Foundation Focus April 2021

FOUNDATION FOCUS

President

Tim Fries, PGA tim.fries@glenoak.com

Vice President Mike D'Agostino, PGA mikethepro@aol.com

Secretary Jeff Mietus, PGA jmietuspga@gmail.com

Treasurer Michael O’Connor, PGA mjokah@aol.com

Tim DiGiulio Financial Advisor L&M Wealth Management TDiGiulio@lmfs.net

Executive Director

Steven Bartkowski sbartkowski@pgahq.com

(716) 313-2943

Junior Golf Director Bob Ashley, PGA bashley@pgahq.com

(716) 707-3818

PGA WORKS Fellow Hope Warkoczeski hwarkoczeski@pgahq.com

(716) 646-8479

PGA WORKS Fellow

Mackenzie Culhane mculhane@pgahq.com

Buffalo Independent Director Jamie Miller millertime6789@gmail.com

Rochester Independent Director Mike Merriman mm@waterfordgroupny.com

Erie Independent Director To Be Determined

Joe Mariano President Jamco Development Corporation jamcodevelopment@gmail.com

John Osberg

Founder & CEO Ozmosis Consulting johnny@ozmosisconsulting.com

Tournament Director Ric Alberico, PGA RAlberico@pgahq.com (716) 707-3814

Coordinator of Operations Jacob Coles jcoles@pgahq.com

(716) 247-6283

Western New York PGA Section Glen Oak Golf Club 711 Smith Road East Amherst, NY 14051

Main Phone/Fax: (716) 626-7095

wnewyork@pgahq.com westernnewyork.pga.com

Tim Fries, PGA

President

PGA REACH WNY

Tim Fries, PGA

Glen Oak Golf Course

tim.fries@glenoak.com

Fellow Section Professionals,

I write this note both very humbled and excited to be named as your next President of PGA REACH WNY. Over my career I have been so blessed to serve with many of you in governance as the President of the WNYPGA Section, spend time as a Board Member of the National PGA of America, and now owner of Glen Oak GC in East Amherst following many wonderful years on the private side. In addition, I have been so fortunate to compete locally, regionally, and nationally in professional tournaments. Over the years though, there have been very few things that have touched me the way that working with our PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) has. Golf is such a unique game and the work that my fellow PGA Professionals continue to do through PGA REACH WNY is moving, inspiring, and motivating. Under former president Michael O’Connor’s direction, I hope to be able to continue the truly positive momentum we have built long into the future!

I very much look forward to the opportunity to serve alongside the current PGA REACH WNY Board Members, Trustees, Section Members, and Partners to make a tremendous difference in the community through the game of golf.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me anytime if you have any questions or want to learn more about PGA REACH WNY.

Respectfully,

Tim Fries, PGA

Steven Bartkowski

Friends of PGA REACH WNY, Welcome to the 2021 golf season!

After months of planning, the team here at PGA REACH WNY are ready to share our passion for the game of golf with others through our summer long programming. This coming weekend the WNYPGA Junior Tour kicks off its opening events at Midvale Country Club and Ridgemont Country Club. Between Saturday and Sunday we will have over 80 kids competing. The WNYPGA Junior Golf Tour provides an opportunity and atmosphere for juniors to enjoy the camaraderie, friendship, and sportsmanship of competitive golf at a series of premier venues throughout the Western New York Section of the PGA of America. Players in all divisions will compete in a season-long points race to qualify for the season-ending Junior Golf Tour Championship. The tour averages 200-250 members annually. Thank you to our host PGA Professionals and Sponsors for allowing us to keep the junior tour at a very affordable rate.

In May, our PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) clinics will get underway at Glen Oak GC, The Rochester VA Hospital and The Ridge GC in Erie, PA. PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH WNY. PGA HOPE introduces golf to veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Suicide is a major issue among military veterans, with recent statistical studies showing that 22 veterans a day commit suicide. PGA HOPE is working to change this statistic by helping Veterans to return to civilian life. Led by local WNYPGA Professionals, PGA REACH WNY impacted the lives of over 100 veterans across Buffalo, Rochester and Erie, PA. These veterans were given 6-week clinics and access to multiple golf facilities at NO COST.

In 2021, we are excited to also continue to advance our Diversity and Inclusion Pillar with the grant provided by PGA REACH National to hire our 2021 PGA Works Fellow, Mackenzie Culhane. “Mac” is a product of Avon, NY and has a passion to make golf more accessible to all individuals. Mac will be helping the current team to conduct Foundation programming, fundraising events, and championships for WNYPGA Professionals.

Finally, I want to personally thank Michael O’Connor, PGA for his leadership as the PGA REACH WNY Foundation President for the last three years. Michael oversaw the rebranding and re-structuring of the WNYPGA Foundation Inc to PGA REACH WNY which has led to a more focused approach to serving our community through golf and a model to showcase our Section Members. We are excited that Michael has decided to come back on Board as the Treasurer to continue to share his vision and insight.

