, Drive, Chip and Putt and PGA Jr. League.

South Florida PGA Junior Tour membership is $55 and includes a memberships kit as well as access to register for all SFPGA Junior tournaments that a player is eligible for. SFPGA Junior Tour membership will open on December 13th.

For more information on the SFPGA Junior Tour, please click here .

Jeremy Wells Ties for Third at 45th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL – Jeremy Wells, an assistant professional at Cypress Lake Golf Club, went eight-under this past weekend to finish tied for third at the 45th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club.

After shooting 70, 69, 69, Wells’ 74 in the final round tied him with fellow competitor Eric Steger of Wildcat Creek Golf Course in Indiana.

The field for the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship included PGA Assistant Professionals (A-8 membership classification) or registered Associates that earned berths through their local PGA Sections. They competed for a $150,000 purse, including the winner’s share of $12,000.

Along with Wells, six other South Florida PGA Assistant Professionals earned a spot into the weekend field: Nick Beddow, PGA (Mayacoo Lakes Country Club), Evan Bowser (LaPlaya Golf Club), Ryan Leahey (The Bear's Club), Alan Morin, PGA (The Club at Ibis), Jason Robinson, PGA (The Country Club at Mirasol) and Zack Shriver (North Palm Beach Country Club).

Former South Florida PGA Jr. Tour Member, Andrew Kozan Finishes T2 at Korn Ferry Tour Q-School Finals

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Atlantis, FL - Andrew Kozan of West Palm Beach, a former South Florida PGA Junior Tour member from 2010-15 finished in a tie for second place at the Korn Ferry Tour Q-School Finals Monday at The Landings Club (Marsh) in Savannah, GA.

With his finish, Kozan will now receive guaranteed entry into the first 12 events of the 2022 Korn Ferry Tour season and full membership status on the Korn Ferry Tour during the 2022 season.

Kozan, who graduated from Auburn University this past Spring, did not officially turn pro until deciding to take the Q-School route with hopes of obtaining status on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Stage one began at The Breakers Rees Jones Course at Breakers West in West Palm Beach, Fl, where he finished in first place with a four-day total of 21-under 267.

Stage two took place at the Plantation Preserve Golf Club in Plantation, FL, where he would finish T19 and only one stroke clear to advance. He wrapped the four round event at 9-under 275.

Moving onto the finals at The Landings Club (Marsh) in Savannah, GA, round one did not get off to the best start as he might have hoped for with a 2-over 73. He followed that with a 4-under 67 in round two, backed up by an 8-under 63 in round three, tied for the lowest round of any player over the four-day event. Entering the final round, Kozan had set himself up in prime position to earn a medal. He would go onto fire a 5-under 66 over the last 18 holes to conclude the event in a tie for second at 13-under 269.

Congratulations Andrew and we wish you the best of luck as you continue your journey in professional golf.

South Florida PGA Professionals Set to Tee Up in the 45th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL – Seven South Florida PGA Assistant Professionals will compete this week, November 11-14th in the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie – Wanamaker Course.

The National Car Rental Assistant Championship annually features the top Assistant Professionals in the country. The current 132-player field earned entry to the tournament by qualifying through their respective Sections for a four-day stroke play competition.

Assistant Professional Evan Bowser of LaPlaya Golf Club earned top honors after winning the South Florida PGA Assistant Professional Championship in August at Wyndemere Country Club. Bowser shot a final round 64 to win the championship by two over Jason Robinson, PGA of The Country Club at Mirasol, Jeremy Wells of Cypress Lake Golf Club and Michael Welch of Kensington Golf and Country Club.

Alan Morin, PGA Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis birdied the fifth playoff hole to beat Ryan Leahey of The Bear’s Club to earn the final spot. However, Leahey since earned entry to the field as first alternate. Additionally, Nick Beddow, PGA from Mayacoo Lakes Country Club and Zack Shriver of North Palm Beach Country Club earned entry into the field and will represent south Florida.

The National Car Rental Assistant Professional Championship is supported by Srixon | Cleveland Golf | XXIO | Asics. Click here for round one starting times.

SFPGA Senior Challenge Cup Team Brings Cup Back to South Florida

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The South Florida PGA Senior Challenge Cup team defeated North Florida this afternoon by a score of 24 to 6, returning the cup back to south Florida for the first time in two years.

Hosted by the South Florida PGA at Club Pelican Bay in Naples, the two teams competed in 36 holes throughout the last two days. Round one included a nine-hole scramble and nine holes of four-ball match play. Round two included nine holes of foursome match play and nine holes of single match play.

South Florida led the matches 12-0 after the first round and further extended their lead to 24-6 following the conclusion of round two.

This year's team was led by Roger Kennedy Sr., PGA and represented by Gene Fieger, PGA (Club Pelican Bay), Stan Geer, PGA (Bentley Village Golf Course), Chris Kaufman, PGA (BallenIsles Country Club), Joe Kern, PGA (The Moorings at Hawks Nest Golf Club), John Lee, PGA (Imperial Golf Club), Alan Morin, PGA (The Club at Ibis), Pete Oakley, PGA (Life Member), Mike San Filippo, PGA (Life Member), Jack Shoenfelt, PGA (Oriole Golf & Tennis Club), Jerry Tucker, PGA (Jerry Tucker Golf), Mike Valicenti, PGA (Mayacoo Lakes Country Club) and Steve Vecellio, PGA (Frenchman's Reserve).

The Challenge Cup Matches are an invitation-only event. Invitations are based on ROLEX Player of the Year Points Standings where the top 10 seniors and two super-seniors from each Section are invited to compete.

A big thanks to Director of Golf Gene Fieger, PGA and Club Pelican Bay for hosting this year’s event and to event sponsor FootJoy for outfitting the teams.

Prep Tour Concludes Season at Sandhill Crane Golf Club for Prep Tour Championship

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

West Palm Beach, Fl - The South Florida PGA Prep Tour concluded its season Sunday with the Prep Tour Championship hosted at Sandhill Crane Golf Club.

Aidan Maclness of Bonita Springs took home the first place medal in the boys 13-18 division wrapping play at 8-over 80. Fisher Coleman-Sayer of Marathon finished in second at 9-over 81 after a scorecard playoff with Davis Crall of Palm Beach Gardens.

Winning the girls 13-18 division, Juliana LaPapa of West Palm Beach concluded the 18-hole Championship at 16-over 88. Claiming second place honors in a scorecard playoff, Ava DuMond of Lake Worth finished at 17-over 89.

After 18 holes in the boys 11-12 division, Jake Williams of Miami and Ryder Kenney of North Palm Beach were tied at 7-over 79. Williams would ultimately win in a scorecard playoff with a 39 on the back nine compared to a 40 for Kenney.

Laura Monsalve of Miami finished her round at 6-over 78, the lowest score across any age division, winning the girls 11-12 division. Coming in second, Yool Her of Pembroke Pines finished at 13-over 85 claiming second place in a scorecard playoff.

Chris Nana Tanke of Palm Beach Gardens concluded play at 9-over 81, enough to win the boys 9-10 division. In second place, Jack Zejda of Naples finished at 13-over 85.

The Prep Tour Championship was an invite-only tournament, hosting the best 58 players from the Prep Tour this season. Thank you to all of our players and parents for making this a great season and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Senior Challenge Cup Matches Underway at Club Pelican Bay

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The annual Senior Challenge Cup Matches began this morning at Club Pelican Bay in Naples. After closing out a win in October against North Florida, this year's Senior Challenge Cup team is ready for a win as well.

This year's team features Gene Fieger, PGA (Club Pelican Bay), Stan Geer, PGA (Bentley Village Golf Course), Chris Kaufman, PGA (BallenIsles Country Club), Joe Kern, PGA (The Moorings at Hawks Nest Golf Club), John Lee, PGA (Imperial Golf Club), Alan Morin, PGA (The Club at Ibis), Pete Oakley, PGA (Life Member), Mike San Filippo, PGA (Life Member), Jack Shoenfelt, PGA (Oriole Golf & Tennis Club), Jerry Tucker, PGA (Jerry Tucker Golf), Mike Valicenti, PGA (Mayacoo Lakes Country Club) and Steve Vecellio, PGA (Frenchman's Reserve). Roger Kennedy Sr., PGA (Life Member) will serve as the team captain.

The two teams will compete in 36 holes over Monday and Tuesday. Round one includes a nine-hole scramble and nine holes of four-ball match play. Round two includes nine holes of foursome match play and nine holes of single match play. Each victory is worth one team point. A halved match is worth 1/2 point to each team. The team with the highest point total at the conclusion of the singles matches will be declared the Senior Challenge Cup Champions. In the event of a tie, the team in possession of the Challenge Cup will retain it.

We wish these professionals the best of luck this week. Follow along on our social channels this week for tournament coverage.

Sandridge Golf Club Hosts Weekend Junior Tour Event

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Vero Beach, Fl - Raines Holmes of Vero Beach claimed first place honors in the boys 13-18 division while Gabriella Albert of Delray Beach won the girls 13-18 division Sunday in a South Florida PGA Junior Tour Event hosted at Sandridge Golf Club.

Holmes took home the title in the boys 13-18 division, concluding the 36-hole event at even-par, 71-73–144. Holmes edged off runner-up finisher Jack Martin of Palm Beach by one stroke. Martin handed in scorecards of 73-72–145.

Winning the girls 13-18 division, Gabriella Albert of Delray Beach maintained the lead over both rounds wrapping play at 2-over, 75-71–145. Jonna Hubbs of Palm Beach Gardens took home second place honors in a scorecard playoff.

Finishing with the lowest two round total at 3-under and winning the boys 11-12 division, Jude Desmond of Pompano Beach turned in scorecards of 71-70–141. Leah Gram of Jupiter won the girls 11-12 division, finishing at 22-over, 89-77–166.

The two-day, 36-hole event consisted of 66 boys and girls from both the Challenge and Champion tours.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and thank you Sandridge Golf Club for having us.

Alan Morin and Jerry Tucker Make Up the 2021 South Florida PGA Hall of Fame Class

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL – Alan Morin, PGA and Jerry Tucker, PGA will be inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame. Morin and Tucker, the 46th and 47th inductees, become the first representatives invited into the Hall of Fame based upon playing ability and accomplishments.

The South Florida PGA Hall of Fame has long stood for PGA Professionals who have been recognized for extraordinary leadership and commitment to the game of golf and service to the South Florida PGA and South Florida PGA Foundation.

The SFPGA has worked to establish metrics to which a PGA Professional could earn entry based upon his/her playing career, with Morin and Tucker’s outstanding playing careers meeting these requirements.

The metrics for entry include:

Recognized as Section Player of the Year at least five times and captured at least eight Major Championship titles, including four Section Championships
Competed in at least two PGA Championships or KPMG Women’s PGA Championships

--------------------------------------------------------------- OR -------------------------------------------------------

Recognized as Senior and/or Junior Player of the Year at least five times and won at least eight Major Championships (junior or senior), including at least four Section or Senior Section Championships
Competed in the Senior PGA Championship, PGA Championship or the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at least five times

An 11-time South Florida PGA Player of the Year, Morin, Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis, has had one of the best playing careers ever by a PGA Professional.

At the Section level, the 52-year-old Morin has won 10 of the South Florida PGA major tournaments and one at the senior level. Morin’s major wins include, two Fort Lauderdale Opens (‘08, ‘11), three South Florida Opens (‘04, ‘11, ‘15), five Section Championships (’02, ’08, ’10, ’15, ’16) and one South Florida Senior Open (’21).

In addition to his dominant run in the South Florida Section, Morin has also appeared in 24 PGA TOUR events and 18 Korn Ferry Tour events. With no signs of slowing, Morin has already secured berths into the 2022 Honda Classic and Puerto Rico Open.

Like Morin, Tucker has long been one of the best PGA Professionals in the Section. A PGA Master Professional and the owner of Jerry Tucker Golf School has been the South Florida PGA Player of the Year one time and owns the title in the Senior category a record six times.

Tucker has won one major South Florida PGA tournament and seven senior majors, including: the Florida Senior Open (2009), four Senior Section Championships (’00, ’04, ’06, ‘07), two South Florida Senior Opens (’00, ’05) and a Fort Lauderdale Open (’06).

On a National level, Tucker has also seen great success, competing in 19 major championships, 22 National PGA Professional Championships and 18 Senior PGA Professional Championships.

Morin and Tucker’s playing accomplishments have long been recognized by their peers, making them leaders throughout the South Florida golf community.

The South Florida PGA Hall of Fame inducts new members each year. Click here for a full list of South Florida PGA Hall of Fame members.

South Florida Defeats North Florida at 41st Annual Challenge Cup Matches

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The South Florida PGA defeated North Florida PGA, breaking a two-year drought, by a score of 17.5 to 6.5 at the 41st Annual Challenge Cup Matches.

Hosted by the North Florida PGA at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, the matches include a first-round four-ball match play, a second-round foursome match play and a third-round singles match play.

South Florida led the matches 4-2 after the first round and further extended their lead to 9-3 following the conclusion of round two.

This year’s South Florida PGA Professional Champion, Taylor Collins, PGA, was one of several players to make a first-time Challenge Cup appearance this week. “It’s been an awesome experience,” said Collins. “I haven’t played a lot of team events but I love my partner [Kenny Leech, PGA] so that kept it easy and fun out there.”

In addition to Collins and Leech, Austin Davenport, PGA also made his Challenge Cup debut and grew up playing on the South Florida PGA Junior Tour. These three individuals now work in the Section, Collins at Coral Ridge Country Club, Leech at the Don Law Golf Academy and Davenport at The Dye Preserve Golf Club.

In addition, this year's team was led by Jerry Tucker, PGA and Roger Kennedy Sr., PGA and represented by Tyler Collet, PGA (John’s Island Club), Collins, Davenport, Andrew Filbert, PGA (West Bay Club), Leech, Justin McCarraher, PGA (Fiddlesticks Country Club), Brett Melton, PGA (Melton Golf Academy), Mike Midgette, PGA (Delray Dunes Golf & Country Club), Mark Mielke, PGA (High Ridge Country Club), Alan Morin, PGA (The Club at Ibis), Jack Shoenfelt, PGA (Oriole Golf Club) and Justin Smith, PGA (Bonita Bay Club).

The Challenge Cup Matches are an invitation-only event. Invitations are based on ROLEX Player of the Year Points Standings where the top 10 juniors and two seniors from each Section are invited to compete.

A big thank you to Director of Golf Ryan Gray, PGA and Golden Ocala for hosting this year’s event and to event sponsor FootJoy for outfitting the teams.

South Florida PGA Junior Tour Alum TJ Vogel Advances to Final Stage of Korn Ferry Q-School

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Tj Vogel, a South Florida PGA Junior Tour alum has advanced to the final stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School, scheduled to be played November 4-7 at The Landings Club in Savannah, Georgia.

Vogel qualified through the second stage, October 19-22 at Plantation Preserve Golf Club in Plantation, Florida, with a four-day total of 15-under 269, placing him in a tie for fourth, six strokes clear of the cut line to advance.

Vogel was coined the name, “Monday Qualifying Legend” by Golf Digest or “Best PGA TOUR Monday Qualifier in the World” by Golf.com, as his journey to earn his PGA TOUR card has crossed many different Monday Qualifying sites. During the 2018 season alone, Vogel Monday-qualified to play in eight PGA Tour events.

In 2012, Vogel won the U.S. Amatuer Public Links Championship which earned him a special exemption into the 2013 Masters.

After competing on the South Florida PGA Junior Tour in 2004, Vogel was a standout player at the University of Florida, ranking fifth all-time in Gator history for career stroke average at 72.0.

In addition to playing on the SFPGA Junior Tour, he is the son of South Florida PGA Professional, Joe Vogel, the Head Women’s Golf Coach at Florida International University in Miami.

Best of luck as you continue your journey TJ!

11th Annual South Florida PGA Tire Kingdom Charity Pro-Am Raises over $31,000 to Support the Foundation

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Boca Raton, FL - The South Florida PGA hosted the 11th Annual South Florida PGA Tire Kingdom Charity Pro-Am today, raising over $31,000 for the SFPGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the South Florida PGA.

