In The News

Check out the latest media and news coverage featuring the Wisconsin PGA and our professionals.
For media inquires please contact Beth O’Reilly at O’Reilly Public Relations – bethoreillypr@gmail.com

Flagship victory vaults Mick Smith to his first WPGA Player of the Year honor; Kurt Mantyla ends Jim Schuman’s six-year run as Senior POY
12.28.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/men/wpga/flagship-victory-vaults-mick-smith-to-his-first-wpga-player-of-the-year-honor-kurt/article_0d289460-673a-11ec-a170-abb7bec166be.html

Golf Digest – Best Teachers In Your State for 2022-23 – 13 Wisconsin PGA Members
11.30.2021 – GolfDigest.com
https://www.golfdigest.com/story/best-teachers-state-ranking

LPGA Announces the 50 Best Teachers for 2022-2023 – Patti Marquis
11.29.2021 – LPGA.com
https://www.lpga.com/news/2021/lpga-announces-50-best-teachers

PGA Members Elliott, Eshleman, Gutierrez and Howard Elected to the PGA of America Board of Directors
11.4.2021 – PGA.com
https://www.pga.com/story/pga-members-rob-elliott-eric-eshleman-derek-gutierrez-and-barry-howard-to-the-pga-of-america-board-of-directors

2020 National PGA of America Award Winners Honored at Annual Meeting – Josue’ Reyes
11.3.2021 – PGA.com
https://www.pga.com/story/2020-national-pga-of-america-award-winners-honored-at-annual-meeting

Travis Becker, Jeff Ellingson among WPGA professionals honored in COVID-delayed 2021 awards ceremony
11.1.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/men/wpga/travis-becker-jeff-ellingson-among-wpga-professionals-honored-in-covid-delayed-2021-awards-ceremony/article_45b1867a-3b02-11ec-a9d7-8b5bf0408993.html

The Sweet Spot – Muranyi and Reinhart inducted into the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame
11.1.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/featured/sweetspot/the-sweet-spot-muranyi-and-reinhart-inducted-into-hof-milwaukee-studying-fate-of-par-3/article_56923498-3afe-11ec-91e0-abca85475150.html

A Leap of Faith Lead to the Ryder Cup for PGA WORKS Fellow Rachel Beers
10.14.2021 – PGA.com
https://www.pga.com/story/a-leap-of-faith-lead-to-the-ryder-cup-for-pga-works-fellow-rachel-beers

Dirk Willis, PGA, Made A Splash with the Addition of The Baths
9.21.2021 – PGA.com
https://www.pga.com/story/dirk-willis-pga-made-a-splash-with-the-addition-of-the-baths

Josue’ Reyes – PGA Journeys
9.21.2021 – PGA of America
Video #1 Video #2 Video #3

We Asked 3 Golf Professionals What the Ryder Cup Means to Them – Bill Graham, Dirk Willis and PGA President, Jim Richerson
9.20.2021 – Milwaukee Magazine
https://www.milwaukeemag.com/we-asked-3-golf-professionals-what-the-ryder-cup-means-to-them/

Wisconsin PGA Section, Wisconsin State Golf Association are growing golf together – Joe Stadler
9.20.2021 – Golfweek
https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2021/09/20/wisconsin-pga-section-wisconsin-state-golf-association-growing-golf-ryder-cup/

WISCONSIN UNCOVERED: Meet The First Black PGA Pro in Wisconsin History – Hanc Spivey
9.16.2021 – Random Golf Club Films
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLCKHjxMYCk

From caddie to head of golf operations – Michael O’Reilly
9.16.2021 – Golf Today UK
https://golftoday.co.uk/ryder-cup-whistling-straits-mike-oreilly-from-caddie-to-head-of-golf-operations/

Mick Smith finishes strong to become first back-to-back winner of WPGA Professional Championship since 2002
9.14.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/men/wpga/mick-smith-finishes-strong-to-become-first-back-to-back-winner-of-wpga-professional-championship/article_139eae76-159e-11ec-9c6c-c39c5b0f0892.html

