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PGA REACH WNY
Michael O’Connor, PGA
President PGA REACH WNY The Kahkwa Club Michael O’Connor PGA, CPGA, CMAA mjokah@aol.com
Since inception back in 2014, the PGA REACH WNY Foundation has raised $821,000 and distributed over $769,000 back to the Communities within the WNYPGA Section. The foundation continues to grow each year and there are new and exciting projects underway. Despite a challenging year with Covid-19, PGA REACH WNY made a significant strides in impacting our Communities and moving the needle on an exiting project at our Section homesite.
A very special thank you to Steve Bartkowski our Executive Director, and Jacob Coles our Foundation Operations Coordinator for all there efforts throughout this challenging year. Their passion, dedication and hard work were the driving force behind numerous initiatives such as; PGA HOPE Clinics, Memorial Day Closest to the Pin, Playing for Covid-19, Summer Golf Nights for PGA HOPE, PGA HOPE Buffalo Chapter Classes, Tee it for the Troops and 100-Hole Marathons. Thank you to all the Professionals, Volunteers, WNYPGA Board as well as the PGA REACH WNY Committee for their support and effort in supporting our vision!
Our leadership is working on Project F.O.R.E. (Fostering Opportunities through Recreation and Education) at our Section Office. This project will create indoor/outdoor learning centers to provide more affordable year round access for our Veterans, Youth and Diverse populations. The project will see a short course, indoor learning center and academy. Potential land has been identified near the WNYPGA Section home office and a 6-hole short game facility has been designed. Concepts for an indoor simulator area have also been in the works. The vision is to establish similar facilities in Rochester and Erie. The Committee is finalizing the plans for the capital campaign to fund the construction. Our Committee will be meeting in November and will update you on our progress.
Please keep in mind that our goal is to have a positive impact on lives throughout our Section through the game of golf. Our foundation supports a variety of initiatives that serve our founding pillars, youth, military and diversity in golf. If you want to get involved or have an idea please reach out to myself, Steve or Jacob.
Kind Regards,
Michael O’Connor, PGA
PGA REACH WNY PGA Professional
Steven Bartkowski
Executive Director WNYPGA & PGA REACH WNY Steven Bartkowski sbartkowski@pgahq.com (716) 313-2943
Ladies & Gentlemen,
We truly hope that you enjoy the first “Foundation Focus” which will be a quarterly communication coming from the Western New York Section, PGA (WNYPGA) regarding updates on our charitable arm - PGA REACH WNY. I am inspired everyday at the work that our WNYPGA Professionals continue to do for their community as true brand ambassadors of their respective facilities.
For those who are unaware, PGA REACH WNY is the charitable arm of the WNYPGA that was created by local club professionals with the mission of “Positively Impacting Lives Through the Game of Golf.” This is achieved by free or affordable programming through our three founding pillars that are supported - military, youth, diversity/inclusion. While COVID19 certainly hindered many activities that were planned for 2020 we were still able to impact over 450 kids through our junior programs, 90 veterans through PGA HOPE and afforded to give another diverse individual a one-year work fellowship experience through PGA Works. With the gracious support of fundraising this fall we anticipate that 2021 will be one of our most impactful years yet as we hope to impact over 1300 youth, over 150 veterans, hire another PGA Works Fellow, begin to train Special Olympics Athletes and get back in the hospitals with our Smiling FORE Life Programming.
To our partners, donors, volunteers, host facilities and PGA Professionals that continue to support our mission - thank you! The growth we have seen over the last four years would not be possible without the support of our community.
For those interested in getting involved, please take a look at some of the opportunities in this report and feel free to reach out to me directly at (716) 313-2943 or sbartkowski@pgahq.com.
Respectfully,
Steven Bartkowski
WNYPGA & PGA REACH WNY Executive Director
What is it?
A message from our PGA HOPE Ambassador
PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week (NG&WW) is a unique opportunity for Veterans who possess the motivation to excel in their personal rehabilitation journey and represent their local PGA HOPE community on a national level.
Over the course of four days in Washington D.C., 20 PGA HOPE graduates who have been nominated by PGA Professionals from their home PGA HOPE programs will receive a tool kit of new skills focused on advanced golf instruction and impactful wellness training. This curriculum is an extension to what Veterans have been learning throughout the years at their home PGA HOPE programs.