This year, 12 teams comprised of three amateurs and a PGA Professional took to St. Andrew’s Country Club (Fazio Course) to participate in a one net, one gross combined competition.

PGA Professional, Jack Shoenfelt of Oriole Golf and Tennis Club, paired with amateurs Harry Tempkins, Alan Tempkins and Alan Matus to claim first-place honors.

Beyond the golf, the money raised will go a long way in serving the south Florida community.

Since 2010 the Tire Kingdom Charity Pro-Am has been the primary fundraising event for the South Florida PGA Foundation. Since 2004, the event has given back to the South Florida community by way of programs such as the South Florida PGA Junior Tours, PGA HOPE, Habitat for Humanity, Smiling Fore Life and many more. These programs and the rest of the Foundation aim to make a difference in junior golf, education and charitable giving.

Starting in 2015, PGA HOPE has since graduated 800 veterans across 39 programs. PGA HOPE is a program dedicated to introducing Veterans with disabilities to the game of golf while enhancing their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

Created in 2010, Smiling FORE Life is a program in which PGA Professionals visit local children’s hospitals bringing golf into children’s lives who may be experiencing hardships, and afford them an opportunity to forget about those struggles they are enduring and enjoy some fun.

Since 2010, the program has served over 1,100 patients from five different facilities. Since 2011, the South Florida PGA Foundation has supported Habitat for Humanity with the goal of building 15 homes for families across the South Florida area, as well as, Puerto Rico. Currently, nine houses have been built and supported thus far.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and scholarships. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization of over 1,850 men and women PGA Professionals serving as the experts in business and the game of golf.

Thank you to everyone who participated and played a part in achieving this great number, your contributions are very much appreciated.

For more information about the South Florida PGA Foundation, or if you would like to donate please click here

Mark Mielke Finishes Second, Five South Florida Professionals Qualify for 2022 KitchenAid PGA Senior Championship

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL – Mark Mielke, PGA Professional at High Ridge Country Club fired three sub-70 rounds to finish in second place at the Senior PGA Professional Championship this weekend at PGA Golf Club.

The Senior PGA Professional Championship is the national championship for senior (50 and up) club professionals around the country, played over the last four days at PGA Golf Club. The field qualifies through the 41 Section Professional Championships, with 15 coming from the South Florida Section.

After shooting 68, 68, 67, Mielke’s 71 in today’s final round put him in a playoff with Georgia’s Paul Claxton. While Claxton won the eventual playoff, Mielke’s play earned him entry into the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, a major on the PGA Champions TOUR.

Along with Mielke, four other South Florida PGA Professionals qualified for the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship: Alan Morin, PGA , Tim Cantwell, PGA, Mike San Filippo, PGA and Michael Valicenti, PGA.

The top 35 finishers in the Senior PGA Professional Championship have qualified for the Senior PGA KitchenAid Championship set to be held at Harbor Shores May 24-29.

Hammock Creek Golf Club Hosts South Florida PGA Prep Tour Event

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Palm City, Fl - The South Florida PGA Junior Tour teed it up Sunday at Hammock Creek Golf Club for a Prep Tour event, featuring 71 players.

Sebastian Ayala finished first place in the boys 13-18 division at 1-under 71. Ayala kept a steady scorecard all round with only one bogey combined with two birdies. Winning the girls 13-18 division, Dounia Bezzari of Vero Beach wrapped play at seven-over 79.

In the 11-12 division, Carson Lowe of West Palm Beach claimed first place honors for the boys side with a 2-over 74 final score while Catherine Andino of Boca Raton took the title in the girls side at 2-over 74.

Matching the lowest final score of the day at one-under 71, William Richards of Miami won the boys 9-10 division by two strokes. Richards dropped five birdies on the day.

Thank you to everyone who participated and thank you Hammock Creek Golf Club for hosting. For more information on the South Florida PGA Junior Tours, please visit the South Florida PGA Junior Tour website at www.sfpgajuniorgolf.com.

South Florida PGA Professionals Tee it Up in 33rd Annual Senior PGA Professional Championship

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The 33rd Annual Senior PGA Professional Championship began this morning at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie.

These South Florida PGA Professionals will be teeing it up this week including Tim Cantwell, PGA (PGA National Golf Club) | Gene Fieger, PGA (Club Pelican Bay) | Daniel Heaslip, PGA (Windstar on Naples Bay) | Roger Kennedy Jr., PGA (The Country Club at Mirasol) | John Lee, PGA (Imperial Golf Club) | Mark Mielke, PGA (High Ridge Country Club) | Alan Morin, PGA (The Club at Ibis) | Peter Oakley, PGA (Life Member) | Mike San Filippo, PGA (Life Member) | Jack Shoenfelt, PGA (Oriole Golf & Tennis Club) | Mike Strlekar, PGA (Woodfield Country Club) | Jerry Tucker, PGA (Jerry Tucker Golf) | Mike Valicenti, PGA (Mayacoo Lakes Country Club) | Eric Veilleux, PGA (The Bear's Club) | David Witt, PGA (Talis Park Golf Club).

The 15 South Florida PGA Professionals qualified for the championship by way of the South Florida PGA Senior Professional Championship held in August at Banyan Cay Golf Resort and Club. Shoenfelt won this event after posting a 5-under 139 over the two-day tournament.

The Senior PGA Professional Championship is a national championship for qualifying senior (age 50 and up) PGA Professionals from across the country. The top 35 PGA Professionals will qualify for the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, a major on the PGA TOUR Champions Tour.

We wish these professionals the best of luck this week. Follow along on our social channels this week for tournament coverage.

The Club at Weston Hills Hosts South Florida PGA Prep Tour Event

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Weston, Fl - Yesterday, 64 South Florida PGA Junior Tour players took part in a one day, 18-hole Prep Tour event at The Club at Weston Hills.

Ethan Hyman of Plantation took home first place honors in the boys 13-18 division after signing a 5-over, 77 card. Winning the girls 13-18 division, Shanique Smith of Greenacres concluded play at 8-over, 80.

In the 11-12 age division, Patrick Shawger of Singer Island finished first on the boys side at 2-over, 74. Winning the girls' side, Laura Monsalve of Miami wrapped up play at 4-over, 76.

Carding the lowest round of the day for any age division at even-par, 72, Jack Zejda of Naples claimed first place in the boys 9-10 division. Zejda kept a consistent score card with only two bogeys to go along with two birdies.

Thank you to everyone who participated and thank you to The Club at Weston Hills for having us.

Annual South Florida PGA Teaching Symposium Held at The Country Club at Mirasol

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The South Florida PGA hosted its annual Teaching Symposium this week at The Country Club at Mirasol.

This year, PGA Professionals learned from some of the best instructors in the game including, Todd Anderson, PGA, Mike Shannon, PGA and Jason Baile, PGA. Additionally, the attendees enjoyed a fireside chat with Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes.

The two-day event led with Shannon who is widely known as one of the best putting instructors in golf. Anderson followed up the session by talking through best practices in teaching the full swing. Anderson has taught Billy Horschel and many touring professionals throughout his career.

Baile, Director of Instruction at Jupiter Hills Club kicked off day two and went through how to apply body awareness to the golf swing as well as developing individual game plans for students.

Holmes closed out the program with an intimate conversation about his playing career in football and how those skills - both mental and physical- translate to his newfound love of golf.

The Teaching Symposium is an annual event the SFPGA hosts to help its professionals further their skills and techniques in teaching and coaching the game of golf. The 2021 Teaching Symposium was sponsored by SuperSpeed Golf and Therabody.

South Florida PGA HOPE Graduate Christina Olivarez to Attend PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Christina Olivarez, a retired Army Master Sergeant from Atlantis, FL, has been selected to participate in the second annual PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week held at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD (Washington, DC) during the week of October 14th-19th.

PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week is a four-day program giving 20 PGA HOPE graduates from around the country the opportunity to enhance their skills in golf while learning new techniques of wellness training.

When the program first launched in 2019, Mary Anderson-Knoll was nominated from the South Florida Section. This experience allowed Anderson-Knoll the tools and resources to be a great mentor and advocate for PGA HOPE since attending the conference two years ago.

PGA HOPE is a charitable foundation of the PGA of America, introducing golf to veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Olivarez was nominated by Michelle Goda, former South Florida PGA Foundations Program Coordinator, to be one of 20 veterans selected to take part in this year's program.

“I am really looking forward to meeting these other ambassadors and picking their minds about what they have been doing and learning from them,” she said.

As a graduate from PGA HOPE in 2019 at Okeeheelee Golf course, she now serves as a mentor for three PGA HOPE programs currently in Wellington.

“PGA HOPE has been life changing for me. It helped so much with bringing me out of a dark hole, '' Olivarez said. “It sounds cliche, but it has totally been life changing.”

Additionally, since graduating from the program, she actively recruits veterans for the PGA HOPE program by expressing her passion and love for the game.

Olivarez consistently plays weekly and had the unique opportunity to play alongside Justin Thomas and Jack Nicklaus during a PGA HOPE event last year at the Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Fl.

“I am thrilled when I can go golf, it is so exciting to me now,” she said. “It clears your mind, you concentrate on that ball and you kind of forget everything else, I love it, I love this game.”

Defending Champions Claim Victory at Senior-Super Championship

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Defending Champions Matt Markle, PGA of Island Country Club and Life Member Mike San Filippo, PGA won the South Florida PGA Senior-Super Senior Championship on Tuesday at Indian Spring Country Club.

This duo went 10-under and carded seven birdies on the back nine. Ultimately, it was Markle's chip-in on the first playoff hole that led them to victory.

Joe Kern, PGA of The Moorings at Hawks Nest Golf Club and Nick Manolios, PGA Life Member took home second place honors. In a tie for third was the team consisting of Mike McLellan, PGA of Indian Spring Country Club and Clark Sisson, PGA of Quail Valley Golf Club and the team consisting of Jack Shoenfelt, PGA of Oriole Golf and Tennis Club and Jerry Tucker of Jerry Tucker Golf.

Markle and San Filippo are the defending champions of not only this event but the 2021 Senior Series Pro-Pro as well.

A total of 14 teams participated in the event. The format was an 18-hole team stroke play event. The front nine consisted of four-ball stroke play while the back was completed as a two-person scramble.

Indian Spring Country Club Hosts Weekend Junior Event

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Boynton Beach, Fl - Hubert Ramirez of Miami claimed first place honors in the boys 13-18 division after winning in a sudden death playoff Sunday at Indian Spring Country Club for a junior tour event hosted by the South Florida PGA.

Ramirez started the final round at even-par, four strokes behind the leader. After going 1-under, 71 over the final 18 holes, waiting for the final groups to come in, he found himself at the top of the leaderboard.

Ramirez and Jack Nicoletta of Palm Beach Gardens would go into a sudden-death playoff starting on hole 10. Ramirez would go on to par, good enough to win the trophy. He wrapped up the two rounds at 1-under, 72-71–143.

Winning the girls 13-18 division, Ariana Silva of Fort Lauderdale carded a career low in the final round at 5-under, 67. Her round included only one bogey to go along with four birdies and an eagle. Silva finished the 36-hole-event at 6-under, 71-67–138.

Sarp Gurdogen of Palm Beach Gardens won first place in the boys 11-12 division at 2-under, 73-69–142. Taking home the trophy in the girls 11-12 division, Ashley Balcom of Lighthouse Point finished at 9-over, 77-76–153.

The two-day, 36-hole-event included 79 juniors competing in four different divisions.

Thank you Indian Spring Country Club for hosting, and thank you Mike McLellan, PGA for all your help. For more information on the South Florida PGA Junior Tours, please visit the South Florida PGA Junior Tour website at www.sfpgajuniorgolf.com.

Loretta Giovannettone, PGA Clenches Women's Section Championship Title

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Loretta Giovannettone, PGA of High Ridge Country Club won the 2021 South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship today at The Club at Quail Ridge in Boynton Beach.

The SFPGA Women’s Section Championship was established in 2020 as a way to encourage more female professionals to compete in tournaments and socialize with their peers. For the second consecutive year, this event was played at The Club at Quail Ridge over the course of two days.

Giovannettone led the field by one stroke after her first-round 74, but it was ultimately her second-round 70 that won her the title. Giovannettone carded six birdies over the two days, five of which were during her second round.

Alex Jacobsen, PGA of The Golf Club of the Everglades finished three strokes behind Giovannettone with a two-day total 147 followed by Taylor Collins, PGA of Coral Ridge Country Club.

In addition to this event being the only women’s-only event on the South Florida PGA Section schedule, the name of the trophy holds a special story. This trophy was named after Pam Brosnihan, PGA Professional at Quail Ridge from 1992 until she passed in 2014 when she lost her fight against cancer. The South Florida PGA continues to strive to keep her legacy alive through events of this nature.

The South Florida PGA would like to thank Dan Brosnihan, PGA and his team at The Club at Quail Ridge for hosting these ladies this week and their continuous support of women’s golf.

Jeff Waber, PGA Wins Global Golf Sales Cup at The Seagate Country Club

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Jeff Waber, PGA Director of Golf at The Old Course at Broken Sound Club, fired a 65 on Monday at The Seagate Country Club to secure the win at this year’s Global Golf Sales Cup, presented by Global Golf Sales. Ninety-eight PGA Professionals competed for a part of this year’s impressive $35,000+ purse.

The format of the Global Golf Sales Cup is an 18-hole Stableford competition based on assigned player quotas. The objective in Stableford is to have the highest score – unlike traditional scoring methods. Players who qualified for this event were awarded a point quota determined by their 2021 Tournament Performance (stroke average) as well as input from the committee.

Waber’s seven-under-par finish earned him 13 points for the day. His quota was set at 37 and having scored a 50, he ultimately exceeded his quota by 13 points.

A special thanks to Steve Sponder and his team at Global Golf Sales and Jim Leary, PGA at Ace Golf Technologies for their continued support of the South Florida PGA.

National Drive Chip and Putt Qualifier Held at Jack Nicklaus' The Bear's Club

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

It’s not easy to make it to the 2022 Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals, even for those who have made the journey before.

Eight fortunate and talented youngsters earned a trip to Augusta National in Sunday’s DCP Regional Qualifier at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, but the other 88 participants also left with special memories.

How fitting is it when you get an opportunity to earn a trip to Augusta National during a competition at a private club founded by the golfer synonymous with the Masters? Not only has Jack Nicklaus won more green jackets than anyone else (six), he was the oldest to do so (46) and at 81 continues to serve as an honorary starter.

For a glorious day, the future of golf got to experience what Bear’s Club members such as Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Daniel Berger and other game’s greats are treated to every day: Immaculate conditions and the presence of the Golden Bear.

No, Nicklaus was not at the Regional, but his presence was felt as much as the breezy conditions. After each of the eight age-group winners were announced, they were given a South Florida PGA flag with Nicklaus’ signature, creating another are-you-kidding-me moment.

“This is amazing Jack signed this flag for me,” said Paul Ancona of Pace, FL., who won the Boys 12-13. “It’s awesome!”

As much as the game has given Nicklaus, he has given back. Sunday was no different. Four months after a U.S. Open sectional qualifier was held at the Bear’s Club, Nicklaus again put out the welcome mat for the popular DCP program.

“Not only does Jack open the doors to his facility, he makes sure to give something to the winners,” said Geoff Lofstead, executive director of the South Florida PGA, which ran the DCP Regional. “With everything on the line to go to Augusta, Jack wanted them to be here. This is something the kids and their parents will remember the rest of their lives.”

The DCP competitions are usually family affairs, with parents and siblings on hand to support. Angela Nip of Port St. Lucie, FL., took that approach to another level when she won the Girls 14-15 competition to earn her first trip to Augusta – as a contestant.

Angela Nip has been there twice when her older sister Gloria qualified in 2015 and 2018. Now she’s the one who gets to bring her clubs to Augusta National.

“It means a lot to me to follow in my sister’s footsteps,” Angela Nip said. “She told me to stay calm and watch what the other people do. She said to treat it like it’s regular golf.”

