The Central New York PGA would like congratulate our 2024 scholarship recipients: Jack Tucker and Braeden Smith. The Section’s Scholarship Committee awarded both Tucker and Smith $1,000 scholarships toward their education.
The scholarships are available to children and grandchildren of PGA of America Members. Tucker is the son of Mark Tucker, PGA. Smith is the son of Brian Smith, PGA.
Smith, 18, attends Onondaga Community College and he’s a member of the Lazers men’s golf team. He is interested in possibly studying cybersecurity but is also considering meteorology.
“My career goals are simply to be doing something that I enjoy, no matter what the pay is,” Smith said. “I’d rather do a job I enjoy and not get paid as much rather than get paid more and not enjoy what I’m doing.
Braeden Smith
Smith, a 2024 graduate of East Syracuse Minoa High School, played varsity golf for the Spartans. He also competed on the CNY PGA Junior Tour.
The sport of golf has been important to Smith ever since his dad, the Assistant Professional at the Cavalry Club, introduced the game to him 10 years ago.
“Because he’s a golf pro, he helped me get into the sport and helped me learn how to play and develop strategies around golf and also because I work at a golf course. It keeps me in the idea of continuing golf,” Braeden Smith said.
Smith added that receiving the CNY PGA Scholarship is meaningful to him.
“The big reason why it has meant so much to me is because it helps me not having to worry as much about using as much money for college tuition and also it shows that other organizations are willing to support me if I put in the work and effort for it,” Smith said.
Tucker, 19, graduated from New Hartford High School in 2024 where he played on the varsity boys golf team.
“Golf has been a very important part of my entire life because of my dad (the Head Professional at Cazenovia Country Club),” Tucker said. “I enjoy the game every time I am on the course.”
Tucker is attending Mohawk Valley Community College and majoring in mechanical engineering technology. His career goal is earning a rewarding position in the engineering field upon graduating college.
Tucker is honored to have received the CNY PGA Scholarship.
“This scholarship means a lot in helping toward the cost tuition and books,” he said.
Congratulations to Jack and Braeden!
The applications for the 2025 Scholarship Program are now being accepted.
Completed applications (must be typed or printed) along with a copy of your most current transcript(s) must be at the Central New York PGA office by 5 P.M. Friday, July 25th, 2025. Please drop off by hand 5011 Jamesville Road, Jamesville NY
13078, or by email bsiechen@pgahq.com.