Jeff Kleinman, PGA (Turning Stone Resort Casino)
2021 CNY PGA Golf Professional of the Year
Jeff Kleinman, Head Professional at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona NY, has been named 2021 Central New York PGA Golf Professional of the Year. The highest honor paid to a CNY PGA professional went to Kleinman 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.
Kleinman prides himself in being an integral part of Turning Stone Resort Casino’s golf staff. His commitment to providing outstanding guest services is at the forefront of this most recent accomplishment.
Jeff Kleinman has been a PGA member and member of the Central New York PGA since 2013. His career however started in 2007 as an assistant golf professional in the Colorado Section. As an assistant golf professional Jeff gained valuable knowledge and industry insight by spending time at facilities in Colorado, Arizona and Tennessee. Working at various resorts around the country allowed Jeff to hone his leadership skills for his current role as a supervisor of a large and very diverse team and manager of all golf outlets at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
When discussing this prestigious honor, it is clear Kleinman has a strong affection for Turning Stone. He feels extremely fortunate to be part of the team and deflected the accomplishment by praising all his co-workers. He enjoys going to work every day, leading by example, being approachable and setting exemplary standards for guests, the outside services team, assistant professionals and interns. Kleinman made it very apparent how special this award is for him by stating, “there are so many other deserving professionals here in Central New York and to be thought of and to now be included in the same category as all the previous CNY PGA Golf Professionals of the Year’s is the highlight of my career to this point and it is truly a special honor.”
The CNY PGA Section congratulates Jeff Kleinman, PGA as the 2021 Golf Professional of the Year!
Kleinman will be honored with the other 2021 Section Special Award Winners at the 18th annual Special Awards and Holiday Banquet on Dec. 2 at Drumlins Country Club along with the Hall of Fame Class of 2020 — Jon Fowler, Stan Lisk and Steve Nacewicz.
The 2021 Special Award winners include:
Player Development Award: Martha Wells, Skaneateles CC
Teacher of the Year: Michael Doctor, Life Member
Professional Development Award: Mike Discenza, Cortland State
Bill Strausbaugh Award (Mentoring): Stan Gorman, Pompey Club
Youth Player Development Award: Brian Smith, Cavalry Club
Patriot Award: Scott Webster, Tuscarora Golf Club
Merchandiser of the Year (Private): Chris Krause, Yahnundasis GC
Merchandiser of the Year (Public): Ryan Evans, Conklin Players Club
Merchandiser of the Year (Resort): Eric Lorenzetti, Turning Stone Resort Casino
Assistant Professional of the Year: Jason Gosney, Binghamton CC
Those honored October 18th at the Fall Meeting of the Membership at Turning Stone Resort Casino include:
Bradley’s Jewelers Players of the Year presented by Rolex
Section: Eric Manning, Elm Tree GC
Senior: Mark Tucker, Cazenovia CC
Assistants: Jonny Petrin, Lakeshore 1860
Junior Boys: Punn Chittaratlert
Junior Girls: Jessica Ricciardi
Along with Sales Representative of the Year: Trey Walewski
In addition to celebrating its end of the season award winners, the CNY PGA also will honor the Hall of Fame Class of 2020: Jon Fowler, Stan Lisk and Steve Nacewicz. Because of Covid-19 precautions, the annual Section Special Awards and Hall of Fame ceremony and banquet was cancelled.
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 Stone Creek GC in Oswego, NY. 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 owner operator of 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.
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.