The Professional - May 2 - Volume III, Issue I

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Middle Atlantic PGA

Vol. III - Issue I

The Professional

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Player Development GAME FOR MORE...

Update Career Fitness

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The Life and Legacy of Clyde Luther

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Inaugural TopGolf Team Challenge

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MAPGA Junior Golf Program Online MAPGA Spring Fling USGA RULES 2019 The Professional

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear MAPGA Professionals, I hope everyone is finally getting some more seasonal weather and crawling out from under the winter funk that seems to be lasting longer than anticipated. It’ll be nice to finally getting cranked up and experiencing more and more golf opportunities throughout the spring.

To follow up on some information from the last newsletter, I wanted to update everyone on the Board’s decision to formally support Rick Murphy, our former District 10 Director, in his bid to become PGA Secretary. After vetting through all of the candidates and taking in the feedback from our membership, we felt Rick was the correct choice. He has worked very hard on his presentation and has been the most passionate candidate throughout this process.

Rick’s growth and dedication to the member will certainly lend well to our Association and we feel confident that he will be a terrific officer.

J.P. LUNN, PGA SECTION PRESIDENT

While we’re talking about governance to the Association, I also wanted to mention that we’ll be electing a new District 10 representative from within the MAPGA at the Fall Membership Meeting on November 5th. The MAPGA Board of Directors will submit a slate of one or more candidates to the General Membership to be considered for election to the District 10 Directorship. If you are interested in pursuing election to this position and want to be considered by the MAPGA Board of Directors to be included on the slate, a letter of intent must be received by May 15th, stating as a minimum, your desire to serve as D-10 Director and qualifications, addressed to: MAPGA Secretary Andy Weissinger, PGA (Attn: Jon Guhl), via email to jguhl@pgahq.com. If anyone has any questions about the process, please feel free to contact Jon Guhl directly at the Section office.

This will be my final call to all the members to make sure that you have fulfilled your MSR obligations as we will close in on our three year cycle deadline on June 30th. At this point in time, we still have 180 members that are still short of the minimum requirement. There are still great opportunities left with Player Development Seminars available within each Chapter in May. You can register for these through the MAPGA website or click MAPGA.com.

Finally, I’d like to invite everyone to come up to Fountain Head Country Club on May 14th and participate in the MAPGA Pro President sponsored once again by our great friends at Club Car. It’s our premiere event to host our club officials and treat them to a great day of golf and camaraderie. I hope to see you all out here in a couple of weeks.

Like I said, I think we’ve turned the corner and are going to have a great Spring. Let hope for more seasonal golf weather and more rounds of golf, for your Club, your students and for you.

See you soon on the course.

Layout & Design Jeremy Beale Contributing Writers Tajma Brown, Brian Dix, Joe Ellis, Greg Stenzel J.P. Lunn

Warm regards, J.P. Lunn, PGA MAPGA President jplunn@fhcc1924.com

Cover photo presented by Virginia Golf Hall of Fame

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NEWS. EVENTS. FEATURES.

+

Michael Wyatt

VIRGINIA 813-362-1929 Michael.wyatt@adidas.com

Kevin DePaulis

MARYLAND 717-319-1100 Kevin.Depaulis@adidas.com

Š 2018 adidas America, Inc. adidas, the Badge of Sport, and the 3-Stripes mark are registered trademarks of adidas AG or its affiliates.

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Michael Wyatt

Kevin DePaulis

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CONTENTS

THE PROFESSIONAL

The Professional

2

........................................................From the President

8

.........................................Player Development Update

11

..............................Inaugural TopGolf Team Challenge

12

....................................MAPGA Junior Program Online

15

...........................The Life and Legacy of Clyde Luther

21

....USGA Announces Changes for 2019 Rules of Golf

25

...........................Career Fitness: Is it a job or a Career

28

.......................................................MAPGA Spring Fling

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TOURNAMENT DATES MAY 14 CLUB CAR PRO-PRESIDENT

11

12

15

MAY 15 APA MATCH PLAY MAY 21 MAPGA SENIOR-JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP JUNE 25 MAPGA SPRING PRO-SCRATCH JULY 2 BRITT SLOAN MAPGA SCRAMBLE CHAMPIONSHIP JULY 30-31 MAPGA ASSISTANTS CHAMPIONSHIP FULL SCHEDULE

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WELCOME JEREMY BEALE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

J

eremy Beale comes to the Middle Atlantic Professional Golfers’ Association having worked as journalist and media professional to date.