With Michael recycling to Treasurer, we welcome Tim Fries, PGA as the new Foundation President. We have no doubt that Tim will continue to move PGA REACH WNY in a direction that makes golf more accessible to any individuals who would like to get involved. Tim is the owner of Glen Oak GC which is the hope of PGA HOPE, Buffalo, PGA Junior League, Special Olympics Training ground, First Tee of WNY and many other junior programming.

Respectfully,

Steven Bartkowski

WNYPGA & PGA REACH WNY Executive Director

Growth of Game Grant in collaboration with the NYSGA & RDGA Foundations gave over $11,000 back to Player Development Programs Run by PGA Professionals in 2019.

PGA REACH WNY HISTORY AND MISSION

The PGA REACH WNY Foundation (Western New York PGA Foundation, Inc.) was founded in 2010 by local PGA Professionals of the Western New York Section, PGA of America. The Foundation was created with the goal of providing support to various organizations in the Western New York Section through the game of golf. PGA REACH WNY will look to fund programs supporting its mission including the Western New York Section PGA Junior Golf and various underprivileged youth golf programs. The Foundation will strive to fund, conduct, and/or support these initiatives and many others that serve under the founding pillars – Youth, Military and Diversity in golf.

GRANT OVERVIEW

In 2021 the WNYPGA REACH Foundation, in collaboration with the New York State Golf Association, Buffalo District Golf Association and the Rochester District Golf Association Foundations, will provide grants to junior golf/growth of the game programs that meet the established program criteria. The goal is to award a maximum of $12,000 in grants based on the number of applications that meet the criteria. We encourage all Western New York PGA Members and Associates to offer a growth of the game program at their facilities or within their communities and to utilize this grant to initiate a new program or to enhance and strengthen an existing program.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

A committee comprised of the members of the associations conducts initial reviews and determines if all information required is provided. The committee may meet or speak with the candidate further if required. The committee then determines the benefits of each grant request and makes recommendations to the entire PGA REACH WNY Board of Directors, which makes the final decision.

Junior Golf/Growth of the Game Grant Criteria/Consideration:

1. Program must have a WNYPGA Member or Associate involved.

2. Programs must target ages 18 and under, individuals with disabilities, military or diverse populations.

3. Grant application must include a budget & explanation of how the grant funds are to be used.

4. Grants will be limited to (1) per facility at a maximum of $2,000 each. Additional grant request will be considered if there is funding available & if the additional request is for a different program targeting different demographics, program goals, etc.

5. Consideration will be given to span and benefit to the community. Grant recipients will be asked to provide a follow-up report outlining the results of the program & the perceived impact on growing the game. All 2021 Grant recipients must provide a follow-up report to be eligible to receive a grant in 2022.

6. Along with a follow-up report, documentation & explanation of how the grant money was used must be provided.

GRANT SUBMISSION

The Grant Application Deadline for 2021 Programs is Monday, April 19th, 2021. Grant Applications will be awarded based on Foundation Funding available and those that match the criteria above. Organizations may apply for grants in consecutive years. Grant awards will be used solely to run said program and no one individual or organization is to profit from the grant. The Foundation does not fund endowment campaigns, religious or political activities.

On Sunday, May 30th, 2021, partners and volunteers with PGA REACH Western NY will be running the PGA REACH WNY Marathon in an effort to raise $25,000 in funds and awareness for PGA REACH WNY initiatives. The funds raised will go to programs supporting our founding pillars: Military, Youth and Diversity/Inclusion.

Here is what you can do to help!

• Donation: Visit our GoFundMe Page here 2021 Buffalo Marathon

• Support: Share our event and follow the journey on

• Instagram: PGAREACH_WNY

• Twitter: PGAREACHWNY

• Facebook: WNYPGA

• Website: WNYPGA.com

For the Love of Golf

Featuring Rob Krajewski, PGA

My name is Rob Krajewski, PGA Certified Professional (Teaching and Coaching), and I am the Director of Instruction at Glen Oak Golf Club in East Amherst, New York. I have been lucky enough over the past 3 years to be a part of many of the programs the PGA REACH WNY Foundation supports. In 2019 we held our first in-house PGA Junior League program that saw 48 juniors participate with those numbers growing into 2021. Keeping in tune with Juniors, I held a few Drive, Chip and Putt practices for those competing locally as well as helped out during both local and regional qualifiers. I have also been involved with our PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program as a volunteer and the programs lead instructor. My involvement with these programs has allowed me to introduce a lifelong game to our younger generation as well as give back to our Veterans who have given so much to our country.

