The 2024 Alabama - NW Florida PGA Professional Championship — presented by Club Car, Corebridge Financial and Rolex — was held at Greystone Golf & Country Club’s Legacy Course in Birmingham, Alabama, on Sept. 9-10.
Play began Monday morning as players competed for the top four qualifying spots for the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on April 27-30.
At the end of the first round of play, eventual Champion Jordan DeBonis and Todd Bailey were tied at the top of the leaderboard at 2-under-par 70. Dominic Diaz was one stroke behind at 1-under-par 71. Tim Schroyer shot even-par 72, and Paul McClure finished at 1-over-par 73 to round out the top five after the first round.
McClure was the only player to finish the second round under par at 1-under 71, moving him up to third. DeBonis, Kevan Maxwell, Glenn Garnett, Steve Cutler and Will Maciasz all shot even par in the second round.
Alabama - NW Florida PGA Professional Champion DeBonis, Bailey, McClure and Diaz clinched the four qualifying spots for the 2025 PGA Professional Championship. Maxwell took the first alternate position, while Garnett, Neil Thompson and Noah Miller had a three-way tiebreaker for the final two alternate positions. Garnett and Thompson took second and third, respectively.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, including supporting sponsors Titleist/FootJoy, Callaway, Nike and TaylorMade. Also, thank you to supporting partners Gallagher, Golf Channel and the PGA TOUR.
The Alabama – NW Florida Section is looking forward to supporting these Section Members as they advance! —Anna Catherine Alderman
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akena Golf Club Director of Golf Kelly Welsh captured the Aloha Section Stroke Play Championship at Wailea Gold Golf Course. Welsh shot a final round of 5-under-par 67 to claim the victory.
Finishing in a tie for second were Michael Neider of Princeville Makai Golf Club and Mid Pacific Country Club Assistant Professional Corey Kozuma. Both gentlemen finished one stroke back at 141 total. There was a playoff to determine the second qualifying spot into the 2025 PGA Professional Championship. Neider won on the first playoff hole to secure the spot.
Both Welsh and Neider will represent the Aloha Section in the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Cub in Port St. Lucie, Florida, scheduled for April 27-30.
In addition to his victory, Welsh will represent the Aloha Section in the 2025 Sony Open at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu on Jan. 9-12. Congratulations to Kelly for his fine Aloha Section Stroke Play Championship performance.
A huge Mahalo goes out to Wailea Golf Club Director of Golf T.J. Figueroa and his staff for hosting the championship. —Lance Taketa, PGA
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his month the Carolinas PGA is kick-starting the first-ever PGA REACH Carolinas Birdie Blitz benefiting PGA HOPE. The Birdie Blitz is a daylong fundraising event to support the PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation and specifically the PGA HOPE Carolinas Program, the Military pillar of PGA REACH Carolinas.
Teams of two have committed to raise a minimum of $1,000 in donations from friends and family, with a goal of getting to $2,000 or more. Teams were scheduled to play Pinewild C.C. of Pinehurst on Nov. 4, with all holes set up as par 3s for a period of five hours in hopes of getting as many birdies as possible.
“I’m excited to participate in the first-ever PGA REACH Carolinas Birdie Blitz fundraiser, where I will have the opportunity to play golf with our military Veterans, PGA Professionals and community members,” said PGA REACH Coordinator Mia Hayasaki. “Funds raised from the day will allow us to make a deeper impact in the lives of Veterans and active-duty military personnel across the Carolinas. Our goal is to improve the mental, social, physical and emotional well-being for them through PGA HOPE.”
The day will conclude with an evening reception and City Barbeque will be providing meals for the entire field. City Barbeque also sponsored several fundraisers leading up to the event. The evening reception will also feature exciting entertainment, beverages, an awards ceremony and quality raffle prizes! —Jess Hanson
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ennis Colligan fired rounds of 69 and 71 while playing in challenging weather conditions to win his fourth career Central New York PGA Section Championship in decisive fashion Aug. 20 at Onondaga Golf & Country Club.
Colligan and the rest of the field coped with intermittent rain showers, as well as gusty winds. The 36-hole tournament was played in one day after rain washed out the first round Aug. 19.
With a 2-under-par 140, Colligan (Cazenovia Golf Club) finished five strokes ahead of 2011 champion Mark Tucker (3-over 145) from Cazenovia Country Club.
“It’s always nice to win,” Colligan said.
Colligan, the 2023 Section and Senior Player of the Year, carded eight birdies against six bogeys for the tournament. Colligan’s also won the Section Championship in 2017, 2016 and 2010.
Colligan took pride in chalking up another Section title in addition to representing the Section at the 58th annual PGA Professional Championship next April in Florida.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Colligan said. “It’s like a home game down in Port St. Lucie. I’m a member (at PGA Golf Club) in the winter and I play there all the time.”
Besides Colligan and Tucker, third-place finisher Matthew Jaynes (Corning C.C.) earned a berth to play in Port St. Lucie next April.
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PGA of America Golf Associate Matt Campbell (Teugega Country Club) took home the 2024 Assistants Championship with rounds of 71 and 65 at the Cavalry Club on Aug. 30. The win was his fourth of the season.
Zach Vinal (Teugega C.C., 69-75—144) finished tied for second with three-time former champ Ryan McGinnis (Turning Stone Resort Casino, 74-70—144).
McGinnis will represent the Section in November at the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship in Port St. Lucie, Forida. —Fran Piraino
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eoff Keffer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakewood Country Club, began Sept. 11 at the 67th Colorado PGA Professional Championship at Valley Country Club in Aurora with a two-shot lead over Tristin Goodwin, PGA Assistant Professional at Cherry Hills Country Club. Goodwin started the day birdieing four of his first six holes and added a hole-out eagle on hole No. 5 from 40 yards. After the sixth hole, Goodwin had flipped a two-shot deficit into a three-shot lead.
“My strategy did not change, but my mindset definitely changed a little bit. I started to feel more pressure as I was leading the golf tournament now,” Goodwin said. A few short holes later, Goodwin and Keffer turned to the back nine tied at 9-under-par.
Goodwin and Keffer continued to stay tied through the 11th, with seven holes to play. Goodwin then birdied the 12th and Keffer made a bogey for Goodwin to open up a two-shot lead with six to play. Goodwin bogeyed the very next hole to narrow the lead to one. Four consecutive pars meant Goodwin sat at 10-under heading to the last hole. Bogies from Keffer on 14 and 17 with a birdie mixed in on 16 meant Keffer sat at 8-under-par.
A par by both players on the 18th clinched the Colorado PGA Professional Championship for Goodwin, his second major title in as many years after capturing the Masek Match Play in 2023.
“I haven’t won many events; this was probably the biggest event I have ever won,” said Goodwin. “This means a lot.”
With this victory, Goodwin leads seven other Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals who qualified for the 2025 PGA Professional Championship next April at PGA Golf Club in Florida, which includes runner-up Keffer, PGA; Mike Weingartner, PGA; Rob Grall, PGA; Micah Rudosky, PGA; Ben Lanting, PGA; Jordan Gibbs, PGA; and Kirk Trowbridge, PGA.
