By Craig Dolch Special to the PGA of America PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2025) – When Domenico Geminiani, PGA of Italy gets hot, it seems like the rest of the field is playing for second place. Even when he makes a major putting change. Geminiani of Old Corkscrew Golf Club took control of the PGA Stroke Play Championship with a first-round 63 Sunday and never let go. He closed with a 4-under 67 Tuesday on the Ryder Course to win by three shots at PGA Golf Club. Geminiani went wire-to-wire to finish at 14-under 200, three ahead of Jared Jones of Houston, to earn the $6,000 first prize “I played phenomenal the first day, one of the better rounds I’ve had in a while,” said Geminiani, a PGA Assistant Professional at Old Corkscrew Golf Club near Naples. “And I had a lot of putts lip out. It was crazy.” Geminiani maintained his two-shot lead Monday with a 70 on the tougher Wanamaker Course. He bogeyed his first hole Tuesday, before he started dealing with more lip outs. “I had four lip outs for birdies on the next five holes,” Geminiani said. “Jared asked me, ‘What did you do last night’ (to deserve that bad luck)? It would have been easy to get frustrated, but I started making some putts on the back nine.” Geminiani had been putting with great success the last year with the flag in, but decided to take the flag out two weeks ago after he struggled on the greens. Wise move. “I wasn’t holing much, and I was feeling tentative, so I pulled the flag back out,” he said. “Who knows, in a couple months, maybe I’ll put it back in.” Jones (68) twice got within a shot of Geminiani on Tuesday. The last time, Geminiani then matched Jones’ birdie on the 14th hole to keep a multiple-shot lead the rest of the day. “He played great and made some great putts at the end,” said Jones, the PGA Director of Instruction at River Oaks Country Club. “It was fun to keep him on his toes.” Also at stake Tuesday were the final two spots in the PGA Professional Championship, the PGA Professional’s premier event, held at PGA Golf Club on April 27-30. They went to Andre Chi of Flushing, N.Y., with a sparkling, bogey-free 64, capped with a 60-foot birdie on the 18th; and Jon Mayer of Greenville, S.C., to finish tied for third at 10-under 204. “I wasn’t eligible to qualify in my Section because I didn’t have my Class A (until after the Section Championship), so I knew this was my last chance,” said Chi, a 24-year-old Assistant PGA Professional at Deepdale Golf Club. “I’m glad I was able to get it done. I wanted to get to 10 (-under). Making that long putt at the end was a bonus.” Mayer shot 68 to achieve his goal for the week – qualifying for the PPC. “That was my only goal after missing it at Section,” Mayer said. “I just wanted to grind, get better and be one of those guys who gets those PPC spots.” Andy Svoboda (70-206) was fifth and defending champion Dylan Newman (69-207) tied for sixth with Greg Koch (67-207) of Orlando and Evan Bowser (69-207) of Naples. In addition to Geminiani finishing in first and Bowser in a tie for sixth, the following SFPGA Members all made the cut: John Lento (T12), Andrew Filbert (T16), Christian De Greiff (T16), Zach Shriver (T16), Matthew Sita (T23), Kenny Leech (T23), Dakun Chang (T37), Ron Philo (T49), David Marano (T58), Mark Brown (T58), Justin Smith (T63), Nick Latimer (T67) and Taylor Collins (T71) The PGA Winter Championships, presented by GolfPass and On Location, will conclude with the Women’s Stroke Play Championship Sunday-Tuesday.