He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Liberty University in 2015 in Journalism Specializing in Print and Digital Media.

Beale has been published in an array of publications including the Quantico Sentry, The Daily Caller, Washington Business Journal and Santa Barbara Newspress.

He is also a proud supporter of the United States Military.

Beale is the son of two retired Army veterans and lives every day to make them proud.

The Woodbridge, Virgina, resident also comes with a

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passion for the game of golf.

He has played the sport both recreationally and competitively since he was 11 years old.

He played on the Hayfield Seconday School golf team for three years before transfering to C.D. Hylton High School where he Co-Captained the golf team.

While in college, Beale was a Collegiate Wrestler, who was a three time national qualifier.

If he isn’t writing, editing, photographing or designing content for the Section, you can find him on the golf course, practicing his short game at TopGolf or taking his mom to Salute Military Golf Association events as her care giver.

Beale has a passion for storytelling and wishes to help grow the game of golf by using the talents he has obtained in his tenure as journalist to vocalize the message and reputation of the MAPGA. However, as he seeks to share how amazing the professionals of the MAPGA are, he needs the help of our associates and professionals in generating content for the E-Magazine, Social Media and the Weekly News Letter.

If you or your team are doing exciting things at your location or in the community, the MAPGA wants to hear about it.

Send any tips or stories ideas to the MAPGA, at jbeale@ pgahq.com and the MAPGA will highlight your accomplishments.

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PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

UPDATE

JOE ELLIS JUNIOR GOLF COORDINATOR

Dear MAPGA Member, Each year the Middle Atlantic PGA Section awards $25,000 in Player Development Grants which are allocated to the programs run by our PGA professionals. The goal of these grants is to not only help our section’s professionals in their effort of growing the game but also connect the Middle Atlantic PGA with more communities in the Section. Programs awarded the grant must introduce new golfers to the game and can be geared to all skill levels and ages.

This year, the Middle Atlantic PGA’s Player Development Committee has allocated funds to a total of 11 different programs: Lexington Golf & Country Club which hosts the Rockbridge Area YMCA organized by Jeff Wagner, PGA and Mike Ahrnsbrak, PGA, received $4,000 to go towards the purchase of a Golfzilla. Last year, the YMCA after-school program worked with 100 juniors, their goal in 2018 is to reach more than 200.

Great Hope Golf Course and golf professional Mark Simshauser, PGA received $3,355 which will help purchase a new SNAG Golf set and other golf equipment for GHGC. Simshauser runs a weekly SNAG Golf Program free to all juniors. His goal is to grow his junior program enough to start running a PGA Jr. League or create a junior golf night for kids.

The First Tee of Prince William County which is run by Alan Smith, PGA received $3,183 to purchase multiple U.S. Kids Golf Sets, SNAG Sets, two indoor putting mats and other teaching aids. The goal of these added tools is to increase the skilled development of more than 600 juniors that come through his program each year. This is the second year in a row they received grant funds.

Michael Abraham at Hidden Valley Country Club, received a Player Development grant for the third year in a row. This year, they were awarded $3,000 which will go towards Birdie Ball targets and strike pads for them to use and share with other local courses in the Roanoke Valley area.

The First Tee of Howard County, in which, Jeff Maynor, PGA is assisting this program in 2018 and is going to use the $3,000 from the grant to help pay for new equipment and training for the expansion of the DRIVE program.

Joy Bonhurst, PGA of Blue Mash Golf Course is looking to grow her junior golf program in the Greater Washington DC Metropolitan Area by purchasing a SNAG Golf Kit. The Player Development Committee has allocated $2,520 in funds to help Joy Bonhurst and her junior program.

Brett Mowbray, PGA from Woodstone Meadows Golf Course received $1,500 in 2016, to help purchase a Golfzilla, this year they received another $1,500 againwhich will be used for purchasing sets of U.S. Kids Golf sets.

The Prince George Golf Course in Virginia, which is run by Coley O’Dell, PGA. Prince George GC is looking to add junior tee boxes to their course to increase the number of junior golfers. They received $1,462 to help with that project, along with purchasing a few sets of U.S. Kids Golf clubs for kids to use when they visit the course.

