President’s Letter
Charles R. Dannenberg

W elcome to the Pennsylvania Golf Association’s 101St year of statewide golf championships. After a very cold and snowy winter, the golf season has arrived!

2009, our centennial year, was a great success for many reasons. Numerous Pennsylvanians distinguished themselves here and nationally. Most notable were the accomplishments of Pennsylvanian Nathan Smith, of Pinecrest Golf Club. Enjoying a season of a lifetime, he recorded individual victories in the PAGA’s Jay Sigel Match Play Championship, the Pennsylvania Amateur Championship and the Western PA Amateur Championship. He qualified for the U.S. Amateur, was a member of the victorious U. S. Walker Cup team, and won his second USGA Mid Amateur Championship. Smith, Sean Knapp, and Mike Van Sickle won the USGA’s State Team Championship - the first ever for a Pennsylvania team. Our Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club was very successful and won by Justin Smith, of Franklin, PA.

Congratulations to these individuals and our many other champions in 2009.

This year’s championships feature some wonderful golf clubs throughout Pennsylvania including Lookaway Golf Club, Bedford Springs Resort, Lehigh Country Club, and Chester Valley Golf Club. The PA Open will be held at Applebrook Golf Club and the PA Amateur will be at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

We are happy to announce a new event, the Pennsylvania Father-Son Championship at Hershey Country Club. This event will honor Mr. William R. Davis, Jr., former PAGA Executive Committee member and his son, Mike Davis, Senior Director of Rules and Competitions for the USGA.

As we begin the first season of our “second century,” the PAGA celebrates a great history and sincere dedication to preserve the traditions and integrity of this game we all love. Our Executive Committee members, volunteers and professional staff are committed to providing you the best championships possible.