Golf instruction combined with camaraderie and fun was the objective of the PGA REACH Central New York Women’s Clinic at the Pompey Club on June 12.

 

The inaugural event drew 27 women who spent a sun-soaked day working on their golf game with the help of PGA of America Members.

 

The morning part of the clinic featured three stations that focused on putting, chipping and full swing at the driving range. The instructional stations were led by Joe Tesori, PGA; Brittany Wowelko, PGA; Dylan Plis, PGA; Martha Wells, PGA and Michael Discenza, PGA.

 

After a break for lunch at the Pompey Club, participants took part in a fun, nine-hole captain and crew scramble. The day ended with an informal happy hour at Brian’s Landing Restaurant in Jamesville.

 

Many participants appreciated the experience — from instruction to lunch to golfing with the PGA Professionals then a beverage to end the day.

 

Attendee Pam Ward said the clinic was enjoyable on a number of levels.

 

“It was great,” Ward said. “It was instructional, interactive, and lots of fun. There was something for every ability level. I’m glad I took part.”

 

Although instruction was the primary focus, PGA REACH Executive Director Joey Tesori wanted to create an informative yet social event for women to have fun through golf.

 

“We organized this event to align with our PGA WORKS mission, which aims to grow the game of golf among underrepresented groups,” Tesori said. “The metrics are real: Women are currently the fastest-growing demographic in golf, and we wanted to create an opportunity to showcase and engage them in a fun and exciting way through this beautiful game of golf.”

 

Clinic instructor and CNY PGA Marketing Communications Director Wowelko agreed that the purpose of the day was achieved.

 

“The PGA REACH Women’s Clinic was an incredible experience,” Wowelko said. “Seeing so many women enjoying the game and eager to learn, sharing laughs, taking what they learned and getting to use it on the golf course, and capping it all off with a fun happy hour made it a truly memorable day. I hope everyone involved had as much fun as I did. Our goal is to grow the game and keep those players involved in the game so we can build a lasting community.”

 

Tesori acknowledged the clinic’s tremendous success wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated support of the PGA Professionals who generously volunteered their time. Tesori extended his gratitude to Dylan Plis, Martha Wells, Mike Discenza, and Brittany Wowelko for taking time out of their schedules to support our women’s golfing community.

 

“This event also greatly benefited from the support of Stan Gorman and the Pompey Club for allowing us to use their fantastic facility,” Tesori said. “To wrap it up at a great place like Brian’s Landing was awesome as well and we want to thank Jaclyn Tesori and her staff there. It was truly a team effort, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”

 

Tesori has more women-oriented events planned for this season including the Women’s AIM Championship on July 31-Aug. 1, followed by our annual Women’s Fall Championship on Sept 21.