Monthly Archives: October 2024
VendorMatch Opens for Opportunities at Home of the PGA of America
Registration open across 12 categories through December 2, 2024
FRISCO, Texas – The PGA of America has launched PGA VendorMatch Frisco, where local businesses can bid to supply services across 12 categories for products and services needed at the Home of the PGA of America.
Interested companies can register here through December 2, 2024, to potentially meet with the PGA of America. A variety of Tier I goods and services are needed including catering, event decor, A/V equipment, transportation, promotional products, furniture rental, credential printing and more.
The expansion of PGA VendorMatch sourcing opportunities beyond major spectator events underscores the PGA of America’s commitment to local economic growth and the community. This initiative creates significant business prospects for diverse and locally-owned businesses, further opening the doors to possibly be part of the golf industry’s $102 billion supply chain.
PGA VendorMatch advances inclusion of local, small and diverse-owned businesses in procurement opportunities, including businesses owned by women, minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, Veterans and service-disabled Veterans.
“The PGA of America is committed to boosting the local economy and uplifting our community partners,” said Sandy Cross, Chief People Officer of PGA of America. “By welcoming local and diverse-owned suppliers, we hope to help foster growth, identify innovative solutions and enhance the economic vitality of the City of Frisco and the north Texas community which we proudly call home.”
Visit the PGA VendorMatch website for the full list of needs and to register. All PGA VendorMatch registrations must be received by December 2, 2024.
PGA Show Education Features 70+ Expert-Led Sessions to Advance Industry Expertise
FRISCO, Texas – A comprehensive schedule of more than 70 education sessions across a wide range of professional development topics has been announced for the 2025 PGA Show, Jan. 21-24 in Orlando, Florida. Influential, national-level experts from the world of business, golf operations, teaching and coaching and retail will present the latest insights, strategies and practical tools for business success to attending golf industry professionals. Early-registration savings now through Nov. 4 and session details are available at PGAShow.com.
PGA Show Education is an important aspect of the 72nd annual PGA Show, the longest running and largest global business gathering of the golf industry. This year’s education program is moving to a new location in the Orange County Convention Center, West Hall E/F, to improve access to the expanding PGA Show Floor while taking advantage of recently renovated meeting spaces at the convention center. Additionally, a new All-Access Education Badge will provide unlimited entry to education sessions each Show Day and new amenities including reserved seating, dining, use of the All-Access Lounge, lunch roundtable programs, and networking opportunities among peers and session presenters. A one-day education pass is also available for purchase.
PGA of America Golf Professionals can earn up to 40 PDRs by participating in education and various events of the 2025 PGA Show. This is an especially timely PDR opportunity as the Professional Development Program Cycle ends on June 15, 2025.
“PGA Show Education sessions are a great opportunity for our PGA of America Golf Professionals to stay current with the latest trends, technology and tools they need to advance their expertise in this evolving golf industry,” said PGA Master Professional Dawes Marlatt, Senior Director, PGA of America Member Education. “The depth and diversity of content delivered by industry experts can help to drive careers forward and pave the way for transformative business success.”
PGA Show Education will focus on the PGA of America tracks of Teaching & Coaching, Executive Management and Golf Operations, while also offering additional sessions on various golf industry topics. A full day of educational programming begins on Jan. 21, featuring four hands-on PGA of America coaching workshops during the PGA Show Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Center and six PGA of America classroom sessions focused on Executive Management and Golf Operations at the Orange County Convention Center. Education sessions across a diverse schedule of topics continue at the Convention Center, Jan. 22-24. Top PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA Master Professionals, PGA Coaches and golf industry experts will lead all sessions.
A detailed PGA Show Education schedule with speakers can be found at PGAShow.com.
PGA Show Week also features additional professional development opportunities, including industry presentations in the PGA of America Hub, PGA Member workshops in the PGA of America Member Business Center, presentations on the Fitness, Health & Wellness stage, employer panel presentations in the Career Zone and complimentary education sessions on The Clubhouse stage. Additionally, several golf organization education programs are co-located with the 2025 PGA Show including the PGA of America Teaching & Coaching Summit (Jan. 20-21), the National Golf Course Owners Association Golf Business Conference (Jan. 20-22) and the AGM Golf Retail Conference (Jan. 21).
Registration
The PGA Show is open exclusively to golf industry professionals. Registration for PGA Show Education can be made simultaneous to event registration at PGAShow.com. An all-access education pass to attend any session Jan. 21-24 with additional amenities, and a one-day education pass are available for purchase. Registration for PGA Show Education includes access to PGA Show exhibits and special events.
The timeline for education and event registration savings is as follows: early-bird pricing through Nov. 4, advance pricing Nov. 5 – Jan. 12, 2025, and standard pricing Jan. 13 – 24, 2025. PGA of America Golf Professionals, LPGA Professionals and International PGA Members receive special savings on education registration throughout the registration schedule.