The PGA Jr League has been a great way to introduce younger players to the game. I remember learning the game as a kid and the very limited options to develop my game. With 48 players participating weekly, we had the ability to showcase the game in a fun, relaxed atmosphere and let the players enjoy the game in its natural setting. We postponed our 2020 season for safety reasons due to COVID, but moving into the 2021 season we have 20 juniors participating in our 17u league and will have close to 40 players in our 13u league. Interest in the game of golf has reached a new high and if your facility hasn’t participated in the PGA Jr League before, I highly recommend it. It can help bring additional revenue to the facility by offering food and beverage deals during match/practice days.

Who wouldn’t want an opportunity to compete at Augusta? The Drive, Chip and Putt competition gives kids the chance to compete on one of the greatest courses in the world. By hosting practices, we give kids the opportunity to hone their skills in each discipline. At Glen Oak, we hosted three practice dates leading up to the local qualifier. We charged $20 per player and each player received a basket of balls, a hot dog and beverage, and the remaining money went to the PGA REACH WNY Foundation. The practice areas were set up to resemble live competition and it allowed the players to pinpoint any one area that needed extra attention.

The PGA HOPE program has been growing each and every year. Last year, even with the pandemic, we still had almost 50 Veterans participate. It’s been a great honor working with individuals who have been through so much and have given so much to their country. The level of engagement a lot of these Veterans have for the game of golf is great to see. They are able to use golf as an outlet as well as therapy. Being able to positively influence the lives of so many amazing individuals through the game of golf is a feeling that you can’t get anywhere else.

The reason I am involved with these programs is because of what the game of golf means to me. To be able to have the opportunity to influence so many others through these programs and potentially inspire others to pursue golf then “game on love of the game motivates me to continue working with these programs and help others enjoy the game as much as I do.

Individuals Make Four Year Commitments to PGA REACH Western NY

Financial Advisor and avid golfer Tim DiGiulio has been named a Trustee for PGA REACH WNY, the 501(c)(3) foundation of the Western New York Section, PGA of America.

DiGiulio, a member of Transit Valley Country Club, has pledged over the next four years to PGA REACH WNY. The gift is designed to inspire others to contribute to PGA REACH WNY, as well as convey his belief in the mission that local WNYPGA Professionals are driving home through PGA REACH WNY.

“I deeply believe in the game of golf and its positive impact on participants of all ages and demographics,” said Tim Diguilio. “Through this commitment with PGA REACH WNY, I hope to give back to the community and game that has given so much back to me. Over the past year it has been exciting to learn more about the long term strategic initiatives of PGA REACH WNY. I look forward to being a part of some of the game changing initiatives that are in the works for our youth, military and diverse populations.”

“We’re delighted that Tim DiGiulio has joined as our first Trustee & Advisory member,” said WNYPGA Executive Director, Steven Bartkowski. “I have met with Tim and discussed the future strategic direction of PGA REACH WNY and it’s anticipated impact to the community as a whole. His donation is a beacon of light for others across the local golf industry to emulate, and the impact it will have is enormous. PGA REACH WNY is grateful for Tim’s generosity and commitment to the future of the game in Western NY.” Full Press Release Here: Tim DiGiulio Named PGA REACH WNY Trustee

President of JAMCO Development Corporation and an avid golfer has been named a Trustee for PGA REACH WNY, the 501(c)(3) foundation of the Western New York Section, PGA of America. Mariano, who built the new WNYPGA Offices at Glen Oak GC, has pledged over the next four years to PGA REACH WNY. Joe will join a new group of individuals who will assist strategy, fundraising and overall program support of the three core pillars for PGA REACH WNY.

"Building the current homesite of the WNYPGA and it’s hall of fame at Glen Oak GC, put me in a unique position to see first-hand the importance that Steve Bartkowski and the organization put on the community. I noticed this the most with the PGA Reach WNY program. I was lucky enough to be there the day that the solo rider cart for handicapped veterans arrived! It provided veterans that were unable to walk the opportunity to play golf despite any physical handicaps. That day is when I saw the full commitment that WNYPGA Professionals put into connecting our heroes with the great game of Golf”, said Mariano.

“We’re honored that Joe has accepted a role as a Trustee & Advisory member,” said WNYPGA Executive Director, Steven Bartkowski. “Joe has been around the game of golf for most of his life dating way back to his bag room days working at Westwood Country Club. His passion to share his expertise and give back to the game of golf and the community it serves is inspiring. PGA REACH WNY is very grateful for Joe’s commitment to the long term strategic plan through our three founding pillars.”

Individuals Make Four Year Commitments to PGA REACH Western NY

Owner and creator of OZmosis Consulting and Co-Founder of Bad Golf Business School has been named the 2nd trustee of PGA REACH WNY, the 501(c)(3) foundation of the Western New York Section, PGA of America.