It’s not, of course. Each player gets only three drives, three chips and three putts. A tiny mistake or a lack of focus can end their chances quickly.

Among those who survived the pressure were three Georgia residents: Lyla Hawker of Fort Gordon, GA., won Girls 7-9, Zane Madison of Fort Evans, GA., won Boys 7-9 and Trace Carter of Blackshear, GA., captured Boys 14-15.

“My drive won’t be as far, luckily,” said Hawker, who lives a mere 15 minutes from Augusta National.

The other winners were Angelina Pacheco of Orlando in Girls 12-13, Emma Kate Rice of Mountain Brook, AL., and Jeremy Castellanos of Windermere, FL., in the Boys 10-11.

Four players were hoping to earn a return trip to the DCP National Finals, including Tampa’s Elysee Meerdink, who won the Girls 10-11 this year. But golf is a game of inches; Meerdink finished second to Pacheco by 4 points – the difference a Meerdink drive that finished off the grid by less than a foot.

Ryan Nana Tanke of Palm Beach Gardens was trying to make it to his third finals, but finished third in Boys 10-11 to Castellanos. Nana Tanke was obviously disappointed, but tried to remain upbeat afterward.

“It’s fine because you can’t win every single time,” Nana Tanke said. “Next year I’m going to come back and try to qualify again.”

Naples resident Braden Miller, who made it to the 2017 finals, finished second to Carter. And 2019 finalist Beka Yang of Sylvania, OH., tied for eighth in Girls 12-13.

It’s difficult to make it to the DCP Finals once, much less make it back. But they’ll always have those memories.

Crown Colony Golf and Country Club Hosts South Florida PGA West Coast High School Championship

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Fort Myers, Florida - After two days and 36 holes of golf for the South Florida PGA West Coast High School Championship hosted at Crown Colony Golf and Country Club, Christopher Columbus High School took home the boys team title while Westlake Prep finished first in the girls division.

Christopher Columbus High School jumped out to an early lead as a team with a tournament low, 2-under-par round one followed by a 7-over final round to win the title by 15 strokes. They wrapped play at 5-over-par, 286-295-581.

Claiming the boys individual title, Noah Kent of Gulf Coast High School finished at 3-under-par, 69-72-141. Kent found success both days on the back nine, carding five birdies with zero bogeys over the two rounds.

Winning the girls team title, Westlake Prep finished at 30-over-par, 304-302-606. Leading the way for the Bulldogs, Sofia Cherif Essakali signed back-to-back cards of 1-over-par 73.

Before a girls individual champion could be named, a playoff was necessary as three players were tied at 2-over-par. Jordan Knox of Fort Myers High School, Angela Nip of The Sagemont School and Essakil teed it up in a sudden-death playoff where Nip would eventually claim the title. She wrapped play after two rounds at 2-over-par, 74-72-146.

The championship hosted 11 schools from the South Florida area with a total 76 competitors. Thank you Crown Colony Golf and Country Club for being a great host.

For more information on the South Florida PGA Junior Tours, please visit the South Florida PGA Junior Tour website at www.sfpgajuniorgolf.com.

Jerry Tucker Named Captain of the 41st South Florida PGA Challenge Cup Team

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Jerry Tucker, PGA of Jerry Tucker Golf in Stuart, will serve as the captain of the South Florida PGA Challenge Cup Team for the 41st Annual Challenge Cup matches against North Florida on October 26-28 at Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club.

The Challenge Cup is a long-standing tradition between PGA Professionals from North and South Florida. The format includes a first-round four-ball match play, a second-round foursome match play and a third-round singles match play.

“It truly is an honor to serve as captain of our Challenge Cup team,” said Tucker. “I have played in at least a dozen of these and still have lasting memories of shots, matches and the people involved. I have played with almost everyone on the team and I look forward to helping them any way I can.”

Tucker, who has been one of the best players in the south Florida section at every level has competed on many Challenge Teams throughout his over 20 years in the South Florida Section.

The Challenge Cup matches are an invitation-only event. Invitations are based on Player of the Year Points Standings where the top 10 juniors and two seniors from each Section are invited to compete.

The South Florida team will consist of: Tyler Collet, PGA of John’s Island Club, Taylor Collins, PGA of Coral Ridge Country Club, Austin Davenport, PGA of Dye Preserve, Gene Fieger, PGA of Club Pelican Bay, Andrew Filbert, PGA of West Bay Club, Kenny Leech, PGA of Don Law Golf Academy, Brett Melton, PGA of Melton Golf Academy, Mike Midgette, PGA of Delray Dunes Golf and Country Club, Mark Mielke, PGA of High Ridge Country Club, Alan Morin, PGA of The Club at Ibis, Justin Smith, PGA of Bonita Bay Club and Justin McCarraher, PGA of Fiddlesticks Country Club.

Roger Kennedy Sr., PGA of The Country Club at Mirasol will serve as the assistant captain.

South Florida PGA Hosts East Coast High School Championship at Boca West Country Club

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Boca Raton, Florida - Vero Beach High School finished first in the Boys division while St. Andrews High School claimed first place honors in the girls division after weather impacted two days at the South Florida PGA East Coast High School Championship hosted at Boca West Country Club (Fazio II course).

Finishing at 2-under-par, 282 as a team after only 18 holes, Vero Beach High School won the boys division by nine strokes. James Hassel led the for Vero Beach turning in the lowest score card of the tournament at 5-under-par, 66. He carded five birdies with no bogeys en route to taking home the individual boys trophy.

St. Andrews High School wrapped play at 15-over-par, 293-290-583, finishing first place in the girls division. St. Andrews played their best golf throughout round two at 6-over-par, the lowest round for any girls team over two days.

At the end of 36 holes, Amelie Alcantara of St. Andrews High School and Sodia Cherif Essakali of West Lake Prep both finished at even-par, forcing a sudden death playoff. After both girls made par on the first playoff hole, number 18, Alcantar would go onto win in the second playoff hole, number 10 with a par. She finished with rounds of 72-72-142.

Round one was cut short for the girls afternoon wave Thursday because of lighting, making the final round start later than anticipated. With weather affecting the final round, the boys were not able to finish the round, only allowing their first 18 holes to count in scoring. Fortunately, because the girls had the morning wave, they were all able to finish 36 holes.

The event hosted 16 schools from the South Florida area with a total of 114 competitors.

For more information on the South Florida PGA Junior Tours, please visit the South Florida PGA Junior Tour website at www.sfpgajuniorgolf.com.

A Week at Pinehurst Resort for the 2021 South Florida PGA Travel Pro-Am

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

This week 23 South Florida PGA professionals alongside 69 amateurs from 17 facilities traveled to Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina to compete in the 2021 Travel Pro-Am. The event featured three rounds along with three different formats. Unfortunately due to inclement weather round 2 was canceled and the event was split into two tournaments.

Congratulations to the following team and low professional champions of each contest:

Group 1 - Course No 2 & 8

Overall Team Champions - Adios Golf Club - PGA Professional Chris Catena and amateurs Don Gordon, Gary Glover and Alan Fishman

Overall Low Professional - Jack Shoenfelt, PGA - Oriole Golf Club

Group 2 - Course No 4 & 8

Overall Team Champions - Crown Colony Country Club - PGA Professional David Kent and amateurs Mike Arnold, Ray Briles and Jon Last

Overall Low Professional - Kent Graham, PGA - Country Club at Mirasol

The Journey with Derek Tudela-Wilcox: From SFPGA Junior Tour to Assistant Golf Professional

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

From competing on the South Florida PGA Junior Tour in the late 2000s to now thriving as an assistant golf professional at Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club in Miami, Derek Tudela-Wilcox has paved his way in the golf industry.

Wilcox’s first encounter with golf came when he was eight years old and his dad bought him a set of plastic clubs. From that moment, he couldn’t seem to put them down.

Wilcox still remembers the 2008 South Florida Junior PGA Championship and the fond memories of playing on the Junior Tour. This was the first time in his golf career that he carded back-to-back rounds under par (67-69). Although Wilcox was a stroke shy of the win, this event carries memories he will never forget. “It was a great feeling shooting well and having my friends cheer me on,” said Wilcox. “These are the moments I’ll always remember.”

The same year, Wilcox was presented the Don Law Service Award which he says was a “great honor.”

Currently, Wilcox is in his fourth year at Deering Bay as an assistant professional.

“Every day presents new opportunities and challenges, and I have truly enjoyed my time here,” explained Wilcox.

Golf is a game of lessons. “The game has taught me so much,” said Wilcox. “But the most important one for me is patience.”

Wilcox goes on to describe how patience is a virtue and the meaning is not truly understood until you have played golf. Along with patience comes honesty, truthfulness and respect. “No other game in the world requires you to make penalty decisions on yourself,” said Wilcox.

Wilcox has been fortunate to have a tremendous support system behind him. One individual, in particular, is his father. “He has had my back since day one and has always supported my golf career,” said Wilcox.

When Wilcox isn’t working or playing a round of golf, you can most likely find him on another course: the disc golf course. Wilcox picked up this hobby about two years ago. What started as a form of exercise has developed into a newfound passion. Wilcox is also a dedicated Arsenal FC fan. His admiration for the team goes all the way back to 2005 and to this day, he still tries to watch every game he can.

Wilcox plans to continue his journey in the golf industry, with the intention of working his way into the business side. But for now, his first goal is to complete his PGA Class A Certification, which he recently started this year.

The South Florida PGA is proud to share the experiences and stories of our PGA Members and Professionals. Have a story you would like us to feature? Please contact Danielle Muench .

Prep Tour Takes Fairwinds Golf Course in Fort Pierce

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Fort Pierce, FL- On Sunday, 58 South Florida PGA Junior Tour players teed it up for a Prep Tour event hosted at Fairwinds Golf Course in Fort Pierce.

In the boys 13-18 division, winning in a scorecard playoff, Sebastian Ayala of Boca Raton finished at 2-over-par, 74.

Jake Williams of Miami finished first in the boys 11-12 division at 1-over-par, 73, leading the field by five strokes.

Claiming the boys 9-10 division, William Richards of Miami signed for the lowest round score of the tournament at 1-under-par, 71. Richards fired off five birdies on the day.

In the girls 13-18 division, Dounia Bezzari of Vero Beach took home first place honors with a final score of 4-over-par, 76. Her round included a 1-under front nine score.

Laura Monsalve of Miami placed first in the girls 11-12 division at 4-over-par, 76.

Mayacoo Lakes Country Club Hosts Weekend Junior Event

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

West Palm Beach, Florida - Alexander Weinberg of Palm Beach Gardens claims the overall boys division title while Valentina Hurtado of Weston took home first place honors in the overall girls division at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club. The Junior Tour event featured Championship and Challenge Tour players.

Weinberg carded the lowest final round at 4-under-par, 67 to force a playoff with Elijah Zammarron of Sunrise. Weinberg would go onto birdie hole 18 in a sudden-death playoff to claim the title.

Weinberg signed cards of 71-67-138, which included nine birdies over 36 holes.

In the girls division, Hurtado finished the two-day, 36-hole event at 2-over par, handing in scorecards of 72-72-144. She would finish five strokes better than runner-up Skylee Shin of Doral. Shin wrapped up play at 7-over-par, 78-71-149, finishing runner-up in a scorecard playoff.

Winning the boys 11-12 division, Jaden Peterson of Port St. Lucie concluded play at 3-over-par, 71-74-145. Peterson led the division in birdies with seven. In second place, winning in a scorecard playoff, Cooper Foegan of Hobe Sound, finished at 8-over-par, 79-71-150.

The 36-hole-event consisted of 80 players from both the Championship and Challenge Tour.

A special thanks to Mayacoo Lakes Country Club for hosting and thank you to head pro, Alastair Mackenzie, PGA for all the help.

Taylor Collins Becomes First Woman To Win South Florida PGA Professional Championship

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

PALM BEACH GARDENS (Sept. 16, 2021) – Taylor Collins of Fort Lauderdale made history Thursday by becoming the first woman to win the South Florida PGA Professional Championship in the tournament’s 42-year history.

Collins, a PGA Teaching Professional at Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale, shot 72 on BallenIsles’ vaunted East Course to win by four shots at 8-under 208. She started the day with a two-shot lead and steadily pulled away.

“To be the first woman to win the South Florida PGA Section Championship is incredible,” Collins said. “I thought about it a little yesterday, but I had to stop thinking about it. If I think about it now, I might start crying."

“It’s always great to beat the guys and show how the girls can play, as well. This gives me new goals to set, and I’ll have this sitting there forever.”

The 32-year-old Collins earned $7,500 from a record $90,000 purse.

Usually, the winner of the South Florida PGA Professional Championship earns a spot in the Puerto Rico Open. But the South Florida PGA adheres to the PGA Tour rule that stipulates a player who qualifies for a tour event must play from the back tees.

There was a playoff between second-place finishers Alan Morin (70-212) of The Club at Ibis and Austin Davenport (74-212) of Dye Preserve for the Puerto Rico spot, which Morin won with a par on the first extra hole.

By finishing tied for second, the 52-year-old Morin also clinched his 11th Player of the Year Award in the South Florida PGA, which earns him a spot in next year’s Honda Classic. He closed with a 3-under 33 on the back nine.

“Winning Player of the Year was the farthest from my mind this year, but I started playing well so I kept trying,” Morin said. “These young guys are so good and they hit it much farther than I do. But I’m still able to hang with them.

“The Puerto Rico thing was a bonus. I wasn’t even thinking about that.”

Andrew Filbert, a PGA Assistant Professional at West Bay, shot a 7-under 65 – the low round of the week – to improve from 36th place to a fourth-place tie with Troy Pare (69-213) of Grand Harbor Beach & Golf Club.

“I took care of the par-5s,” said Filbert, who played them in 4-under with two birdies and an eagle. “I stayed patient out there.”

Collins won the Division II national individual title when she played at Nova Southeastern in Davie. She also won Golf Channel’s Big Break Mexico in 2013 and played briefly on the LPGA Tour and Symetra Tour. But after she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, she shifted her career to teaching.

“I’ve been playing competitive golf my entire life,” Collins said. “It’s nice to have another level of competition.”

The top 12 players earned spots in next year’s PGA Professional Championship April 17-20 at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, TX. Patrick Rada and Tyler Collet are exempt because they qualified for this year’s PGA Championship.

Also earning spots to the national tournament were Justin McCarraher (71-286) of Fiddlesticks, Collet (71-214) of John’s Island Club, Steven Vecellio (71-214) Frenchman’s Reserve, Michael Valicenti (72-214) of Mayacoo Lakes, Jason Martin (76-214), Matt Cahill (70-216) of Seminole, Justin Ahasic (73-216) of Synergy Golf, Kenneth Leech (72-216) of Don Law Academy.

Brett Melton (73-217) of Melton Golf Academy is first alternate.

BallenIsles’ East Course has been the scene of much history. Jack Nicklaus won the 1971 PGA there, as well as teaming with Lee Trevino to win the World Series of Golf. It also hosted the PGA Tour’s q-school in ‘71 that produced Hall of Famers Tom Watson and Lanny Wadkins, as well as John Mahaffey and Bruce Fleisher.

The South Florida PGA Senior Section Championship is presented by Club Car, Cadillac and Rolex. Supporting partners are Titleist/FootJoy, Nike, TaylorMade, Golf Channel, PGA Tour, Biolyte, DLL, Links and Leisure, Whistling Straits and Winner’s Award Group.

Taylor Collins, PGA Wins Tournament Series No. 2; Andrew Filbert, PGA Qualifies for Corales Puntacana Championship

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Taylor Collins, PGA Assistant Professional at Coral Ridge Country Club fired a five-under 67 to win the Tournament Series No. 2 at BallenIsles Country Club.

Collins carded five birdies during her round and an eagle on the 17th. This marks Collins' first Section victory but she is no stranger to the spotlight. Collins was a junior standout in the mid to late 2000s.

Andrew Filbert, PGA of West Bay Club took home second with a four-under 68. This event also served as a qualifier for the Corales Puntacana Championship and Filbert will be representing the South Florida PGA Section. Michael Meisenzahl, PGA of Jupiter Hills Club took home third with a 69.

