The Central New York PGA wrapped up its 2026 season with a Fall Membership Meeting on Oct. 19 at Turning Stone Resort Casino’s Shenandoah/Kaluhyat Clubhouse.

 

Among the special guests to address the membership was Cassandra Rucker, the Upstate Foundation Development Director. Rucker recognized PGA REACH Central New York for the profound impact it has made at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. This year, through it’s charitable events, including the second Birdie Bash, PGA REACH CNY raised more than $30,000 for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

 

 

Rucker introduced 6-year-old Golisano patient Guinevere and her mother, Marissa, who spoke about the exceptional care and life-saving treatments Guinevere received at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

 

Another poignant moment came when CNY PGA CEO Alan Seamans and PGA REACH CNY Executive Director Joe Tesori made a surprise presentation to Don Zorn, the PGA REACH CNY Foundation Director. Seamans and Tesori recognized Zorn as an honorary member of the CNY PGA for his dedication to the Section and PGA REACH CNY.

 

 

The Fall Meeting also featured remarks from special guests Jonathan Doctor, PGA, Director of Northeast Sales Golf Genius; Martha Wells PGA, PGA Career Consultant CNY, NENY, WNY, International; and Matt McPhillips, PGA Player Engagement Consultant CNY, MET, NENY, CT

 

Section Officers and Board of Director elections were held led by honorary president Rich Chapman, PGA (Thendara GC). Appointed by acclimation were: office of President – Sean Dadey, PGA (Drumlins CC); office of Vice-President – Eric Manning, PGA (Elm Tree GC); office of Secretary – Ryan Hammerle, PGA (Onondaga Golf&CC).

 

Matt Jaynes, PGA (Corning CC) and Zach Vinal (Yahnundasis GC) were elected to Board of Director positions.

 

There were two breakout sessions with presentations by Ted Perry, President of Vlawsity, who discussed NextGenWills estate planning while Mike Mullen, M.S., Licensed Mental Health Counselor, gave a talk on “Managing Yourself While Managing Everything Else”.

 

Meeting attendees all received a personalized bag tag and wallet to take home provided by Dashclip.

 

The CNY PGA would like to thank Turning Stone Resort Casino for hosting the Fall Meeting. Thank you also to onsite vendors: Cameron Clerici of Swannies Golf, Max Lerner of Dashclip, and Trey Walewski, PGA of Under Armour.