CNYPGANEWS
CNY PGA WINS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PAGE 3
PRO-ASSISTANT’S CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER’S/ HEAD PRO CHAMP PRO-AM CHAMPIONSHIP
PAGE 4
FALL MEETING INFORMATION DID YOU KNOW??? SOVIK CUP
PAGE 5
HOLIDAY PARTY MITCHELL CUP SPECIAL AWARDS
PAGE 6
A MESSAGE FROM CNY PGA PRESIDENT WILL WEIMER
PAGE 7
2026 JUNIOR TOUR DEFERRED COMPENSATION JR. LEAGUE GOLF REGISTRATION
PAGE 8
BECOME A MEMBER CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS COMPENSATION SURVEY
PAGE 9
BIRDIE BASH RECAP WORKS FELLOW: HARLEE LUCIER PGA REACH CNY WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
PAGE 10
EDUCATION HUB MEMBER LINKS PDR CYCLE INFORMATION
PAGE 11
STAFF CONTACTS
PAGE 12
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
CONTRIBUTING CONTENT: FRAN PIRAINO
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY: SOPHIA FERRIS HARLEE LUCIER
Pro-Assistants Championship
The team of Dallas Pylinski (PGA of America Golf Professional) and Tyler Cowen (PGA Associate) finished atop the
leaderboard at the Pro-Assistants Championship on Sept 29 at The Cavalry Club.
Vinal wins Players Championship
PGA of America
Associate Zach Vinal closed out the 2025 season the best way possible by winning his first career Central New
York PGA Players Championship on Sept 23
Vinal earned his second major title of the year in a two-hole playoff against Mark Tucker, PGA at Thendara Golf Club. Both players finished at 2-under-par 142 in regulation
“There’s nothing like overcoming nerves and pulling through to win and to outlast some really great players,” Vinal said. “To have won two majors this year amidst one of the busiest years of my career has been special I’m lucky to have a lot of great people around me to cheer me on that help me to believe in myself so I am just happy to earn these wins and make them proud ”
Hubel Wins The Southern Swing in Playoff
The Southern Swing, an Assistant’s Major on the Central New York PGA schedule, provided an exciting finish at Corning Country Club as Hunter Hubel claimed the title in a playoff over Tom Christoffersen Both players finished regulation tied at 143 (+3), with Hubel posting rounds of 73-70 and Christoffersen carding 72-71 Hubel secured the victory in the playoff, capturing one of the season’s final major for assistants only in the Section.
PAGE THREE | CNY PGA
CAMPBELL CAPTURES TURNING STONE PRO-AM CHAMPIONSHIP
The Central New York PGA hosted the Turning Stone ProAm Championship at Corning Country Club, marking the final pro-am of the 2025 season Players were treated to perfect weather conditions for competition a great way to say goodbye to the season. A huge thank you to our partner Brian Robinson for providing our players each with a Southern Tide polo.
Matt Campbell continued his remarkable season by capturing his fifth individual win of the year With his victory at Corning Country Club, Campbell has now won every section event he has entered in 2025 He fired a bogey-free round of 32-28 60 (-6) to secure the title and the $880 first-place check.
Professional Division Highlights Champion: Matt Campbell, -6
T-2 Finishers: Eric Manning and Evan Sitts, both at -1
T-4 Finishers: Nick Serafino and Mark Tucker at even
Team Competition
The team of Eric Manning (p), Chris Griffin (a), Yale Hughes (a), and Tim Guido (a) captured first place with a score of -17. Manning’s squad edged the team of Evan Sitts by a single stroke, while two teams tied for third at -14.
Register now for the Fall Meeting
for District 4 Director.
Register now for the Fall Meeting of the Membership on Monday October 20 . There will be 2 breakout rooms, as well as the election th Did you know????
The PGA of America offers an exclusive discount program dedicated to PGA of America Professionals. The customized PGA program was designed by PerkSpot, an innovative market leader in discount aggregation that provides services to more than 500 companies across the country.
Once registered, you will have the ability to access thousands of discounts from national and local merchants, customize your experience including selecting categories of interest and opt in to PerkSpot communications
Sign up or log in here!