West Palm Beach, Fl - Guy Mancini, PGA District Sales Manager for Yamaha Golf-Car Company, has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Salesperson of the Year award. The Salesperson of the Year award honors a sales representative (hard or soft good) serving the Section who has made significant contributions to the game of golf at the Section level and within his/her company and whose overall performance as a sales representative, including service to accounts, overall integrity, courtesy, and professionalism is second to none. “I am truly honored to have been chosen as the 2024 South Florida PGA Section Salesperson of the Year,” said Mancini, who obtained his full Class-A PGA Membership in 2020. “This award holds a significant meaning, especially as a proud PGA Member.” Before his time with Yamaha, Mancini served on the green grass side of the golf industry, working as a golf professional at Lost Tree Club and Mariner Sands Country Club, among others. Now, because of this experience, Mancini is able to obtain more accounts due to his already-established relationships. “I know what they [PGA Members] go through on a daily basis. Therefore, this allows me to assist them better,” explained Mancini. “I know the operation side of the business, and hearing and seeing what they need/want comes easy to me.” Similar to his time as club professional, Mancini’s number one focus is always the customer and their experience. “Whether it is in the golf shop assisting a member or selling golf carts, the customer has to always be first and foremost,” Mancini emphasized. “I believe one of the best attributes for a salesperson in the golf industry is to be a good listener.” While Mancini leads his team at Yamaha, he is incredibly thankful to all those who have played a role and recognizes others’ efforts in getting him to this point. “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who bestowed this tremendous honor upon me,” said Mancini. “Your support and recognition inspire me to continue striving for excellence in our community and the sport we all cherish.”  Mancini’s dedication to building strong relationships and supporting the PGA Professionals in the South Florida Section has earned him this distinguished honor. Reflecting on his journey, Mancini added, “I am grateful for the camaraderie, mentorship, and opportunities our association provides, and I look forward to contributing even more in the future. Thank you once again for this incredible honor.” The Salesperson of the Year award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Mancini was presented with his award yesterday during day two of the 2025 PGA SHOW in Orlando. Click here for the full list of award winners.

West Palm Beach, FL —South Florida PGA Golf Professionals Jason Baile and Pam Elders have been recognized as 2025 PGA of America National Award Winners. The PGA of America annually recognizes 13 award recipients for their extraordinary accomplishments and efforts within the golf industry, standing out among more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals. Each award recipient was recognized for their accomplishment during day one of the 2025 PGA SHOW yesterday in Orlando. Baile, the PGA Director of Instruction at Jupiter Hills Club, was recognized as the 2025 PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year, the first SFPGA Member since Martin Hall, PGA in 2008, and only the third SFPGA Member to receive the honor. Joining the SPFGA in 2019, Baile was previously named the 2022 SFPGA Teacher of the Year. Elders, the PGA Director of Instruction at Boca West Country Club, was honored as the PGA of America Player Development Award recipient, the first SFPGA Member to receive this recognition. An SFPGA Member since 1992, Elders was previously recognized as the 2023 SFPGA Patriot Award recipient. Baile and Elders will be formally recognized during the 2025 PGA of America Annual Meeting in November.

West Palm Beach, FL - Marty Hall, PGA Assistant Director of Professional Golf Management at Florida Gulf Coast University has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award. The Bill Strausbaugh Award is presented to a PGA Professional who by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations and through service to the community. “I am incredibly humbled to be recognized with the South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award,” said Hall. “This award is not only a personal recognition; it is a recognition of the incredible community of PGA Professionals, workplace colleagues, and students with whom I have the honor to collaborate to promote the game and the profession every day.” Hall was given two pieces of valuable advice as a young professional that have stuck with her throughout her 20+ year career as a PGA of America Golf Professional. One, regardless of position, title, and wealth, treat everyone you encounter the same. Two, your most valuable asset is continued education. As the Assistant Director of Professional Golf Management at Florida Gulf Coast University, these two values coincide perfectly as Hall continues to play a significant role in the development of golf industry professionals. “I am immensely grateful for a career path that has allowed me the privilege of empowering others in their educational and professional journeys,” explained Hall. “The mentoring and encouragement I receive from my PGA Professional mentors inspires me to pay it forward, nurturing the growth of others just as they have done for me.” The work Hall is doing is being noticed not only by the South Florida PGA but also by FGCU, as Hall was named the 2024 FGCU Student Success Champion Award winner. This honor recognizes FGCU faculty and staff who continuously go above and beyond normal expectations to lead transformative initiatives and activities inside and/ or outside the classroom, and they place the success of the FGCU students above all else. Over her 17-year career at FGCU, Hall has influenced the careers of over 350 PGA Member graduates and currently mentors 210 students daily. While those numbers are extremely impressive and a testament to Hall's passion for helping others, her efforts expand far beyond FGCU. Hall has served 659 PGA-recognized facilities nationwide by providing them with a PGM intern or post-graduate professional. Lastly, Hall credits several of her mentors for providing invaluable support that has assisted Hall in getting to where she is now, making this award even more meaningful. “The fact that several of my mentors are past SFPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award winners makes this recognition even more special,” said Hall “Being acknowledged by my industry peers with this award is the highlight of my career as a PGA Professional.”