A huge thanks to all of those who attended representing our Colorado PGA Professional Championship partners: Tom Bauerle, Drew Hunter and Reed Tomlinson of Colorado Golf & Turf and Club Car; Scott Freelove and Chris McCallum of Titleist; Anthony Gabriel of FootJoy; Steven Vigil of Nike Golf; Shaun Haberstroh, Chris Brown, Sam Marley and Chris Kurth of TaylorMade Golf; and Mike Marsilli and Marcus Gregory of Callaway Golf. And thanks, too, to our local partners, David Walker of True Temper; Ian Crick, PGA, of Strackaline; Samantha Masciarelli of 1st and 10th tee bars; Sterling Cut Glass; and Liquid Death for their support of this championship and the Colorado PGA.
Last but certainly not least, thanks to our fantastic host facility, Valley Country Club, and its dedicated staff, including Director of Golf Barry Milstead, PGA; Head Golf Professional Brad Tyson, PGA; PGA Associate Kirby Kielman; General Manager/COO Al Jader; and Director of Agronomy Brooks Dodson and his entire grounds staff. —Scott Minta
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owie Friday, Head Professional at Stanley Municipal Golf Course, has been named 2024 Golf Professional of the Year in the Connecticut Section.
Friday began his career at Tumble Brook Country Club in the late 1980s before leaving for Stanley G.C. in 2019. Howie has served on numerous committees during his time in the Section, culminating in his Presidency from 2019-22.
Along with Friday, the Section’s 2024 award recipients were honored during a ceremony last month.
The Section conducted its Senior PGA Professional Championship and Assistant PGA Professional Championship at Wethersfield Country Club, birthplace of what is now known as the Travelers Championship.
Jason Gobleck of the Golf Center at Lyman Orchards carded a 36-hole total of 1-over-par to edge out Billy Downes of GREATHORSE and Jan Wivestad of Chris Cote’s School of Golf by two strokes.
Gobleck was joined by Wivestad and Bart McCarthy of Windham Golf Course at the Senior PGA Professional Championship in late September.
Meanwhile, C.J. Konkowski of Hartford Golf Club defended his title and earned back-to-back Assistants Championship victories. Konkowski finished the rain-shortened event with a 27-hole total of 4-under-par to best Kyle Gallo of Full Circle Golf by one stroke.
Joining Konkowski at the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship on Nov. 14-17 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, will be Brian Quilter of Black Hall Club.
Congratulations to Section President Bob Sparks and his 13u PGA Jr. League Team for advancing to the National Championship last month at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco (West Course) in Texas. —Ted Pisk, PGA
he Section completed the regular season Stroke Play series at Franklin County C.C. on Aug. 26. Ryan McClintock (Panther Creek C.C.) edged out Zach Potts (Fox Run G.C.) in a playoff after both shot 70 (1-under).
Michael Tucker (Bellerive C.C.) and Jeff Whitfield (The Quarry at Crystal Springs) also shot 70 (1-under) in the Senior Division before playing three playoff holes where Tucker came out on top. Whitfield did not leave empty-handed, winning the Super Senior Division. Devon Liberty (Westwood C.C.) sat at the top of the Assistants Division, and Emily Van Rie (Quincy C.C.) found herself ahead in the Ladies Division.
After a hiatus, the Section hosted a pair of Gateway Golf & Business for Women events. Many thanks to Bayer and Carrollton Bank for partnering in the program. Thank you to Westborough C.C. and WingHaven C.C. for hosting the events and Section Members Jeffrey Field, Scott Marchand, Zoe Henja, Nathan Davis, Luke Edwards, Jay Roux, Barbara Blanchar and Sally Collins for helping with instruction.
National 2024 Patriot Award winner Jon DePriest (Sunset Hills C.C.) hosted the 5 Star Challenge on Sept. 16. The event paired foursomes with a PGA HOPE graduate in an 18-hole scramble format tournament. Between the 100 Holes Challenge and 5 Star Challenge, DePriest has raised over $40,000 for PGA HOPE since July.
PGA of America Secretary and PGA REACH Gateway Life Trustee Nathan Charnes held his third annual Nathan Charnes Pro Am on Sept. 19. The event started during his run for national Secretary and has evolved into a fundraiser that has donated mor than $75,000 to PGA REACH Gateway since its inception.
Congratulations to the following members who qualified for PGA Jr. League Regional competition: Michael Cummings, Don Kueper and Mike Suhre.
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or three days the weather was perfect; so was PGA of America Assistant Professional Jin Chung en route to claiming the title at the 56th Georgia PGA Championship charged by EnviroSpark at Sea Island Golf Club’s Retreat Course.
Chung, from Château Élan Golf Club, opened the tournament on Monday with a 4-under-par 68 and was the co-leader with PGA of America Life Member Mark Anderson from Brunswick Country Club. Chung continued his great play in Round 2 on Tuesday with a 5-under-par 67 to claim the solo lead by three shots over Atlanta Open Champion and PGA of America Head Professional Luke James of Royal Lakes Golf & Country Club. The highlight of the day was when Chung made a hole-in-one on the par-3 12th hole, his first in competitive play.
Chung continued the steady play in Round 3 with a 1-under-par 71 as the other contenders fell back. He finished the Championship at 10-under-par 206 to win by three shots over four-time champion Tim Weinhart of Heritage Golf Links. Chung, a newly-elected PGA of America Member, was playing in his first Georgia PGA Championship.
The month of August was great to Chung, who also won the Georgia PGA Assistant PGA Professional Championship earlier in the month at Oak Mountain Golf Club.
Tied for third at 6-under-par were James and Georgia PGA Match Play Champion Francisco Bide, PGA, Assistant Professional at Capital City Club. There were a total of 12 past champions playing in the starting field of 101, one of those being Teaching Professional J.P. Griffin, PGA, who finished T5 after carding a 4-under-par 68 in the final round and winning the Georgia PGA Baller football Award provided by Wilson.
Joshua Deal, PGA, General Manager at Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta was elected the 29th President of the Georgia Section on Sept. 11 at the Georgia PGA Annual Meeting held at The Classic Center in downtown Athens.
Deal has been General Manager at Bobby Jones Golf Course since March of 2022, while simultaneously serving as the Vice President of Operations for Bobby Jones Links, a PGA of America Member-founded Club Management organization headquartered in Alpharetta. Deal will also serve as the President of the PGA REACH Georgia Foundation.
Mike Miller, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Big Canoe Golf Club, was elected as the new Vice President of the Georgia Section. Miller has been on the Executive Committee for the past two years as the Secretary.
Elizabeth Clarkson, PGA, General Manager at The Chimneys Golf Course in Winder, was elected Secretary of the Georgia PGA Section. Clarkson is the first woman to be elected as an officer of the Georgia PGA.
Outgoing President Cary Brown, PGA, General Manager at Valdosta Country Club, will now serve as Honorary President of the Georgia Section before beginning his service as District 13 Director for the PGA of America. Brown will serve in the national boardroom beginning in November, and he will represent almost 4,650 PGA of America Professionals working in the Georgia, North Florida and South Florida PGA Sections.
