The Professional | Vol. IV Iss. I

EXPERTS IN THE GAME AND BUSINESSVol. OF III GOLF - Issue I

THE

PROFESSIONAL POWERED BY:

BEST OF THE BEST EDITION

Middle Atlantic PGA Vol. IV, Issue I The Professional

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear MAPGA Professionals, In my last note, I pleaded that we would be done with weather talk. We have certainly experienced much better conditions this year than we had to deal with over the beginning of last spring and early summer. It’s amazing how different the mood has been simply because we’re able to field more traffic and get more rounds of golf, both personally and professionally. I hope that you are experiencing the same and getting out to enjoy why we all got into this business from the start.

The first thing that I want to do is thank our long time Director of Membership and Community Outreach, Kelly Lawson for her 10 years of service and congratulate her on her new job. Kelly has been an asset for our Association and we certainly hate to lose her but wish her well on her new endeavor with the federal government. She will be missed but we wish her, Chris and the soon-to-be-bigger family all the best.

J.P. LUNN, PGA SECTION PRESIDENT

Layout & Design Jeremy Beale

With Kelly’s departure comes a new addition and I’d like to welcome our new Membership Director, Kristine Hofmann. Kristine comes to us from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) out of Alexandria. She is moving to Stafford with her family and starts on July 3. Please welcome her next time you stop by the Section office or see her at one of our events.

This issue of The Professional is one of my favorite, as we get to celebrate the accomplishments of our PGA Members and other Award winners. It doesn’t take long to realize what a special group of people we have that make up our Section. I applaud all of the recipients and commend each of them for the outstanding accomplishments they have attained. It is inspiring to read the background and stories surrounding these leaders in our industry.

This is the time of year that we start to focus on our upcoming elections in the Fall both within the Section and within our respective Chapters. Locally, we are always looking for new and eager representatives to get involved in governance whether as a Chapter Officer a Director. At the same time, we have an election this year at our Fall Membership Meeting on Monday, November 18th to elect a new Secretary. This is a very important process and we are lucky enough to have a gamut of uniquely qualified, talented professionals that will serve our Section well. What I ask is for you to simply get involved as much as you can…the more input we can generate, the better we will be as a Section.

As I mentioned earlier, I hope you’re getting the opportunity to get out and play some golf. Let’s hope the good weather continues and everyone is hitting balls. As always, feel free to contact me at any time with questions or comments. I look forward to seeing you soon, out on the course.

Contributing Writers: Jeremy Beale, Kelly Lawson, J.P. Lunn

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

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THE PROFESSIONAL

CONTENTS EXPERTS IN THE GAME AND BUSINESS OF GOLF

PGA PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR - PRSIDENT'S AWARD - ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR TEACHER OF THE YEAR - GOLF.COM TOP TEACHERS TO WATCH - BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD GOLF DIGEST TOP 100 TEACHERS - YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD - HORTON SMITH AWARD PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD - MICHAEL ARHNSBRAK HALL OF FAME WAYNE DEFRANCESCO HALL OF FAME - DAVID WORTMAN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR PRIVATE MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR - SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR EARLE HELLEN SPORTS MEDIA AWARD

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THE PROFESSIONAL DAVID DORN, PGA

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

D

avid Dorn received the highest honor paid to a PGA Professional. - PGA Professional of the Year.Dorn celebrates this accomplishment because of his service to the Section and Association, as well as his perserverance in embodying what it means to be a PGA Professional.

He inspires his fellow professionals by treating them with respect and giving them the opportunity to grow, lead and take on responsibility. It is said he treats and speaks well of everyone and that alone has taken him a long way in golf and in life.

This has been evident throughout Dorn's life as respect for others was instilled in from a very early age.

His father was in the Air Force and grandfather was an avid golfer. Both figures played a crucial role in his life.

His father was the first to introduce him to the game. When he was 10, he tagged along with his dad and grandfather to play some of the Baltimore public golf courses.

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As a High School student, he played on the boys’ golf team. Following graduation, he stayed close to home and attended the University of Maryland where he earned a bachelors’ degree in marketing.

With business sense and a love for golf, he immediately turned to the golf industry to begin a career.

"SHOWING RESPECT TO OTHERS WILL TAKE YOU FAR IN GOLF AS WELL AS IN LIFE" Throughout his career he was lucky enough to be mentored by three different PGA Professionals during his early years at Woodmont; Tony Marlowe, PGA, Bob Boyd, PGA and Lyle Williams. As a result he earned his PGA Membership in three short years.

Because of the mentorship he received in the game and business of golf, he quickly became a common topic of conversation around the Section.

He won the 1995 MAPGA Assistants Championship and the 1996 Central

Chapter Championship.

And a decade later, Dorn took his rightful place as Director of Golf at Woodmont.

Since working at Woodmont he has mentored more than 100 PGM interns and has helped place seven professionals into Head Golf Professional positions.

Through his tenure at Woodmont he has been one of the top Clubs in terms of giving back to Amateur and Professional golf.

Each year he hosts events such as the US Open Sectional Qualifiers, The Bobby Gorin (Juniors), The Tony Marlowe (Women) and last year, the Maryland State Mid-Am and other events such as MAPGA Tournaments and education seminars.

David also secured Woodmont to host the 2020 US Women’s Amateur. He has been on various committees over the years such as rules and junior golf and has always encouraged his assistants to be active in Section governance.

Dorn has dedicated himself to growing the game of golf at every level. Programs such as PGA Junior league, Pee Wees and Rising Stars get Woodmont juniors excited about playing golf.

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EXPERTS IN THE GAME

JIM ESTES JOHN O'LEARY JOANNA COE JOY BONHURST

C

ongratulations to all of our PGA Professionals who competed in national events this year.

One of the most important pillars of being a PGA Professional is being an expert in the game.

Jim Estes, PGA (Olney Golf Park) traveled to two National Events this year, the U.S. Senior Open at the Notre Dame Warren Course and the KitchenAid

Senior PGA Championship at Oak Hill.

While Estes missed both cuts at each tournament, he performed admirably with an average score of 73 throughout the events.

John O'Leary, PGA (Trump National-DC) traveled to Bethpage Black where he competed in the 2019 PGA Championship. He was one of 20 PGA Professionals to qualify for the event.

For the second year in a row, Joanna Coe, PGA (Baltimore Country Club) traveled to the KPMG Women's Championship. This year she was one of nine PGA and LPGA Professionals to qualify to compete at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

Joy Bonhurst traveled to Pine Needles Golf Course to compete in the 2nd U.S. Senior Women's Open as well as the Women's Senior LPGA Championship.

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PGA.COACH MAPGA No.1

IN SECTION CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS

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7 SIMPLE STAGES TOWARDS PGA.COACH CERTIFICATION

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ADM is about creating positive experiences early, for all athletes, that will keep more players engaged and retained in our sport. Introducing the right aspects of play in a structure that is fun, engaging, and progressively challenging, allows golfers of all ages to experience the challenges and joys of our sport.

PGA.COACH has broken down physical and physiological development into 7 stages. Using this strategy, the right skills, exercises, and instruction can be delivered at the right time, leading to success for your students and your coaching program.

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THE PROFESSIONAL MIKE HEALY, PGA

MAPGA PRESIDENTS AWARD

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he MAPGA President, J.P. Lunn, personally selected this President’s Award winner to recognize an individual who has been working “under the radar,” to improve our game, our industry, and our Association. Lunn identified Mike Healy, PGA for his endless support of the Section and his fellow PGA professionals.

He has hosted many events for the MAPGA and is a regular supporter of many Section events.

Healy grew up in Baltimore, Md, where. He attended Archbishop Curley High School and was a member of the football and baseball teams. He represented Curley High in the Maryland Scholastics Association finals in 1982-83.

During his sophomore year he became seriously interested in golf, and by his senior year in high school he had organized and served as captain of the high school golf team

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and was voted Most Valuable Player.

He attended the University of South Carolina and turned professional in 1986 while working as an assistant for Frank Laber at Longview Country Club.

He was elected to PGAmembership on December 1, 1989 andwas hired by Geneva Farm Golf Club in February of 1990 as their first PGA Head Professional.

"NEVER REST ON YOUR LAURELS, YOU MUST CONTINUOUSLY EDUCATE YOURSELF" Ten years later, he was offered the Head PGA Professional position at Country Club of Maryland in 1999 and has served there ever since.

The dedication to his Section is evident in the governance positions he held within the Northern Chapter, proceeding throughout the positions of Secretary, Vice President and President,

as well as serving as the Chair of the Section Education Committee and as Chair of the Northern Chapter Assistant’s Association when it was still active.

He feels that the PGA Professional can "never rest on his/her laurels" but must continuously educate themselves in order to meet the needs of the changes that are taking place now in the golf industry.

Healy currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Bryan P. Healy Foundation, created in the memory of his brother who passed away in 2014.

The foundation helps support local Maryland community efforts that range from animal rescue, donations to organized sports clubs and scholarships for students to pursue continuing education.

This is his second Section award, his first was the 1996 Horton Smith Award.

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CLICK HERE DAVID FINOCCHIARO

david.finocchiaro@adidas.com (571) 244-7613 The Professional

KEVIN DEPAULIS kevin.depaulis@adidas.com (717) 319-1100 Page 12

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ELI MIRELES, PGA

MAPGA ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

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li Mireles was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa. His interest for the game was sparked at the age of 13 when his father took him out for his first round of golf at Irwin Country Club.