Osberg, an avid golfer and graduate of Niagara University, has pledged the next four years to PGA REACH WNY. The new Trustee and Advisory Group is a strategic initiative by the current leadership of PGA REACH WNY in order to more fully engrain themselves in the community they serve and understand the changing needs of their benefactors. This group of individuals will lend help both financially and strategically to all mission driven programming.

“I am sincerely honored to join this newly formed initiative alongside close friends, idols, mentors and exceptional community leaders. The PGA REACH of WNY Foundation has continually emboldened me to keep spreading good about the world at a time when communal support is needed most” said Osberg.

“Working within the 3 focus areas of PGA REACH WNY specifically on PGA HOPE, I have been afforded the chance to, as I like to call it, ‘Serve Those Who Have Served.’ To witness the truly life impacting, life enhancing and life saving things that are happening every day within the pillars of PGA REACH WNY has been surreal. I am greatly energized, humbled and stoked to continue creating impact and legacy through the beautiful game of golf!”

“We’re thrilled to have John aboard as our second committed Trustee and Advisor of PGA REACH WNY,” said WNYPGA Executive Director, Steven Bartkowski. “John brings another level of passion and commitment to ensure that PGA REACH WNY not only meets but exceeds its mission driven expectations. He will be another crucial piece in the long-term planning and execution process as the Foundation continues to grow its commitment to Positively Impacting Lives Through the Game of Golf.”

In addition to the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge, John Osberg will be running the Virtual Buffalo Marathon with other PGA REACH WNY partners and supporters to raise funds and awareness to support PGA REACH Western NY foundation programs. Osberg’s dedication to raise awareness for PGA REACH WNY through athletic challenges personifies his dedication to serving the golf community and demonstrates his commitment to PGA REACH WNY.

If you are willing and able to donate to John Osberg’s effort of over 72 miles and to support PGA REACH WNY you can donate here at his GoFundMe Charity Page: Supporting Our Military Veteran Heroes via PGA HOPE

To raise awareness for PGA REACH WNY and continue to promote a healthy lifestyle to others, Osberg completed the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge. The challenge was created by David Goggins, a Navy SEAL Veteran, who is an accomplished endurance athlete who encourages others to be the best versions of themselves. Athletes around the world participated in the David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge on March 5th by running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours. David Goggins’ story about endurance inspires John Osberg to promote a healthy lifestyle, encourage others to be the best version of themselves and serve others in the community.

A message from one of

our

Veterans

PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables Recreational Therapists to refer Veterans to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy. Through a robust program strategy, PGA HOPE aspires to create a physically and emotionally healthier Veteran community by shaping lives, changing lives, and possibly saving lives through the game of golf.

The Hero video to the right featuring Jack Nicklaus, highlights the positive impact that PGA HOPE has on the lives of military Veterans.

We are very lucky to be a successful PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program so much that the Western NY PGA HOPE program is recognized on a national scale. The WNY PGA HOPE program will be featured on a CBS television special on May 15th, 2021. Film crews visited Glen Oak Golf Course to record footage of a few Veterans interacting with PGA Professionals. The program will feature PGA Professionals, Brian Jacobs and Tim Fries, Scott Smalter (Navy Veteran) and Western NY PGA Executive Director, Steven Bartkowski. It explores all the good that PGA HOPE is doing for veterans across the country and the dedication that our Professionals are making to impact the lives of PGA HOPE Veterans through the game of golf.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and our dedication to keeping our PGA Professionals, Veterans and staff safe we decided to not meet in person for our 2021 PGA HOPE Winter Session. In a normal year, we would be able to all meet in person at an indoor golf facility to prepare for the coming golf season.

With the help of Brian Jacobs, PGA and Ikonik Golf, we were able to hold an online learning series. The Winter classes started in early March and run through early May. The program is run through Ikonik Golf, an online platform built for golf coaches to deliver personalized and effective training for their students.

Coaches can use IKONIK’s extensive library of training templates, videos, drills and challenges as is or personalize the videos to fit the coach’s needs. Students and coaches communicate in real time on the platform throughout the lesson process to gauge improvement. The Ikonik app allows for virtual lessons so we were able to create a virtual PGA HOPE Winter session.

After a few weeks of learning through the Ikonik we were able to gather at Glen Oak Golf Course in East Amherst, NY to utilize their golf simulators for an assessment day. During the assessment day Brian Jacobs, PGA was able to assess the progress Veterans have made in their golf game while utilizing the virtual Ikonik Golf application.

Thank you to all who have made this program a success!

