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OF
TABLE
CONTENTS
The Professional Volume VIII, Issue IIII Editor: Ben Smith Contributing Writers: Ben Smith PGA of America Mastro Communications Jon Guhl
06 08 11 13
Lynne Hunter Elected First Female President of MAPGA
MAPGA Travel Pro-Am: Casa de Campo
2023 Rolex Players of the Year
Team Virginia Wins Inaugural 17U PGA Jr League Championship
2023 Section Award Winners
Najar, Mylnarkski Earn Master Professional Status
Southern Chapter Wins Global Golf Sales Chapter Challenge
MAPGA Junior Tour Players of the Year
15 16 18 20
Baltimore Country Club - Host of the 2023 MAPGA Section Championship
The Professional Dear MAPGA Professionals, It is almost a cliché at this point to spend time in December with “Year in Review” type thoughts. However, almost all of you get or perform staff reviews (as do I) and December just seems a perfect time for it. There are a few articles in this issue that highlight a small (but mighty!) few that have won awards, titles, or recognitions. However, I would like to take my space to thank and acknowledge our collective group of over 1,100 MAPGA professionals. Thank you for your constant efforts to keep growing the game and industry.
Letter
From The
ED
The MAPGA remained the #1 Section in Employment Survey return, which it has been every year I have been ED. This has always been one of the statistics I am most proud of because it shows how much our professionals want to help EACH OTHER. Remember, this is now an online survey that you can update every time you have a change (hopefully upward!) in compensation. At least once a year, we would like you to update the numbers, even if the update is that nothing has changed. 90% of our membership has done the survey at least once, but only 84% updated the survey in 2023. These metrics are our most powerful Employment tool, so thanks to the 84% of you who completed the survey this year.
Jon Guhl The MAPGA dropped a little in the Junior League space in terms of total participants. With Executive Director the GameChanger system, we now count total unique registrants, of which we had 2,965. That puts us at #3 in the country. If you have not already done so, it is time to sign up as a Coach for next year’s season (we had 102 PGA coaches in 2023, down from the previous year)! PGA Junior League was responsible for $843,019 in direct revenue for PGA Coaches (#4 in the country) despite a PGA coaching fee that averaged $236 (23rd out of 41 Sections, the national average is $250). Please accept this as permission to raise your coaching fees! PGA Deferred Compensation was a great new program in 2023! We are the #2 Section in terms of total registrations with 291 of you signed-up. About 40 of you have already earned 200 points in the program, and based on the current numbers, are almost assured of getting the $1500 allotment to your retirement account. I would love to see another couple hundred of you submit for those points so that you may do the same! We are the #4 Section in PGA.Coach registrations with 300 of you completing the online education. If you have not done so, I encourage you to go through this short training this winter. You will learn a lot about age-specific teaching and learning, and then the app will open up a world of drills, games and activities to you. Plus, if you set up a Coach profile, you will start getting lesson leads from the public! At last check, we had 165 MAPGA Professionals who have set up Coach Profiles which have resulted in a total of over 5,000 leads (over 31 leads per professional!) We had over 300 MAPGA professionals online for the Fall Meeting, just unbelievably good numbers! We hope you enjoyed the presentation by Dr. Bob Rotella (it is posted on the website if you missed it). We also had great numbers for our election process. The Board decision to make the Fall meeting virtual every year seems to be paying off in terms of member participation. We will continue to focus on our Spring “Super” Meeting as our primary in-person get together. We recognize that some of you have long drives to a Section Meeting. So, we are trying to join a few events together to make the trip worth your while and develop a great few days of camaraderie! We will host the MAPGA HOF/Awards Banquet on Sunday, March 3rd, with the Section Spring Meeting in the morning of Monday, March 4th, and NEW this year, a golf event in the afternoon. We are unsure of the weather, so it will be a 4-person scramble designed on having some fun and getting out with your peers. The Teaching Summit will take place all day on Tuesday & Wednesday, March 5th and 6th. We will end Monday (after the tournament) with a cocktail party including some drawings and giveaways for our members (must be present to win). All of these functions will take place at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, VA. We are hoping you will come hang out with us for a few days for some education, recognition, golf and camaraderie. Happy Holidays to all of you, and let’s continue to strive for constant improvement, and make 2024 our best year yet! Warm regards, Jon Guhl
