EDWARD J. HABJAN
January12,1961-October26,2024
Photo:RonaldLucas,PGA
We are deeply saddened to share the sudden passing of Ed Habjan. His contributions to the game, camaraderie, and unwavering dedication to our section left a lasting impact on all who knew him. During this difficult time, our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.
ED HABJAN
FALL BACK
Remember to turn back your clocks on Sunday AM, November 3rd.
TRI-STATE
Happy Birthday Wishes
to our TSPGA Members, Associates, and Staff.
1-DAVID ONOMASTICO
2-MICHAEL DONOVAN
3-DENNY DOLCI
4-TERRY GEORGE
4-HILL HERRICK
6-JASON MULL
9-JOHN KLINCHOCK
9-ROBERT HARRIS
9-GREG ALTMAN
10-DAVID YOKITIS
13-PETER MCGINNIS
13-BRIAN HAVNER
15-GREGG FRITZ
16-JOHN RECH
17-BRIAN LUTTON
17-LOUIS STEFANIK
17-TERRY CRAWFORD
18-JACLYN SMITH
19-DAVE GEDRIS
19-DONALD STEWART
21-DAVE KUHAR
21-ALEXANDER AULERICH
22-MICHAEL RUSH
24-ZACHARY STREET
25-DAVID MAHALKO
26-MATTHEW PELLIS
28-DAMIEN MICHAELS
28-RICHARD LOGAN
28-ANTHONY COLAMARINO
28-TIMOTHY MAURER
29-JACOB SCHEIDT
29-TIM VANSANT
TRI-STATE
On The TEE
NOV. 1 - DEC. 31, 2024
HOPE 4 Heroes
PGA HOPE NATIONAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
NOV. 4, MONDAY
PGA Jr. League
2025 PROGRAM/COACH REGISTRATION OPENS
NOV. 14-17, THURSDAY-SATURDAY
17u NCR PGA Jr. League Championship
Twin Warriors GC, New Mexico
Monday, Nov. 4, 2024:
Program/Coach Registration for 2025 Opens
PGA Jr. League is committed to enriching lives through experiences that transcend golf, bringing friends and families together through fun, team golf experiences.
Become a Coach. Make PGA Jr. League part of your coaching journey.
The PGA Jr. League is a game-changing opportunity that will shift the youth golf landscape and how the sport is learned and played.
To register, PGA Coaches must be PGA Members, PGA Associates, or LPGA Members.
Assistant Coaches can only register once a PGA Coach has sent them an invitation.
The Professional Golf Management Student Society at PennWest University will have its next meeting on Wednesday, November 6, at 5:00 PM. Mr. Phil Simmons, from the Donald Ross Society, will be joining us to share stories and history from the courses, events, and genius of Donald Ross.
The following Zoom link will open a little before 5:00 PM on November 6. There will be a waiting room for admission. Once you are allowed into the room, please comment in the chat with your full name and PGA Member Number so it can be turned in for 2 PDRs. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you all soon,
James R. Pond “J.R.”
Program Director
Professional Golf Management / Golf Performance
PennWest University
FALL MEETING SUMMARY
The TSPGA Annual Fall Meeting was held on Monday, October 28, at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows
Tri-State Section PGA Executive Director/CEO David Wright would like to thank our section professionals who attended, the staff at The Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, and our 2024 partners. The meeting recognized the 2024 Players of the Year, Special Award Winners, and outgoing president Bernie Hough. It also honored PGA of America section professional Ed Habjan, whom we sadly lost on October 26th.
PGA of America Regional representatives Garrett Korte and Kim Shafer presented their reports to the membership. Thank you to Garrett and Kim for their dedication and guidance to the TriState Section.
We premiered our travel trips (Greenbrier & Las Vegas) and season highlight videos and welcomed our incoming 2025 officers and board members. Thanks to outgoing board members Rich Conwell, Dave Gedris, and Zachary Turek for their commitment and dedication to the section and outgoing President Bernie Hough for his leadership, guidance, and friendship. Congratulations and welcome to our new 2025 officers and board. Incoming 2025 Officers: Daniel Braun (President), Mike Papson (Vice President), Jay Mull (Secretary).
Incoming 2025 Board of Directors: Andrew Heffernan, Steve Hopley, Cory Livingston, David Yokitis.
FALL MEETING
TRI-STATE SECTION
Players of the Year
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DEVIN GEE
WILLIE McKAY AWARD
(Low Soring Average)
TALON KRIEBEL (72.0)
SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
EDDIE PERRINO
SRIXON/CLEVELAND GOLF
SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
STEVE KUSENKO
ASSOCIATE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
MIKE VAN SICKLE
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DEVIN GEE
WILLIE McKAY AWARD
(Low Soring Average)
TALON KRIEBEL (72.0)
SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
EDDIE PERRINO
IXON/CLEVELAND GOLF
NIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
EVE KUSENKO
ASSOCIATE PLAYER OF THE YEAR MIKE VAN SICKLE
Congratulations to All
TRI-STATE SECTION
Special Award Winners
Special Award Winners
proudly recognized the 2024 Tri State PGA Special Award Winners at the Annual Fall Meeting.
These professionals exemplify professionalism and service to the Tri-State Section and the PGA of America.
GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
John Brautigam, PGA
Butler Country Club
Special Award Winners
ASST. GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Brett Carman, PGA
Valley Brook Country Club
DEACON PALMER AWARD
Bob Salera, PGA
PGA Professional
GOLF EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Jeff Hutchinson, PGA
Coonskin Park Golf Course
PATRIOT AWARD
Mike Papson, PGA
Valley Brook Country Club
Special Award Winners
BILL STRASBAUGH AWARD
James (JR) Pond, PGA
PennWest California University
MERCHANDISER OF YEAR (PUBLIC)
Brian Klocek, PGA
Totteridge Golf Club
MERCHANDISER OF YEAR (PRIVATE)
Cory Livingston, PGA
The Club at Nevillewood
MERCHANDISER OF YEAR (RESORT)
Mike Rogers, PGA
Stonewall Jackson Resort
Special Award Winners
PGA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Derek DeJidas, PGA
PennWest California University
PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Dan Rodgers, PGA
Carnegie Mellon University
YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Brent Johnson, PGA
Lindenwood Golf Club
TEACHER & COACH OF THE YEAR
Michael LaBella, PGA Nemacolin
Outgoing/Incoming Officers & Board
Tri-State PGA Outgoing President
Bernie Hough
Tri-State PGA Outgoing Board Members
Richard Conwell
Dave Gedris
Zachary Turek
Tri-State PGA Incoming Officers
Dan Braun President Mike Papson Vice President
Jay Mull Secretary
Tri-State PGA Incoming Board Members
Andrew Heffernan Steve Hopley Cory Livingston David Yokitis
Bernie Hough
Bernie Hough
TRI-STATE SECTION
FORE The RECORD
Exclusive Q&A, Insight, and Intel from TSPGA Professionals.
BERNIEHOUGH, PGA
VIEW THIS EPISODE BELOW
Thank you for an incredible year of golf! This season has been filled with unforgettable moments on the course, camaraderie, and a true sense of team spirit. We are grateful to be part of a section that values excellence and enjoyment, and it has been a pleasure serving you and sharing the fairways with such talented and supportive colleagues. Here's to many more rounds, laughs, and successes together. Thank you for making this year so memorable!
TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHT REEL (Sound Up)
MIDDLE BACK FLEXIBILITY
Keep Your Middle Back Loose and Flexible for a Full Swing!
A flexible middle back is essential for maintaining a full turn and an efficient golf swing. Incorporate these two exercises into your routine to keep your middle back in top shape:
1. Side-Lying Thoracic Rotations:
Lay on side with top knee resting on a foam roller.
Start with arms straight out and hands together.
Rotate top arm back towards the floor.
Return to the start position and repeat for 10 reps, then switch sides.
This exercise helps to improve thoracic spine mobility, crucial for a full and fluid golf swing.
2. Foot Elevated Banded Torso Rotations:
Start by propping one foot on a wall.
Hold a resistance band across chest with both hands.
Pull the band apart while balancing and twist upper body right and left.
Perform 10 rotations on each side.
This exercise strengthens core and mid-back, enhancing your stability and rotational power.
Medical Disclaimer:
The exercises demonstrated in this video are intended for general fitness and educational purposes only. They may not be suitable for everyone. Please consult with a medical professional or your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any existing health conditions, injuries, or concerns. By performing any of the exercises, you assume all risks of injury. Always listen to your body and perform exercises within your own limits. If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop immediately and seek medical advice.
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
Featuring special guest JIM REMY, PGA
- Former President of the PGA of America Jim Remy joins Rich to discuss his path to the position, including a moment of trust that got him into the golf business. They also talk about Jim's time with the Ryder Cup, the challenges of the game postCOVID, and more.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
SUMMARY
WeLovethisGame
PGA of America REACH Foundation Launches HOPE 4 Heroes Campaign in Support of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere)
PGA HOPE Has Served More than 50,000 Veterans; Donations Enable Veterans to Participate in Rehabilitative Golf Program
FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 1, 2024) – The PGA of America REACH Foundation—the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America—has launched HOPE 4 Heroes, a national fundraising campaign to support Veterans and Active-Duty Military to participate in PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the Foundation’s lifesaving rehabilitative golf program.
The HOPE 4 Heroes campaign, which runs November 1st through December 31st, celebrates our nation’s Veterans and Active Duty Military while raising awareness and support for PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation. Today there are over 13,000 Veterans on a waiting list to participate in PGA HOPE. Every $330 raised places a Veteran in a local program at no cost to the Veteran.
WeLovethisGame
To complement HOPE 4 Heroes, GOLFTEC—one of the nation’s leading employers of PGA of America Golf Professionals, and a leading provider of golf improvement services—is hosting its annual Drive for Hope Campaign, where GOLFTEC students can receive a free lesson with a $50 donation now through Veteran’s Day (November 11), along with four silent auction packages, including a year of golf instruction, a home golf simulator, limited edition Ryder Cup Memorabilia Package and an exclusive golf trip. In 2023, GOLFTEC and its team of over 500 PGA of America Golf Professionals raised over $100,000.
“The Drive for HOPE campaign, in partnership with PGA HOPE, is our commitment to make a positive impact on the lives of our nation's Veterans," said Joe Assell, PGA, Founder and CEO at GOLFTEC. "We know that golf is a game that can bring joy and healing, and we are dedicated to giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country."
In addition to corporate support, PGA of America Sections will receive a tool kit of assets and promotional materials to support fundraising efforts. PGA HOPE is uniquely positioned to make a positive impact in Veteran communities across the U.S.
To make a donation in support of HOPE 4 Heroes, please visit the Link Below.
AMISSIONUNLIKEANYOTHER Webelievegolfhasthepowertosavelives.
Veterans have given everything to be there for our country when we need it most. We need to be there when they come back. PGA HOPE aims to serve more than 50,000 Veterans by the end of 2024 at program locations nationwide.
Led by PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA HOPE is introducing and teaching golf through a 6-8 week curriculum while creating a path forward for Veterans and Active Duty Service Members.
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is on a mission unlike any other - to change and save Veterans' Lives through the game of golf. Join the mission today.
ServingThoseWhoServed
