SOUTH FLORIDA PGA
Serving PGA Members and Growing the Game
What's the News?
By Chance Bressler
•
December 2, 2025
“It was shocking, surreal, and one of the greatest honors of my career.” These are the words of Andrew Farrea, PGA, on being awarded the 2025 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award in the Resort category. In less than two years in the South Florida PGA Section, Farrea has already made a significant impact as the PGA Director of Golf at The Boca Raton Golf Club, driving substantial merchandise revenue growth and introducing data-driven strategies that elevate both the golf shop and member experience. Farrea’s journey started at Methodist University, where he studied Professional Golf Management, graduating as a PGA of America Golf Professional. Farrea then took his first job at Newport National Golf Club in Newport, Rhode Island as an assistant golf professional. Unsure if a career in golf was for him, Farrea set out to obtain his MBA, applying and being accepted into graduate school at the University of Mississippi. However, during that same time Newport National unexpectedly offered him the head golf professional position. Surprised by the offer, Farrea accepted the position and chose to forgo graduate school. Farrea credits Matt Adams, the former general manager at Newport National, for the guidance he provided, and recognizes Adams for serving as his first mentor in merchandising. Adams stressed the importance of strategic branding, market research, and the many ways to utilize that research to increase sales. Along with merchandising, Adams taught Farrea how to build a great team. “Matt showed me the importance of creating a culture that attracts and nurtures an outstanding group of individuals,” Farrea explained. Farrea stayed at Newport National for eight years before moving to Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands as head golf professional at North Sound Golf Club. He was there for two years before moving to Ko Olina Golf Club in Hawaii, also as head golf professional. During Farrea’s time in the Aloha PGA Section, he was recognized with the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2022. The Bill Strausbaugh Award recognizes PGA Professionals who distinguish themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations. At Ko Olina Golf Club, Farrea’s General Manager, Greg Nichols, became another mentor of his. Nichols taught Farrea to spend time gathering anecdotal research, diving into the data, and paying attention to the details that often go unnoticed. Farrea stayed at Ko Olina for four years before deciding he wanted to move back stateside, and fell in love with The Boca Raton Golf Club. Farrea continues to utilize what he has learned to build a great team culture and has seen how it positively affects merchandising. He fosters those working in the facility who aspire to become PGA Professionals one day, and has built an environment that accelerates growth. Farrea has structured outside operations as a fast-track program, with the goal of moving dedicated staff into assistant professional roles within a year. “We want to grow the PGA brand overall and our own property at the same time,” Farrea said. “It worked in Hawaii, and I can see it coming together here in Boca Raton.” This past year,The Boca Raton Golf Club, with the help of 2025 South Florida PGA - Southern Chapter Salesperson of the Year, Kris Saba of TaylorMade, brought a tour-fitting van to the facility, giving club members the opportunity to have a TOUR-level fitting experience. “It was an incredible day,” Farrea said. “In addition to the van, TaylorMade staffed the event with expert fitters building clubs on-site—just like they would for Rory and Tiger.” In just eight hours, the club had shattered a TaylorMade record, producing $75,000 in sales, which was approximately $25,000 more than the previous record. Farrea’s leadership, connections, and strategies led to him earning the Merchandiser of the Year Award in the Resort category. His short time at The Boca Raton Golf Club has been marked by significant growth, with sales increasing by almost 30% in the spring months and continuing to grow throughout the year. Farrea recognizes the significance of what he and his team have accomplished. “There's a lot of weight behind this award and I don't take it lightly,” Farrea said. “I'm very honored to receive it, and thankful to those who gave me the opportunity to do so.”
By Brianna Alonso
•
December 1, 2025
Vero Beach, FL – The South Florida PGA Foundation celebrated another successful year at the 13th Annual Quail Valley Holiday Pro-Am, held at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach. The event once again united PGA of America Professionals and amateurs for a day of competition and camaraderie, while raising funds and awareness for the SFPGA Foundation. A record field of 56 teams, each featuring one PGA Professional and one amateur, competed in a Stableford team format across net, gross, and professional divisions. Thanks to the generous support of participants and partners, the event raised more than $15,000, directly fueling the Foundation’s efforts to change lives through the game of golf. Each year, the SFPGA Foundation impacts over 3,400 youth, military, and families through its community-focused programming. This year’s champions included: Gross Division: Dakun Chang, PGA & Andrew Biggadike, 50 points Professional Division: Michael Kostelnik, PGA, 45 points Net Division: Ed Humenik, PGA & Richard Bayliss, 51 points For full results, click here . The South Florida PGA Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to Quail Valley Golf Club, General Manager Kevin Given, and Director of Golf Don Meadows, PGA, for their continued hospitality and commitment to this annual tradition. Appreciation also goes to this year’s supporting partners, including Airshare, Bag Caddie, COURSE RECORD, Garmany Golf, Heritage Creations, Turtleson, and Winston Collection, whose dedication helps make the event possible.
