2023 Edition
WNYPGA NEWS Official Newsletter of the Western New York Section, PGA of America
Website: westernnewyork.pga.com Instagram: @wnypga
INSIDE THE ISSUE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Jake Northrup, PGA
Vice President Mike D'Agostino, PGA
Secretary Rob King, PGA
Honorary President Dan Antonucci, PGA
Tournament Chairman Dwayne Randall, PGA
Director Kyle Benish, PGA Marketing/Communications Chairman
Director Steve Carney, PGA Teaching & Education Chairman
Director Michael Kiel, PGA Junior Golf/Growth of the Game Chairman
Director Sean Moffat, PGA Assistant Association Chairman
Director Jay Sutherland, PGA Employment Chairman
Director Ben Wilson, PGA Awards & Hall of Fame Chairman
WNYPGA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE JAKE NORTHRUP, PGA Dear WNYPGA Members and Apprentices, I would like to start off by thanking the WNYPGA Membership for their trust in my direction for the Section during my tenure as the Association's President. It has been an honor working with so many great professionals on our board who share common goals for our members' well-being and futures. I am especially proud of the work and due diligence of our Executive Director, Victoria Schiro, and her staff on building our brand locally and spearheading our Section and Foundation financial goals and sponsorships. Through the work of our Section’s committees, we as a whole have been able to identify the areas of our Section operations that affect our members the most and where we, as a board, have the most chance to make a difference. The behind the scenes work of the committees is often not fully appreciated, and I would like to recognize their sizable contribution to our Section's success. Lastly, I would like to encourage our younger professionals to get involved at the board or committee level and have your voice heard. We are very lucky to be part of a Section that has been recognized by other Sections across the country as a standard in good practices on the Foundation and Section side. The relationships and experiences I've shared over the last eight years, from Tournament Director to President, has enriched my life and grown my appreciation for the hard work and dedication of my fellow PGA Members at their facilities and their communities. I know that the leadership in place after me on the board is strong and dedicated to our membership and mindful of the challenges faced with a growing Section and its needs. I wish all of you a great off season and some much needed rest from your dayto-day professional careers this winter. Regards,
Jake Northrup Jake Northrup, PGA President
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE VICTORIA SCHIRO
Dear WNYPGA Members and Associates, 2023 has brought some of the best golf to WNY. The PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club was a historic time, and I was proud to be associated with the WNY Section as we raised the bar for PGA Members. Let’s continue to grow the game and show the community what golf can do for them! To help move the needle forward, the Section recently added a Director of Development to ensure our Association continues to grow and support the game. The WNYPGA Section Staff serves as a liaison and a resource for our members to assist in their professional goals as members of the PGA. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of assistance with anything. Lastly, thank you to all the facilities and PGA Professionals for hosting us this season. We are looking forward to a great season in 2024. Regards,
Victoria Schiro Victoria Schiro Executive Director
SECTION STAFF
Executive Director/CEO Victoria Schiro vschiro@pgahq.com
PGA WORKS Fellow Mollie Mars mmars@pgahq.com
Director of Development & Foundation Operations John Osberg josberg@pgahq.com
PGA WORKS Fellow Abigail Gibson agibson@pgahq.com
Director of Junior Golf & Player Engagement Julie Haile jhaile@pgahq.com
CONTACT THE SECTION
Glen Oak Golf Club 711 Smith Road East Amherst, NY 14051
Main Phone/Fax: (716) 626-7095 Email: wnewyork@pgahq.com Website: westernnewyork.pga.com
2023 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
At the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club, Section Members volunteered to assist in the operation of the practice facilities. This included 100 Members setting out range balls, name placards, cleaning up practice areas, and ensuring needs were met by players, coaches, and caddies. The WNYPGA Section Members were also able to utilize the PGA Member Hospitality area located on the 14th fairway. This allowed WNYPGA Members to mingle with other PGA Members from other Sections. Without the assistance of the WNYPGA Members, it would have been difficult to foster such a memorable atmosphere for spectators, players, and other participants of the event.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR Rob Krajewski, PGA
“I would be lying if I said this wasn't the best season I have had so far in our events. It was nice to see the hard work that I have put in over the winter and over the course of the season come together. At the start of the season, I laid out a game plan for the season that I wanted to stick to. Going into each event, I wanted to go out and try to keep a level head. In previous years, I would find myself trying to force shots and that would lead to some unforced errors. One of my goals this year was to try and eliminate as many unforced errors as I could. Looking back on the season, I would have to contribute a lot of my success to a strong mental game. I was able to step up to shots without fear and felt comfortable committing to my target. Sure, there were some not so pretty shots, but my ability to rebound after them really showed up strong this season. Even when I was playing well, I still felt a bit of pressure. Prior years, I would let that pressure influence me negatively, but this year, I was able to take that pressure and use it to my advantage. If you feel pressure and are nervous, that means you care and that's a good thing. I welcome the pressure. I found the more I try to fight it and ignore it, the worse things would get. It's not always easy to do, but this year was different. I want to say thank you to my fellow PGA Professionals and Associates. Their participation in our events over the course of the season is great to see. We are all really lucky to be able to compete in the game we love at the level we do.” Congratulations to Rob Krajewski, PGA of Glen Oak Golf Club on winning the 2023 Player of the Year for the third year in a row!
SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR Kirk Stauffer, PGA
Throughout the season, there was a constant back and forth in the Senior Player of the Year points to see who was going to come out on top. With a Senior Championship win (for the fifth year in a row), a Super Senior Championship win, and placing well at the Tour Championship, Kirk was able to propel himself to the top for the 12th time in his golfing history. Congratulations to the 2023 Senior Player of the Year, Kirk Stauffer, PGA of Chautauqua Golf Club for the ninth year in a row!
ASSISTANT PLAYER OF THE YEAR David Patronik
Assistant Professionals competed in four tournaments throughout the season where they were eligible to receive Assistant Player of the Year points. In the second event of the year, David placed first and was the runner up of the Rolex Tour Championship by only one stroke. What an impressive finish as he had been playing well since the start of the season. David has a passion for the sport and continues to excel in his game assisting him to perform well at his position at Woods to Wedges. “It is a thrill to be named Assistant Player of the Year in the WNYPGA. The Assistant Professionals in our Section are a dedicated and talented group of individuals. It is an honor to compete against them and count them as friends. An award encompassing an entire season is very special, and I am proud of the consistency of my play over the course of the year.” Congratulations to David Patronik on winning the 2023 Assistant Player of the Year for the first time in his career!
WNYPGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Jason Ballard, PGA “First, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees and award winners who have made remarkable contributions to the game of golf in Western New York. Your passion and commitment to the game is truly inspiring, and it is a privilege to be recognized amongst such a talented group of PGA Members.
Congratulations to Jason on being the 2023 WNYPGA Golf Professional of the Year!
I am deeply honored and humbled to accept the WNYPGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. I dedicate this award to my amazing staff of PGA Golf Professionals and PGM Apprentice Professionals at Oak Hill Country Club. Without their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, this achievement would not have been possible. Each day they bring their unique talents and expertise to enhance the golfing experience for our members and guests, and I am blessed to lead such a talented team.”
WNYPGA AWARD WINNERS JASON BALLARD, PGA Golf Professional of the Year
NICK PALLADINO Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
CHRIS KULINSKI, PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award
GARY OCCHINO, PGA Golf Executive of the Year
MIKE TOUHEY, PGA Deacon Palmer Award
KYLE BENISH, PGA Resort Merchandiser of the Year
SEAN MOFFAT, PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year
MICHAEL O’CONNOR, PGA Public Merchandiser of the Year
MATT CLARK, PGA Player Development Award
ERIK SKIBA, PGA Youth Development Award
MATT CLARK, PGA Teacher of the Year
BOB KING, PGA Professional Development Award
ANTHONY SCHIRO Patriot Award
KEVIN SYLVESTER Media Rep of the Year
MIKE MORAN Sales Rep of the Year
SCOTT DODSON Superintendent of the Year
TEENA STAUFFER Spectator of the Year
WNYPGA SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP Rob Krajewski, PGA What an exciting day for Rob. When we talked to Rob after his win, he said, “I'm not sure if it has really sunk in yet the outcome of Monday. This event is our biggest event of the year and to play well and get the win is surreal.” That shows how focused he was in the 36 holes that was played in one day at Niagara Falls Country Club. Rob also talked about how not only physically prepared he had to be for this day but mentally too. He needed to be ready to play eight hours worth of great golf, which paid off. Not only did he win the tournament, but he came under par to clench his third Section Championship. Rob won the tournament with a -1 over two rounds for a total of 139. Congratulations to Rob on his fantastic day of golf!
Good luck to Rob next year when he is in Frisco, Texas representing the Western New York Section at the PGA Professional Championship!
