The CNY PGA Birdie Bash brought together 10 teams, 44 holes of golf and months of fundraising Tuesday at Owasco Country Club, raising more than $75,000 to support Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and PGA REACH CNY.

Each team took on the unique challenge of playing 44 holes in a single day, with players spending the summer raising money through per-birdie pledges and flat donations. The event has officially surpassed last year’s fundraising total, with more than $75,000 raised to date.

“It truly is amazing what happens when our PGA Professionals get behind a tremendous cause like Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and all share the same vision and focus. These ten teams consisted of PGA Professionals & Associates ranging from Oswego to Binghamton and everywhere in between. Also, having local amateurs back this tremendous cause alongside their fellow amateur or PGA Professional is a testament to their support of our foundation.

A special thank you to our PGA WORKS Fellow, Dakota Holbrook, who worked tirelessly over the last few months making sure our players were organized and supported with all event materials to ensure this event was a home run.

Thank you to all of our partners, supporters, amateurs, and professionals. Our foundation cannot strive to adhere to our mission and shared goals without a PGA Professional at our side, and we thank all of you who supported and came together for an event truly unlike any other. Hearing Matilda and her father share their story about where these dollars go truly hit home. It makes you realize that even though the day was long, it doesn’t come close to what these champion patients and their families go through. Our professionals take full pride in knowing they are supporting something bigger than themselves. Thank you to our great group of teams.” -Executive Director, Joe Tesori

After months of fundraising, the Birdie Bash was an opportunity for the 10 participating teams to celebrate their hard work while seeing firsthand the impact of their efforts.

Players received a collection of special tee gifts, including a Sterling Cut Glass piece, Dash Clip wallet, Swannies pullover, AHEAD hat, Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital Arctic Tumbler and a flag designed by children at the hospital.

The connection to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital was especially meaningful throughout the day. Through the Upstate Foundation and representative Julie Simms, two champion patients joined the event.

Lexi Glenny attended in the morning and helped distribute the flags designed by children at the hospital, while Matilda Loomis joined the group in the afternoon and shared her story.

Having Lexi and Matilda at the event gave the players an opportunity to see the impact behind the fundraising they had worked toward all summer. Their presence served as a powerful reminder that every birdie, donation and conversation leading up to the event was helping support children and families in the community.

In addition to the overall fundraising competition, teams competed in several categories throughout the day.

Most Birdies:
Vinal-Sitts — Zach Vinal & Evan Sitts
Signed Ryder Cup flags and Sterling Cut Glass trophy

Most Eagles:
Vinal-Sitts — Zach Vinal & Evan Sitts
Stitch shoe bag

Most Donors:
Great Wall of Plis — Jason Wall & Dylan Plis
Stitch travel bag and Sterling Cut Glass trophy

Highest Per-Birdie Pledge:
ProMo — Jim Ranalli
Stitch travel bag

The fundraising competition was led by the Trash Talkers, who raised more than $26,000 on their own.

1st — Trash Talkers
Nick Serafino & James Trasher — $26,610
Stitch Birdie Bag and Sterling Cut Glass trophy

2nd — Great Wall of Plis
Jason Wall & Dylan Plis — $11,330
Oakley prizes

3rd — ProMo
Ryan Hammerle & John Quigley —$8,627
Sunday Red shoes

Long Drive prizes were provided by Jaclyn Tesori at Brian’s Landing.

  • Male Professional: Matt Alm
  • Male Amateur: John Quigley
  • Female Professional: Brittany Wowelko

The Birdie Bash would not be possible without the tremendous support of the event’s partners.

A special thank you goes to Title Partner James Ranalli III of United Auto Supply, as well as Andy Myers and Phil Kless of Owasco Country Club for donating the golf course for the day.

Additional thanks to:

  • Dash Clip: Max Lerner
  • Sterling Cut Glass: Kelly Jobe
  • Sunday Red: Henry Fishman
  • Stitch: Andy Gregory
  • Brian Robinson Golf: Brian Robinson
  • Swannies: Cameron Clerici
  • Oakley: Matt Cunha
  • Media Sponsor: NewsChannel 9

The Birdie Bash may be over, but fundraising remains open. With more than $75,000 raised and counting, supporters can still contribute to help benefit Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and PGA REACH CNY.

The Birdie Bash is a testament to the generosity of CNY PGA Professionals and the community that supports them — 10 teams, 44 holes and months of fundraising coming together to make an impact.