Learn about the Diversity & Inclusion Programs in WNY

It is another proud day for our PGA REACH WNY Foundation in the Diversity & Inclusion space. Hope Warkoczeski has been in the role of PGA Works Fellow for the last 12 months working to conduct junior programming, teaching veterans the game of golf and rolling out an inclusive new golf program called Doubles Golf. While she will be missed, Hope has been offered a full-time position as Assistant Professional/ Assistant GM at a 63-hole facility back in her hometown. She will start in June after her time with us. The sole purpose of the PGA Works fellowship is to give diverse individuals the opportunity to work full-time in the business and now our Foundation is batting 100% in that category for our fellows. Prior to Hope, Jacob Coles graduated from his fellowship into a full-time role as the WNYPGA Operations Coordinator.

Some history about Special Olympics New York starts with “Eunice Kennedy Shriver who founded Special Olympics in 1968. Just one year later, Dorothy Buehring Phillips inaugurated the program in New York and the state sent its first delegation of athletes and coaches to the Northeast Regional Special Olympics competition in Boston, Mass. Special Olympics New York was incorporated in 1970 with Phillips as its first State Director. In June 1970, Rochester hosted the first State Summer Games. Today, Special Olympics New York is the largest program in the United States and one of the largest in the world.”

Special Olympics New York’s mission is to “provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.” The PGA REACH WNY Foundation is excited to help grow the game by partnering with Special Olympics New York.

Learn more at their website: https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/

Hope Warkoczeski

East Amherst, NY (March 4th, 2021) – The Western New York PGA Section (WNYPGA) is pleased to announce the hiring of its third PGA WORKS Fellow, Mackenzie Culhane of Avon, NY. Culhane will join the Western NY PGA Staff in Mid-March of 2021 for a 9-month internship.

PGA REACH WNY, the 501(c)(3) foundation of the Western New York Section, PGA of America, includes the three pillars: military, youth and diversity/inclusion. PGA WORKS is the flagship program for diversity and inclusion within the PGA REACH foundation. The PGA WORKS Fellowship aspires to be the most valuable entry-level employment opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry.

The primary responsibilities of Ms. Culhane will be to support and execute philanthropic activities for the Western New York PGA and PGA REACH WNY, including PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), junior golf programming, such as the Junior Tour, PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt. Additionally, Ms. Culhane will play an integral role assisting with marketing and communications efforts to promote WNYPGA Professionals.

Mackenzie (Mac) Culhane graduated from SUNY Brockport with a Major in Sport Management and Minor in Communications. While attending Brockport, she competed as a Student-Athlete on the Women’s Soccer team. Prior to joining the WNYPGA she interned for both OnCore Golf and Brian Jacobs Golf Academy. “Both of these positions helped prepare me for the PGA Works Fellow position by showing me the inner workings of the golf world including; sponsorships, marketing, social media, event planning and most importantly the love for golf and how it brings people of all backgrounds together,” said Culhane.

“Growing up, I was always around golf and that created a lifelong love of the game that further made me want to turn it into a career,” Culhane’s grandparents are members at Pinehurst Resort, Oak Hill Country Club and Cobblestone Creek Country Club, “so I remember seeing Michelle Wie practicing on the hole in my grandparents backyard and just idolizing her.”

While with the WNYPGA, Culhane strives to give youth in the Western NY region a similar experience and love for golf that she has since it is a lifetime sport that can be played by anyone and everyone. “I am truly honored to be an addition to the WNYPGA team and to get the opportunity to share the love of golf with people of all backgrounds in an effort to change the face of the golf industry,” said Culhane.

"The Western New York Section is excited to hire its third PGA Works Fellow. We look forward to working with Mac and providing opportunities for her that will eventually open doors to a career in the golf industry," said WNYPGA Executive Director Steven Bartkowski.

The Western New York PGA and PGA REACH WNY are fortunate to once again have the support of PGA REACH National to hire on a PGA Works Fellow in 2021. Mac is the third fellow for the Section since 2019. The first ever PGA Works Fellow for the WNYPGA is now working in a full-time position as Operations Coordinator for the Section and Foundation.

To learn more about the PGA WORKS Fellowship Program, visit pgareach.org/pgaworks

To learn more about PGA REACH WNY, visit westernnewyork.pga.com

Learn about the Youth Programs in WNY

PGA Jr. League exists to bring communities together through fun, team golf experiences… plus those experiences that transcend golf itself, like friendships that last for years to come or a newfound sense of confidence. What started as an idea penned on a napkin while watching the Little League World Series has grown to more than 60,000 boys and girls on teams spanning all 50 states in 2019. This unique approach highlights team play versus individual competition and serves as a feeder system to transition youth golfers to existing junior golf programs, such as those offered by local PGA Sections.

Watch Carlos stumble into PGA Jr. League while hunting Bigfoot. He quickly learns about the format, what it takes to be a great teammate, and why PGA Jr. League is even more fun than hunting mythical creatures!

Click on the video to see our new PGA Jr. League Ambassadors NBA star, Steph Curry, and U.S. Women’s Soccer star Alex Morgan.

