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

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

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.

Share this story

Justin Hicks Claims 39th South Florida Senior Open

May 12, 2026
Jupiter, Fla. – Justin Hicks, PGA, Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club, fired rounds of 68-66, 10-under to capture the 39th South Florida Senior Open at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club – Medal Course. The South Florida Senior Open, contested May 11-12, included 78 senior South Florida PGA Professionals competing across five divisions over 36 holes. Hicks entered the final round two shots off the lead after opening with a 4-under-par 68. Roger Kennedy Jr., PGA of The Club at Quail Ridge, and Paul Scaletta, PGA of The Bear’s Club, shared the first-round lead after each carded 6-under-par 66s on Monday. In Tuesday’s final round, Hicks carded a bogey-free 6-under-par 66, highlighted by six birdies, to finish the championship at 10-under-par 134, securing a one-shot victory. Alan Morin, PGA of The Club at Ibis, finished solo in second at 9-under par after posting rounds of 67-68. Kennedy Jr. claimed third place at 8-under par, while Rod Curl, PGA of Crane Watch at Evergreen, finished fourth at 7-under total. Scaletta rounded out the top five at 5-under par. In the age divisions, Bud Lintelman, PGA Life Member, captured the 60-69 division title at 3-under par. Jay Horton, PGA Life Member, won the 70-74 division at 1-under par, while Rick Whitfield, PGA of Loblolly, claimed the 75+ division title at 1-over par. The South Florida PGA extends a special thank you to Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club for hosting this year’s championship, led by PGA Director of Golf Brian Corbitt and PGA Head Professional Jared Werner. Complete results from the 38th South Florida Senior Open Championship can be found below.  CLICK HERE

South Florida PGA Foundation Set to Break Ground on 13th Habitat for Humanity Home

May 12, 2026
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — The South Florida PGA Foundation, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Okeechobee County, will break ground on a new home Wednesday, May 14, at 10 a.m., marking the 13th Habitat for Humanity home build project. The groundbreaking represents another step toward the Foundation’s goal of building a home in every county of the South Florida PGA Section, including Puerto Rico. The initiative began in 2011 with the construction of the Foundation’s first Habitat home in Lee County. Since then, the South Florida PGA Foundation has partnered with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the Section to help provide affordable housing opportunities for families in need. The Foundation contributes $50,000 to each project, while PGA Professionals from across South Florida donate more than 250 volunteer hours to assist with construction alongside community volunteers and future homeowners. “For the South Florida PGA Foundation to be partnering with Habitat for Humanity for a 13th home is truly incredible. The impact that is made on these families is life-changing, and that's just one reason why aligning with Habitat is important to the Foundation,” said Lee Stroever, PGA Director of Golf at Emerald Dunes Club and Vice President of the SFPGA Foundation. “After seeing a handful of ‘key presentations’ at the end of a build, you can't help but feel good about what is being accomplished.” Construction on the Okeechobee County home is expected to begin in the fall of 2026. Applications for the future homeowner are anticipated to open during the same timeframe through Habitat for Humanity of Okeechobee County. “Working alongside the families that will be receiving the home is so humbling and rewarding; it’s a program that the Foundation and Section board is very proud of,” said Kevin Murphy, PGA General Manager at McArthur Golf Club and Treasurer of the SFPGA Foundation. The South Florida PGA Foundation’s home-building initiative has expanded throughout the Section over the past 15 years. Each project includes financial support from the Foundation and volunteer participation from PGA Professionals. Habitat for Humanity of St. Lucie and Okeechobee, founded in 1996 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, works to provide affordable housing opportunities for families in need throughout the region. The organization partners with families and volunteers to support homeownership opportunities in St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. For more information about the South Florida PGA Foundation and its charitable initiatives, visit South Florida PGA Foundation.

