It was a memorable day of golf as 33 teams competed in the PGA REACH Central New York’s Folds of Honor Pro-Am Tournament on May 30 at Bellevue Country Club.

 

Team Russell — Gary Russell, Sean Dadey, PGA, Dan Michaels and Connor Wisniewski — came in first place for the second straight year in the 18-hole scramble format. Stone Creek Golf Club’s Will Weimer, PGA was first among the PGA Professionals with a 3-over-par 74.

 

FINAL RESULTS

 

Since 2008, the Central New York PGA has contributed to the Folds of Honor program, which awards scholarships to children and spouses of military service men and women who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

 

This year’s event honored the sacrifice of America’s heroes while raising approximately $20,000, half of which PGA REACH CNY will be donating to the FOH.

 

The PGA REACH CNY event was dedicated in the memory of Harold Lee, US Coast Guard, thanks to tournament title sponsor Jim Lee.

 

Other highlights from the day included:

 

*The national anthem was sung by Bill Ali.

 

*The tournament opening prayer was recited by Father Maloney, who also competed.

 

*Past CNY PGA President Tony Biata, PGA, welcomed all players and veterans participating. Biata is an executive with the Folds of Honor Foundation.

 

*Matt Jacob, Managing Partner at CNY Center for Wealth Management, donated $500 awarded to first, second and third place teams playing without a PGA Professional.

 

*This year’s Folds of Honor guest speakers were Marie McCrea and daughter Allie McCrea, who received a FOH scholarship.

 

A reception for participants was held after the competition.

 

Previous Folds of Honor tournaments were held in September at Tuscarora Golf Club. This year, the annual fundraising event was moved to the Tuesday after Memorial Day weekend and held at Bellevue Country Club. The tournament that has raised thousands of dollars for educational scholarships for the Folds of Honor initiative.

 

Many thanks to the members and staff at Bellevue, including superintendent Mike Tollner, General Manager Mike Kyle,  Heather Shirtz, Assistant GM – Banquets and Catering, and Head Professional Dan Steinsdoerfer, PGA.

 

Another thank you goes to Bellevue CC member Ryan Jones, who donated the food for the tournament.

 

Nationally, the Folds of Honor program has raised millions since its inception in 2007.