Additionally, three At-Large Directors were elected to the Section’s Board of Directors: Nick Bailes, PGA, Director of Golf at Country Club of the South in Johns Creek; Glenn Scapin, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek; and Jabir Bilal, PGA, Director of Instruction at Crystal Lake Golf & Country Club in Hampton. They will all serve three-year terms. —Michael Rakowski
he 2024 BankPlus Gulf States Open was held at Metairie Country Club on Aug. 23-25. The course was in phenomenal condition and featured a field of 144 top PGA of America Professionals and amateurs from Louisiana and Mississippi. After Round 2, the field was cut to the low 50 and ties heading into the final round.
Hunter Logan from Steens, Mississippi, triumphed with rounds of 69-65-66, finishing at 10-under-par 200 to claim the Low Professional title. His second round featured six birdies and only one bogey. SE Louisiana University Men’s Golf Coach Lawrence Allan from Baton Rouge secured second place with a score of 203 (67-69-67) and earned Low Amateur honors. Joseph Dendy from Brandon, Mississippi, placed third in the Professional Division with a total of 205 (64-71-70), tying the tournament’s low round with a 64 in the first round.
Logan reflected on his experience, stating, “The Gulf States Open was a fun experience for me because it was my first professional event. I approached it like any other tournament. The wind was a significant challenge, but I managed to keep my drives straight and struck my irons accurately, converting several birdie opportunities.”
Allan added, “The course was set up perfectly. The wind tested our skills and strategy. I limited my mistakes and hope to motivate my college team this coming season.” Both players expressed excitement for future competitions and the chance to continue improving in their respective journeys on and of the golf course. The event showcased lots of remarkable talent and promising potential.
Thank you to BankPlus, Ben Nelson Golf & Outdoor, E-Z-GO and the entire Metairie Country Club membership and staff for their support in making this tournament a success. —Presley Baggett Ladner
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rian Carroll (The Hawk Country Club) carded a 4-under-par 68 in the final round of the Nadler Golf Cars Illinois PGA Professional Championship at Elgin Country Club to win by two strokes.
Carroll’s victory marks his second Nadler Golf Cars Illinois PGA Professional Championship, and third Illinois PGA major championship in as many years (2022 Nadler Golf Cars Illinois PGA Professional Championship, 2023 Players Championship, 2024 Nadler Golf Cars Illinois PGA Professional Championship).
“I just stayed focused this week and did exactly what I was trying to do,” said Carroll. “I’ve been fortunate enough to play well in this over the years. Typically, over three days I know that if I play my game and limit my mistakes, I’ll be close at the end. My whole golf career was a series of runners-up and close calls until two years ago, so it’s nice to get a string of majors over the last couple of years.”
Carroll will be joined by 11 other Illinois PGA of America Professionals at the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Florida. Matthew Rion (Briarwood Country Club), Andy Mickelson (Mistwood Golf Club), Kevin Flack (Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club), Frank Hohenadel (Mistwood Golf Club), Chris Green (Glen View Club), Steve Orrick (Bloomington Country Club), Matt Slowinski (Hinsdale Golf Club), and Jonathan Duppler (Elgin Country Club) all qualified at Elgin Country Club for the PGA Professional Championship. Jeff Kellen (North Shore Country Club), Andy Svoboda (Butler National Golf Club) and Mike Small (University of Illinois) were already exempted into the 2025 PGA Professional Championship.
The Illinois PGA Foundation announced in September that its 2024 Birdies for Charity fundraiser, held the day after Labor Day, raised a total of $648,104, bringing the 14-year total amount raised to $4.36 million.
The Illinois PGA Foundation Birdies for Charity fundraiser is divided into two events between the Illinois PGA Section and the Central Illinois PGA Chapter. Each event has corresponding charities that the proceeds benefit.
The proceeds from the Illinois PGA Section Birdies for Charity event will be split equally between Ann Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, G.O.L.F. (Greater Organization for the Less Fortunate) and the Illinois PGA Foundation. Proceeds from the Central Illinois PGA Chapter benefit OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria, Brightpoint (formerly Children’s Home & Aid) and the Illinois PGA Foundation. —Kevin Quinn
INDIANA
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abrina Bonanno made history in August, becoming the first woman to win the PGA Professional Championship in Indiana, and fifth woman to win a PGA Section Professional Championship nationwide. The 2024 championship showcased her resilience and skill in a year of groundbreaking achievements.
The final round began with Vince Drahman, Eric Steger and Kenton Hobbs tied at 4-under-par. As the pressure mounted, Steger took the lead at 6-under after a birdie on hole No. 8. Jamie Broce joined him at 6-under with an eagle on the 11th and a birdie on the 12th.
Meanwhile, Bonanno, starting four strokes behind, surged ahead with a 3-under front nine and four more birdies on the back, including a clutch birdie on 18 to reach 7-under.
As Broce faltered with bogeys on 17 and 18, Drahman and Steger both reached 7-under, setting the stage for a three-way playoff. Drahman was eliminated on the first playoff hole. On the third, Steger hit his tee shot out of bounds, paving the way for Bonanno to claim the title, becoming the first woman to do so.
Bonanno dedicated her win to Brittany Kelly, a trailblazing golfer and 2022 Indiana PGA Golf Professional of the Year. “There’s no words to describe (what it means to be the first female PGA Professional Champion), especially at a place like this, following someone like Brittany Kelly,” Bonanno said.
As she prepares for the 2025 PGA Professional Championship next April, Bonanno reflects on her journey, carrying forward the legacy of those who paved the way, including Kelly, who passed away in 2021 after battling ovarian cancer. Bonanno’s victory is not just a personal triumph but a testament to perseverance and the power of legacy in golf. —Renee Adam
racy Vest of Lake House Sports won the Iowa PGA Senior PGA Professional Championship on Aug. 27 at Blue Top Ridge and led six Section PGA of America Professionals to compete on Sept. 26-29 in the 36th Senior PGA Professional Championship in Sunriver, Oregon. Vest turned in a total score of 11-under-par 66-67—133 to capture the win.
Vest was joined by Jeff Schmid of Brown Deer G.C., Sean McCarty of Brown Deer G.C., John Bermel of Pheasant Ridge G.C., Chad Proehl of Sugar Creek G.C., Chris Black of Hickory Grove G.C. and Judd Gibb of Hanson’s Custom Golf.
Schmid and Proehl were both exempt through other PGA-sanctioned events and do not count toward the four qualifying spots for PGA of America events.
The Super Senior Division was won by Bermel with rounds of 66-73—139 for a total of 5-under-par.
Davis Sutton of Cedar Rapids C.C. won the Section’s National Car Rental Iowa Assistant PGA Professional Championship on Sept. 3 at Blue Top Ridge. Sutton grabbed the qualifying spot for the 48th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship scheduled for Nov. 14-17 at PGA Golf Club in Florida.
Sutton carded rounds of 68-74—142. Jacob Bermel of Pheasant Ridge G.C. carded rounds of 74-69—143 to finish in second place.
Bermel, Ben Montgomery of Airport National G.C. and Zach Steffen of Terrace Hills G.C. will join Sutton. —Stephanie Mason
ylan Newman defended his Met PGA Championship title on the east end of Long Island. The Meadow Brook Club Assistant found consistency during a challenging week at Noyac Golf Club to take back the Joseph J. Lannin Trophy.