WPGA making sure golf is available for all Wisconsinites – PGA Reach Wisconsin Pro-Am
9.3.2021 – WTMJ4 Milwaukee
https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/wpga-making-sure-golf-is-available-for-all-wisconsinites

Group of golf teachers devoted to the late Manuel de la Torre’s swing concepts planning seminar to celebrate his 100th birthday
9.1.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/men/wpga/group-of-golf-teachers-devoted-to-the-late-manuel-de-la-torres-swing-concepts-planning/article_9d47c890-0a9c-11ec-9652-b7bf8d55b3ff.html

Mike Schnarr, who helped start the WPGA Junior Tour more than 30 years ago, helps end 2021 season with boys championship bearing his name
8.31.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/junior/wpga_juniors/mike-schnarr-who-helped-start-the-wpga-junior-tour-more-than-30-years-ago-helps/article_46628e2a-09f7-11ec-8d93-2b385244ebc5.html

Sponsors, hotels and restaurants, and golf fans are ready to welcome the Ryder Cup and its $135M economic impact – Joe Stadler
8.20.2021 – Milwaukee Business Journal
https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2021/08/20/hosting-the-greatest-event-in-golf-ryder-cup.html

Longbella Leads Local Finishers at State Open
8.19.2021 – Leader Telegram – Eau Claire / Chippewa Falls
https://www.leadertelegram.com/sports/longbella-leads-local-finishers-at-wisconsin-state-open/article_01732e03-f9f1-5b0d-b09d-d19ea7c135f4.html

Steger earns top-10 finish in Wisconsin State Open
8.19.2021 – Racine Journal Times
https://journaltimes.com/sports/golf/state-golf-steger-earns-top-10-finish-in-wisconsin-state-open/article_6b57ee63-6c8c-5f73-bb92-5ee8fce941c3.html

Brookfield’s Harrison Ott wins back-to-back Wisconsin State Opens
8.18.2021 – jsonline.com
https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/golf/2021/08/18/brookfields-harrison-ott-wins-state-open-blackwolf-run/8177294002/

101st Suter Ward Group at Morgan Stanley Wisconsin State Open
08.18.2021 Wisconsin.Golf

If at first you don’t succeed … try 93 more times. Cherokee CC assistant pro Eric Popovich finally passes his PAT after 30 years trying
08.13.2021 Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/men/wpga/if-at-first-you-dont-succeed-try-93-more-times-cherokee-cc-assistant-pro-eric/article_4bf250e4-fc25-11eb-b5cb-5f91ac8b2b4c.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share

Wisconsin State Open to be hosted at two venues this year
8.11.2021 – NBC 15 Madison
https://www.nbc15.com/2021/08/12/wisconsin-state-open-be-hosted-two-venues-this-year/

The recreational golf boom during the pandemic has continued in Wisconsin this year
8.6.2021 – jsonline.com
https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/golf/2021/08/06/wisconsin-recreational-golf-boom-has-continued-2021/5497017001/

Learning a bit from his pro caddie job, Austin Gaugert bags a victory at the season-long Wisconsin PGA Match Play Championship
7.31.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/men/wpga/learning-a-bit-from-his-pro-caddie-job-austin-gaugert-bags-a-victory-at-the/article_4a3664de-f1ee-11eb-abe1-efc879643947.html

Sentry.Com – Sentry becomes title sponsor of Wisconsin State Women’s Open
6.15.2021 – Sentry Insurance
https://www.sentry.com/about-us/company-news-and-events/sentry-partners-with-wpga

WPR.Com – WPGA Expects To Shatter Record For Youth Tournament Entries This Summer – Andy Landenberger
6.15.2021 – Wisconsin Public Radio
https://www.wpr.org/wpga-expects-shatter-record-youth-tournament-entries-summer

Clinics offer free golf instruction from PGA professionals to active and retired military members across Wisconsin – Rob Elliott, Marcus Suelflow, Joe Stadler
6.1.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/men/wpga/clinics-offer-free-golf-instruction-from-pga-professionals-to-active-and-retired-military-members-across/article_39aaba5a-c38d-11eb-9674-b322a8c20efc.html