Daniel Soehren, PGA and his team at The Federal Club are on a mission to boost their junior academy for the 2018 season. To help, the committee allocated $1,000 to aid in the purchase of new golf equipment for their Junior Academy.

Bretton Woods Recreational Center is run by James Napier, PGA and they are in the process of increasing the reach and ability of their junior golf program. They were granted $1,000 to help purchase training aids and other tools which will allow them to provide a benefit to the needs of the Montgomery County and Washington D.C. Communities.

Clifton Park Golf Course, Michael Dreyer, PGA runs his own tournament series called the Baltimore Junior Golf Tour. This will mark the second consecutive year that Clifton Park has gained assistance with their junior program. They received $1,000.

A PGA member must be affiliated with the program, in order to be eligible to apply for grant funding. With the high demand of applications last year, we have a 2-step application process. Any MAPGA professional that meets the qualifications may apply for a grant and is not required to partner with a 501 (c) 3 organization. You are encouraged to apply; next year’s deadline is Nov. 16, 2018.

Lynne Hunter, PGA Player Development Committee Chair lhunterpga@aol.com

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Phil Bowers, PGA Junior Golf Committee Chair pebowers@hotmail.com

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THE MAPGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BALTIMORE COUNTRY CLUB TIMONIUM, MARYLAND SEPTEMBER 24-26, 2018 The Professional

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MATT MISKELLY & COMPANIES TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP INAUGURAL MAPGA TOPGOLF TEAM CHALLENGE WenPetren and King prove to be top contenders

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teve WenPetren and Kelly King (The SW Golf Academy) captured a victory at the inaugural MAPGA TopGolf Team Challenge at TopGolf-Loudoun.

Besting 23 other teams, the competition consisted of two games of stroke play played under TopGolf ’s “Top Contender Elite” format, with the four highest scoring teams advancing to match play.

During stroke play, Ryan Clarkin (Creighton Farms) and Bryan Zell (Westfields) achieved the highest score of the night and a No. 1 match play seed with an astounding 516 points.

However, in a stunning upset, Clarkin and Zell lost in the semifinals to No. 4 seed Jonathan Schoenfeld (PGA Member) and Jimmy Steigelman (Fauquier Springs) on Schoenfeld’s final shot.

In the other semi-final match, WenPetren and King, the No. 2 seed, defeated No. 3 seed team, Geoff Montross (TPC Potomac) and John Madden (River Bend).

They then went onto defeat

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Schoenfeld and Steigelman in the finals.

As TopGolf continues to revolutionize the way novice, amatuer and professional golfers play the game, MAPGA has already begun plans to incorporate this level of competition into a larger format for 2019.

TopGolf falls nicely in line with the Section’s mission to grow the game, their and need to be at the forefront of innovation in the golf industry.

Special thanks to Joey Walker, PGA and Yong Joo, PGA for hosting the event, as the players all had a great night of camaraderie and competition.

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Middle Atlantic PGA Junior Golfer Online Program By: Tajma Brown

T

he 2018 golf season is upon us and MAPGA is excited to announce the launch of a new program designed to support the MAPGA Foundation.

The foundation exists to improve lives throughout the golf community by impacting the game through youth, military and community engagement.

By helping build awareness and raise funds for Youth Golf, Scholarships and other initiatives, the foundation offers junior golfers in the Middle Atlantic area the opportunity to participate in an online fundraiser.

This program offers the chance to earn a FREE personalized MAPGA golf bag (made by Sun Mountain) when participants reach the goal of $300 in donations.

Juniors will have a minimum of 18 days to earn as much money as possible.

Additionally, the top three fundraisers (in total dollars raised) will receive a FREE round of golf at a premiere country club with one of our Junior Golf staff.

Competition will end at the end of the Junior Tour Season.

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As a thank you, to all who support the Juniors’ Online Fundraising Program will receive a one-year membership to VIP Bonus Rewards, online savings portal where individuals can save hundreds of dollars on shopping, dining, entertainment and national retailers. All proceeds will directly benefit the Foundation.

--For more information, contact Sara Bush, PGA, at SaraB@BloomForGood.com or (910) 367-7715.

--Sponsor:

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IN MEMORY OF CLYDE LUTHER

Sept. 11, 1929 - March 30, 2018

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THE PROFESSIONAL

“Golf is not a matter of life or death.

It’s much more important than that.”

