Spring in the Carolinas

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

R E C E N T E V E N T S

2 0 2 4 C P G A M a j o r C o u r s e P r e v i e w 0 4

1 0 0 t h C a r o l i n a s O p e n Q u a l i f y i n g S i t e s 0 6

A S w e e t V i c t o r y i n H i l t o n H e a d 0 7

F O U N D A T I O N

P G A H O P E P a r r i s I s l a n d S e c u r e s W i n a t P G A

H O P E S e c r e t a r y ' s C u p !

S o u t h C a r o l i n a H o u s e D e c l a r e s

M a y 9 , ‘ P G A H O P E D a y ’

D r i v e , C h i p & P u t t N a t i o n a l F i n a l s 2 2

U p c o m i n g E d u c a t i o n 2 7

T o u r n a m e n t S c h e d u l e 2 8

S p r i n g T o u r n a m e n t R e c a p s 0 8

C a r o l i n a s P G A T a k e s o n P G A P r o f e s s i o n a l

C h a m p i o n s h i p

P r e s t o n C o l e , R a y F r a n z , & R i c k M o r t o n

C o m p e t e o n C o r e b r i d g e F i n a n c i a l

T e a m

N o r t h w e s t E n g l a n d P r o - A m P r e v i e w

LEADERSHIP

Officers

Josh Wagaman, PGA - President

Jeff Avant, PGA - Vice President

Ben Bridgers, PGA - Secretary

Chris Byrd, PGA - Honorary President

Chapter Directors

Matt Pavia, PGA - Mountains

Chase Butler, PGA - Palmetto

Deron Lee, PGA - Lowcountry

Savio Nazareth, PGA - Piedmont

Kyle Kirk, PGA - Sandhills

Barry Pierce, PGA - Greater Charlotte

Tom VanHoogen, PGA - Grand Strand

Jason Cherry, PGA - Cape Fear

Rob Pilewski, PGA - Triangle

JT Symons, PGA - Atlantic

Committee Chairs

Brock White, PGA - Associate Education

Tom Dale, PGA - Awards & Honors

Mike Mueller, PGA - Career (Co-Chair)

Jeff Avant, PGA - Career (Co-Chair)

Deron Lee, PGA - Education

Josh Wagaman, PGA - Ethics (Board of Inquiry)

Jeff Avant, PGA - Finance/Investment

Chris Byrd, PGA - Governance

Ed Ibarguen, PGA - Hall of Fame

Ben Bridgers, PGA - Membership

Rob Pilewski, PGA - PGA REACH Carolinas

Jason Sutton, PGA - Teaching, Coaching, & Player Development

Luke Lovell, PGA - Tournament

COURSE PREVIEW

Cape Fear Country Club

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INTRODUCING

VeriSc re

With VeriScore, a score match occurs any time two or more players keep score during a round. Any discrepancies that need to be fixed before scorecards are submitted are caught. Require VeriScore in your events for crystal clear results. Let’s Chat

O R Y I N

TON

D

Sweet not only had ce a battle with fellow inas PGA ssional Kirk Mitchell, lso had to fight the et and impending ness. The Assistant ssional from hessee Creek Club e an outstanding run

Sweet victory occurred where Seth finished one stroke ahead of Mitchell on the par 4 No. 1 hole. Head Professional at High Meadows Golf & Country Club Tommy Gibson, PGA started off the round hot with back to back birdies on holes 1 and 2 carded a total of 7 to him at 69 for the d, 5-under overall.

e Cloots, PGA from ey Golf Club also put a fight, carding five es for the round and hing in fourth place at der overall. Preston , PGA from Quail ow Club and Adam henson from Forsyth ntry Club tied for the place spot at 1-under Caleb Wittig, PGA Kiawah Island Golf ort’s Turtle Point hed in 6th place at n par.

WOMEN’S PRO-PRO

Thank you to everyone who came out to the 2nd annual XXIO CPGA Women’s Pro-Pro Championship!

This years festivities included an evening soirée hosted by the ladies at the Country Club of Landfall

Congratulations to Leslie Cloots, PGA and Kellie Edelblut for winning the event at -3!