Golf’s spike in popularity during the pandemic continues into 2021 – Jim Buyze
5.28.2021 – WEAU13
https://www.weau.com/2021/05/28/golfs-spike-in-popularity-during-the-pandemic-continues-into-2021/?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=weau

OwlGuru.com – Career in Sports – Erika Pirkl
5.23.2021 – OwlGuru.com
https://www.owlguru.com/review/director-of-player-development-erika-pirkl-pga/

The Sweet Spot – Recapping the start to the Wisconsin Drive, Chip & Putt season
5.17.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/19th_hole/the-sweet-spot-north-kelly-and-aaron-rodgers-stricker-and-the-john-deere-classic-brandon/article_983d69ae-b6ff-11eb-9b86-3bf31d81c0a3.html

Wisconsin sees more junior golfers during pandemic – Susan Kim & Andy Landenberger
4.28.2021 – WTMJ4 Milwaukee
https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/wisconsin-sees-increase-in-junior-golfers-during-pandemic?fbclid=IwAR1D7GJV4pAH_PYjrQkbFnhmR-DLECIgvxpHJ8HGcs6kL_MTQ-S5QmGEcsw

Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals Recap
4.19.2021 – Wisconsin Golfer
http://digital.wsga.org/wisconsin-golfer-april-2021/page/19

Golf Wisconsin License Plate – Susan Kim
4.16.2021 – TMJ4 Milwaukee
https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/new-golf-license-plates-to-fund-college-scholarships?fbclid=IwAR2tO8aNhSlxIv3hyP5uw2CQTafX5HBzFEXFmoUNs1qqyfIE4V_cMO6Hjrc

Golf Season Preview – Joe Stadler, David Cohn, Joe Mrozinski
4.15.2021 – Fox 6 Milwaukee
https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukee-county-parks-expect-busy-golf-season-after-strong-2020

As the Masters honors Lee Elder, Hanc Spivey reflects on his own career as an African-American pioneer in Wisconsin golf
4.6.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/19th_hole/gary_d_amato/as-the-masters-honors-lee-elder-hanc-spivey-reflects-on-his-own-career-as-an/article_ca24fea6-96c9-11eb-a042-5787c7941647.html

Drive, Chip & Putt Preview – Don DuChateau & McKenna Nelson
4.1.2021 – Fox 6 Milwaukee
https://www.fox6now.com/sports/beaver-dam-girl-drives-chips-and-putts-her-way-to-augusta

Drive, Chip & Putt Preview – Mitchell Shroyer
4.1.2021 – Middleton Times
http://middletontimes.com/articles/2021/04/01/middletons-shroyer-competing-augusta

Drive, Chip & Putt Preview – Don DuChateau & McKenna Nelson
4.1.2021 – Beaver Dam Daily Citizen
https://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/youth-golf-beaver-dam-12-year-old-will-compete-in-junior-skills-competition-sunday-at/article_c34b737b-6873-5bd3-b435-6394b705bdb6.html#tracking-source=home-breaking

Beloit Club At Hub of Sudden Golf Mecca – Kent Instefjord & Travis Becker
3.30.2021 – Beloit Daily News
https://www.beloitdailynews.com/beloit-club-at-hub-of-sudden-golf-mecca/article_60eebc55-5a45-5dd1-80d3-a3e837f03ff4.html?utm_content=162036798&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-3147744

Golf Season Preview – Dave Spengler & Chris Hoel
3.30.2021 – WBay 2 Green Bay
https://www.wbay.com/2021/03/30/golf-courses-expect-a-busy-year/

Drive, Chip & Putt Preview – Ashleyjen Powell
3.29.2021 – Appleton Post Crescent
https://www.postcrescent.com/story/sports/2021/03/29/drive-chip-and-putt-appleton-norths-powell-excited-augusta-trip/7037645002/

Drive, Chip & Putt Preview – Don DuChateau & McKenna Nelson
3.22.2021 – Fond du Lac Reporter
https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/sports/2021/03/22/fond-du-lac-golf-coach-don-duchateau-helps-youth-reach-augusta-national/4761740001/

