Middle Atlantic PGA

As part of our Centennial celebration, we want to shine a spotlight on George Diffenbaugh, our 12th President! George's incredible journey began as a caddie in 1917 and led him all the way to the MAPGA Presidency in 1937. He was a true pioneer, present at the formative meeting of the MAPGA in 1925. Not only did he lead the organization through the challenging "Great Depression" era, but he also significantly boosted the Section Championship alongside Al Houghton, increasing its prestige and participation. Diffenbaugh's dedication to the MAPGA and his leadership during a critical period laid a strong foundation for our organization's growth. Beyond his presidential role, George Diffenbaugh was a remarkable player and teacher. He won multiple tournaments, qualified for both the PGA Championship and the US Open, and even competed against nationally renowned figures in exhibitions. He spent 38 years as a professional at Kenwood Country Club and played a vital role in developing young amateur golfers, showing a deep commitment to the future of the sport.

This week as part of our Centennial Celebration, we are saluting our 11th Section President, Alec C. Taylor, a golf pioneer whose journey spanned continents and decades! From Scotland to the U.S. after WWI, Taylor's career was marked by dedication and skill. He served as Head Professional at notable clubs like Suburban, Fountain Head, and Rolling Road in Maryland. Beyond his club roles, Taylor held leadership positions in professional golf associations, including Treasurer of the MSPGA and, most notably, Second Vice President of the Middle Atlantic PGA in 1934, putting him in line to become President. He also attended the formative meeting of the Middle Atlantic PGA section on March 2, 1925, at Columbia. Alec Taylor's contributions to golf extended to his playing career. He competed in numerous events, including the Maryland State Professional Open and the MAPGA Championship. His achievements include finishing fourth in the 1922 Maryland State Professional Open, reaching the semi-finals in the 1929 MAPGA Championship, and placing second in the 1931 Maryland Open. He also took part in exhibitions, such as one against Cyril Walker and Bobby Cruickshank. #mapga100

Today as part of our Centennial Celebration, we want to salute past president, Alfred E. Treder. Al Treder served as the 10th President of the Middle Atlantic PGA in 1935. Originally from Wisconsin, Treder's journey in golf began as an assistant at Beloit CC. He furthered his experience at South Bend CC and Lake Geneva CC before becoming the Head Professional at Manor CC in 1924. He played a key role in the remodeling and expansion of Manor CC's golf course. Treder's leadership within the MAPGA led to his election as Second Vice President in 1933, paving the way for his presidency. Treder was also an accomplished player. He was selected for the MAPGA team that competed against a Japanese All-Star team in 1935. He qualified for the 1937 PGA Championship and tied for medalist honors. He also achieved a fourth-place finish in the 1939 Maryland Open. Treder later returned to the MAPGA in 1949 with East Potomac GC. #mapga100 (Second from left in top Row)

Today we are saluting our 9th MAPGA President, Glenn Spencer! Beyond his leadership, Glenn was a phenomenal player, winning the MAPGA Championship in 1932, the Match Play Championship in 1945, and the Maryland Open in 1930. He also claimed the Maryland State Professional Golfers’ Association title twice and competed in four PGA Championships and three US Opens! ???♂? Glenn's influence extends beyond his impressive playing record. He was instrumental in the MAPGA's formation, attending the very first meeting in 1925, and he also served as Secretary of the Maryland State Professional Golfers Association. From starting as a caddy in 1907 to becoming a respected Head Professional at several clubs, including Maryland CC and Rolling Road, Glenn's dedication to the sport is an inspiration. His smooth swing was even compared to Snead's! ?? #MAPGA100

As we continue celebrating our Centennial, we want to celebrate our 8th MAPGA president, Robert Barnett! More than just a golf great, Robert T. Barnett was a character! A champion on the course, a visionary for the PGA, and a man known for his signature whistling. ?? Barnett's contributions to golf are well-documented, but his personality truly made him stand out. He led with passion, mentored with care, and always knew how to get everyone's attention with a whistle. ??

We are continuing our Centennial Celebration today with a salute to the MAPGA's 7th President and founding member, Ralph Beach! Ralph dedicated 40 years to the organization, serving as President twice and earning the prestigious MAPGA Professional of the Year Award in 1959. From caddie to Head Professional at The Suburban Club of Baltimore County for nearly 40 years, Ralph made quite the impact. He was a fierce competitor, winning the Maryland Open, multiple MAPGA championships, and qualifying for 16 national championships! ?? Beyond his playing career, Ralph was instrumental in shaping the MAPGA, attending its first meeting and holding various leadership roles. He even helped form the National Senior PGA. Here's to Ralph Beach!

This week for our Centennial celebration, we are celebrating the 6th MAPGA President, J. Munro Hunter! He served as president in 1931, and he was known for being one of the longest hitters in the country, due to his height of over 6 feet 5 inches. He was a native Scotsman who won the Western Canada amateur title twice before migrating to the United States and accepting the Head Professional position at Milwaukee CC. Hunter's later years were marked by health problems, and he passed in 1965. That year, a columnist noted that he was still teaching golf lessons while seated in a wheel chair the previous summer at a local driving range.

To continue on with our Centennial Celebration, today we want to salute our 5th MAPGA President and founding member, Warner Mather! He was the section's president back in 1930!

We are turning 100!

Today, as part of our Centennial Celebration, we want to give a salute to our 4th Section President and founding Member, Arthur B. Thorn (1929)!