2024 Summer Quarterly Magazine by Jess Hanson

IN THE CAROLINAS 2024

Aycock

pg. 7

Preston Cole, PGA Claims Dugan

Trophy

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 S t a t e O p e n R e c a p s 0 4

P r e s t o n C o l e , P G A C l a i m s D u g a n A y c o c k T r o p h y 0 7

N a t i o n a l Q u a l i f i e r s 0 8

F O U N D A T I O N & T O U R N A M E N T S

D r i v e , C h i p & P u t t 2 0 2 4 S e a s o n

P G A R E A C H C a r o l i n a s F u n d r a i s e

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

2 0 2 4 T o u r n a m e n t C h a m p i o n s

Q u a r t e r & H a l f C e n t u r y M e m b e r s

Z a c h S t r o h e c k e r - P r o m o t i o n t o C P G A S t a f f 1 2

F r o m C a p t a i n t o C o a c h - A P G A H O P E S t o r y 1 4

N e w S u n n y H a r r i s H u t c h i n s o n P G A

W O R K S F e l l o w C a m i T e r k i l d s e n

P G A J r . L e a g u e | A l l - S t a r S e a s o n

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 Van Hoogen, 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

T H R E E

TE NS

This year the Carolinas PGA hosted the 100th Carolinas Open in Charlotte, North Carolina, the 73rd South Carolina Open in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the 60th North Carolina Open in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Congratulations to our 100th Carolinas Open eet eek SC. ies at lub ow 66 67

Congratulations to Jon Mayer, PGA from Grandfather Golf & Country Club for winning the 73rd South Carolina Open presented by Nightingale’s Nursing & Attendants at Grande Dunes Members Club. Mayer ended with a bang shooting 7-under for a bogey-free third round total of 64 following rounds of 67 and 68

Congratulations also go to recent graduate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Noah Connor (a) on his victory at Starmount Forest Country Club at the 60th North Carolina Open following rounds of 66, 64, 72

P R E S T O N C O L E , P G A C L A I M S

DUGAN AYCOCK TROPHY

F i f t y - f o u r h o l e s i n a s u m m e r m o n t h i n W i l m i n g t o n , N o r t h

C a r o l i n a w i t h o u t a r a i n d e l a y i s e x t r e m e l y r a r e b u t n o t

u n h e a r d o f a p p a r e n t l y . T h e f i n a l r o u n d s u r v i v e d w e a t h e r

s c a r e s t o b e o n e o f t h e m o s t e x c i t i n g f i n i s h e s i n C a r o l i n a s

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 h i s t o r y . F o u r p l a y e r s

c l o s e d o u t t h e t o u r n a m e n t a t 8 - u n d e r p a r a t C a p e F e a r

C o u n t r y C l u b w h i c h p r o m p t e d a p l a y o f f o f t h e P a r 4 N o 1 8

h o l e

S c o t t H u n t e r , P G A f r o m W e x f o r d G o l f C l u b , P r e s t o n C o l e ,

P G A f r o m Q u a i l H o l l o w C l u b , L e s l i e C l o o t s , P G A f r o m

F i n l e y G o l f C l u b , a n d A a r o n B l a c k , P G A f r o m S p r i n g f i e l d

G o l f C l u b w e n t h e a d t o h e a d t o c a p t u r e t h e t i t l e A l l f o u r

p l a y e r s m a d e p a r t h e f i r s t g o a r o u n d a n d C l o o t s m a d e

b o g e y d u r i n g t h e s e c o n d p l a y o f f h o l e . B l a c k a n d C o l e

m a d e b i r d i e s t h e t h i r d p l a y o f f h o l e a n d H u n t e r m a d e p a r .

