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PGA REACH Philadelphia’s Inaugural Pro-Am Championship Raises Over $50,000

Posted on by Matt Frey

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 30, 2020) — On Wednesday, October 28, PGA REACH Philadelphia, the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 501(c)(3) foundation, raised over $50,000 from its inaugural Pro-Am Championship at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa., which featured a sold-out field of 144 players.

PGA REACH Philadelphia launched the new annual event to help support our Youth, Military, and Diversity programming, and to spread the word about our mission to positively impact lives though the game of golf.

“We are so thrilled that our first Pro-Am Championship event was such a big success, the support and interest shown by our partners and the players marks an exciting milestone for our foundation and it’s future,” said PGA REACH Philadelphia Director Leila Mackie, PGA. “With 2020 being a challenging year for all, it’s a good feeling to know we are making a real impact in the lives of individuals and families within our community.”

The 2020 PGA REACH Philadelphia Pro-Am Championship’s Premier Partner is the Union League of Philadelphia. Its Presenting Partners are Henkels & McCoy and American Floors Inc., and is supported by Corkcicle, Doc Murphy, Levelwear, Trinity Flavors, and William E. Howe & Co.

“No one has been unaffected by the ongoing global pandemic this year, our foundation included,” said Philadelphia PGA Section Executive Director Geoffrey Surrette, PGA. “To host such a strong event like this will not only help PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission, but also our Section’s PGA Members as they prepare to offer programming to serve youth golfers, veterans, and diverse populations leading into 2021.” 

PGA REACH Philadelphia offers several programs to support local youth, veterans, and diverse golfers, including PGA Jr. League, Golf in Schools, PGA HOPE Philadelphia (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship, and Diversity Scholars Mentor Program.

Even on a brisk, and at times damp, autumn day, Rolling Green G.C.’s incredible William Flynn layout received rave reviews from the players. The host club’s own Assistant Professional Jordan Abel led his team of amateur partners, Mike Sousa, Brian Hulse, and Bernie Sousa, to a five-stroke victory. Dean Kandle, St. Davids G.C., and his team, Mark Rhodes, Robert Aiken, and Ken Jones, finished in second place at 16-under-par in the one best of four net event. Three teams tied for third at 14-under-par. To view the full 2020 PGA REACH Philadelphia Pro-Am Championship leaderboard, click here.

PGA REACH Philadelphia is already planning next year’s pro-am, which will likely be held in the summer (2020’s event was rescheduled as a result of the pandemic). 

PGA REACH Philadelphia, the Philadelphia PGA Section, and its PGA Professionals, thank our partners, Boards of Directors, Rolling Green G.C., its membership, management, and staff, as well as our PGA HOPE Philadelphia volunteers, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

To view photos from the inaugural PGA REACH Philadelphia Pro-Am Championship, click here.

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA REACH Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity. 

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit PGAREACHPhiladelphia.com. To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please click here.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

PGA REACH Philadelphia’s Summer 2020 Update

Posted on by courtney
While the first half of 2020 has provided us all with unforeseen challenges, PGA REACH Philadelphia has continued to work to positively impact lives through the game of golf as best we can. For a brief recap of what our foundation has been up to this year, click on the image above or the story links below. Thank you for your continued support.
  • Director’s Message From the desk of PGA REACH Philadelphia Director Leila Mackie, PGA…read here
  • Profiles in Diversity Learn more about this year’s Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship recipients…read here
    • Curstan Bunch, Wilmington, Del…read here
    • Emma DiPatri, Franklinville, N.J…read here
    • Brayden Mitchell, Merchantville, N.J…read here
  • The Inaugural Pro-Am PGA REACH Philadelphia’s inaugural pro-am will be played on Oct. 28 at Rolling Green G.C…read here
  • Golf Marathon: One Day, 100 Holes of Golf Philadelphia PGA Section staffers recently played 100 holes of golf to raise money for PGA REACH Philadelphia…read here
  • Giving Back Through Golf PGA REACH Philadelphia launched the Golf & Give Series to support local golf facilities during the pandemic…read here
  • Partners and Supporters A thank you to all of our partners and supporters…read here

Scott Hutchinson Donates $10,000 to PGA REACH Philadelphia

Posted on by courtney
We at PGA REACH Philadelphia thank Scott Hutchinson for his amazing generosity and support of our mission to positively impact lives through the game of golf. Scott’s donation (presented at today’s inaugural Philadelphia Players Championship at Lookaway G.G., which he was also the title sponsor), will help fund our Youth, Military, and Diversity programming, which helps countless golfers across the Philadelphia PGA Section. Thank you, Scott!