Drive, Chip & Putt Preview – Mitchell Shroyer
3.19.2021 – NBC Channel 15 Madison
https://www.nbc15.com/2021/03/19/ready-to-drive-chip-and-putt-middleton-10-year-old-heading-to-the-masters/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=wmtv

Drive, Chip & Putt – Wisconsin Participant Preview
3.8.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/19th_hole/gary_d_amato/something-special-12-year-old-beaver-dam-girl-to-compete-in-drive-chip-and-putt/article_0d4af384-7dbb-11eb-94b6-7ffa7c7a6ee8.html

WPGA announces State Open exemption for winner of State Women’s Open
3.4.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/women/wpga/effort-to-grow-womens-golf-gets-a-big-boost-as-wpga-announces-state-open-exemption/article_2fb37e4a-7d2b-11eb-a054-5fddde800374.html

WSGA, WPGA and Culver’s team up: A bigger, better junior golf championship for girls
3.2.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/junior/wpga_juniors/wsga-wpga-and-culvers-team-up-on-a-sweet-deal-a-bigger-better-junior-golf/article_e642c050-7b08-11eb-88a7-2bd7b42d3afc.html

Wisconsin PGA Special Awards Recap
3.1.2021 – Wisconsin Golfer Magazine
http://digital.wsga.org/wisconsin-golfer-february-2021/page/17

2020 WPGA Players of the Year
2.26.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/men/wpga/an-old-pro-ageless-jim-schuman-has-now-won-wpga-player-of-the-year-honors/article_c702dd9e-750c-11eb-9711-dfe476d3a8e5.html

A look at the life of Bill Brodell
2.23.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/men/wpga/bill-brodell-longtime-head-pga-professional-at-butte-des-morts-cc-and-mentor-to-dozens/article_2fe83a2a-7535-11eb-9ed8-ffbfb6f545b9.html

Try Golfing For Fitness – Andy Fish
2.22.2021 – Midwest Living
https://www.midwestliving.com/travel/around-region/try-golfing-for-fitness/

GRAA Best Practice – Transform Your Range into a Par-3 Course – Bob Burns
2.15.2021 – Golf Range Magazine
https://golfrange.org/bob-burns-transform-your-range-into-a-par-3-course/

TMJ4 checks in with Moorland Road Golf Center – Mike Vance
2.11.2001 – TMJ4
https://www.tmj4.com/sports/moorland-road-golf-center-remains-busy-despite-single-digit-temps

2020 TaylorMade Golf National Fitter of the Year – Jeff Kaiser
2.10.2021 – Taylormadegolf.com
https://www.taylormadegolf.com/clubhouse/132110-taylormade-names-2020-staff-professional-award-winners.html?lang=en_US

Wisconsin PGA 2021 Special Awards – After years building a career as a golf pro, Edelweiss Chalet’s Jeff Ellingson wins Wisconsin PGA’s highest honor
2.1.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/men/wpga/after-years-building-a-career-as-a-golf-pro-edelweiss-chalets-jeff-ellingson-wins-wisconsin/article_13b3f7c6-6483-11eb-90b4-5b6cf038a420.html

Wisconsin PGA 2021 Tournament Schedule Preview
1.19.2021 – Wisconsin.Golf
https://www.wisconsin.golf/men/wpga/the-busy-get-busier-as-states-top-club-professionals-have-a-lot-to-juggle-in/article_7f5ce5e0-59b7-11eb-844a-439011b00c03.html

Wisconsin Golf Industry – What’s ahead in 2021
1.15.2021 – Milwaukee Business Journal Podcast
https://milwaukeebusinessjournal.libsyn.com/wisconsins-golf-industry-in-21-demand-for-software-developers-courageous-leadership

Best Young Golf Instructors in America 2021-22 – Tim Boegh & Molly Braid
1.12.2021 – Golf Digest
https://www.golfdigest.com/story/best-young-teachers-in-america-2021-2022

Wisconsinites Played More Golf in 2020 – Joel Weitz & Joe Stadler
1.1.2021 – Wisconsin Public Radio
https://www.wpr.org/wisconsinites-played-more-rounds-golf-during-pandemic