B l a c k a n d C o l e t e e d i t u p f o r a f o u r t h t i m e w h e r e P r e s t o n

d r o v e t h e g r e e n a n d b o t h p l a y e r s f i n i s h e d w i t h a b i r d i e O n

t h e f i f t h h o l e c o n t e s t e d , P r e s t o n C o l e h i t h i s d r i v e 4 0 y a r d s

r i g h t o f t h e g r e e n a n d c h i p p e d o n t o t h e g r e e n t o g i v e

h i m s e l f a t e n f o o t b i r d i e p u t t . C o l e s u n k t h e p u t t a n d B l a c k

m a d e p a r w h i c h s e c u r e d P r e s t o n ’ s f i r s t w i n a t a C a r o l i n a s

P G A S e c t i o n e v e n t

“ [ I t w a s ] g r e a t c o m p e t i n g a g a i n s t A a r o n , a n d L e s l i e , a n d

S c o t t i n t h a t s e t t i n g … ” s t a t e d C o l e f o l l o w i n g t h e r o u n d .

“ E x c i t e d t o g e t a P G A T o u r s t a r t , y o u k n o w p l a y i n g t h e

P G A C h a m p i o n s h i p w a s a d r e a m c o m e t r u e a n d p l a y i n g o n

t h e P G A T o u r w i l l b e a s w e l l ”

P r e s t o n w i l l r e c e i v e a n e x e m p t i o n i n t o h i s c h o i c e o f t h e

2 0 2 5 M y r t l e B e a c h C l a s s i c o r t h e 2 0 2 5 W y n d h a m

C h a m p i o n s h i p T h e B o b B o y d S e c t i o n P l a y e r o f t h e Y e a r

w i l l r e c e i v e t h e o t h e r e x e m p t i o n P r e s t o n a u t o m a t i c a l l y

q u a l i f i e d f o r t h e 2 0 2 5 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 b y

f i n i s h i n g i n t h e t o p 2 0 o f t h e 2 0 2 4 e v e n t . B l a c k , H u n t e r ,

a n d C l o o t s w i l l j o i n C o l e d o w n i n P o r t S t . L u c i e i n A p r i l

2 0 2 5 a s w e l l a s J o s h R a c k l e y , P G A , E r i c W i l l i a m s o n , P G A ,

A d a m F i s h e r , P G A , R o b e r t G a m b l e , P G A , T y l e r P o r t e r , P G A ,

S t e v e S c o t t , P G A , a n d R o h a n A l l w o o d , P G A

PRESTON COLE

SCOTT HUNTER

ADAM FISHER

AARON BLACK

LESLIE CLOOTS

ERIC WILLIAMSON

JOSH RACKLEY

STEVE SCOTT

QUALIFIERS

TYLER PORTER

ROBERT GAMBLE

ROHAN ALLWOOD

SETH SWEET ADAM FISHER

PRESTON COLE

NEAL LANCASTER

SCOTT HUNTER

JEFF AVANT

ROBERT LINVILLE CHRIS HAARLOW

CPGA Women’s Professional Championship

Rory McIlroy was the inspiration for the champion going into the final round of the XXIO CPGA Women’s Professional Championship. Carrie Catherine Ganim, Assistant Professional at Cape Fear Country Club, said that she listened to Rory on a podcast recently where he said “ process before prize” and she embodied that and took the tournament “ one shot at a time.” Carrie Catherine carded a 72 in the final round following her previous 73 to win the tournament seven strokes ahead of second place.

Sara Davis, Assistant at Kiawah Island Club - Cassique finished at 8-over following her rounds of 76, 76. Meghan Holbrooks from CC of Landfall finished in third place at 9-over Holbrooks fired off three birdies in a row on Holes 10, 11, and 12 which gave her the momentum to go up five spots after the first round.

STEVE BOGDANOFF AT WYNDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Steve Bogdanoff, PGA, Director of Instruction at Raintree Country Club, competed at the 2024 Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club

Steve received his exemption into the PGA Tour event following his victory at the 2023 Carolinas PGA Professional Championship at Wachesaw Plantation Club.

Steve faced heavy rainstorms the week of the event following a cancelled day of play and carded rounds of 75 and 74.

After nine months serving as the Operations Assistant, Zach Strohecker was promoted to a full time position within the Carolinas PGA Staff as the Assistant Director of Operations in June. Zach is familiar with the section and recently graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport and Recreation Management. He will be the primary contact for membership inquiries, PDR postings, Associate Education, PAT’s and Chapter Events & Education.

