Players
Every golfer who has competed in the Founding Fathers Invitational
Team Philly
15 all-time players
Jeff Shanahan
“J Shan”
The founding captain of Team Philly and the driving force behind the FFI. Runs the tightest ship in amateur golf — no spot is safe, no debt goes unpaid, and no roster decision is made without his blessing. The self-anointed Head Urban Cowboy leads the Cobbs Creek Foundation off the course and leads with an iron fist wrapped in a Peter Millar quarter-zip on it. Has been known to make shocking roster announcements that leave his own teammates questioning their job security.
Pat Shanahan
“P Shan”
The other half of the Shanahan dynasty and Team Philly's Vice Captain from day one. The namesake of the Pat Shanahan Award — given to the best player on the losing team — and the 1st Edition MVP. Handles logistics, welcome letters, and expense collection with quiet authority. The always gracious P Shan once tweaked his neck on a morning run before the 2nd Edition and had to emergency-purchase BioFreeze at Wegmans. Together with Jeff, the brothers Shanahan make every roster and strategy decision between them.
Ben Etherington
“Beverly”
One half of the Everly Brothers and a founding member of Team Philly. Known as Beverly, B Everly, or Phil Everly depending on the program edition. Won MVP at the 3rd Edition after Team Philly's dominant 17.5–10.5 victory at Applebrook. Works at Nathan Trotter & Co. alongside his brother Luke. Famously photographed testing the pewter content of The Goblet of Immortality. His banter-free rounds alongside Pat Shanahan have become the stuff of legend.
Will Mundy
“Case of the Mundys”
Secretary, COO, Director of Transportation, and permanent interim everything. A Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley's Mundy Wealth Management Group — where alignment is more than something you learn at golf school. Jeff once told Mundy he could see him as Deputy Assistant Captain in two to three years. That was in 2018. Arranged the team's road trips, procured the annual apparel gifts, and had a bunker at Farmington literally renamed 'Case of the Mundies' in his honor. After seven consecutive editions, the long-time Philly veteran was told to retire ahead of the 9th Edition.
Luke Etherington
“L Everly”
The other Everly Brother and a steadfast member of Team Philly since the 2nd Edition. Also employed at Nathan Trotter & Co., making the Etherington–Nathan Trotter pipeline one of the FFI's most reliable feeder systems. Known for checking the volatile tin market mid-round and for ordering twin lobster tails at the 6th Edition dinner — prompting Jon Carr to respond simply: 'Unbelievable.' Does Hoka make golf shoes? Luke would like to know.
Rob Nathan
“Mr. Cashmere”
The Cashmere Queen. A founding member of Team Philly whose wardrobe philosophy is fully aligned with Chevy Chase Club's dress code encouraging cashmere sweaters. Once paid his FFI debts at 4:22 AM, suggesting either impressive dedication or alarming insomnia. Jeff's scouting report was characteristically succinct: 'Rob is Rob.' Missed the 6th Edition, prompting the program to mourn the perhaps temporary loss of an FFI stalwart and cashmere aficionado. Need help placing a bet? Call Mr. Cashmere.
Ben Quereau
“Two Gloves”
2G. Queso. Q. A man of many names and even more gloves. Added to the roster ahead of the 3rd Edition, Hopkins himself declared that Team Philly must have Benny Two Gloves on the squad to have a fighter's chance at winning the cup. Captured the 7th Edition MVP as a true competitor and man of integrity. Casual dress at the crabfeast — gloves required, for Quereau.
Bear Barton
“Papa Bear”
Berenstain Papa. Featured in what the 2019 program called the primal battle for animal kingdom supremacy — the Bear vs the Silverback — when paired against Roland Miller. A four-time FFI veteran whose steady play and quiet intensity anchored Team Philly's middle order. The 2022 program once asked: is Bear secretly rooting for Team DC, a leadership group clearly more fun to be around? Departed after the 7th Edition, prompting the wistful caption: 'Bear and Murph — we miss you.'
Mark Kurd
“Dr. Beeper”
Doc McStuffins. Dr. Frasier Crane. The FFI's resident physician carries more nicknames than most players carry clubs. The good Dr. Kurd takes time away from the OR to endure four hours of silence next to the always gracious P Shan. Joined the roster in the 6th Edition, missed the 7th, and was warmly welcomed back for the 8th — the 2024 program noting it was the fewest roster changes Team Philly had made in years.
Nick Aceto
“Nick A”
A roster addition during the great reshuffling era who competed in the 4th and 5th Editions. Paired with Jeff Shanahan against Hopkins and Tuohey at the 5th Edition — directly in the crosshairs of Team DC's leadership.
Angelo Grecco
“The Greek”
The original Co-President of the FFI and a repeat participant in the early years. Once described as a fuzzy Italian feel good guy. Paid his FFI debts 36.2 seconds after the email was sent — a record that will likely never be broken.
Murphy Barton
“Murph”
Brother of Bear and owner of the paralyzing Blue Steel stare. Competed in the 6th Edition — Team DC's historic 21–11 dismantling, the biggest beatdown in tournament history. The Bros Barton were not skerred. Fondly remembered: 'Bear and Murph — we miss you.'
Kevin Keating
A major free-agent acquisition whose entire 2nd Edition pairing strategy was built around him — enveloped by Pat in the morning and Grecco in the afternoon. Works at Millcreek Capital. Dropped out of the 3rd Edition due to a nanny crisis, opening the door for Grecco's dramatic reinstatement. Was the last Team Philly member to pay his expenses in 2018. Still has not offered Merion access.
