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 - Justin Hicks, PGA, Taylor Collins, PGA, and Alan Morin, PGA, named the 2024 Rolex Section, Women’s and Senior Player of the Year, respectively. Determined by a season-long points race, the South Florida PGA Section honors a Section, Women’s and Senior Player of the Year for their outstanding play during the tournament season. After spending nearly a decade competing on the PGA TOUR, Hicks, a Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Golf and Country Club, earned his Class-A PGA of America Membership in 2022, becoming a staple on top of leaderboards almost immediately. As consistent as his play has been, Hicks was still missing a valuable piece on his playing resume heading into the 2024 season. After a runner-up finish in the Fort Lauderdale Open to begin the season, Hicks won his first individual Section Major at the Bushnell Stroke Play Championship at John’s Island Club in late August, which also came with a special invitation to the 2025 Corales Puntacana Championship, his third straight year qualifying for the PGA TOUR event. Hicks carried that momentum into a runner-up finish at the South Florida PGA Professional Championship at Imperial Golf Club, concluding the season with a runner-up, sixth place, first place, and runner-up performance in all Majors. With securing the Rolex Player of the Year honor, Hicks earned entry into the 2025 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. From a first-time Player of the Year honoree to the most decorated SFPGA playing professional in Section history, Morin has successfully captured four of the last five Senior Player of the Year titles since becoming eligible for the division in 2020. The 2021 SFPGA Hall of Fame inductee’s 2024 season was highlighted by hoisting his second South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship trophy in the last three years. A month later, Morin captured the National Senior PGA Professional Championship in Sunriver, Oregon, and was the first SFPGA professional to win the championship since Gene Fieger, PGA, in 2014. In addition, Morin, an Assistant Professional at The Club at Ibis, managed a runner-up finish at the E-Z-GO South Florida Open and a T4 finish at the Bushnell Stroke Play Championship. Staying on the trend of well-decorated SFPGA playing professionals, Collins has now claimed three of the four Women’s Player of the Year awards, which first began in 2021 after Collins became the first SFPGA professional to earn a male or female National Player of the Year honor. A Coral Ridge Country Club teaching professional, Collins was the highest female finisher in each major she competed in. She won the Women’s Section Championship by eight shots, her second title in as many years. The Player of the Year is presented by Rolex and is a season-long points race designed to honor the best overall Section, Female, and Senior players. Each player will be recognized for their incredible play throughout the season with a plaque.

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.

Palm Beach Gardens, FL - The South Florida PGA hosted its 6th Annual SFPGA Pro-Lady today at Old Marsh Golf Club to close out the 2024 SFPGA Section tournament season. 25 teams of a SFPGA Professional and three female amateurs hit the course for an 18-hole stroke play event that consisted of a best-ball format, taking the best score on the par-4’s and par-5’s, while taking the two top scores on the par-3’s Victor Tortorici, PGA Director of Golf at Sailfish Point Golf Club and his team of amateurs, Pat Wilks, Nancy DelPriore and Carol Web took home first place honors with a 69, one shots better than Joey Medora and his team from Old Palm Golf Club and Tom Patri, PGA and his team from The TwinEagles Club. Finishing in a tie for low professional was Jeff Waber, PGA of Broken Sound Club - Old Course and John Lynch, PGA of Windsor Club at 4-under 68. Both Waber and Lynch managed only one bogey to go along with five birdies on the day. The 2024 SFPGA Pro-Lady marked the final event of the 2024 Section tournament season and was supported by XXIO | Never Compromise | ASICS. Leaderboard

Naples, FL— The annual South Florida PGA Cadillac Pro-Am Invitational took place today at The TwinEagles Club on the Talon Course, raising $9,000 for the South Florida PGA Foundation. Cadillac, a longstanding partner of the South Florida PGA, supported this event generating funds and awareness for the South Florida PGA Foundation and its community outreach programs. These programs annually enhance the lives of youth, military, and families throughout the south Florida community. 21 teams, each consisting of one PGA of America professional and three amateurs, competed in a two best ball of four format. The professional individual division was played in a Stableford format. 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. Gyles Robin, Director of Golf at The Club at Gateway, captured low professional honors with 38 Stableford points. The event was presented by Cadillac, with DeVoe Cadillac and Val Ward Cadillac serving as representatives, while The Baldwin Group and The Golf Rope acted as supporting partners. Leaderboard