Patience was the name of the game during the week for Newman. Three straight rounds of even-par was enough for a one-shot victory over past champion Frank Bensel of Century Country Club. A win for Bensel would have been his third victory across three different decades. Casey Pyne of The Stanwich Club was also in the mix on the back nine, but late bogeys on holes 14 and 18 caused him to settle for third place at 2-over-par.
The round of the tournament was turned in by Cian Curley of Trump National Golf Club Westchester. A 5-under-par round of 67 vaulted him up the leaderboard into solo fourth place.
A huge thank you to Noyac Golf Club and host PGA of America Professional Pat Gunning for a tremendous week!
Cold Spring Country Club welcomed a talented group of Senior PGA of America Professionals for the playing of the 2024 Met PGA Senior Championship. Scott Ford of Glen Oaks Club managed a gritty victory after a rough start to Round 2 play. Ford was the only Senior Professional in the field to finish under-par after his first 18 holes.
Hoping to bring that momentum into Round 2, Ford would bogey three out of his first five holes to tie Phil Cardwell of Rockville Links Club at even-par for the tournament. The bogeys on the front nine would end there as birdies on holes 6 and 7 found him back on top where he would remain for the rest of the round to finish 69-73—142, two shots ahead of Cardwell. With the win, Ford earned a spot in the Senior PGA Professional Championship on Sept. 26-29 at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon.
The Met PGA is blessed to have a wide variety of sponsors and supporters, with the common thread being their desire to help elevate the Association and the golf profession. We are excited to announce our most recent sponsorship, as Mal Galletta III and his family committed to support this year’s Met PGA Championship as a tribute to the legacy of his dad, Mal Galletta Jr. Mal Jr. loved to compete and was among the top players in the Met Section for many years. This year’s total purse increased to $25,000 thanks to the additional support from the Galletta family. —Emily Meier
cott Hebert from Traverse City Golf & Country Club won the Michigan PGA Match Play Championship for the third time, and in the process set a record for the most major championship wins in Michigan PGA Section history.
The 55-year-old Head Professional made five birdies in 14 holes and topped Scott Cook of The Mines Golf Club in Grand Rapids, 5 and 4, in the championship match at Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath.
It was a record 18th Michigan Section major title for Hebert, breaking a tie at 17 titles with fellow Michigan Golf Hall of Famer Jeff Roth of Boyne Golf Academy in Harbor Springs. In addition to his three Match Play wins, Hebert counts eight Michigan PGA Professional Championship titles, six Michigan Open Championship titles and a Tournament of Champions win.
Hebert’s most recent Michigan major title before Match Play was in 2019 when he last won the Match Play, and that same year he won the national Senior PGA Professional Championship. With that national title, he became just the fourth PGA of America Professional to ever win the Senior PGA and PGA Professional Championship (2008) national titles.
Hebert said he loved that the final two days of the Michigan PGA Match Play Championship were at Eagle Eye, the site of five of his Michigan PGA Professional titles.
“This is a championship golf course,” he said. “You have to hit good tee shots; you have to control your distance, and you have to know where to miss. To me, it’s the way golf should be. It’s not just bomb it and keep your putts below the hole. You have to control your golf ball here. Whenever we play a place like this, I always feel good about my chances.”
Congratulations to the Fall Pro Scratch presented by IBKUL/HUB International winning team of Ryan Lenahan and Patrick Wilkes-Krier, Kendall Academy at Miles of Golf; Darren Husse, Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club; and Scott Shapin, Pine Lake Country Club.
The team had a successful day in this two best ball of four format, finishing 13-under-par. They finished with a score of 127, which secured the winning position over the second-place team of Jim Deiters, Midland Country Club; Ryan Bayer, Kent Country Club; Benny Cook, Quail Ridge Golf Club; and amateur Matt Zerbel. They were right behind, finishing 10-under-par with a score of 130.
Thank you to Midland Country Club for hosting this event. We would also like to thank our presenting sponsor, IBKUL and HUB International, for their support of the Michigan PGA and the Tournament Program. —Diane Lazaros
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s we look back on 2024, we are pleased to report that the HOPE Program grew significantly — both in terms of participation and the number of programs offered.
This was due in large part to the efforts of our new Foundation Director, Deb Richard, who got our PGA of America Professionals excited about HOPE and how they could get involved. We now have 57 certified Professionals, up from 26 in previous years, and 28 PGA of America Professionals involved in the programs, up from just eight in 2023. We expect even more to be involved in 2025.
Throughout the year, we served over 150 Veterans and active military personnel across our 14 programs, more than double the number served in 2023. This increase was due in part to an additional number of programs being offered, which grew from five to 14.
We would like to thank all of our PGA of America Professionals who contributed their expertise to these programs, as well as the courses that provided their facilities. Finally, we would like to thank the Kansas City Area Toyota Dealers for their generous support. The Kansas City Area Toyota Dealers are committed to giving back to their community and are proud partners of the Midwest Section PGA and the programs and organizations the Foundation supports. —Nolan Becerra
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ovember is a great month to “give thanks!”
Thank you to all of the PGA of America Professionals — and facilities — who hosted our Junior Golf tours and events, our Section tournaments and our many special events! Our success depends on all of you, and we thank you for your support.
It’s never too early to schedule an event, so contact the Section office now for 2025 and beyond.
In addition, thanks to Rush Creek G.C., Derek Stendahl, PGA, and Jenny Stendahl, Tom Wall, PGA, and their team for hosting our 18th annual Ian Leonard Bad Pants Open. Presenting Partner Treasure Island Resort & Casino is most generous for the event, and makes an extra donation from spare coins and chips each year to support the cause. The brainchild of PGA Member Jay Meyerhoff, the event raises over $60,000 annually to help support Minnesota Special Olympics and PGA Reach Minnesota.
The day pairs PGA of America Professionals with Special Olympics Athletes in the morning and hosts a scramble event in the afternoon. Special thanks to the following PGA of America Professionals who helped support the event by playing: Ethan Trauth, Eric Speck, Matt Olson, Derek Helstrom, Tom Wall, Andy Gerber, Nick Pelle, Dylan Leivermann, Eddie Wynne, Jeff Crouch, Tommy Kohler, Scott Erickson, Lance West, Greg Schulze, Paul Kelley, George Smith, Ryan Hanford, Gary Botkin, Greg Ross, Derek Stendahl, Kellie Hoiness, Aaron Jacobson, Tim Vernon, Mike Barge, Kate Drimel, Peter Hoffman, Tessa Stener, Chris Sauer, Brad Pluth, Sharbee Hoskins, Marshal Hoiness and Charlie Levis. Well done! —J.D. Drimel, PGA
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ne year ago, PGA REACH Nebraska, the charitable arm of the Nebraska PGA Section, hosted the inaugural Birdie Bonanza fundraising event to raise money for both the Foundation’s programming and the Omaha Fire & Rescue Department. A total of $100,000 was raised by 32 Nebraska PGA of America Professionals, making for an awesome story.
Fast forward a year later — with the momentum from the first event rolled into 2024, where record numbers of birdies were made — and a new fundraising goal was met.