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“It’s really an honor to be selected, just incredible. I’ve received a number of nice awards over the years, but this is the tops when you’re being installed with guys like Curtis Strange, Vinny Giles, Lanny Wadkins, Sam Snead and Chandler Harper. It’s over and above anything I would have ever expected.”

-- Clyde Luther inducted into Virgina Golf Hall of Fame

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The Life and Legacy of Clyde Luther

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lyde Luther, honorary member of the Middle Atlantic PGA and former 1996 Middle Atlantic Golf Association president and 1985-1986 Virginia State Golf Association president, passed away Friday evening, March 30, after a long battle with cancer.

With a great passion for the game of golf, Luther, 88 years old, was recognized as one of the greatest rules experts the game had ever known and his knowledge of the game could only be met by his heart for volunteering and sharing the game with so many generations of golfers.

Luther worked as a volunteer rules official for more than 35 years for competitive golfers within the Mid-Atlantic region and taught many of the rules officials across the country the many intricacies of the game.

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It has been less than two years since the golf world lost Arnold Palmer (left).

In a similar fashion to Luther (right) so many generations were impacted by his legacy. (Photo Credit: Virginia Golf Hall of Fame)

For more than 35 years Luther was a well-known voice at rules workshops conducted jointly by the USGA and PGA of America.

He also taught workshops at the regional and local level.

Luther was born in Hooper, Nebraska, September 11, 1929, one day before a man he called friend, the late Arnold “The King� Palmer.

His life as a rules official touched so many lives as he was recognized as an expert on the Rules of Golf and worked as an on course rules official at over 100 USGA

Championships.

Also as a member of the United States Junior Amateur Championship, he introduced hundreds of young players to the Rules of Golf.

This included famous names such as Tiger Woods, who is recognized as the greatest amateur and professional to ever step foot on to a tee box.

However, Woods is only one success story as many players Luther met went on to careers as tour and club professionals.

He also served as the head rules official for the NCAA Division I golf program for

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THE PROFESSIONAL more than 10 years, head rules official for the Atlantic Coast Conference and rules official at the Virginia High School Championships.

Because of his tireless efforts in growing the game, Luther received much recognition for the courtesy, kindness and respect he displayed to every golfer.

Luther was inducted into the MAPGA Hall of Fame in 2003 and the inaugural Virginia Golf Hall of Fame Class in 2016.

In 2008 the USGA presented him with the Ike B. Grainger Award for 25 years of volunteer service, 2002 the VSGA honored him by naming the VSGA Junior Match Play Championship trophy after him.

Also, in 2002 the USGA awarded him their annual Joe Dey Award, which is given to USGA volunteer in recognition of meritorious service to the game.

GOLF Magazine bestowed him the Innovator Award in 2007.

He was honored many more times, including the VSGA President’s Award (1999), the MAPGA David

Luther may have been one of the most decorated individuals to walk the fairways as he spent much of his life as USGA Rules Official sharing his knowledge and perspective on th world’s most elegant yet perplexing games. (Photo Credit: USGA)

Wortman Citizen of the Year Award (2001).

Luther lived a long adventurous life, spanning from the airways to the fairways.

He served in the United States Air Force piloting large transport aircraft and upon departure from the military piloting commercial airlines.

He officiated everything from local high school matches to the final round of the U. S. Open.

As many gathered at Springfield Golf & Country Club in Springfield, Virginia, to celebrate his life, Monday, April 9, his memory was honored at course he called home.

Luther may be gone from this world, but he will live on in the hearts and minds of all he impacted with his wisdom and love of the game.

MAGA, USGA and Virginia Hall of Fame contributed to this story.

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GAME FOR MORE...

possibilities

Experience the latest game-changing technology Developed in partnership with the Greg Norman Company and Verizon, the Shark Experience in-car entertainment package offers music, news, sports and more to engage a wide audience of golfers—and keep them coming back for more.

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THE PROFESSIONAL

USGA Announces Changes for the 2019 Rules of Golf

D

on’t drop the ball when trying to get ahead of these new golf rules coming, January 1, 2019 Big changes are coming in 2019 as USGA submitted their final revisions to the 2019 Rules of Golf back in March.

The eight categories which will change in 2019 consist of the following: The Ball at Rest, Ball in Motion, Taking Relief, Playing the Ball, Procedure in

Various Areas of the course, Damaged Equipment, Player Behavior and When to Play During a Round.