At the conclusion of the event, the 20 PGA HOPE graduates become PGA HOPE Ambassadors and when they return to their home programs, have new responsibilities to help foster the game of golf through the PGA HOPE Program. The Western New York PGA HOPE Ambassador , Nick Martone, is a former Marine with an energetic charismatic personality. View his video message above as to what PGA HOPE means to him.
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of programming is free to all 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 had an overwhelming number of participants in our Summer PGA HOPE classes at Glen Oak Golf Course. Each week we had over 40 participants at our golf clinics! It is the highest attendance we have seen for our PGA HOPE program since it started. We were able to graduate 50 veterans from the program and 31 of those veterans were involved in our clinics for the first time. The PGA HOPE Program helps to provide a way for veterans to adjust to civilian life. Professionals and veterans are able to bond through their love of golf and growth in the game. Veterans are able to get involved in the program by joining the program through their Veterans Affair program, like the one at Western New York Healthcare System at Buffalo. We were able to host the 40+ veterans for 8 weeks of clinics at Glen Oak Golf Course. One week of our clinics was focused on mental health. Patrick, VA Recreational Therapist, lead the group in chair tai chi; guest speaker, Savannah, talked about meditation and reiki; and Brian Jacobs gave full swing lessons with alignment rods on the range. The mental health week helped to tie together golf and taking care of oneself. It has been a privilege serving those who have served through the PGA HOPE program. Thank you to all who have helped support our veterans throughout this program! If you are interested in helping with the program during the winter or next season please contact Section Staff.
For the first time ever PGA REACH WNY was able to host a Winter program for veterans. During the off season it can be tough for golfers to maintain the skills they have practices throughout the Summer golf season. The 6-week program was held at the Paddock Chevrolet Dome in Tonawanda, NY. We hosted 40
veterans and were able to use the entire facility including the range, putting area and simulators for different lessons.
PGA HOPE in Erie, PA kicked off at Lake View Country Club on September 3rd, 2020! Although the group is small, they make up for it in personality! The golf clinics will continued for five weeks lead by Steve Crane with the help of Rich Conwell, David Wedzik and Tom Wedzik. The PGA HOPE Erie program has always been a bit smaller, but the goal is to grow the program in the coming years which we can do with your help in advertising the program or volunteering with the program. PGA HOPE is meant to serve our veterans, but it also serves golf professionals by building friendships and providing another outlet to grow involvement in coaching programs.
On October 1st, we began our campaign to raise funds and awareness about PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere). PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Because of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs, PGA HOPE programming is offered at no cost for Military Veterans as a form of therapy and is funded by PGA REACH. We are so lucky in Western New York because we are able to serve over 50 veterans through PGA HOPE. The program is saving lives especially during this unique year. With the help of PGA HOPE ambassadors, like our own Nick Martone, we are able to learn how to continuously serve those who have served. You
can help our effort to support the PGA HOPE Program and help PGA REACH WNY raise the most by donating to our PGA National Day of HOPE 2020 Page!
Each year Wanakah Country Club hosts the Tee It Up for the Troops golf outing to raise funds for those who serve. Each year the WNY PGA HOPE Program receives a portion of the profits from the event to support the programs. Funds raised for PGA HOPE help to pay coaches, purchase equipment like single rider carts and golf course equipment. This year at the Tee It Up for the Troops event, eight of our veterans from the WNY PGA HOPE program were invited to play in the event. Prior to the outing veterans received a clinic about full swing and putting from Jerry Coleman, PGA and Jeff Mietus, PGA. We were able to showcase the success of PGA HOPE in communities at the event and build relationships with other organizations who serve veterans.
We are collecting cans! PGA HOPE veterans have been working tirelessly to collect cans for deposit to earn funds for the Western New York PGA HOPE program. Funds raised from cans are for golf equipment, rounds of golf for our veterans, and coaches who instruct during clinics. Veterans are on a quest to return one million cans. If you have empty cans and bottles to return, there is a dedicated trailer at Glen Oak
Golf Course for collecting cans to deposit. We are so grateful to Tim Fries and Glen Oak Golf Course for hosting the trailer to collect cans!
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.