CPGA PROFESSIONALS RETAIN TAR HEEL CUP

The Tar Heel Cup Matches are an annual friendly event between the top eight PGA Professionals and top eight amateur golfers in North Carolina

Eight of our top CPGA Professionals went head to head with eight of the Carolina Golf Association's best and tied 6-6 after a hard fought two days at River Landing Country Club!

60th North Carolina Open

After a week of rain in Greensboro, North Carolina, Starmount Forest Country Club was looking spectacular for the second major stroke play event of the year. The 60th North Carolina Open began with an exciting start with a three-way tie for first place after the first round. The Host Head Golf Professional Savio Nazareth, PGA went low carding six birdies and a bogey free back nine. Leslie Cloots, PGA, Teaching Professional at UNC Finley Golf Club, joined Savio at the top with a round of 66 including a chip in eagle on the par 5 No. 18 hole. Recent graduate of University of North Carolina at Greensboro and most recent Carolinas PGA state open winner Noah Connor (a) went bogey free during Tuesday’s round to tie the pair at 5-under as well.

During the second round, Noah Connor (a) had a dominating round of 7-under including a bogey-free front nine. Alastair Tidcombe, PGA, Assistant Professional at The Reserve At Lake Keowee, climbed eleven spots on the leaderboard to go into the final round of the NC Open in the second place spot. His round included a clean front nine and an eagle on the back to put him at 6under for the event.

Following the cut to the low third of the field, the 60th North Carolina Open wrapped up at the stunning Starmount Forest Country Club where Noah Connor (a) lifted the trophy in victory. The recent graduate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro had quite the run at the 60th North Carolina Open. Keeping his lead and composure all three days of the event is no small feat and he attests a lot of his calmness to his father who was on his bag. Noah finished at 11-under, 202.

Savio Nazareth, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Starmount Forest CC went low during the final round carding birdies on four of the last five holes. Savio finished in the second place spot at 3-under for the round and 8-under for the tournament.

There was a three way tie for third place at 6-under between Nick Rencis from River Run Country Club, Aaron Black, PGA from Springfield Golf Club, and Alex Heffner (a) from Harrisburg, NC.

PGA REACH Carolinas is the 501 (c)(3) charitable foundation of the Carolinas PGA Section.

THE MISSION OF PGA REACH CAROLINAS IS TO POSITIVELY IMPACT LIVES THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF

Youth Military Inclusion

THE YOUTH PILLAR of PGA REACH Carolinas will ensure no child is forgotten and left to pursue golf on their own Programs include, Drive, Chip & Putt, PGA Jr League, PGA Junior Golf Camps and tournaments Each program is overseen by PGA Professionals who serve as positive role models and provide a fun and safe learning environment.

Through the youth programs of PGA REACH Carolinas we served over 5,000 juniors annually

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is one of the flagship programs of PGA REACH Carolinas PGA HOPE is a rehabilitative program designed to introduce golf to Veterans with disabilities in order to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being Led by PGA and LPGA Professionals, PGA HOPE has helped thousands of Veterans assimilate back into their communities through the social interaction the game of golf provides.

Since 2015, PGA HOPE Carolinas has impacted over 3,600 Veterans

INCLUSION is a core value of PGA REACH Carolinas and we embrace the spirit of differences. We are committed to ensuring inclusion resonates throughout our organization, the activities, programs and business we conduct Programs include PGA WORKS, PGA REACH Harvick4HighSchool Golf, and the Prokope Academy.

Our Sunny Harris Hutchinson PGA WORKS Fellowship program offers individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry through a 15 month fellowship

Get To Know Zach:

2024 Graduate of Temple University

Sport and Recreation Management

Hometown: Harrisburg, PA

2nd Season with the CPGA

ZACH STROHECKER

Get To Know Patrick:

2024 Graduate of the University of South Carolina

Sport and Entertainment Management

Hometown: Marietta, GA

1st Season with the CPGA

Jack Fields Tommy Gibson

Sophie Madden Tyler Lucas Ray Franz Scott Hunter

Jon Mayer Burke Cromer Preston Cole Caleb Wittig Aaron Black Steve Bogdanoff

RAY FRANZ, PGA

KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship 83rd 73 | 72 | 82 | 76 303

PRESTON COLE, PGA PGA Championship 75 | 83 158

RICK MORTON, PGA KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship 78 | 84 162

Northwest England Pro-Am

Embark on a journey unlike any other—a pilgrimage for both the avid golfer and the passionate traveler. Picture yourself amidst the lush fairways and undulating greens of the world's most revered golf courses, the very stages where legends have etched their names into history.

