Birthdays
Happy Birthday Wishes to our TSPGA Members, Associates, and Staff.
2-NICHOLAS ORR
5-JUSTIN BEARD
5-BRIAN HAMRIC
5-JUSTIN SCHARPHORN
6-COREY ELSWICK
6-SARAH YOST
7-LOGAN MARSHALEK
7-RANDALL FLUHRER
9-GREG ORTMAN
8-JAMIE GREEN
9-ELMER BLAND
9-STEVE SUPERICK
10-PETER KOHELIS
11-IAN DUNMYER
11-ALEXANDER BEGG
12-KEVIN GRAVES
13-CHARLES QUALEY
15-DEREK LEACH
16-DOREEN MELUCCI
16-TIMOTHY BOWERS
18-RANDY ROHANNA
19-JOHN ABER
19-DEREK DEJIDAS
20-JEFFREY WITON
20-ADAM CORSON
21-BRIAN WETZEL
21-RANDY HERNLY
23-RICHARD BISI
25-RICHARD MORRISON
25-MATTHEW KLUCK
26-JUSTIN BARRONER
27-CALEB HAGELBERGER
27-CAMILLE O'HALLORAN
28-T SCOTT KOONTZ
28-TROY WILLIAMS
28-STEPHEN FLASH
30-DAVID MCMAHON
30-DAVID ALTEMUS
30-GARY NESE
TRI-STATE SECTION
Special Award Winners
TRI-STATE SECTION Special Award Winners
The Officers, Board Members, and Past Presidents are excited to announce the 2024 Tri-State PGA Special Award Winners; these men exemplify professionalism and service to the Tri-State PGA, and the PGA of America.
Congratulations!
TRI-STATE SECTION
Special Award Winners
PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Dan Rodgers, PGA
GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
John Brautigam, PGA
Butler Country Club
BILL STRAUSBAUG
PATRIOT AWARD
Carnegie Mellon University
James (JR) P PennWest California
Mike Papson, PGA Valley Brook Country Club
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR (PRIVATE)
Cory Livingston, PGA
The Club at Nevillewood
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR (RESORT)
Mike Rogers, PGA
Stonewall Jackson Resort
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR (PUBLIC)
Brian Klocek, PGA
Totteridge Golf Club
TRI-STATE
Special Award Winners
ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Brett Carman, PGA
Valley Brook Country Club
TEACHER & COACH OF THE YEAR
Mike LaBella, PGA
Nemacolin
PGA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Derek DeJidas, PGA
PennWest California
DEACON PALMER AWARD
Bob Salera, PGA
PGA GOLF EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Jeff Hutchinson, PGA
PGA Professional
YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Brent Johnson, PGA
Coonskin Park Golf Course
Lindenwood Golf Club
GRADUATION DAY
PGA HOPE Certified Professional Ron Lucas celebrated Graduation Day at The Woodlands in Wexford. The extended eight-week program concluded with 9-holes of Par 3 golf competition for U.S. Military Veterans, a dinner buffet, live music, and distribution of awards and graduation certificates.
Thank you to Ron and the veterans who attended the program and enjoyed the game of golf and camaraderie.
A Prayer and Salute
Retired U.S. Military Veteran Ron Gionta suffered the tragic loss of his son just recently. Certified PGA HOPE Tri-State Professional Ron Lucas led his group of veterans in Prayer for Ron and his Family.
PRAYER:
"Almighty God, Father of All Mankind & Judge over all nations, we ask You to Guide Us in All our days.
Remind Us That we are All Veterans in a Common Cause to Further our Work Together for Our God & Our Country.
Finally, We ask for Your Comfort for those Comrades who are Suffering any physical or mental disability & The Loss of a Family Member.
Grant & Bring back (in due time) the Blessing of Health & Happiness.
In God's Holy Name, We Pray".
Amen Your Fellow Veteran Golfers send out their Salute on these "Trying Times."
