PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Dear South Florida PGA Family,
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for your commitment to our Section and the game of golf as we reflect on an eventful 2024.
The year was one of growth, achievement, and collaboration. From a successful tournament season to impactful Foundation programs and an ever-growing Junior Tour, we’ve made significant strides together, and your passion has been at the heart of it all.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be even more exciting as we look to further elevate the South Florida PGA, expanding opportunities, and strengthening the bonds within our golf community. I’m confident that, together, we’ll continue to drive the future of golf in our region.
Thank you for being a vital part of our success in 2024. I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the year ahead!
Warm regards,
Paul Clivio, PGA - President, South Florida PGA
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
SECTION OFFICERS:
President | Paul Clivio, PGA - St. Andrews Country Club
Vice President | Eric Veilleux, PGA - The Bear's Club
Secretary | Jeff Waber, PGA - Broken Sound Club - Old Course
Honorary Past President | Don Meadows, PGA - Quail Valley Golf Club
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President | Tom Wildenhaus, PGA - Olde Florida Golf Club
Vice President | Lee Stroever, PGA - Emerald Dunes Club
Secretary | Don Meadows, PGA- Quail Valley Golf Club
Treasurer | Kevin Murphy, PGA - McArthur Golf Club
Imperial Golf Club | September 18-20
Andrew Filbert, PGA Assistant Professional at West Bay Club in Estero, secured his second South Florida PGA Professional Championship after firing an 8-under 64 during the final round at Imperial Golf Club.
The 45th South Florida PGA Professional Championship was contested over three days, September 18-20, at Imperial Golf Club’s East and West Courses.
Filbert’s win also earned him a spot in the 2025 PGA Professional championship where he will compete for a chance to reach the 2025 PGA Championship, previously qualifying for the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage. Additionally, Filbert earned a berth into the 2025 Puerto Rico Open.
National Qualifiers:
Andrew Filbert, Justin Hicks, Michael Kartrude, Justin McCarraher, Dakun Chang, Alan Morin, Nick Latimer, Domenico Geminiani, Tom Cooper, David Ladd, Jared Isaacs, Justin Smith and Darin de Lelys.
Exempt Players: Evan Bowser, Matt Cahill, Tyler Collet, Ron Philo and Jeremy Wells
Leaderboard | Full Story
WOMEN’S SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP
Shadow Wood Country Club | December 8-9
Taylor Collins, PGA of Coral Ridge Country Club, won the 2024 South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship at Shadow Country Club - Preserve course as the only player in the field to finish under-par.
Collins, the defending Women’s Section Champion, started off her 2024 title pursuit with an even-par 72 in round one, enough to gain a three-shot lead heading into the final round over Jessica Dickson, PGA of Palmira Golf Club. Her opening 18 was highlighted by a hole-inone on the par-3, sixth hole.
The Coral Ridge Country Club Teaching Professional looked to expand on her lead in the final round, playing the front-nine at 2-under. Collins cruised into the clubhouse, signing for a 1-under 71 final round scorecard, clinching her second consecutive and fourth overall Women’s Section Championship.
Susan Bond-Philo, PGA of PGA Magazine, captured the Senior Women’s Section Championship.
| Full Story
Susan Bond-Philo, PGA PGA Magazine Leaderboard
Alan Morin, PGA managed an impressive 6-under-par 65 on Sunriver Resort’s Meadows course in the final round to finish the week at 14-under-par 271 and win the Senior PGA Professional Championship by two. His 65 matched the record for the lowest fourth round score in Championship history. The win marks Morin’s first time hoisting the Leo Fraser Trophy.
Geminiani shot a steady 2-over 74 on the Wanamaker Course to cruise to a three-shot victory over defending champion Preston Cole of Quail Hollow Club and Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club.
After making 18 birdies and an eagle to build a seven-shot lead after 54 holes, Geminiani didn’t make a birdie Sunday until the 16th hole. But he didn’t have to; he just had to avoid big mistakes, which he did with three bogeys. He finished at 12under 276.