As his interest in golf developed, he knew he wanted to turn his passion into a career. To make this a reality, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with a concentration in Professional Golf Management at the California University of Pennsylvania. He graduated from the program Magna Cum Laude in 2013.

His first position within the Section and was as an Assistant Professional at Cattail Creek Country Club in Glenwood, Md. He was elected to the PGA as a Class A Professional in the Fall of 2014 and at the start of the following season, he joined the staff at Burning Tree Club in Bethesda, Md., where he currently works as the Lead Assistant Professional.

In the Winter of 2017, to further his teaching skills, he sought after the opportunity to shadow world-renowned teacher, Jim McLean, at the Jim McLean Golf

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School at Doral.

Mireles feels grateful for the collection of these experiences which he believes has shaped him into the professional he is today.

His peers describe him as being a wellrounded and passionate individual who displays an ownership mentality and views each day as an opportunity to make himself a better professional.

"MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THOSE AROUND YOU, EVEN IF IT'S JUST A SMILE" He tries to make a difference in the lives of those he encounters either by bringing a smile to their face or teaching someone how to play the game. He is deeply dedicated to his work and approaches his tasks with humility and confidence – he is not one to follow the crowd and there is no task too large or too small for him to take on.

Beyond his traditional work, Mireles enjoys engaging with the local golf

community whether it be through the Assistant Professional Association (APA), Section tournaments, or Chapter involvement. In each of these settings, he strives to be a leader by focusing on listening to everyone’s opinions. Mireles has been a part of the APA since its founding.

Further dedicating himself to the local community, Mireles accepted the role of A-8 Director for the Central Chapter last year. In this role, he took it upon himself to reach out to all Associate Assistant Golf Professionals within the Central Chapter to offer his help with PGA Bookwork or anything career related.

What keeps him coming back is the diverse network of support for young or new Professionals in the Section seeking to grow as Assistants and become successful Golf Professionals.

A part from his need to better him and his peers in the business, Mireles is also a competitor in the game. He frequently competes in tournaments and has been proud of his great success, finishing in the top 10 over the last three years.

When he’s not out on the golf course or talking shop with those in the community, he enjoys spending time with this wife, Lauren.

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THE PROFESSIONAL JOY BONHURST, PGA/LPGA

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MAPGA TEACHER OF THE YEAR

oy Bonhurst has been recognized for her excellence in teaching, innovative contributions to golf instruction and for epitomizing what it means to be a PGA and LPGA Professional.

She has worked extensively with individuals from all backgrounds – from amateur to Professional as well as athletes with disabilities.

Bonhurst has served on the MAPGA Tournament Committee since 2016 and was the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional (T&CP) Northeast Section Education Coordinator 2005–2013. She recently was selected to serve on the LPGA T&CP Tournament Committee.

She has been a member of the Proponent Group, a network of golf educators, since 2009.

Her mother, an avid golfer, introduced her to the game of golf 35 years ago. She and her mother would practice hitting golf balls at her schoolyard on Long Island, N.Y. It was while spending time practicing at her schoolyard that she fell in love with the game of golf. As the fourth women golfer to be inducted into the Methodist College Athletic Hall of Fame, Bonhurst and her

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team won Methodist’s first four NGCA Division III National Championships from 1986-1989.

Bonhurst graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Professional Golf Management. After graduating from Methodist, She pursued her dream to become a Golf Professional and has been a PGA and LPGA Member for more than 23 years and is currently a Class A Teaching Professional.

"GOLF IS A GAME OF A LIFETIME..."

Her passion for teaching and playing the game of golf continues to grow stronger and stronger every day.At Blue Mash Golf Course, this includes golf clinics, running and playing in the Blue Mash Birdies, a weekly social competition and supporting the National Women’s Day of Golf. She also supports LPGA sponsored “Girls Golf Clinics” and several Veteran’s initiatives.

Bonhurst also has been Co-Tournament Director for the Annual Bermuda Ladies Pro-Am Golf Classic for the past 22 years.

Bonhurst is passionate that golf is a game of a lifetime and she passes on that passion to her students and inspires other golf professionals to play more golf.

She is constantly inspired by her student’s accomplishments. Having been influenced by many great teaching professionals and mentors, she loves to learn how to improve her teaching ability and commits significant resources and time on professional development.

To complement her keen eye, Bonhurst has been a pioneer in the early adoption of technology enhancements.

Her continued professional development has resulted in increasing her teaching and playing abilities which have in turn benefited hundreds of students.

She believes that a successful teacher is able to identify how students learn best, communicates and motivates.

Her passion for growing the game of golf is evident whether it is teaching her students, growing the golf program

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THE PROFESSIONAL

2019 M APGA Professional Championship September 16-18

The 2019 MAPGA Professional Championship will take place at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.

This is sure to be an exciting event along the Potomac River as Trump National was built specifically for worldclass golf. Each hole has been meticulously built to take unprecedented advantage of the Potomac River from both a visual and playability perspective.

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GOLF.com

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TOP TEACHERS TO WATCH

T

rillium Rose is a certified teaching professional and Director of Instruction at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland.

An innovator and life-long learner, her knowledge of teacher effectiveness, mechanics and practice training has proven highly successful. She has improved the games of over 1,000 individuals who rely on her cuttingedge expertise, and honest, straight- forward approach.

Her area of expertise is in helping golfers develop their skills as quickly as possible and help them practice efficiently. She is highly skilled at designing and implementing curriculums that develop golf athletes with targeted practice plans. A graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University with a master’s degree in Motor Learning and Control, she also has a formal education in the science behind how people acquire and adapt skills.

TRILLIUM ROSE PGA/LPGA

Known for her accurate swing diagnostics, and her dedication to meeting students' goals with as minimal disruption as possible, she has a loyal following of students including political figures, world leaders, and A-list celebrities of all ability levels. On one side of the spectrum, she has taken single digit handicaps down to scratch and on the other side she has guided novices through their first experiences on the golf course.

FOLLOW TRILLIUM Page 16 The Professional

She was recently recognized as a Top 50 Teacher by the LPGA. She was honored as the 2017 Middle Atlantic PGA "Teacher of the Year," and awarded a “Best Teacher in State” distinction (Ranked No.3). Selected as one of “America’s Best Young Teachers” by Golf Digest, and a US Kids Master Instructor, Trillium Rose's name has been synonymous with quality practice standards and trusted education.

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E ERIKA LARKIN, PGA

FOLLOW ERIKA

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rika Larkin was a first generation city girl from Jackson Heights, N.Y. (a.k.a. Queens). She lived one block from the 7-Train and could see the Empire State building from the black-topped roof of her six-story apartment building.

No one in her family played golf and the closest thing to green space was the St. Joan of Arc School’s L-shaped parking lot that served as her bike route, roller-rink, tennis court and jungle-gym. Her chances of being introduced to the game were slim to none. Her dad is a Russian immigrant from Venezuela who became a top Executive Chef in New York and Mom was raised by a single mother in Bridgeport, Ct., and did not have the means to pursue sports or activities growing up.

However, five subway stops away, she stumbled on "Pitch & Putt" in Flushing Meadows Park. She was eight years old when she and her adventurous parents decided to try their hands at golf. They spent two years playing in the shadow of Shea Stadium before ever stepping foot on a "real" course. When they finally did, they were hooked for good.

Larkin was self-taught until age 15.

That was until she played and won a few local and regional junior golf events. As luck would have it, she met an amazing PGA Professional named Frank Darby whose encouragement and mentorship helped her earn a college golf scholarship to James Madison. She graduated in 2002 with a B.S. in Marketing and a continued passion for golf with a strong desire to work in the industry.

Eventually she became a PGA Class A Member in 2006 while working at International Country Club in Fairfax, Virginia. In 2010, she founded the Larkin Golf Learning Community at Stonewall Golf Club. Then in 2016 she became the first ever Director of Instruction at The Club at Creighton Farms in Aldie, Virginia where she currently resides. With a lot of heart, a little talent and a few kind people along the way, she is excited at how far she has come and where she will go.

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BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD

ynne Hunter has made significant contributions to mentoring 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, Lynne has been awarded the 2019 Bill Strausbaugh Award.

Hunter has been active advocate of getting women into the golf industry and mentoring them.

Recognizing that women Professionals were spread out throughout the Section and rarely working at the same facilities or near each other, she saw a need to create more opportunities for female Professionals to network and share ideas. She and a colleague have been successfully hosting quarterly get-togethers at locations across the Section for the past three years.

She has provided guidance to many more individuals that have become either PGA or LPGA members, or both. In her LPGA Section, her contributions have been centered around Member growth, professional networking, and promoting jobs for women Professionals.

When her colleagues within the PGA are looking to hire female Professionals, she is the first call in assisting them in filling open positions.

She fortunately started playing golf at the age of 12 when her parents signed her up for a junior

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camp at Turf Valley Country Club in Ellicott City, Md. She graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor’s in business management with her first golf-related job as an intern in the accounting department at TPC Avenel. Hunter became a golf professional in 1997 when she joined the staff at Kenwood Country Club where

"GO THE EXTRA MILE. CREATE A MOMENT WORTH REMEMBERING" she then earned her Membership in 2007 and has been the Head PGA Professional since 2012.

Throughout her career, she has found that one of the most rewarding aspects of her job has been the opportunity to mentor many younger Professionals. In her role as Head Golf Professional, she strives to be a role model and a mentor to many of her current and former Assistant Professionals, Associates and interns.

