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Member Clubs
An MAPGA Milestone
The Middle Atlantic PGA commemorates 100 years and counting
By Michael J. Stott
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birthday bash and a major championship— what better way to kick off a centennial year?
On March 2, exactly 100 years after its founding, the Middle Atlantic PGA celebrated its centennial at the Golf Club at Lansdowne. The event honored its 51 past presidents, Hall of Fame inductees and award winners. NBC commentator Jimmy Roberts and PGA of America President Don Rea led the program.
The major? The 85th Senior PGA Championship, held at Congressional Country Club and won by Angel Cabrera— marking the 23rd major golf championship hosted in the Middle Atlantic region since 1899.
As one of 41 PGA Sections, the MAPGA supports PGA professionals in Virginia, Maryland, D. C. and parts of West Virginia and Pennsylvania. It’ s mission: to grow the game through education, development and leadership. MAPGA pros support more than 900,000 golfers who play over 16.5 million rounds each year.
A legacy of leadership
Founded in 1925, the MAPGA elected Fred McLeod( Columbia CC) as its first president. The association restructured its leadership in 1938 and grew steadily under leaders like Al Houghton, Max Elbin and Bill Clark in the 1950s and‘ 60s.
Former MAPGA president Bob Dolan( 2002-03) notes the section’ s influence beyond its borders, with past leaders helping shape national PGA of America policies. Elbin and Clarke were instrumental in the PGA’ s transition after its split with the PGA Tour and in bringing the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship under PGA of America oversight.
The MAPGA opened its first formal office in 1966 and expanded significantly in the 1980s, adding new events, chapters and member services. By then, it had grown into the nation’ s eighth-largest section.
At left: Bobby Jones tees off at Columbia Country Club in Maryland in 1942. Right: Angel Cabrera claimed this year’ s Senior PGA Championship at Congressional CC.
Modernization and momentum
The arrival of Col. Richard Johns as executive director in 1995 brought a business-focused transformation. The MAPGA built a permanent headquarters in Stafford in 2006 and continues to grow under current leadership, including executive director Jon Guhl.
The section’ s impact is felt nationally, thanks to leaders like Allen Wronowski, former Hillendale CC director of golf and PGA of America president( 2011-12), and legendary teacher Bill Strausbaugh. The PGA’ s annual Bill Strausbaugh Award honors professionals who mentor others and serve their communities, continuing his legacy.
Programs that make a difference
“ The biggest evolution has been in player development,” said Guhl. Programs like PGA Jr. League, PGA COACH and PGA HOPE have provided new platforms for MAPGA pros to engage and grow the game.
With 27 PGA HOPE locations— more than any other section— the MAPGA continues its deep commitment to military communities. The free, 6-8 week program helps veterans and active-duty personnel improve physical, emotional and social wellness through golf.
“ To see the success stories of the graduating HOPE players and hear them tell how it has changed their lives and helped them find a community in golf is just heartwarming,” said current MAPGA president Lynne Hunter of Kenwood Country Club.
Looking ahead
Challenges remain— especially around fundraising to expand Foundation efforts in military outreach, youth golf and inclusion. But the work is already making a difference. MAPGA professionals raise $ 6 million annually for local charities.
Guhl envisions an MAPGA that continues evolving to meet the needs of its professionals, offering innovative education, stronger employment opportunities and expanding programs that help grow the game. Above all, he hopes the next 100 years will keep PGA professionals at the center of golf’ s success.
One milestone is already on the horizon: the 2030 PGA Championship, returning to Congressional. It’ s a fitting spotlight for a section whose commitment to the game shows no sign of slowing down.
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12 V IRGINIA G OLFER | S EPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 vsga. org