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Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (May 26, 2025) — PGA of America Golf Professional Billy Stewart of Union League Liberty Hill is the champion of the 28th Annual Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic and is taking home the grand prize of $100,000, the largest first-place prize available from any event across the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections. He scored an impressive round of 6-under-par, and included zero bogeys.
Stewart is no stranger to the pressure of this event, having previously won it in 2013. Early in his speech, Stewart mentioned the life-changing impact this prize has had on his career, allowing him to gain certifications that he used to become a teaching professional as a full-time job.
“I was definitely nervous, but it is the best feeling in golf when you are able to overcome those nerves and pull it off,” said Stewart. “The key to my round was getting up and down on the first two holes, and then I was able to birdie three and four and regain my rhythm.”
He went on to thank George Connell and the Haverford Trust Company for the opportunities they create for PGA Professionals and the measures they take to give back to the game.
Also playing well today was Merion Golf Club’s Joanna Coe, who finished two strokes back of Stewart. In a tie for third place at 3-under-par was Rob Wolfers of Manufacturers’ Golf & Country Club, and Brian Bergstol of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. Six golf professionals finished tied for fifth place at 2-under-par: Frank Bensel, Galloway National Golf Club; John Pillar, Country Club at Woodloch Springs; Logan Hay, Burlington Country Club; Will Scarborough, the Peninsula Golf and Country Club; Trevor Bensel, Lulu Country Club; and Parks Price, Bent Creek Country Club.
In the Senior Division, Frank Bensel and John Pillar, tied for first prize, shooting 2-under-par.
Claiming the title of low amateur was Francis Vaughn who shot one-over-par.
This annual event, hosted at Sunnybrook Golf Club, is made possible through the support of George Connell and the entire Haverford Trust Company. This event was also supported by Tasc. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank the Haverford Trust Company, Sunnybrook Golf Club, its membership, management and staff as the event would not be possible without their unwavering support. –Matt Frey, PGA
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PGA of America Golf Professional Anthony Sebastianelli Captures Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship in Playoff
PGA of America Golf Professional Anthony Sebastianelli of Whitford Country Club in Exton, Pennsylvania, captured the 2026 Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship at Laurel Creek Country Club in a sudden-death playoff with Logan Hay of Burlington Country Club. The annual championship honors the late past PGA of America and Philadelphia PGA President Dick Smith Sr.
The championship is supported by Srixon | Cleveland Golf, Golf Channel, Ohana Farm, SCNS Sports Foods, and the PGA Tour.
Sebastianelli entered the final round after opening with a 1-over-par 72 before firing a 3-under- par 68 in the final round. He finished the championship at 2-under par 140 and advanced to a playoff with Hay, who carded rounds of 71 and 69.
“It was a grind today,” Sebastianelli said following the playoff. “I knew par was going to be a good score, and that I had to be super patient, bear down and hit some good shots.”
He went on to thank his wife Emily, Pat Butkus and everyone at Whitford, the Section, and Laurel Creek for hosting.
“This place is in such good shape; the greens are so good,” he continued.
Sebastianelli also thanked Jamie Curran for helping him with get back into competitive shape after tearing his labrum last year.
Bidermann Golf Club’s Zac Oakley tied for third place with Austin Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club. Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club, finished in fifth place.
Six Philadelphia PGA Professionals qualified for this year’s Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, November 12-15: Anthony Sebastianelli, Whitford Country Club; Logan Hay, Burlington Country Club; Zac Oakley, Bidermann Golf Club; Austin Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club; Zach Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club; and Trevor Bensel, LuLu Country Club. Zach Barbin had already secured his exemption thanks to his finish in the 2025 championship. Alternates include: Andrew Cornish, Llanerch Country Club; Matthew Cocco, Tavistock Country Club; Andrew Turner, Green Valley Country Club; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; and Rocco Sgrillo, John F. Byrne Golf Course.
The 2026 Philadelphia Assistant PGA Professional Championship is supported by supported by Srixon | Cleveland Golf, Golf Channel, Ohana Farm, SCNS Sports Foods, and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA of America Golf Professionals thank our partners, Laurel Creek Country Club, its membership, management, staff, and host PGA of America Golf Professionals, as the event would not have been possible without their support. –Matt Frey, PGA