She believes in preparing her staff for their future jobs and ensuring that they attain the skills necessary to accomplish their goals. Her efforts have successfully connected many Professionals within the Middle Atlantic Section and East

Coast with full-time or seasonal jobs.

Hunter has spent the majority of her professional career at Kenwood and is known as coach, mentor, friend, and many times treated as part of the family by her membership.

She believes in making her members feel at home and welcome, and providing an escape from the stresses of life for her members. Her staff is given the “ownership” to create that environment for the membership and go the extra mile when the opportunity arises. Lynne's staff and golf services currently hold a 97 Percent approval rating.

Her commitment to the Section is unwavering.

Starting out as Central Chapter Secretary in 2013, she then moved through the ranks from Secretary, Vice President, and President. She was recently elected as MAPGA Director-at-Large in 2017.

She’s also served on many committees including Membership, Player Development, and Awards.

Her dedication to help all PGA Professionals and grow the game is best defined by her continued efforts to share successful ideas, host MAPGA, and LPGA events and to find ways to bring Professionals together to share ideas.

Though this is her first Section award, she has been honored with several LPGA Section awards: 2010 Northeast Section Professional of the Year, 2012 NE Section Junior Golf Leader Award and 2017 Northeast Section Professional of the Year.

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LEIGHANNE ALBAUGH

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I

believe that my role as a coach and instructor is to develop, inspire, motivate and support people to realize their fullest potential. My goal is to help my students understand basic cause & effect relationships that exist within their golf swing; the cause of an errant shot and what to change when those shots occur. My collegiate coaching background is reflected in my ‘coaching mindset.’ All swing changes are ones that are implemented to make impact more powerful, consistent AND can be “played through.” Students will not depart the lesson tee feeling like they are starting from scratch (unless of course, they are and that’s okay too). As an instructor with a coaching mindset, I have the unique opportunity to mentor and develop my students’ game from a global aspect. This not only includes teaching more efficient swing mechanics, but course management, creating efficient practice, goal setting, finding competitive platforms, mental training, managing emotions, fitness and nutrition. The golf course is the best classroom for learning and I utilize it to teach my students how to play the game of golf, not just how to efficiently swing the golf club (in the collegiate coaching world, we call this “golfing your ball.”) I believe that it is extremely important for every golfer from those who are new to the game to single digit handicappers to find a platform (regular weekly group, league, set of scheduled tournaments, or tour) on which to compete. Everyone needs something to inspire them to practice and a measure of progress based on peer group comparison. Having studied learning, my students are advised about the learning process and how to approach implementing any new task efficiently. Clear communication is vital to the learning process the Individuals and I believe in tailoring the communication style to the student. I consider all of my students, ranging in age from 2 – 92 to be members of my “team. ” 20 Page

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THE PROFESSIONAL ERIC LAYTON, PGA

E

YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

ric Layton was selected as the recipient of the 2019 Youth Player Development Award for his contributions to growing PGA Junior League (PGAJL) initiatives within the Section, as well as growing the after-school program at the Country Club of Virginia (CCV) and being a valuable resource to his fellow PGA Professionals.

Since his election into PGA membership more than a decade ago, Layton has worked at the CCV as a Head Professional for seven years and now Director of Instruction.

During his time at CCV he has helped create junior golf programs worthy of immulating at any facility.. Since taking over the after-school program at the CCV in 2007, it has grown exponentially. He is considered an expert in junior golf and has been a various resource for many facilities over the years.

The CCV junior league program has been one of the largest at any single facility in the Middle Atlantic Section with more than 75 kids participating each spring and fall.

In the early days of the program, he was instrumental in organizing the Richmond leagues and worked closely with former PGAJL regional Manager Mike Aldrich to be a resource for other facilities and PGA Professionals.

When the league first started, he and the

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team at CCV were on board from the very beginning and the program rapidly grew to over 60 kids.

But he noticed not many girls were participating. As a result he called several mothers and put together a plan for a team of all girls. Soon after CCV had two teams of all girls. With the growth of the program, CCV became their own league and eventually hosted the first ever “allgirls” PGA Junior League Match.

"MENTORSHIP STARTS WITH YOU. TREAT OTHERS HOW YOU WANT TO BE TREATED" In addition to the “all-girls” PGA Junior League team, CCV also hosts “all-girls” teams for Operation 36, a new coaching program which he was instrumental in bringing to CCV. When the facility decided to revamp an already thriving after-school program, he knew this would be an opportunity to expand an offering that currently focused on beginner golfers ages 7-10.

The after-school program last year had approximately 60 kids outside of PGAJL, but Layton and the team decided to offer programs for younger (age 3-4), all girls, and high school competitive players which resulted in a sunstantial increase of 150 kids.

Outside of PGA Junior League, the facility has gone from three clinics per week and four tournaments per year to 155 kids per week and 14 tournaments a year. The program has provided an avenue for kids of all ability levels to grow and learn to love the game.

As Director of Instruction, he oversees a teaching team of eight PGA Professionals and Associates. Each year, CCV hires 2-3 PGM interns to assist with the programs, thus taking their mentorship very seriously.

His philosophy in life is to be humble and treat people the way you want to be treated.

His golf philosophy is to bring the best out of each one of his students by building a deep relationship built on trust, so they know he always has their best interest at heart.

He credits mentors such as 2018 MAPGA Professional of the Year Rob McNamara as being one of many important mentors in his life. Other mentors include Carl Irvin, Chip Swanson, Richard Cromwell and Warren West.

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MIKE DICKSON

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M

ike Dickson is the PGA Certified Head Teaching Professional at Congressional Country in Bethesda, Maryland.As a Master Scoring Method Coach, Mike runs numerous coaching programs for junior golfers to adult golfers. Mike has studied under some of the best in the industry such as Lynn Blake, Mike Adams, Will Robins, Mark Sweeny, David Edel, Dr. David Wright, and many others.Over his years in the instruction business, Mike has earned certifications in TPI Junior Coach 2 & 3, US Kids Certified Coach, AimPoint Green Reading, Edel Golf Advisory Staff, Nike Golf 360 Specialist by Gray Institute, BioSwing Dynamics, Certified RGX coach and Lynn Blake Certified as a Master Instructor. With the use of The Golfing Machine, Mike focuses on key alignments that every golfer and golf swing creates to provide a better and more efficient motion.

Mike began to change his teaching model in 2015 by making a shift away from individual instruction to more coaching and group instruction using the Will Robins RGX model. Mike was recognized for his efforts in changing how golf was being taught with being awarded the 2016 MAPGA Teacher of the Year for his efforts in growing the game in the Middle Atlantic and at Congressional Country Club. Mike was recently recognized by Golf Digest as one of the Best Young Instructors in America for 2016/17 and 2018/19.In 2015-2019 Mike has been recognized by his peers in Golf Digest as one of the Best Instructors in the State of Maryland.Mike strives to share his knowledge with his students and his fellow PGA Professionals with the goal to continue growing the game and giving back to a game that has given him so much.

Mike is originally from Northeast Ohio and graduated from the PGM program at Ferris State University in 2002. He moved to the Washington DC area in 2004 to begin PAGE working17at Congressional Country Club.

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THE PROFESSIONAL JIM FITZGERALD, PGA

HORTON SMITH AWARD

O

nce again, Jim Fitzgerald has been recognized for his outstanding and continuing contributions to the Middle Atlantic Section. Fitzgerald has been honored with the 2019 Horton Smith Award for his contributions in building the image of the PGA Professional and PGA of America by developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA Professional both Nationally and Sectionally.

He cares deeply about the golf profession, his role as a PGA Professional, his staff, and his membership as is evident through his mentoring of 19 Assistants who have moved on to take Head Professional or Director of Instructor positions. Jim tries to lead by example and embraces the responsibility he has toward his assistants, to train & mentor them to be successful in the golf industry.

Fitzgerald feels fortunate to be able to spend his career doing something he enjoys so much.

Throughout his career he has worked for Montgomery Village Golf Club in Gaithersburg, Columbia Country Club, Sankaty Head Golf Club in Mass., Sandy Lane Golf Club in Barbados and finally in the fall of 1987, Fitzgerald was selected to his current position as the head PGA Head Professional at Chevy Chase Club. He also coached at George Washington University.

Thanks to mentors like esteemed “Coach” Bill Strausbaugh he has been honored with

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Section awards such as the Assistant PGA Professional of the Year (1981), Teacher of the Year (1996), Merchandiser of the Year (Private Category, 2004) and the highest Section recognition Professional of the Year (2011).

Coming full circle in 2013, Fitzgerald received the Bill Strausbaugh Award for his dedication to becoming a better professional and helping others see and fulfill their potential.

"THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT" He has remained consistent in his pursuit of bettering himself and his fellow PGA Professionals. He tries to be consistent every day and treat everyone the same. Fitzgerald continually strives to improve personally and professionally and adapt to changing times and technologies. From 2015 to 2017, Fitzgerald has been a guest presenter for summits such as the PGA Show for Golf Business Network and speaking to changes in opportunity/venture for golf professionals.

Previously he has presented on panel discussions of best practices within the industry and has hosted and presented a broad range of topics at Section Town Halls and meetings. He has also organized and presented at the last two MAPGA Employment

Summits; leading mock interviews of assistants and discussing the process of “Preparing for Retirement”. His dedication to education doesn’t stop with PGA Professionals, he has also has been a guest presenter for five PGM schools on his experience in the golf industry and becoming a successful PGA Professional.