Sympathies & Our Condolences,
Ron Lucas
TRI-STATEPGATEAM
TRI-STATE
BOB FOR y Captain)
John ABER
Talon KRIEBEL
Kevin SHIELDS
Alex AULERICH
Devin GEE
Jack RAMSETT
Rob McCLELLAN
Kyle BENNETT
CAPTAIN PICKS
Drew BOHN Brett CARMAN
50+ OVER
Dan BRAUN
Eddie PERRINO
55+ OVER
Adam CORSON
Joe BOROS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 202FORE
Tom Beeler, Steve Kusenko
Rich Conwell, Bob Salera
Andrew Heffernan, Dave Cable
Andrew Heffernan, Chad Frank
Andrew Heffernan, Nick Orr
Michael Papson, Brett Carman
Michael Papson, Mike Frisina
Michael Papson, Matt Luther
REGISTER YOUR TEAM TODAY!
The Tri-State PGA Birdie Bash is a one-day fundraising event on MONDAY, AUGUST 19th, where Tri-State Section PGA Professionals will play (72) holes of golf in one day at WESTMORELAND CC to make as many birdies as possible.
Through each professional’s network, solicited donors make a financial pledge per birdie to help raise funds to benefit the Tri-State Section PGA Reach Foundation and UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation. *(Eagles will be counted as 2 birdies)
REGISTER
If teams are interested in playing, please get in touch with TSPGA Director of Operations Andrew Wood with their info and playing partner a 724-774-2224 ext.63304 or via email to awood@pgahq.com
There are many ways to Participate in the Birdie Bash!
* Make a Flat Donation
* Select Your Golfer or Facility
* Donate Per Birdie
202FORE TSPGA GOLF SCHEDULE
Aug 5
Hollywood Casino at The Meadows
5 Million Dollar Challenge
Valley Brook CC
Aug 8
National Car Rental
TSPGA Assistant Championship
Nemacolin
Aug 9
The Country Club Pro-3 Amateur
CC of Meadville
Sep 3
Pro-Pro Championship
Indiana CC
Sep 5
Palmer Cup Matches
Latrobe CC
Sep 9
Golf Galaxy Open
Montour Heights CC
Sep 11
Aug 15
TSPGA/First Tee of PGH Championship
Bob O'Connor GC
Aug 19
TSPGA Birdies Fore Charity
Westmoreland Country Club
Aug 21
United Way Pro-Am
Avalon At Buhl Park CC
Aug 26
Senior/Junior Championship
Totteridge GC
Aug 28-29
TSPGA Senior Professional
Championship
Green Oaks CC
Women’s Team Championship
Sunnehanna CC
Sep 16-18
Rolex Match Play Championship
Connoquenessing CC
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Dick's Sporting Goods
Tour Championship
Bedford Springs
Oct 7
Links Brewing Pro-Scratch Am
Avalon Field Club
Oct 14-16
202FORE Las Vegas Pro-Am
Paiute GC
Oct 21
Head Pro Championship
Pittsburgh Field Club
TRI-STATE
TOURNAMENTS
JUNIORTOUR
TRI-STATE
JUNIORTOUR
It has been a great summer season for Isaly's junior golf!
Congratulations to our 2024 PLAYERS OF THE YEAR!
James Kinghorn, Nolan Wagoner, Emily Obara, Parker Berk, Siena Smith, and Trey Susa
Thank you to Judy Raynolds, Isaly's sales representative, for presenting the tournament awards at Nemacolin.
A very special Thank You to Jim Conroy and Jennifer Gregg of Isaly's (Chipped Chopped Ham and Ice Cream) for being tremendous partners, sponsors, and ambassadors for golf. We could not have done this without you, and we THANK YOU!