The event consisted of an 18-hole stroke-play round. Forty percent of the starting field and ties collected a purse payout.

Tournament Series No. 2 is presented by BIOLYTE and supported by Honma Golf and Remedy+.

Alexander Weinberg and Jack Quinn Card Career Low Rounds at PGA Golf Club

Sun, 12 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

As the Junior Tour approaches the end of the season, registration for the remaining events has opened up to all Challenge and Championship Tour players. PGA Golf Club in Port. St. Lucie hosted our juniors this weekend and it was a weekend to go low.

Alexander Weinberg of Palm Beach Gardens claimed the boys 13-18 division title on Sunday after shooting a career-low 65 on the Ryder Course to finish the tournament at four-under-par. Weinberg’s two rounds saw 10 birdies, including four straight birdies on the back during his second round. Jack Quinn of Palm Beach Gardens finished two strokes behind Weinberg. Quinn also had a career-low round of 68 on Sunday.

Bringing home the win in the girls 13-18 division was Katherine Schaefer of Hollywood with rounds of 74 and 69 to finish one-over. Schaefer carded two straight birdies on the back during her second round and kept her scorecard bogey-free. Abigail Smith of Port. St. Lucie edged out Zoe Shamy of Jupiter in a scorecard playoff to earn a second-place finish. Smith went 72-75 to finish five-over-par.

Brooks Colton of Riviera Beach won the boys 11-12 division after a two-day total of 138 with rounds of 71 and 67. Colton carded six birdies during his two rounds. Nicholas Brown of Sarasota won the scorecard playoff against Sarp Gurdogan of Palm Beach gardens to claim a second-place finish with a two-day total of 142. This marks a first-time second-place finish for Brown.

Leah Gram of Jupiter took home the win in the girls 11-12 division with rounds of 88 and 81. Gram’s highlight came from her birdie on the 18th hole during Sunday’s round. Avery Deal of Naples finished second with back-to-back rounds of 88.

The shot of the weekend comes from Marley Pedrique of Palm Beach Gardens with an ace on the fifth hole on Saturday. Congratulations, Marley!

Steve Waugh Headlines the South Florida PGA 2021 Award Recipients

Sat, 11 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

ATLANTIS, FL – Steve Waugh, PGA General Manager at The Old Collier Golf Club has been awarded the 2021 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. As the highest honor a South Florida PGA Golf Professional can receive, Waugh leads the 2021 SFPGA Awards class.

A PGA member for almost 37 years, Waugh has been at The Old Collier Golf Club since 2000 where he began as the Head Professional before becoming the Director of Golf in 2007 and the General Manager earlier this year.

“To be awarded The Golf Professional of the Year Award in the South Florida PGA Section is truly the highlight of my professional career,” said Waugh. “For my peers to consider me in the same fashion as so many outstanding Golf Professionals that have received this award in the past is extremely humbling for me. I have benefited from so many throughout my life and I am thankful to all of them. Thank you to the Awards Committee for their consideration and for this incredible honor.”

In his years of service to the Association and The Old Collier Golf Club, Waugh has always held himself to a high level of integrity and professionalism, encouraging those around him to do the same. His commitment to lifelong learning and bettering himself in all areas of the business – both as a player and professional – has allowed Waugh to provide the highest level of service to his members.

“Our members look to us to guide them, help them to be better players, keep them informed, assist in making their experience with golf more enjoyable,” explained Waugh. “With ongoing changes in all areas of the game, it is very important that we all continue to work to be current with these changes.”

Additionally, Waugh hasn’t let his golf game suffer due to his success on the business side of golf. A standout at Georgia Southern University, Waugh has invested the time to ensure his game has remained at a high level through the years, receiving the 2015 Southwest Chapter Senior Player of the Year Award and competing in the 2010 Senior PGA Championship.

“As a PGA Professional, your title carries with it an assumption that you have achieved an elevated level of playing ability,” said Waugh. “Your ability to play the game at some reasonable level of proficiency is important for your credibility.”

In addition to this award, Waugh was the 1991 North Florida PGA, Northern Florida Chapter Merchandiser of the Year, the 2020 South Florida PGA, Southwest Chapter Golf Professional of the Year and served as the General Chairman for the USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship in 1988. Waugh is also involved in Section leadership, currently serving as a Director on the South Florida PGA Foundation Board.

The Golf Professional of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Throughout the year, the South Florida PGA will honor the recipients at their individual facilities.

Recipients of the 2021 South Florida PGA Awards include the following:

Bill Strausbaugh – Justin Thompson, PGA
PGA Professional Development – Ben Bauer, PGA
Teacher of the Year – Mark Durland, PGA
Player Development – Heather Angell, PGA
Youth Player Development – Bridget Ackley, PGA
Merchandiser of the Year Private – Shawn Gifford, PGA
Merchandiser of the Year Public / Resort – Cory Schaub, PGA
Salesperson of the Year – Tony Romansky, PGA
Assistant of the Year – John Bednar, PGA
Patriot Award – Bo Preston, PGA
Deacon Palmer Award – Shawn Ward, PGA

Gabriella Albert, Pavel Tsar Win South Florida PGA Junior Labor Day Classic

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

WEST PALM BEACH (Sept. 7, 2021) – Gabriella Albert birdied three of her last five holes Monday to win the girls title in the Labor Day Classic, a South Florida PGA junior major at PGA National-Estates.

Albert’s fast finish enabled her to shoot 2-under 70 and post 2-over 218, a stroke ahead of second-round leader Lucia Ramirez (72-219) of Miami. It was Albert’s first junior major title.

“I have been having trouble finishing tournaments, but I reached a par-5 (15th) in two shots and almost made the eagle,” said Albert, a freshman at St. Andrew’s School in Boca Raton. “Something changed after that with my emotions. The shots just fell into place."

“It hasn’t even sunk in yet. I was crying on the 18th green because I didn’t know I had won until one of my playing partners told me. I had no idea this moment would finally come.”

Pavel Tsar of Palm Beach Gardens won the boys title with bookend 67s to finish at 12-under 204. Tsar won by four shots over Mateo Desmond (68-208) of Pompano Beach.

Jason Shwartz of Wellington fired a 65 to finish third at 7-under 209. Sam Brown was fourth (71-214).

In the girls, Addison Klonowski (75-220) of Naples was third, Angelina Marie Guertin (72-222) of Boynton Beach was fourth.

The Labor Day Classic is run by the South Florida PGA and Presented by the Honda Classic. Supporting partners are Don Law Golf Academy, Titleist, The Fun Group at Mirasol, Junior Golf Hub, Tee Times News, Loyal Auto Broker, OGIO, TimberTech Championship, Biolyte, FGCU, ASM Scholarships and First Tee-Florida Gold Coast.

Drive, Chip and Putt Subregionals Conclude; Players Advance to Regional Qualifier at The Bear's Club

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The Drive, Chip and Putt Subregional Qualifiers have concluded for the season here in south Florida and players are one step closer to competing on the big stage at Augusta National. The top two participants in each age division have advanced on to the Regional Qualifier set to take place on October 3 at The Bear’s Club.

The first of the two Subregionals took place at Old Collier Golf Club in Naples on August 21. Congratulations to the top two players in each division who will be moving on to the regional qualifier:

Girls 7-9: Bella Simoes (98) and Karina Marie Gonzalez (76)

Girls 10-11: Kinley Mills (94) and Alexandra Lohuis (79)

Girls 12-13: Elyse Meerdink (136) and Krishny Elwin (128)

Girls 14-15: Jamie Lowry (117) and Gia Culler Guerra (114)

Boys 7-9: Cameron Middleton (104) and Luke Williams (85)

Boys 10-11: Axel Monssoh (130) and Jack Zejda (117)

Boys 12-13: Patrick Pinkey (117) and Kaden Latreille (112)

Boys 14-15: Braden Miller (124) and Luis Cortes (124)

The second Subregional Qualifier took place at Old Marsh Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens on August 28. Congratulations to the top two players in each division who will be moving on to the regional qualifier:

Girls 7-9: Alyna Yensabai (132) and Gemma Hughes (110)

Girls 10-11: Leah Gram (130) and Grace Carter (122)

Girls 12-13: Callie Nelson (141) and Fernanda Carrion (139)

Girls 14-15: Margaret Luce (158) and Kierra Williams (140)

Boys 7-9: Jake McMillan (139) and Gavin Dornevil (131)

Boys 10-11: Ryan Nana Tanke (150) and Dallas Duffie (142)

Boys 12-13: Cooper Foegen (154) and Ryder Kenney (140)

Boys 14-15: Aiden Miller (140) and Colton Smith Nash (133)

Jack Shoenfelt Wins South Florida PGA Senior Section Championship Presented by Cadillac

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH (Aug. 24, 2021) – Jack Shoenfelt played his first 10 holes in 4-under to get the lead Tuesday and held on to win the South Florida PGA Senior Section Championship Presented by Cadillac at Banyan Cay Resort & Club.

Shoenfelt, the owner of Oriole Golf and Tennis Center in Margate, started the day two shots off the lead, but surged into a tie with Michael Valicenti of Mayacoo Lakes with birdies at 1, 7, 9 and 10. Shoenfelt had six pars and a bogey from there for a 69 that left him at 5-under 139.

Tied for second a shot back was Alan Morin (68-140), an Assistant PGA Professional at The Club at Ibis, and Valicenti (71-140).

“I’m thrilled, surprised,” Shoenfelt said. “I had a feeling( he might win), but I wasn’t sure. I didn’t think there was any way that 5-under would hold up. This is the biggest win of my career. There haven’t been many.”

Five-under held up the winds made even the short holes at Banyan Cay play tight. Morin was 6-under for his round, but bogeyed two of his last three holes. Valicenti also had two late bogeys.

“It was tough out there,” Shoenfelt said.

Mike San Filippo of Hobe Sound, who won the event three times (2005, ’16 and ’17), shot 72 and tied for fourth with Roger Kennedy Jr. (73-141).

The top eight finishers not otherwise eligible earned spots in the 33rd Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac Oct. 21-24 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie.

That included two who tied for fourth place: Director of Golf Eric Veilleux at the Bear’s Club (72-142), Director of Golf Gene Fieger of the Club Pelican Bay (71-142); and five players who tied for eighth: Daniel Heaslip (67) of Windstar Naples Bay, David Witt (69) of Talis Park, Mike Strlekar (71) of Woodfield, Mark Mielke (72) of High Ridge and John Lee (74) of Imperial Golf Club. Jerry Tucker of Stuart (70-144) is first alternate.

“It’s great to finally qualify,” said the 56-year-olf Shoenfelt. “I had tried like four times, but was also 17th, 25th … never good enough.”

Tuesday, he was better than them all.

The South Florida PGA Senior Section Championship is presented by Cadillac. Supporting partners are John Deere and Golf Channel.

Palm Cove Golf Club Hosts Prep Tour Event

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

More than 60 juniors had the opportunity to play Palm Cove Golf Club in Palm City on Sunday in a Prep Tour event.

Johnathan Kim of Boca Raton won the boys 13-18 division with a 75. Kim’s round included two birdies on the front. Taking home the win in the boys 11-12 division was Jake Williams of Miami. Williams shot a 73, including two birdies. William Richards of Miami went three-under-par to win the boys 9-10 division. Richards carded six birdies during his round.

Finishing in first place for the girls 13-18 division was Bruna Carvalho of Boynton Beach with a 79. Carvalho finished her round with two birdies and nine pars. Yool Her of Pembroke Pines went two-under to win the girls 11-12 division by 12 strokes. Her’s round included five birdies, three of which occurred on her final three holes. Olivia Hartman of Palm Beach Gardens shot a 72 to win the girls 9-10 division.

Team Don Law Golf Academy-Summer Wins South Florida PGA Jr. League Section Championship

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The South Florida PGA Jr. League Section Championship was held on Sunday at Osprey Point Golf Club. This year’s field featured seven teams including two teams in the 9U division and one in the 17U division.

The morning round consisted of nine holes of aggregate stroke play followed by a round of match-play competition in the afternoon.

The Championship Round was a battle between the two teams representing Don Law Golf Academy, Spring and Summer. Each team earned six flags, so it came down to the number of birdies. The Summer team was victorious with 17 birdies made during the final round, while the Spring team made 16.

The 17U team from Plantation Preserve, coached by Nick Pincket, PGA, has advanced to the Regional Finals.

Each Regional competition is made up of four Section Champions from each of the 12 Regions across the country for the 13U and 17U age divisions. The 12 Regional champions from the 13U division advance to the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship, which will be held at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., in October.

Thank you to the PGA Professionals Bobby Conway, Don Law, Kenny Leech, Mike Richards, Zack Shriver and Tom O’Brien for coaching these Jr. League teams and continuing to teach golf’s future generation.

Evan Bowser (64) Wins National Car Rental SFPGA Assistant Professional Championship

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

NAPLES (Aug. 10, 2021) – Evan Bowser shot an 8-under 64 Tuesday to charge from four shots back and win the National Car Rental SFPGA Assistant Professional Championship at Wyndemere Country Club.

Bowser, a PGA Assistant Professional at LaPlaya Golf Club in Naples, eagled the par-5 first hole when he hit a 3-iron to 15 feet and made the putt. He added three birdies on the next six holes to take the lead.

“My No. 1 priority wasn’t to win; it was to finish in the top five to qualify for the national assistant championship,” Bowser said. “Once I got off to a great start, I knew I had a chance to win.”

Bowser made three more birdies on the back nine, including holing a bunker shot at the 10th hole, to clinch the three-shot victory over three players. Bowser’s round was almost 12 shots less than the scoring average (75.91) and the former Canadian Tour member finished at 9-under 135.

“I knew I could do it,” said Bowser, who was followed by his sister, Elayna, a mini-tour player. “You can’t go into the round thinking you’re going to shoot a 64. You have to let it happen.

“To say you’re the top Assistant Professional in South Florida is a great feeling. I’m going to the national tournament to win, not just have a good time.”

Tying for second place at 7-under 137 were Jason Robinson of the Country Club at Mirasol, Jeremy Wells of Cypress Lake Golf Club and Michael Welch of Kensington.

Robinson, the first-round leader, made two eagles and five bogeys during his up-and-down 70. Wells (69), a PGA Director of Instruction, made four birdies and a bogey. Welch had an eagle to highlight his 68.

Alan Morin, a PGA Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis, birdied the fifth playoff hole to beat Ryan Leahy of The Bear’s Club to earn the final spot in the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship Nov. 11-14 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. Morin birdied the final three holes to make the playoff. Leahy is first alternate.

The National Car Rental SFPGA Assistant Professional Championship is conducted by the South Florida PGA. Supporting partners are John Deere, Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO/ASICS and Jani-King.

Filippo Serra, Vilda Westh Blanc Win South Florida PGA Doral Junior Open

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The South Florida PGA Doral Junior Open at Trump National Doral Miami produced a first-time SFPGA Junior Tour winner, Filippo Serra, in the boy's overall division, and a second consecutive major champion in the overall girl's division, Vilda Westh Blanc.

Serra of Ponte Vedra, who recently moved to Florida from Switzerland, fired a one-under 69 today on the Doral – Red Tiger course, finishing at three-under for the three-day tournament.

Moving three spots up the leaderboard, avenging a first-round 74, Serra fired six birdies today to hold off Chris Calvani of Palm Beach Gardens and Ryan Lopez of Pembroke Pines who finished at even and one-over for the tournament, respectively.

In the girl's division, Westh Blanc, who recently won the SFPGA Junior Tour Patty Berg Championship two weeks ago, took hold of the lead thanks to a first-round 72 and never let it go.

Westh Blanc followed her even-par round with another 72 today to beat the field by eight strokes, Madison Moman of Palm Beach Gardens finishing at 12-over for the tournament in second place.

Additionally, the boys 11-12 division played 36 holes with Sohan Patel of Weston taking the title after an impressive 69 in the first round. Patel shot 80 the second day to finish at six-over-par, four shots ahead of Jude Desmond of Pompano Beach.