South Florida PGA Foundation Hosts 10th Annual PGA HOPE Classic at Lost Tree Club

May 8, 2026
North Palm Beach, FL – The South Florida PGA Foundation hosted its 10th Annual South Florida PGA HOPE Classic May 7th at Lost Tree Club, raising $125,000 in support of the Foundation’s flagship military initiative, PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere). Celebrating a decade of impact, the annual event continues to serve as one of the South Florida PGA Foundation’s premier fundraising efforts benefiting Veterans throughout the South Florida community. For the fifth consecutive year, Lost Tree Club graciously served as the host venue, welcoming 23 teams of four competing in a better ball format on one of South Florida’s premier golf courses. The PGA HOPE Classic brings together PGA of America Golf Professionals, community leaders, supporters, and Veterans for a day centered around camaraderie, philanthropy, and the game of golf. In addition to the on-course competition, participants enjoyed a raffle and silent auction that generated additional funding to support future PGA HOPE programming across the South Florida Section. Adding to the significance of the day, eight South Florida PGA HOPE graduates volunteered throughout the event, assisting with operations and engaging with participants. Their involvement highlighted the life-changing impact the program continues to have on Veterans and the meaningful community fostered through PGA HOPE. "This program saves lives, and I just want to say thank you to everyone here for your support in this program," said SFPGA HOPE Ambassador Christina Alaverez. Established in 2015, the South Florida PGA HOPE program has impacted the lives of over 2,000 Veterans through six-week instructional programs led by PGA of America Golf Professionals across South Florida. PGA HOPE introduces Veterans to the game of golf as a means to enhance their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, while fostering lasting connections both on and off the golf course. All programming is provided at no cost to participating Veterans. The continued success of the PGA HOPE Classic reflects the unwavering support of the South Florida golf community and the growing impact of PGA HOPE throughout the region. Through events like the HOPE Classic, the South Florida PGA Foundation remains committed to positively impacting Veterans’ lives through the game of golf for years to come. Titled by Keiser University , this year’s event was also supported by PXG , Firemaker Brewery, Garmany Golf , 2nd Swing , Raymond James , The City of Boynton Beach, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka , whose continued partnership and generosity help make the event possible year after year.

Hicks Claims Srixon/Cleveland Fort Lauderdale Open, Wins Championship and Senior Divisions

May 5, 2026
PARKLAND, Fla. (May 5, 2026) — Justin Hicks, PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club, captured the Srixon/Cleveland Fort Lauderdale Open, the first South Florida PGA Major of the 2026 season, held May 4–5 at Parkland Golf & Country Club and Fort Lauderdale Country Club. Hicks posted 2-under-par 70 in the opening round at Parkland Golf & Country Club before firing a tournament-low 8-under 64 in the final round at Fort Lauderdale Country Club, highlighted by nine birdies and one bogey, to finish at 10-under-par. The victory secured both the Championship and Senior Division titles, marking the first time Hicks has won both divisions in a South Florida PGA Major. In the Championship Division, Hicks finished three strokes ahead of Dylan Miranda of Apogee Golf Club, who carded rounds of 68-69 to finish at 7-under-par.  A four-way tie for third place at 6-under-par included Jamie Sindelar of Hammock Creek Golf Club, Jeremy Wells of Cypress Lake Golf Club, Derron Peyton of BallenIsles Country Club and Christian De Greiff of Coral Ridge Country Club. In the Senior Division, Hicks led the field at 10-under-par. Steven Vecellio of Frenchman's Reserve Country Club finished runner-up at 6-under-par, while Alan Morin of The Club at Ibis placed third at 5-under-par. The Srixon/Cleveland Fort Lauderdale Open was supported by title partner Srixon and Cleveland Golf, presenting partner Golf Sign and Design, and supporting partners Flash Weather AI, Global Golf Sales, Kohler, Maui Jim, Southeast Land and Water Management, StrackaLine, Tagmarshal, The Turf Guy and Unknown Golf. Leaderboard

Michael Kartrude & Tyler Collet Qualify for PGA Championship

April 30, 2026
West Palm Beach, Fla. — South Florida PGA Professionals Michael Kartrude and Tyler Collet qualified for the 2026 PGA Championship after finishing in the top-20 at the PGA Professional Championship, which concluded Wednesday at Bandon Dunes Resort in Oregon. Kartrude, an assistant professional at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, placed third at 2-under total in just his second appearance in the event. With the result, the 36-year old has advanced to the major championship in both of his attempts after surviving a four-for-one playoff at last year’s national championship. Collet, an assistant professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, tied for fourth at 1-under, jumping 39 spots up the leaderboard to secure his place in the field, backing up his historic 2025 PPC win. The 2026 event marked his fifth career start for the 30-year old, previously starting in the ‘21,’22,’24 & ‘25 championship. With their finishes, Kartrude and Collet earned positions on the Corebridge Financial PGA Team and will join 18 other PGA of America Golf Professionals at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, May 14-17. The national championship annually determines a 20-player group out of 312 PGA of America Golf Professionals who advance to the major, providing a pathway for professionals who primarily work in instruction and club operations to compete alongside top players in the world. Both players will be making their second consecutive appearances in the major. Kartrude’s third-place finish represents the best result of his career in the event, while Collet’s tie for fourth adds another top-five performance following his victory one year ago. Since 2023, the South Florida PGA Section has been represented by six different professionals, combining to fill 10 total spots in the championship field during that span

