ABOUTTHISREPORT
PGAREACHCNY’STHREEPILLARS
PGAREACHCentralNewYork,previouslytheCentralNewYorkPGAFoundation,Inc.(CNYPGAFoundation),is the501(c)(3)philanthropicorganizationaffiliatedwiththeCentralNewYorkPGASection.
OurCentralNewYorkPGAmembership,consistingofover200PGAMemberProfessionalsandassociates acrossUpstateNewYork,isdedicatedtocommunityserviceandpromotingthegameofgolf.BysupportingPGA REACHCNY’sprogramsandinitiatives,weaimtoachieveourobjectivesofgrowingthegameandremoving obstaclestoparticipation,bothinplayinggolfandinthegolfindustry.
PGA JR. LEAGUE
Weenvisionaworldin whichPGAJr.Leagueis accessibletoeverychild, everywhere,regardlessof backgroundor circumstance.
PGAHOPEintroducesgolf toactivemilitaryand veterans(including veteranswithdisabilities) enhancingtheirphysical, mental,socialand emotionalwell-being.
PGAWORKSisastrategic initiative,designedto diversifythegolf industry’sworkforce.We arecommittedtohelp equipthenextgeneration ofleadersinthegameof golf.
Dear PGA Members, Instructors, Coaches, Supporters and Partners,
"Thank you." These are two words that are not said nearly enough today.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our PGA Members, HOPE instructors, Jr. League Coaches, Veterans, women golfers, juniors, and partners. We are nothing without your support, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To our HOPE instructors and those supporting our Veterans: thank you for your tireless efforts to provide a safe space for those who have defended our freedoms. By providing an outlet through the game of golf, you are making a profound difference.
To our Jr. League Coaches: thank you for growing this beautiful game with our local youth. You are doing more important work than you may realize.
To our local women golfers: thank you for being the fastest-growing demographic in the golf space in our country. We remain committed to supporting you, and we thank you for being part of our community.
To our partners, sponsors, members, board, and staff: they say "many hands make light work." The stories and experiences we shared this past year helped us grow tremendously. Without your effort, support, and intent, we could not have accomplished everything we did in 2025.
Last year was a success because of the community we built together. PGA REACH CNY is a testament to what is possible when we strive toward a common goal. Following a record-breaking year, we are now establishing even better programs and remain steadfast in our approach to make 2026 even more impactful.
Please enjoy our 2025 Impact Report. It has been a blessing to work alongside all of you. Thank you for everything you do, and let’s make 2026 our best year yet.
Joe Tesori
Joe Tesori, PGA Executive Director, PGA REACH CNY
PGAJr.LeagueGolf
735 PGA JR. LEAGUE GOLF PLAYERS
205 DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT CONTESTANTS IN CENTRAL NEW YORK
Having a PGA Jr. League Golf team at Sunnycrest is transformative. With every player on scholarship, the game becomes accessible, creating opportunity, confidence, and a true sense of belonging for youth who might not otherwise have the chance to play; while also giving access to PGA Professionals. 54% BEGINNER GOLFERS 12 AVERAGE AGE
ACCESS. ACCESS. GROWTH. GROWTH. COMMUNITY. COMMUNITY.
SUNNYCREST PGA JR. LEAGUE
SUNNYCREST PGA JR. LEAGUE SCHOLARSHIPS MAKE A LASTING SCHOLARSHIPS MAKE LASTING IMPACT IMPACT
At Sunnycrest, the PGA Jr. League is creating access to the game of golf while opening doors for youth in the community. With every participant in the program playing on scholarship, the team brings together kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the sport Beyond learning golf skills, the program is helping participants grow as individuals and strengthening connections within the community.
Erik Saroney, PGA Jr. League Assistant Coach and PE teacher for many of the participants, has watched the program develop since its inception. “It has been great to watch the growth of our Junior League Program at Sunnycrest since it started,” he said. “The effect it has on our young participants has been pretty obvious and immediate.”
Saroney also points to the impact of a fall clinic that brings together Syracuse City Schools varsity golfers and the younger PGA Jr League players The varsity athletes serve as instructors and mentors before the event concludes with a team competition and a pizza party. “The intensity is only rivaled by the Ryder Cup,” Saroney said.
While the varsity players are expected to influence the younger golfers, Saroney says the experience works both ways. “The part that I really notice is the great influence the Junior Leaguers have on the older kids,” he said. He has observed varsity players initially feeling nervous about teaching, only to grow more confident as the clinic progresses. “It’s great to watch them in the short time how they get more comfortable in the role and how well they do with the Junior League kids ”
“The Junior League program at Sunnycrest is helping teach kids golf skills, but also is excelling at community building and bringing diverse groups together,” Saroney said.
Families are also seeing the impact. The parents of Teddy Larsen shared their appreciation for the opportunity the program provides. “We are so pleased with the PGA Jr. League program,” they said. “Our sonTeddy is eager to go every week and is sad when it is over The coaches are amazing and very supportive and helpful to the kids. We are grateful to have the opportunity for our son to play. It’s his favorite sport.”
For Teddy, the experience is simple. “Golf is fun,” he said. “My favorite part is driving. I am learning a lot from my coaches.”
