Richard Chapman, PGA (Thendara Golf Club) was named the 2023 Central New York PGA Golf Professional of the Year this week.

 

Chapman earned the CNY PGA’s top award for his overall performance at his facility, his service to the PGA, his leadership skills, and his work to promote the game of golf.

 

“Being nominated and selected for this award is certainly the crowning achievement of my PGA career,” said Chapman, who sits at the President of the CNY PGA.

 

Chapman will be honored with other Section Special Award Winners at the 20th annual Special Awards and Holiday Banquet on Dec. 7 at Drumlins Country Club.

 

Chapman, 51, has spent 31 seasons at Thendara. He joined the staff when he was in college in the early 2000s and then became a PGA Professional in 2005.

 

Chapman has maintained a high level of service to his club patrons as well as creating a family work environment. He is also heavily involved in the CNY PGA, having served on the Section Board and numerous Committees for many years.

 

“We are all blessed to have such an opportunity to create relationships and bring joy to people day after day,” he said. “I can’t imagine a better career than being a PGA Professional, especially at Thendara Golf Club.”

 

Chapman and the CNY PGA Special Award Winners are among the Section professionals who have distinguished themselves during the 2023 season. The Special Award winners include:

 

Player Development: Mike Discenza (SUNY Cortland)

Teacher of the Year: Steve Nacewicz (Crestwood GC)

Professional Development (Education): Jeff Kleinman (Turning Stone Resort Casino)

Bill Strausbaugh (Mentoring): Joey Tesori (CNY PGA)

Youth Player Development: Ruth Weydig (Oneida Community GC)

Patriot Award: Stan Gorman (The Pompey Club)

Merchandisers of the Year

Private: Zach Maslyn (Skaneateles CC)

Resort: Eric Lorenzetti (Turning Stone Resort Casino)

Public: Dallas Pylinski (Seven Oaks GC)

Assistant Professional of the Year: Danny Thomas (Skaneateles CC)

Golf Salesperson of the Year: Dave Neuser (Empire Golf Cars)

 

Lemp Jewelers/Rolex Players of the Year

Section: Dennis Colligan (Cazenovia GC)

Senior: Dennis Colligan (Cazenovia GC)

Women: Brittany Siechen (CNY PGA)

Assistant: Robert Larsen (Onondaga G&CC)