PGA of America, CBS Sports Announce ‘The Road to Bandon’ Leading Into 2026 PGA Professional Championship

By PGA of America • April 27, 2026
FRISCO, Texas (April 22, 2026) - The PGA of America and CBS Sports present “The Road to Bandon,” a new, 30-minute special airing Sunday, April 26, at 2:00 p.m. ET on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. The program, narrated by CBS Sports On-Course Reporter and former PGA TOUR member Johnson Wagner, features six PGA of America Golf Professionals from across the country as they prepare to compete in the 2026 PGA Professional Championship (PPC) at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, April 26-29, with hopes in earning one of 20 available Corebridge Financial Team spots in the 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. “The Road to Bandon” provides an inside look at the journeys of the featured PGA Professionals who balance their role in the industry with their passion to maintain a competitive level of play. “PGA of America Golf Professionals are the backbone of our sport,” said PGA of America Vice President Nathan Charnes, PGA. “Alongside serving as expert coaches, operators and business leaders within the game, they can still compete at a very high level. We are thrilled to partner with CBS to build excitement for the PGA Professional Championship and showcase these six outstanding PGA Members, whose stories embody the passion and dedication that define our Association.” PGA of America Golf Professionals featured in “The Road to Bandon” Justin Hicks, PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton, Fla., is the 2025 Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year, thanks in part to his victory in the 2025 Senior PPC. Hicks has played some of the best golf of his career now that he has entered the 50-and-older ranks: He earned Low PGA of America Golf Professional honors with a T17 finish in the 2026 Senior PGA Championship, competed in two Major Championships in 2025, The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow on the Corebridge Financial Team and the 2025 U.S. Open, made an appearance in the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, and Monday qualified for the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational. Michael Kartrude, PGA Assistant Professional at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Fla., secured the final spot in the 2025 PGA Championship on the Corebridge Financial Team after a dramatic 5-hole playoff at PGA Golf Club. The 2025 South Florida PGA Section Professional Champion has earned the respect of many of the PGA TOUR’s players who are members at The Bear’s Club. Ben Polland, PGA Director of Golf at Shooting Star Golf Club in Jackson Hole, Wy., will come into Bandon as the reigning back-to-back recipient of the PGA of America Professional Player of the Year award. Polland made four-consecutive cuts in his six 2025 PGA TOUR exemptions, highlighted by a top-25 finish at the Barracuda Championship. Eric Steger, PGA Teaching Professional at Pebble Brook Golf Club in Noblesville, Ind., made his first PGA Championship appearance at Quail Hollow following a T-9 finish in the 2025 PPC. This won’t be his first experience competing at Bandon Dunes, playing in the 2011 U.S. Pub Links, losing his match to reigning U.S. Open Champion JJ Spaun. Eric is the son of PGA Professional Scott Steger, who played in the 1994 PGA Championship as a Club Professional. They work side-by-side as PGA Coaches at Pebble Brook. Mike Suhre, PGA Owner & Head Professional at Oak Brook Golf Club in Edwardsville, Illinois, is the 2025 PGA Youth Player Development Award recipient, stemming from his extraordinary contributions and achievement in youth player development. In addition to being one of the most accomplished PGA Jr. League Coaches in the country, Suhre also dedicates his time to PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation. He will make his third PPC appearance at Bandon Dunes next week. Riley Wheeldon, PGA Director of Instruction at Aronimink Golf Club, has a goal to become the first PGA of America Golf Professional from a PGA Championship host site to earn a spot in the field through the PPC. Wheeldon, a past winner on the Canadian Tour, has made an immediate impact as a PGA Coach at Aronimink during his first year working alongside Head Professional Jeff Kiddie, the 2023 PGA Golf Professional of the Year. This will be Wheeldon's first PPC. Additionally, CBS will run a 2026 PGA Championship preview show Saturday, May 9th at 2pm ET, to showcase the season’s next Major featuring the strongest field in golf and a historic return to Aronimink Golf Club for the first time since 1962. For more information about the PGA Professional Championship, click here . About the PGA of America The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X , Instagram and Facebook .