TRI-STATE
TAM O’SHANTER OPEN
JULY 29, 2024 | TAM O’SHANTER GOLF COURSE
TAM O’SHANTER OPEN
MONDAY, JULY 29, 202FORE
TRI-STATE Tam O’Shanter Pennsylvania Golf Course
OVERALL 68 (-4)
TAM O’SHANTER OPEN
MONDAY, JULY 29, 202FORE
TRI-STATE Tam O’Shanter Pennsylvania Golf Course
TAM O’SHANTER OPEN
MONDAY, JULY 29, 202FORE
TRI-STATE Tam O’Shanter Pennsylvania Golf Course
JOHAN SMIT
(-1)
TAM O’SHANTER OPEN
MONDAY JULY 29 202FORE
TAM O’SHANTER OPEN
MONDAY, JULY 29, 202FORE
LOW AMATEUR 72 (E)
DARIN KOWALSKI
Bethel Park, PA
TAM O’SHANTER OPEN
MONDAY, JULY 29, 202FORE
JOHN KERINS, JIM KELLY, MIKE VAN SICKLE, JOHAN SMIT
JIM KELLY, JOHN KERINS, ARI PAPADOPOULOS, JOHAN SMIT
TAM O’SHANTER OPEN
MONDAY, JULY 29, 202FORE
JOHAN SMIT & CARMEN COSTA
TAM O’SHANTER OPEN
MONDAY, JULY 29, 202FORE
TRI-STATE Tam O’Shanter Pennsylvania Golf Course
ARI PAPADOPOULOS, JOHN KERINS
TAM O’SHANTER OPEN
MONDAY, JULY 29, 202FORE
TRI-STATE Tam O’Shanter Pennsylvania Golf Course
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CHAMPIONS!!
OVERALL CHAMPION:
Mike Van Sickle, Wexford, PA
LOW AMATEUR:
Darin Kowalski, Bethel Park, PA
LOW SENIOR:
Eddie Perrino, New Castle, PA
SRIXON/CLEVELAND GOLF/ CHAMPION:
Carmen Costa, Bethel Park, PA
SPONSORS / PARTNERS:
TAM O’SHANTER GOLF COURSE
Director of Golf John Kerins, Host PGA Professional Ari
Papadopoulos, CGCS Superintendent Richard Kerins, and the Food & Beverage Staff.
SRIXON/CLEVELAND GOLF/NIKE
Johan Smit
SKECHERS, BLACK CLOVER, TOUR EDGE, HORNUNG'S GOLF PRODUCTS:
Jim Kelly
VISIT MERCER COUNTY, PA
Peggy Mazyck, Carmen Aiello
THE 48TH BOYS & GIRLS JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
Congressional Country Club | Bethesda, Maryland | July 30-August 2, 2024
This week, Tri-State Section PGA champions and qualifiers competed in the 48th Junior PGA Championships at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. Though they did not make the cut, they played well and enjoyed the moments, opportunity, camaraderie, and journey. Michael Quallich, Ellie Benson, Wes Lorish, and Alexandra Petrochko represented themselves, their family, the section, and Junior PGA Golf, and we applaud and thank them.
ALEXANDRA PETROCHKO
BENSON
MICHAEL QUALLICH
FUNDRAISING FORE CHARITY FUNDRAISING FORE CHARITY
We had a fabulous time at Southpointe Town Center on Thursday, August 1st, at the Autism Caring Center's 10th annual Summer Fade Away Festival.
Our PGA of America REACH FOUNDATION TRI-STATE provided golf games for the kids and adults and generated and donated $2,500 to present to ACC-Pittsburgh.
Thank you to the Autism Caring Center's Scott Snyder (President), Harry Psaros (Board Member), and Kelly Cain (Co-Founder) for their vital work, and god bless them and their children.
Autism Caring Center: Dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the families that care for them.
FUNDRAISING FORE CHARITY FUNDRAISING FORE CHARITY
Keep Your Hips Loose for a Full Swing!
Maintaining hip flexibility, especially internal rotation, is crucial for a powerful and efficient golf swing. Incorporate these two exercises into your routine to keep your hips loose and ensure you can make a full turn:
Hip Internal Rotation Stretch:
Lay on your back with your knees bent. Cross one foot over the opposite knee.