The Western New York PGA Junior Tour helps young athletes to cultivate friendships and become competitive golfers all while visiting some of the beautiful courses across the section. Thank you to all our hosts from throughout the season. We wrapped up the Summer season at the Junior Tour Championship at Stafford Country Club on August 3rd &4th. View the full results from the Championship here.
The Western New York PGA Junior Tour wrapped up the Summer season in August 2020. However, with the uncertainty of whether regular high school season play would happen for junior golfers, we wanted to provide more opportunities for young golfers to compete and continue to grow their game. That is why we created the WNYPGA Fall Junior Tour Series! Learn more by clicking here.
Many youth sports and activities are getting postponed or canceled, and the negative impact on a kid’s mental and physical health is significant. This is where YOU can fill the void by providing fall programming. It's a great opportunity to get new kids into the game or to capture your current students in a new season. Register as a PGA Junior League captain 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. Learn more with the PGA Family Cup Facility Guide and register as a Family Cup captain and facility.
PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative, designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. Funded by PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, PGA WORKS leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events, and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from diverse backgrounds to pursue key employment positions across the golf industry. • In 2019 the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship hosted 189 student-athletes from 41 HBCUs, HSIs, and minority-serving institutions. • PGA WORKS Fellows have worked in 9 different PGA Section offices. • PGA WORKS fellowship alumni have a 100% job placement rate in sports and 77% job placement rate in golf since 2017 • PGA WORKS has awarded 25 Scholarships since 2018.
PGA WORKS encompasses fellowships, the Collegiate Championship, career expos, Beyond the Green programming and scholarships. You can learn more b y clicking here. Or you can view a video encompassing PGA WORKS programming by clicking on the image below!
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.
PGA WORKS is an initiative designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce so it looks like the community the PGA of America serves. The PGA WORKS program leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events, and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from diverse backgrounds to pursue key employment positions across the golf industry.
In the PGA of America, only 11 sections of the 41 sections have PGA WORKS Fellows and Western New
York is one of those sections! The PGA WORKS Fellowship provides the opportunity for a one-year, paid immersion in a PGA Section’s Foundation operations. This entry-level employment experience offers a taste of what a career in the golf industry can provide. Jacob Coles is a PGA WORKS Fellowship Program Alum and now works full-time as the Coordinator of Foundation Operations in the WNYPGA Section. The PGA WORKS Fellowship encouraged Jake to enter the golf industry and to pick up the game of golf for the first time. The current PGA WORKS Fellow, Hope Warkoczeski, is passionate about the power of golf. You may have seen her at Junior Tour events, PGA HOPE, or various other section events.
Jacob Coles WNYPGA & PGA REACH WNY Coordinator of Foundation Operations jcoles@pgahq.com
Prior to the PGA Championship PGA WORKS participants and other young professionals have the opportunity to hear from Golf Industry professionals during the Beyond the Green Program. The program was virtual this year to keep participants safe and gave young professionals a unique look at the PGA Championship. You can watch the whole webinar by clicking on the video! Also, be sure to tune in to 1:50:00 on the
webinar to hear about PGA WORKS developing in our section.
Hope Warkoczeski PGA REACH WNY PGA WORKS Fellow hwarkoczeski@pgahq.com
Since 2017, we have had the privilege of working with the Special Olympics New York (SONY) organization to help share the game of golf to their athletes. We have held annual Charity Hockey games, which have raised over $25,000 for the SONY Golf Program. In 2020, Glen Oak Golf Course announced a partnership with SONY to become the official training center for the Erie Golf Club, providing use of the course, equipment and PGA-certified coaches for the program. Starting September 16th, the Erie Golf Club began their training at Glen Oak GC to prepare for the next golf
season
"On behalf of our 300 PGA professionals in the Western New York Section PGA, we are so proud to be able to announce the expansion of our partnership with Special Olympics New York’s Western Region in 2020,” said Bartkowski. “Through the Charity Hockey Classic we have been able to raise close to $25,000 for their golf program over the past three years, and this just feels like the right next step in making a long term significant impact. To host their training program at our new PGA Section Homesite with instruction from our PGA professional certified coaches fits directly in line with our mission of positively impacting lives through the game of golf. With access being a major barrier for golf, we will now be able to provide that to these athletes.”
