For the second straight year, Bellevue Country Club was the site of the PGA REACH CNY Pro-Am Tournament on May 28.

 

Despite intermittent rain, 28 teams played an 18-hole Captain and Crew format. Team Golfin’ Dolphins, comprised of members the Le Moyne College women’s golf team, came in first place at 13-under-par 58.

 

Riley Stuver, Mia Avotins, Gianna Cafarella and Le Moyne assistant coach Dylan Plis (CNY PGA Section) teamed up for the win and took home trophies provided by tournament partner Sterling Cut Glass.

 

Golfin’ Dolphins

 

There was a three-way tie for second at 11-under 60 between two-time defending champion Team Russell, The Pompey Club and NBT Wealth Management. Those teams were:

*Team Russell: Gary Russell, Sean Dadey, PGA (Drumlins CC), Dan Michaels and Connor Wisniewski

*The Pompey Club: Brett Hayes, Howard Frasier, Brian Zalick and Stanley Gorman, PGA (Pompey Club)

*NBT Wealth Management: David Theleman, Peter Miers, Don Zorn and Alan Seamans, PGA (CNY PGA Section)

 

The national anthem was sung by Bill Ali.

 

Of the money raised this year, half will go to the PGA REACH CNY which includes PGA Jr. League, PGA HOPE CNY and PGA Works.

 

A post-tournament reception for participants was held after the competition. Many tournament competitors were military veterans including Eric Schuster, who is our PGA HOPE Ambassador for the CNY PGA.

 

At the reception, Schuster spoke about the PGA HOPE CNY and how much it has grown since its inception with more than four new programs in Syracuse and the Southern Tier. PGA REACH CNY Executive Director, Joe Tesori, PGA surprised Schuster with a T- Squared putter as a thank you for his work with PGA HOPE CNY.

 

Veteran David Brigida, who played in the tournament, gave a moving speech about the impact PGA HOPE CNY has had on his life. Not only did the program introduce him to the game of golf, it helped him connect and bond with other Veterans.

Many thanks to the members and staff at Bellevue, including superintendent Mike Tollner, General Manager Mike Kyle, Heather Shirtz, Assistant GM – Banquets and Catering, and Head Professional Dan Steinsdoerfer, PGA. PGA REACH CNY is grateful for the support of its partners:

*Branded Bills, which provided PGA HOPE CNY hats for players

*Sterling Cut Glass for providing trophies

*Antigua, the official clothing provider of PGA REACH CNY

*Brian’s Landing Restaurant, which provided closest to the pin contest prizes.

 

Also integral in the success of this event were the following partners who provided all food and beverage for the PGA REACH CNY Pro-Am:

*TJ Sheehan

*Sysco

*Mineo Wholesale

*Onondaga Beverage

*Meier’s Creek

*JFS Foods