Southeast Chapter Wins 2026 Nelson Cup Matches

April 20, 2026
Coral Springs, FL - For the fourth time in five years, the Southeast Chapter of the South Florida PGA has won the Annual Nelson Cup Matches, held April 20th at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida. The Nelson Cup is an annual South Florida PGA Ryder Cup-style tournament between the Southeast, Southwest, and Southern Chapters. Each team is composed of 12 Chapter members, two of whom are senior members. Started in 1992 by the Nelson family and now carried on by John Nelson, PGA Teaching Professional at the Country Club of Coral Springs, the annual Matches are played to honor the Nelson family and the significant contributions made to junior golf in South Florida. The day started with morning foursome matches that saw the Southeast Chapter jump out to an early 4.5-point lead over both the Southern and Southwest Chapters, with scores of 9 for the Southeast Chapter and 4.5 for both the Southern and Southwest Chapters. The Southeast Chapter teams of Richard Terga, PGA, and Alastair Mackenzie, PGA, as well as the team of Nick Latimer, PGA, and Jimmy Gascoigne, PGA, led the way in the morning, each winning both of their matches to secure four early points for the Southeast Chapter. Carrying the momentum into the three-ball matches, the Southeast Chapter added 9.5 more points to the Southwest Chapter, 5.5, and the Southern Chapters, 3 points earned during the second set of matches, bringing the points total to 18.5 for the Southeast Chapter, 10 for the Southwest Chapter, and 7.5 for the Southern Chapter. The teams of Terga/Mackenzie and Latimer/Gascoigne kept their undefeated streak going, again adding two more points each. Then, Southeast Chapter teams of John Bendar, PGA, and Morgan Jewell, PGA, and Colin Amaral, PGA, and Steve Vecellio, PGA, also went undefeated in the three-ball matches, adding two more points each. Heading into the final format of singles matches, the Southeast Chapter held a commanding 9-point lead over the Southwest Chapter and an 11-point lead over the Southern Chapter. The Southwest Chapter surged to start singles matches, winning their first eight matches to move within striking distance of the Southeast Chapter. Ashley Grier, PGA, and Latimer halted the run, winning both of their respective matches to earn four more points for the Southeast Chapter. As the singles matches concluded, the Southwest Chapter earned 17 total points, 5 more than the Southeast Chapter, but not enough to overtake them. The final points tallied 30.5 for the Southeast Chapter, 27 for the Southwest, and 14.5 for the Southern Chapter. In the 32 playings of the Nelson Cup Matches, the Southeast Chapter has now won 12 times, compared to the 12 from the Southwest Chapter and the three from the Southern Chapter. Each team was outfitted by SFPGA supporting partner Scales Gear. Team Rosters: Southeast Chapter: Colin Amaral John Bednar Jimmy Gascoigne Ashley Grier Morgan Jewell Michael Kartrude Nick Latimer Alastair Mackenzie Phillip Manceri Taylor Morgan Richard Terga Steven Vecellio Southwest Chapter: Justin Bertsch Evan Bowser Josh Brunet Andrew Filbert Daniel Heaslip Daniel Lee John Lento Matt Markle Justin McCarraher Adam Miller Gary Shea Justin Smith Southern Chapter: Stephen Conte Christian De Greiff Daniel Escalera O liver Gilmartin  Corey Henry Jared Isaacs Sean Kicker John Palloy David Ragan Ricardo Ronderos Jan Urso Grayson Zacker

Justin Hicks Claims Low PGA of America Golf Professional Honors in Senior PGA Championship Debut