“I was playing the same way, just wasn’t playing as well,” said Geminiani, who was born in Lugo, Italy and works at Old Corkscrew Golf Club in Naples. “I really hung in there, which is important on this course with the (renovated) greens so firm.:
Leaderboard | Full Story
Leaderboard | Full Story
Golf Professional of the Year
Kevin Swan, PGA
Director of Golf - The Club at Mediterra
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Bob Usher, PGA - Grey Oaks Country Club / Director of Instruction
BILL STRAUSBAUGH
Marty Hall, PGA - FGCU PGA Golf Management / Assistant Director
PGA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Heather Angell, PGA - The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek / Director of Instruction
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Bridget Ackley, PGA - The Park / Junior Golf Leader
ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR
Michael Littlejohn, PGA - Emerald Dunes Club / Assistant Professional
YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Christopher Cupp, PGA - The First Tee Broward / Teaching Professional
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR - PUBLIC CATEGORY
Justin Rountree, PGA - Eagle Lakes Golf Club / Head Professional
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR - RESORT CATEGORY
Doug Fox, PGA - Trump National Doral / Director of Golfl
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR - PRIVATE CATEGORY
Julie Carse, PGA - Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club / Director of Golf
PATRIOT AWARD
Mark Cammarene, PGA - Fairwinds Golf Course / General Manager
DEACON PALMER
Jeff Nixon, PGA - G to Z Services, Inc. / PGA Professional
SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR
Guy Mancini, PGA - Yamaha Golf Car / Southeast Florida District Sales Manager
Matt Cahill, Tyler Collet & Jeremy wells make Section history, fill 3 of 10 PGA Cup roster spots
First played in 1973, the PGA Cup is a biennial event contested between PGA Professionals from the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland and the PGA of America. The event featured teams of 10 players over three days, with four foursomes and four fourball matches on each of the first two days, and 10 singles matches on the final day.
The U.S. Team was determined through a two-year point system, which included the 2023-24 PGA Professional Championships and 202324 PGA Championships. The points race concluded with the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
The SFPGA held three of the 10 roster spots for the first time in Section history, including: Matt Cahill, PGA Head Professional at Seminole Golf Club, Tyler Collet, PGA Assistant Professional at John’s Island Club and Jeremy Wells, PGA Director of Instruction at Cypress Lake Golf Club.
Seminole Golf Club
John’s Island Club
Cypress Lake Golf Club
Captain: John Lee
Justin Bertsch, Evan Bowser, Tim Cantwell, Dakun Chang, Andrew Filbert, Domenico Geminiani, Justin Hicks, Michael Kartrude, Nick Latimer, Justin McCarraher, Alan Morin and Jeremy Wells.
CHALLENGE & SENIOR CHALLENGE CUPS
For the fourth consecutive year, the South Florida PGA claimed both the Challenge and Senior Challenge Cup Matches.
The 44th Annual Challenge Cup took to Imperial Golf Club as South Florida earned 15 points to North Florida’s nine in the annual Ryder Cup style matches.
With the win, South Florida captured the Challenge Cup for the 28th time, while North Florida remains at 14 victories.
The 19th Annual Senior Challenge Club was played at Aileron Golf Club as South Florida earned 18.5 points to North Florida’s 11.5 points. A South Florida win brought the all-time count to 15-3-1 in favor of South Florida.
While competing on both Challenge and Senior Challenge Cup teams, Tim Cantwell, PGA of PGA National Golf Club managed an undefeated record.
Captain: Rodger Kennedy Sr. Colin Amaral, Mark Brown, Tim Cantwell, Rod Curl, Brett Melton, Mike Melton, Alan Morin, Mike San Filippo, Ben Stewart, Pete Oakley and Jerry Tucker.
Leaderboard | Full Story
Leaderboard | Full Story
Morgan Jewell, PGA Director of Operations at Floridian National Golf Club was presented the 2024 PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year in the Private Category
Click the video above to watch a special tribute to Jewell!
VIC TORTORICI, PGA
Sailfish Point Golf Club
SFPGA Pro-Lady
Old Marsh Golf Club | Dec. 16
Victor Tortorici, PGA Director of Golf at Sailfish Point Golf Club and his team of amateurs, Pat Wilks, Nancy DelPriore and Carol Webb took home first place honors in the SFPGA Pro-Lady at Old Marsh Golf Club.
JUSTIN HICKS, PGA
Stonebridge Golf & Country Club
Bushnell Stroke Play Championship John’s Island Club & Indian River Club | Aug. 28-29
Justin Hicks, PGA finished the second annual Bushnell Stroke Play Championship at 11-under, 65-65–132 to claim his first South Florida PGA Section Major at John’s Island Club and Indian River Club.
MIKE BERGER, PGA
Hammock Creek Golf Club
SFPGA Pro-Junior The Park | Sept. 29
Mike Berger, PGA, and Jeremy Hsu, a member of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour, claimed the 2024 South Florida PGA Pro-Junior title with a 14-under-par at The Park West Palm.