However, some the most significant changes will come into play as golfers determine the instances and procedures by which they drop their golf ball in accordance with Rule 14-3.

However, every change coming in 2019 is meant to simplify the complexities of old rules and ultimately make a round quicker and more enjoyable.

In accordance with Rule 14:3 in the revised 2019 Rules, golfers will continue to drop a ball when taking relief, but the dropping procedure will change.

When dropping the the ball you must let go from knee height so that it falls through the air and does not touch any part of the player’s body or equipment before it hits the ground.

The new procedure lowers the height from which the ball is dropped to increase the chance that it stays within the relief area and minimize the randomness of where the ball may end up.

The player also has no guarantee that the ball will come to rest on a desired spot or in a good lie, especially in the case of when a ball is dropped in more difficult conditions such as thick rough, longer grass, sand, rocky area or et cetera.

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The focus of the dropping procedure when measuring the Size of the Relief Area where a ball must be dropped and played will be on a specific “relief area” set by the Rule under which relief is being taken.

The relief will be either one or two club-lengths from a reference point (and may have certain other limitations). The definition of a club-length is the longest club other than a putter. The relief area is a fixed size for each player and is predetermined based on the clubs the player has selected for play.

Under Rule 14.3, when taking relief, the player will also be afforded the choice to substitute a ball or to use the original ball, including, when taking penalty relief as well as when taking free relief under rules 15-19.

This change comes from the confusion of the requirement to use the original ball in some relief situations but not others which often has lead to unnecessary penalties.

Taking a consistent approach that always allows a player taking relief the choice to substitute a ball or use the original ball is much simpler. There will be no need for a different procedure based on whether the player is taking relief with penalty or without penalty.

This will also draw a clearer and more intuitive line between when substitution is allowed in returning a ball to play and when the original ball must be returned to play.

For more Rules visit: USGA.org PAGE 21 || THE PROFESSIONAL Page 21

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ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL

The APA Brian Dix, PGA APA President

Has Spring truly sprung?

T

he APA has already hosted two events at Golden Horseshoe and International Country Club.

Congratulations to Rick Schuller and Rupe Taylor who won both of these events respectively.

Many more events are upcoming with the Assistants Championship and Professional Championship quickly approaching. However, keep in mind there are several great APA, Chapter and

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Section events APA Members are eligible to play in between these championships.

And, while it is still early in the season it’s never too late to learn about the Ryder Cup style Independence Cup, which the APA plays against the Philadelphia Assistants Organization each year.

There are 16 players on each team: Four Captains, eight players from the Top 8 POY standings, and four captain’s picks.

In 2018, the APA will host the event. Player of the year points are accumulated at every APA event; there are also points awarded for the Assistant Championship and

Teaching Championship.

Also, are you an Associate or have an Associate at your facility, seeking scholarship opportunities?

Each year the APA provides twelve $500 scholarships for APA members that complete a level within a calendar year.

The Associate must complete at least one level and be in the top four of that level against fellow APA members.

There are a few more requirements, which can be found on the APA portion of the MAPGA website.

It is always a pleasure to see many new faces within the APA and work with those that dedicate themselves to growing the APA and its events. I’d like to personally thank the directors of the APA that help make the APA great. It is a pleasure to work with them as they continually dedicate themselves by hosting great events and helping the APA better itself and its members.

However, if your Chapter Directors or I can ever be of any of assistance, Please do not hesitate to reach out, if you need help from your Chapter Directors or myself.

We are always looking for new ways to help our Associatiates to be well educated and valuable assets to their facilities.

The APA is not only about hosting tournaments, but a great network of professionals waiting to be utilized.

CHAPTER DIRECTORS - Northern Chapter Mike Wood Baltimore Country Club - Central Chapter Eli Mireles Burning Tree Club - Southern Chapter Andrea Wilson Greenbrier Country Club

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A L W A Y S

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D R I V E N

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Career Fitness: Is it a Job or a Career?

S

imply stated a job pays the bills, a career feeds the

soul.

A career can be a lifetime of jobs, but together they form the backbone of experiences that will fuel your professional life for years.

A career offers opportunities to network, to grow your skills and to gain experience. You should be investing energy into your career and looking for ways to improve the information you can insert into your

resume.