CNY PGA RECAPTURES THE SOVIK CUP 17–13
The 39th playing of the Sovik Cup brought together two of Central New York’s most competitive senior golf contingents as the Senior CNY PGA Professionals faced off against the Senior members of the Syracuse District Golf Association (SDGA) at Tuscarora Golf Club. After a hardfought day across six matches, the CNY PGA emerged with a 17–13 victory, reclaiming the Cup after the SDGA’s win in 2024
CNY PGA Centennial
We are in the midst of planning for the Central New York PGA's Centennial in 2026, and are looking for our membership's help! We are in search of any archived articles, memorabilia, stories or anything we should not forget! Please feel free to reach out to Brittany (bsiechen@pgahq com) or Alan (aseamans@pgahq com) with any type of contributions from the past 100 years!
The Sovik Cup features six groups of two-player teams, with each match consisting of a head-to-head singles point and team match play across the front, back, and overall for a total of four points available per group
This year’s matches unfolded as follows:
Tim Hume & Mark Tucker 3.5 – Chris Smithers & John Harrington 1.5
Eric Manning & Jeff Reader 5 – Brian Evans & Denny Nicholson 0
Nick Serafino & Alan Savage 3 5 – Joe Babcock & Bruce Levinson 1 5
Steve Campanaro & Andy Myers 0 – John Wessels & David Smith 5
Bruce Martins & Joe Tesori 2 5 – Randy Young & Tom Fletcher 2.5
Mel Baum & Robert Marton 2.5 – Richard Volcko & Greg
Bilyeu 2.5
Submit your Club Champions
Celebrate amateur club champions and their PGA Coaches by submitting your 2025 club champions All champions will receive an
invitation to the 2025 PGA National Club Championship in Palm Springs, CA in December.
CNY PGA Special Awards
The deadline to submit Special Awards Questionnaires has passed.
The next steps will be the
Special Awards Committee will meet and conduct Teacher/Coach of the Year and Golf Professional of the Year interviews, followed by deliberations among the Committee to determine the 2025 Special Awards recipients
A sincere thank you goes out to all Members who took the time to nominate and recognize their fellow peers Another thank you to all of the Members that submitted the materials to be considered for the 2025 Special Awards
Good luck to all of our nominees!
CNY PGA Holiday Party!!
A wonderful evening is planned to celebrate the year of the CNY Professionals Mark your calendar for the CNY PGA Holiday Party on Thursday December 4 ! This is the Section's annual th holiday gathering for the membership you won't want to miss! It's a great way to end the year celebrating together before a long winter's nap.
Stay tuned for further details!
PAGE FIVE | CNY PGA
ND
52 MITCHELL CUP TEAM FALLS SHORT AT ONONDAGA
The 52nd Mitchell Cup took place on Sunday, October 5th, at Onondaga Golf & Country Club The annual matches between the Syracuse District Golf Association (SDGA) and the Central New York PGA featured a full day of spirited competition and camaraderie, with the SDGA team emerging victorious by a final score of 29–19.
The morning session featured a Modified Alternate Shot format, with two points available per match Players then returned to the course in the afternoon for Four-Ball matches, where six points were up for grabs in each contest
A sincere thank-you goes out to the staff and members at Onondaga Golf & Country Club for their warm hospitality and outstanding course conditions. Their support and commitment to hosting one of Central New York’s premier golf traditions made for another memorable Mitchell Cup
A MESSAGE FROM CNY PGA PRESIDENT WILL WEIMER
This fall’s Annual Meeting is not only an occasion to gather as peers, but an opportunity to shape the trajectory of our Section and to strengthen our collective voice within the PGA of America
This year we are presented with a rare and significant moment four strong candidates are standing for election as District 4 Director, a national board position that opens only once every 8–9 years The individual elected will represent Central New York, Western New York, and TriState Sections on the PGA of America Board of Directors, carrying our perspectives into national governance, policy development, and the decisions that will shape the future of our Association
At the Section level, two seats on the Board of Directors are up for election. I extend my sincere appreciation to Ryan Evans for his dedicated service in governance and acknowledge his interest in continuing. His seat, along with one additional seat, will be on this year’s ballot. These roles are integral to guiding our programs, finances, education, member services, and events. Serving on the Board is both a meaningful responsibility and a valuable opportunity for professional growth
Based on my experience, serving in governance requires approximately 60 hours annually in communications (emails, phone calls, Zooms, workshops, etc ), with an additional 12–20 hours in in-person meetings Importantly, in our seasonal region much of this work occurs during the offpeak months, making it a very manageable and rewarding commitment for any PGA Professional.
