Governor’s Cup Revived at Foxburg Country Club

Governor Shapiro tees off for the “Longest Drive” contest at the Governors Cup, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. His Drive was 101 yards, using a Hickory Stick Club and using a sand tee.Watching the Governor tee off from behind was L-R: A member of the Governor’s team, Saji Daniels, Stephen Buzard, Rob Foust, and Kevin Love.

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Foxburg, PA: The Foxburg Country Club made history on June 10, 2025, when Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro, reinstated the Governor’s Cup, a golfing match between special guests.

The tournament was played in Foxburg, PA on the oldest golf course in continuous use in the United States of America.

Before the tournament started, Governor Shapiro welcomed everyone and made brief remarks from the steps of the country club, where he mentioned that the Governor’s Cup hadn’t been held since 1973 when Governor Milton Shapp held the contest. He also noted that Gov. Milton Shapp was born Milton Shapiro until he changed his name to Shapp. In a private conversation with Governor Shapiro, he stated that he and Milton Shapp were not related.

A few special guests were Corey O’Connor, who won the Pittsburgh mayoral primary this past May; basketball superstar and future Hall of Famer Kevin Love; along with representatives from Amazon, John Cope, and Merle Madrid.

The Governor’s Cup started with the longest drive competition using a hickory stick club and making a tee with sand from an original tee box. Basketball legend, Kevin Love, started things off with a drive of 161 yards. His drive proved to be the one to beat, and no one could.

The day was partly cloudy and in the high 60s. The ground was a little soggy in some areas because of the rain on Monday, the day before. But the course held up to expectations.

Guests were treated to a catered luncheon at the club house by A La Carte Catering, Rod and Cindy Morrison.

Sprinkled throughout the course were local vendors from Clarion County who were treating the players with samples of their goods. Some of the vendors included the Penns Woods Pretzel Co., the Meadows with frozen Custard treats, and Lost in the Wilds Brewing..

The Governor’s Cup was won by John Cope, low amateur, and Patrick Shine, low pro. Both were awarded a crystal golf ball on a base.

Gov. Shapiro has made it a priority to promote tourism in Pennsylvania. He particularly likes Foxburg and the surrounding area. When asked what it was about Foxburg that he liked, he said, “I just think it’s stunningly beautiful. It has a great history, it has a wonderful story and I want more people to come see it. It’s a short drive from Philly or Pittsburgh and from Ohio or New York. It’s easy to get here. And I think as people get here, they are gonna fall in love with this community as I have.”

Gov. Shapiro visited the area last year with his family and discovered the beauty of the area, the country club, and several businesses in the valley. He made a promise to return to Foxburg, and he did just that.

The Governor’s Cup made for a great day in Foxburg and in Pennsylvania.

More photos can be found here.