CNY PGA inducts three into Hall of Fame

The Central New York PGA inducted Jon Fowler, Stan Lisk and Steve Nacewicz into its Section Hall of Fame this year. Because of Covid-19 precautions, the annual Section Special Awards and Hall of Fame ceremony and banquet was cancelled. The Class of 2020 Hall of Fame members will be recognized at next year’s ceremony.

Fowler Lisk and Nacewicz earned Hall of Fame honors for their contributions to the Section as well as their dedication to the game of golf.

In a 40-year career that began at Cazenovia Country Club, Fowler is an ambassador of the game which is reflected in his involvement and dedication to the CNY PGA membership. Fowler, a member of the CNY PGA board of directors, has also dedicated himself to golf instruction and training others to become PGA Professionals.

Currently, Fowler is promoting and developing golf at Springbrook Greens in Fair Haven. Fowler earned Golf Professional of the Year honors in 2006, he is a three-time Merchandiser of the Year and he won the Bill Stausbaugh Award in 2015.

Lisk (Endwell Greens Country Club) has established himself as an esteemed PGA golf professional throughout his 49-year career. He has always strived to elevate the prestige and profile of the CNY PGA.

Among his contributions, Lisk was pivotal in coordinating CNY PGA tournament sponsorship during his time with Midstate Golf Car. His efforts and work within the Section have helped hundreds of golfers, both amateur and professional.

Lisk joins his father, John, in the Hall of Fame. The Lisks are the third father-son duo to be inducted.

Nacewicz (Crestwood Golf Club) is a model golf professional and the winner of numerous CNY PGA awards through the years including six Section Professional Development Awards. This year he received the distinguished Patriot Award.

Nacewicz’s passion and dedication to the PGA’s Folds of Honor program is unparalleled. He has contributed more than $250K to the initiative.

Nacewicz is involved in his local golf community as well as serving on the PGA of America National Education Committee.

In addition to the hall of fame inductions, the CNY PGA also announced its end of the season awards.

Steve Campanaro (Teugega CC) was named Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor paid to a CNY PGA professional, for his overall performance at his facility, level of service to the PGA, leadership ability, image and ability to inspire fellow professionals and promotion of golf.

Ryan McGinnis (Turning Stone Resort & Casino) earned the Player Development Award for creating, implementing and supporting a variety of player initiatives within the Section.

Other major award winners included:

Teacher and Coach of the Year: Jack Conger, Links at Erie Village

Professional Development Award: Jack Conger, Links at Erie Village

Bill Strausbaugh Award (Mentoring): Stan Gorman, Pompey Club

Youth Player Development Award: Mike Discenza, Cortland State

Patriot Award: Steve Nacewicz, Crestwood Golf Club

Merchandiser of the Year (Private): Ryan Hammerle, Onondaga G&CC

Merchandiser of the Year (Public): Dustin Jones, Beacon Golf Center

Merchandiser of the Year (Resort): Eric Lorenzetti, Turning Stone Resort Casino

Assistant Professional of the Year: Jim Ironside, Yahnundasis GC

Sales Representative of the Year: Todd Vangellow

Bradley’s Jewelers Players of the Year presented by OMEGA