PGA REACH Philadelphia Announces 2020 Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship Winners

Posted on by Matt Frey

PGA REACH Philadelphia Announces 2020 Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship Winners

2020-scholarship-winners2

PGA REACH Philadelphia, the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, has announced its 2020 Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship winners, including: Curstan Bunch, Wilmington, Del.; Emma DiPatri, Franklinville, N.J.; and Brayden Mitchell, Merchantville, N.J. PGA REACH Philadelphia created the scholarship program to provide opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate on the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour, an elite circuit for youth golfers ages 18 and under. The Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarships provide recipients annual tour membership dues and tournament event fees (up to seven tournaments per year until the recipient turns 18 years old). 

“PGA REACH Philadelphia is proud to provide scholarships that will inspire youth in our community by providing a program designed to promote social skills, self-esteem, leadership, and athleticism through the game of golf,” said PGA REACH Philadelphia Director Leila Mackie. “This year’s scholarship winners were chosen among many other youth golfers who applied, and were selected based on their academic success, passion for the game, and references from coaches and teachers.”

Curstan Bunch is a 14-year-old hailing from Wilmington, Del. In her scholarship application essay, Bunch encouraged everyone to “embrace and celebrate the rich dimensions of diversity deep-seated within everyone. No matter what goes on in your life, no matter what the circumstances are, when we learn to tap into that diversity within, it has a way of bringing us all together.”

“We are ecstatic to know that [PGA REACH Philadelphia] has our young golfer’s passion and her best interest at heart in addition to providing valuable opportunities,” said Dawn Bunch, Curstan’s mother.

Emma DiPatri is a 10-year-old from Franklinville, N.J., who credits golf with helping her to become more confident in her decision-making and boosting her self-esteem.

“I am thankful and honored to share in the privilege of having been chosen as a 2020 Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship winner,” said DiPatri. “I am beyond excited to be able to pursue my love of golf and improve my skills in the coming years through the generosity of this scholarship. I would have never had this opportunity if not for this program.”

Brayden Mitchell is an 11-year-old residing in Merchantville, N.J. In his application essay, Brayden acknowledged that being from around the Camden area has made it difficult to play golf on a regular basis. After discovering the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour and learning about the scholarship program, he is hopeful that his access to courses will grow and that he will be able to make new friends.

“This scholarship means a lot to my family and me because it will help me focus on golf along with providing me easier access to the game,” said Mitchell.

The Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship program is one of many programs and initiatives managed by PGA REACH Philadelphia and is the foundation’s flagship program under its Diversity pillar, helping to positively impact lives through the game of golf. PGA REACH Philadelphia’s goal is to grow the game by providing financial assistance, coaching, instructional materials, mentoring, equipment and scholarships to individuals and organizations throughout the region, with the help of the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 900 PGA Professionals, who work at more than 300 public and private golf facilities in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware and northeastern Maryland.

The Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour leads the region in competitive youth golf with over 90 events held seasonally at many of the area’s top facilities, covering all of the Section’s geographic areas.* In addition, the tour hosts four major championships throughout the season, including nationally ranked events that provide exposure for youth golfers looking to play competitively. With opportunities to learn, grow, and compete, many tour members graduate to play at the college level and beyond.

About the PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA REACH Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity. 

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit https://www.pgareach.org/philadelphia. To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please click here.

Contacts: 

Leila Mackie, PGA 
Director, PGA REACH Philadelphia
lmackie@pgahq.com

Courtney Curcio
Coordinator, PGA REACH Philadelphia
ccurcio@pgahq.com

Matt Frey, PGA
Communications Director, Philadelphia PGA Section
mfrey@pgahq.com

*The Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour’s 2020 season has been shortened due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

VIDEO: April 2020 Update

Posted on by Matt Frey

VIDEO: April 2020 Update

PGA REACH Philadelphia Director Leila Mackie, PGA, has filmed a short video to update you, our supporters, on how the foundation has been reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic and to keep you informed about 2019 and 2020 programming. To watch the video, click the video image left or the below “Watch” button.