By PGA of America • April 20, 2026
BRADENTON, Fla. (April 19, 2026) - In his Senior PGA Championship debut, Justin Hicks earned Low PGA of America Golf Professional honors with a T17 finish at 5-under par at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla. The PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton, Fla., played the final round 1-over, his only round above par this week following rounds of 69, 69, 72. One stroke shy of an automatic invitation to the 2027 Senior PGA Championship, Hicks still relished in his performance this week. “It was a very exciting week from start to finish,” said the South Florida PGA Section Member. “I'm still kind of riding a wave of things here. The last couple of years have been pretty good for me. My (Stonebridge CC) members have been really supportive of me out here playing in these events too and rooting me on back home. Had my wife and son out here with me as well. I've got quite a few text messages to catch up with tonight.” Hicks carded three birdies on the day against four bogies, the most he’s made all week, but he’ll leave satisfied with another week of competing under his belt. “The more I kind of get comfortable out here, I think that was a big part of it for me. I've never been the hare in the race. I've always been the tortoise.” Hicks has played some of the best golf of his career now that he has entered the 50-and-older ranks. Prior to this week he competed in the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow on the Corebridge Financial Team, made an appearance in the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, Monday qualified for the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational and qualified for the 2025 U.S. Open. “Little by little I just keep trying to get that tortoise going,” the 2025 Senior PGA Player of the Year said. “17th is a good finish here this week. I know it could have been better, but you could say that about every time you play golf.” In a booth interview with Golf Channel’s George Savaricas following his final round, Hicks summed up his experience this week. “It was a really special week, one I'll remember I think forever.” Of the 36 PGA of America Golf Professionals competing this week under the Corebridge Financial Team moniker, Hicks created space early on in the Championship, at one point being only three strokes off the lead. Omar Uresti, PGA, was next at T51 and 3-over for the week. Close behind Uresti was Bob Sowards, PGA Director of Instruction at Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio, who had the low round of the day of the 10 Corebridge Financial Team members who made the weekend. He carded a 2-under 70 to end the week 5-over and T59. In his seventh Senior PGA Championship Appearance, and seventh cut made, Sowards saved his low round of the week for Sunday. He birdied two of his first four holes and played steady the rest of the round, crediting his distance control as the difference maker. “I hit the irons a lot better,” Sowards said. “I put a new set of irons in the bag, new shafts, and I was hitting them so far the first three days. I dialed in the distance instead of knocking it over every green, and so for next week’s PGA Professional Championship (at Bandon Dunes), I'm gonna go back to my steel shafts.” Alan Morin, PGA of The Club at Ibis, also made the cut and finished tied for 69th place at 8-over par. Additional South Florida PGA Members competing in the Championship included Paul Scaletta of the Bear’s Club, Tim Cantwell of PGA National Golf Club, and Mark Brown of The Yacht and Country Club. Each qualified to compete as part of the Corebridge Financial PGA Team, representing both their respective facilities and the South Florida PGA Section on a national stage.

South Florida PGA Open Section Tournament Season at Wilderness Country Club

April 17, 2026
Naples, FL - The 2026 South Florida PGA Section tournament season began April 16 with the Club Car Pro-Official at Wilderness Country Club in Naples. The event featured 34 two-person teams, each consisting of a South Florida PGA Professional and an Official from the same facility. Evan Bowser, PGA Head Professional at Wilderness Country Club, and amateur Ray Cool won the gross division with a 4-under 67, edging out Justin Rountree, PGA of Eagle Lakes Golf Club and amateur Will Latreille in a scorecard playoff. Their round included six birdies and two bogeys. Josh Brunet, PGA General Manager at Eagle Lakes Golf Club, and amateur Anthony Hack won the net division with a 7-under 64, highlighted by a 5-under 31 on the back nine. Eagles Lakes defeated the team of Rountree and Latreille and the team of Austin Jarchow, PGA and John Collings of Boca West Country Club in a scorecard playoff. Jarchow captured the low professional title with a 3-under 68 which included an eagle on the par-5 16th hole.  Teams played in a one best ball of two format, with amateurs receiving 85% of their handicap. Club Car served as the title partner, with Golf Sign & Design as the presenting partner. Additional support was provided by BlueGolf, DLL Financial Solutions, Earth Networks, ExecuSearch, Holderness & Bourne, Prize Possessions and RELAY. The South Florida PGA Section thanks Wilderness Country Club for hosting the event, including PGA Director of Golf Sara Dickson, PGA Head Professional Evan Bowser and the staff and membership at Wilderness for their sup port.

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

April 6, 2026
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.