South Florida PGA Junior Tour Alumni Spotlight  For many young golfers, competing at the collegiate level and beyond is a distant goal. For one alumni, that dream became a reality, and his journey through junior golf, college athletics, and into a professional role with the LPGA is truly inspiring. For Drew Steiner, a former South Florida PGA Junior Tour Member and current Player Content Producer at the LPGA, one moment stands out in his junior golf career: winning the 1st Annual SFPGA High School Championship with the Spanish River High team. The victory at Qual Ridge Country Club reinforced the teams talent but it was the comradeira shared that aided in the win. Spanish River was the strongest in the field and Steiner led the way, capturing the overall Individual Boys Championship with a 1-under par performance. "It wasn’t just about winning; it was about how strong we were as a team," Steiner shared. "Winning that event together really showed us how much potential we had as a group." The moment was more than just winning a golf tournament, it further helped him secure a spot on the Lafayette College men’s Golf Team, allowing Steiner to fulfill his dream of playing Division 1 golf. "It gave me the confidence to pursue my goal of playing college golf," he explained. "And doing it with my teammates was a perfect way to prepare for the next chapter." As he transitioned to college golf, the experience playing on a competitive, high-caliber team became even more valuable. "I loved the camaraderie of college golf. It’s just more fun to win as a team than individually,” Steiner recalled. Unlike many who stumble upon the idea of college golf too late, Steiner always knew it was where he wanted to be. "I played all sports up until high school, but once I focused on golf, I knew that was the path," he reflected. "My goal from eighth grade onward was to play college golf and use the sport as a vehicle to get a great education." College golf, especially at the Division I level, was everything he expected. "It wasn’t just about golf. It was about the connections you make, the experiences, and the opportunities that come from being a part of a program." However, the transition from high school to collegiate athletics wasn’t without its challenges. "When you get to college, you realize it’s not just about showing up to class. You have to manage your time, juggle schoolwork, and maximize your practice time," he explained. "Coming from Florida to the Northeast also meant adjusting to the weather, which was a huge change for me." Despite these challenges, Steiner thrived in the competitive atmosphere and loved the camaraderie of the team. "If you're surrounded by good people and teammates, it makes it all worthwhile." During his time at Lafayette in which he graduated in 2022 with a degree in Film and Media Studies, Steiner was an active member of the men’s golf team, further cultivating his passion for both the game and media. It was during this time that his two passions—golf and media—began to converge, ultimately guiding him toward his professional career. Looking back, Steiner knew he was fortunate to work with mentors like John Brooks and Shane Riser, who guided him through the recruiting process, and he looks to share that same knowledge. "Don’t be afraid to reach out to coaches, whether at Division I, II, or III schools. While also being aware of the player you are, the education you want to receive and if you wish to continue to work towards a tour card. The key is getting exposure, and you need to play on competitive teams to get better, no matter the level,” he explained. He also emphasized the importance of choosing a school that fits you, beyond just the golf program. "Go visit the campus. Make sure you like the dining halls, the facilities, and everything around the school. You need to imagine what it’s like in all (weather) seasons." After graduating from Lafayette, Drew was ready to take on the world. Initially pursuing a career in sports journalism, he eventually shifted gears to focus on social media and content creation within the world of golf. Steiner’s journey took him to the PGA of America and the PGA Tour before landing his current role with the LPGA. "I’ve been with the LPGA for a year now, and my day-to-day involves creating video content for player channels—hype videos, graphics, and other creative pieces," he shared. With 13-15 events a year to cover, his job allows him to travel, meet amazing people, and experience the sport in a whole new light. "It wasn’t a planned transition, but I’ve learned so much and I’ve just been taking it all in day by day." Reflecting on his journey, Drew credits much of his success to the experiences and connections he gained both on and off the golf course. From the lessons learned in junior golf to the valuable connections made in college, it’s clear that his time spent in the game has shaped his career path. For any young athlete aspiring to follow in his footsteps, his advice is simple: "Maximize every opportunity. Whether you’re playing junior golf, going through the recruiting process, or figuring out your career path, take advantage of the resources around you." As Steiner continues his work with the LPGA, it's evident that his passion for golf—both as a player and now in the industry—has taken him to new heights… And the journey is just getting started.

