Fulfilling a promise to visit the Central New York PGA Section, PGA of America President Don Rea, MP PGA was this year’s guest speaker at the Annual Spring Meeting on April 21. The Spring Meeting took place at Turning Stone Resort Casino’s Shenendoah/Kaluhyat Clubhouse.

 

Rea, the owner and operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club, spoke to the CNY PGA Membership prior to breakout sessions. Rea discussed his golf journey and fielded a number of submitted questions from Section President William Weimer, PGA.

 

Rea, a Member of the Southwest PGA Section, was elected PGA of America President last fall and is serving a two-year term. Rea succeeded John Lindert, PGA (Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing, Michigan).

 

In his opening remarks, Rea commented on being able to finally make it to Central New York and meet the Section leaders and membership.

 

“When I come to Sections that are small, under 200 members, it’s like everybody’s a much tighter group,” Rea said. “They are all pulling each other in the same direction. The amount of owners that are in the room who also are PGA Members and encouraging other PGA Members to be owners like them… that’s probably the biggest thing I’m going to take away from today’s meeting. The Section is 200 strong and they are not all working against each other. They know in order to survive you have to work together. That’s what I see and feel.”

 

Rea said he was impressed with the work of PGA REACH CNY.

 

“What PGA REACH is doing is great,” he said. “A lot of bigger Sections aren’t doing what this small Section is doing.”

 

Rea learned more about the work PGA REACH CNY is doing in the community as Danielle Bright, representing Partner Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, addressed the membership and encouraged participation in the inaugural Birdie Bash in September. Golisano champion patient Lexi Glenny also spoke about how Golisano made a big impact on her life and other children who need medical care.

 

Later in the morning, the membership took part in two break-out sessions. This year’s subject areas were:

 

Past Section Presidents Reflection and Future Vision

Speakers: Stan Gorman, PGA; Steve Nacewicz, PGA; Steve Aloi, PGA; Rick Keding, PGA; Joe Tesori, PGA; Trey Walewski, PGA; Sean Dadey, PGA. Moderated by current Honorary President Rich Chapman, PGA.

 

Building a Champion

Perspectives from Curt Fitzpatrick, Colgate University Head Football Coach; former Head Football Coach and Division III National Champion SUNY Cortland

 

Besides Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, in attendance at the Spring Meeting were PGA REACH CNY Partners Tony Starks of Eastside Golf and Denny Mazur of OnCore Golf.

 

PGA REACH CNY board member Eric Schuster also was on site to meet and talk with Section members.

 

Featured Partner and Product Gift Partner McKae Franks of Branded Bills provided PGA REACH CNY golf hat for attendees.

 

After the break-out sessions candidate nomination for District 4 Director took place. The nominated candidates are: Sean Dadey, Stan Gorman, Steve Nacewicz and Will Weimer. All four spoke about the candidacy. Voting will take place at the Fall Meeting.