November 25, 2025
When Will Coleman, PGA got the phone call confirming he had been named the 2025 South Florida PGA Assistant Professional of the Year, his first reaction was simply gratitude. “I was surprised,” he admitted. “Our section is one of the biggest in the country and certainly one of the most competitive for jobs and for talent. I was extremely humbled and grateful to be selected..” For Coleman, now in his third season as the lead assistant professional at Palm Beach Country Club in Palm Beach, FL, the award represents far more than a resume milestone. It reflects an unconventional journey through golf, marked by late beginnings, reinvention, humility, and a steady commitment to doing things the right way. Coleman didn’t grow up dreaming of playing golf for a living. In fact, he didn’t even start playing seriously until he was “19 or 20.” What began as a way to pass time during college breaks, hitting balls on the small course at his hometown in Maryland, quickly grew into something more. “I got hooked on the challenge,” he said. “There was always sort of a problem to solve and something to progress personally. I was attracted to that.” That attraction evolved into what he calls “the right amount of delusion.” At 30 years old, an age when many aspiring pros are already pivoting out of playing careers, Coleman turned professional. He earned status on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica where he spent three years competing. “Golf is very black and white, you're shooting the scores or you're not,” Coleman shared. “I was clearly just not good enough right then.” He tried chasing it a bit longer, but knew he eventually needed to be doing something more sustainable. “Anytime your identity is tied up in something and that picture changes, there’s frustration, sadness,” he said. “But every difficulty is an opportunity.” That opportunity came from Jupiter Country Club in Jupiter, FL, where Coleman had been on staff during his playing years. When he stepped away from competitive golf, the facility offered him an assistant role, his first real entrance into the operations side of the business. Coleman enrolled in the PGA program, passed his qualifying tests, and immersed himself in the golf industry, though he admits he initially had only a “vague picture” of what his future might look like. From Jupiter Country Club he moved to Mayacoo Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, where he began to understand that club operations could become a career, not just a fallback. “It was always just a natural evolution,” he said. “Show up every day, do good work, be a good person, and it's gonna carry you forward.” That mindset guided his next step to The Club at Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter, FL, a move he made intentionally. After a successful stretch there, another opportunity came calling. Through connections made in the Chapter and within the Section, Coleman was introduced to Palm Beach Country Club, where he interviewed and was hired as the lead assistant professional. He has thrived in the club’s service-oriented environment. At Palm Beach Country Club, Coleman oversees hard goods, manages tournaments, teaches, and focuses on relationship-building within a small membership that plays just 12,000 rounds a year. “We’re really a service-minded operation,” he said. “It’s a lot of face time, a lot of interactions, a lot of relationship building.” His maturity from entering the industry later than many of his peers has also shaped who he is as a leader within the operation. Working alongside a younger head professional, Coleman sees his role as both supportive and complementary. “We might be at the same experience level, but my age and life experience give me a different viewpoint,” he explained. “I think he trusts me 100 percent in a support role and if I’m thinking the same way he is, then I’m on the right track.” Another element of Coleman’s recent career has been his leadership of the Southeast Chapter Assistants tournaments, a role he stepped into somewhat unexpectedly. Nick Beddow, PGA, who preceded him in the role, asked if Coleman wanted to take it over. “I’d love to say I had this grand intent to contribute, but it was more like, ‘Okay, yeah, I’ll take it.’” But the role quickly became meaningful. “It’s been a chance for me to play a different role within the chapter,” he said. “Coming from a playing background, it was always about ‘How does this benefit me?’ Now it’s about service, providing tournaments and venues for assistants to compete and meet each other.” He also acknowledges that the role allows him to mentor younger professionals, something that comes naturally at this stage in his career. “When you're a 25-year-old assistant, a volunteer position doesn't sound that attractive,” he said. “But I’ve played all the golf I need to play. Let me give a little back. If I can help steer someone in a direction that benefits them down the road, I’m extremely happy to do that.” When notified about the award, Coleman felt the recognition reflected the totality of his journey, one defined by steady growth, evolving goals, and an embrace of service. “It means a lot to be thought of for this recognition,” he said. “I’m grateful someone thought I was deserving of the award.”
