Philadelphia, October 7, 2025

News Summary

The Philadelphia PGA Section has announced the selection of 12 golf professionals for this year’s Challenge Matches, a prestigious event celebrating the legacy of Robin McCool. This event not only highlights the talent of the PGA professionals but also commemorates McCool’s instrumental role in establishing these matches 33 years ago. With support from major sponsors and a focus on community outreach, the Challenge Matches continue to showcase the skills and professionalism of golfers in the Philadelphia region.

Philadelphia PGA Section Announces 12 Professionals for Challenge Matches and Honors Robin McCool’s Legacy

The Philadelphia PGA Section has announced the selection of 12 golf professionals to represent the region in this year’s prestigious Challenge Matches. This year’s event holds special significance as it celebrates the legacy of Robin McCool, a key figure who helped establish the Challenge Matches 33 years ago. McCool’s revitalization efforts have garnered support from Jim Wilson of Ping, Fairway & Greene, and the host facility, Lehigh Country Club. As the honorary captain for the GAP team and the honorary chair of the event, McCool continues to play an integral role in the event’s ongoing success.

List of PGA Professionals

The selected PGA Professionals from the Philadelphia PGA Section are:

• Austin Barbin, Chesapeake Bay Golf Club – Newly elected PGA Member serving as this year’s Captain; second on the Section’s Player of the Year race with a scoring average of 68.73 and recent wins including the Philadelphia Players Championship.
• Trevor Bensel, PGA, Lulu Country Club – Winner of the Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic; currently fourth in Player of the Year standings with six top-10 finishes.
• Ross Brown, PGA, Fox Hill Country Club – Achieved five top-20 finishes this season, placing him 27th on the Player of the Year points list, and ranked eighth in the Central Counties Chapter.
• Andrew Cornish, PGA, Green Valley Country Club – Holds the 10th spot on Player of the Year Points list, with one victory and seven top-25 finishes, including a course record at Berkleigh Golf Club.
• Kyle Early, PGA, Waynesborough Country Club – Consistently amongst top performers with a 72.27 scoring average, currently placed 13th on Player of the Year list.
• Joe Kogelman, PGA, GOLFTEC – Moorestown – Scoring average of 72.54; ranked 26th on Player of the Year standings with seven top-25 finishes.
• Michael Little, PGA, Clubhouse 54 – Two-time Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year; currently ranks seventh in Player of the Year standings and sixth in Debaufre Scoring Average.
• Hugo Mazzalupi, PGA, Radnor Golf Foundation – Ninth on the Senior Player of the Year list with one victory and several top-30 finishes, ranked 10th in Senior Scoring Average.
• Zac Oakley, PGA, Bidermann Golf Club – Recently won the Match Play Championship and sits third in Player of the Year Points Race, with a scoring average of 70.57.
• Stephen Swartz, PGA, Carlisle Country Club – Dominating the Central Counties Chapter rankings; tied for first at the Srixon Invitational and has seven other top-five finishes this season.
• Riley Wheeldon, PGA, Aronimink Golf Club – A newcomer making waves with two victories and a second-place finish at the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship; currently established as fifth in Player of the Year.

PGA Section Overview

The Philadelphia PGA Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates across over 590 golf facilities located in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware. This section not only facilitates competitive events like the Challenge Matches but is also committed to community outreach through the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour and the PGA of America REACH Foundation, which focuses on youth, military, and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Upcoming Challenge Matches

The Challenge Matches are a key event in the golf calendar, showcasing the talent and professionalism of PGA members in the Philadelphia region. The matches not only highlight the skills of these professionals but also honor the legacy of Robin McCool, who continues to influence the game and inspire golfers in the community.

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Additional Resources

• Philadelphia PGA Announces Team for 33rd Philadelphia Challenge Matches
• NBC Sports: Rory McIlroy and Field Get a Better Challenge
• John Pillar Wins 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic
• Philadelphia PGA Section Unveils Modernized Logo
• Google Search: Philadelphia PGA Challenge Matches

Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER

The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.