Highlighting the accomplishments of our Members and Efforts made by Foundation contributors
Kevin Marrone
The Glades Golf & Country Club | October 21st
The South Florida PGA held its first West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash at The Glades Golf & Country Club in Naples, raising over $265,000 for Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida and the South Florida PGA Foundation.
During the event, 36 South Florida PGA of America Professionals completed 81 holes on The Pines and The Palmetto courses, making as many birdies as possible in a team doubles format. Each birdie was backed by donor pledges.
The Old Collier Golf Club Professionals Steve Waugh, PGA eneral Manager and Jason Martin, PGA Director of Golf ere the highest earners, raising over $45,000 through 63 rdies.
Full Story | Photo Album
Quail Valley Golf Club | December 2nd
A total of 46 teams, comprised of one PGA of America Professional and one amateur, competed in a Stableford team format. PGA TOUR Professional Nick Lindheim and amateur Casey Sherwin secured first place in the gross division with a total of 49 points.
The TwinEagles Club | December 13th
The team from Pelican Sound Golf & River Club, led by Head Golf Professional Tim Harris, PGA, along with amateurs Chuck Thompson, Tom Elfers, and Dan Gregory, earned low team honors with a score of three under par, competing in a two best ball of four format.
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF THE SOUTH FLORIDA PGA FOUNDATION
The 2024 South Florida PGA Foundation Impact Report celebrates 20 years of servin community and changing lives through the game of golf.
This year, with the help of our incredible PGA of America Professionals, donors, and partners, the SFPGA Foundation transformed over 3,000 lives, raised over $750,000 to support its programs, and administered over 100 events with the help of 280 dedicated volunteers.
Full Report
2,500+ 300+ 1,000+
2025 APPLICATION NOW OPEN
2024 Scholarship Recipient
Don Kennedy III
Learn More
Established in 2018, the South Florida PGA Foundation annually awards a local student a four-year scholarship totaling $20,000 to support their college education. The scholarship is disbursed in increments of $5,000 annually over four years.
To qualify, applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:
Be a high school senior at the time of application.
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
Be a permanent resident of one of these Florida counties: Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, St. Lucie.
AND meet at least ONE of the following criteria:
Currently employed in the golf industry.
Have a parent or grandparent who is employed in or retired from the golf industry. This includes roles such as PGA/LPGA professionals, superintendents, sales representatives, club employees, or club managers.
Have participated in SFPGA Foundation outreach programs, such as: SFPGA Junior Tour, Habitat for Humanity, Smiling Fore Life, PGA HOPE, Golf & STEAM Camp.
BE A PART OF THE IMPACT
Join us on our journey to change lives through the game of golf! Each year, the South Florida PGA and the South Florida PGA Foundation host over 100 impactful events and programs that rely on the dedication of volunteers. Whether you’re helping with a junior tournament, supporting military personnel through PGA HOPE, or spreading joy to children in hospitals, your time and talents make a lasting difference. Volunteer
Highlighting the stories behind our Junior Tour Members
Aiden Miller & Luke Wise
Brian Kelley
Leah Gram
Zoe Shamy
PGA National - Champion & Fazio | August 31 - September 2
Matthew Marigliano and Staci Pla emerged as champions at the 2024 South Florida PGA Labor Day Classic, presented by Callaway and Toptracer, held August 31 to September 2 at PGA National. The event, one of the Junior Tour’s eight majors, featured 157 top junior golfers, with 53 advancing to the final round on the iconic Champion course, known for its challenging Bear Trap stretch.
Marigliano, a 13-year-old from Palm Beach Gardens, showcased impressive consistency in the Boys 13-18 Division with rounds of 71-71-70. Tied for the lead after the second round, he secured victory with clutch birdies on holes 17 and 18, finishing two strokes ahead. Reflecting on his win, Marigliano credited his focus on “hitting fairways and greens” throughout the tournament.
In the Girls’ Division, Staci Pla delivered a dominant performance, maintaining a lead from the start and finishing with a final-round 69 to win by 12 strokes. Her steady play and a strong second round of 70 secured the victory, marking her first SFPGA Junior Tour win in three years. Pla, also a national-level competitor, expressed excitement for her long-awaited triumph, emphasizing her focus on trusting the process during the event.
Full Story | Photo Album
Boca West Country Club | September 20-21
Oxbridge Academy swept both divisions at the South Florida PGA Junior Tour’s East Coast High School Championship, presented by Keiser University, at Boca West Country Club. The Boys’ team dominated with a 17-stroke lead entering the final round and finished at even par, led by AJ Colonna (70-69 139) and Ajax La Nasa (72-68 140). American Heritage secured second place at 20-over. Individually, Oscar Crowe of Boca Raton High School won the Boys’ Division with a two-day total of 68-66 134, edging out Lawson Ford of Cardinal Newman by one shot.
