PGA of America Golf Professional Dennis Estes, the Head Professional at The Cavalry Club, was named the 2025 Central New York PGA Golf Professional of the Year.

 

Estes was recognized with the other 2025 Section Award Winners at the 22nd annual Special Awards and Holiday Party on Dec. 4  at Drumlins Country Club. The Golf Professional of the Year award is the highest honor given to a CNY PGA Professional.

 

 

For the 37-year-old Estes, having his name added to the list of previous Golf Professional of the Year winners is a career highlight.

 

“It’s amazing that I’m with a legendary group of CNY PGA Professionals,” Estes said. “It’s unusual for somebody in their 30s to get something like this and join the legends who are in this room. But this is incredibly special. It means a lot to be able to celebrate this award with an amazing (Cavalry) team.”

 

During his acceptance speech, Estes gave credit to his team of PGA Professionals and support staff who share his passion for golf and helped facilitate significant change at The Cavalry Club including major course renovations and upgrades.

 

In October, the CNY PGA Special Awards Committee determined the finalists for this year’s Special Awards. All category winners were revealed Dec. 4.

 

Ruth Weydig, PGA was also honored as the newest member of the CNY PGA Hall of Fame.

 

The 2025 Special Award winners include:

 

Hall of Fame Inductee – Ruth Weydig, PGA

 

*Golf Salesperson of the Year: Alex Smith, PGA (Alex Smith Sales)

*Merchandisers of the Year

Public – Jay Turcsik, PGA (Mark Twain GC)

Private – Ryan Hammerle, PGA (Onondaga Golf & CC)

Resort – David Winget, PGA (Turning Stone Resort & Casino)

*Patriot Award – Joseph Tesori, PGA (PGA REACH CNY)

*Youth Player Development Award — Ruth Weydig, PGA (Oneida Community GC)

*Bill Strausbaugh Award – Will Weimer, PGA (Stone Creek GC)

*Professional Development Award – Martha Wells, PGA (PGA of America)

*Teacher and Coach of the Year – Bernie Herceg, PGA (Binghamton University)

*Player Development Award — Joseph Tesori, PGA (PGA REACH CNY)

*Assistant/Associate of the Year – Dan Trebendis, PGA Associate (Green Lakes GC)

Golf Professional of Year – Dennis Estes, PGA (Cavalry Club)

 

Players of the Year (Presented by Rolex)

Section and Senior – Tim Hume, PGA (McConnellsville GC)

Women – Brittany Wowelko, PGA (CNY PGA)

Assistant – Robert Larsen, PGA (Onondaga Golf & CC)

Boys – Nathan Brown, Cazenovia, NY

Girls – Lindsey Chong, Manlius, NY