The SFPGA Doral Junior Open is one of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour’s major championships, annually drawing fields of south Florida’s elite junior golfers.

South Florida PGA Junior Prep Tour Takes Doral

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The South Florida PGA Junior Prep Tour tested their games at Trump National Doral Golf Club, Red Tiger Course this morning for 18 holes of stroke play.

Despite afternoon thunderstorms cutting the day short, over 70 players came out with some age divisions finishing their rounds while others completed less than 18 holes before weather cancelled the event.

The Girl’s 13-18 Division finished their full 18 hole rounds with Ana Evora of Miami shooting a 78 to win by one stroke over Dounia Bezzari of Vero Beach.

The Boy’s 13-18 Division finished 11 holes with Nicholas Shortal of Coral Gables shooting a 43 to win by two strokes over Joe Smillie of Bradenton.

Raejon McKnight of Vero Beach won the Boy’s 11-12 Division with a 72 through 15 holes and Miranda Borges of Miami won the Girl’s 11-12 Division with a 79 after playing the full 18 holes.

Lastly, in the Girl’s 9-10 Isabelle Michetti of Naples won with a 93 and William Richards of Miami won with a 52 after 13 holes.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour will be back in action later this week again at Trump National Doral with the Doral Junior Open, one of the SFPGA Junior Tour majors for the Championship and Challenge tours this Wednesday – Friday.

Jared Isaacs and Jay Brooks Take the South Florida PGA Pro-Scratch Championship

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Jared Isaacs, PGA Professional at Adios Golf Club and amateur Jay Brooks from PGA National fired a 17-under 127 to win the South Florida PGA Pro-Scratch Championship at Broken Sound – Old Course and Bocaire Country Club.

The South Florida PGA Pro-Scratch Championship is a two-day event featuring the best PGA Professionals and amateurs from south Florida, playing a best-ball format in twosomes, one scratch golfer and one PGA professional.

Isaacs and Brooks posted a 12-under 60 after their first round at Broken Sound – Old Course and shot a five-under 67 today at Bocaire Country Club. Andrew Filbert, PGA of West Bay Club and amateur James Tureskis went 9-under today and 8-under yesterday, also finishing at 17-under to force a playoff between the two teams.

After a rain delay paused play while Isaacs and Brooks were on 17 tee, the duo came back from the delay to make eagle, thanks to a Brooks’ chip in on the par-5 17th hole.

Brooks continued his clutch play down the stretch by hitting his approach on the first playoff hole to four feet, making for an easy tap-in birdie to seal the victory.

Isaacs and Brooks carded 14 birdies and 2 eagles throughout the two days of play.

Finishing in a tie for third at 15-under were Matt Doyle, PGA Professional at Turtle Creek and Pete Williams and Will Coleman, PGA Professional at the Club at Admirals Cove and Brandon Smith

The Pro-Scratch is supported by Bushnell Golf, The Lincoln Motor Company, PXG, On the Green CBD, Scales, Therabody, Precise Yardage Books and the Winner’s Award Group.

Bent Pine Golf Club Hosts Prep Tour Event

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Our SFPGA Prep Tour players had the opportunity on Tuesday to tee it up at Bent Pine Golf Club.

Nicholas Cecchini of Jupiter took home the boys 13-18 division title after posting a two-over-par 74. Cecchini’s round included three birdies. In the boys 11-12 division, Raejon McKnight of Vero Beach carded an 87 to win by a single stroke. Agustin Bunuel of Miami Springs won the boys 9-10 division with an 88.

Finishing in first place for the girls 13-18 division was Dounia Bezzari of Vero Beach with a 79. Bezzari finished her round with a birdie and 11 pars. Laura Monsalve of Miami took home the girls 11-12 division title with an 81, including a four-hole par streak.

Markle and San Filippo Win Senior Series Event No. 1

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Coral Springs – Twenty-five teams teed off this morning at The Country Club of Coral Springs for the first Senior Series event of the year. Despite a morning weather delay, Life Member Mike San Filippo, PGA and Matt Markle, PGA of Island Country Club managed to shoot a 10-under 61. Their round included 11 birdies, including four consecutive birdies on their final holes. This duo previously won the 2020 Senior-Super Senior Championship.

Finishing two strokes behind was Life Member Roger Kennedy, PGA and his son, Roger Kennedy, PGA of The Country Club at Mirasol.

The format consisted of 18 holes of team stroke play (four-ball format).

Thank you to Bill Friesing, PGA and his team at The Country Club of Coral Springs for hosting today’s event.

Vilda Westh-Blanc (64), Eman Lim (70) Win Patty Berg Junior Championship

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

NAPLES (July 25, 2021) – Vilda Westh-Blanc said it felt like a blackout. The rest of the field at the Patty Berg Junior Championship was rubbing its eyes after she posted an 8-under 64 Sunday to win the girls title by 13 shots.

Westh-Blanc, a 16-year-old who splits her time in Palm Beach Gardens and Tennessee, shot her career-best round at Cypress Lake Golf Club, bettering Saturday’s previous best of a 67.

“It was almost like a blackout,” Westh-Blanc said. “I looked at a putt and I holed it. It’s not something I can explain. It just happened. My mind and my body were completely in synch.”

Eman Lim of Lake Worth shot 2-under 70 to win the boys title by two shots at 2-under 214. Lim birdied his next-to-last hole, the par-3 eighth, and parred the ninth to hold off Michael Bevins (71-216) of Fort Myers, Manuel Cue Vargas (73-216) and Bennett Stone (73-216) of Jupiter.

Westh-Blanc has a diverse background. She is half Swedish and half French. She was born in Morocco, spent time in Cypress and now lives with her family on a boat in Florida. She is home-schooled.

Her game travels. She rebounded from an opening 75 to become the only player in the field to break 70 either day after making 15 birdies in the last 36 holes.

“The difference was putting,” she said. “I even had a four-putt the first day. I had switched to the claw grip and it took a little adjustment."

“I played a lot of golf in 2019, but not much last year. This is my first win of the year, though I can’t remember how many I’ve had in my career. It feels to have this one pay off.”

Sofia Cherif Essakali of Miami was second at 74-219, two ahead of Gabriella Albert (73-221) of Delray Beach.

The Patty Berg is one of the junior majors in the South Florida PGA. The event is named after the LPGA Hall of Famer who was a strong advocate of junior golf and was a co-founding member at Cypress Lake. This year, the golfers were treated to milkshakes after their round.

The Patty Berg Junior Championship is run by the South Florida PGA and the Southwest Florida Junior Golf Association. Supporting partners are the Honda Classic, Don Law Golf Academy, Titleist, The Fun Group at Mirasol, Junior Golf Hub, Tee Times News, Loyal Auto Broker, OGIO, TimberTech Championship, Biolyte, FGCU, ASM Scholarships and First Tee-Florida Gold Coast.

Wendell J. Haskins Donates $9,175 to the South Florida PGA Foundation

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Wendell J. Haskins, Founder of the Original Tee, has donated $9,175 to the South Florida PGA Foundation to support STEAM and Golf for youth.

Through the Original Tee, Haskins has made it his mission to expose and nurture diverse participation in the game and business of golf.

“When I heard what 10 ALL IN and the South Florida PGA Foundation was doing, I had to get involved,” said Haskins. “I appreciate what is being done here to grow the game and for Santonio to bring it back to his hometown with the South Florida PGA is unbelievable.”

The South Florida PGA has recently partnered with Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes and his foundation 10 ALL IN to bring golf and STEAM to underserved communities.

Starting with Belle Glade, where Holmes grew up, the SFPGA Foundation and 10 ALL IN wrapped up a week-long Golf and STEAM Summer Camp at Glades Central High School this week.

The Foundations were joined by 30 Glades Central high school students and SFPGA Professionals who introduced golf to the students, as well as engineers from Pratt & Whitney who guided an engineering project.

The success of the week is just the first step for the SFPGA Foundation and 10 ALL IN who look forward to many more programs in the future to touch the lives of future generations.

Prep Tour Visits Hammock Bay Golf and Country Club

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Fifty Prep Tour players had the opportunity to tee it up at Hammock Bay Golf and Country Club on Saturday.

Dominic Wirtz of Naples won the boys 13-18 division title after shooting three-over-par today. Wirtz’s round saw three birdies, including back-to-back birdies on the fifth and sixth hole. In the boys 11-12 division, Frank Muniz of Miami shot a 75 to finish his round at three-over. Muniz finished his round with three birdies. Agustin Bunuel of Miami Springs took home the boys 9-10 division title with an 86, including a birdie on the ninth hole.

Finishing in first place for the girls 13-18 division was Bruna Carvalho of Boynton Beach with a 78. Carvalho carded two birdies during her round. Ashley Balcom of Lighthouse Point took home the girls 11-12 division title after a one-over-par round, including three birdies. Earning the top spot in the girls 9-10 division was Olivia Hartman of Palm Beach Gardens. Hartman finished her round five-over-par.

Oscar Crowe, Zoe Pinillos Win Brendan Cunningham Junior Open

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

NAPLES (July 16, 2021) – Oscar Crowe played his last five holes in 2-under Friday at Hammock Bay to win the Brendan Cunningham Junior Open for his first South Florida PGA junior major title.

Crowe, a 14-year-old who will be a freshman at Boca High, birdied the 14th and 15th holes and finished with three pars to shoot 1-under 71 and win by a stroke at 3-over 219 over Lorenzo Rodriguez (72) of Miami and Aiden Miller (71) of Palm Beach Gardens.

“I birdied the 14th, 15th and 16th holes the previous day, so I knew I liked those holes,” Crowe said. “I feel kind of in shock. I didn’t think I had the confidence to win up until this point. I wasn’t paired with the leaders, so I just had to stick with my game.”

Zoe Pinillos of Kissimmee shot 71 and won the girls title by nine shots at 1-under 215. The Peru native never trailed after opening with a 2-under 34 on the front nine Wednesday. She made 10 birdies.

“It was difficult at first because I was thinking the worst things: ‘What if someone shoots 7-under?’ But then I just concentrated on my game and I stayed calm,” Pinillos said. “I just tried to hit fairway, green and two putts, no more. One putt, perfect.”

Valentina Hurtado had a 73 and finished second at 8-over 224. Sydney Young (73) of Naples and Zoe Shamy (73) of Jupiter tied for third place at 225.

Formerly known as the South Florida Junior Open, the Brendan Cunningham Junior Open was named after Cunningham, a popular supporter and volunteer of the SFPGA. He died last September. It’s one of eight junior majors on the SFPGA Junior Tour.

The Brendan Cunningham Junior Open is run by the South Florida PGA. Supporting partners are Don Law Golf Academy, Titleist, The Fun Group at Mirasol, Junior Golf Hub, Tee Times News, Loyal Auto Broker, OGIO, TimberTech Championship, Biolyte, FGCU, ASM Scholarships and First Tee-Florida Gold Coast.

Andrew Filbert-Justin Smith Win Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship Despite Hole-In-One By Alan Morin

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

NAPLES (July 13, 2021) – Andrew Filbert and Justin Smith made seven birdies on the last eight holes Tuesday to win the Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship Presented by Callaway despite a hole-in-one by Alan Morin.

Filbert, a PGA Assistant Professional at West Bay, and Smith, a PGA Instructor at Bonita Bay West, shot 11-under 61 at Hammock Bay with Smith making the crucial birdie putt on the 18th hole. Filbert and Smith shot a tournament-record 24-under 120 after opening with a 59.

Filbert and Smith needed every shot after Morin aced the 166-yard third hole at The Rookery at Marco with an 8-iron. The hole-in-one moved Morin, a PGA Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis, and Collet, a PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club, into the early lead after they shot 60 Monday.

When play was stopped for about 90 minutes because of lightning when Filbert and Smith were on the 12th hole, they got to find out where they stood against Morin-Collet, who were playing a different course.

“The delay was key because we found out we trailed by one, and that re-motivated us,” Filbert said. “I had started to rush things before the delay. We’ve come close before, so it’s nice to get this one under our belts.”

Smith, who won last month’s E-Z-GO South Florida Open with a birdie in a playoff, made sure there wouldn’t be extra holes Tuesday when he made a 10-foot birdie putt on No. 18.

“We knew we had to do something stellar,” Smith said. “As we were walking to the 18th tee, we said we probably need to birdie the hole to win. And we did. I couldn’t be prouder of Andrew and myself.”

It was Morin’s second hole-in-one in competition, his ninth overall, and it came in unique fashion: From the tee, Morin thought the ball was inches away, but when they arrived at the green, they only saw three balls.

“I’m like, ‘Where’s my ball at?’” Morin said. “It was the weirdest thing. I must have fallen in when we were riding to the green.”

With the leaders playing different courses because of the luck of the draw, it also made for some unsettling moments.

“We didn’t know where we stood, so it was like, ‘Do we really need this? Or should we be aggressive on this hole?’ ” said Morin, who has been the South Florida PGA's Player of the Year 10 times. “It’s hard to think we shot 23 under and we didn’t win.”

Said Smith: “That’s because we shot 24-under.”

It was another eight shots back to third place at 15-under 129, with Patrick Rada of McArthur Club and Kenneth Leech of Don Law Academy (67) tying with Jeremy Wells of Cypress Lake Golf Club and Michael Welch of Bonita National Golf Club (63).

The Yamaha Pro-Pro Championship Presented by Callaway is run by the South Florida PGA. Supporting partners are BrightView, Dunning/Greg Norman, Golf Scorecards, Inc., Hole-in-One USA and Winner’s Award Group.

Old Marsh Golf Club Hosts Championship Tour Event

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Seventy-seven juniors competed in the Championship Tour event at Old Marsh Golf Club. Players battled a three-hour weather delay on Thursday afternoon but were able to complete all 36 holes.

Chris Calvani of Palm Beach Gardens edged out Chase Cohen of West Palm Beach after a two-hole sudden death playoff in the boys 13-18 division. Calvani went 71-73 to finish the tournament at even par. His two rounds included nine birdies. Cohen’s two rounds saw him seven birdies.

Gabriella Degasperis of Jupiter took home the girls 13-18 division title with a two-day total of one-under-par, including an impressive second round 67. DeGasperis carded four consecutive birdies on holes 2-5. Zoey Iglesias of Port St. Lucie placed second in her final Championship Tour event after finishing one-over-par for the tournament. Iglesias is headed off to Anderson University this fall to begin her collegiate golf journey.

Jaden Peterson of Port St. Lucie won the boys 11-12 division after a two-day total of seven-under-par with rounds of 69 and 68. Peterson finished his second round with three consecutive birdies. Tyler Lilienfeld of Palm City took second place after finishing back-to-back rounds of 70 to go four-under-par.

The shot of the day comes from Matthew Pollak of Jupiter who holed out from 120 yards to make a birdie after a blind second shot location on the fifth hole.

South Florida PGA Foundation Kicks Off Partnership with Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes, 10 ALL IN Foundation

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The South Florida PGA Foundation kicked off its partnership with Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes and his 10 ALL IN Foundation today at Banyan Cay Resort & Golf.

Holmes joined Vice President of the South Florida PGA Paul Clivio, PGA and members of St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton where Clivio is the current Director of Golf for a round of golf and networking at Banyan Cay Resort & Golf.

The round served as a launch to the partnership between Holme’s foundation, 10 ALL IN and the SFPGA where, together, the foundations will bring golf to underserved communities in south Florida.

Holmes attended Glades Central High School and went on to be a standout wide receiver for The Ohio State University before playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers where he was the Super Bowl XLIII MVP in 2009.

After retiring from the NFL, Holmes found a new love for golf and the life lessons that come with it and is now focused on introducing the game to communities that don’t have it readily available.

“As I got older, I understood why people play golf,” explained Holmes. “I think it’s so important that this game is brought to people because of what it provides: responsibility, friendships, networking. You can’t find that anywhere else and it’s a sport that you can play your whole life."

Starting with Belle Glade where Holmes grew up, during the week of July19-23, PGA Professionals from the south Florida section will teach the core values that the game of golf is built upon to students at Belle Glade Central High School

In addition, the camp will focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) and provide activities in health and wellness, social and emotional learning, soft skills training and a hands-on STEAM project to be worked on throughout the duration of the week.