Eighteen, two-person teams of Nebraska PGA of America Professionals competed in a golf marathon at Benson Golf Course, where the goal was to make as many birdies as possible throughout 54 holes in one day. Leading up to the event, the PGA of America Professionals were supported by people in their community, friends and family through donations that were given in the form of pledges for various amounts of money per birdie.
With the flat donations included and after just the first 18 holes, the 2024 field raised over $82,000, setting the pace for a record-setting day for PGA REACH Nebraska. By the end of the 54-hole golf marathon, the NEPGA Professionals made 619 birdies and raised $139,400. The money will go a long way in positively impacting lives across Nebraska with PGA REACH Nebraska’s programming touching every corner of the state.
“To see the community come together and donate this much money to our Foundation, it’s truly incredible and shows how much support we have,” said PGA REACH Nebraska President Tony Pesavento.
In addition to the money raised, Brady Schnell and Steve Friesen of Firethorn Golf Club won the second annual Birdie Bonanza Shootout to cap off a great day. —Brett Renner
he New England PGA hosted the 104th NEPGA Section Championship from Sept. 3-5 at Tedesco C.C. and Ferncroft C.C. The 64 players who made the cut to the final round battled it out on the pristine fairways of Tedesco on the hunt to capture the Thomas Mahan Trophy.
The contenders were also competing for 13 qualifying spots (not including Rich Berberian Jr., who is exempt) into the 2025 PGA Professional Championship that will be held April 27-30 at PGA Golf Club.
Ed Kirby, PGA (The Aquidneck Club) climbed the leaderboard through the final round to capture the Championship title for the second time in his career. He also won the Thomas Mahan Trophy in 2012. In addition, Kirby won the 2024 NEPGA Senior Championship in July, as well as the Rhode Island Chapter Championship in September.
Berberian will be joined by the following NEPGA Professionals who officially qualified for the national PGA Professional Championship in April: Ed Kirby, PGA (The Aquidneck Club), Liam Friedman (Wollaston G.C.), Boomer Erick (Boston G.C.), Robert Bruso (Worcester C.C.), Seul-Ki Hawley (Winchester C.C.), David Jankowski (Golf Garage VT), Greg Kelly (Myopia Hunt Club), Jeff Martin (Wollaston G.C.), Shawn Warren (Old Marsh), Joe Rocha (Golf Country), Matt Alwin (Sakonnet G.C.), Rick Karbowski (Auburn Driving Range) and Dan Venezio (Portland C.C.).
The fourth NEPGA Women’s Championship concluded on Sept. 4 with Seul-Ki Hawley, PGA (Winchester C.C.) capturing her second straight title. She went on to compete in the Section Championship, where she finished T6 and qualified for the PGA Professional Championship. —Lauren Neilan
yler Hall secured his first major title of the year at the 97th NJPGA Professional Championship, triumphing at Echo Lake Country Club and winning for the first time since 2021. Hall finished the tournament with an impressive score of 5-under-par, shooting rounds of 70, 65 and 74. Halls’ second-round 65 marked the lowest round of the tournament by any competitor.
In a closely contested final round, Hall edged out Grant Sturgeon by just one stroke. Sturgeon finished at 4-under, showcasing his own strong play throughout the tournament.
“It’s been quite a journey the last couple years trying to get my feet back under me and reclaim my spot in the winner’s circle in a major,” Hall said. “It feels really, really good, and I couldn’t do it without my family.”
Alongside Hall and Sturgeon, nine other professionals qualified for the 57th PGA Professional Championship, scheduled for April 27-30, 2025, at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The team includes Brian Gaffney, Nick Bova, Anthony Casalino, Danny Harcourt, Bill Hook, Tony Perla, Greg Baker, Frank Esposito and Zach Granoff. —Ethan Shea
he North Florida PGA is proud to announce that Josh Miller, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, has been selected as the first-ever PGA HOPE National Ambassador from the North Florida PGA.
With a distinguished military career spanning 24 years, Josh brings a wealth of experience, leadership and passion to this prestigious role. Enlisting in the Army at a young age, he rose through the ranks to become a Sergeant First Class, a role that demands exceptional leadership and a commitment to his fellow soldiers. His military career, which he describes as a privilege, allowed him to serve his country with honor for more than two decades.
Though Josh only began playing golf in May 2024, his connection to the sport goes back nearly three decades. A fan since 1995, he always appreciated the nuances of the game. His passion brought him to the PGA HOPE Program in the spring of 2024 at Royal St. Cloud Golf Links. Josh’s decision to apply for the PGA HOPE National Ambassador Program was driven by his desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
“While researching the PGA HOPE Program, I came across the Ambassador Program,” Josh explains. “I saw it as a great opportunity to apply my leadership skills and thoughtful personality to help grow the program and inspire others to get involved.”
As the first National Ambassador for PGA HOPE from the North Florida PGA, Josh is excited about the impact he can have on the program and its participants.
“It’s always fascinating to learn about their experiences, passions and what drives them,” he says.
We congratulate Josh on this achievement and look forward to the positive influence he will have here in the North Florida PGA. —Brandon Roll, PGA
irst piloted in 2022, the Northeast HOPE Invitational is a collaboration between PGA District 1 and the Connecticut Section, Northeastern New York Section and New England Section foundations.
Annually, 12 HOPE Instructional Professionals from each local PGA Section, including graduates of PGA HOPE, compete in a one day, nine-hole golf tournament celebrating the spirit of the game and the power that recreational therapy can have on the mental and physical well-being of Veterans from across the Northeast. We were so excited to host this year’s event in the Northeastern New York PGA Section at Wyantenuck Country Club in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
We would like to congratulate the following players who earned qualifying spots into national PGA of America championships via our Section qualifiers earlier in the season:
NENY PGA Professional Championship hosted by Eagle Crest Golf Club on Aug. 5-6: Scott Berliner, PGA, Assistant Golf Professional at Glens Falls Country Club, and Jesse Muller, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Windham Country Club. Good luck to them at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie on April 27-30, 2025.
NENY Senior PGA Championship hosted by Waubeeka Golf Links on July 29-30: Jeremy Kerr, PGA, Director of Golf at Van Schaick Island Country Club, and John DeForest, PGA, Active Life Member, and Ian Breen, PGA, Assistant Golf Professional at Saranac Inn Golf & Country Club. The 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship was held at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon, on Sept. 26-29.
National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship hosted by Albany Country Club on Aug. 29: Scott Berliner, PGA, Assistant Golf Professional at Glens Falls Country Club. The 2024 Assistant PGA Professional Championship is being held at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie on Nov. 14-17. Good luck, Scott! —Zach Follos
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yan Williams, PGA of America Professional from Woodbridge G. & C.C., triumphed in the 2024 Northern California PGA Assistant Professional Championship, demonstrating both skill and perseverance. Held at Round Hill C.C. in Alamo, Williams delivered an impressive performance, shooting rounds of 69-69 (138) to edge out Josh Wiegandt, Associate Professional from Schaffer’s Mill G.C., by just one stroke. Competing against a field of 73 Northern California PGA of America Members and Associates, Williams’ win underscores his growing prominence within the Northern California PGA.
