Dennis Colligan claimed his fourth career Central New York PGA Section Championship in decisive fashion Aug. 20 at Onondaga Golf & Country Club. The PGA of America Golf Professional from Cazenovia Golf Club fired rounds of 69 and 71 while playing in challenging weather conditions.

 

Colligan finished at 2-under-par 140. He finished five strokes ahead of 2011 champion Mark Tucker (3-over 145) from Cazenovia Country Club.

 

FINAL RESULTS

 

“It’s always nice to win,” Colligan said. “I knew if I was around even par, I’d have a chance.”

 

Colligan and the 29-player field coped with intermittent rain showers as well as gusty winds. The 36-hole tournament was played in one day after rain washed out the first round Aug. 19.

 

“It’s a big grind especially when you’re warm one minute and cold the next and then it’s rainy,” Colligan said. “Mentally you have to stay in it. Physically, I can still do 36. It’s the mental part that is a grind.”

 

Colligan, the 2023 Section and Senior Player of the Year, carded eight birdies against six bogeys for the tournament.

 

“I drove it well, I hit some really good irons,” Colligan said. “I had some three putts like everyone did out here because the greens were really tough. But tee to green it was solid and I was pleased with that.”

 

Colligan took pride in chalking up another Section title in addition to representing the CNY PGA at the 58th annual PGA Professional Championship next April. Colligan’s other titles came in 2017, 2016 and 2010.

 

“I’m looking forward to (nationals),” Colligan said. “It’s like a home game down in Port St. Lucie. I’m a member (at the PGA Golf Club) in the winter and I play there all the time.”

 

Besides Colligan and Tucker, third-place finisher Matthew Jaynes (Corning CC) also earned a berth to play in Port St. Lucie next spring.

 

First alternate is Tim Hume (McConnellsville GC), second alternate is Jeff Reader (Cazenovia GC) and the third alternate is Eric Manning (Elm Tree GC).

 

Many thanks to Onondaga Golf & Country Club, course superintendent Chris Cartini and Head Professional Ryan Hammerle for hosting the tournament. Onondaga last hosted the Section Championship in 1977 which was won by Joe Lanza. The 1977 Section Champion was on hand to congratulate Colligan and visit with other players.

 

“The golf course was in unbelievable shape after all the rain we had,” Colligan said.

 

The Section would also like to thank our presenting sponsors Club Car, Corebridge Financial and Rolex.