This includes going the extra mile, working beyond your job description, building relationships with your co-workers, others in the industry and your members, clients or guests.

This means finding a mentor, someone who you can glean information from, use as a resource in growing your knowledge and developing your career path.

As your career fitness coach, I strongly urge you to use these tools to enhance your career fitness.

Create S.O.A.R. Stories.

On a weekly basis record and file your accomplishments as they relate to your career. S.O.A.R. Stories (Situation, Obstacle, Action and Results) can be added in your resume to match the requirements listed by an employer in their job search and used in answering questions during an interview.

Situation - What are your goals? (Grow Junior Golf Program).

Obstacle - What are your obsticles (Juniors are not engaged, they spend their time at the pool).

Action - What do you

Tournament Gifts & Awards for every event and every budget

do? (Develop Summer Camp, sharing time between pool and golf instruction).

Result - Did you find success? (Added 30 new juniors to program, able to start PGA Junior League, grew revenue in golf shop by $2500, increased lesson income by $1500 and Food & Beverage usage by $2500).

The Skills Used should consist of communication, coordinating, managing, planning, organization and promotion.

I look forward to working with you and developing your career fitness program.

See Next Page for S.O.A.R Stories worksheet.

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P

GA Junior League Golf is a fun, social and inclusive opportunity for boys and girls ages 13 and under to learn and enjoy the game of golf. Much like other recreational league sports, participants wear numbered jerseys and play on teams with their friends.

The program structure is a fun team scramble format for players of every skill level. All participants get to play in every competition. The MAPGA runs a spring, summer and fall program.

2018 PGA Junior League Golf registration is now open! If you haven’t already registered for the season, we encourage you to do so today!

If you are a a PGA Professionals looking to become a PGA Junior League Captain, you can register below. If

Captain Registration is

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you have any questions about becoming a captain please contact Doug Wert below.

Becoming a Captain is a great way to introduce juniors to the game and generate revenue at your facility.

QUESTIONS? PGA Junior League Regional Manager Douglas Wert, PGA dwert@pgahq.com 719-351-2738 MAPGA Junior Golf Director Will Martindale wmartindale@pgahq.com 540-784-1966

Be sure to sign up your teams before the registration goes live to the junior golfers!

It only takes a few minutes to get setup to participate in this great program!

REGISTER Page 26

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MAPGA Spring Fling

A

Sload Scores Low, Gubenko Battles for the Win

fter braving through the tough conditions during the 2018 MAPGA Spring Fling, at Laurel Hill Golf Club in Lorton, Virginia, Nikita Gubenko, from Great Falls, Virginia, captured first place in the Boys Overall competition, finishing with a two day total of 2-over-par 144 (6975).

This was a one-stroke victory over day one leader Mitchell Hummel (68-77), with Benjamin Kruper not far behind finishing with a final round 5-over-par (147).

Due to wet conditions the first day, and the blustery conditions down the stretch on day two, players were forced to not only battletheir opponents but the course as well.

Where some succumbed to the harsh conditions at The Professional

Laurel Hill, Skylar Sload from Ashburn, Virginia was the only competitor to finish under par, shooting a total two day round of 4-under-par (138) and capturing the Girls’ Overall championship.

Coming into the day, Sload trailed by two after day one leader Jinny Park carded a 3-under-par 68 during the first day of competition.

Sload said she had to battle every hole to maintain her position in the tournament.

Sload overcame a double -bogey on the second day with five birdies—nine in total for the tournament.

She attributed her success to her approach shots, which she was sticking close, allowing her the ability to make putts.

In the Boys 14 to 15-yearold category, Tristan

Schommer of Leesburg, Virginia, finished first with a two day total of (75-77).

Trailing behind Schommer were David Luo and Trey Elder (154).

In the boys 13-andunder division, Alexander Maloy distanced himself from the rest of the field with a final round one under par 70 to finish at 147. Julie Shin from Brambleton, Virginia, won the Girls 12-14 division.

Shin put on a dominant performance, finishing at 151 (72-79), 9 shots clear of second place finishers Sydney Hackett and Katie Park (160).

Special thanks to Laurel Hill Head PGA Professional Gene Orrico and his staff for their hospitality, and congratulations to our winners. See you at the next event.

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@mapgajrgolf

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If you are interested in contributing to The Professional, contact Jeremy Beale at jbeale@pgahq.com

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