Brad Marek, a PGA of America Professional from Corica Park, was one of the 10 talented golfers representing the U.S. Team in the 31st PGA Cup at Sunriver Resort in Oregon. Marek made history as the first NCPGA Member to compete in the prestigious event since 2009. With an impressive undefeated record of 4-0 in his debut, Marek’s performance was instrumental in helping the U.S. secure a commanding 17.5-8.5 victory over Great Britain & Ireland.
Jason Schmuhl, PGA, captured the 2024 NCPGA Senior Professional Championship. As the Head Professional at Windsor G.C., Schmuhl’s latest triumph adds to an already impressive resume, with multiple NCPGA Player of the Year titles and over 25 tournament wins within the NCPGA.
At Del Rio C.C. in Modesto, Schmuhl outplayed a competitive field, securing victory with rounds of 68-73 for a total of 141, finishing three strokes ahead of Robert Poole, PGA of America Professional from Menlo C.C. This win not only reaffirms Schmuhl’s status as one of the top professionals in Northern California, but also earned him a coveted spot in the national Senior Professional Championship at Sunriver Resort in Oregon. —Shelby Zell
itch Camp and Ned Weaver, PGA of America Golf Professionals in the Northern Ohio PGA, share a unique friendship that has come full circle through decades of shared experiences. Their journey began at Orrville High School, where Mitch, a year younger than Ned, became a close friend and teammate. They worked together at Juli-Feview — now The Pines in Orrville — and spent countless hours playing at Riceland on a three-wheel gas Harley Davidson cart owned by Mitch’s grandfather.
As juniors, they were inseparable on the golf course, playing together daily and traveling across the country to compete in events like the TJGA, Western Junior and Future Masters. Though their college years took them on different paths — Mitch to Ohio State and Ned to Kent State — their bond remained strong, with Ned even serving as the best man at Mitch’s wedding to his wife, Julie, after their freshman year.
After college, the two rarely spoke with busy work schedules and living in different parts of the country until Ned called Mitch about a job at Fairlawn Country Club. Ned connected Mitch with Mike Morrow, a former Kent State teammate, who was leaving Fairlawn to coach the Kent State women’s team. Through this connection, Mitch was hired by Frank Wharton, the Head Professional at Fairlawn, who hired Mitch over the phone before meeting him in person, and bringing Mitch back to Ohio. After six years at Fairlawn, Mitch moved to Club Walden, where he spent the next 35 years, while Ned worked at various courses in the Pittsburgh area.
In 2016, Ned returned to Ohio, and the two picked up their friendship right where they left off. Now working together at Windmill Golf Center, Mitch has inspired Ned to return to tournament play, and the two are once again competing side by side. —Danielle Monas
tetson McMillan, Associate at John Sikes Golf Academy, bested Matt Ryba, PGA Assistant Professional at Preston Trail Golf Club, after a one-hole playoff at the National Car Rental Northern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship.
This championship served as a qualifier into the 48th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, set to be held Nov. 14-17 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. As a B-6 PGA Associate and Instructor, McMillan was not eligible to qualify for the Championship. The qualifiers are as follows: Matt Ryba, PGA, Assistant Professional at Preston Trail Golf Club; Tristan Cottrell, PGA, Assistant Professional at Bent Tree Country Club; Spencer Dillard, PGA, Assistant Professional at Preston Trail Golf Club; and Ben Swaffield, Associate at Preston Trail Golf Club.
Gabe Reynolds, PGA of America Director of Instruction at Topgolf - Dallas, won the Joyce Crane | Veritex Bank Section Championship. He carded rounds of 13-under-par 68-63—131, tying the lowest two-day total in a Northern Texas PGA Championship since 2004. With the victory, Reynolds earned an exemption into THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson for 2025.
Reynolds’ 9-under-par final round set a course record for the newly renovated Gold Course at Dallas Athletic Club.
Forty-two PGA of America Professionals ages 50 and over competed in the Senior Division and played for a separate title and purse. Brennan Little, PGA, fired a 69-71-140, 4-under-par to claim the title.
The Joyce Crane | Veritex Bank Section Championship was presented by BlueGolf, Ewing Automotive Group, GT Golf Supply Co, the PGA TOUR, StrackaLine, Strike Visuals and THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson. —Margaret Miller
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ollin Hodgkinson, an amateur from Oregon State University, emerged victorious at the Pelzer Golf Northwest Open Invitational on Aug. 19-21 at The Home Course. Hodgkinson delivered an exceptional performance, shooting rounds of 67, 65 and 66 for an 18-under-par total of 198. His stellar play earned him a one-stroke victory over defending champion Daniel Campbell, PGA, of North Bellingham G. & C.C.
The Home Course has quickly gained a reputation as one of Washington’s premier public courses, earning the No. 2 spot in Golfweek’s “Best Public Courses in Washington” ranking. Competitors knew the course would present a challenge, but the weather added an extra layer of difficulty. Monday’s opening round was delayed by heavy fog; Tuesday brought heavy rain, creating a soft course that tested the players.
Reflecting on his decisive final putt, Hodgkinson shared, “When that final putt dropped, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It’s been a while since I last won a tournament, so this victory means a lot. It was a grind out there, especially after a tough start through the first seven holes, but I stuck to my routine and rallied on the back nine to clinch the win.”
The Pacific Northwest PGA Section would like to thank The Home Course for their hospitality and support of this year’s championship. We want to thank PGA of America General Manager Justin Gravatt, PGA of America Head Professional Mitch Runge and all their staff for a fantastic week. We are proud to have the support of our title sponsor, Pelzer Golf, and presenting sponsors Nikon, Tagmarshal and Pacific Golf and Turf. We would also like to thank our supporting sponsors, including The City of DuPont and the PGA TOUR. —Cameron Altmayer
rett Walker from Chester Valley G.C. led wire-to-wire to capture the 103rd Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship at Rolling Green G.C. and Chester Valley G.C. He finished with rounds of 64-71-69–204, 8-under-par, bettering Rolling Green’s Braden Shattuck, PGA, by one stroke.
This is Walker’s second Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship victory, having won in 2021 at Aronimink G.C.
“I am grateful to be out here,” Walker said after reflecting on winning a Section Championship with his home facility in the rotation. “It is pretty special. I can’t thank the Chester Valley and Rolling Green members enough for giving up their course for a few days. I have to tip my cap to both grounds crews and superintendents; they did a great job getting both courses into championship-caliber conditions.”
Walker went on to thank the Chester Valley membership, PGA of America Professionals and staff for allowing him to play, the spectators who came to watch the action, the Section staff, and his wife Sarah.
Walker will lead 13 Philadelphia of America Golf Professionals to the 2025 PGA Professional Championship in April at PGA Golf Club in Florida: Shattuck (second place); Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort (3rd); Mike Meisenzahl, Tavistock C.C. (4th); Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C. (5th); Rusty Harbold, Philadelphia Cricket Club (6th); Terry Hatch, Royal Oaks G.C. (7th); Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C. (T8); Jeff Herb, Waynesborough C.C. (T8); Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C. (T8); Terry Hertzog, Bent Creek C.C. (T11); Andrew Turner, Whitford C.C. (T11); and Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C. (T11). Alternates include Billy Stewart, Union League Liberty Hill; Parks Price, Hanover C.C.; Stephen Swartz, Carlisle C.C.; Sam Ambrose, Chester Valley G.C.; and Scott Chisholm, Rolling Green G.C.