In 1999 The WNYPGA Junior Golf Tour was formed to provide an opportunity and atmosphere for juniors to enjoy the camaraderie, friendship, and sportsmanship of competitive golf at a series of premier venues throughout the Western New York Section of the PGA of America. Since the conception of The WNYPGA Junior Golf Tour it has grown from 10 annual events to the current schedule of 36 events. Annually the membership is between 200 – 250 junior golfers that play approximately 2,000 rounds of competitive golf. Players in all divisions will compete in a season-long points race to qualify for the season-ending Junior Golf Tour Championship.

Since 1999 it has had over 4,500 members and over 25,000 rounds! It is recognized by Junior Golf Hub and Junior Golf Scoreboard two of the leading Junior Golf organizations in the country. The WNYPGA Junior Golf Tour is the leader; most recognized and respected Junior Golf Competition in Western New York and we will continue to improve “The WNYPGA Junior Golf Tour Experience”. The WNYPGA Section is Most Proud of the fact that we have touched the lives of so many young ladies and gentlemen over the past 21 years. Through the Game of Golf we have instilled the life skills of honesty, integrity, competitiveness and camaraderie.

Captain registration for PGA Junior League is open and you can register to help young golfers build friendships, knowledge of the game, and a community. To register as a PGA Jr. League captain you can click here! There are some changes to PGA Jr. League in 2021 as we continue to make the best experience possible to grow the game of golf. Below are just a few changes coming to PGA Junior League to improve the experience but you can learn more by clicking here.

Create a safe environment at your golf course for families to enjoy quality time together through PGA Family Cup! PGA Family Cup brings PGA Jr. League to life for families in a format all ages can enjoy together. Most importantly, it’s designed to build a vibrant community around YOU, the family expert coach, at your golf course. This program can provide families the opportunity to safely engage in the sports world again and begin the healing process for your community. The program is designed to get families who watch from the cart path of a PGA Junior League event to the fairway with the family scramble format. Learn more with the PGA Family Cup Facility Guide and register as a Family Cup captain and facility.

A joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and The PGA of America, Drive, Chip and Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf.

By tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, Drive, Chip and Putt provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers around the country. Participants who advance through local, sub-regional and regional qualifying in each age/gender category earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament and is broadcast live by Golf Channel.

The 2021 Drive Chip & Putt National Finals will be held on Sunday, April 4th, 2021 at Augusta National Golf Club. Learn more here: DriveChipandPutt.com

These are the Drive Chip & Putt Events in Western New York:

Thursday, June 24th

Thursday, July 8th

Thursday, July 15th

Thursday, July 22nd

Friday, August 6th

JC Martin GC

Glen Oak GC

Genesee Valley GC

Seneca Hickory Stick

Sub-Regional

Glen Oak GC

Sunday, September 19th Regional

Oak Hill Country Club

Membership Information:

All registered players may register for up to 10 events (full-time) andup to 5 events (part-time). Please note: Entry into each event is on a first come, first served basis and the 10 or 5 events is NOT guaranteed. Partial refunds while in season will only be considered if ALL events are completely booked and/or there are extraordinary personal circumstances.

• Membership for Full Time 2021 WNYPGA Junior Tour– Max of 10 events – 18 Hole: $450.00

• Membership for Part Time 2021 WNYPGA Junior Tour- Max 5 events – 18 Hole: $350.00

• Membership for Full Time 2021 WNYPGA Junior Tour- Max 10 events – 9 Hole: $350.00

• Membership for Part Time 2021 WNYPGA Junior Tour– Max of 5 events – 9 Hole: $250.00

Eligibility:

The WNYPGA Junior Tour is open to juniors residing within the boundaries of the WNYPGA Section who have reached the age of 10 but will not reach their 19th birthday before August 4, 2021. Juniors will be separated by their age on June 30th, 2021 into the following divisions:

• Boys 16-18

• Boys 13-15

• Boys 10-12 (9-Hole)

• Girls 16-18

• Girls 13-15

• Girls 10-12 (9-Hole)

WNYPGA JUNIOR TOUR MEMBER BENEFITS:

• WNYPGA Jr Tour Membership Gift Package

WNYPGA Jr Tour Member Bag Tag

WNYPGA / WNYPGA REACH Golf Towel

WNYPGA Hat

• Junior Golf Hub Account – Free Player Profile – Free 30 Day Trial Premium Membership and Discounted

Premium Membership available to our Junior PGA Tour Members. – All the info needed for aspiring college golfers – Digital Golf Resume available to over 750 College Coaches over 2000 College Golf Programs and more

• Enhanced Blue Golf Account – Tournament Planner, Scorecard App & College Finder

• College Golf / Careers in Golf Seminar – Included in 2021 Junior Membership to learn from College Coaches and Industry Professionals.