Lake Worth, FL - Brandon Rinker, Mia Heuberger, and Reed Abdelnour won their respective age divisions during the South Florida PGA Medalist event, March 22-23 at Park Ridge Golf Course.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour began recognizing a junior boy and girl annually in 2006 for displaying extraordinary sportsmanship with the Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award. The award was established as a gesture to Ficker, his commitment to the South Florida PGA, the South Florida community, and his 41 years as the PGA Head Professional at Tequesta Country Club. “He was simply an incredible guy,” recalled Don Law, PGA of Don Law Golf Academy and a 2013 SFPGA Hall of Fame inductee. “He was one of the nicest humans you will ever meet in your life.” In 1965, Ficker took over as the club’s second head golf professional, succeeding Dow Finsterwald, who enjoyed a very successful playing career, proudly displaying his 1958 PGA Championship Wanamaker Trophy in the golf shop. Ficker stayed loyal to Tequesta, serving 41 years until his retirement in 2006. Following his retirement, the award was created and included in the South Florida PGA Junior Tour’s Annual Award honors. Since then, several recipients have gone on to work in the golf industry, including Matt Cahill, PGA, a 2008 Ed Ficker Sportsmanship award recipient and current Head Golf Professional at Seminole Golf Club. As a young junior golfer, it is difficult to expect one to know or understand the impact a retired golf professional had, but that is what raised the curiosity for Cahill to learn more. “I wanted to really find out what he stood for and learn about his life,” explained Cahill. “I was blown away at how much he gave back to the game of golf and the community. Not just going to work each day as a club professional, but spending time to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.” Samantha (Coleman) Lodigiani, PGA, a 2011 award recipient, went on to study Professional Golf Management at Florida Gulf Coast University and is currently an Assistant Professional at Babcock National Golf Club. And, Danny Green, a current University of Florida student, and 2021 award recipient. Green grew up as a member of Tequesta, and when he received the recognition, Ficker arranged a dinner to spend extra time with Green. “Dinner was wonderful, and he was kind, attentive, and very knowledgeable,” explained Green. “Mr. Ficker was a great man. I am honored to carry on his legacy.” The names featured above are just a few examples of individuals of whom Ficker had a positive impact on. The range of effects Ficker had is unmeasurable, and the Annual Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award is a small indication of our appreciation. "Ed Ficker was the consummate PGA Professional and one of the most respected PGA members not just in South Florida but the entire country. Honoring and carrying on his legacy with the Sportsmanship award is a small way we can ensure the impact of Ed Ficker will never be forgotten," said South Florida PGA Executive Director Geoff Lofstead. All Award Winners: 2024: Boy: Thomas Nevico Girl: Eva Lye 2023: Boy: Alex Greer Girl: Dounia Bezzari 2022: Boy: Danny Green Girl: Punchy Mahathep 2021: Boy: Michael Rivera Girl: Ariana Silva 2020: Boy: Chase Cohen Girl: Erin Marcelino 2019: Boy: Matthew Myers Girl: Madyson Gold 2018: Boy: Chase Scholze Girl: Kelli Kragh 2015 Boy: Joe Lewis Girl: Jillian Bourdage 2014 Boy: Timothy Simpson Girl: Emily Faulkner 2013 Boy: Matt Newman Girl: Mary Janiga 2012 Boy: Robert Butler Girl: Radi Sauro 2011 Boy: Jackson Schoenfelt Girl: Samantha Coleman 2010 Boy: Harley Abrams Girl: Annie Dulman 2009 Boy: Jaime Rodriguez Girl: Ashley Burke 2008 Boy: Matthew Cahill Girl: Julie Olmo 2007 Boy: Derek Wilcox Girl: Christina Amoriello 2006 Boy: Ben Vertz Girl: Kristen Hill

Boca Raton, FL - Gabriel Holtz and Leah Gram won the Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Medalist Tour event, played March 8-9 at Osprey Point Golf Course. Gram of Jupiter managed a two-day total of 7-under, the lowest total score of anyone in the field, boys or girls. The performance sealed her 4th victory on the Medalist Tour and marked her best two-day total since joining the Tour in 2021. Gram led the girl's division in birdies with 14, seven more than the closest competitor.