Fitzgerald is aware of the long and continued journey of the PGA Professional. At age 11, he caddied for his father Saturday mornings at Falls Road Golf Course in Potomac, Md., and began playing golf regularly when he was 13 years old.

He played on the University of Maryland golf team for three years and graduated in 1978.

After college he worked summers at Lakewood Country Club. While working, he continued to compete, winning the Bubby Worsham Championship in 1976 and qualifying for the 1973 & 1974 US Junior Amateur Championships and the 1977 US Amateur Championship. With a love for the game Fitzgerald began his journey towards PGA Membership in 1978 and was was elected to PGA membership in 1982.

Seeing the importance of development from an early age, Fizgerald has served on the Advisory Board of the DC Chapter of the First Tee for more than 15 years.

Fitzgerald has showed us that mentorship never stops and that there is no such thing as good enough.

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THE PROFESSIONAL

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CHUCK HENRY (410) 937-7868 Maryland, Delaware, Northern Virginia The Professional

TAD PIERSON (704) 906-4129 Western Carolina’s.

Western Virginia

CHRIS SWEENEY (919) 349-5565 Eastern Carolina’s, Eastern Virginia Page 27

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B

ernie Najar is the Director of Instruction at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Md. Recognized as one of the top instructors in both the Baltimore-Washington D.C. area and the nation, Bernie is one of Golf Digest's 50 Best Teachers and Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers, and is also ranked as Golf Digest’s No. 1 teacher in Maryland. He is a two-time winner of both of the Middle Atlantic PGA Section’s top teaching honors—Teacher of the Year (2014, 2004) and the Horton Smith Award (2011, 2012).

Since becoming a golf professional in 1994, Bernie’s goal has been to promote the enjoyment of the game through comprehensive, personalized instruction.

Bernie has trained under some of the most prominent instructors in the game, and, in turn, has become a resource for other teachers interested in improving their teaching and coaching skills.

His studio at Caves Valley is one of the most advanced on the eastern seaboard, with a K-Vest motion capture system, TrackMan launch monitor, Swing Catalyst 3D motion plate and SAM PuttLab, and Bernie was the first teaching professional in the Mid-Atlantic to be certified as an AimPoint instructor. He has also compiled a database of more than a thousand of the best swings in the history of the game—both from archival footage and through filming PGA, Champions and LPGA tour swings personally at events like the Masters and the President’s Cup.

BERNIE NAJAR The Professional

Bernie has taught students at every level, from beginners to aspiring tour players. His students have gone on to earn dozens of Division I golf scholarships (and the last three Maryland State Junior Boys Championships), and have won numerous club championships across the Middle Atlantic. His lessons incorporate technical instruction, strategy advice, fitness assessment and equipment guidance. Bernie is one of only a handful of teaching professionals in the nation signed to represent PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf).

Bernie can build you the finest clubs on the planet, and teach you how to use them.

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THE PROFESSIONAL JEFF MAYNOR, PGA

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

J

eff Maynor has a passion for growing the game of golf and has been a champion of player development programs for more than 20 years. His passion is apparent by the number of new programs he has initiated at his facility as well as serving on the Section Player Development committee for the past six years.

He is dedicated to his profession and takes honor in what it means to be a PGA Professional, taking every opportunity he can to share his love for the game with local groups and organizations.

During the golf season, Maynor requires his entire staff to be involved with the Player Development program by scheduling them to teach classes and clinics.

He shares ideas and best practices with other professionals both in the Middle Atlantic Section and nationally and enjoys discussing player development with fellow professionals.

He was instrumental in forming a “Best Practices” roundtable for Golf Professionals at other university golf courses within the BIG 10.

During the last five years, Maynor started over 50 new golf initiatives at the University

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that has resulted in more than 1,000 individuals being introduced to the game for the first time.

His most successful programs are those geared toward college students and young professionals. He has developed several programs that revolve around using golf to

"YOU MUST TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE YOUR LOVE OF THE GAME" network, entertain and develop business relationships.

College students are just entering the business world and are looking for activities to occupy their free time, both socially and professionally. Teaching them how to use golf to satisfy their desire for competition as well as social activity is a win/win.

He has created an incentive packet, which is given to each participant who completes one of their Player Development programs.

The packets vary for each program, but most include coupons to use at the driving range,

discounts on merchandise (including a trade-in program for clubs) and reduced fees to play the course. Other new programs have been created to allow beginners to get out on the course without feeling the need to complete 18 holes. These programs include three and six-hole loops to encourage clinic participants to play without the need to make a large investment in time, energy or money.

Purchases from these Player Development programs have resulted in an additional $6,380 in revenue compared to the previous fiscal year. As a dedicated PGA member, he considers it a privilege to wear the badge.

Maynor’s members will tell you his commitment to growing the game never ends.

He is proud of the many new programs he has started at the University of Maryland and the impact they have had on his facility and the community.

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STEVE BOSDOSH

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s a teacher and coach, Bosdosh has been a GOLF Magazine TOP 100 Teacher in the US for over 17 years. He’s a two time MAPGA Section Teacher of the Year, has earned a specialty certification from the PGA in Teaching, is an adjunct professor for the National PGA Education classes, and has been teaching golf for over 32 years. During that time, he has given well over 40,000 golf lessons.

He has written over 100 instructional articles for the likes of GOLF Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and GOLF.com and has contributed to 3 golf instruction books that have been published. He has been seen on CBS, the Golf Channel, ESPN, TNT, Dish and Direct TV with the Tour Angle 144 Training aid and 3L Laser Putt. He had a 30-minute infomercial with the Lovet Sand Wedge. Steve has been involved with helping the Georgetown Hoyas men’s golf team for over 25 years.

Bosdosh has learned and observed from many of the world’s finest teachers including Jim Flick, Paul Runyan, Dave Pelz, Hank Haney, Martin Hall, Mac O’Grady, Jimmy Ballard, Ben Doyle, Dr. Bob Rotella and Bill Strausbaugh, to name a few. His thirst for knowledge has led him on a quest for the perfect swing, which he is able to break down into simple, easy-to-understand concepts for his students.

During his 12 years working at the TPC at Avenel, Bosdosh had the opportunity to film, listen in on, observe and interact with the world’s best PGA Tour players and their coaches. He taught numerous GOLF Digest schools with the likes of Paul Runyan, Dick Aultman and Hank Johnson. He was instrumental in starting the PGA Tour’s national TPC Golf School program with Jay Lumpkin, which was a traveling golf school at the various TPC Golf Clubs for the PGA Tour sponsors.

As a player, Bosdosh understands what it’s like to stand on the first tee and be so nervous that it’s hard to breathe. He has played in three PGA Tour events, one Kemper Open and two Anheuser-Busch Classics. He owns one course record of 10 under par 62 which has stood for over 35 years. His personal experience in those extremely stressful conditions have immeasurably helped others succeed in the same stressful situations in club championships, member-guest, or at local junior events.

Some of his students have come from all walks of life – from CEOs, Presidents of Fortune 500 companies, members of the entertainment industry to professionals from the PGA, Champion’s, LPGA Tour’s to the US Kids, AJGA, state events to college championships. He has seen and taught them all.

Many of which to this day have become his family and friends through this great game of golf.

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TOPGOLF TEAM CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS

SEAN ENGLISH, PGA

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JIM ESTES, PGA

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JOE PLECKER

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J

oe Plecker is a PGA teaching professional with more than 20 yearsPAGE of teaching 33 experience. Plecker coaches players of all

ages and abilities through his enthusiastic and proven teaching programs.

He was elected to PGA Membership in 1998.

He has ben rated Golf Digest Top 40 Instructor Under 40 Nationwide twice (2010-2011). Also from 2007-2011 he was rated as one of Golf Digest's Best Instructors in Maryland.

Now, he has been rated as one of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Instructors across the nation.

Within the Middle Atlantic PGA Sectiona, Plecker has also recieved a few awards. He received the 2010 Middle Atlantic PGA Horton Smith Award and Teacher of the Year (2007). He was also the chairman of the MAPGA Teaching & Coaching Summit in 2007.

He is the Host of "Better Golf with Joe Plecker" on 105.7 FM a golf instruction radio show in Maryland.

Plecker is a PGA National Advisory Board Member and was a PGA of America National Instruction Committee Member from 20112012.

Also, he is frequently featured on PGA.com and Turner Network Sports Productions for 'Live Lessons and Your Game' and 'Tips from the PGA'. He is also a local and national presenter for PGA Educational events.

Plecker can also be found at Towson University as a seasonal game coach for the university's men's and women's Golf teams. He also doubles as a Professor of Professional Golf Management at Towson.

Mentorship is a crucial part of Pleckers life. He has instructed many fellow PGA Professionals on skills and career paths.

Notable teachers and players who he kas studied under include: Bill Strausbaugh, Jr., Patty Berg, Rick Martino, Dr. Gary Wiren, Coleman Plecker, Carol Mann, Jim McLean, Kevin Weeks, Dr. Christian Marquardt, Matt Kluck.

"It's hard to believe I've been teaching for more than 20 years and I'm in no way done, like I figured it all out and I'm going to stop learning," Plecker said.

Plecker continues to learn the game and furthermore passionately teach it to his students.