To learn more about 10 ALL IN, click here and to donate to the golf and STEAM camp and the ongoing SFPGA Foundation and 10 ALL IN partnership, click here .

ABOUT THE SOUTH FLORIDA PGA FOUNDATION
The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida Community, with a focus on junior golf, education, scholarships and charitable gifting. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of 1,850 men and women PGA Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.

ABOUT 10 ALL IN
10 ALL IN was created to educate and motivate people through excellent work ethic to help equip students and communities with opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable, acting as a pillar to support those who need it most. 10 ALL IN is dedicated to changing the lives of underprivileged children through education and professional opportunities, serving as a pillar of support for youth and the impoverished communities they live in.

SFPGA Prep Tour Visits Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club

Sat, 03 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The SFPGA hosted a Prep Tour event on Friday for South Florida’s junior tour players at Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club on Friday, July 2, 2021. 63 Prep Tour players showed up at the event to compete for the first-place spots in their respective divisions.

Joshua Puerta of Miami carded a 78 during his round to win the boys 13-18 division. For the girls 13-18 division, Zoe Papell of Miami Beach took home the medal with a score of 82.

As for the boys 11-12 division, Jake William of Miami secured the win with a 76. Callie Nelson of Palm Beach took home the girls 11-12 division after carding a 75 for the event.

In the boys 9-10 division, Sebastian Betancourt of Weston carded an 82 to win his division title.

Congratulations to everyone who played in this event!

Click here to view the scores.

For more information on the South Florida PGA Junior Tours, please visit the South Florida PGA Junior Tour website at www.sfpgajuniorgolf.com .

Mitchell Holgate, PGA and Gene Fieger, PGA of Club Pelican Bay Win Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Mitchell Holgate, PGA and Gene Fieger, PGA of Club Pelican Bay fired an 11-under 61 to capture the win at this year’s Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship at The Falls Club of the Palm Beaches.

Holgate and Fieger combined for eight birdies and two eagles on holes 13 and 15. This duo from Club Pelican Bay edged out fellow competitors Roger Kennedy, Jr., PGA and Kent Graham, PGA from Country Club at Mirasol by a single stroke.

A memorable highlight of the day included a hole-in-one on hole 16 from Austin Davenport, PGA of The Dye Preserve Golf Club.

The Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship is an 18 hole team stroke play competition where PGA Professionals from across south Florida team up with a senior PGA member (age 50 and up).

The Junior-Senior Championship is presented by Yamaha and supported by Ahead USA and Global Golf Sales.

Prep Tour Visits Palm Beach Par 3

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The Prep Tour visited the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course on Monday morning for the ninth event of the season.

Andrew Crout of Palm Beach Gardens finished first in the boys 13-18 division after carding a six-over-par 60, including three birdies. Talan Wilkes of Jupiter won in a scorecard playoff against Nicholas Cecchini of Jupiter at seven-over-par to finish second in the boys 13-18 division. Taking home the boys 11-12 division title was Lawson Ford of West Palm Beach. Ford’s one-over-par round included two birdies. One stroke behind Ford was Frank Muniz of Miami with a 56. Sebastian Betancourt of Weston finished his round with a 60 to win the boys 9-10 division by two strokes over Agustin Bunuel of Miami Springs.

In the girls 13-18 division, Zoe Papell of Miami Beach edged out fellow competitor Ava DuMond in a scorecard playoff. Papell’s four-over-par round included a highlight birdie on hole 13. Callie Nelson of Palm Beach and Marley Pedrique of Palm Beach Gardens both shot an impressive four-under-par in the girls 11-12 division. Pedrique fired six birdies during her round and finished the back nine with a 24 to slide past Nelson in the scorecard playoff. In the girls 9-10 division, Olivia Hartman of Palm Beach Gardens won her fifth Prep Tour event of the season with a 64 on Monday.

TJ Thompson, Gabriella Gomez Win Nicklaus Junior Championship

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

JUPITER – The Nicklaus Junior Championship finished Friday with birdies by the winners.

TJ Thompson of Coral Springs used a hot putter and a clutch finish Friday to win the overall boys title at the Nicklaus Junior Championship. And Gabriella Gomez of Miami birdied the first hole of a playoff to win the girls title over Sofia Cherif Essakali of Miami.

Thompson, a 16-year-old junior at Stoneman Douglas, shot a 4-under 68 at the Bear’s Club to win by two shots over Chase Cohen of West Palm Beach. Thompson played the par-5s in 3-under, including a wedge to tap-in distance at the 18th hole.

“It’s awesome to win Jack’s tournament. It means a lot,” Thompson said. “I felt like I needed to birdie the last hole. After a little mishap off the tee, I hit a great second shot and a wedge close. The flat stick was working both days. I had only 10 putts on the front nine (Thursday at North Palm Beach Country Club). This ranks at the top of what I have accomplished in golf.”

Gomez, a 16-year-old junior at Doral Academy, shot the day’s low round – a 2-under 70 – and then birdied the par-5 18th hole in a playoff for her first career title. She finished about 45 minutes before Cherif Essakali (73) also posted even-par 143.

“I was really nervous. I’m still nervous,” Gomez said. “I’ve never been in this position before. I played better than I thought I would.”

Cohen shot a 69 to finish at 4-under 139. NaShawn Tyson (70) was third at 2-under 141. Sebastian Thrane of Palm Beach shot the low round at North Palm to finish fifth at 2-over 143.

Gabriella Albert of Delray Beach shot 74 and was third at 2-over 145. Hope Hall (75) of Boca Raton was fourth at 5-over 146.

Previous winners of the Nicklaus Junior Championship include four-time major champion Brooks Koepka, Daniel Berger, Chase Koepka, Derek Fathauer and Steve LeBrun.

The Nicklaus Junior Championship is presented by the Honda Classic and run jointly by the South Florida PGA and the Palm Beach County Golf Association. Supporting partners are Don Law Golf Academy, Titleist, The Fun Group at Mirasol, Junior Golf Hub, Tee Times News, Loyal Auto Broker, OGIO, TimberTech Championship, Biolyte, FGCU, ASM Scholarships and First Tee-Florida Gold Coast.

Justin Smith Wins E-Z-GO South Florida Open With Birdie in Playoff

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

NAPLES – Having endured a final-hole bogey to force a playoff and two weather delays, Justin Smith still felt supremely confident as he walked up the fairway to face a 20-foot birdie putt on the third extra hole Thursday at the E-Z-GO South Florida Open.

“I looked at E.J. McDonnell, our director of golf, and I said, ‘I’m going to bury this thing.’ And I buried that thing,” Smith said. “That felt really good.”

Smith’s winning putt ended a long day and enabled the PGA Instructor at Bonita Bay West to defeat Ryan Fountain and earn his first South Florida PGA title. Smith shook off a bogey at the 18th hole to make a couple of pars and then the confident birdie stroke to win at Bonita Bay-Cypress.

“I wasn’t even fazed by it (bogey at 18),” Smith said about missing a par putt by an inch. “I didn’t ever look at a leaderboard. It’s the first time I did not ask or look at a board until I was done. They told me I was in a playoff and I’m like, ‘OK, cool.’”

Fountain, a PGA Assistant Professional at the Bear’s Club, shot a 4-under 68 to force the playoff at 13-under 203. Fountain had six birdies, but one of his two bogeys came at the 17th hole.

Smith credited PGA Tour veteran Brian Harmon, a childhood friend, for helping him with his mental and short game. Smith grew up in Savannah and still plays with Harmon and his fellow PGA Tour pals at Sea Island. Smith said he has dedicated himself to improving his game with a strict routine that includes 5 a.m. wake-up calls and yoga.

“We all go through ruts in life, and you have to get yourself out of it,” Smith said. “You have to be the best version of you, and you have to figure that out on your own. You have to work hard and set goals, and if you don’t accomplish those goals, work even harder.”

Tied for third, two shots back at 11-under 205, were PGA Assistant Professionals Andrew Filbert (67) of West Bay and Tyler Collet (69) of John’s Island Club. Christian De Greiff (71-206) of TPC Eagle Trace was fifth, a shot ahead of PGA Assistant Professional Alan Morin (71-207) of The Club at Ibis. Morin has won the event three times.

The E-Z-GO South Florida Open is presented by E-Z-GO and run by the South Florida PGA. Supporting partners are Biolyte, On the Green, Prized Possessions, Srixon, Turfhound and Riptide Brewing Company.

Brett Melton, PGA and Andrew Filbert, PGA Tie to Win Tournament Series #1

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Brett Melton, PGA Teaching Professional at Melton Golf Academy and Andrew Filbert, PGA Assistant Professional at West Bay Club shoot 65 to split the title at Tournament Series #1, presented by BIOLYTE and supported by Honma, Riptide Brewing Company and Tagmarshal at Bonita Bay Club East.

Melton carded seven birdies during his round, including three straight birdies on holes 16-18. Eight birdies were made by Filbert, including a five-hole-streak on holes 1-5. Jeremy Wells, Director of Instruction at Cypress Lake Golf Club and Sean McGinness, PGA Head Golf Professional at The Club at Renaissance tied for third place with a six-under-par 66.

The event consisted of an 18-hole stroke-play round where 40 percent of the field collected a purse payout.

SFPGA Prep Tour Visits Hammock Creek Golf Club

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The junior tour season is in full swing for the summer. Sixty-six Prep Tour players visited Hammock Creek Golf Club on Monday.

Dounia Bezzari of Vero Beach and Sophia Quinones of Coral Springs tied this afternoon after both carding 82 in the girls 13-18 division. Bezzari won in a scorecard playoff to claim her first victory on the Prep Tour. In the girls 11-12 division, Ashley Balcom of Lighthouse Point went four-under-par to win the division. Balcom’s round included six birdies. Finishing two strokes behind Balcom with a 70 was Marley Pedrique of Palm Beach Gardens. Olivia Hartman of Palm Beach Gardens took home the girls 9-10 division with an 87. This marks Hartman’s fourth first-place finish this season on the Prep Tour.

Taking home first place in the boys 13-18 division was Jacob Kutner of Palm Beach Gardens. Kutner’s round saw two birdies and an eagle on 16 to finish one-over-par. Three strokes behind Kutner was Michael Louis of Palm Beach Gardens who placed second after a scorecard playoff with fellow competitor Sebastian Ayala of Boca Raton. In the boys 11-12 division, Patrick Shawger of Singer Island finished two-over-par to win his first Prep Tour event. Ryder Kenney of North Palm Beach placed second after winning the scorecard playoff against Beau Allen of Fort Pierce at five-over. Sebastian Betancourt of Weston claimed the boys 9-10 division title after carding an 80 today to win his first Prep Tour event. Three strokes behind Betancourt was Agustin Bunuel of Miami Springs to win his first Prep Tour event.

The Road to Augusta National Starts This Weekend With the First South Florida PGA DCP Qualifier

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 18:06:30 GMT

The first of 10 local Drive, Chip and Putt Qualifiers administered by the South Florida PGA will take place this weekend at Vineyards Country Club in Naples.

Founded in 2013, Drive, Chip and Putt is a joint initiative through the Masters Tournament, the United States Golf Association and the PGA of America to grow the game of golf by offering a free nationwide competition.

Boys and girls, ages 7-15, can sign up and participate in any of the 10 qualifiers throughout south Florida and many others throughout the nation. Contestants compete in the three disciplines of driving, chipping and putting for the chance to advance to Augusta National Golf Club for the national competition, held in advance of the Masters.

Throughout the 10 stops this summer, the South Florida PGA expects to host nearly 1,000 junior golfers. In 2019 (2020 was canceled due to covid-19), five junior golfers from the south Florida area advanced to the national tournament with Elyse Meerdink taking home first place in the Girls 10-11 Division.

For more information on Drive, Chip and Putt and to follow along this summer, click here .

LOCAL QUALIFIERS:
June 19 Vineyards Country Club - Click here for pairings
June 22 Hammock Creek Golf Club
June 29 BallenIsles Country Club
July 11 Osprey Point Golf Course
July 19 Banyan Cay Resort & Club
July 26 Pelican Marsh Golf Club
July 29 Delray Dunes Golf & Country Club
August 3 The Biltmore Golf Course
August 9 Broken Sound - Old Course

SUB-REGIONALS:
August 21 Old Collier Club
August 28 Old Marsh Golf Club

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Brett White, Nicole Yugay Win South Florida PGA Junior PGA Championship

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH – Brett White of Fort Lauderdale almost didn’t get to play in the South Florida PGA Junior PGA Championship. He didn’t play well in a qualifying tournament May 22 in Stuart and thought he wouldn’t advance.

But while he was at a Duffy’s restaurant, White looked at his phone and realized he was going to be in a playoff. He rushed back to the course just in time and made it through the 3-for-2 playoff.

White had no such worries Sunday at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club. The 17-year-old shot a 1-under 70 to win the South Florida PGA’s first junior major by five shots over Andres Barraza of Parkland at 3-under 139. White earned a spot in the national Junior PGA Championship (as did Barraza).

“I got the last qualifier spot (in May), but I didn’t think about that,” White said. “I just tried to play my own game. I didn’t make a bogey, but I made a double at the 12 because of a stupid mistake. But I came back and birdied the 13th and the 18th.”

Barraza clinched his spot in the national tournament when he made a 30-foot par putt at the last hole. He shot 73 and finished at 144.

“I was just trying to get it close, so I could two-putt, but it went in,” Barraza said. “During the (rain) delay, I checked and I knew where I stood. I just needed to make pars.”

Nicole Yugay of Delray Beach shot a 1-under 70 to win the girls title by a stroke over Addison Klonowski of Naples. Yugay birdied two of her first four holes and finished at 1-under 141.

“My putting was very average,” Yugay said. “I lipped out a lot of birdie putts, but it’s a big accomplishment. I have been working very hard recently, so it’s very validating.”

Klonowski made six birdies and six bogeys while shooting a pair of 71s. She edged out Kayla Bryant (68-75) for the final spot.

The Boys Junior PGA Championship is July 12-15 at Kearney Hill Golf Links in Lexington, Ky. The Girls Junior PGA Championship is July 27-30 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.

Previous winners of the South Florida PGA Junior PGA Championship include major champion Lexi Thompson, Jaye Marie Green, Chase Koepka and Andrew Kozan, who qualified for this week’s U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.

The South Florida PGA Junior PGA Championship is Presented by the Honda Classic. Supporting partners are Don Law Golf Academy, Titleist, The Fun Group at Mirasol, Junior Golf Hub, Tee Times News, Loyal Auto Broker, OGIO, TimberTech Championship, Biolyte, FGCU, ASM Scholarships and First Tee-Florida Gold Coast.

SFPGA Board of Directors Welcomes New Officers at Annual Meeting

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

On June 9, the South Florida PGA conducted the Annual Meeting of the Membership supported by PGA National Golf Resort and Spa. To those who attended, we thank you for your time and to those who could not join us, please click here to view the live recording to watch at your leisure.

The SFPGA would like to welcome the new officers to the board and thank them for their service.

Brant Peaper's grit, determination pays off with first PGA Tour date

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Story by Craig Dolch

The life of a professional golfer is not an easy one. And we’re not talking about the guys who play on the PGA Tour every week. For every player who earns six-figure paydays, flies on private jets and is instantly recognized when they walk into a room, there are hundreds if not thousands who toil away at the sport in anonymity. All they have is a dream and a work ethic that won’t let them stop, no matter how high the odds or how low the bank account. This is what they have chosen to do in life, and they’re going to do it as long as they can.

And once in a while, the sport rewards this passion, this grit, this determination.

And so it was for Martin County resident Brant Peaper on Sunday night. He was trying to qualify for this week’s Palmetto Championship at Congaree, a new stop on the PGA Tour in South Carolina, when he realized he was in a playoff for the final spot. With seven other guys. “You try not to think about the odds,” Peaper said. “I figure I had already done the hard part. Just go out and try to make an eagle or a birdie.” Peaper made two birdies, the first eliminating six others and the last one earning him that precious first spot in a PGA Tour event. At 30 years old. Imagine that.

