Members of the Central New York PGA defeated players from the Syracuse District Golf Association, 20.5-9.5, to reclaim the Sovik Cup. The 37th annual match play event for senior players took place Sept. 28 at Tuscarora Golf Club.

 

Senior PGA Professionals (55 and over) from the Central New York PGA competed against senior golfers from the SDGA. Teams were comprised of players who finished their 2023 season ranked in their respective Player of the Year standings.

 

CNY PGA Assistant Executive Director Joe Tesori said the event is a way to celebrate the season’s end for its participants.

 

“The Sovik Cup is a culmination of a hard year’s work,” Tesori said. “To earn a top 12 ranking is pretty special. It’s a nice end of the year goal all these players have.”

 

Representing the CNY PGA this year were Alan Savage (Turning Stone), Rob Phelps (Vesper Hills), Tony Saraceno (Genegantslet GC), Trey Walewski (Meadowbrook GC), Mark Tucker (Cazenovia CC), Marcus Bernardo (Walden Oaks), Eric Manning (Elm Tree GC), Nick Serafino (Timber Banks), Jeff Reader (Cazenovia GC), Steve Nacewicz (Crestwood GC), Mel Baum (Wa-Noa GC), and Joe Tesori (Pompey Club).

 

Tucker and Manning led the CNY PGA squad with a 5-0 win over Harrington and McArdell. Serafino and Savage also scored a decisive win, 4.5-0.5, over Dave Smith and Mike Naton.

 

The Sovik Cup SDGA Amateur team members included Michael Naton, John Harrington, Jack Weinerth, Todd Dischinger, Randy Young, Chris Smithers, Richard Volcko, Dave Smith, Bruce Levinson, John Woodruff, Walt McArdell and Tom Fletcher.

 

The win by CNY PGA snaps the SDGA’s two-year win streak. The CNY PGA leads the all-time series 21-14-2.

 

The Sovik Cup is an annual tournament in honor of Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Famer Larry Sovik, who won six Syracuse District Amateur Championships in his career.