The PGA of America announced the roster of five PGA of America Professionals who competed as the U.S. Team in the third edition of the Women’s PGA Cup, included Joanna Coe of Merion G.C. Coe was competing in her third consecutive Women’s PGA Cup. The biennial international competition, won by the U.S. Team, took place in early October at Sunriver (Oregon) Resort. —Matt Frey, PGA
ndrew Filbert, PGA of America Assistant Professional at West Bay Club secured his second South Florida PGA Professional Championship after firing an 8-under 64 during Round 3 at Imperial Golf Club.
The 45th SFPGA Professional Championship was contested Sept. 18-20 at Imperial Golf Club’s East and West courses.
Joining Filbert at the 2025 National PGA Professional Championship, April 26-29 at PGA Golf Club in Florida: Justin Hicks (Stonebridge Country Club), Dakun Chang (Seminole Golf Club), Tom Cooper (Pine Tree Golf Club), Michael Kartrude (The Bear’s Club), Justin McCarraher (Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club), Alan Morin (The Club at Ibis), Nick Latimer (Trump International Golf Club), Domenico Geminiani (Old Corkscrew Golf Club), David Ladd (The Champions Club), Jared Isaacs (Adios Golf Club), Justin Smith (Bonita Bay Club West) and Darin de Lelys (Fiddlesticks Country Club).
Exempt players: Evan Bowser (LaPlaya Golf Club), Matt Cahill (Seminole Golf Club), Tyler Collet (John’s Island Club), Ron Philo (Palm Beach State College) and Jeremy Wells (Cypress Lake Golf Club).
Domenico Geminiani, PGA, was the only player to finish double-digits under par to win the National Car Rental South Florida Assistant PGA Championship on Sept. 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 2.
Joining Geminiani in qualifying for the national Assistant PGA Professional Championship on Nov. 14-17 at PGA Golf Club will be Alan Morin (The Club at Ibis), Kraig Joy (Medalist Golf Club), Evan Bowser (LaPlaya Golf Club), Dakun Chang (Seminole Golf Club) and Michael Kartrude (The Bear’s Club). —Matthew De Tullio
ongratulations to PGA Associate Gioia Carpinelli of Virginia Country Club for winning the 2024 Southern California PGA Women’s Section Championship. Carpinelli posted a two-day tournament total of 144 to win her first Championship title against a talented field of women that included several multi-time champions.
Congratulations are also in order to Leslie Spalding, PGA, for claiming victory in the Senior Division with her two-day total of 149. The win marks back-to-back Women’s Senior Championships for Spalding.
Thanks go to partners Maui Jim, the PGA TOUR, Titleist, Branded Bills and TRUE Linkswear, along with host PGA of America Professionals Scott Puailoa, Nicholas Yannotti and the rest of The Valley Club of Montecito staff for their support of the championship.
One of the most popular events on the Section tournament calendar, the 2024 edition of the SCPGA Pro-Assistant Championship, was packed full of fun and excitement! Thank you to all the players and event partners who continue to make this event special year after year. Big congratulations to the team of Brian Smock, PGA, and Mark Geddes, PGA, from Coronado Golf Course who claimed victory by firing a two-day total of 20-under-par. The win marks the second time in the event’s history that the Smock/Geddes team has claimed the top spot.
Special thank you to PGA West for hosting this event, Ben Dobbs, the PGA West Facility Manager; Eric Temena, PGA, the Director of Golf at PGA West Private Golf Courses; Chris Caballero, the Director of Golf at the Resort Courses; Copeland Shelden, the PGA West Tournament Coordinator, and to its membership.
The Southern California PGA Awards celebrate PGA of America Members who have excelled in their profession, as well as those who have volunteered and given of themselves to serve the Section and the golf community. Congratulations to all the 2024 Southern California PGA Award winners!
Kimberly Falcone – Golf Professional of the Year
David Phillips – Eddie Merrins Teacher & Coach of the Year
Paul Guerra – Clubfitter Award
Colin Tucker – Assistant Golf Professional
Nikki Prichard – Bill Strausbaugh Award
Brian Agoncillo – Player Development Award
Robin Shelton – Tom Addis III PGA Professional Development Award
David Menke – Youth Player Development
Tom Son – Patriot Award
Michael Oberlander – Merchandiser of the Year (Private)
Derek Mazzoni – Merchandiser of the Year (Public)
Sal Cimbolo – President’s Award
Bob Lovejoy – Honorary Life Member
Jerry Wisz – Honorary Life Member
Tom Wilson – Honorary Life Member
Garmany Golf – Partner of the Year Award
Temecula Creek Golf Club – Golf Course of the Year Award
The Southern California PGA is excited to welcome Ed Winiecki, PGA, CCM, to the Assistant Executive Director role. Winiecki’s focus will be on business development, staff liaison to Section Committees and Chapters, and event management. He will join the team of 19 other team members who are dedicated daily to serving the PGA of America Member and Associate, and growing the game of golf. —Steve Monday
The passionate PGA of America Members and Associates of Southern Texas are committed to using golf as a tool for healing and connection for Veterans through PGA HOPE. These amazing men and women work diligently each day to have an impact in their communities, and we are thankful for their contributions to the game and Veteran community.
Jonathan Shoffner, PGA Teaching Professional at Kingwood Country Club, was inspired by his grandfather’s military service and he has helped over 100 Veterans through PGA HOPE since becoming a PGA of America Member in 2016. His efforts, including organizing the first Veteran Cup, earned him the 2023 Southern Texas PGA Patriot Award.
Michael Moore, a Navy Veteran and PGA HOPE Ambassador, discovered golf in 2020 and now advocates for its healing power, emphasizing the valuable life lessons it teaches, such as self-control and perseverance.
Greg Hiller, PGA Director of Instruction at TPC San Antonio since 2014, shares his lifelong passion for golf by helping Veterans improve their game through PGA HOPE. He also hosts events like the PGA HOPE Clinic during the Valero Texas Open to connect Veterans with the broader golf community.
Nick Trice, PGA Director of Instruction at Golfinity, took a non-traditional path to golf and found peace through the game after personal loss. Inspired by his grandfather’s military service, Nick aims to grow PGA HOPE Southern Texas into a thriving community where Veterans can heal, grow and compete through golf.
Together, these leaders use golf to give back to those who have served, helping Veterans find joy, connection and personal growth through the game. Read more about our PGA HOPE and Foundation stories by visiting stpgareach.org! —Trey Crites
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esse Mueller captured the 67th Southwest PGA Championship/PPC at Anthem C.C. in Henderson, Nevada. Mueller, PGA, General Manager at Grand Canyon University G.C. in Phoenix, carded a 3-under-par 69 in the final round and finished with a 54-hole total of 5-under 211 (72-70-69). His margin of victory was one stroke over runner-up Tommi Avant, PGA, Assistant Professional at Lone Tree G.C. in Chandler, Arizona.
“This one stands out among the other two Section Championship victories because the course played so difficult,” said Mueller. “Our Section is very strong with some incredible players, so to be able to win my third title is definitely a great accomplishment that I do not take for granted.”