Thank You

Patrick!

Thank you to our summer intern Patrick Sain! Patrick graduated in May with his degree in Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina. He has been an important contributor to the section tournament operations team and will finish his internship in midSeptember.

Come out to the Evolve Golf Fall Chapter Meetings for a 90-minute meeting including Chapter, Section, and National updates! All attendees will receive 2 PDR Credits for the meeting and 2 for playing! The golf format will be an 18-hole Pro-Pro using the 6/6/6 format of the Section Pro-Pro (Each participant must register individually) It will include 6 holes of fourball, scramble, and modified alternate shot Each Meeting will include a complimentary lunch courtesy of our generous partners Evolve Golf, Club Car, Carolina Sports Concepts, and Glow Vibe Golf.

You are welcome to attend any Chapter meeting, even if it is not your Chapter, and as many as you would like. For golf, you can partner with any active CPGA member or associate in good standing If you don't have a partner, please sign up as a single and we will find you one.

Register for a Fall Chapter Meeting Today!

Triangle Chapter

Tuesday, Oct 8 | Finley GC | Chapel Hill, NC

Piedmont Chapter

Wednesday, Oct 9 | Starmount Forest CC | Greensboro, NC

Sandhills Chapter

Thursday, Oct 10 | Pinehurst No. 5 | Pinehurst, NC

Greater Charlotte Chapter

Tuesday, Oct 22 | Rolling Hills CC | Monroe, NC

Palmetto Chapter

Wednesday, Oct 23 | River GC | North Augusta, SC

Mountains Chapter

Thursday, Oct 24 | The Carolina CC | Spartanburg, SC

Lowcountry Chapter

Tuesday, Nov 12 | Kiawah -Oak Point | Kiawah Island, SC

Cape Fear Chapter

Thursday, Nov 14 | CC of Landfall | Wilmington, NC

Grand Strand Chapter

Thursday, Nov 14 | CC of Landfall | Wilmington, NC

Atlantic Chapter

Friday, Nov 15 | Carolina Colours | New Bern, NC

From Captain to Coach

A PGA HOPE Story

The past nine months have been nothing short of a movie for U.S. Marine Corps Captain Joseph Reese.

It is November 11, 2023. You may remember the 50-yard walk-off chip heard across the Carolinas to lift Team PGA HOPE Parris Island over Team PGA HOPE Charlotte in the sixth annual PGA HOPE Cup presented by TD Bank. Yes, that was him. He helped earn his team a berth at the 2024 Secretary’s Cup in Louisville, Kentucky in association with the PGA Championship. More on that to come.

Second-generation military veteran Joseph Reese was born in Fort Jackson, South Carolina and raised in western Georgia – Columbus, GA to be exact. While golf has been part of his journey since early childhood, he did not hesitate to play other sports. Encouraged by his grandmother, a devoted Tiger Woods fan, young Joseph embraced golf despite the lack of representation in the sport.

After discovering golf through the influence of his father and the direction of The First Tee, Joseph became a three-sport athlete through high school with his additional participation in basketball and football. He began his collegiate career playing basketball at Valdosta State University and spent the remainder of his college days playing football at Mercer University.

Upon graduation, he joined the Marine Corps. Subsequently, golf’s presence in Joseph’s life blossomed. “It’s a way to relate to other people – I want to spread the game and make people feel comfortable…”, Reese asserted while discussing the potential impact golf can have on community building.

Since commissioning into the Marines, he has gone out for the AllMarine Golf Team twice and even helped coach the team. At this point, he knew he wanted a future in the golf industry; he just didn’t know what that future looked like. Enter Jeff Harris, PGA, and the PGA HOPE program.