WNYPGA SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP Kirk Stauffer, PGA What a thrilling two day tournament for Kirk! Both days were beautiful weather wise at Lawrence Park Golf Club, and there was great competition out on the course. After day one, Kirk was trailing by 1 stroke which means he had to come out ready to play for day two. Kirk commented, “I had to be more aggressive on day two due to my position.” Kirk showed us just that as he scored -2 to finish at 142 for the two rounds. This year, Kirk not only claimed the Senior Champion title but the Super Senior Champion title for the 2023 WNYPGA season! Congratulations to Kirk for claiming his fifth Senior Championship in a row!
Good Luck to Kirk in his sixth Senior PGA Professional Championship in Florida representing the Western New York Section!
WNYPGA TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP Rob Krajewski, PGA
We closed out our WNYPGA season with having our best golfers come out for two days to compete for the 2023 Rolex Tour Championship. After two intense days of golfing, Rob pulled out on top, and he said that he “could not have won without a little extra preparation.” Prior to the tournament, Rob took his free time to practice what he could leading up to the tournament. Rob commented, “It had been a couple of seasons since I had last played at Seneca Hickory Stick, so leading up to the event I had to do a little extra preparation to remember the course and lay out a game plan. Once I had that game plan, I would take what practice time I had to work on certain shots that would be needed on the course.” All this preparation and past tournaments played helped Rob stay focused and find the light at the end to be the Rolex Tour Champion. Congratulations to Rob for scoring a -3 over two rounds for a total of 141! What a fantastic season Rob had this year!
NCR ASSISTANT PGA PROF. CHAMPIONSHIP Walker Singleton, PGA This is Walker’s first time winning the NCR Assistant PGA Professional Championship tournament, at Lakeside Country Club, and he played well through 36 holes in one day. Walker stated, “It was a rough start at the Assistant's Championship, but I found something in my game and was able to play the last 33 holes very well.” Walker made a great point while playing 36 holes as he told himself, “36 holes in a day is a lot of golf and you are going to make mistakes. Being frustrated on the golf course all day did not sound fun to me, so I kept it light.” This mindset helped him pull through and have seven birdies throughout the two rounds. Walker won the tournament with a +6 over two rounds for a total of 150. Congratulations to Walker on his win and a mindset to keep for next season.
MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP Rob Krajewski, PGA
This year, Rob was invited back to play in the Match Play Championship at Whispering Woods Golf Club, and he came out on top after playing four amazing rounds of golf through some questionable weather. Over this past tournament season, Rob has been able to play a lot of golf. With having practice of playing multiple rounds in one day, he has been able to be better prepared for this type of tournament, which definitely showed with his performance. Rob commented that Match Play keeps him engaged differently because “Not only am I playing against the course, but I also have to pay attention to what my opponent is doing.” This type of tournament mentality is different than stroke play, but that did not stop Rob from playing his best during the four rounds despite the poor weather.
Congratulations to Rob for outlasting his opponents and finishing his final match 2&1 to take the title of WNYPGA Match Play Champion for the second year in a row!
WNYPGA PROFESSIONAL CIRCUIT
2023 Schedule MAY
AUGUST
May 8 Titleist Scratch Pro-Am Zach Farkas May 26 WNYAA Pendleton Creek GC Mike Samartino May 30 Club Car Pro-Officer/Superintendent Dwayne Randall
Aug 7 Ellicottville Library Pro-Am Rob Krajewski Aug 14 Chautauqua Pro Am Rob Krajewski Aug 18 NCR Assistant PGA Prof. Championship Walker Singleton Aug 21 WNYPGA Section Championship Rob Krajewski Aug 28 Custom Turf & STI Pro-Pro Stableford Nick Palladino & Anthony Schiro Aug 31-Sep 1 WNYPGA Senior Championship Kirk Stauffer