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MICHAEL AHRNSBRAK

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HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019

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THE PROFESSIONAL

View the video above to see the journey Michael Ahrnsbrak took to being honored as a 2019 MAPGA Hall of Fame inductee.

M

ichael Ahrnsbrak’s esteemed fortyyear golf career earned him the Hall of Fame recognition by the Middle Atlantic PGA. His contributions to education, leadership and administration in the Section began as a young Assistant Professional first at Leesburg Golf and Country Club, then Woodmont Country Club, and culminated in election by his peers as one of the PGA of America’s seventeen District Directors.

Throughout his tenure in the Section he served, as a Head Professional at Shenandoah Valley (19851999), followed by a number of years in management and organizational consulting, then The Professional

returning to the Head Professional and General Manager ranks at Musket Ridge (2003-2006), Blue Ridge Shadows (2003-2016) and Lexington Country Club (20172018). Ahrnsbrak is currently the GM/COO at Pine Valley Country Club in Wilmington, North

"I COULDN'T BE MORE HONORED TO ACCEPT SUCH AN ACHIEVEMENT" Carolina.

Originally from Seattle, the son of a US Navy Chaplain, he started swinging golf clubs quite early, maybe only a year old. His father’s naval career meant many moves for the family, so his first golf memory is caddying, actually pulling the cart, for his father in Rhode Island, before moves to

San Diego, then Florida, and attending high school at four different locations, including Florida, New Jersey, Missouri and Virginia. Though baseball was a first love, eventually golf became the prime interest. During a short stay in Missouri, he played against Payne Stewart in junior and high school competitions, and in 1971 won the Missouri State Junior title.

Then in Virginia at Herndon High School, he lost the District High School Championship by one shot to fellow inductee Wayne DeFrancesco. After attending Rollins College, he turned professional and secured an assistant’s position to Billy Pearl at Leesburg Golf and Country Club.

Soon thereafter, he won a Page 35 Page 35

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Mike was joined by his family for his induction into the 2019 MAPGA Hall of Fame Class.

Pro-Am at Goose Creek. Before becoming a Head Professional he was schooled by Hall of Fame member Tony Marlowe as an Assistant Professional at Woodmont.

Mike with Executive Director Jon Guhl.

The “service” relationship in the MAPGA began with an Assistant Directorship in the Junior Golf Academy in 1979, followed by becoming Director in 1981. The membership elected him MAPGA A-8 Director in 1982. As a significant member of the Section, he first earned The Professional

Assistant Professional of the Year honors in 1983. Within the Central Chapter, He moved up through the leadership ranks from Tournament Chair, Vice President and then President.

His contributions to education earned him the Horton Smith Award in 1990. He followed that with a Merchandiser of the Year (Resort) Award in 1991.

Under MAPGA President and Hall of Fame member, Allen Wronowski, he was appointed the Chair of the Employment

Mike with Larry Ringer, PGA

Committee.

He was named MAPGA Professional of the Year in 1992, the Section’s highest active honor. Once he won election to the MAPGA Section Secretary position in 1992, Vice President (199495) and President (19961997) ensued. After moving through the ranks to the MAPGA Section Presidency, Ahrnsbrak earned the highest distinction from his colleagues when they elected him to serve on the PGA National Board of Directors as the District 10 Director in 2010, a three-year term.

In 1997, the Dewar’s Virginia Hall of Fame for Virginia Golf Professionals named him as one of their own.

Additionally, his credits include a Golf Digest “Beat Page 36 Page 36

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Teacher in Virginia” recognition in 2000; and an “America’s Top 100 Golf Shops” by Golf Shop Operators Magazine in 1991.

As a leader in the Section, his foremost accomplishments include a major role in bringing on Colonel Dick Johns as Executive Director, and Jon Guhl as Assistant Executive Director in 1995.

He followed up as a team member that created the MAPGA “Superfund” that eventually paid for the purchase of land and the construction of an office complex unmatched throughout the PGA Section communities, replete with conference rooms, museum

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and library.

As a player, he earned his way into qualifying for five PGA Club Professional Championships, now deemed the Professional National Championship. He has won at least one section event

Mike with wife Ann at 2013 Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet.

in each decade of his career.

Additionally, he played in the 1985 PGA Tour stop in Washington, the Kemper Open, and then the 1992 Anheuser Busch Classic and the 1994 Nike Tour Dominion Open.

Influences on his career and good work beyond his parents who introduced him to the game and championed his passion, are major figures in MAPGA circles, many of whom are Hall of Fame members, notably Bill Pearl, Carl Rasnic, Tony Marlowe, David Wortman, Bill Strausbaugh, Hank Majewski and Jim Folks.

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WAYNE DEFRANCESCO

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HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019

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THE PROFESSIONAL

View the video above to see the journey Wayne DeFrancesco took to being honored as a 2019 MAPGA Hall of Fame inductee.

W

ayne DeFrancesco’s exemplary golf career as a player and teacher earned his place in the Middle Atlantic PGA’s Hall of Fame. Over the organization’s history only he garnered both Player of the Year status and a Teacher of the Year recognition.

Additionally, he won the Section Championship three times and also received the Horton Smith Award for contributions to education. No other player in the Section’s history displays such an array of credentials.

Wayne was introduced to golf by his father, Henry, and his mother, Bobbie, who joined Lakewood Country Club in Rockville as charter members in 1959. Henry was an engineer and mathematician by trade, and thus he found the mechanics of the golf swing quite interesting and challenging.

Wayne remembers having Ben Hogan’s “Five Lessons” and Cary The Professional

Middelcoff ’s “Master Guide to Golf ” on the shelf from the time he could read.

Henry had DeFrancesco in the backyard hitting whiffle balls by age 8 and by age 10 they were out at Lakewood playing.

Defrancesco played in his first event at age 12 and finished 2nd, and getting that trophy hooked him for life.

"AS SOON AS ANY INSTRUCTOR STOPS TEACHING BEGINNERS THEY CEASE TO BE QUALIFIED FOR ANY HONORS OR AWARDS" His successful playing career spans five decades, first serving notice winning the Washington Metropolitan Golf Association’s Bobby Gorin title in the thirteen-year-old and under division in 1971 and followed up with a win in the 14–15 year-old division two years later.

Playing out of Langley High School, he captured the Frank Emmet School Boy Championship in 1975 and was named “Junior of the Year.”

For success in a premier amateur career, the trophy case includes the Washington Metropolitan Amateur titles in 1978 and 1981, First Team All-America and Southeastern Conference Champion at Louisiana State (LSU) in 1979, as well as appearances in the 1975, 1978 and 1979 US Amateurs, where twice he went to the round of 32.

Within the Middle Atlantic PGA, DeFrancesco was a frequent visitor to the winner’s circle. He triumphed in the Section Championship on three occasions: 2000, 2001 and 2007; the Tournament of Champions twice: 1995 and 1998; the Assistant Professional Championship twice: 1999 and 2001.

He won the Match Play Championship three times: 1996, 2004 and 2006; and the Senior Page 41 Page 41

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Wayne DeFrancesco's wife (Jennifer) and daughters (Casey and Lindsay) join him for his induction into the 2019 MAPGA Hall of Fame.

Championship twice: 2007 and 2008.

The MAPGA Player of the Year title came his way four times: 1994, 1995, 1997 and 2001. Over the years, additional victories include the Team Championship with Rick Schuller in 2006 and 2007, the 2009 and 2010 Facility Championship with Jay Lindell, the Senior-Junior Championship with Pat Coyner in 2014, and the Challenge Cup Tom Strange MVP Award in 1998.

Wayne pictured with 2018 MAPGA Hall of Fame inductee Fred Funk.

Regionally, he captured the Maryland Open three times: 1994, 1995 and 2005; and the Maryland Senior Open in 2007.

Nationally, he played in his first PGA Professional National Championship (PNC) in 1995, finishing fifth and qualifying for his first PGA Championship at Riviera, where he made the cut and was the Low Club Professional. Defrancesco then qualified for his second PGA Championship in 1999, playing at Medinah Country Club. In his next PNC Defrancesco went to Bend, Oregon and led the event wire to wire (the only person to do so, leading alone every round) winning by 3 shots, a victory he considers the greatest of his career. In all, Wayne played in 5 PGA Championships, a U.S. Open (as an amateur in 1981 where he was Sectional medalist at the Army Navy Club, making the U.S. Open field at Merion), two Senior PGA Championships, a Senior US Open, and qualified for eleven PGA Tour Kemper Opens.

In addition, Wayne won 4 USGA medals as medalist in local U.S. Open qualifying.

Wayne and caddie read putt at 77th PGA Championship.

“As soon as an instructor stops teaching beginners he or she ceases to be qualified for any honors,” says DeFrancesco.

However, the accolades include the MAPGA’s Horton Smith Award for Education in 1998, and the Teacher of the Year (1994) recognition. He is both student and teacher of the game, participating in the PGA National Cracker-barrel, and Teaching and Coaching Summits, and becoming more than well-versed in the instructional literature.

Accolades include Golf Digest’s 50 Greatest Page 42

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Page 43 Teachers, and Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers.

His contributions to the literature include a four-page spread in Golf Digest entitled “Drive 45 for Power,” Sports Illustrated articles and a threepage piece on iron play in the 2008 PGA Guide to Instruction.

Furthermore, he authored a long list of articles for GolfStyles Magazine over thirteen years.