Through scholarships, mentorship, and shared experiences, the PGA Jr League at Sunnycrest is creating opportunities for youth while building confidence, connection, and a lasting sense of community.
“The Junior League program at Sunnycrest is helping teach kids golf skills, but also is excelling at community building and bringing diverse groups together.”
-Erik Saroney Jr. League Golf Assistant Coach
51 6-8 WEEK PROGRAMS OF LIFE SAVING GOLF INSTRUCTION OFFERED IN CENTRAL NEW YORK
264 PGA HOPE GRADUATES IN CENTRAL NEW YORK
5 US MILITARY BRANCHES OF SERVICES REPRESENTED
8 POST PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN CENTRAL NEW YORK
MILITARYSTATUS
ACTIVE DUTY RESERVE/ NAT’L GUARD
30% IN CERTIFIED PGA HOPE INSTRUCTORS IN CENTRAL NEW YORK (56 TOTAL)
“You have nothing to lose, and so much to gain”
-Teddy Ellison, US Navy PGA HOPE CNY Graduate
IMPACT STORY
FROM SERVICE TO SERENITY FROM SERVICE TO SERENITY
PGA HOPE’S LIFE-CHANGING INFLUENCE
PGA HOPE’S LIFE-CHANGING INFLUENCE
by Teddy Ellison, US Navy
“When I left the service, it was hard to pick my life back up from where it was. I was a whole different person, the hobbies that I enjoyed previously were all gone and the world wasn't the same. PGA HOPE gave me an opportunity to learn something new, and experience the stories of other veterans. I may have been one of the youngest in the group! It's been an incredible opportunity with an even more incredible team. You can feel the passion for both golf and veterans that each team member has.”
44 PARTICIPANTS IN PGA REACH CNY WOMEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
375 POUNDS OF CLOTHES DONATED TO POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE
28 PARTICIPANTS IN THE INAUGURAL PGA REACH CNY WOMEN’S GOLF CLINIC
31,250 DOLLARS GIVEN TO EMPLOY A WORKS FELLOW IN CENTRAL NEW YORK
TEN SETS OF JUNIOR GOLF CLUBS WERE DONATED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVE FORE THE FUTURE FOUNDATION
50 TOYS DONATED TO SYRACUSE POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE
IMPACT STORY
Through my fellowship, I had the opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives, such as the PGA Jr. League, which expanded access to the game for inner-city youth in Syracuse. Being a small part of making those kids' week better quickly became the best part of my week. Having hands-on foundation experience not only impacts the youth we serve but also opened my eyes to all that PGA REACH CNY does in the community.
My fellowship experience was incredibly impactful both personally and professionally. I was able to get the opportunity to learn more about the game of golf and even participated in a section event (the ProLady), where I played my first full 18 holes!
Professionally, I was also able to learn and
WHERE OPPORTUNITY MEETS PURPOSE WHERE OPPORTUNITY MEETS PURPOSE
THE LASTING IMPACT OF THE PGA REACH CNY WORKS FELLOW
THE LASTING IMPACT OF THE PGA REACH CNY WORKS FELLOW
connect with so many people in the golf industry, which has allowed me to expand my knowledge. I have been able to be a part of many foundation programs, seeing the behind-thescenes of what it takes to get everything running smoothly and the program running. The biggest thing to me is how grateful everyone is for these programs, whether it's a women's event or a HOPE clinic; everyone is so happy and excited for the opportunity.
The section staff played a big role in my experience, helping guide me, supporting my learning, and creating an environment where I could grow, which had a strong impact on my career development.
My time as a PGA REACH CNY WORKS Fellow was an amazing step in my career that helped my growth and development in so many ways.
Harlee Lucier
“Having
hands-on foundation experience not only impacts the youth we serve but also opened my eyes to all that PGA REACH CNY does in the community. ”
-Harlee Lucier
PGA REACH CNY WORKS FELLOW
TheBirdieBashunitesPGAprofessionalsand thegolfcommunitytoraisefundsand awarenessthroughthegamewelove— supportingthevitalworkofUpstateGolisano Children’sHospitalandPGAREACHCNY.Our missionistodrivepositiveimpactbothonand offthecoursebybothhelpingchildreninneed andexpandingaccesstogolfforthenext generationofplayersacrossCentralNewYork.
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WearegratefultoalldonorsofthePGAREACHCentralNewYork. Ifyouarea supporteranddonotseeyournameoryouwouldliketoberecognizedwitha differentname,pleasedonothesitatetoreachouttousatjtesori@pgahq.com . THANKYOUAGAINFORIMPACTINGLIVESTHROUGHGOLF
BoardofGovernors
A special thank you to our Board of Governors. Their tireless efforts are how we are able to bring PGA
REACH CNY beyond expectations.
Nick Serafino, PGA Chairman
Sean Dadey, PGA
Aaron Knighton
Ryan McGinnis, PGA
Brittany Wowelko, PGA Treasurer
Linda Mulherin, PGA MP
Eileen Pezzi
Erik Saroney
Alan Seamans, PGA President
Eric Schuster
Dan Steinsdoerfer, PGA
Don Zorn
Thisimpactwouldnotbepossiblewithoutour valuedpartners—thankyou.
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