Mueller added his name to the short list of Southwest PGA of America Professionals with three or more victories in the history of the Championship (2017, 2020, 2024). In addition to the title, Mueller earned an exemption into the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, scheduled for Feb. 6-9, 2025, at TPC Scottsdale.
The top six finishers and Mueller advance to the 2025 PGA Professional Championship, set for April 27-30 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Mueller is exempt as a past champion of the event. In addition to Mueller and Avant, advancing will be: Erik Matthewson from Shadow Creek G.C., Dennis Downs from Eagles Nest G.C., Michael Hopper from Lookout Mountain G.C., Matt Brooks from Superstition Mountain Golf & C.C., and Courtney Vogel from the Country Club at DC Ranch.
Matt Polivka captured the 2024 Southwest PGA Assistant Championship at Camelback G.C. in Scottsdale. Polivka, Assistant Professional at Quintero G.C. in Peoria, Arizona, began the final round tied for the lead after carding a 66 in the opening round. His 36-hole total of 11-under 133 was four strokes better than runner-up Cole Ketterer, PGA, Assistant Professional at Silverleaf G.C. in Scottsdale. Lone Tree’s Tommi Avant finished third. This is the first Assistant Championship title for Polivka since joining the Southwest Section two years ago. Due to national eligibility requirements, Ketterer and Avant advanced to the 2024 National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship on Nov. 14-17 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
The 2024 Southwest PGA Senior Championship/PPC title went to Jim Carter, PGA Life Member, after he finished with a 36-hole total of 130 (14-under) held at Wildfire G.C. in Phoenix. Combined with his 66 in the first round, Carter’s margin of victory was eight strokes over Greg Avant, from Lone Tree G.C. Jerry Smith and Ross Farley finished third at 4-under for the Championship. Carter, Avant, Smith, Farley, David Fisher, Jeff Yurkiewicz, Tony Rohlik and Dean Vomacka earned spots in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship, Sept. 26-29 at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon. —Bill Ibrahim
s the 2024 golf season winds down, the Sun Country PGA takes a moment to honor those who have made a lasting impact on the game and its community. The annual Sun Country Section Awards celebrate individuals who have not only excelled in their professional roles, but have also positively influenced the lives of others in New Mexico and parts of West Texas.
Among the honorees, Section President Thomas Yost, PGA, was named PGA Golf Professional of the Year, a testament to his leadership and commitment to growing the game. John Rogers, Elias Eilers, PGA, and Anthony Romero, PGA were recognized for their exceptional work as Merchandisers of the Year in the private, public and resort categories.
The PGA Youth Player Development Award went to Nicholas Knee, PGA, highlighting his efforts in fostering the next generation of golfers. Similarly, Sandy Lemon, PGA, earned the Jack Hardwick Teacher & Coach of the Year Award for her dedication to teaching and mentoring golfers of all levels. Josh Salmon, PGA, was honored with the Pat Gavin Professional Development Award for his commitment to advancing the careers of fellow PGA of America Professionals.
The Dave Hoefel Patriot Award was awarded to Zach Hoefel, PGA, for his work with Veterans. At the same time, Dave Brown, PGA, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of contributions to the sport. Other notable recipients include Jacob Sanchez, Assistant of the Year, and Derek Gutierrez, PGA, who earned the Bill Strausbaugh Award for his mentorship and community service.
These outstanding individuals have significantly impacted our region’s golf game, leaving a legacy of excellence, leadership and generosity. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued contributions to the game. —Courtney Hiller
n Aug. 26-28 at Chickasaw Country Club, 54 players battled for five qualifying spots in the 2025 PGA Professional Championship. In addition to a spot in the Championship, professionals played for a total purse of $41,000 with the first-place prize of $8,000 up for grabs.
After a grueling 54-hole event in hot and humid conditions, Josh Bevell earned his first Tennessee PGA Professional Championship. Bevell, of Profectus Golf, came out of Round 2 at 5-under, tied for second place with Johan Kok. In the final round, Bevell took the solo lead on Alex Cox after his birdie on hole No. 5. Cox quickly took a one-stroke lead on Bevell after his birdie on hole No. 9. Cox then bogeyed hole 10, tying him with Bevell. Bevell made back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18, securing his first-place position through the finish.
Bevell held the lead throughout the round and won the 56th Tennessee Professional Championship by three shots at 8-under-par overall (208).
Allie Knight, a distinguished PGA of America Professional from Fairways and Greens Golf Center in Knoxville, represented the U.S. Team at the Women’s PGA Cup on Oct. 3-5, 2024 at Sunriver (Oregon) Resort. This prestigious international tournament showcased the top women PGA Professionals from around the globe, featuring teams from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Great Britain & Ireland, South Africa and Sweden. Knight led the U.S. in this landmark event, as they competed against other elite female PGA Professionals in a 54-hole stroke play format. The tournament was a showcase of the talent and dedication of women in golf, with Knight playing a pivotal role for the victorious American team. —Kelsey Ludwigsen
he Section is represented in the 17u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship in New Mexico and the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship in Florida on Nov. 14-17.
Tri-State PGA Assistant Professionals Brett Carman (Section Champion) of Valley Brook Country Club and Drew Bohn (qualifier) of Allegheny Country Club will compete in the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie.
Tri-State Section and Regional Champions “The Hot Shots” vie for the 17u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship at Twin Warriors Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, led by PGA of America Professional Coach Troy Williams of Hot Shot Golf Academy. The Hot Shots return to the finals after a third-place finish in the 2023 17u finals.
The Tri-State Section family of officers, board members and staff wishes everyone a happy, healthy and blessed Thanksgiving. We are grateful and proud of our PGA of America Professionals and relationships with our corporate partners.
With the TSPGA Annual Fall Meeting now complete, Executive Director/CEO David Wright and our Section officers’ attention shifts to the national level as they attend the 108th PGA of America annual meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Nov. 4-8. —Frank D. Murgia
ug. 12 marked the inaugural HOPE Cup here in Western New York at Ravenwood Golf Course. This distinguished event highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to supporting Veterans through the game of golf. This tournament was the first of its kind set in place for post programming. The day brought together Veterans from across the Section and provided them with an opportunity to engage in a therapeutic and enjoyable tournament while fostering camaraderie and support among the graduates.
At its core, the HOPE Cup is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of the resilience and strength of the Veteran community. The event served as a platform to showcase the positive impact of the PGA HOPE Program demonstrating how golf can be a powerful tool for rehabilitation and social connection. Golf is what brought our Veterans to PGA HOPE and golf is what will keep them connected.
The day also played a crucial role in raising awareness and funds for HOPE initiatives. By attracting community support and sponsorships, the event helped to sustain and expand the program’s reach, ensuring that more Veterans can receive the support and resources they need. Thank you to Genesee Lumber for sponsoring the Closest to the Pin competition. Your generous support and sponsorship was the perfect addition to the day.
At the end of the day, we had co-winning teams! Thank you to our HOPE grads who came out to play and our adaptively trained professionals! Thank you to Ravenwood Golf Club for hosting such a wonderful event at their beautiful golf course. Your excellent service made this special day enjoyable for all. The stunning setting and exceptional hospitality left a lasting impression on everyone involved. —Mollie Mars