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The Professional
LYNNE HUNTER ELECTED FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT OF THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC PGA Hunter, A Resident Of Herndon, VA. and Director of Golf at Kenwood Golf & Country Club, in Bethesda, MD., becomes The 51st MAPGA President, dating back to 1925; Mark Russo, PGA, of Severn, MD. elected MAPGA Vice President; and Scott Graber, PGA, Of Midlothian, VA., elected MAPGA Secretary
Lynne Hunter
Mark Russo
Scott Graber
Andy Weissinger
Stafford, VA – The Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA of America (MAPGA) today announced that Lynne Hunter has been elected the first female President in the Association’s history. Hunter, a resident of Herndon, Va., and the Director of Golf at Kenwood Golf & Country Club, in Bethesda, Md., was elected to her new position during the MAPGA’s annual meeting, which was held virtually, becoming the Association’s 51st president dating back to 1925. Joining Hunter for a two-year term as officers of the MAPGA are Mark Russo, PGA, a resident of Severn, Md., and a self-employed teaching professional at Night Hawk Golf Center, in Gambrills, Md., who was elected Vice President, and Scott Graber, PGA, a resident of Midlothian, Va., and the Head Professional at the Federal Club, in Glen Allen, Va., who was elected Secretary. PGA of America Golf Professional Andy Weissinger, a resident of Chesapeake, Va., and the General Manager at Eaglewood Golf Course on Langley Air Force Base, in Hampton, Va., becomes the MAPGA’s Honorary President after serving a two-year term as the Association’s President. “The Middle Atlantic PGA is extremely proud to announce Lynne Hunter as the 51st President of our nearly 100-year-old Association,” said Jon Guhl, Executive Director, Middle Atlantic PGA. “Lynne’s dedication to the game and her fellow PGA Professionals, as well as her business acumen and a distinguished, award-winning career, make her ideally suited to lead our Association for the next two years.” Guhl adds, “Along with newly elected MAPGA Vice President, Mark Russo, Secretary, Scott Graber, and Honorary President, Andy Weissinger, this leadership team will continue to drive our Association forward and ensure the game and business of golf in the Mid-Atlantic Region continues to reach new heights.” “I am honored to serve the nearly 1,100 Middle Atlantic PGA Members and Associates in our section,” said Hunter. “ I look forward to working with our officers, board and staff to make an impact in our communities through our foundation, PGA REACH, Middle Atlantic. Many PGA members have helped me along the way n my career and I am excited to give back to the game and my fellow professionals that work to grow the game at their facilities every day.”
Lynne Hunter, President, Middle Atlantic PGA A PGA of America Member since 2007, Hunter is a graduate of James Madison University, where she earned a BS in Business Administration. Her first golf related job was an intern in the accounting department at TPC Avenel, in
EXPERTS IN THE GAME AND BUSINESS OF GOLF
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The Professional Potomac, MD. In 1997, she became a golf professional and joined the staff at Kenwood Country Club, eventually earning the position of Head Professional in 2012. A dual member of the PGA and LPGA, Hunter has earned numerous awards and accomplishments, including 2021 National LPGA Professional of the Year, LPGA Northeast Section Golf Professional of the Year in 2010, 2017, and 2021; named a U.S. Kids Top 50 Junior Golf Instructor in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012; 2006 Kenwood Golf and Country Club Jack Weber Award Winner; and the Titleist Performance Institute certified golf fitness instructor status. As a MAPGA Member, Hunter has made significant contributions mentoring fellow PGA Professionals, especially in the area of employment and club relations.