In the Fall of 2023, Reese graduated from the PGA HOPE Parris Island program in Parris Island, South Carolina. He developed a bond with his PGA of America Professional and his soon-to-be teammates for that year’s PGA HOPE Cup over 8 weeks of camaraderie and instruction. Through hard work, preparation, and some admittedly good breaks on the course, Team Parris Island

worked their way to the top of the leaderboard and through a high-stakes chipping contest to earn a ticket to the Secretary’s Cup in Louisville, Kentucky. Following the Secretary’s Cup, teams were invited to attend a day at the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. With this being Joseph’s first major championship, he was excited to watch Tiger Woods navigate the course during his practice round. Additionally, he had a moment of reconnection with PGA of America Professional and member of the Corebridge Financial Team, Wyatt Worthington II, through one of the employees at the Legends at Parris Island golf course who was his roommate at Benedict College – it’s truly a small world.

Following his military career, Joseph decided to pursue golf and as of July 1, 2024 officially registered PGA Associate in the Carolinas PGA Section. Through the mentorship of Jeff Harris, PGA, Joseph aims to create more opportunities for underserved players and give back to the community. He believes that his path is to be a coach at the high school or collegiate level. “It’s huge for me to give a platform to players who are good, but may not have the resources to be seen on a national level.”

The best piece of advice Captain Reese had for veterans who want to follow a similar path of pursuing golf as a profession was to simply volunteer your time. Find out what you like to do and what drives you. The next step is to hone your skills on the course. From there your passion and skill can take you anywhere.

As of August 5, 2024, he is walking confidently in the direction of his dreams as the Assistant Golf Coach for the Men’s and Women’s Golf Programs for North Carolina A&T Aggies – a historically black college in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The whole experience we were treated like heroes & professional golfers. The tournament itself was awesome with our own lockers, the trophies, and the personalized tee gifts…

– Joseph Reese

Joseph will be coaching under the guidance of former PGA Director of Collegiate Championships, Scooter Clark, PGA. Coach Clark says “We are honored and excited to have Captain Reese as a member of North Carolina A&T Men’s and Women’s Golf Programs. His leadership, character, and passion for the game are invaluable assets that he brings to A&T.”

“I am honored to be given an opportunity to assist Coach Clark with the Men’s and Women’s Golf Programs at North Carolina A&T. I want to thank Coach Clark as well as Athletic Director, Earl Hilton, for an opportunity to be a part of North Carolina A&T athletics. Aggie Pride!” –Joseph Reese

A fitting movie title – from Captain to Coach.

Jordan’s Farewell Address

When I started this job in May 2023, 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.

In June of 2023, the Carolinas PGA section welcomed their seventh PGA WORKS Fellow, Jordan Young, to the team As a 2023 graduate of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, he was no more than 15 minutes away from what would be his first full-time job

Jordan grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia and has played sports since he was 4 years old. He began with basketball and slowly shifted his attention to baseball - which he played for 11 years through high school Throughout his 15-month fellowship, Jordan has gotten a healthy dose of all things golf, the game and the $100 billion business behind it.

These are his stories.

*cue Law and Order sound byte*

I applied to this fellowship with no prior golf knowledge aside from our favorite pastimes - TopGolf and miniature golf (both of which I was not great at) Long story short - take the leap of faith!

What a time in history to get into the game of golf! Let’s look back to May of 2023 - the rise of streetwear golf fashion with Eastside Golf and Malbon, the major disruption of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf drama which led to the rebranding of the PGA of America and the turning point around the general attitude towards golf All of these moments were instrumental in my development as a Fellow.

Looking back, this past year was the first time I had truly been new to something in a long time. One of the things I appreciate most about the fellowship is how it forced me out of my comfort zone.

I was empowered to take risks, ask questions, and be creative I am so appreciative that I got this opportunity to learn something new and go on this journey with people who care.

Special thanks to the Carolinas section and PGA WORKS for blessing me with such an amazing opportunity! I’ll be moving on to join Crosshand Productions as the Account Manager in Charlotte, NC!

FROM COLLEGE GRAD TO PGA WORKS FELLOWSHIP

MEET CAMI TERKILDSEN

If you were to have asked me when I was a freshman at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where I thought I would be after I graduated, I would not have said working in golf. But now that I am here, I can’t get enough of it. Through both the application process and starting as the 8th Sara “Sunny” Harris Hutchinson PGA WORKS Fellow this past June, everything has just felt right.

