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On September 22nd and 23rd, NFPGA Members competed in the 2025 NFPGA Professional Championship at Lakewood National Golf Club – Piper Course. Along with the chance to chase the champion title, this championship brought an opportunity to earn one of the six coveted spots in the 2026 PGA Professional Championship, April 26th – 29th at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.
Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth, PGA – Teaching Professional – San Jose Country Club, took home the trophy with rounds of 69-69 for a 6-under par 138 total! The final round included a crowded leaderboard, with quite a bit of player movement at the top. Stephanie showcased the strengths of her game and played very consistent golf. Taking a closer look at her second round scorecard, she went bogey free on the par 72 layout and carded three birdies! Her final birdie came at the 18th hole and helped give her a one-shot victory! An outstanding way to cap off two days of intense tournament golf. Congratulations on this impressive win.
Travel arrangements to one of the best golf resorts in the world can be made for the six NFPGA Members that qualified through the 2025 NFPGA Professional Championship and the three NFPGA Members that were exempt! Congratulations to all!
Qualified
Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth, PGA – Teaching Professional – San Jose Country Club
Sandra Changkija, PGA – Assistant Golf Professional – Lake Nona Golf & Country Club
Hayes Farley, PGA – Director of Instruction – San Jose Country Club
David Hronek, PGA – Teaching Professional – GOLFTEC Sarasota
Mark Rummings, PGA – General Manager – Soleta Golf Club
Andrew Lanahan, PGA – Teaching Professional – PGA TOUR's Performance Center at TPC Sawgrass
Exempt
Greg Koch, PGA – Director of Instruction – Ritz-Carlton Golf Club - Grande Lakes Orlando
Rod Perry, PGA – Head Golf Professional – Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club
John Somers, PGA – Head Golf Professional – Southern Hills Plantation Club
Click here for the Results.
Lakewood National Golf Club – Piper Course was in terrific shape and the club was a fantastic host site. Thank you to the club, staff, and our partners for being a part of this championship. Our partners included Club Car, Corebridge Financial, Rolex, Gallagher Insurance, Golf Channel, PGA TOUR, Titleist, FootJoy, Callaway Golf, Nike, Ship Sticks, TaylorMade Golf, Heritage Creations USA, and Perry Weather.
96 participants came to TPC Sawgrass on Saturday, September 6th with the goal of punching their ticket to the 2026 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club. Ultimately, eight participants – one boy and one girl from each age division – advanced to be a part of the National Finals on April 5, 2026!
Representation from around and outside the United States was incredible to see. Participants from all over the country and other parts of the world included: Colombia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Ireland, Maryland, Mexico, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Virginia.
As the sun came up, the grounds started to fill with people and anticipation. The starting times began at 8:00 AM with the Girls 7 – 9 Division. The girls led the way for all age divisions, starting the competition with the Drive skill on the 9th hole. One of the highlights included a participant from the Boys 12-13 Division that made all three putts from 6 feet, 15 feet, and 30 feet; a total of 75 points in the Putt skill! His putting expertise helped him secure his ticket to the National Finals. The day was made even more memorable as PGA Tour Pro, David Lingmerth, was on-site to hand out awards and congratulate winners on a job well done! After competing, participants were able to enjoy an ice cream or frozen yogurt treat from the mobile food truck for Mister Softee – a Jacksonville favorite. It was a special day for all at TPC Sawgrass.
Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and PGA TOUR Pro, David Lingmerth, for helping make it an amazing qualifier! Click here for the Results.