“It’s all been kind of a blur,” Peaper said. “You work your butt off for so many years and you have so many heartbreaking moments, to finally get in a Tour event is hard to describe.”

Peaper always seemed destined to become a pro golfer. His father, Brian, has been the longtime director of golf at Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach (where Jack Nicklaus has lived for more than 50 years). Brant started playing the game when he was 9 and eventually concentrated on the sport even though he was an excellent all-around athlete. Brian taught his son during the early years, but knew it would be best if he could listen to other instructors as well. One can only imagine the emotion father-son shared Sunday night when they spoke after the playoff.

“I’m just happy for him because of all the near-misses he’s had,” Brian said Tuesday as he and wife Vicki drove to South Carolina to watch their son play this weekend. “Hopefully, it’s a start and he’ll become more consistent. I think he’ll feel like he fits in this week.”

Brant has had some success on the Minor League Golf Tour and has played in three Korn Ferry Tour events. But the pandemic during the last year-plus limited playing opportunities for golfers like him who don’t have status. So he tries to Monday-qualify for whatever event he can, golf’s version of trying to hit the lottery. Despite celebrating a milestone birthday with limited success (so far), Peaper said he never considered giving up on playing professionally.

“The thought may have crossed my mind, but I’ve never said it out loud,” Peaper said. “Every year I feel like I’ve gotten better. I feel like it would be stupid to give up at this point.”

The thing about golf is the numbers rarely lie. At some point, you either make it or you don’t, though it happens at a different time for everyone.

“There’s not an infinite timeline,” Brian Peaper said. “Like a lot of kids, he gets it. I like the fact he didn’t have a backup plan, because I felt like that would become his plan.”

Instead, the plan this week is to watch Brian have his name called on the first tee of a PGA Tour event and see how he performs alongside the world’s best players. Brant already passed another important hurdle Monday when, after a 2 ½-hour wait in a parking lot, he didn’t test positive for COVID. Now he’s playing with house money.

“I have no expectations,” he said. “I want to soak it all in. Registering. Playing certain shots. Enjoying the moment.”

Life throws us all curveballs. It’s nice to hammer one of those out of the park.

Chip shots: It was a rough day for Treasure Coast golfers at Monday’s 36-hole U.S. Open sectional qualifier at the Bear’s Club in Jupiter. Stuart resident Garrett Barber (72-77) was in contention for one of the six spots until a back-nine 41 dropped him to 20th place. Amateur Joe Latowski of Port St. Lucie was 45th after a pair of 77s. PGA Professionals Tyler Collet (82-78) of Vero Beach and Patrick Rada (80-76) of McArthur Club in Hobe Sound, who both qualified for last month’s PGA Championship, also failed to advance.

Craig Dolch is a TCPalm.com correspondent with more than 30 years of golf writing experience.

Justo and Jenkins Claim Challenge Tour Victory

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Sixty-one junior golfers took to Copperleaf Golf Club this weekend for the sixth Challenge Tour event of the season. Through rain and shine on Sunday resulting in a short weather delay, these players were eager to get back out on the course.

The boys 13-18 division resulted in a tie between Antonio Justo of Miami Shores and Braden Miller of Naples. After a playoff between the two, Justo took home the win. With a total of six birdies during his two rounds, Justo finished the tournament at even-par to win his first Challenge Tour event on Sunday.

With a two-over-par 146 finish, Pearl Jenkins of Naples claimed the girls 13-18 division title. Jenkins’ two rounds saw her six birdies, including back-to-back birdies on holes 4 and 5 on Sunday. This is her first win on the Challenge Tour. Sara Vitasek of Naples placed second with a two-day total of 152.

Ignacio Hurtado of Weston took home the boys 11-12 division title with a one-over-par for the weekend. Hurtado’s second round included back-to-back birdies on the front for a total of five birdies at the tournament. This marks Hurtado’s first win on the Challenge Tour. Finishing behind Hurtado was Liam Ly of Delray Beach with a two-day total of 151.

Avery Deal of Naples claimed the girl’s 11-12 division title with a two-day total of 172. This is Deal’s first win on the Challenge Tour, having previously placed third at last month’s event at Vineyards Country Club.

For more information on the South Florida PGA Junior Tours, please visit the South Florida PGA Junior Tour website at www.sfpgajuniorgolf.com .

SFPGA FOUNDATION BEGINS BUILDING ITS 9TH HOME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

PUNTA GORDA, FL - On May 29th, the South Florida PGA Foundation Board members traded in their golf clubs for hammers. Stepping away from the golf course and onto the construction site, four PGA Professionals plus additional volunteers raised the walls on the Brick Family’s soon-to-be home.

The “wall raising” ceremony featured a presentation from the organizers and supporters who, over the next three months, will turn this blueprint into a reality. Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity Chief Operating Officer, Gabrielle Reineck shared their vision for assisting local families in securing the opportunity to realize the dream of homeownership.

This year Charlotte County Habitat plans on building 36 homes for local families due to the increased need for affordable housing. “Because of your generosity, financial contribution, and volunteering this will make this happen,” Gabrielle explained to the group of volunteers. “Teresa is one of those families that will have the opportunity to realize the dream of homeownership.”

Building their ninth home over the last decade, the South Florida PGA Foundation is turning a dream into a reality for Teresa Brick and her two granddaughters. In addition to the $50,000 contribution, members will join the homeowner putting in sweat equity hours throughout the build. For Teresa, this home serves as a sign of hope and security for her and the two granddaughters she is now raising herself.

During the wall-raising ceremony, Teresa expressed just how our Foundation was fulfilling their mission of changing lives throughout south Florida. “Many beautiful things cannot be touched or seen but they are felt within the heart. What you have all done for us is one of them and is something I cannot repay.” After regaining her composure, Teresa continued with her granddaughters by her side in front of what would some become the framework for their future. “There are no words to express how I feel and all I can say is you have given us a brighter future and we graciously thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Even though Teresa has already served many other families by building alongside those who are benefitting from Charlotte County Habitat, this was her first wall raising. This was special to her because these were the walls that would soon provide independence and security for her and her family.

“Every time we sponsor a home we also like to put in hours with the homeowner, but you might want to check our work,” Foundation President Tom Wildenhaus joked before the long day of building. Over the next few months, PGA Professionals from our Section will join the Brick Family in hours of building with hopes of changing the lives of another family in south Florida.

To see our volunteer schedule or to register to join us on the build site, visit here .

Prep Tour Visits Vineyards Country Club

Sun, 30 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour hosted a Prep Tour event at Vineyards Country Club in Naples on Sunday.

Pablo Munoz Montes from Key Biscayne won the boys 9-10 division with a two-under-par 70. Montes carded five birdies during his round. In the boys 11-12 division, Lawson Ford of West Palm Beach finished his round at even par, including three birdies. Carson Engelmann of Miami fired an even-par round on Sunday to win the boys 13-18 division. This marks Engelmann’s first win on the Prep Tour.

Earning the top spot in the girls 9-10 division was Olivia Hartman of Palm Beach Gardens. Hartman finished her round four-over-par. Nicole Sardinha of Doral fired a 73 to win the girls 11-12 division, including three straight birdies on the front nine. Summer Pilot of Boca Raton won the girls 13-18 division with a 76. This is Pilot’s third win of the 2021 season on the Prep Tour.

Jeremy Wells-Marc Skillrud of Cypress Lake Birdie Last Eight Holes to Win South Florida PGA Pro-Assistant Championship

Thu, 27 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By Craig Dolch
Special to South Florida PGA

NAPLES – Jeremy Wells and Marc Skillrud birdied the last eight holes – that’s correct, the last eight holes -- Thursday to shoot 10-under 62 and win the South Florida PGA Pro-Assistant Championship by a shot over Ryan Fountain and Eric Veilleux of the Bear’s Club.

The closing stretch of birdies by Wells and Skillrud, the Director of Instruction and Assistant Golf Professional, respectively, at Cypress Lake Country Club in Fort Myers enabled them to fire an 8-under 28 on TPC Treviso Bay’s back nine and overtake Fountain and Veilleux. They finished at 16-under 128.

Using a scramble format on the back nine, Wells hit a 5-iron to 8 feet at the par-3 17th and Skillrud made the birdie putt to give them the lead for the first time all day. On the par-5 18th hole, Wells hit a 3-wood over the green and got up-and-down for birdie, making an 8-footer for the win.

“We definitely knew the situation,” Wells said. “When I get nervous, I try to think about my two kids and that’s what I did. It’s a good distraction."

“I’m proud of my partner for hanging in there. He felt like he might be a little bit of a liability going in because I have a little better playing record, but I told him after the back nine he was one of the best partners I ever had. He made a lot of key putts for us and really shined on the back nine.”

Said Skillrud: “It means a lot for him to say that. Everybody knows Jeremy is one of the best players in the section and he’s played with a lot of great players over the years. I’ve never been a part of something like that before. It was pretty special.”

Veilleux, the Head Golf Professional, and Fountain, an Assistant Golf Professional, at the Bear’s Club in Jupiter, also finished impressively, with six birdies and three pars on the back nine. But it wasn’t enough to stop the late heroics from Wells and Skillrud.

“We were fortunate to be paired with Eric and Ryan because they both were playing great,” Wells said. “That was some of the best golf I’ve seen in our group in the South Florida PGA. We just had to put our heads down and try to catch them.”

It’s not often a team shoots 65-64 and loses by a shot, no matter the format. But that’s what happened to Fountain and Veilleux, who finished six shots ahead of third place.

“It was a great match,” Veilleux said. “We put a lot of heat on them, and they answered the bell. That’s a first (to lose to eight closing birdies), but all you can do is tip your hat to them. We were proud of the way we played.”

Assistant Golf Professional Rick Sutton and Director of Golf Jeff Waber of Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton shot 68 at Naples National and finished third at 9-under 135.

Three teams tied for fourth place at 8-under 136: Director of Golf Brian Stewart and Head Golf Professional Sean McGinness of Club at Renaissance (67), Head Golf Professional Alastair Mackenzie and Assistant Golf Professional Will Coleman of Mayacoo Lakes (67) and Master Professional Bob Ford and Assistant Golf Professional Matt Cahill of Seminole Golf Club (71). Cahill is replacing Ford as Seminole’s Head Professional.

The Pro-Assistant Championship is run by the South Florida PGA with Adidas, Biolyte, Club Car, Global Golf Sales, Golf Pro Payments, Ikonik, TaylorMade and Vortex as supporting partners.

Russell and Nip Win Championship Tour Event at The Champions Club

Sun, 23 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The SFPGA Championship Tour held its fourth tournament of the season at The Champions Club at Summerfield. This weekend’s field featured 73 of south Florida’s top junior players.

Jaden Russell of Miami claimed the boys 13-18 division title after carding a 72-73 to finish one-over for the tournament. His two rounds included seven birdies. This marks Russell’s first win on the Junior Tour since the Winter Kickoff. Jonathan Mourin of Plantation finished one stroke behind Russell.

Gloria Nip of Port St. Lucie secured the girls 13-18 division title with a tournament finish of three-under-par. Nip’s first-round included three birdies and six birdies during her second round. This marks Nip’s lowest 36-hole record. Madison Moman of Palm Beach Gardens had back-to-back even-par rounds to take home second place.

The first round served as a qualifier for the upcoming South Florida Junior PGA Championship. Twelve spots were available for the boys and six spots were open for the girl's division.

Qualifiers:

Boys

Girls

A special thank you to PGA Professional David Ladd at The Champions Club for hosting these juniors this weekend.

The South Florida PGA Junior Championship Tour is a series of two-day events at some of South Florida’s premier facilities. Membership is invitation only. Juniors are invited based on the previous year’s Junior Tour scoring average and point standings and current year’s performance prior to session checkpoints.

McArthur Club's Patrick Rada honored with first tee time at PGA Championship

Wed, 19 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

BY CRAIG DOLCH-

As soon as he qualified for this week’s PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, Patrick Rada heard the rumor:

The PGA of America was considering giving the Head PGA Professional at McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound the opportunity to hit the first shot early Thursday at Kiawah Island.

Rada, after all, grew up 3½ hours away from Kiawah Island in Anderson, S.C., and at 33 was making his debut not only in a major, but in a PGA Tour event.

Why not give him the honor of having the honor on the first tee?

Tuesday, the rumor became reality when the PGA Championship’s tee times were released, and Rada’s was atop the list. He will be first off No. 1 at 7 a.m. alongside Adam Long and Cameron Tringale.

“It’s going to be a very, very special moment,” Rada said. “Being in my home state is really significant to me. I’m going to have a great family contingent there supporting me. I couldn’t have scripted a better way to not only play in my first PGA Tour tournament, but also a major.”

It’s been an out-of-Hollywood story for Rada since he won a playoff three weeks ago at the PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie to emerge with one of the final 20 spots given to PGA Professionals. It didn’t start well — he qualified for last year’s PGA Professional Championship, only to see the event canceled because of COVID-19.

That meant he had to do it again. Problem was, his second daughter was due during the South Florida PGA qualifier last September at Broken Sound in Boca Raton. Rada fully expected to get the call from his wife, and he was prepared to withdraw from the qualifier to be there for the birth.

Turns out Corinne was born the day after the qualifier, giving her dad enough time to qualify for another PGA Professional Championship. Now “all” he had to do was finish in the top 20 among 312 players to earn a spot in the PGA.

Rada was inside the top 20 in the final round of the PPC when he birdied the 15th and 16th holes on the Wanamaker Course. He then bogeyed the 17th and 18th holes, however, and his fate was in the air. Would he make a playoff?

Rada thought about a text he had received from McArthur Club member Bill Parcells — yes, that Bill Parcells — encouraging him before the final round.

“I felt like I would have an opportunity, and that’s all you can control,” Rada said. “Turns out I got the opportunity, and that’s all you can ask for.”

Rada has received plenty of encouragement from McArthur members, including founder and World Golf Hall of Famer Nick Price. Rada, who started working at McArthur in 2012 and was promoted to head pro in 2017, has played more than 20 rounds with Price, who came away impressed each time.

“He’s got so much game,” said Price, who has two PGA Championship titles among his three majors. “He could have made it on tour. Everybody matures differently. His game has really come on the last three to four years. He’s a wonderful player.”

Price’s advice to Rada for the PGA at the difficult Ocean Course — at 7,876 yards, the longest in major championship history — has been simple: Play your own game and try to enjoy the experience.

“Being able to have a relationship with Nick and play golf with him and pick his brain means a lot,” Rada said. “To speak to someone who has been to the top of the mountaintop is invaluable. He’s had a great impact on me.”

This week Rada gets to represent McArthur and the South Florida PGA at the mountaintop that is the season’s second major.

“Patrick is an unbelievable golf professional,” said Kevin Murphy, the Director of Golf/GM at McArthur. “He’s a great player, great teacher, great merchandiser and great with the members. They couldn’t be happier for him.”

And he even gets to kick off the PGA.

“Hopefully, I make a great swing,” Rada said. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. Obviously, the first shot is going to be one of many. I’m going to try and put my best foot forward with every shot and enjoy the experience from start to finish.”

Your honor, Mr. Rada. Play away.

Jensen Beach Golf Club Hosts Weekend Challenge Tour Event

Sun, 16 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Seventy-six junior golfers enjoyed two rounds at Jensen Beach Golf Club this weekend for the SFPGA Challenge Tour.

Elijah Zamarron of Sunrise secured the boys 13-18 division title with a two-day total of 151, including eight birdies. This marks back-to-back wins for Zamarron on the Challenge Tour. After carding a 77 during Saturday’s round, Zamarron bounced back with a 74. Maddox Vincent of Draper, Utah finished one stroke behind Zamarron at eight-over.

Madison Lowenstein of Boca Raton won the girls 13-18 division with a two-day total of 156. Lowenstein’s two rounds saw her five birdies, including back-to-back birdies on holes 5 and 6 during Saturday’s round. Five strokes behind Lowenstein was Angela Jiang of Coral Gables.