Event-only registration, not including PGA Show Education, follows the same registration savings timeline. PGA of America Golf Professionals, LPGA Professionals and International PGA Members can register for the event at no charge throughout the registration schedule. Other golf industry personnel incur a $49 early bird event registration processing fee through Nov. 4; a $99 advance fee Nov. 5 – Jan. 12, 2025; and a $199 standard fee Jan. 13 – Jan. 24, 2025.
The PGA Show is organized by the PGA of America and PGA Golf Exhibitions. Event details and registration are available at PGAShow.com.
William Hill Named Official Wine of the 2025 Ryder Cup
William Hill Wine Lounge to feature numerous offerings throughout 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black
NEW YORK ー The PGA of America and William Hill Estate Winery announced today that William Hill has been appointed as the “Official Wine” of the 2025 Ryder Cup. This announcement expands William Hill’s multi-year partnership as the “Official Wine” for both the PGA of America and PGA Championship through 2026.
Hospitality areas throughout Bethpage Black, site of the 45th Ryder Cup, September 23-28, 2025, will feature a variety of selections from William Hill’s wine offerings. Additionally, spectators can enjoy William Hill’s Estate California Chardonnay at general concession pouring bars.
“We are thrilled that spectators will be able to enjoy William Hill’s premier wine offerings throughout the 2025 Ryder Cup,” said PGA of America Senior Director, Global Partnerships Luke Reissman. “William Hill offers a diverse wine selection, which will undoubtedly be a hit throughout golf’s greatest team event. This edition of the Ryder Cup will be truly remarkable, further enhanced by the presence of William Hill.”
The William Hill Wine Lounge, a branded pouring bar, is the perfect spot for spectators looking to enjoy a refreshing glass of wine without missing any of the on-course action.
Spectators can order from William Hill’s well-crafted portfolio of wines while relaxing in the lounge and viewing all the action.
“William Hill Estate Winery is excited to build upon our partnership with the PGA of America by expanding further into golf with the Ryder Cup,” said Gallo Wines Senior Vice President and General Manager, Steve Carlotti. “William Hill has a history in golf, and our consumers’ passion for both our wine and golf make this partnership a perfect match. Given the massive reach of this event and the attention it garners, we are thrilled to be a part of such a prestigious event.”
For nearly 50 years, William Hill Estate Winery has crafted rich and expressive wines, including their iconic Chardonnay. The collection of wines is rooted in the character of the unique, rolling hills of the 200-acre estate in the heart of the Silverado Bench in Napa Valley.
Three-Peat Complete: United States Retains Women’s PGA Cup
Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth earns Medalist Honors; U.S. Team wins by 12 over Team Canada
SUNRIVER, Oregon – PGA of America President and United States Team Captain John Lindert had been praising the depth of the U.S. Team all week at the 2024 Women’s PGA Cup at Sunriver Resort.
The five PGA of America Golf Professionals from across the country backed up their Captain’s claims, winning the third consecutive Women’s PGA Cup for the U.S. with a team total of 14-under 625.
Canada (637) finished runner-up, Australia (653) third, Great Britain & Ireland (665) fourth, Sweden (693) fifth and South Africa (701) sixth.
“As a team today, with all five players, we were 8-under, which is really incredible,” said Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Mich.) “Once again the team performed from top to bottom. I just kept telling the girls to keep playing their game and they did a fabulous job.
“This is probably beyond my wildest dreams,” Lindert said of being Captain for the U.S. Team. “You want to make sure that you’re helping the team where you can but also have to know when to stay out of the way; hopefully I did that this week.”
North Florida PGA Section Member Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth, PGA Teaching Professional at San Jose Country Club in Jacksonville, Fla., took command of the lead for the U.S. Team, and the field, with a final round 5-under 66, leading to Medalist Honors and a 6-under 207 for the week.
Connelly Eiswerth recorded five birdies on the day, including on the first two holes of her round, with no bogies. She closed out the front nine with a 20-foot birdie on the par-four 9th, followed by birdies on holes 13 and 17 to cement her place atop the individual leaderboard.
“I knew if I had a good day, the team could have a good day,” said Connelly Eiswerth.
Medalist Honors this week were given in remembrance of PGA of America Golf Professional Brittany Kelly, the inaugural Women’s PGA Cup Medalist in 2019, who led the U.S. Team to victory in the first playing of the Women’s PGA Cup. Kelly passed away following a courageous battle with cancer in August 2021.
“It’s pretty incredible to have the honor of ‘B.K.’s’ Medalist,” said Connelly Eiswerth. “She was a great example of a fighting spirit. I just hope I can represent her name well. It’s amazing playing for your country as well, a complete honor to have these couple of days with these girls.”
