PBSC golf makes a triumphant return after more than 40 years

It’s been more than 40 years since Palm Beach State College fielded men’s and women’s golf teams—but the wait is over.

The College relaunched its women’s program in 2024 and followed with the men’s team in 2025, marking a new era for PBSC athletics driven by both tradition and innovation.

“The arrival of the TGL indoor professional golf league at our Palm Beach Gardens campus created the perfect opportunity to reestablish our golf program,” said Director of Athletics John Scarpino. “It’s an exciting time for our student-athletes and our community.”

The revival began with the hiring of acclaimed PGA professionals Susan Bond-Philo and Ron Philo, a husband-and-wife team who were both inducted into the New England PGA Section Hall of Fame. Susan came aboard in 2023 to lead the women’s team, and Ron joined a year later to coach the men. Their leadership has already produced impressive results.

In its debut season, the women’s team placed sixth at the 2024 NJCAA National Championship at Buffalo Dunes Golf Club in Kansas. The men’s team made its competitive debut in September 2025 at the Seahawks Shootout hosted by Keiser University, finishing fourth at PGA National—and then capturing their first team victory at Black Diamond Ranch Golf Club soon after.

Freshman standout Gavin Duffy of Fort Lauderdale called that win his favorite moment so far, adding that Coach Philo has helped him refine his game and course management.

“If you are a young golfer looking to go to the next level, coming to PBSC will greatly help your chances,” Duffy said. “Plus, you could get exposed to TMRW Sports, which is an experience you wouldn’t get anywhere else.”

PBSC’s proximity to the TGL and its partner, TMRW Sports, gives both teams unique access to world-class training technology. Talks are underway for student-athletes to use the league’s advanced equipment—tools typically reserved for professional golfers.

The connection also comes with one-of-a-kind opportunities off the course. Both PBSC golf teams were invited to attend for free the TMRW Sports-hosted Boston Common Golf Tee Party on Nov. 21, a celebrity showdown featuring team captains and global music stars Niall Horan and Noah Kahan.

YouTube sensation Good Good Golf filmed the event for millions of viewers worldwide, giving PBSC golfers a front-row look at the sport’s new wave of entertainment and competition.

The PBSC women’s roster includes internationals and Floridians alike: Ida Hansen of Norway, who said she recently broke par for the first time under Coach Bond-Philo’s guidance; Floridians Chloe Blanc, Grace Canning, Angelina Guertin, and Caitlyn Josey; Jessica Danckwerth from New Jersey; Jaden Hinojosa from Texas; and Lisa Hashem from Germany.

The men’s team features Gavin Duffy, Talan Wilkes, Adin McMaster, Carl Tegel, and Carter Brooks—all from Florida—alongside Armando Garcia from Puerto Rico, Peter Le Gassick from Massachusetts, and Nathan Wong from Malaysia.

Both teams currently train at North Palm Beach Country Club, but the Philos say securing a permanent home course is a top priority for the upcoming spring season.

“We’ve built a strong foundation and enthusiastic teams,” Bond-Philo said. “Now it’s about continuing the momentum and finding the right home base for the next generation of Panther golfers.”

With talent on the rise, accomplished coaches at the helm, and support from cutting-edge partners, Palm Beach State College is once again carving its place in the world of collegiate golf. For more information about the teams, visit the Athletics page.