Objectively, his teaching attempts to “try to organize the information and teach you how to use your mental abilities in order to take what you learn out on the course and use it.” His instruction is grounded in learning theory, technology and social media which emphasizes ongoing development for players at all levels of their potential. Given the difficulty of the sport he states that “best thing you can do is arrange for first rate

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Wayne looks on as David Duval tees off at the 81st PGA Championship. instruction, but with the proviso there are no quick fixes.

He has been particularly successful in guiding young teenagers through the ranks of junior, high school, collegiate and in some cases professional careers.

At one time or other his younger students subsequently won a Virginia State Amateur, another qualified for two US Juniors and two US Amateurs, and one other won the Maryland State High School title and the State Amateur, and a young girl made First

Team All-Ivy League.

Amongst his professional peers, he coached quite a number, most notably guiding Kevin Streelman to a victory in the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship, and others have taken the time to study how he teaches.

Such an honor is accorded to very few colleagues.

The Wayne DeFrancesco Learning Center offers both in person and online instruction as well as presentations and seminars. The attendant library includes “Lessons of the Week Videos” and online lessons and golf swing analysis, replete with copious articles on every aspect of the game.

His visibility on the internet has helped garner him lessons with such players as Brad Faxon, Tom Kite, Nick Price, Aaron Baddeley, Kevin Streelman, Len Mattiace, Gary Hallberg, Dick Mast, Andrew Loupe and Willy Wilcox.

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DAVID WORTMAN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

A

s long as Ret. Col. Dick "The Skull" Johns could remember volunteerism has been a part of his life. The act of service was instilled in him at an early age as his father served in the United States Marine Corps. A path he would follow ay joining the Army Corps of Engineers.

Dick’s 73-year-old grandfather, BG Dwight F. Johns, Sr, USA (Ret.) proudly administered the Commissioning Oath to then 2nd Lt. Johns, United States Army Corps of Engineers.

After 26 years of decorated service in the United States Army, “The Skull” came to work for the MAPGA in 1995 as the Executive Director.

With the help of MAPGA leadership and the diligence of past officers, members of the Board of Directors, and other staff, the Section’s investment funds grew substantially, during "The Skull’s" tenure. As a result,

the Section’s current office was built and occupied in June of 2006 with a new vision - a vision of the preservation of MAPGA history.

With the new workspace came a golf museum, library and the

"SERVE PROUDLY! THERE IS NO GREATER SACRIFICE THAN THOSE WHO LAY DOWN THEIR LIVES FOR ANOTHER" Section Hall of Fame that now reflects the long and storied history of the MAPGA. Johns “retired” from the MAPGA in early 2012 after nearly 17 years. In 2013, the Section Board of Directors named the office Conference/Boardroom in his honor.

Throughout his golf career he has served as a rules official at numerous local and regional events for both amateurs and PGA Professionals, including three (1996, 2000, 2005) Presidents Cups.

He was recognized by the MAPGA with its President’s Award in 1999 and was made an Honorary Member in 2000.

Johns has attended six USGA/PGA Rules Schools and as a volunteer taught numerous MAPGA/VSGA one-day Rules Schools from 1996-2016. He was also recognized by the Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) with its 2011 President’s Award for his long and dedicated service to golf, the VSGA, and his community.

With a passion for golf and a heart for veterans, Johns contacted Steve Greiner, PGA, the then Head PGA Professional at Fort Belvoir Golf Club to offer his assistance with his ongoing Wounded

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Executive Director Johns with the Ryder Cup.

Warrior Golf Program and its potential expansion due to the relocation of a Wounded Warrior Battalion from Walter Reed Army Medical Center to Fort Belvoir.

Steve welcomed this offer and Col. Johns has been heavily involved ever

Johns speaks with 42nd President of the United States Bill Clinton.

since as the Program Administrator in the now Links to Freedom Foundation Program. Over the past eight years, he has put many wounded troops leaving the service in touch with PGA Professionals in their hometowns. In 2013 Johns was made an Honorary Member of the Fort Belvoir (Wounded) Warrior Transition Battalion.

Now, Johns keeps quite busy with recruiting and scheduling PGA/LPGA Professional instructors, volunteers, sponsors, and keeping up the paperwork, as well as assisting with fundraisers and speaking to local community groups about this very special and meaningful program.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE Johns graduated from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering and a Regular Army Commission.

He attended the Officer Basic Course at Fort Belvoir, Va., and Airborne and Ranger School in Fort Benning, Ga. Johns had served numerous tours abroad, including a tour in Germany (78th Combat Engineer Battalion) and the Republic of Vietnam (Province Engineer Advisor).

State side he served with the the famed 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (where he earned his nickname, ‘The Skull’). His most rewarding assignment was serving as the commander of the historic 4th Engineer Battalion with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Johns' final assignment was on Capitol Hill at the Corps of Engineers Headquarters where he served as Chief of Staff for the worldwide 40,000-person organization.

After Johns retired from the Army he went on to earn a Masters degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA from Arizona State University.

He then went on to teach future military leaders at United States Military Academy at West Point for four years.

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PRIVATE MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR

T

ed Pogorelc was selected as the recipient of the 2019 Private Merchandiser of the Year Award for his dedication and success at Bethesda Country Club. Since taking over the operation in 2011, He has worked hard to establish merchandise goals, standards, and increase overall presentation as well as improve sales and gain member loyalty.

He graduated from Ferris State University in 1994 and started work at Columbia Country Club where he earned his PGA membership in 1996.

Pogorelc served a season at Baltimore Country Club as an assistant golf professional before making his way to Bethesda Country Club in 1999. He took over as Head PGA Professional of Bethesda Country Club in 2011 after the retirement of their long-time pro, Jim Folks, PGA. The golf shop at Bethesda hasn’t changed much in terms of space since he took over the operation, but through new and improved merchandising

techniques and product mixes, he has been able to gradually increase sales each year.

Pogorelc credits to the success of the shop are the various promotions they run during the year. Specifically, the Titleist Loyalty Rewards Program, where they have also implemented online ordering to make

"MERCHANDISING IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A PRICE TAG, IT IS ABOUT THE SATISFACTION OF THE MEMBER" shopping even more convenient for their members.

The shop also hosted an Adidas Masters Show Sale in the spring, to drive traffic to the shop and to get members ready for the upcoming season. Other successful promotions have been their Holiday Wheel (a takeoff of Wheel of Fortune) and Ladies’ Member-Guest “Roll the Dice Viva Las Vegas” Promotion.

Pogorelc is committed to coming up with

new and exciting opportunities to keep his members engaged and coming back to the shop.

Pogorelc believes that the products that are merchandised in the golf shop have a greater value than that seen on the price tag and the word “merchandising” entails so much more than displaying a shirt on the shelf; the value is the satisfaction of the membership with the services that are provided.

It is important to remember that the members can buy their equipment and clothing anywhere.

It is the high level of service that is provided in the operation that will attract and retain their business.

Pogorelc encourages his staff to evaluate their personal interactions with each member and to be attentive and enthusiastic.

Staff members are also provided merchandise commission as a way for them to buy-in to the merchandising process.

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SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR

B

obby Acciardo was born April 9, 1976, to parents Tom and Patricia Acciardo. He and his siblings Thomas and Ashley grew up in Barrington, R.I., and some of his greatest childhood memories came from family time on the water enjoying water sports and at the golf course.

His mom and dad introduced him to the game of golf at the age of 8. After a few trips to the driving range, they encouraged him to visit Rhode Island Country Club and join the caddy program, it just so happened to be the same course his dad grew up caddying at.

For Acciardo, this is when his love for the game all started. Acciardo first job at an extremely young age was caddying at Rhode Island Country Club. After years of growing up at the Club, he worked all aspects of the operation for many years, including bag room, range, carts, and eventually becoming the Caddy Master.

His dad was an extremely decorated Amateur golfer, and under his direction, Acciardo quickly began to see improvement

and develop a passion for the game.

One of his proudest accomplishments on the golf course was winning the Rhode Island State Father-Son Championship with his dad four different times.

He attended Methodist University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, and minors in Finance

"TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED, BE HONEST, AND BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU'RE DOING" & Economics, and a concentration in Professional Golf Management (PGM).

Soon after he become a PJ Boatwright intern for the USGA and was appointed a position at the Rhode Island Golf Association. In 1998, he landed his dream job and started working for Titleist.

While this is his first award with the Middle Atlantic Section, he was recognized by the Philadelphia PGA Section as Salesperson

of the Year in 2006 and 2009 and Titleist Sales Representative of the Year – New Breed in 2008 and Titleist Gold Circle National award winner in ‘07, ‘08, ‘13, ‘15, and ’17.

Acciardo’s personal philosophy is to treat others the way you want to be treated, to be honest, and to believe in what you are doing.

He was attracted to the Titleist brand at the age of 13 and it was his dream to work for the company he was so passionate about.

The Titleist brand puts its people first, it’s a family, and they all wake up every day to deliver the best products in the game.

“This is one of the greatest Sections in the Country” he says “I’m very fortunate for all of the support that I receive. This award is very special to me and my family.”

Acciardo and his wife Kristen have been married for 8 years and have two sons Hunter (5 years old) and Dylan (3 ½ years old).

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THE PROFESSIONAL

EARLE HELLEN SPORTS MEDIA AWARD

F

or his exemplary contributions to the Section with regard to the promotion of golf and of MAPGA professionals, Chick Hernandez has been awarded the 2019 Earle Hellen Sports Media Award.

