Penn Oaks Golf Club, West Chester, PA, August 5, 2025
News Summary
At the recent Pro-Am for Wishes tournament, PGA Professionals Stephen Swartz and Kevin Nicholson guided their amateur team to an impressive victory. They secured an 11-under-par net score, narrowly beating the second-place team. This annual event not only spotlighted top golf talent but also raised significant funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation. The Pro-Am for Wishes showcases the commitment to philanthropy and community support in golf, especially following a hiatus due to the pandemic. The tournament continues to be a vital aspect of the local golfing calendar.
West Chester, PA – PGA Professionals Stephen Swartz of Carlisle Country Club and Kevin Nicholson from Sandy Run Country Club led their amateur team to victory at the 49th Pro-Am for Wishes, held on August 3, 2025, at Penn Oaks Golf Club. The team, featuring amateurs Josh Resslar and Mark Miller, achieved an impressive 11-under-par net score, outpacing their nearest competitors by just one stroke.
The second-place team comprised Rich Steinmetz (Spring Ford Country Club), Peter Clarke (Manufacturers’ Golf & Country Club), Dan Giacchino, and Eric Bennett, who finished with a score of 10-under-par in the two Best Balls of Four net format. In third place, the team of Danny Lewis (Trout National), Brittany Weddell (Green Valley Country Club), Dan Missar, and Devin Saab scored 9-under-par.
The Pro-Am for Wishes is an annual golf event that benefits Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. Since it moved to Penn Oaks Golf Club in 2008, the tournament has raised over $700,000 for the charity. Notably, the event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this year’s event particularly special as it resumed after a hiatus.
This year’s event marked a long-standing tradition, first initiated in 1976 at Whitford Country Club. Participants looked forward to the combination of golf and philanthropy that the Pro-Am for Wishes entails. The successful turnout showcased the community’s commitment to supporting children with critical illnesses.
Swartz not only led the winning team but also topped the leaderboard in the concurrent PGA Professional event, holding a two-stroke lead with a score of 6-under-par going into the final round set for August 4, 2025. His prominent position highlights his skills and dedication to the sport. Close behind him was Zach Barbin from Chesapeake Bay Golf Club.
In the Senior Division, Swartz is five strokes ahead of Dave McNabb of Applebrook Golf Club, indicating his strong performance across multiple categories. The competition also saw Dan Missar earn Low Amateur honors with a score of 2-over-par 73, marking him as a standout amateur player in the field.
Several players were tied at 9-over-par and competed for the second place in Low Amateur honors, including Eric DiPietro, Jacob Sokalsky, Geoff Sheehan, and Artie Schenck.
The event was proudly presented by Cavan Construction Co. Inc., Tamora Group, and Woodward Properties. The Philadelphia PGA Section expressed gratitude to its partners and the staff at Penn Oaks Golf Club for their support, which made the event achievable.
The next Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year points event, the 104th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, is scheduled to take place at Concord Country Club from August 18-20, 2025.
FAQ
What is the Pro-Am for Wishes?
The Pro-Am for Wishes is an annual charity golf tournament that benefits Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. It features teams of PGA professionals and amateur golfers.
When and where did the 49th Pro-Am for Wishes take place?
The 49th Pro-Am for Wishes took place on August 3, 2025, at Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester, PA.
Who won the event?
The event was won by the team led by PGA Professionals Stephen Swartz and Kevin Nicholson, who posted an 11-under-par net score.
Key Features of Pro-Am for Wishes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Penn Oaks Golf Club, West Chester, PA |
| Date | August 3, 2025 |
| Winning Score | 11-under-par |
| Beneficiary | Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley |
| Total Raised Since 2008 | Over $700,000 |
| Next Event | 104th Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship on August 18-20, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Riley Wheeldon Wins Pro-Am for Wishes Golf Tournament
Philadelphia Hosts Grounds Tickets Sell-Out for PGA Championship
Additional Resources
- Philadelphia PGA: Riley Wheeldon Wins 49th Pro-Am for Wishes
- Wikipedia: Make-A-Wish
- Philadelphia PGA: Swartz and Nicholson Lead Team to Victory
- Google Search: Pro-Am for Wishes
- Philadelphia PGA: Braden Shattuck Wins 2025 Doylestown Open
- Google Scholar: Charity Golf Tournament
- Philadelphia PGA: Michael Little Wins 48th Pro-Am for Wishes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Tournament
- Philadelphia PGA: Kyle Early Earns First Victory at 2023 Doylestown Open
- Google News: PGA Professionals
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF 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.