PGA of America Golf Professional Allie Knight, a Tennessee PGA Section Member, finished runner-up at 3-under 210 for the week.
“I was nervous, but I played great today,” said Knight. “This is the coolest thing I’ve ever done; what an honor to represent the USA and to win.”
Rounding out the U.S. Team in the final round was Ashley Grier, who carded a 1-under 70 competing in her third Women’s PGA Cup; Sandra Changkija, also recording a 1-under 70; and Joanna Coe with a 3-over 74, finishing in fourth overall at even par.
Team Canada, finishing 2-under par as a team for the week, was once again led by Christine Wong, the PGA Teaching Professional at University Golf Club in Vancouver. She finished in third place individually, 3-under for the tournament.
Canada’s Playing Captain Emma de Groot was proud of the team’s performance.
“I think everybody played their hearts out,” said de Groot. “You can’t control the result, you can only control how you prepare and how you play. America is a great team, a deep team. The Women’s PGA Cup brings a lot of awareness to the quality of players in the PGA of Canada, and I’m sure it’s the same for all the other associations.”
The conclusion of the 2024 Women’s PGA Cup is the bookend of three PGA of America championships contested at Sunriver Resort throughout September and October, following the PGA Cup and the Senior PGA Professional Championship.
For Sunriver Resort Vice President of Operations Josh Willis, PGA, it was a special moment.
“It was an incredibly exciting 45 days to have the PGA of America here at Sunriver Resort. To have the PGA Cup and then the Seniors and now five other countries represented this week with the women, it was a great way to continue our championship history with the PGA of America. It was an honor for myself, a PGA Member, and our almost 20 PGA Professionals on staff, to expose this beautiful place that we call home.”
United States Leads after Opening Round of 2024 Women’s PGA Cup
SUNRIVER, Oregon — Team United States wasted no time finding the top of the leaderboard after day one of the 2024 Women’s PGA Cup, the premier international competition among women PGA Professionals.
With a 5-under 208 team total, the two-time defending champions navigated the Meadows course at Sunriver Resort well enough for a three-shot lead over Team Canada (205). Team Australia (219) is third.
PGA of America Golf Professional Joanna Coe, the PGA Director of Instruction at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Penn., led the U.S. Team and the field with a bogey-free, 3-under 68.
“I made a couple of poor swings, but then I managed well on the second shots,” said Coe, a Philadelphia PGA Section Member making her third appearance in the event. “I was smart on where I needed to be on the correct side of the hole.”
Coe made birdies on holes 2, 14 and 15 to put herself at the top of the leaderboard.
On the par-four 14th, Coe made one of her only mistakes of the day, causing her to navigate one of the many towering Douglas fir trees on the Meadows course.
“I made my first bad swing of the day and flared it out right,” she said about her tee shot. “I drew a pretty good lie in the rough and the pin was back right. I meant to go a little left of the tree on my approach, but I ended up going over the tree onto the green. I hit a gap wedge to 8 feet and somehow made that one.”
She found another birdie on the par-four 15th hole and then finished with three-straight pars to lead the U.S.
Allie Knight and Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth are T-3 carding 1-under 70s to round out the scores for the U.S. Team.
“If we counted all five of our scores, we ended up 2-under; that’s a really strong performance by the team today,” said PGA of America President and U.S. Team Captain John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “We started off with a little bit cooler temperatures and the girls hung in there really well. We faced a couple falters down the stretch, but that’s a really strong performance on a really hard golf course. They are good players and they will continue to navigate the course well tomorrow.”
Sweden’s Playing Captain Alexandra Lennartsson, the Head PGA Professional at Torekovs Golf Club, sits a shot behind Coe in second place with a 2-under 69.
“You can make a lot of birdies out there if you’re on the ride side of the pin,” said Lennartsson, who made five birdies on the day. “Tomorrow, I’ll try to do the same thing, just stay in the same process and see what happens.”
Canada’s Christie Wong and Katy Rutherford join the group tied for third, recording 1-under 70s to lead their team.
Wong, a stalwart for Team Canada, book-ended her rounds with a slew of birdies, but encountered a stretch of four bogies in five holes to finish the front nine.
“I kind of lost my speed (on the greens) for a little bit,” said Wong. “On the back I told myself, ‘one shot at a time, you can hit the fairways, hit the greens,’ so that’s all I did for myself and I just gave myself more chances.”
Wong has faith in Team Canada going into the second round. “Our games are all pretty strong right now,” she said. “We had a few hiccups on the back nine today but I think we just continue playing our game and who knows what will happen at the end.”
The 2024 Women’s PGA Cup resumes Friday at Sunriver Resort with starting times beginning at 9 a.m PT.