West Palm Beach, Fl - Julie Carse, PGA Director of Golf at Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club, has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year in the Private Category. The Private Merchandiser of the Year recognizes the professional who has demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in promoting golf. The award focuses on the individual’s inventory, shop display, staff, and merchandising techniques at a private facility. This award is not only special for myself and our Shop Manager, Penny Patton, but for the entire staff and the Members of Kelly Greens," said Carse as she expressed her appreciation for the recognition. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Ian's devastation, Carse and her team successfully transformed their temporary space into a welcoming and efficient pro shop. Her ability to maintain high standards of service and provide a wide range of products while operating out of a 320-square-foot trailer is a testament to her dedication and creativity. “We are so proud of what we were able to accomplish in a 320-square-foot trailer while we recovered from Hurricane Ian,” said Carse. “It really shows the type of membership we have at Kelly Greens and how much they care and support us. We are very grateful to receive this award, and we thank you for the recognition.” The members of Kelly Greens Golf and Country Club played a key role in supporting the pro shop during this recovery period, showcasing the strength and unity of the club’s community. The Merchandiser of the Year (Private Category) is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. The SFPGA will honor each recipient amongst members, friends, and family. Click here for a full list of award winners.

West Palm Beach, FL - Christopher Cupp, PGA Teaching Professional at The First Tee - Broward / AllGolf at CB Smith Park, has been awarded the 2024 South Florida PGA Youth Player Development Award. The PGA Youth Player Development Award is for the PGA Professional who has made extraordinary and exemplary contributions to youth player development. Work by this PGA Professional includes involvement in promoting and developing junior golf at the facility level and support for national junior golf programs. “Winning the South Florida Section PGA Youth Development Award is an incredible honor that humbles me deeply,” expressed Cupp. “I am so grateful for the outstanding team (PGA, First Tee - FGC, Volunteer Coaches, AllGolf Facility) that has supported me every step of the way, as well as the wonderful players and parents who inspire me daily.” While humble in his achievements, Cupp’s commitment to junior golfers, whether in life or in golf, is exactly why Cupp deserves recognition. Doubling down on the recognition, Cupp was honored with a 2024 #GameChanger Award, an honor given by the PGA of America to coaches who significantly contribute to growing the game of golf among young players by actively developing and leading large PGA Junior League programs. Over the 2024 calendar year, Cupp saw a 300% increase in his First Tee 8-week junior programs with nearly a 100% retention rate compared to 2023. This increase is in large part due to Cupp’s teaching philosophy for juniors, which revolves around fostering a love for the game, emphasizing personal growth, all while creating a supporting community around the junior golfer. In addition, Cupp’s number one goal is to always ensure the juniors are enjoying their time on the course. With that, Cupp is able to utilize Toptracer range integration, allowing juniors to track their numbers all while playing interactive games. Lastly, Cupp has familiarized himself with the online world as a way to continue to interact with his students and as a way to offer remote coaching. This allows Cupp to review footage and provide feedback even when the player is not physically present. In closing, Cupp is extremely grateful for what golf has done for his life and wants to continue to share that love and passion with his students. “I am driven by the opportunity to inspire young golfers, helping them discover the same love for the game that I have,” said Cupp. “Seeing the growth and enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding.