• World Golf Handicap for all Members who need one.

2021 WNYPGA JUNIOR TOUR SCHEDULE:

36 Hole Scoring Events for 2021

Event 1: Saturday April 17th Midvale CC, Sunday April 18th Ridgemont CC

Event 2: Saturday May 1st Terry Hills GC, Sunday May 2nd Stafford CC

Event 3: Saturday May 22nd Chautauqua GC, Sunday May 23rd Shorewood CC

Event 4: Saturday June 12th Gowanda CC, Sunday June 13th Elkdale CC

**36 Hole Scoring Events are played over 2 days at 2 different locations. Player must register into both individual 18 Hole e be combined for the 36 Hole Event Posting to Junior Golf Scoreboard. You will not receive additional Player of the Year Point Hole Event Posting. You will receive Points and Prizes for Individual 18 Hole Events. Since you are playing in 2 separate eve will count as 2 events against your membership. To view the full 2021 WNYPGA Junior

Tour Schedule CLICK HERE

The Western NY PGA and Fore Tour Junior Golf Series is pleased to partner with the International Junior Masters, the oldest junior invitational in North America (1953), to expand golf opportunities for junior boys and girls! The event is held each year at the end of June in East Aurora, NY, just outside Buffalo, at East Aurora Country Club. Players from around the country and the world attend the International Junior Masters to compete in a unique format of two medal rounds for seeding, then five flights which play four rounds over two days to determine the champions. The overall champion of the International Junior Masters wins an exemption into the Porter Cup amateur championship.

The new partnership between the Western NY PGA and the International Junior Masters will allow our elite junior golfers from the Fore Tour Series to compete in the 2022 International Junior Masters. The boys’ overall medalists from each 2021 Fore Tour Series Tournament event will get exemptions into the 2022 International Junior Masters.

ABOUT THE FORE TOUR JUNIOR GOLF SERIES

The Fore Tour Junior Golf Series provides a regional affordable competitive 36-Hole Event opportunity for juniors. These events, which are backed and conducted by PGA Section Staff and Professionals, will be held at premier venues throughout the Western NY, Central NY, North East NY and Tri-State PGA Sections of the PGA of America. The Fore Tour Junior Series is open to all Juniors ages 13 to 18 before May 1, 2021.

Highlights of the Fore Tour:

• NEW affordable regional 36-hole event option for national rankings

• Backed by four PGA of America Sections and their respective PGA Professionals

• Professionally conducted by PGA Section Staffs

• Recognized nationally by Junior Golf Scoreboard, Global Junior Golf Rankings and Junior Golf Hub

• Open to any Juniors ages 13-18. No additional membership fees.

• Reduced entry fees for all 2021 WNYPGA Junior Tour Members.

• Top facilities across Western NY, Central NY, Northeastern NY and Pennsylvania

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FORE TOUR SERIES HERE ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL

June 28th –

JUNIOR MASTERS

July 2nd, 2021 East Aurora Country Club

Started in 1953, the International Junior Masters (“IJM”) is a junior golf tournament for boys and girls 14 to 18 years old. It is the oldest international junior invitational in North America. Top caliber players from around the globe compete in the tournament, making it a world-wide showcase of junior golf talent, creating a field at the highest level of competition. The tournament combines both medal play and match play into its tournament format. Many notable participants have successful careers on the PGA Tour.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR

MASTERS HERE

The goal of WNYPGA Junior Golf Days is to offer young athletes the chance to grow their athleticism and expose young athletes to the game of golf. Instruction will be focused on Stage Two of the American Development Model (ADM), FUNdamentals, to develop skills for play focused on fun, inclusion and developmentally appropriate activities. Students age 5 to 9 will be exposed to driving, chipping, and putting through various activities and games while receiving instruction from top PGA Professionals in Western NY.

• Courses serve Ages 5 to 9 years old

• Free event for participants & open to the public (i.e. non-members at the golf facilities)

• Each event is capped at 50 participants to ensure everyone’s safety & the quality of instruction

• Masks are required at these events

• The session will be 45 minutes in length

• Equipment will be provided by the WNYPGA

Golf's new pathway is built on the principles of the American Development Model (ADM), a proven, long-term athlete development model that has been successfully applied to USA Hockey, USOC, USA Basketball and USA Lacrosse. American Development Model was designed by sports scientists to help support a lifetime affinity to sports, and to develop athletes to their greatest potential. These principles align physical and psychological development to stages, delivering appropriate skills and exercise at the appropriate time.