Royal Liverpool Golf Club Hoylake

Host to 13 Open Championships

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

Host to 11 Open Championships

Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Host to 10 Open Championships

Hillside Golf Club

Host to 3 Amateur Championships

Formby Golf Club

Host to 4 Amateur Championships

We are excited to offer this Pro-Am trip as a Carolina Section Pro-Am! This “bucket list” trip will take you to the best courses in England, all while entertaining some of your members and making great memories! This amazing trip is brought to you by our friends (and sponsors) from Signature Golf.

CPGA CEO/Executive Director Jeff Abbot

Included:

6-night stay at Titanic Hotel, Liverpool Play at:

Royal Liverpool Golf Club Hoylake

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Hillside Golf Club

Formby Golf Club

Daily full English Breakfast

Daily luxury Mercedes vehicle with tour host/driver

Welcome Drinks & Evening Dinner

Beatles Experience (On-Coach Tour)

GOLFSTATUS IS A PROUD PARTNER OF THE PGA OF THE CAROLINAS.

GolfStatus’ robust software and knowledgeable support team (with PGA Professionals on sta ) take care of the heavy lifting, including registration, data management, educating event organizers, and autoformatted documents and printouts.

It’s like having another member of your golf sta one that’s not on the payroll.

Jordan’s Fantastic Journey

When I started this job almost one year ago, I had no idea the places it would take me. I mean that in a literal sense and a figurative sense. While I knew a couple of these opportunities would be in my future because of how blessed I am to be in my position, but I couldn’t have predicted how much fun I would have.

The beginning of my adventure took me to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida (if it sounds familiar, it is the home of the PGA Tour and TPC Sawgrass) where my alma mater, North Carolina A&T, was competing in the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship (PWCC) - also known as the most culturally significant tournament in golf. I am the first PGA WORKS Fellow from the Carolinas that was invited to work the PWCC. While I was there only for the first weekend, it was still a very fun and

As I travel back to Charlotte, I am mentally preparing for the second leg of my adventure: the Wells Fargo Championship held at Quail Hollow Club Throughout my week, I had the opportunity to be exposed to what it takes to run a PGA Tour event and the career paths surrounding it. I shadowed leaders in food & beverage, guest & member hospitality, clubhouse operations, player services, retail, merchandising, and so much more. It was such a rewarding week and now, I’m part of the family! Quail Hollow is such a great place with great people setting the bar high enlightening experience. I got to participate in Youth Day and Beyond the Green, which is a career exploration for both high school and college students beyond the game of golf.

12 PGA HOPE teams from across the nation were warmly welcomed to Louisville for the 2024 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup with an introductory banquet at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 11, 2024, just a week after the Kentucky Derby PGA Professionals, PGA HOPE Graduates, and PGA WORKS Fellows mingled, enjoyed dinner, and bonded while watching horse racing from the track’s highest viewing deck.

Led by PGA of America Golf Professional Jeff Harris, the PGA HOPE Parris Island team triumphed at the 9th PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. The team, comprising U.S. Veterans Kevin Strickroth (Marines), Earl White (Marines), Thomas Sams (Air Force), and active-duty Marine Corps member Joseph Reese, finished with an impressive -7 score to claim the title. A pivotal moment came on the par 4, hole No. 6, where Earl White sank a 60-foot putt for an eagle, sparking a birdie streak that carried the team through the course. This victory marks the third time a team from the Carolinas has won the Secretary’s Cup, following wins by PGA HOPE Charleston in 2019 and PGA HOPE Kiawah Island in 2021 To celebrate their victory, Team Parris Island toured the prestigious Valhalla Golf Club – home of the 2024 PGA Championship – and capped the day with a memorable photo opportunity with PGA Tour player Tony Finau The Carolinas Section will aim to defend their Secretary’s Cup title on home turf next year, with the PGA Championship set to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina

PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup celebrates the PGA HOPE Program by providing a unique and memorable experience for our military Veterans and the PGA Professionals who work tirelessly to positively impact Veterans’ lives This annual event in conjunction with the week of the PGA Championship, began in 2016 and is named after the Secretary of Veteran Affairs in recognition of the Memorandum of Understanding between PGA REACH and the Department of Veteran Affairs Each team is made up of four Veterans from a PGA HOPE program and one PGA or LPGA Professional

South Carolina House Declares South Carolina House Declares

May 9, ‘ May 9, ‘

PGA HOPE Day PGA HOPE Day’’

Project Golf takes the lead on requesting May 9, 2024, the first day of PGA TOUR Myrtle Beach Classic Player competition, be recognized as PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Day by

the State of South Carolina. On March 27, 2024 the House of Representatives of South Carolina passed the resolution led by Rep Heather Crawford. The resolution was passed based on the positive impact that the PGA HOPE program has on improving the quality of life for our Active Military, Reserves, and Veterans in South Carolina. The dedication and celebration of this resolution took place as part of the PGA TOUR Myrtle Beach Classic on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes and presented by South Carolina House of Representatives Rep Cam Crawford.

PGA HOPE is a national PGA of America Program and part of their charitable PGA REACH Foundation with 500+ programs nationwide. Each year the program impacts over 17,000 Veterans taught by over 3,000 PGA Professionals. The Carolinas PGA Section has 11 programs in South Carolina that positively impact 600+ Veterans each year. Nationally there are 14,000 Veterans on the waitlist for the program and 140 in South Carolina and 50 in Myrtle Beach alone. The Myrtle Beach Chapter is one of the largest and fastest growing nationally.

Project Golf is a 501(c)3 charity of PGA Professionals providing specialized golf instruction free of charge as a therapeutic means of improving the quality of life for our disabled Veterans. With its headquarters at the Barefoot Golf Resort, each year they positively impact 150+ disabled Veterans as part of PGA HOPE.

Drive, Chip, Putt, Win.

The Road to Augusta Ends Here

Seven Carolinas juniors made the journey to Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament, to compete in the 2024 Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals – the competition’s tenth anniversary. Each junior, accompanied by their family, earned a ticket to Augusta, Georgia in last September’s regional qualifier at the Golf Club of Tennessee by way of placing first in their age division

Sunday’s competition was secondary to the worldclass experience the juniors were able to have including a Saturday night banquet. “It was a great experience for the juniors to connect with their friends & competitors, hear from leaders of the game, and celebrate how far they have come”, REACH Carolinas Coordinator, Mia Hayasaki, reflected while accompanying the group in Augusta

As an only child, Gayatri Arora, the Girls 12-13 representative for the Carolinas was determined to make the most of her experience “I’m looking forward to meeting all of the competitors and making new friends”, she said Owen Atkinson, the Boys 14-15 representative, shared similar excitement. “It means everything, I have always wanted to compete at Augusta for Drive Chip & Putt…maybe one day playing at the Masters is my main goal.” He chose the man who introduced him to the sport he loves – his grandfather, Steve Zimmerman – to be his caddie during the Final

During Sunday’s Final, 4 juniors (Berck Phipps, Gayatri Arora, Kipp Madison, and Riley Grimm) placed Top 3 overall in their divisions Phipps, Arora, and Grimm placed first in putting Madison took home the gold for chipping

IT MEANS EVERYTHING, I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO COMPETE AT AUGUSTA

ONE DAY PLAYING AT THE MASTERS IS MY MAIN GOAL.

-OWEN ATKINSON

Along with first place for chipping, Kipp Madison became the first Augusta native to win first place overall at the National Finals. Yes, you read that right –Kipp Madison is the Boys 12-13 Drive, Chip & Putt national champion! You may remember his brother, Zane, who competed in the 2022 Finals With this accomplishment, both Madison brothers have competed at Augusta National. For his celebratory post-competition snack, his family went to get ice cream.