As a PGA of America Golf Professional, playing in competitive events is considered a luxury and a significant benefit of becoming a PGA Member. The South Florida PGA administers more than 20 Section events annually, each offering a professional purse and, in special cases, an opportunity to qualify for a National or PGA TOUR event. With over 2,000 PGA Members and Associates, the SFPGA ranks second amongst the 41 PGA Sections in its number of Members and is often regarded as the Section with the best players in the country. If that statement was ever in doubt, the accomplishments made during the 2024 calendar year are a true testament to the amount of talent SFPGA Professionals possess. Each year, PGA of America administers three National Championships, which PGA Members qualify for through their respective Sections. In 2024, the SFPGA Professionals claimed two of the three titles. In late September, Alan Morin, of The Club at Ibis, won the Senior PGA Professional Championship by two shots at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon. With the win, the 2021 SFPGA Hall of Fame inductee earned entry into the 2025 Senior PGA Professional Championship, his fifth straight year qualifying for the Major Championship. Two months later, Domenico Geminiani, of Old Corkscrew Golf Club, ran away with the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club, winning his second title in three years by three shots. Geminiani was well accompanied at the top of the leaderboard as four other Members finished in the top 10, including Evan Bowser (T4), Michael Kartrude (T4), Morin (T8), and Dakun Chang (T10). Of the three National Championships, the PGA Professional Championship is considered the premiere event for PGA of America Golf Professionals as the top 20 finishers advance to the PGA Championship. Tyler Collet, PGA of John's Island Club, Jeremy Wells, PGA of Cypress Lake Golf Club, and Bowser of LaPlaya Golf Club all finished in the top 10, making it the first time three SFPGA Members qualified for a PGA Championship. While making a Major Championship start is already an incredible accomplishment, Wells, who was making his second consecutive PGA Championship appearance, had his eyes set on making more Section history—advancing to the weekend. After rounds of 69-71, the Director of Instruction at Cypress Lake Golf Club had successfully made the cut, becoming the first SFPGA Professional to advance to the weekend at a PGA Championship in Section history. The PGA Championship was not the only Major including an SFPGA Professional, as David Ladd of Champions Club at Summerfield and Morin competed in the Senior PGA Championship. Additionally, Susan Bond Philo of PGA Magazine qualified for and competed in the U.S. Senior Women's Open, while Mark Brown of The Yacht and Country Club competed in the U.S. Senior Open, bringing the total to seven SFPGA Professionals competing in a 2024 Major Championship. Similar to the Ryder Cup, the PGA hosts “The PGA Cup,” a biennial contest between PGA Professionals from the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland and the PGA of America. Each team consists of 10 players, determined through a two-year point system. Wells, Matt Cahill of Seminole Golf Club, and Collet all qualified for the team, filling three of the 10 roster spots for the first time in Section history while playing key roles in an American victory. Outside of Major participation, SFPGA Professionals have the opportunity to qualify for PGA TOUR events throughout the Section season. In 2024 alone, four Members competed in three PGA TOUR events. After winning the 2023 South Florida PGA Rolex Player of the Year, Collet got 2024 started by making his second consecutive start in the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. After narrowly missing the cut, Collet traveled to Puerto Rico the following week to compete alongside Geminiani in the Puerto Rico Open on the PGA TOUR. Given his recent strong performances, Collet broke through, made his first cut, and became the first SFPGA Member to make a cut on the PGA TOUR since 2008. A month later, SFPGA was back on TOUR as Hicks made his second consecutive Corales Puntacana Championship. As we near the end of 2024, SFPGA Professionals are already preparing for another record-breaking 2025. Thus far, the SFPGA will send the most Members in history to the PGA Professional Championship with 18. Hicks will make his third straight trip to the Corales Puntacana Championship and his sixth trip to PGA National for a PGA TOUR event but his first time at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. Andrew Filbert, PGA, will make a start at the Puerto Rico Open. On the Major side, Morin and Cantwell qualified for the 2025 Senior PGA Championship, and Heather Angell, PGA of Heritage Palm Golf and Country Club, will compete in the 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship. As we reflect on an incredible 2024 playing season, it is amazing to see the commitment to one's full-time job and to representing the Section and their respective facility to the highest level throughout all the accomplishments.