Watch

PGA REACH Philadelphia 2019 Annual Report

Posted on by courtney

PGA REACH Philadelphia’s Annual Progress Report

After it’s first full year of operation, PGA REACH Philadelphia, the Philadelphia PGA Section’s 501(c)(3) charitable arm, is well-positioned to achieve its mission to positively impact lives through the game of golf by supporting and delivering programs that focus on personal development and sportsmanship with an emphasis on three core pillars: Youth, Military and Diversity. To read PGA REACH Philadelphia’s 2019 Annual Progress Report, click the image left or the  below “Read” button. 

Read

Attend the Philadelphia Women in Golf Leaders Summit

Posted on by admin

The Philadelphia PGA Section, the Golf Association of Philadelphia and PGA Magazine will be hosting the first annual Women in Golf Leaders Summit at Aronimink G.C. on Tuesday, March 31 from 1:00-5:30 p.m. for $20 per person. The event is open to both men and women including all golf industry stakeholders, PGA Professionals, facility leaders, and passionate individuals, with the goal of sharing ideas and positively impacting women’s golf.

To register, click here.

Message from Philadelphia PGA President Jeff Kiddie

Posted on by admin

I’m hopeful that this message finds you well during our “offseason.” Mother Nature has kept us busier than we usually are this time of year with many days conducive for golf. Hopefully you still have been able to get some of your winter to-dos completed as well as spending valuable time with your families.

For those of you that did not attend the Fall Meeting, you might have missed out on the announcement that John Pillar was appointed as our next District 2 Director for the PGA of America’s Board. John went through the different chairs of leadership on our Section’s Board, which culminated with him serving as our President from 2014-2015. John has also served at the national level as a member of the PGA of America’s Tournament Committee. As the incoming District Director, John attends Board Meetings as an observer until he officially becomes District Director at the Annual Meeting this coming October in Hartford, Conn. We are thrilled to have John represent our Section as well as the New Jersey and Metropolitan Sections. John’s experience and enthusiasm will be a tremendous asset in the board room.

Speaking of the Annual Meeting, this year is an election year for the PGA of America Secretary position.  At the PGA Show, members of our Executive Committee met with the four candidates for brief introductions.  Some of us will be traveling to Atlanta, Ga., later this month for a Super Regional meeting where each candidate will present their campaign agendas. In addition, each Section will be allocated time with the four candidates privately to be able to ask questions in a more personal venue. If you are interested in learning about the candidates, you can click the link below.

Secretarial Candidates

 

Congratulations once again to all of our award winners. It is an incredible collection of talent that is being recognized.  I especially want to congratulate John Carpineta on being named our Golf Professional of the Year. John’s story of becoming a PGA Member is inspiring by itself let alone the incredible work that he continues to do with our military veterans. I am confident that calling John to tell him he won this award will stand out as one of my fondest memories from my time as Section President. The Section is hosting the Annual Awards Dinner at Aronimink G.C. on Sunday, March 15.  We encourage you to attend, especially if you have a friend or co-worker that received one of these prestigious awards.  It is a special night and it casts a great spotlight on some of our Section’s best professionals.

Finally, congratulations to Ashley Grier and Vincent Kabaso for being selected as two of the 15 members of the fifth PGA LEAD class. PGA LEAD was created to identify, mentor and progress PGA Members from diverse backgrounds into volunteer leadership positions in the Association.  Previous LEAD classes have served as a launching pad for leaders both at the Section level and for the national PGA initiatives. With individuals like Ashley and Vincent, I am sure that this class will be just as successful.

We are less than two months away from our Spring Meeting at Green Valley C.C.  The date of the Meeting is Monday, March 30. Spring Meeting registration is currently open as is TPD registration.  We look forward to seeing you all for the meeting.

Philadelphia PGA Newsletter – February 1, 2020

Posted on by admin

Section PGA Members Ashley Grier and Vincent Kabaso Selected for PGA LEAD

Philadelphia PGA Section Members Ashley Grier, Overbrook G.C.; and Vincent Kabaso, Laurel Creek C.C.; have been selected for PGA LEAD’s class of 2020-’21. PGA LEAD was created in 2016 to identify, mentor and further PGA Members from diverse backgrounds into volunteer leadership positions in the Association. Grier serves on the Section’s Tournament and Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization committees and has played on the national stage, including the inaugural Women’s PGA Cup and two KPMG Women’s PGA Championships. Kabaso is the first PGA of America Member from Zambia, an accomplished motivational speaker and the creator of the “Raised By the World” foundation.

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