For her never-ending dedication to her fellow PGA members and LPGA members, and unwavering commitment to her community, she was awarded the MAPGA’s prestigious Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2019. Hunter previously served the Section as Vice President in 2022-23 and Secretary in 2020-21. Click here to see the Board of Directors.
The Professional
2023 ROLEX PLAYERS OF THE YEAR Steve Delmar (Columbia CC) Open Division; Ashley Grier (Yinglings Golf Center) Women’s Division; Brendan McGrath (Trump National GC) Senior Division; and Larkin Gross (Springfield G&CC) Assistant Professional Association Division Capture 2023 POY Honors
The Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA of America (MAPGA) has announced their 2023 Players of the Year (POY) Award Winners, including PGA of America Golf Professionals’ Steve Delmar (Gaithersburg, Md.) OPEN Division; Ashley Grier (Hagerstown, Md.) WOMEN’S Division; Brendan McGrath (Centreville, Va.) SENIOR Division; and Larkin Gross (Center Cross, Va.) Assistant Professional Association Division. “Each year the MAPGA recognizes its most outstanding players, competing across four divisions that make up the region’s premier professional golfers,” said Jon Guhl, Executive Director, Middle Atlantic PGA. “This year’s Players of the Year represent the best of our Association, as they not only compete at the highest level, but excel as elite players while maintaining their day jobs as PGA of America Golf Professionals managing the business of golf at their respective facilities.”
scoring average. A longtime and decorated MAPGA member, Delmar was named Head Golf Professional at historic Columbia Country Club in 2022, replacing longtime Head Golf Professional Bob Dolan, and making him only the fourth individual to hold the position in the 125-year history of the club. A graduate of Coastal Carolina University, where he was a member of the Men’s Golf Team, and the former Assistant Men’s Golf Coach at the University of Maryland, Delmar assumed the Head Golf Professional position at Columbia Country Club after serving as the Club’s Assistant Golf Professional for the past six years. In addition to his teaching and business acumen, Delmar is an accomplished player, having won four MAPGA Major titles, including the Section Championship in 2019, Assistant Championship in 2019 and 2020, and the Players Cup in 2021. He was also named the MAPGA Player of the Year in 2019.
OPEN DIVISION Steve Delmar, a resident of Gaithersburg, Md., and the Head PGA Professional at Columbia Country Club, in Bethesda, Md., is the MAPGA 2023 Open Division Player of the Year. Across 8 POY qualifying events in 2023, Delmar earned six Top 10 finishes, while capturing the Jani-King Match Play Championship and maintaining a 70.3
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The Professional WOMEN’S DIVISION Ashley Grier, a resident of Hagerstown, Md., and the Assistant PGA Professional at Yinglings Golf Center, in Hagerstown, is the 2023 MAPGA Women’s Player of the Year. Grier earned Top 10 finishes across all 8 POY qualifying events, while capturing the Northern Chapter Championship and the Women’s Championship and earning a T-1 in the Stroke Play Championship #1 and #2 events. She also maintained a 72.4 scoring average. The daughter of a PGA of America Professional, Grier’s Father David has played a meaningful role in his life for over 40 years. A Graduate of the University of Central Florida where she played on the Women’s Golf Team, Grier began her professional career competing on the Future’s Tour (now the Symetra Tour) for over five years. In 2014, Grier earned her PGA Membership, and began her career on the teaching side of the business, while continuing to compete at a very high level. In fact, she has enjoyed a successful playing career, competing in five major championships (four KPMG Women’s PGA Championships and one U.S. Women’s Open), while earning many awards, including 2021 Philadelphia PGA Assistant Player of the Year and 2020 Rolex Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year honors. She’s also played for her country on two victorious U.S. Women’s PGA Cup teams.