Brian Shevland
An acting rookie at the 4th Edition in Washington, DC. Paired with Two Gloves Quereau in the first round at Chevy Chase Club. A one-edition appearance in the annals of FFI history.
Wayne Lesage
The newest addition to Team Philly for the 9th Edition, replacing the retired Will Mundy. A Philly Mainline classic paired with Mark Kurd for foursomes at Gulph Mills and with Rob Nathan for fourball at Aronimink. Fresh blood for Team Philly's quest to reclaim the Goblet.
Team DC
11 all-time players
Matt Hopkins
“Harambe”
Captain of Team DC and the FFI's most eloquent communicator — a man whose mock-corporate press releases and formal dispatches have become as essential to the tournament as the golf itself. What Captain Hopkins wants, Captain Hopkins gets. A Managing Director at Wells Fargo, previously at Eastdil Secured. Won the 4th Edition MVP after leading DC to a 14.5–9.5 victory at Chevy Chase and Columbia. Famously photographed in his natural habitat: surrounded by red meat, red wine, hoppy beer, quarter-zips, and deep mahogany.
Brendan Delany
“Delaaaahny”
Team DC's Vice Captain and one of the tournament's most reliable presences. An attorney at Blank Rome LLP in Washington, DC, whose father — the legendary Dr. Gael Delany — apparently coined the phrase 'fast payments makes fast friends.' Won the 6th Edition MVP after DC's historic 21–11 beatdown, the biggest margin of victory in FFI history. Known for quick-witted email responses, an unwavering commitment to the cause, and strong opinions on beanie-appropriate temperatures for the golf course. Please contact VCBIV for any specific Clubman hygienic product requirements.
Jon Carr
“Sergio Carrcia”
Carrski. America's Guest. The self-described resident country club non-member expert and Team DC's Senior Coordinator of Communications, Chairman of Apparel and Logo Creation, and Associate Coordinator of Food and Beverage. Works at Grosvenor. Fresh off an attempt at early retirement, Carr has used his ample time visiting prestigious golf communities. Authored the legendary hole-by-hole course guide in the 2024 welcome program. Once told he was a great 8 but a terrible 6 — and no one has proven the doubters wrong yet. His response to Luke Etherington's twin lobster tail order — 'Unbelievable' — may be the most perfectly concise email in FFI history.
Vince Burke
“Vincenzo”
VCB4. Vinny. A Vice President at B.F. Saul Company & Affiliates and a member of the inaugural Team DC roster who hasn't missed an edition since. Longtime bestie of Delaaaahny and a congenial presence known for respectful eye contact and plenty of storytelling. Known for being chronically late on expense payments — a pattern that the tournament committee has noted with characteristic passive aggression. By a wide margin, the friendliest man in the field.
Sean Keegan
“Nighttime Keegan”
PM Keegan. AM Keegan. Keegs. The man with the most time-of-day-specific nicknames in amateur golf — his performance and personality shift depending on the decisions made at three imperative milestones: the breakfast table, the shack, and the tap room bar. Runs Rockspring Contracting and once introduced himself to Team Philly: 'I've had braces twice and still have an absurd snaggletooth. My eyebrows are massive and my nose is crooked. Look forward to meeting all you PA boys so you can laugh at my face.' The 2024 program's closing words were a sincere hope that Sean doesn't get them kicked off property.
Chris Connolly
The best stick in FFI history — a player who makes the rest of the field look like they're playing a different sport. Works at B.F. Saul Company & Affiliates alongside Vince Burke, forming DC's corporate power corridor. Featured in the classic clash of the titans big dollar match between the brothers Shanahan and Connolly/Keegan at the 3rd Edition. Found in his natural habitat surrounded by red meat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snack. Wears Brooks Brothers button-down pajamas. A member at Chevy Chase Club.
Devin Tuohey
“DT”
DC's native son who, despite being a member at Philadelphia Country Club, has remained loyal to Team DC through eight editions. Won the 5th Edition MVP after DC's narrow 15–13 victory at Applebrook — winning on enemy soil. Works at the Concordia Group. A perennial point earner known for his black high tops and AND1 shorts, which the 2021 program declared welcome in DC into perpetuity. Missed the 9th Edition for important business reasons — an absence felt by the entire DC roster. If DT needs back, ankle, or emotional support, an alpha male silverback gorilla may not necessarily be the right one to ask.
Roland Miller
“The Silverback”
The original Silverback and a man of many club memberships. Won the 2nd Edition MVP after Team DC's 15.5–12.5 comeback victory at Columbia and Chevy Chase. Was once unceremoniously dismissed from Team Philly, making his switch to DC one of the FFI's great redemption arcs. Welcomed back alongside Connolly for the 6th Edition as an old friend. His housekeeper once inspired a Carrski course tip involving the phrase 'no bueno senor Miller.'
Michael Kearns
One of Team DC's roster additions for the 5th Edition at Applebrook. A one-edition appearance in the FFI record book.
Ben Fritz
One of Team DC's roster additions for the 5th Edition at Applebrook. A one-edition appearance in the FFI record book.
Dan Murray
The newest addition to Team DC for the 9th Edition. Paired with Hopkins for fourball at Aronimink and with Connolly for foursomes at Gulph Mills — a debut that places him squarely in the deep end. Fresh blood on the DC side.