This year’s Annual Meeting will also feature special sessions led by Bill Moore (NYSGA) and Ron Stepanek (GCSAA), along with interactive workshops and breakout discussions. These sessions are designed to provide practical insights and education that you can take back to your facility and career
Your participation not only ensures that your voice is heard, but also contributes toward your Member Service requirement and provides PDR credits Involvement is both meaningful and professionally beneficial
The PGA of America is at a pivotal juncture. Nationally, governance reform, diversity and inclusion, and strategic planning are front and center. Decisions made in the coming years will directly shape opportunities for all of us. The strength of our Section lies in the engagement of our members, and I strongly encourage you to participate fully in this process.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the tireless work of our Central New York PGA staff Their efforts on behalf of the Section and the PGA of Central New York Foundation continue to foster responsible growth year after year Special recognition is due to Alan Seamans, CEO, who has provided steadfast leadership to our Section for more than 15 years Their commitment ensures that our programming, outreach, and service to the game remain strong and forwardlooking.
Let us come together to vote, to learn, and to serve. In doing so, we reaffirm the strength of our Section and the lasting impact of our shared efforts.
Respectfully,
William Z Weimer President, Central New York PGA
Jr. Tour host sites
We are in the midst of planning our 2026 tournament schedules If any facility is interested in hosting a
Junior Tour event in the 2026 season please reach out to Mike at mdiscenza@pgahq com and let him know! The Junior Tour would not be successful without the support of our Professionals!
Deferred Compensation for your Jr. League Golf efforts
If you are a member and were a PGA Jr League Golf coach or assistant coach in 2025 you qualify for deferred
compensation points! Do not forget to claim your points! To enroll in deferred compensation click here:
Enroll in deferred compensation
Team Captain Points: 75 Points
A PGA Coach who is responsible for leading 1 or more teams
37.5 Points
Supports a team and attends all scheduled activities
18 75 Points
Supports program but only attends some, not all scheduled activities
JLG 2026 Registration
TURNING STONE HOSTS DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT SUB-REGIONAL
Turning Stone Resort Casino once again provided a toptier stage for junior golf, hosting this year’s Drive, Chip and Putt Sub-Regional Qualifier Young golfers from Central New York and Northeastern New York gathered to compete in this prestigious event, each having earned their spot through outstanding performances at local qualifiers earlier in the season
It’s never too early!!!!
Player registration for the 2026 Jr League Golf season will open on January 5 Make sure you have your program registered and ready by then! th
Coach’s registration will begin on November 4 , 2025 Please contact Mike if you have any questions or need any assistance. th
From this Sub-Regional, the top two placed competitor in each division advanced to the next stage: the Regional competition at The Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey, a venue rich in championship golf history.
At The Ridgewood Country Club, the winner of each division advances to the National Championship at Augusta National Golf Club in April
The CNY PGA extends its sincere appreciation to Turning Stone Resort Casino for their continued support and hospitality in hosting this event. The staff and volunteers once again delivered a memorable experience for everyone involved. Congratulations to all the participants who represented Central and Northeastern New York with pride, and best of luck to those advancing in their Drive, Chip and Putt journey!
BECOME A MEMBER CLUB!
You should have received your Member Club packet! This program supports PGA REACH CNY. Your contribution is key to growing the game of golf in Central New York. Thank you to those of you who continue your support and we are hopeful more of you will consider participating as we grow this great game with our youth.
Please Update your Compensation Survey
CNY PGA Scholarship
Please join us in congratulating our two Scholarship winners Catherine Dadey (Sean Dadey) and Sophia Ferris (Dave Ferris). Catherine is a senior Business Analytics and Marketing major at Syracuse University. Sophia is a Graduate Student studying Physical Education. Congratulations and we wish them the best in their future endeavours.