SENIOR DIVISION
Brendan McGrath, a resident of Centreville, Va., and the Assistant PGA Professional at Trump National Golf Club, in Sterling, Va., is the MAPGA 2023 Senior Division Player of the Year. McGrath earned Top 10 finishes across all 9 POY qualifying events, while capturing the Central Chapter Championship, the Senior Open of Virginia and the Maryland Senior Open Championship, while maintaining a 72.2 scoring average. McGrath, who didn’t play college golf or start teaching in earnest until after he turned 40, has enjoyed a stellar career as a senior player capturing numerous championships, including the Senior Open of Virgina in both 2023 and 2021, as well as the 2023 Maryland Senior Open. In 2017, McGrath was one of 34 players to qualify for the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, which took place at his home club, Trump National Golf Club, and where he competed alongside the game’s greatest players, such as Bernard Langer, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, and many others.
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The Professional APA DIVISION Larkin Gross, a resident of Center Cross, Va., and the Assistant PGA Professional at Springfield Golf and Country Club, in Springfield, Va., is the 2023 MAPGA Assistant Professional Association Division Player of the Year. Gross earned Top 3 finishes across all 7 POY qualifying events, while capturing championships at the Stroke Play @ Spring Creek and Stroke Play @ Federal Club, and a T-1 at the Better Ball @ Chevy Chase, while maintaining a 70.8 scoring average. Gross played four years on the Methodist University Golf Team which won the DIII National Championship in 2018. He also finished 4th in a field of 312 PGA Professionals at the 2021 Club Professional National Championship which qualified him for the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah
Island Ocean Course. In addition to winning the 2021 MAPGA Player of the Year, he was recognized as the 2021 PGA of America Player of the Year.
Congratulations to our 2023 Award Winners! Thank you for all of the hard work that you put in to growing the game of golf in our section.
They will be honored at the 2024 Hall of Fame Awards Banquet, along with our HOF Inductees Paul Michaelian and Rick Schuller on March 3, 2024, at Lansdowne Resort & Spa.
Jay Dufty
Willy Lutz
Professional of the Year
Merchandiser of the Year - Public
Washington Golf & Country Club
Raspberry Falls Gol & Hunt Club
Bernie Najar
Zach Pfingst
Teacher & Coach of the Year
Merchandiser of the Year - Resort
Caves Valley Golf Club
Bay Creek Resort & Club
Jason Epstein
Megan Leineweber
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Assistant Professional of the Year
Congressional Country Club
TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm
J.P. Lunn
Dr. Kendy Vierling
PGA Professional Development Award
David Wortman Citizen of the Year
Sabre Golf & Rec
Links to Freedom Volunteer
Adam Relan
Mike Morrone
Player Development Award
Earle Hellen Sports Media Award
Bid-a-Wee Golf Course
Emergency Nine Podcast
Leighann Albaugh
Scott Bavaro
Youth Player Development Award
Salesperson of the Year
Magnolia Green Golf Club
TaylorMade
Matt Fuller Merchandiser of the Year - Private Caves Valley Golf Club
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Registration Coming Soon!
The Professional
Southern Chapter Wins Global Golf Sales Chapter Challenge This Is Their 9th Chapter Challenge Victory
Zion Crossroads, VA – The Global Golf Sales Chapter Challenge is always a fun way to wrap up the tournament season. The Northern, Central, and Southern Chapters battle it out in a two-day, match-play event for bragging rights. The President of each chapter captains a team of twelve PGA Professionals, which must consist of: one female professional, two governance leaders, two Directors of Golf or Head Professionals, 3 Open Player of the Year points leaders, 2 Senior Player of the Year points leaders, and one captain’s pick. Erick Brock (Northern Chapter), John Oberly (Central Chapter), and Scott Graber (Southern Chapter) captained their teams at Spring Creek Golf Club. With three teams playing, the event provides a unique round-robin matchplay format. Each match consists of two players from one chapter playing against two players from another chapter. The first-day format is 9 holes of scramble and 9 holes of Pinehurst Scotch. The scramble nine was led by the Southern Chapter with 4 points. However, the Central Chapter wasn’t far behind with 3 points. The Southern and Central made it a two team race after the Pinehurst Scotch nine and overall matches. After Day 1, including overall match points, it was tight with the Southern Chapter leading with 13 points and the Central only trailed by 2 with 11 points. The second day is 18 holes of four-ball played along with 18-hole singles matches. The Central Chapter got off to the hot start they needed, winning 6 of the first 8 points available to them. However, the Southern Chapter took care of business by winning or tying 10 of their 12 singles matches and 5 of their 6 four-ball matches. The final score was Southern 26.5, Central 19.5, and Northern 8. Since the Chapter Challenge was brought back in 2021, each chapter has one win.