With a tournament finish of three-under-par, Brooks Colton of Riviera Beach won the boys 11-12 division. Colton carded a total of nine birdies over the two days, seven of which were from Sunday’s round. This marks Colton’s first win on the Challenge Tour. Evan Pena of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico and Sohan Patel of Weston tied for second, with Pena ultimately taking home the title after a scorecard playoff. Pena finished four strokes behind Colton at one-over-par.

Juno Taino of Studio City, Calif. won the girls 11-12 division with a two-day total of 165. Despite being only 10-years-old, Taino showed she has what it takes to compete on the Challenge Tour. This is Taino’s first SFPGA Junior Tour event as well as her first win.

Saturday’s round served as a qualifier for the South Florida Junior PGA Championship. There were five available spots for the boys and a single spot for the girls division.

Click here to view who qualified.

Next upcoming event: Challenge Tour | June 5-6 | Copperleaf Golf Club

Logan Rohack Selected as 2021 South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship Recipient

Fri, 14 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Atlantis, FL – Palm Beach Central High School senior and South Florida PGA Junior Tour member Logan Rohack is the 2021 recipient of the South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship.

The Palm Beach Central High School Salutatorian and Wellington native plans to attend the University of Florida to pursue a degree in finance or accounting.

“I knew the call would only bring good or bad news, so I was very relieved when I found out it was the first one,” said Rohack on receiving the scholarship news.

First distributed in 2017, the South Florida PGA Foundation scholarship supports one high school senior who is connected in any way to the golf community with their future educational endeavors. The SFPGA Foundation Scholarship aims to lessen the financial burden for a student that excels in academics, community service and leadership.

The $20,000 scholarship, which will be distributed in four increments of $5,000, will allow Rohack to spend more time focused on his higher education, rather than worrying about the burdens of financing his degree.

“I am very appreciative that the SFPGA selected me for this scholarship,” explained Rohack. “I am also thankful for all the events they host because without these I wouldn’t have been able to continue playing competitive golf. With the SFPGA Foundation supporting me in college, I am very optimistic of what's to come in these next four years.”

Rohack is the fourth recipient of the SFPGA Foundation Scholarship. This fall, there will be a Foundation Scholar in every college grade level, with Rohack joining a group of students who continue to volunteer their time, lead additional organizations, play golf and work to change lives within their local community.

Rohack is set to graduate from Palm Beach Central High School in June and plans to celebrate with a round of golf. Looking forward to the independence college provides, Rohack plans to enjoy his entire collegiate experience playing golf and giving back to his community.

About the South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship

The South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship was created to annually provide one local student with a four-year, $20,000 scholarship to assist with their college education. The recipient is chosen based on their merit in scholarship, community service, leadership and overall representation of self. The student selected to receive the scholarship will receive it in $5,000 increments over the course of four years. To receive funding each year, additional paperwork including a copy of the student’s transcript must be submitted to the SFPGA Foundation to ensure the student is performing at an acceptable level.

About the South Florida PGA Foundation

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education, scholarships and charitable gifting. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization of over 1,850 men and women PGA Professionals serving as the experts in business and the game of golf.

The Club at Ibis' Alan Morin Wins South Florida PGA Senior Open by Six Shots

Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH

Special to South Florida PGA

NAPLES – Another year, another victory for Royal Palm Beach resident Alan Morin.

Morin, Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis, fired a 4-under 68 Tuesday to cruise to a six-shot victory in the South Florida PGA Senior Open at Imperial Golf Club.

Morin took a two-shot lead in the final round after a flawless 63 Monday, thanks to a personal-best six consecutive birdies. After being briefly tied Tuesday, Morin pulled away with a back-nine 32 on the East Course for the victory over Steven Vecellio (72), Director of Instruction at Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club. Morin finished at 13-under 131.

“Yesterday was a great day. Everything was firing,” Morin said Tuesday. “It was one of those days where I made everything. I had never made six consecutive birdies before."

“Coming out today, it was on my mind how it’s usually hard to back up a low score. You see it all the time. I put myself in a couple of bad spots early, which lead to three-putt bogeys on two par-3s. But I hit a choked-down 6-iron to 3 inches at No. 9 and that kind of woke me up.”

The 51-year-old Morin birdied the next two holes and, just like that, it was over.

Last year, Morin won the South Florida PGA Player of the Year honors for the 10th time and joined Jerry Tucker as the only player to also win that award and the Senior Player of the Year.

“I use the (Player of the Year) award as self-motivation,” Morin said. “There’s a lot of good guys in the section and a lot of them are younger and hit the ball a lot farther than me. I take pride in being able to hold my own and grind it out.”

Michael Valicenti (71), Assistant Professional at Mayacoo Lakes, tied for third place at 4-under 140 with Mark Mielke (73), PGA Instructor at High Ridge.

Gene Fieger (71-142), Director of Golf at Club Pelican Bay and the winner of this event in 2016 and 2018, tied for fifth place with Chris Kaufman (67), PGA Instructor at BallenIsles Country Club.

The Senior Open is run by the South Florida PGA with Jani King as a supporting partner.

SFPGA Prep Tour Visits PGA National Fazio Course

Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

May 9th, 2021 - The SFPGA hosted a Prep Tour event on Sunday for South Florida’s junior tour featuring players from all over south Florida who came to compete at PGA National Fazio Course. During this Prep Tour event, junior golfers ranging in ages from 9 to 13 played in their respective division with hopes to secure the top spots in each category.

Robert Zyskowski of Westport, CT captured the low spot in the boys 13-18 division after carding an 80 during the tournament. In the girls 13-18 division, Kate Khvorostiana of Miami, FL took home the first place medal with a score of 79.

As for the boys 11-12 division, John Muniz of Miami, FL secured the win with a 77. Ashley Balcom of Lighthouse Point, FL took home the girls 11-12 division after carding an 81.

In the boys 9-10 division, Gordon Nip of Port St. Lucie, FL carded a 79 to win and Olivia Hartman of Palm Beach Gardens, FL secured the girls 9-10 division with an 86.

Click here to view the scores.

FIFTH ANNUAL PGA HOPE CLASSIC RAISES $73,000 TO SUPPORT LOCAL VETERANS

Thu, 06 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

More than 95 amateur golfers from Palm Beach County came together May 6th to help raise funds to support local veterans through the game of golf. The fifth annual PGA HOPE Classic presented by Cadillac, Raymond James and SBA was held at The Loxahatchee Club in Jupiter.

Unfortunately, this year’s 18-hole tournament was canceled due to extreme weather conditions but players enjoyed lunch and conversation with old friends before the winners of the raffle and silent auction were announced.

“It’s a pleasure, it’s an honor and it’s a privilege to be part of this event,” said Rob Torrington, SFPGA HOPE Committee member. “Our goal is to raise money for veterans to help them cope and adapt back into civilian life; and deal with both the physical and mental disabilities that they may be struggling with by hosting programs like PGA HOPE.” Rob is a great example of the common participant- a local businessman and philanthropist hoping to support their community. Just like the SFPGA Foundation’s mission: to change lives through the game of golf in their local community.

The results of the day are designed to help fund the South Florida PGA Foundation’s PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program. Which to date has impacted over 700 local military veterans through free golf instruction taught by PGA Professionals.

This year the PGA HOPE Classic raised $73,000 for the South Florida PGA Foundation’s PGA HOPE program. You can find media from the day’s events on all South Florida PGA media outlets including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more information or how you can support the SFPGA Foundation, click here .

ABOUT PGA HOPE

In 2015, PGA HOPE was launched in south Florida. PGA HOPE was designed to provide local military veterans with an opportunity to learn the game of golf as a form of rehab from local PGA Professionals. PGA HOPE provides golf as a therapeutic rehabilitation tool for all military Veterans. The lifetime sport of golf has proven to be an excellent outlet for activity and competition but also allows veterans to assimilate back into their community through the social interaction the game provides.

ABOUT THE SOUTH FLORIDA PGA FOUNDATION

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and scholarships, and charitable gifting. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization of over 1,850 men and women PGA Professionals serving as the experts in business and the game of golf.

In 2004 the South Florida PGA Foundation began operations as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community. Since its inception, the Foundation has experienced extreme growth through the support of countless PGA Professionals, facilities, and numerous corporations. Over the past thirteen years, the Foundation has touched the lives of more than 12,000 individuals residing in south Florida, through various programming included but not limited to junior golf, charitable gifting, and scholarships.

Stuart's Greg O'Mahony Wins Fort Lauderdale Open, Fieger Earns Senior Title

Tue, 04 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

By CRAIG DOLCH
Special to South Florida PGAÂ

FORT LAUDERDALE – Greg O’Mahony of Stuart fired a 2-under 70 Tuesday to win the Fort Lauderdale Open by a shot over six players.

The 34-year-old O’Mahony pursued a PGA Tour career until five years ago when he took a job as vice president of sales and operations for Stuart-based Celtic Golf.

Instead of playing golf for a living, he arranged dream golf trips for others. Tuesday turned out to be a dream day for O’Mahony as he emerged from a crowded leaderboard at Fort Lauderdale Country Club to win the year’s first major championship in the South Florida PGA season. It was his first South Florida PGA event.

“It was an adventure,” O’Mahony said. “When I stopped playing golf in 2016, I didn’t touch a club for two years. I was burned out. It turns out that was the best thing I could have done because it rekindled my love for the game.” O’Mahony joined the PGA South Florida section last year, but didn’t get a chance to compete because of COVID-19. His return to tournament golf proved to be worth the wait.

“It was awesome,” he said. “I got to see a lot of friends I haven’t seen in a long time. My nerves aren’t what they used to be, but it was a blast. I joined the South Florida section because I wanted to be peers of these guys.”

Tied for second at 4-under 140 were Brett Blackburn (68) of Verandah Golf Club, Alan Morin (68) of The Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach, Taylor Collins (69) of Coral Ridge, Kenneth Leech (70) of Don Law Academy, Justin McCarraher (70) of Fiddlesticks and first-round leader Zack Vervaecke (73) of Troon.

Brett Melton (71) of Palm City tied for eighth at 3-under 141 with Jeremy Wells (71) of Estero.

Loretta Giovannettone almost made history by becoming the first woman to win a South Florida PGA major championship. Giovannettone, a Jupiter resident who works as a PGA Teaching Professional at High Ridge Country Club, was leading at the turn at 5-under. But she shot a 4-over 40 on the back and finished tied for 13th.

In the Senior Division, Gene Fieger of Naples cruised to a six-shot victory. Fieger took a four-shot lead after opening with a 7-under 65 Monday and added a 3-under 69 Tuesday to finish at 10-under 134. Fieger won the overall title in the Fort Lauderdale Open in 2001. Palm City’s Pete Oakley (69-140), who won the 2004 Senior British Open, tied for second place with David Cunliffe (69) of Boca Raton and Morin.

Stuart’s Jerry Tucker (73) was fifth at 141.

The Fort Lauderdale Open, run by the South Florida PGA, is the year’s first major championship for South Florida PGA Professionals. Supporting partners are ATHALONZ, Global Golf Sales, Hedrick Brothers, Leupold Golf, Nexbelt and PGA TOUR.

Jeff B. Wilson, Hospitality Professional Receives Prestigious Professional Designation

Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Alexandria, VA – Jeff B. Wilson, CCM, PGA, LCAM in Doral, Florida has been awarded with the Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation by the Club Management Association of America (CMAA). The CCM designation indicates that a club management professional has completed a rigorous course of study and training and shows a dedication to proficiency and expertise in club management. Approximately 1,500 CMAA members hold this prestigious designation.

Established in 1965, the CCM designation is the hallmark of professionalism in club management. It is a valuable, internationally recognized, and widely-respected mark of an individual’s long-term commitment to professional development and the club industry.

In order to receive the CCM designation, one must invest time in specified educational requirements through the Business Management Institutes, attend the World Conference on Club Management, and maintain activity within their local chapter. After these conditions have been met, the individual must pass the CCM exam.

Jeff B. Wilson was approved by the Certification Committee of CMAA after successfully passing an extensive certification examination on club operations. He joins more than 1,500 club managers, and less than 50 PGA Certified Professionals, worldwide who have attained this hallmark of professionalism in club management.

Through the Certified Club Manager designation, CMAA encourages the education and advancement of its members and assists club officers and members in securing the most efficient and successful club operations available.

About CMAA

Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,800 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,500 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 42 professional chapters and more than 40 student chapters and colonies.

A Weekend on Florida's West Coast for the Challenge Tour

Sun, 02 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Challenge Tour players visited Vineyards Country Club for a two-day event on the North Course. Perfect weather and course conditions made for some low rounds from these juniors.

Elijah Zamarron of Sunrise won the boys 13-18 division with an impressive seven-under-par victory. Rounds of 71 and 66 for Zamarron included 11 birdies and a bogey-free back nine during his second round. Lorenzo Rodriguez of Miami and Aiden Arce of Davie finished three-under-par for the tournament, with Rodriguez winning the tiebreak and ultimately taking home a second-place finish. Rodriguez closed out Sunday’s round with an eagle on 18.

Angela Jiang of Coral Gables won the girls 13-18 division with a two-day total of 145 to go one-over-par for the tournament. Jiang carded six birdies during her two rounds. Jamie Lowry of Fort Myers finished three strokes behind Jiang to place second at the tournament. Lowry’s round saw her four birdies.

Sohan Patel of Weston had back-to-back impressive rounds, 68-69, this weekend to win the boys 11-12 division. Patel carded 11 birdies during his two rounds, including four straight birdies to open Sunday’s round. Finishing three strokes behind Patel was Jaden Peterson of Port St. Lucie with a total of six birdies for the weekend.

Nine-year-old Alexandra Phung of Forest Hills, N.Y. claimed the girls 11-12 division title with a two-day total of 160. Fernanda Carrion of Coral Gables finished three strokes behind Phung with 83-80 rounds.

Saturday’s round served as a qualifier for the South Florida Junior PGA Championship. The top five boys and girls from the 13-18 division qualified for the event on June 12-13 at Boca West Country Club.

Click here to view the full leaderboard.

Tyler Collet, PGA and Patrick Rada, PGA Come Up Big Down the Stretch at the PGA Professional Championship, Qualify for the PGA Championship

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Port St. Lucie, FL – Tyler Collet, PGA birdied 18 and Patrick Rada, PGA made par on the first hole of a five-man playoff to secure spots in the Top 20 at the PGA Professional Championship, qualifying for next month’s PGA Championship at Kiawah Island.

The PGA Professional Championship is the national championship for club professionals around the country, played over the last four days at PGA Golf Club. The 312-player field qualifies through the 41 Section Professional Championships, with 17 coming from the South Florida Section.

Collet, a PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, played steady and consistent golf throughout the four-day tournament. After winning the South Florida PGA Professional Championship in the Fall, Collet carded three 72s and a third-round 71 to finish at even-par for the tournament, tied 8th.

No stroke, however, was bigger for Collet than the putt on 18 . After hitting his approach to about five feet, Collet drained his birdie putt to put him safely in the Top 20 and punch his ticket to South Carolina.

The 25-year-old will be making his second PGA TOUR appearance after playing in the Puerto Rico Open earlier this year.Rada, PGA Head Professional at McArthur Golf Club, had to battle coming down the stretch in the final round at PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker’s course yesterday. After a double-bogey on 10, Rada fought back with three birdies on the closing eight holes to finish at two-over-par for the tournament.

Rada’s finish found him in a five-for-four playoff which started on hole 10, a chance to avenge his double bogey. Rada did just that with a par, enough to clinch his spot in the Team of 20. The University of South Carolina alum will return to his college home for his first-ever PGA Championship.Additionally, Matt Cahill, PGA Professional at Seminole Golf Club made the 54-hole cut which included the top 70 players and ties.

Collet and Rada will tee it up alongside 18 other PGA Club Professionals in the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course on May 20-23.

The Collet-Rada duo becomes the latest of PGA Professionals from the South Florida Section making it to golf’s biggest stage with Justin Bertsch, PGA of Club Pelican Bay competing in 2020 and 2019 and Andrew Filbert of Royal Poinciana Golf Club competing in 2019.