JUNE Jun 2 Lawrence Park Invitational Pro-Am J.A. Sutherlands Jun 5 Lonnie Nielsen Scratch Pro-Am Zach Farkas & Nick Palladino Jun 9 Lake View Invitational Pro-Am Jack Widger June 16 WNYAA Wild Wood Michael Mancari & David Patronik Jun 19 Moon Brook Invitational Pro-Am Ron Krajewski & Austin Smith Jun 21 WNYAA Glen Oak Nick Palladino
JULY Jul 10 Africa 6000 Invitational Pro-Am Nick Palladino Jul 17 Western NY Open Nick Palladino Jul 25 Blaisdell Pro-Am & Open Braden Shattuk Jul 30 Bartlett Pro-Am Dwayne Randall & Rob Krajewski Jul 31 Western New York Classic Nick Palladino & David Patronik
SEPTEMBER Sep 5 Facility Pro-Pro Championship Rob Krajewski & Anthony Schiro Sep 10 Locust Hill Pro-Am Rob Krajewski Sep 11-12 Match Play Championship Rob Krajewski Sep 17 Tom Haefner Memorial Invitational Pro-Am Rob Krajewski Sep 18 Golf Max Pro-Pro Championship Tim Fries & Mark Kirk Sep 25-26 WNYPGA Tour Championship Rob Krajewski
OCTOBER Oct 2 The Donald Ross Cup Junior Team
WNYPGA PROFESSIONAL CIRCUIT
2024 Schedule MAY
AUGUST
May 6 Titleist Scratch Pro-Am Brook-Lea CC May13 Custom Turf & STI Pro-Pro Stableford Lockport Town & CC May 17 WNYAA Pendleton Creek GC May 20 Western New York Classic Penfield CC May 31 Lawrence Park Invitational Pro-Am Lawrence Park CC
Aug 5 Ellicottville Library Pro-Am Holiday Valley Resort Aug 19 Western NY Open Glen Oak GC
SEPTEMBER Sep 8 Locust Hill Pro-Am Locust Hill CC Sep 15 Tom Haefner Memorial Invitational Pro-Am Wild Wood CC
OCTOBER
JUNE Jun 3 Lonnie Nielsen Scratch Pro-Am Crag Burn CC Jun 7 Lake View Invitational Pro-Am Lake View CC Jun 14 WNYAA Wild Wood CC Jun 17 Moon Brook Invitational Pro-Am Moon Brook CC Jun 24 Chautauqua Pro Am Chautauqua GC
JULY Jul 8 Africa 6000 Invitational Pro-Am Kahkwa Club Jul 22 Blaisdell Pro-Am & Open The Pennhills Club Jul 28 Bartlett Pro-Am Barlett CC
Oct 7 The Donald Ross Cup Holiday Valley Resort
TBD Date/Location TBD Club Car Pro-Officer/Superintendent TBD NCR Assistant PGA Prof. Championship TBD WNYPGA Section Championship TBD WNYPGA Senior Championship TBD Facility Pro-Pro Championship TBD Match Play Championship TBD Golf Max Pro-Pro Championship TBD WNYPGA Tour Championship
MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS/ACHIEVEMENTS Jay Sutherland, PGA “It was surprising to find out that I just made the Quarter Century Club in PGA of America because it seems like just yesterday that I passed the PAT, went through the Apprenticeship Program, and was elected to Membership. It’s an honor to have been able to work at some great clubs around the country for some of the best professionals who are not only mentors but have also become close friends. It has been most rewarding and fulfilling to share the same passion that they have for mentoring with the many great young professionals that I have had the opportunity to work with over the past 22 years as a Head Golf Professional. Having been in the WNYPGA Section for 17 years, is an incredible pleasure because of the great group of professionals and colleagues that make up our Section. The growth and progress our Section has made in this time has been incredible, and I am very lucky to have been able to help foster this growth over the past few years.”
THIS YEAR’S QUARTER CENTURY MEMBERS Scott Ellender, PGA James Furlong, PGA Greg Kaye, PGA Daniel Patrick O'Leary, PGA Robert Orr, PGA
Dwayne Randall, PGA Rich Rzodkiewicz, PGA Jay Sutherland, PGA Michael Urzetta, PGA David Wedzik, PGA
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Austin Smith
Austin is currently an Assistant Golf Professional at the Country Club of Buffalo (CCB). He got into the game of golf at a very young age, roughly 4-5 years old. His whole entire family plays the game and has ever since he could remember. His mom and dad got him into golf. He was always so competitive, even at a young age, and especially against his brother growing up. It pushed and helped him develop into the player he has become today. Since he started at CCB four years ago, he has learned a great deal about the golf industry. Austin cannot thank Jay Sutherland, PGA enough for his mentorship and guidance through his professional career. Austin looks up to Jay and has the utmost respect for him. Austin does have some short-term goals that he would like to accomplish, but the main goal he is working toward is achieving Class A Membership.