PGA REACH CNY TOY DRIVE
At the fall meeting of the membership PGA REACH CNY will be running a Toy Drive to benefit Syracuse PAL's. We will have a collection box right near registration and we will greatly appreciate any generosity. We will be presenting all of these toys closer to the Holiday season on behalf of our PGA Members here in Central New York.
Thank you for your support!
The Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League is a youth development program that brings youth and law enforcement together in a non-law enforcement setting to build positive relationships within the community.
PGA REACH CNY Women’s Championship
The 2025 PGA REACH Central New York Women’s Championship brought together women golfers of all ability levels for a fun, spirited day of team golf at Oneida Community Golf Club on Sunday, September 21
PGA REACH CNY WORKS
Fellow Spotlight: Harlee Lucier
Harlee Lucier’s lifelong passion for sports is helping her realize her professional goals.
As a former college soccer player and former Social Media Intern with the Northern Texas PGA, Lucier’s athletic background influenced her career path.
PGA REACH CNY BIRDIE BASH SHATTERS FUNDRAISING GOAL
The sun warmed the September air and Owasco Country Club provided the perfect fall backdrop for an unforgettable day of golf and giving. On Monday, September 15, PGA of America Golf Professionals and their partners teed it up for the first-ever PGA REACH CNY Birdie Bash an event built on one simple idea: make as many birdies as possible to make a difference Teams of two, each featuring at least one PGA Professional, played a scramble across 44 holes or more Every putt and every drive carried extra meaning, with supporters pledging donations per birdie or offering flat-rate contributions By day’s end, players recorded 284 birdies, fueling a fundraising total of $69,229
The number is all the more remarkable considering the Birdie Bash began with an ambitious $40,000 goal. That mark was quickly surpassed, and the target was bumped to $50,000. But with momentum building and pledges pouring in, the teams and supporters didn’t stop there they blew past the new goal, finishing nearly $20,000 higher.
Reflecting on the event, PGA REACH CNY Executive Director Joe Tesori expressed both pride and gratitude:
“I am proud to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible success of the inaugural PGA REACH CNY Birdie Bash This event was truly powerful, and I am so fortunate for the support from our sponsors, membership, donors, and the host facility ”
The energy and excitement extended beyond the golf course, as the event became a true team effort
“I also want to extend a special thank you to our 2025 PGA WORKS Fellow, Harlee Lucier Her contributions were absolutely critical to the success of this event, and it was a pleasure to work alongside her.”
And even as the final putts dropped, thoughts were already turning toward what’s next.
“We continue to be blown away by the overwhelming support for this event from all parties involved, and we are already looking forward to next year The PGA REACH CNY Birdie Bash is more than just a golf tournament; it is, and always will be, about supporting children and those less fortunate The ability of this event to help the children at Upstate Golisano is something our membership, donors, and sponsors should be immensely proud of, as I certainly am ”
PAGE NINE | CNY PGA
MEMBER INFORMATION
OFFICE CLOSINGS
The office will be closed Monday October 13 and October 20th in recognition of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day and our Fall Meeting respectively. th
PGA MEMBER LINKS
CNY PGA Membership Directory
Section & Foundation Partners
Workday Home Page
Workday Help Video Northeast Region Education Hub
NEW PDR CYCLE
The NEW PDR cycle period is 6/16/25 - 6/15/28. Click here to see the PGA Professional Development Requirements chart for ways to earn credits. Check out our new Northeast Region Education Hub for more PDR opportunities.
Fall has arrived, pumpkin spiced lattes are back and I’m sure the majority of you are now breathing a sigh of relief YOU ALL DESERVE IT! I’ve enjoyed having this extended time with all of our tournament players. Please remember to fill out your deferred compensation points you’ve earned for the season! I’ve gotten some really cool ideas for the Centennial Celebration so please please please keep forwarding those on to me!!!
Things I’m excited for this fall: Joey on the Athletic Career Consulting Podcast THIS TUESDAY!
Apple crisp oatmeal espresso
The new CNY PGA Special Awards ceremony with the winner reveals
Things I’m NOT excited for this fall: Snow
The downward spiral of the Philadelphia Eagles Halloween
Thank you all for growing the game!
“I
gotta focus, I’m shifting into soup mode.”
-George Constanza