The 2025 Drive, Chip & Putt season has already begun with two local qualifiers in the Carolinas. Who will be next to travel the road to Augusta?

FINAL RESULTS

(Girls 7-9) Isabelle Chandler – 7th Overall (Girls 12-13) Gayatri Arora – T2 Overall, 1st in Putting (Girls 14-15) Riley Grimm – 2nd Overall, 1st in Putting (Boys 7-9) Berck Phipps – 3rd Overall, 1st in Putting (Boys 10-11) Simon Myers – 7th Overall (Boys 12-13) Kipp Madison – 1st Overall, 1st in Chipping (Boys 14-15) Owen Atkinson – 7th Overall

THIS SEASON'S EVENTS IN THE CAROLINAS

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2024

JUNE 22, 2024

MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2024

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2024

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024

MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024

JULY 9, 2024

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2024

TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2024

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2024

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2024

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Relay does.

Thank you to everyone who attended one of the 2024 Carolinas PGA Relay Chapter Championships and Spring Chapter Meetings! Each meeting included a Chapter update from their Chapter Director and Section updates from Director of Operations Ben Weeks and Career Consultant Mike Mueller, PGA.

Thank you to all of our partners who made these meetings possible: Relay, Global Golf Sales, Signature Golf, Next Round, and Srixon / Cleveland Golf / Nike.

Thank you to all of the courses that hosted our Spring Chapter

Meetings and congratulations to all of our Chapter Championship winners!

Lowcountry Chapter

Moss Creek

Champion: JC Anderson

Grand Strand Chapter

Grande Dunes Members Club

Champion: Jim Fellner

Cape Fear Chapter

Magnolia Greens Golf Course

Champion: Gary Webber

Greater Charlotte Chapter

River Run Country Club

Champion: Nick Rencis

Palmetto Chapter

Columbia Country Club

Champion: Quinn Rogan

Mountains Chapter

The Cliffs at Mountain Park

Champion: Sean Kennedy

Sandhills Chapter

Pinehurst No. 9

Champion: Gus Ulrich

Piedmont Chapter

Starmount Forest Country Club

Champion: Chris Haarlow

Triangle Chapter

Alamance Country Club

Champion: Adam McLaughlin

Atlantic Chapter

Crystal Coast

Champion: Dan O’Boyle

UPCOMING EDUCATION

Lowcountry Teaching Seminar

Hear from experts Bernie Najar, James Leitz, Jason Sutton, and Krista Dunton! Monday, 8:30am-5:00pm | Berkeley Hall Club

Wednesday, 12:00pm-1:00pm | Online Webinar

The Business Value of Instruction

Join us to talk about the value of having someone coach at your facility including the benefit to the facility, how to express the value to your owner and beyond and the direct economic impact created through coaching. We will also highlight the Value Tracker a tool to help you log and express the dollars brought in through PGA programming We encourage you to invite your manager to attend the webinar with you!

Wednesday, 3:00pm-7:00pm | Longleaf Golf & Family

BottleBrush & Cocktails

Sport Psychologist Dr Nick Molinaro will present on the Mental Skills Assessment-Optimal Mental Training, Novelty Training-Pre shot/Post Shot Routines, Distractibility and Emotional Regulation, Proprioception and Brain Physiology Impact on Performance and Self-confidence v Self-reliance We will play the Bottlebrush short course as well!

QUARTER & HALF CENTURY MEMBERS

HALF CENTURY

APRIL

Ted Brewer, PGA

QUARTER

CENTURY

MARCH

John A Waldrop III, PGA

Richard L. Howard, PGA

Adam C. Messix, PGA

Fred J. Van Steen, PGA

David E. Von Canon, PGA

Jens K. Klemsche, PGA

APRIL

Mike E. Byce, PGA

F. Brian Oliver, PGA

David J. Osmer, PGA

MAY

Evan T. Belcher, PGA

Michael T. Thurston, PGA