The opening round of the 2026 Central New York PGA Professional Championship teed off under grey skies on Shenendoah at Turning Stone Resort Casino, where rainy and muggy conditions made for a challenging test of golf.
Leading the way after 18 holes is PGA of America Golf Professional Eric Manning (Elm Tree Golf Club), who carded a bogey free, 5 under par, 67 to take a one-shot lead into the final round. Manning, a seven-time CNY PGA Section Champion, showed no signs of slowing down, carding four birdies on the front nine and another on the back.
Right behind him is Zach Vinal (Yahnundasis Golf Club) at 4-under par. As a newly elected PGA of America Professional he is competing in his first Section Championship. Vinal is no stranger to success, having won 2 majors in 2025, both the CNY Open and Player’s Championship.
Defending Champion Nick Serafino (Timber Banks Golf Club) sits six strokes back at +1.
The final round of the 36-hole championship gets underway tomorrow at 8:00 AM, as the Section’s top professionals will take to Atunyote Golf Course and try for a chance to be in the field at the 2027 PGA Professional Championship.