About SFPGA
The South Florida Section of the PGA of America is an association of golf professionals whose mission is to promote interest, participation and enjoyment in the game of golf; establish and maintain professional standards or practice; and enhance the well-being of golf professionals.
What's the News?
By Chance Bressler
•
December 2, 2025
“It was shocking, surreal, and one of the greatest honors of my career.” These are the words of Andrew Farrea, PGA, on being awarded the 2025 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award in the Resort category. In less than two years in the South Florida PGA Section, Farrea has already made a significant impact as the PGA Director of Golf at The Boca Raton Golf Club, driving substantial merchandise revenue growth and introducing data-driven strategies that elevate both the golf shop and member experience. Farrea’s journey started at Methodist University, where he studied Professional Golf Management, graduating as a PGA of America Golf Professional. Farrea then took his first job at Newport National Golf Club in Newport, Rhode Island as an assistant golf professional. Unsure if a career in golf was for him, Farrea set out to obtain his MBA, applying and being accepted into graduate school at the University of Mississippi. However, during that same time Newport National unexpectedly offered him the head golf professional position. Surprised by the offer, Farrea accepted the position and chose to forgo graduate school. Farrea credits Matt Adams, the former general manager at Newport National, for the guidance he provided, and recognizes Adams for serving as his first mentor in merchandising. Adams stressed the importance of strategic branding, market research, and the many ways to utilize that research to increase sales. Along with merchandising, Adams taught Farrea how to build a great team. “Matt showed me the importance of creating a culture that attracts and nurtures an outstanding group of individuals,” Farrea explained. Farrea stayed at Newport National for eight years before moving to Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands as head golf professional at North Sound Golf Club. He was there for two years before moving to Ko Olina Golf Club in Hawaii, also as head golf professional. During Farrea’s time in the Aloha PGA Section, he was recognized with the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2022. The Bill Strausbaugh Award recognizes PGA Professionals who distinguish themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations. At Ko Olina Golf Club, Farrea’s General Manager, Greg Nichols, became another mentor of his. Nichols taught Farrea to spend time gathering anecdotal research, diving into the data, and paying attention to the details that often go unnoticed. Farrea stayed at Ko Olina for four years before deciding he wanted to move back stateside, and fell in love with The Boca Raton Golf Club. Farrea continues to utilize what he has learned to build a great team culture and has seen how it positively affects merchandising. He fosters those working in the facility who aspire to become PGA Professionals one day, and has built an environment that accelerates growth. Farrea has structured outside operations as a fast-track program, with the goal of moving dedicated staff into assistant professional roles within a year. “We want to grow the PGA brand overall and our own property at the same time,” Farrea said. “It worked in Hawaii, and I can see it coming together here in Boca Raton.” This past year,The Boca Raton Golf Club, with the help of 2025 South Florida PGA - Southern Chapter Salesperson of the Year, Kris Saba of TaylorMade, brought a tour-fitting van to the facility, giving club members the opportunity to have a TOUR-level fitting experience. “It was an incredible day,” Farrea said. “In addition to the van, TaylorMade staffed the event with expert fitters building clubs on-site—just like they would for Rory and Tiger.” In just eight hours, the club had shattered a TaylorMade record, producing $75,000 in sales, which was approximately $25,000 more than the previous record. Farrea’s leadership, connections, and strategies led to him earning the Merchandiser of the Year Award in the Resort category. His short time at The Boca Raton Golf Club has been marked by significant growth, with sales increasing by almost 30% in the spring months and continuing to grow throughout the year. Farrea recognizes the significance of what he and his team have accomplished. “There's a lot of weight behind this award and I don't take it lightly,” Farrea said. “I'm very honored to receive it, and thankful to those who gave me the opportunity to do so.”
By Brianna Alonso
•
December 1, 2025
Vero Beach, FL – The South Florida PGA Foundation celebrated another successful year at the 13th Annual Quail Valley Holiday Pro-Am, held at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach. The event once again united PGA of America Professionals and amateurs for a day of competition and camaraderie, while raising funds and awareness for the SFPGA Foundation. A record field of 56 teams, each featuring one PGA Professional and one amateur, competed in a Stableford team format across net, gross, and professional divisions. Thanks to the generous support of participants and partners, the event raised more than $15,000, directly fueling the Foundation’s efforts to change lives through the game of golf. Each year, the SFPGA Foundation impacts over 3,400 youth, military, and families through its community-focused programming. This year’s champions included: Gross Division: Dakun Chang, PGA & Andrew Biggadike, 50 points Professional Division: Michael Kostelnik, PGA, 45 points Net Division: Ed Humenik, PGA & Richard Bayliss, 51 points For full results, click here . The South Florida PGA Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to Quail Valley Golf Club, General Manager Kevin Given, and Director of Golf Don Meadows, PGA, for their continued hospitality and commitment to this annual tradition. Appreciation also goes to this year’s supporting partners, including Airshare, Bag Caddie, COURSE RECORD, Garmany Golf, Heritage Creations, Turtleson, and Winston Collection, whose dedication helps make the event possible.