Scott Graber (left) and Bill Fedder (right) hold the Chapter Challenge trophy.
Scott Graber named Bill Fedder (The Club at Glenmore) the winner of the Tom Strange Cup for being the Most Valuable Player. He went 5-0 over the two days.
EXPERTS IN THE GAME AND BUSINESS OF GOLF
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The Professional One of the fun aspects of this event is the Monday night putting contest. Congratulations to Jay Newcomb (The Suburban Clu) and Tyler Potts (TaylorMade Golf Company) for winning the Four-Ball putting contest, defeating last year’s winners Drew Falvey and Jacob Mast in the finals. Thank you to Kevin Haney and his staff at Spring Creek Golf Club for hosting and title sponsor Global Golf Sales for making this event happen. Special thanks to George West and Levelwear for providing the team uniforms.
Tim White hits his tee shot on the Par-4 4th hole at Spring Creek Golf Club
Elliott Wilson hits a tee shot on the Par-4 7th hole at Spring Creek Golf Club
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10 teams traveled to La Romana, Domincan Republic this month to play in a 4-day Pro-Am. Players had access to unlimited golf, all you can eat and drink, and views that will last a lifetime. Teams played three different courses, including the 75th ranked Golf Course in the World (Golf.com) - Teeth of the Dog. We will be going back next year, and you don’t want to miss out! Congratulations to Glenn McCloskey, Ravi Bhathal, James Appell, and Russell Smith of Loudoun G&CC for winning the event!
Matt Collins hits his tee shot on the Par-4 8th hole of Teeth of the Dog
The Professional
Team Virginia Claims the Title in the Inaugural 17u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship Team Virginia defeated Team Florida 6 – 3 to win the Championship
Written by The PGA of America SANTA ANA PUEBLO, New Mexico (Nov. 19, 2023) – They aren’t going to Disney World, but after winning the inaugural 17u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship at New Mexico’s Twin Warriors Golf Club, Team Virginia (Dulles) is going bowling. “I told them if they won the National Championship, we’d go bowling again, so we’re going bowling to celebrate,” said PGA of America Golf Professional Scott Holmes, who leads Team Virginia, based at 1757 Golf Club, after his team hoisted the trophy. Every shot matters in match play, and Team Virginia made the moments count today, capturing the title on a day punctuated by scattered showers and steadily dropping temperatures. No. 3 seed Team Virginia defeated No. 1 seed Team Florida (Orlando) 6-3 in the match play Championship final, following a brief weather delay between the morning Semifinal matches. With the 17u Championship in its first year, Team Virginia made history as the first 17u Champion. The moment wasn’t lost on Coach Holmes. “This is my third trip to the National Championship, two for 13u and one for 17u,” Holmes said. “It’s been our goal to win a National Championship, and there’s no words to describe the feeling. We’re just going to try to celebrate the moment.” The pivotal moment of the Championship match came during the second flag, when Team Virginia took 2.5 flags to Team Florida’s 0.5. “Before that, the match was really tight, but that really swung it in our favor,” Holmes said. “Our team stayed patient and played fantastic.” Team Florida Coach Cori McAuliffe, LPGA, of Marriott Golf Academy, who led a 13u team to third place in the 2023 13u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship just last month, was proud of her team’s performance but disappointed by the outcome.
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The Professional “They played so well today,” she said. “But unfortunately, it just wasn’t our day.”
In the afternoon consolation match, Team Pennsylvania defeated Team Illinois 6.5-2.5 to finish third.