He was the longtime host of the Emmy Award-winning Redskins Kickoff and Redskins Postgame Live gameday shows.

Hernandez’s expertise and ties to the community have made him an indelible part of the region’s sports landscape and earned him numerous honors and awards. In addition to multiple Emmy Awards, he was recently named D.C. Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA) and was the recipient of the University of Maryland’s Distinguished Terp

Award and the Washington Football Legends’ George Michael Excellence in Media Award.

Prior to joining NBCSW, Hernandez worked for Fox SportsNet and spent seven years with Washington’s WTTG-TV (FOX) as a sports anchor and reporter.

"I ADMIT IT, I'M A GOLF NUT" A

native of Silver Spring, he attended the University of Maryland.

Hernandez promotes local golf tournaments and MAPGA

professionals using social media and emcees many events for local First Tee Chapters within the Section. He is a self-described “golf nut” who plays as frequently as possible.

Hernandez is currently a special contributor to The Athletic DC and has embarked on a new career in standup comedy and also an on-course play-by-play analyst for PGA Tour radio on Sirius EX radio.

As an original member of NBC Sports Washington (NBCSW), he became one of the region’s most recognizable and respected sports authorities in more than two decades as a host, anchor and reporter.

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GROWING THE GAME TODAY HELPING DEVELOP THE GOLFERS OF TOMORROW

MAPGA

JUNIOR GOLF

RISING STAR APPEARS AT LPGA PURESILK

POWERED BY:

2019 TONY MARLOWE SCHOLARS

SWINGING INTO SPRING WITH A FLING U.S. KIDS TOP 50 TEACHERS HOT COMPETITION AT ANNUAL CHERRY BLOSSOM COMER: GROWS THE GAME ONE JUNIOR AT A TIME MAPGA JUNIOR GOLF The Professional

Vol. IV, Issue I

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MAPGA JUNIOR GOLF

GROWING THE GAME TODAY HELPING DEVELOPE THE GOLFERS OF TOMORROW

CONTENTS TONY MARLOWE SCHOLARS - U.S. KIDS TOP 50 KID TEACHERS COACHES - KANDI COMER AWARDED VSGA GROW THE GAME AWARD - BECCA DINUNZIO WINS LPGA EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME - COMPETITION HEATS UP AT CHERRY BLOSSOM CHAMPIONSHIP - SWINGING INTO SPRING AT SPRING FLING -

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JUNIOR GOLF

MESSAGE FROM THE JUNIOR GOLF DIRECTOR

COLLIN ELPHIC

Dear MAPGA Junior Golfers & Parents, Hello to all Junior golfers and parents in our MAPGA community! My name is Collin Elphic, Director of Junior Golf for the MAPGA. I grew up in a small town called Clear Lake, Iowa where I was and have remained heavily involved in music and athletics. I am a passionate teacher of fitness, lifeguarding, firstaid, and I am a strong supporter of community involvement. I graduated from the United States Sports Academy with a B.S. in Sports Management. As the new Director, I am proud to be a part of an organization with such a rich history. I hope you are as well! I want you to know that I intend to fully live up to the legacy of the MAPGA being a first-class association in ensuring that all members have an experience that they will remember for a lifetime.

I hope to meet all our juniors in the next few months. If any members or parents have any questions or thoughts as to how we can improve, I would like to hear from you. Your input is critically important as we grow this great game.

As most of you have already noticed that this year we have revamped our Divisions to encompass both age and ability. We are thrilled to have you all with us this year both returning and new. With the new style of divisions being released this year, Inside this issue we will breakdown the new tournament divisions, and their differences. The breakdown enclosed will give you a clearer picture when deciding in which division to place your junior and what division they can develop into before the year ends. (See Page 54) So far this season we have seen some great performances from our juniors. Our juniors lept into Spring with the annual Spring Fling tournament at Bull Run Golf Club and then we saw our juniors brave the heat of University of Maryland Golf Course during he annual Cherry Blossom Open Championship.

CLAIRE JANSA Layout & Design Jeremy Beale

Dreams also came true at our LPGA Pure Silk Invitational at Kingsmill Resort as Becca DiNunzio won the invitational and the experience of a lifetime competing in the the Pure Silk Championship Monday Qualifier.

The Junior Golf department also welcomed Claire Jansa. PGA as the new Player Development Coordinator. Jansa is a second-generation PGA Professional from South Dakota and a Ferris State University - PGA Golf Management graduate. She also has interned with the Minnesota Section and the Southern Texas Section. Jansa is very excited to be a part of the Section and eagerly awaits opportunities to grow her skills as a PGA Professional. She looks forward to working with all ages and skill level of golfers to develop a lifelong love of the game. She and her hedgehog Winnie are excited to get to know the area and make it their home.

Contributing Writers: Jeremy Beale, Collin Elphic, Doug Wert

The Professional

Kind Regards, Collin Elphic Junior Golf Director

Contact: celphic@pgahq.com (540) 784-4841 Page 52

50,000 PLAYERS NATIONWIDE MIDDLE ATLANTIC PGA HAD OVER 2,500 JUNIOR GOLFERS

3,100 PGA | LPGA PROFESSIONAL CAPTAINS MIDDLE ATLANTIC PGA HAD 145 PGA | LPGA CAPTAINS

$7.6M IN REVENUE $2,541 PER CAPTAIN

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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEW MAPGA JUNIOR GOLF DIVISIONS.

The Championship Division is something that we are really excited to incorporate into the MAPGA Junior Tour! This division is for advanced players looking to compete at the highest level. The yardages will be longer, and there will be 18 and 36 hole events. All of the results from the 36 hole events will be listed on Junior Golf Scoreboard and other rankings websites. We plan to have at least 7 junior tour events that will be 36 holes in the Championship Division.

The Patriot Division is for players that are experienced golfers, and want to compete in events with other juniors of similar skill levels.

With over 30 events in Maryland and Virginia at some of the region’s best courses, this is a tour that is loads of fun and offers great competition.

The Introductory Tour is for junior golfers who want to gain experience with tournaments, with longer yardages than Mini Mulligans, and geared towards players ages 9-14 who want to start playing competitively. There is a modified set of rules and a maximum score on each hole. Medals are awarded for the top three (3) finishers in each division.

The Mini Mulligans tour is for junior golfers ages 5 to 10 who want to gain experience with tournament golf in a friendly and competitive environment. The tour uses a modified set of rules to make the game fun for young players. Medals are awarded for the top five (5) finishers in each age group. This year, it will be a full 9 Hole Tour.

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JUNIOR GOLF

TONY MARLOWE SCHOLAR

JOEY WEILAND

J

oey Weiland graduated from Middletown High School (MHS) in Frederick County, MD. He was on the MHS Varsity Golf Team all four years serving as team captain for the last three. He has won back-to-back Maryland District I Individual Championships and his team won the Central Maryland Conference Championship. He has also traveled the country to more than 200 junior tournaments. He was a member of the National Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National Social Studies Honor Society and Tri Music National Honor Society. Weiland has also been a member of the Frederick County All-County Orchestra for six years serving as Concertmaster and Associate Concertmaster. He also has an interest in business, finance, and economics in which he is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America Chapter. In the spring of his junior year, he ran for Maryland State FBLA Office and was elected to represent over 2,000 Maryland FBLA members as the State Secretary-Treasurer. He will attend Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., where he will be playing golf and studying economics. He hopes to pursue a career in investment banking or business law in the future.

EMILY MALINOWSKI

E

mily Malinowski graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, Md., where she earned a 5.12 GPA. In addition to her regular high school classes, she took college-level engineering classes at her county’s technical high school. She was a member of the National Honor Society, National Mathematics Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society.Outside of academics, Emily participated in her school’s Mock Trial Team as an attorney and was a member of the Varsity golf team for four years. Last year, she was senior team captain. During the summer, Emily enjoys spending her time as a head coach and coordinator forthe Ocean Pines Golf Course Junior Golf Camp. She has been the head coach of the 4 to 9-year-old group for 5 years now and loves teaching the young children how to love the game of golfjust as she does. In the fall, Emily will be attending the University of Maryland to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering.

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LEARN MORE The Professional

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D

an Shea is your coach, your friend and your biggest fan. Shea was recognized among the Top 50 U.S. Kids Teachers of 2018.

He is the Co-Owner of Michelle Holmes School of Golf. He and Holmes created the to make a difference in each child’s life.

Their mission was to create experiences that will encourage kids to play the game forever.

He has helped coach more than 500 juniors in his career.

In 2016 he received the MAPGA Youth Development Award for his leadership in junior golf and reflecting the image and qualities juniors could emulate.

His honest and fun loving attitude has assisted players in competing at the Masters for the Drive, Chip & Putt and started the first PeeWee program in the Middle Atlantic Area and since has witnessed his students to go onto compete in MAPGA Junior Golf, VSGA and U.S. Kids Local Tours. No matter what direction the child desires Shea helps them get there.

His philosophy is to the keep the game simple through teaching solid fundamentals, great mental approach and a passion for the game. But his most important lesson is making sure each junior is having fun.

DAN SHEA The Professional

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B BILLY HOFFMAN

orn and raised in the Washington D.C. area Billy Hoffman grew up playing golf. and as his passion for the game grew he decided he wanted to make it into a career.

He graduated from Methodist College Professional Golf Management Program and received his Class A PGA Membership while working at Congressional Country Club.

His passion for teaching exploded during his time at Congressional where he taught nearly 400 lessons a year and conducted several week long junior golf camps and clinics per year.