November 25, 2025
When Will Coleman, PGA got the phone call confirming he had been named the 2025 South Florida PGA Assistant Professional of the Year, his first reaction was simply gratitude. “I was surprised,” he admitted. “Our section is one of the biggest in the country and certainly one of the most competitive for jobs and for talent. I was extremely humbled and grateful to be selected..” For Coleman, now in his third season as the lead assistant professional at Palm Beach Country Club in Palm Beach, FL, the award represents far more than a resume milestone. It reflects an unconventional journey through golf, marked by late beginnings, reinvention, humility, and a steady commitment to doing things the right way. Coleman didn’t grow up dreaming of playing golf for a living. In fact, he didn’t even start playing seriously until he was “19 or 20.” What began as a way to pass time during college breaks, hitting balls on the small course at his hometown in Maryland, quickly grew into something more. “I got hooked on the challenge,” he said. “There was always sort of a problem to solve and something to progress personally. I was attracted to that.” That attraction evolved into what he calls “the right amount of delusion.” At 30 years old, an age when many aspiring pros are already pivoting out of playing careers, Coleman turned professional. He earned status on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica where he spent three years competing. “Golf is very black and white, you're shooting the scores or you're not,” Coleman shared. “I was clearly just not good enough right then.” He tried chasing it a bit longer, but knew he eventually needed to be doing something more sustainable. “Anytime your identity is tied up in something and that picture changes, there’s frustration, sadness,” he said. “But every difficulty is an opportunity.” That opportunity came from Jupiter Country Club in Jupiter, FL, where Coleman had been on staff during his playing years. When he stepped away from competitive golf, the facility offered him an assistant role, his first real entrance into the operations side of the business. Coleman enrolled in the PGA program, passed his qualifying tests, and immersed himself in the golf industry, though he admits he initially had only a “vague picture” of what his future might look like. From Jupiter Country Club he moved to Mayacoo Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, where he began to understand that club operations could become a career, not just a fallback. “It was always just a natural evolution,” he said. “Show up every day, do good work, be a good person, and it's gonna carry you forward.” That mindset guided his next step to The Club at Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter, FL, a move he made intentionally. After a successful stretch there, another opportunity came calling. Through connections made in the Chapter and within the Section, Coleman was introduced to Palm Beach Country Club, where he interviewed and was hired as the lead assistant professional. He has thrived in the club’s service-oriented environment. At Palm Beach Country Club, Coleman oversees hard goods, manages tournaments, teaches, and focuses on relationship-building within a small membership that plays just 12,000 rounds a year. “We’re really a service-minded operation,” he said. “It’s a lot of face time, a lot of interactions, a lot of relationship building.” His maturity from entering the industry later than many of his peers has also shaped who he is as a leader within the operation. Working alongside a younger head professional, Coleman sees his role as both supportive and complementary. “We might be at the same experience level, but my age and life experience give me a different viewpoint,” he explained. “I think he trusts me 100 percent in a support role and if I’m thinking the same way he is, then I’m on the right track.” Another element of Coleman’s recent career has been his leadership of the Southeast Chapter Assistants tournaments, a role he stepped into somewhat unexpectedly. Nick Beddow, PGA, who preceded him in the role, asked if Coleman wanted to take it over. “I’d love to say I had this grand intent to contribute, but it was more like, ‘Okay, yeah, I’ll take it.’” But the role quickly became meaningful. “It’s been a chance for me to play a different role within the chapter,” he said. “Coming from a playing background, it was always about ‘How does this benefit me?’ Now it’s about service, providing tournaments and venues for assistants to compete and meet each other.” He also acknowledges that the role allows him to mentor younger professionals, something that comes naturally at this stage in his career. “When you're a 25-year-old assistant, a volunteer position doesn't sound that attractive,” he said. “But I’ve played all the golf I need to play. Let me give a little back. If I can help steer someone in a direction that benefits them down the road, I’m extremely happy to do that.” When notified about the award, Coleman felt the recognition reflected the totality of his journey, one defined by steady growth, evolving goals, and an embrace of service. “It means a lot to be thought of for this recognition,” he said. “I’m grateful someone thought I was deserving of the award.”