In the Girls’ Division, Oxbridge’s Madison Hyndman (71-70 141) claimed the individual title, finishing two strokes ahead of teammate Catherine Mulvaney (70-73 143). Their performances propelled Oxbridge to the Girls’ team championship, three strokes ahead of Pin event featured 105 players f
The
Park West Palm | November 10
The 2024 South Florida PGA Prep Tour Championship featured the top 78 players at The Park on November 10.
In the Boys 13-18 Division, Jordan Pickens won a scorecard playoff with an even-par 71, while Cody Rausch, who also shot 71, earned Player of the Year. Mateo Muniz claimed the Boys 11-12 title in a tiebreaker over Atlas Andrews, who was named Player of the Year.
In the Girls 13-18 Division, Stella Ronja Lind won a scorecard playoff with a 4-over 75 and was named Player of the Year. Mia Heuberger won the Girls 11-12 Division with a 2-over 73, while Alyna Yensabai, the runner-up, earned Player of the Year with the highest points in any division.
Alfred Carmenate won the Boys 9-10 Division with a 2-over 73, and Aiden Jim was Player of the Year. Anastasia Todoric won the Girls 9-10 Division with a 5-over 76, while Jenna Elharti, the runner-up, was named Player of the Year.
Full Story | Photo Album
The Park West Palm | December 7-8
Gabriel Holtz and Catherine Andino emerged as champions at the 2024 South Florida PGA Junior Tour Championship, presented by Callaway and Toptracer, held at The Park on December 7 and 8
Holtz highl round —13
Runn unde In the 67. S on th Balco The T exciti
Full Story | Photo Album
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Island Chapter | Tony Loyola, PGA
Dorado Beach Resort and Club
Southeast Chapter President | Steve Hudson, PGA
John’s Island Club
Southeast At-Large | Tony Chateauvert, PGA
Palm Beach Par 3
Southern Chapter President | Sean Kicker, PGA
The First Tee - Broward
Southern At-Large | Joe Compitello, PGA
Indian Creek Country Club
Southwest Chapter President | Matt Oakley, PGA
Worthington Country Club
Southwest At-Large | Sara Dickson, PGA
Wilderness Country Club
Awards | Jeff Waber, PGA
Broken Sound Club - Old Course
Junior Golf | Lee Stroever, PGA
Emerald Dunes Club
Professional Development & Mentoring I Marty Hall, PGA
Florida Gulf Coast University PGA Golf Management
Seniors | Scott Newhouse, PGA
The Forest Country Club
Teaching & Coaching | Jason Baile, PGA
Jupiter Hills Club
Tournaments | Matt Cahill, PGA
Seminole Golf Club
District 13 Director | Russ Libby, PGA
Hidden Hills Country Club
CLICK HERE to view the full list of Board Members
SECTION STAFF
Competitions Coordinator
David Beck | dbeck@pgahq.com
Director of Foundation Programs
Darrell Bock, PGA | dbock@pgahq.com
*Junior Golf Coordinator
Chance Bressler | jbressler@pgahq.com
Communications & Partner Relations Manager
Matthew De Tullio | mdetullio@pgahq.com
Junior Golf Manager
Haley Dunn | hdunn@pgahq.com
Director of Rules & Competitions
Brett Graf, PGA | bgraf@pgahq.com
*Director of Member Programs
Taylor Lanning, PGA | tlanning@pghq.com
* Welcome to the team
Executive Director Geoff Lofstead | glofstead@pgahq.com
PGA WORKS Fellow Carli Lynch | calynch@pgahq.com
Foundation Programs & Communications Sr. Coordinator Morgan Nichol | mnichol@pgahq.com
Assistant Executive Director Meredith Schuler | mschuler@pgahq.com
Office/Finance Manager Tami Tolley | ttolley@pgahq.com
Fairways to Heaven Golf Travel
John Fanning, PGA
Fire Maker Brewing Company
Adam Miller
Jacket Sunscreen
Keith Merritt
Meridian Performance Systems
Josh Kohn
Perry Weather
Evan Benet
The Golf Rope
Thor Parish, PGA
The Turf Guy Pro
Todd Wediert
PARTNERS
Presenting:
Supporting:
“PGA
PROFESSIONALS DEDICATED TO SERVING THE SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY AND CHANGING LIVES THROUGH GOLF”