The morning semifinals set the stage for the afternoon Championship, but the morning wasn’t without a little excitement of its own. No. 3 seed Team Virginia defeated No. 2 seed Team Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh) 5-4, while No. 1 seed Team Florida edged No. 4 seed Team Illinois (Lemont) after a 4.5-4.5 end to their match.
“After our Semifinal match, we came out, handled business and played how I expected,” Williams said. “I’m just so proud of our team. These kids do everything I ask of them, they work hard, and I couldn’t be more proud to be their coach. We’ll be back next year.”
The two teams remained locked in a tie through the first tiebreaker (number of holes won), with Team Florida advancing after winning the second tiebreaker: the team aggregate total (best two of three scores) across all 36 holes from Day 1 and Day 2. Team Florida won with 45-under compared to Team Illinois’ 41-under.
As for the rest of the field, Team New York (Farmington) finished fifth at 41-under; Team Minnesota (Blaine) and Team California (San Jose) tied for sixth at 38-under; Team Utah (South Jordan) took eighth at 37-under; Team Texas (Farmers Branch) and Team North Carolina were ninth at 36-under; Team Kansas (Kansas City) 11th with 33-under; and Team Kentucky in 12th at 12-under.
“We battled Virginia really hard today in the semifinals,” said PGA of America Golf Professional Troy Williams of Hot Shot Golf Academy. “I think that was probably the National Championship right there. We thought 19-under, and they shot 20-under.”
The eight teams not competing in the Semifinals had the option to participate in the Twin Warriors Roundup, a 9-hole, two-person scramble. The Twin Warriors Roundup was captured by Alexander Thu, 14, and Brandon Pantaleon, 15, of Team California.
The Professional
TWO MAPGA PROFESSIONAL EARN MASTER PROFESSIONAL STATUS
Bernie Najar and John Mylnarski Earn the the highest educational designation a PGA of America Member can obtain. Bernie Najar Earns PGA Master Professional Designation Written By PGA of America
FRISCO, Texas – The PGA of America has announced that Bernie Najar, PGA, Director of Instruction at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland, has earned PGA Master Professional status, the highest educational designation a PGA of America Member can obtain. The PGA of America is composed of more than 29,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals, and Najar, a Member of the Middle Atlantic PGA Section, joins a special group as the 439th PGA of America Golf Professional to earn PGA Master Professional status. He achieved his designation in Teaching and Coaching. The PGA Master Professional Program is available to those with at least 10 years of PGA Membership along with achieving advanced certification through the PGA Certified Professional Program. The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the presentation. The PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations. The program is designed to ensure golf professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations. “This year, I received my Quarter Century Membership status within the PGA of America, which was a signal to me that it was good timing to become a PGA Master Professional,” said Najar. “We are blessed to have so many great men and women in our Association who have done so much for the game. I think it’s surreal to be a part of the Master Professional group. I’m honored to be a part of it, and to do it at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco and see what has been done here, it’s incredible. I try to push myself to represent my family and the Association at the highest level, to lead by example with those I mentor back home and to be the best golf professional I can be. I know this is the best program to fulfill those goals.” A 1994 graduate of American University where he earned a BSBA in Finance, Najar is recognized as one of the top instructors in both the Baltimore-Washington D.C. area and the nation. He is ranked as one of Golf Digest’s 50 Best Teachers, and the No. 1 Teacher in Maryland, as well as Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers. A decorated PGA of America Golf Professional, he is a multi-time winner of both of the Middle Atlantic PGA Section’s top teaching honors, including Teacher of the Year in 2004, 2014 and 2022, and the Player Development Award in 2011 and 2012. Elected to PGA Membership in 1998, Najar has taught students at every level of the game, from beginners to aspiring tour players. He has served as the Caves Valley Director of Instruction since 2012. His students have gone on to earn dozens of Division I golf scholarships and have won numerous club championships across the Middle Atlantic.
