The Central New York PGA concluded its 2024 season with a meeting of its membership Oct. 21 at Turning Stone Resort Casino’s Shenandoah Clubhouse.

 

CNY PGA of America Members had the opportunity to hear, via video conference call, from Eric Eshleman, PGA (Country Club of Birmingham), who is a candidate for PGA National Secretary. The video call was moderated by CNY PGA President Rich Chapman, PGA (Thendara Golf Club).

 

Following the conference call, CNY PGA Members attended two breakout sessions.

 

Guest presenter George Urist of Urist Financial and Retirement Planning Inc. spoke on strategies on investment planning. PGA of America’s Senior Career Consultant Jonathan Gold, PGA was also on hand to field questions.

 

The other breakout session included updates on PGA REACH and its pillars: PGA HOPE, PGA Jr. League and PGA WORKS.

 

Joe Tesori, the PGA REACH Central New York Executive Director, reviewed the progress the Section has made with its initiatives. PGA HOPE continues to grow with 455 graduates in 2024, an increase of 48 from 2023.

 

PGA WORKS leader Cameron Dinkins was a guest speaker. Dinkins, of Manassas, Va., is a former PGA WORKS Fellow (Gateway PGA Section). She now helps coordinate and connect those involved in the PGA WORKS program with golf industry career opportunities. Those opportunities included positions at golf courses and clubs.

 

Player Engagement Consultant Brian Bain, PGA went over the increase in participation of the PGA Jr. League.

 

The Fall Meeting also included Section business. Officer and Board of Director elections were held led by Sean Dadey, PGA (Drumlins CC). Appointed by acclimation were: office of President — Will Weimer, PGA (Stone Creek GC); office of Vice-President/Treasure – Michael Discenza, PGA (Cortland CC); office of Secretary – Martha Wells, PGA (Skaneateles CC).

 

Steve Nacewicz, PGA (Crestwood GC) was elected as the Board of Directors Senior Representative. Ryan Hammerle, PGA (Onondaga G&CC) was elected to an open Board of Director position.

 

The Fall Meeting also featured a toy drive. CNY PGA Members donated more than 50 toys for PGA REACH CNY. The toys will be distributed during the holiday season for children in need.

 

The CNY PGA would like to thank Turning Stone Resort Casino for hosting the Fall Meeting. Thank you also to onsite vendors: Matt Cunha, Oakley/MCS Sales; Andrew Brunozzi and Grant Lewis of Longboat Leather and Trey Walewski, PGA of Under Armour.