The sun warmed the September air and Owasco Country Club provided the perfect fall backdrop for an unforgettable day of golf and giving. On Monday, September 15, PGA of America Golf Professionals and their partners teed it up for the first-ever PGA REACH CNY Birdie Bash—an event built on one simple idea: make as many birdies as possible to make a difference.
Teams of two, each featuring at least one PGA Professional, played a scramble across 44 holes or more. Every putt and every drive carried extra meaning, with supporters pledging donations per birdie or offering flat-rate contributions. By day’s end, players recorded 284 birdies, fueling a fundraising total of $69,229.
The number is all the more remarkable considering the Birdie Bash began with an ambitious $40,000 goal. That mark was quickly surpassed, and the target was bumped to $50,000. But with momentum building and pledges pouring in, the teams and supporters didn’t stop there—they blew past the new goal, finishing nearly $20,000 higher.
Reflecting on the event, PGA REACH CNY Executive Director Joe Tesori expressed both pride and gratitude:
“I am proud to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible success of the inaugural PGA REACH CNY Birdie Bash. This event was truly powerful, and I am so fortunate for the support from our sponsors, membership, donors, and the host facility.”
The energy and excitement extended beyond the golf course, as the event became a true team effort.
“I also want to extend a special thank you to our 2025 PGA WORKS Fellow, Harlee Lucier. Her contributions were absolutely critical to the success of this event, and it was a pleasure to work alongside her.”
And even as the final putts dropped, thoughts were already turning toward what’s next.
“We continue to be blown away by the overwhelming support for this event from all parties involved, and we are already looking forward to next year. The PGA REACH CNY Birdie Bash is more than just a golf tournament; it is, and always will be, about supporting children and those less fortunate. The ability of this event to help the children at Upstate Golisano is something our membership, donors, and sponsors should be immensely proud of, as I certainly am.”
Celebrating the Day’s Standouts
Alongside the incredible fundraising results, several teams and players stood out for their on-course performances:
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Most Money Raised: Nick Serafino & James Trasher – “Trash Talkers” – $26,444
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Most Birdies: Dennis Colligan & Max Cooper – “Bash Brothers” – 34
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Most Eagles: Danny Thomas & Carter McMahon – “Heavyweights” – 6
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Most Donors: Dylan Plis & Jason Wall – “The Great Wall of Plis” – 110
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Longest Drive (Men): Max Cooper – Hole #1
- Longest Drive (Women): Kalin Merkley – Hole #5
A Community Effort
The success of the Birdie Bash was made possible thanks to the hospitality of Andy Myers, Phil Kless, Matt Alm, and the members of Owasco Country Club, as well as the partnership of the Play Yellow Team and Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Huge thank you to our generous sponsors also played a vital role:
Oakley – Matt Cunha
Sterling Cut Glass
Ahead – Brian Robinson
Brian Robinson Golf
Warner Energy – Zach Drescher
LoPar – Taylor Bellemare
Stitch – Andy Gregory
Travis Mathew – Sam Altman
Brian’s Landing – Jaclyn Tesori.
The Birdie Bash was more than a golf marathon—it was proof of what can happen when a community comes together with purpose. Birdies fell, smiles were shared, and lives will be impacted because of it. With nearly $70,000 raised in year one, the foundation has been set for an even brighter future.