Paul Sanders, PGA Paul turned Professional in 1989 and was elected to membership in 1996. As a Quarter Century Member, different roles within the golf industry have provided both opportunities and challenges. He is most grateful for friendships forged through the years. Outside of work, you will find Paul digging into a home remodeling project, attending sporting events, working on his golf game, or spending time with family and friends.
WHAT’S IN THE BAG Ryan Swanson, PGA Pinehurst Golf Club
“This game has presented me with some amazing opportunities and experiences. I am currently lucky enough to coach where I played college golf, St. Bonaventure University. Also, my brother and I own a 9 hole golf course, Pinehurst Golf Club in Westfield, NY, that’s equipped with a bar and indoor simulators. I’ve been fortunate to play two Korn Ferry Events and have a handful of WNYPGA wins over the years, all while bouncing around equipment companies. I have settled with Titleist and couldn’t be happier.”
Currently in the Bag: Driver: Titleist TSR 9 degree 3wood: Titleist TSR 15 degree Irons: 4 iron Titleist T200, KBSTour 120 Shaft 5-P Titleist T100s, KBSTour 120 Shaft Wedges: Vokey SM9, 48,52,56,60 degree True Temper S300 shafts Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2, 35 inch, (Have used since 2005), 2.0 Superstroke grip Ball: ProVx Glove: Titleist Rangefinder: Bushnell Rain Gear: Footjoy Carry distances: Driver: 280y 3 wood: 255y 4iron: 225y 5iron: 210y 6iron: 200y 7iron: 185y 8iron: 170y 9iron: 160y PW:150y 48 degree: 135y 52 degree: 125y 56 degree: 110y 60 degree: 100y
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PGA.Coach is proven to be successful for WNYPGA Professionals. The scientifically proven program will be used in future years for the WNYPGA Section. We encourage all WNYPGA Professionals to go through the training to be included in the future benefits.
How do you get started?
Go to www.PGA.Coach and sign up for the PGA.Coach training. Once you complete your virtual training, you will be given access to the PGA Coach app where you can build lesson plans, promote your business, and more. Update your PGA.Coach profile to attract new business.
“The next generation of online learning inclusive for WNYPGA Professionals”
Benefits of Academy Enrollment:
The goal of The WNYPGA Academy is to provide WNYPGA Professionals with an inclusive and affordable online learning platform that allows for expanded education both related and non-related to the golf business. We believe this directly fits in with the Section’s mission of being a professional force for PGA Members to maintain and upgrade their skill level to allow them to compete in today’s business world.
Unlimited Access to WNYPGA Academy Education (online & in-person) Free Access to In-Person WNYPGA General Education Seminars Required Educations PDR’s Low Cost Education in a Timely Fashion Ease of Use
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Below are some employment opportunities available in the Western NY PGA Section. There are other employment opportunities at pga.org that you can discover. You can also find more information about these opportunities on our website wnypga.com. If you would like to post an open position in the WNYPGA, please contact Chris Kulinski, PGA at ckulinski@pgahq.com to help reach candidates.
Scan QR Code to see the employment opportunities!
Career Consultant: PGA Professional Chris Kulinski, PGA is the PGA of America’s Employment Consultant proudly serving Western, Central, and Northeast New York PGA Sections. He has been tasked with providing Professionals with the necessary tools, strategies, and education to implement at the facility level, along with recruiting men and women into the business of golf. Chris is happy to help any and all PGA Professionals in Western New York to achieve their career goals. If you have comments or questions for PGA Employment Consultant Chris Kulinski, PGA you can call (716) 316-4160 or email ckulinski@pgahq.com
VOLUNTEER WITH US
WNYPGA Members and Associates,
Throughout the golf season, the Western New York PGA Section Staff works hard to put on many events to serve the WNY golf community and our Members. However, we need some help and support from our WNYPGA Members in the Section to make these events successful. WNYPGA Members who volunteer at events will earn PDR credit for their time and assistance. Events will require volunteers to be involved with setup, teaching/coaching, greeting golfers, scoring, etc. Please complete the Volunteer Interest From if you would be interested in volunteering for events in the 2024 season (DCP, Special Events, etc.) Upon completing the form, you will be contacted by one of our Section Staff members with more information. If you have any questions in the meantime, please send us an email at wnewyork@pgahq.com or call (716) 626-7095.
Scan the QR Code to complete the Volunteer Interest Form.
BE SOCIAL WITH US!
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FACEBOOK WNYPGA
SECTION PARTNERS TITLE SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSORS
ALEX SMITH SALES
BRIAN ROBINSON