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The Professional John Mlynarski III Earns PGA Master Professional Designation Written By PGA of America
The PGA of America has announced that John Mlynarski, PGA, Director of Golf at Links at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland, has earned PGA Master Professional status, the highest educational designation a PGA of America Member can obtain. The PGA of America is composed of more than 29,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals, and Mlynarski, a Member of the Middle Atlantic PGA Section, joins a special group as the 441st PGA of America Golf Professional to earn PGA Master Professional status. He achieved his designation in Golf Operations. The PGA Master Professional Program is available to those with at least 10 years of PGA Membership along with achieving advanced certification through the PGA Certified Professional Program. The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the presentation. The PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations. The program is designed to ensure golf professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations, and Teaching and Coaching Designations. “It’s absolutely amazing. Becoming a PGA Master Professional was a long journey, well worth it and very rewarding,” said Mlynarski. Mlynarski graduated from Penn State University in 1986, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Labor and Industrial Relations. He got his start in the golf industry working as an Assistant Professional at various facilities in Pennsylvania and South Carolina. In 1987 he was hired as the PGA Head Golf Professional at Harbourtowne Resort & Country Club in St. Michaels, Maryland, where he would serve for 27 years. During this time, Mlynarski was elected to PGA of America Membership in 1989. In 2016, Harbourtowne underwent a major renovation led by legendary golf course architect Pete Dye. The facility was renamed Links at Perry Cabin and stands as the final course designed by Dye. Mlynarski continues to oversee the property as Director of Golf. “I have come to know a lot of the great Master Professionals and it’s such an honor to be mentioned with them now. Being a part of an elite group makes a big difference for me and my career in the golf industry,” says John. An award winning PGA of America Golf Professional, Mlynarski is a five-time Middle Atlantic PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year Award in the resort category (2002, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2022), a two-time Callaway Golf National Club Fitter of the Year (2004, 2019) and has led his team to the Association of Golf Merchandisers National Platinum and Best of the Best Award in 2022.
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The Professional
JUNIOR TOUR PLAYERS OF THE YEAR Congratulations to our 2023 MAPGA Junior Tour Players of the Year! The Player of the Year is broken into three categories among boys and girls divisions: Chamionship 16-18, Championship 13-15, and Patriot. Daniel Park - Patriot Fulton, MD 2029 •
2 Top-3s (Denny McCarthy Invitational and Spring Fling)
Alejandro Caraballo - Championship 13-15 Williamsburg, VA • •
2026
3 Wins (Denny McCarthy Invitatational, MAPGA Junior Championship, Spring Fling) 1 Top-4 (Junior Tour Championship)
Reed Theiss - Championship 16-18 Leesburg, VA 2024 •
5 Top-5s (Kingsmill Jr Invitational, Bob Benning Championship, Bowling Green Open, Kiln Creek Open, Spring Fling)
Avalise Kim - Patriot Alexandria, VA 2030 • •
1 Win (Junior Tour Championship) 1 3rd Place (Bowling Green Open)
Ashika Vuradi - Championship 13-15 Brambleton, VA 2027 • •
3 Wins (Junior Tour Championship, Twin Lakes Classic #2, Bob Benning) 4 Top-7s (1757 Classic, MAPGA Jr Championship, Bowling Green Open, Spring Fling)
Lily Hall - Championship 16-18 Yorktown, VA 2024 • •
2 Wins (Kiln Creek Open & Meadowbrook Open) 4 Top-8s (Kingsmill Jr Invitational, MAPGA Jr Championship, Bowling Green Open, Kingsmill Girls Invitational
EXPERTS IN THE GAME AND BUSINESS OF GOLF
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MAPGA Staff Jon Guhl
Executive Director
Bob Heintz, PGA
Assistant Executive Director/ Tournament Director
Kristine Alonso
Collin Elphic
Caleb Kolb
Talton Cherry
Director of Business Affairs
Player Development Coordinator
Ben Smith
Erica Giuliano
Director of Communications
Competitions Coordinator
Membership Director
Junior Golf Director
Natalie Robson PGA WORKS Fellow
The MIDDLE ATLANTIC PGA The Professional
Volume VIII, Issue IIII