West Palm Beach, FL - The South Florida PGA Junior Tour has teamed up with Srixon, agreeing on a three-year partnership as the presenting partner of the SFPGA Junior Tour. The partnership will enhance the ability of the SFPGA Junior Tour, now the Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Tour, to deliver first-class, competitive, and fun tournaments hosted at prestigious South Florida facilities for juniors. “We are excited to join forces with the Srixon team,” said South Florida PGA Assistant Executive Director Meredith Schuler. “Between the commitment given at the Section Level to our South Florida PGA Professionals and now the relationship with our Junior Tour, we are confident this partnership will raise the standard and professionalism of all Junior events while further promoting our mission.” The announcement is shared as the Junior Tour is coming off celebrating its 25th year anniversary in 2024, where a record number of members was set at over 1,300. In this partnership, the SFPGA will look to set another record high as each event administered this year has included a sellout field. “Srixon is proud to partner with the South Florida PGA Junior Tour and support the next generation of talented golfers,” said Srixon’s Marketing Communications Director Noelle Zavaleta. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to growing the game by providing young players with premier competitive opportunities and access to top-tier equipment. We look forward to seeing these juniors develop their skills and passion for golf through the SFPGA Junior Tour.” Along with being the presenting partner, the Medalist and Prep Tour Player of the Year Points race, which annually recognizes the top male and female juniors in their respective age divisions, will be renamed the Srixon Player of the Year Points Race. The South Florida PGA Junior Tour falls under the umbrella of the South Florida PGA and its 501-c-3 not-for-profit, the South Florida PGA Foundation. The Junior Tour is composed of three separate Tours, each offering a different experience based on the level of play. ABOUT the South Florida PGA: The South Florida PGA Section is an association of golf professionals whose mission is to promote interest, participation, and enjoyment in golf, establish and maintain professional standards of practice, and enhance the well-being of golf professionals. Over 2,000 PGA members and associates are employed at over 375 facilities in the South Florida Section, ranking as the second largest Section amongst all 41 PGA Sections in the United States. Giving back, changing lives, and growing the game – that is the mission of the South Florida PGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the South Florida PGA. This mission has been carried out by enhancing the lives of youth, families, and military, on and off the golf course. The Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Tour has a membership of more than 1,300 junior golfers ages 6-18 and conducts nearly 100 events annually. We strive to provide opportunities to those juniors who possess the potential skill and aspirations to compete at the high school and/or collegiate level, in addition to those who are new to the game. ABOUT Dunlop Sports Americas: Based in Huntington Beach, CA and Greenville, SC, Dunlop Sports Americas (DSA) is the North American subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. We manufacture and sell premium golf and racket sports equipment to players of all skill levels under a portfolio of brands: Dunlop, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and XXIO. DSA is also a licensed exclusive distributor of ASICS golf footwear. Our unique global sales network and infrastructure in R&D, manufacturing, and material science elevates our brands onto a global stage where we encourage players from around the world to experience our incredible products. For more information, please contact Noelle Zavaleta at noellezavaleta@srixon.com .

Boynton Beach, FL - Reed Abdelnour, Gatlin Albright and Maddie Roach won the Srixon South Florida PGA Medalist Tour event, played February 15-16 at The Links at Boynton Beach.

Vero Beach, FL - Reed Abdelnour, Matthew Marigliano, and Mila Zalsman won their respective age divisions during the South Florida PGA Medalist event, February 1-2 at Sandridge Golf Club - Dunes Course. Abdelnour, a 2031 graduate and West Palm Beach resident, fired a tournament-low 6-under 66 in the final round, managing a clean scorecard en route to winning the boys 11-12 division by 12 shots. Abdelnour wrapped the 36-hole-event at 5-under 73-66–139, only one of two players in the entire field to finish under-par. Simon Bustos of Chattanooga, Tennessee, finished in second at 7-over, while Palmer Buchanan of Port St. Lucie finished in third at 8-over. Marigliano, the reigning SFPGA Medalist Tour Player of the Year, captured a come-from-behind victory in the boys 13-18 division after an opening round of 3-over 75. The 2029 graduate entered the final round four shots behind Hogan Blais of Ottawa, Ontario. Marigliano bounced back with a bogey-free, 4-under 68 to claim the title by four over Blais and Martin Bustos of Chattanooga, Tennessee, who finished in a tie for second at 3-over. Bustos ultimately earned second-place honors, beating out Blais in a scorecard playoff. Zalsman of Saint Petersburg narrowly captured the girls 13-18 division by one shot after a close battle with Nicole Wu of Davie. After an opening round of 1-over 73, Zalsman held a four-shot lead over Wu heading into the final 18 holes. Wu managed an even-par 72, the tournament low round in the girls division, but a 3-over 75 by Zalsman was just enough to claim the wire-to-wire victory at 4-over, 73-75–148. The South Florida PGA Medalist Tour welcomed 62 boys and 25 girls, competing over three age divisions at Sandridge Golf Club’s Dunes Course. The SFPGA Medalist Tour is the premier membership-based junior golf program of the South Florida PGA Section. The Medalist Tour season will continue February 15-16 at The Links at Boynton Beach. Leaderboard