Gently let the knee holding up the opposite leg turn inward towards the ground.
Hold for 5 seconds, then switch sides. This stretch targets the internal rotators of your hips, enhancing flexibility and mobility.
Hip Internal Rotation Windshield Wipers:
Lay on your back with your knees bent and feet wider than shoulder-width apart.
Rock your knees side to side, allowing them to drop towards the ground. Continue for 1-2 minutes.
This movement helps to improve internal rotation in your hips, which is essential for a smooth and full golf swing.
Keep these exercises in your daily routine to enhance your swing and stay on top of your game all season long!
The exercises demonstrated in the video below are intended for general fitness and educational purposes only. They may only be suitable for some. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any existing health conditions, injuries, or concerns.
TRI-STATE
TRI-STATE PGA GOLF FITNESS SERIES
DR. ANDREW DULAK
DR. MATT
DEGREES/CERTIFICATIONS:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Titleist Performance Institute Certified Medical 3, Power 2, Fitness 2, Golf 2
Certified Golf Fitness Trainer - Golf Digest
Certified Golf Biomechanist - Dr. Kwon
Certified Selective Functional Movement Assessment - sFMA
DEGREES/CERTIFICATIONS:
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Titleist Performance Institute Certified Fitness 3, Power 2
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist - NSCA
Certified Selective Functional Movement Assessment - sFMA
Certified Functional Movement ScreenFMS
Certified Baseball Expert - OnBase U
Certified Golf Specialist - Gray Institute
Certified Functional Golf SpecialistGray Institute
3155 Northwoods Parkway Peachtree Corners, GA 30071
Tel 800-925-4292 Fax 800-966-1235
June 24, 2024
Hello, District 4 PGA Section Staffers,
I hope that you all are doing well and tournament season has been a success so far. As mentioned earlier this year, our sponsorship dollars are being redirected from traditional events to education. We have completed the necessary work on our part to set up this new endeavor.
In short, we will be taking applications from any District 4 PGA member or apprentice (in good standing) who has provided exemplary test scores for any education during their advancement process in 2024. At the end of the application term, we will disburse a total of $2500 in funds through PGA Reach to deserving eligible candidates.
A committee comprised of myself and others at Mizuno, along with representatives from your sections will gather to make final decisions on amount values and awardees. The winners will be announced on December 15th. As this is a pilot program, we will do our best to make this run as smoothly as possible.
I have attached the scholarship application, which details all of the items above along with eligibility requirements. We would like to have this initiative announced on July 1, with occasional call outs in future section messaging. The email address noted in the application will not be active until that time, so please refrain from sending this early.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Pete Kohelis, PGA Director of Sales - Golf
MIZUNO GOLF
EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
PGA District 4 (Tri-State, Western New York, Central New York)
Applicant Full Name
PGA Associate Number
Current Position Title
Applicant Account Affiliation
Mizuno Account Number
Check all that apply:
Level 1
Level 2 Level 3 Dates
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This application, along with official PGA test scores/course transcript from education taking place in the calendar year of 2024 must be sent to: scholarship@mizunousa.com
Submission Deadline: November 30, 2024
Employment at a facility with an active Mizuno USA Golf Account is required for eligibility. Applications will be evaluated by the Mizuno/PGA Scholarship Committee.
Announcements for awardees will be made on December 15, 2024.
Associates in Good Standing are eligible for education reimbursements through PGA Works. Scholarship amount levels are determined by applicant submissions and test score rankings.
The section will exclusively use the FLASH WEATHER AI platform dashboard this season. We have tested its functionality and accuracy for the past two months during the recent lightning storms. The weather this first quarter is different; it has an attitude. Please take a look at this information carefully, click through to check out the video, and request a demo for your facility.
This is a next-level dashboard and notifications system to keep your staff and membership safe and dialed in.