Throughout my college experience at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, figuring out what I wanted to do career wise took me a lot of time. By the time I got to my senior year, I thought a career in sports would be interesting as I grew up around sports, but I felt I was too late to the game and too behind the competition. However, when I stumbled upon the PGA WORKS Fellowship online, something clicked and I knew I had to try. Despite the questions and uncertainties of moving to a new state away from my family, friends, and what was familiar to me, a gut feeling told me this was what I wanted.

I am so grateful I came across this position and so grateful to be where I am. I have learned so much in my three months here. I have learned so much about the game of golf itself, but I have also been able to show myself that it is never too late to try something. I have seen time and time again how golf can be for anyone and everyone. Any age, any gender, any status, any race, any ability, and it is moving towards becoming more and more inclusive. I know my journey is only beginning, so I cannot wait to see what else is in store for me.

Through the summer months, PGA Jr. League coaches chose their top players to represent their leagues at the Carolinas PGA Jr League AllStar Qualifiers. In late July, four (4) All-Star Qualifiers held at Pine Hollow Golf Club, Oak Hollow Golf Course, Rocky River Golf Club, & Columbia Country Club fed into the Section Championship at Gates Four Golf & Country Club and ultimately to the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship The Championship season exists to be aspirational for all players, reward players who have given their best effort and improved during the regular season, create a fun and welcoming environment for the 19% of participants who identify as competitive golfers, & serve as a celebration and culmination of PGA Jr. League as a whole. 13u division teams were made up of eight (8) juniors & 17u division teams were made up six (6). Teams traveled from across the Carolinas to compete in a two-person scramble stroke play format at the qualifying level.

Teams that advanced to the Section Championship played in a two-person scramble match play format. Due to the Carolinas Section at-large bid, the top two 13u & 17u teams advanced to the Regional Championship which will be held September 20-22 at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. The four progressing teams will compete against other AllStar teams from the Georgia and Tennessee PGA Sections Additional All-Star Teams qualified through the National Leaderboard through All-Star Play Days. Thank

The following teams have qualified for the Regional Championship in Pine Mountain, GA! Good luck Good

Sept. 20-22 at Callaway Gardens

Coached by John Wease, PGA

Coached by Stephen Pietsch, PGA

Coached by Evelyn Walters, PGA

Coached by Ryan Dailey, PGA

2024 Season

CH CH DRIV DRIV PUTT PUTT

Another successful Drive, Chip & Putt season has come to an end here in the Carolinas. The Carolinas PGA Section hosted the highest number of events across the country with 18 Local-Qualifiers & 3 Sub-Regionals. Each event was led by dedicated PGA of America Golf Professionals and driven by committed volunteers, all with the same goal; to grow the game. Drive, Chip & Putt is 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. After the completion of the 3 SubRegionals at Duke University Golf Club, Grandover Resort, & Fort Jackson Golf Club, 48 juniors earned their spot at the Regional competition in Kingston Springs, TN. The Golf Club of Tennessee will host the top

juniors from Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, & South Carolina on Sunday, September 8, 2024. The champions of each age/gender division will go on to compete in the National Finals at August National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters. In 2023, 7 juniors from the Carolinas advanced to the Nationals Finals.

9/15

9/22

GREENSBORO

WINSTON-SALEM

HIGH POINT

10/25

GREENSBORO

City BBQ is proudly sponsoring the PGA REACH Birdie Blitz and will donate 20% of your meal’s price in the lead-up to the event! Click each city for the RSVP link to address and see ordering instructions below.

IN PERSON ORDERING: Mention that you are with PGA REACH CAROLINAS before placing your order ONLINE ORDERING: Use the promo code of “GIVE” and 20% of your meal’s price will be donated back to PGA REACH CAROLINAS This does not include 3rd-party delivery apps PHONE ORDERING: Mention that you are with PGA REACH CAROLINAS before placing your order This does not include 3rd-party delivery apps.

Northwest England Pro-Am

JULY 13-19, 2025

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