Boynton Beach, FL - The South Florida PGA Junior Tour opened its 2025 season with the SFPGA Winter Kickoff, a 54-hole Major, played January 18-20 at Indian Spring Country Club. After rounds of 72-71, Ryan Nana Tanke of Palm Beach Gardens entered the final round three shots behind Trevor Tingle of Coral Gables. Nana Tanke, a 2028 graduate, managed to match the tournament low round of 4-under 68, bringing his three-day total to 5-under, winning the title by two shots over Tingle. This victory marked his second South Florida PGA Junior Tour Major win, his first being the inaugural “Jr Cup” at Old Palm Golf Club in August of 2023. Throughout his final round battling wind, rain and cold conditions, Nana Tanke pulled through with a bogey-free, clean scorecard. Nana Tanke and Tingle were the only two players in the event to finish under-par. Following 54-holes in the girls 13-18 division, Sophia Christy of Singer Island and Nicole Wu of Davie were tied at 7-over, taking them back to the first tee for a sudden-death playoff. The two battled for the next six holes until darkness forced play to conclude, resulting in the two being crowned co-champions. The SFPGA Winter Kickoff is the first of eight invitation-only junior Majors to be played throughout the 2025 Junior Tour season featuring 90 junior golfers. Champions in both the boys and girls division received four AJGA starts. The next Junior Major will be played May 24-25 with the Patty Berg Junior Championship at Cypress Lake golf Club. Leaderboard

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Gabriel Holtz and Catherine Andino emerged as champions at the 2024 South Florida PGA Junior Tour Championship, presented by Callaway and Toptracer, after two rounds at The Park West Palm on Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8. The SFPGA Tour Championship, the eighth and final major of the season, brought together 90 of south Florida’s top junior golfers, each earning their spot through a season-long qualifying process based on Player of the Year Points. The number of qualifiers in each age division was determined by the percentage of total Junior Tour members in that category, making this event a showcase of the region’s finest young talent. Gabriel Holtz of Boca Raton led the Boys 13-18 Division after round one, finishing at three-under-par. Holtz’s impressive round featured seven birdies and a spectacular hole-in-one on the par-3 5th hole, where he used a 6-iron from 195 yards. Reflecting on the moment, Holtz said, “I watched the ball hop once, and it was in.” The shot ignited his momentum for the rest of the day. “I wasn’t playing great before the hole-in-one, but after I made it, things started to come together. I began making more putts and hitting the ball better, which gave me a lot of confidence moving forward,” he added. Close behind after round one was Jeremy Castellanos of Windermere, who finished the day at one-over-par. Castellanos’s consistent play, including three birdies, kept him firmly in contention for the title. During round two, Castellanos delivered a standout performance, matching the tournament low round of four-under-par with two eagles and six birdies to secure the runner-up position at three-under-par (72-67—139). In the final round, Holtz overcame a tough start, making three early bogeys before turning things around with four consecutive birdies. He maintained his composure and focus to finish at six-under-par (68-68—136), securing the championship by three strokes. “Everything felt good. I had a tough start, just like yesterday, making three bogeys early on. But then things turned around when I made four birdies in a row, and I just kept building on that momentum,” Holtz said. Reflecting on how he managed to stay focused, he added, “I just stayed patient and took it one shot at a time. After those four birdies, I told myself it was time to keep the pedal down and keep fighting until the very end.” In the Girls 13-18 Division, Catherine Andino of Boca Raton delivered a stellar performance, finishing round one with the only under-par score in the division at four-under-par 67. She carried that momentum into round two, facing a tight battle with Ashley Balcom of Lighthouse Point. Andino stayed calm under pressure and sunk a crucial birdie putt on the final hole to regain the lead and clinch the championship by one stroke. “I was confident in my ability and tried to stay focused on each shot and not think about the results,” Andino said. “I knew I needed to make that last birdie to win, and I was confident I would make it. Ashley played great today, and it was a fun way to end the day.” Andino finished the tournament at even-par (67-75—142), while Balcom closed at one-over-par (72-71—143), securing second place. Congratulations to all of our players for a wonderful season! Special thanks to Brian Conley, PGA, Clay Myers, PGA, Cody Sinkler, PGA, and the entire staff at The Park West Palm for hosting the event. The SFPGA Junior Tour’s Callaway Medalist Tour, presented by Toptracer, is the elite level of competition under the umbrella of the South Florida PGA Foundation’s Junior Tour. With over 100 tournaments held annually, the SFPGA Junior Tour offers first-class, low-cost, competitive events at some of South Florida’s most prestigious courses for juniors aged 6-18. Registration for the 2025 season opens on Thursday, December 12, at 10 a.m. Leaderboard | Photo Album