At only 15 years old, Alba, a patient at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, has already faced and overcome challenges that most people can't even imagine. In May 2022, Alba was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Over the next two years, she faced numerous challenges but found unwavering support from her family, friends, and the compassionate team at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. "Golisano helped by being there for me and making me feel like part of their family," said Alba. "They always know how to cheer you up and make you feel welcome." This October, Alba courageously shared her story at the inaugural South Florida PGA West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash. The event raised over $250,000 to benefit Golisano Children's Hospital and the South Florida PGA Foundation. "It felt good to share my story at the Birdie Bash because it shows that the community is here for everyone, no matter what you're going through," Alba reflected. Since its inception, the Play Yellow initiative, spearheaded by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus in partnership with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, has raised over $100 million for children's hospitals across North America, and more than $1.5 million of that was generated through the South Florida PGA Foundation. Just four days after the Birdie Bash, Alba reached a milestone she once thought impossible. On October 25th, she rang the bell at Golisano Children's Hospital, signifying the end of her cancer treatment. "As soon as I walked into the hospital and through the doors where my party was, I realized that it was real and I had actually finished cancer treatment," Alba shared. "It was a big shock and very exciting." Thanks to the care received at Golisano Children's Hospital and the support of events like the Birdie Bash, children like Alba can overcome unimaginable challenges. Alba's advice is simple but profound for others facing similar challenges: "There is always an ending. Keep pushing through it; you are almost there." Now cancer-free, Alba is looking forward to learning the game of golf—a new chapter in her life made possible by the support of her community and the South Florida PGA Foundation. The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that serves the South Florida community, focusing on youth, military, and families. Learn more about how you can support the Foundation's mission here .

West Palm Beach, FL - Michael Littlejohn, PGA Assistant Professional at Emerald Dunes Club has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Srixon|Cleveland Golf | XXIO Assistant of the Year Award. The Assistant of the Year Award recognizes the individual’s overall performance as an assistant through his/her willingness to accept responsibility, promotion of the game, and his/her promotion of the overall image of the PGA. “With so many talented PGA members in the South Florida Section, it’s an honor to be recognized for this award,” said Littlejohn. “Golf has always been such a big part of my life and this acknowledgment from my peers is truly a highlight.” A Florida State University Professional Golf Management graduate, Littlejohn has served as an Assistant Professional at Emerald Dunes Club since 2022. With Emerald Dunes having a seasonal golf operation, Littlejohn is responsible for training and onboarding the entry level and seasonal golf staff, allowing him to serve as a mentor to younger aspiring professionals. “At Emerald Dunes, I have spent much more time learning and honing the managerial and team development skills of my job.” Littlejohn was selected as the golf operations representative for the Emerald Dunes employee advisory committee, a program designed to improve the work environment and develop ways of improving the quality of life at the facility. “One of the programs I led included offering free golf clinics and tournaments to our non-golf staff in season. Twice a month, I assigned one of our golf interns to develop a clinic where they advertise, recruit people, and successfully deliver a fun game improvement activity,” explained Littlejohn. “ This helps our younger staff develop some teaching and promotion skills while cultivating a positive relationship across departments with whom the golf staff may not regularly interact.” Another key focus for Littlejohn since his arrival at Emerald Dunes has been improving as an instructor. Even with the season being cut a month and a half short due to construction, Littlejohn was able to increase the number of hours teaching by 54%. This increase was in large part due to a program called “Coaching the Coaches,” in which interns and all Emerald Dunes professionals have to lead a clinic to the rest of the PGA staff on a topic of their choosing. This practice has allowed Littlejohn and others to learn and develop new approaches to teaching. Lastly, Littlejohn has continued to involve himself with the South Florida PGA Section and the Southeast Chapter. Already an active player, Littlejohn was exposed to the PGA HOPE program, where he became a certified instructor and completed a six-week program. In addition, Littlejohn has volunteered for Drive, Chip & Putt Qualifiers, and Habitat for Humanity and is looking forward to being involved with the 10 All In program. The Assistant of the Year award is one of the South Florida PGA annual awards, and Littlejohn was presented with his honor at Emerald Dunes Club during a special awards presentation in front of more than 130 club members and family. Click here to view the rest of the annual award winners.