Dennis Colligan, PGA and Cazenovia Golf Club go way back.
At a young age, Colligan was introduced to golf at Cazenovia GC, a course where he has served as the Head Professional for the last 26 years.
“I got my start in golf like many people, begging my father as an 8-year-old to take me to the golf club,” Colligan said. “It was a sport that I was lucky to have! My friends and I would “loop” the golf club all summer long when we were in our early teens. It has been a part of me since I was born as my father was a member for over 50 years.”
Colligan has been a fixture with the Central New York PGA as well as Cazenovia GC since earning his PGA membership in 1999. Colligan will celebrate his quarter century milestone this year.
In 2023, Colligan was named Section and Senior Player of the Year. He finished the season with a 71.0 stroke average, tops among Section Professionals. He won seven individual events and 12 overall contests out of 15 events entered. Colligan’s victories included the Head Professional and Players Championships and the Senior Section Championship.
Here’s what Colligan had to say about his 2023 season and career.
His success during the 2023 season
“I attribute a lot of my success to three major things: Play as much tournament golf as possible, having the support of your members at your club to allow me to strive to play at a high level, and, most importantly, the support of your family and friends.”
The best part about competing in tournaments
“You get to test your game against your peers. I love the grind of playing each shot as if it’s the most important shot you’ve ever had to execute. Tournament golf just gets your juices flowing and it’s the most fun we have especially when you have a great round going.”
Greatest golf accomplishment
“Not only becoming a PGA Member but being the Head Professional at the golf course I grew up on. When you first start out as a young Professional you have goals in your mind of where you want to be. I was lucky enough to get my dream job when I was 28 years old. This club and its members are the most supporting and caring group of people I’ve ever been around. They have had my family and my back for over 25 years and I can’t thank them enough for that.”
Biggest challenge as a PGA Professional
“The biggest challenge I face is trying to manage all aspects of the day-to-day golf operation. We go from zero to 100 miles an hour in a matter of a few weeks in the Spring and you must be prepared for all things golf…lessons, leagues, tournaments, food and beverage, meetings, and hopefully some time left over to spend with family and friends.”
One thing I never take for granted
“All the great people that work with me and at the Golf Club. The staff that we have at the club might not be big in number but they are the best in what they do. When I’m not at work I don’t worry about anything because of the great people we have in place.”
Favorite golf destination
“St. Andrews. I’ve had the opportunity to go to the Home of Golf over 15 times. It has a special place in my heart and I love sharing it with members and friends…it’s a magical place that every golf lover needs to go at least once in their lifetime. It’s not only the golf but it’s the people, pubs, food, and the Scottish flair that is indescribable.”