Tyler Collet Wins South Florida PGA Professional Championship, Taylor Collins Wins Women's Section Championship
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 18th 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 14th 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 17th 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 30th 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.
Share this story
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.
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.
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
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."
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
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
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
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. 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. To support the South Florida Play Yellow Birdie Bash, click here.
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.
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