The South Florida PGA Foundation presented a check in the amount of $127,500 to Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida on Tuesday, December 10th. This contribution, raised during the inaugural West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash, will help support local children's healthcare initiatives and ensure critical resources for families in Southwest Florida. The ceremony brought together South Florida PGA Foundation Board Members, hospital representatives, patient families, and event participants to celebrate the impact of the successful event held on October 21st at The Glades Golf & Country Club. Alba, a Golisano Children's Hospital patient who spoke at the Birdie Bash, was among those in attendance. Just four days after sharing her inspiring story at the event, Alba rang the hospital's bell, signifying her victory over cancer. 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. “Golf is the more charitable sport in the world, and today is a great example of why that is the case, it is due to the philanthropy done at the grassroots level, by PGA Professionals nationwide. We look forward to many more days like today, being able to support our local community through golf, and change the lives of those facing medical hardship,” Tom Wildenhaus, PGA - South Florida PGA Foundation President. During the Play Yellow Birdie Bash, 36 PGA of America Professionals participated in an 81-hole team challenge, with each birdie supported by donor pledges. The event raised over $250,000 to benefit Golisano Children's Hospital and the South Florida PGA Foundation. 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. The funds donated to Golisano Children's Hospital will enhance the hospital's ability to deliver world-class pediatric care. Established in 1994, Golisano Children's Hospital is the only recognized children's hospital between Tampa and Miami, earning the designation of "Top Hospital" by The Leapfrog Group for three consecutive years. The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida Community, focusing on youth, military, and families. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of 2,000 men and women PGA Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.

Bonita Springs, Fl - Taylor Collins, PGA of Coral Ridge Country Club, won the 2024 South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship today at Shadow Country Club - Preserve course as the only player in the field to finish under-par. First played in 2020, the Women’s Section Championship has been held concurrently with the overall Section Championship for the last two years. Inclined to present the Pam Brosnihan, PGA Women’s Section Championship trophy as a part of its own event, this year’s Championship was held at Shadow Country Club - Preserve Course, played yesterday and today, and hosted 12 SFPGA female Professionals. 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-in-one 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-9 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. With the win, Collins was also named the South Florida PGA Rolex Women’s Player of the Year, her second straight year earning the honor. Dickson, a Teaching Professional at Palmira Golf Club, took home second-place honors at 7-over 75-76–151. Susan Bond-Philo, PGA of PGA Magazine, captured the Senior Women’s Section Championship with an 24-over 85-83–168 performance, defeating Karen Sherman-Lavin, PGA of Addison Reserve Country Club, and Tish Certo, PGA of Island Country Club. Leaderboard

Vero Beach, FL - The South Florida PGA Foundation raised more than $10,000 during the 12th Annual Quail Valley Holiday Pro-Am at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida, raising funds and awareness to support the SFPGA Foundation . A total of 46 teams, comprised of one PGA of America Professional and one amateur, competed in a Stableford team format. Contests were held in net, gross, and professional divisions. More than $10,000 was raised to directly support the SFPGA Foundation's mission of serving the south Florida community and changing lives through golf. Through its various programs—PGA HOPE, Smiling Fore Life, Habitat for Humanity, Golf & STEAM Camp, and annual scholarships—the SFPGA Foundation annually reaches over 3,000 local youth, military personnel, and families. PGA TOUR Professional Nick Lindheim and amateur Casey Sherwin secured first place in the gross division with a total of 49 points. Lindheim also took the top spot in the professional division, scoring 48 points. In the net division, Cory Cooper, PGA Head Golf Professional at Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club and John Colo claimed first place with 51 points. In addition to the event champions, Tom Kubinski, amateur partner of Michael Kostelnik, PGA Head Golf Professional at Lost Tree Club scored a hole-in-one on the 12th hole, hitting an 8-iron from 155 yards. For full results, click here . The Quail Valley Holiday Pro-Am is made possible by Quail Valley Golf Club and its General Manager, Kevin Given, along with Director of Golf, Don Meadows, PGA. In addition to the host facility, the following companies served as supporting partners: Doc Murphy, Fairways to Heaven Golf Travel, Fire Marker Brewing Company, Heritage Creations, and Maui Jim.