In 2008 he was hired by Westwood Country Club where he resides today.

Hoffman is not only a teacher, but an active competor.

As he has learned to enjoy every aspect of the game and respect everything it stands for, he continues to pass on his lessons to his students.

Hoffman's love for competition and his ability to teach his students the game is what bare his continued success.

He considers himself a perpetual student of the game. During his leisure time he enjoy reading about, studying, and exploring everything relating to golf fitness, new teaching techniques and equipment, and swing mechanics.

His goal is to help people with everything from their decisions on buy new clubs to actually enjoying themselves on the golf course.

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A joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and The PGA of America, Drive, Chip and Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf.

By tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, Drive, Chip and Putt provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers around the country. Participants who advance through local, sub-regional and regional qualifying in each age/gender category earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament and is broadcast live by Golf Channel.

Registration for Drive, Chip and Putt is open. Local qualifying will be available in all 50 states. For more information, please visit the Rules and Regulations.

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REGISTER

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D

DANIEL NEBEN The Professional

aniel Neben loves golf so much, that he moved from sunny Southern California to share his knowledge of the game to the Middle Atlantic region.

Golf is not just a career for Neben, but a lifestyle. Neben is currently an Assistant Golf Professional at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm just outside of Washington D.C. He graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics. But, after college a ccareer in economics couldn't measure up to his love of the game.

He is a Class A PGA Member, working towards receiving a Certified Degree in Player Development from the PGA's Certified Professional 2.0 Program.

Neben is best know for his work helping high school golfers play at their highest level.

Prior to moving to the east coast, he was a Teaching Professional for three years at Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course in Irvine, Calif. During his time in California, he taught more than 6,000 hours of adult, junior and group lessons.

And now, five years later, he instructs on the east coast with the same level of passion and commitment.

Whether it is you or a friend, family member or next door neighbor ; he wants to share his love of the game with you.

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Looking for an unforgettable golf camp experience this summer? Enroll in a Nike Junior Golf Camp and enjoy instruction from America's best coaches and teaching professionals. Now in our 25th year, Nike Junior Golf Camps provides young golfers with the tools to enjoy this great game for a lifetime.

Over 150,000 junior golfers have attended what we believe are among the best junior golf programs in the country. We think successful sports camps are comprised of true skill enhancement and great fun, in equal parts. Utilizing PGA professionals and college coaches, we offer the best possible instruction to help take each camper's game to the next level.

VIEW CAMPS NEAR YOU The Professional

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JUNIOR GOLF

VSGA GROW THE GAME AWARD

K

andi Comer earned the 2019 Virginia State Golf Association Grow the Game Award for her proven success with developing talent at all ages.

Thanks to her outstanding record of success, she is now known as one of the finest teachers in the game.

She has been mentoring players of all skill levels for more than 25 years by providing them with a firm knowledge of the basic fundamentals of the game.

Comer is recognized as one of the top instructors in Virginia by Golf Digest and as a U.S. Kids Top 50 Junior Instructor.

Kandi has been recognized four straight years as a National Top 50 Teaching Professional by Golf For Women.

She is recognized as a junior golf guru, as she has helped develope more than 60 junior golfers who have gone on to play college golf. She has trained golfers who have gone on to compete in the

US Juniors, US Amateur, US MidAmateur, and the US Open.

Comer was selected as the 2005 PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year and named 2014 Public Golf Leader by the National Golf Course Owners Association. She was also selected to serve as a member of the PGA President’s Council on Growing the Game in 2005.

Not only has her teaching been tested and approved, but her ability to play.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Comer was a fine player herself as she claimed several collegiate trophies.

She won five Virginia State junior and amateur championships (becoming the youngest to win the Junior Girls (14) and the first to hold the State Junior title, State Match Play title, and State Stroke Play title

at the same time). She also made it to the quarter finals of the 1985 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and competed in five U.S. Women’s Open Championships as a professional golfer, finishing 14th in 1987 at Plainfield Country Club in New Jersey, and winning two professional championships.

In 1985, Kandi was recognized as one of the top 10 amateur women golfers in United States by Golf Digest. In 2002, she was named one of the Top 50 female golfers in ACC history.

Notably she also competed alongside LPGA Tour star Dottie Pepper (winner of 17 tour events including two majors) in the 1986 Curtis Cup Matches against Great Britain and Ireland. She was also Pepper's instructor.

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BECCA DINUNZIO MAKES FIRST LPGA APPERANCE

B

ecca DiNunzio of Norfolk, Va., took home the LPGA Pure Silk Championship Junior Invitational title and earned a bid into the LPGA championship’s Monday Qualifier.

She carded a tournament total 4-under-par to win the event. DiNunzio fired a firstround 67(-4) and an even-par (front nine) final round.

She said it was nice to have a win so close to home and she was excited to bring the trophy back to all those who were rooting for her back home.

Then a few week later, Monday, May 20, DiNunzio returned to Kingsmill to face-

off against LPGA professional golfers at the Monday Qualifier for a bid into the LPGA Pure Silk Championship.

According to DiNunzio it was a memorable day for her.

While she did not qualify, she finished the qualifier 5-over-par (76).

She made two birdies, seven bogeys and — was pleased to report — no double-bogeys.

“I was able to get birdies out there, which to me is a confidence boost knowing how difficult the conditions were,” she told the Virginia Pilot. “I definitely learned a lot there.

“I kept the double-bogeys

away. I just bogeyed, and those were my mistakes. It happens, but I was glad not to have big numbers.”

Her most memorable hole was the Par-4 No. 1. DiNunzio birdied the first hole of her first ever LPGA event.

“It was an amazing opportunity and I was a little nervous, but I was able to birdie it,” she said. “I think I’ll remember that birdie for a long time.”

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JUNIOR GOLF

O

2019 CHERRY BLOSSOM CHAMPIONS

ur junior golfers made sure to turn on the heat at the 4th Annual Cherry Blossom Classic as stiff competition left everyone wondering who would walk away as this year’s champions. More than 90 golfers gathered at University of Maryland Golf Course (UMDGC) in College Park, Maryland with hopes of qualifying for some of the most sought after Invitationals in the Capitol Area.

It was an absolute comeback story for Bach Ngo of Frederick, Maryland as he fought his way back from a more than five-stroke deficit (76-70– 146) to take the 2019 Cherry Blossom Boys Championship Division title. Ngo also earned the single round lowest score and was the only competitor to break par in a single round. “This win definitely boosted my confidence,” Ngo said. “Up until this tournament, I hadn’t really been playing too well. But to come back and win it only makes me feel better.”

READ MORE Over the course of the two days many of the junior golfers learned that at UMDGC there was just as much risk as there was reward on the golf course. The Championship and Patriot Division event was a two-day event filled with much excitement. We want to thank Brian Dix and Jeff Maynor of the University of Maryland Golf Course and their staff for helping us put on a great event.

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In an epic playoff finish for the ages, Emma Chen (Rockville, Md.) won the Girls Championship Division over Sydney Hackett (Ashburn, Va.) with a clutch 15-foot putt that had Hackett and all those spectating on their toes. The hole would ultimately come down to one putt difference.

Hackett came up short of the hole while, while Chen’s putt lipped around the cup twice before falling in. “My heart literally leapt out of my chest with that putt,” Chen said. “I didn’t think it was going to drop.”

READ MORE Although the field was small for the Boys 15-18 Patriot Division James Thomas IV (Fairfax, Va.) came to play carding a 5-over-par, 76 during his opening round and leading the field by more than 20 strokes.

According to Thomas, he knew he opened strong, with conservative tee shots off the tee. However, he switched to more of an aggressive approach during his final round trying to match his scores from the day earlier. Thomas looks forward to future events with the Tour and hopes continue strong throughout the season.

READ MORE Benjamin Newfield has had much success on the MAPGA Junior Tour stage since starting in 2015. Since his start he has placed Top 3 in more than 20 events and has won more than half of his starts. This win is a welcome addition to his resume as it is his 3rd first place finish since joining the 18 hole tours. Newfield led his age division in birdies, carding six in his opening round and two more in his final round. “I just put myself in position off the tee to give myself a chance at par or better,” Newfield said.

READ MORE In the Girls Patriot 14 & Under Division, Amelia Cho (Ashburn, Va.) posted a two-day total 10-over-par (79-73–152) to win her division and she couldn’t be happier. A part from getting to spend two days on the golf course with her friends, she also won her first MAPGA Junior Tour Event. And in spectacular fashion, we might add. “I wasn’t really worrying about my score or how my friends were playing,” Cho said. “I was just out on the course having fun.”

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JOE STOVER

KANCHANA DUANGSAM

PRESTON WORCH

SYDNEY HACKETT

RONNIE KIM

2019 SPRING FLING CHAMPIONS

I

t is true what they say: “No winter lasts forever and no spring skips its turn!” The Middle Atlantic PGA kicked-off their first official junior golf tournament of the season in a grandfashion, with the annual Spring Fling event at Bull Run Golf Club in Haymarket, Virginia.

As the juniors said hello to Spring; Spring welcomed them back with open arms. And the juniors expected nothing less from the season of sunshine, rainfall and flowers blooming. All the juniors ultimately pushed through all of what Spring had to throw at their way.

Click on champion for full story.

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https://mapga.com/juniorgolf/2019/04/23/swingingback-into-the-season-withspring-fling/

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A L W A Y S

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D R I V E N

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