Physical and physiological development is broken into 7 stages. Using this strategy, the right skills, exercises, and instruction can be delivered at the right time, leading to success for your students. The goal of the ADM is to engage athletes in a way that will retain students in their sports, such as golf. Learn more at PGA.Coach

Session Schedule:

• Saturday, May 22 Chautauqua Golf Club

• Tuesday, June 29 Glen Oak Golf Course at 10 AM

• Tuesday, July 20 Livingston Country Club at 2 PM

• Thursday, July 29 The Kahkwa Club at 4 PM

Learn more about Junior Golf in Western NY here: https://westernnewyork.pga.com/junior-golf/

& PGA REACH WNY

The First Tee - Western New York is looking for coaches and volunteers to join their team for the 2021 season. Help this great organization in its efforts to grow the game in the WNY community!

CLICK HERE to apply to become a coach or volunteer today

The First Tee exists to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum, students create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that carry to everything they do. With the belief that all kids deserve the chance to grow in a supportive environment with mentors guiding them, the First Tee is dedicated to building programs that are accessible, welcoming, and as impactful as they are fun.

Students in the First Tee program become a better version of themselves because they are surrounded by passionate coaches and volunteers who guide them to see what they are capable of doing. An expansion of programs and an increased number of participants in 2020 means there is a need for more golfers like you to get involved in 2021.

In addition to several schools and community centers in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Rochester, First Tee – Western NY delivers our full Life Skills Experience program at the following golf facilities:

Buffalo Area Facilities:

• Brighton Golf Course

• Elma Meadows Golf Course

• Grover Cleveland Golf Course

• Harvest Hill Golf Course

• Glen Oak Golf Course

• Niagara County Golf Course

• Spruce Ridge Golf Course

Rochester Area Facilities:

• Churchville Golf Course

• Deerfield Country Club

• Genesee Valley Golf Course

If anyone on your staff, members of your club, or frequent league members have an interest in getting involved with First Tee – Western NY, please contact Kristen Bromley at kbroley@firstteewesternny.org for more information or CLICK HERE to apply. We also have opportunities to run school and community-led golf clinics which is a great way to stay involved during the off-season!

Lastly, if you have junior golf sets you are looking to get rid of, please consider donating them to First Tee –Western NY. While we appreciate the offer of donating adult clubs, we are in need of junior sets. Please contact Tim Frank at tfrank@firstteewesternny.org to donate clubs or additional equipment.

Thank you for your continued support an effort in growing the game of golf – we look forward to getting more PGA Members involved with First Tee – Western NY in 2021!

Junior Bag Recipients:

• Tom Bolduc, PGA

• Victor Lim

• Samantha Plummer

PGA HOPE Bag Recipients:

• Brian Becker

• Andrew Buczek

• Christopher Doldan

• Steve Harris

• Brian Jacobs, PGA

• Ken Kopra

• Raul Mercado

• Nicholas Martone

• John Osberg

• Remo Scarsella

• Brand Recognition inside AND on-course at the PGA REACH WNY Homesite at Glen Oak Golf Course (average 35,000 rounds per year)

• 10 Hours of lessons, fittings, swing analysis with PGA Professionals

• Listing on PGA REACH WNY Foundation

Website and Newsletter

• Brand Recognition inside the PGA REACH WNY Homesite at Glen Oak Golf Course

• 4 hours of lessons, fittings, swing analysis with PGA Professionals

• Listing on PGA REACH WNY Foundation

Website and Newsletter

• Brand Recognition inside the PGA REACH WNY Homesite at Glen Oak Golf Course

• 2 hours of lessons, fittings, swing analysis with PGA Professionals

• Listing on PGA REACH WNY Foundation

Website and Newsletter

• Brand Recognition inside the PGA REACH WNY Homesite at Glen Oak Golf Course

• Listing on PGA REACH WNY Foundation

Website and Newsletter

We are looking for partners to help positively impact the community through the game of golf!

Friends of the Foundation

Learning Center

PGA WORKS Fellow

FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDATION EQUIPMENT RENTAL PROGRAM

In our continuing effort to grow the game and provide resources to our members and facilities, the Western New York Section is proud to offer the Friends of the Foundation Equipment Rental Program. These items can be used at your facility and are great additions to events and programs such as junior camps, member guest tournaments, family golf days, etc. The donations collected through the rental program benefits the PGA REACH WNY Foundation,

With a $250 donation, you can have access to ANY of the items to the right for the full year.

For an additional $500 donation, you can have access to any of our three (3) PGA HOPE golf carts.

To reserve a rental or for more information, please contact the Western New York PGA Section staff at wnewyork@pgahq.com

INDOOR/OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER

PGA REACH WNY has the long-term vision of creating inclusive indoor/outdoor learning centers inclusive to the three (3) founding pillars to be able to provide a space in the to run year-round programming for our youth, military and diverse populations.

PGA WORKS FELLOW

PGA REACH WNY has a long-term vision of having a fully funded PGA Works fellow each and every year. The entry-level employment experience offers a taste of what a career in the golf industry can provide. The employment rate post fellowship is over 80% nationwide.