U.S. Navy Veteran Casey Ware is quite familiar with the Central New York PGA landscape since he worked as an intern with the Section in the summer of 2023. Now, Ware is ready to use that experience as he embarks on a new position with the Section.
Ware is the first PGA WORKS Fellow for the CNY PGA Section. He started his Fellowship in July. Last March, the Central New York PGA Section was among the five new PGA WORKS Fellowships for 2024.
The PGA WORKS Fellowship is designed to provide a recent college graduates a one-year, paid immersion in PGA of America Section operations. This entry-level role offers the recipient the opportunity to see what a career in the golf industry can provide.
“I just want to be an asset, that’s the biggest thing for me,” said Ware. “I want to help out as much as I can. I’m excited to have this opportunity and make a difference in the upcoming year.”
Ware’s main focus during his Fellowship will be helping promote and expand the initiatives of PGA REACH CNY. He’s working closely with Foundation Executive Director Joey Tesori to raise money and find partners to fund more Foundation programs.
“We are thrilled to have Casey be our first PGA WORKS Fellow here at PGA REACH CNY,” Tesori said. “Casey is familiar with our section and our programs as he helped us last year as a volunteer tournament operations assistant. Casey knows what it takes to make an impact and to be a team player.”
Ware said among the things he’ll be working on during his Fellowship are:
*Getting more Veterans involved with PGA HOPE clinics by reaching out to SUNY schools and their Veterans offices to make sure they are aware of the programs offered.
*Through PGA WORKS, expanding and generating more interest in the CNY PGA Women’s Association.
*Increasing junior involvement through PGA Jr. League and possibly establishing an all-girls team.
Ware’s internship in the summer of 2023 gave him a solid introduction to the golf industry.
“My internship gave me a good background and knowledge on the operations part with the Section,” Ware said. “This time, the job is more back end. I’m not out on the golf course as much as I was during last summer. But I am involved in the Drive, Chip and Putt events. Knowing the rules, how we do the scoring and being able to explain those things to our parents, players and volunteers, I learned last year. Now I can help and show others.”
Ware served four years of active duty in the U.S. Navy and three in active reserve. He was stationed in Norfolk, Va., and San Diego, Calif., where he was an aviation machinist.
“Casey sacrificed everything for our country when he enlisted and we can never thank him enough for his service,” Tesori said. “It is my sincere hope and duty that we here at PGA REACH CNY can give him the tools and resources necessary for a successful PGA Works fellowship.”
Ware’s introduction to golf came through PGA HOPE. As a Veteran, he took part in the program a year ago at Turning Stone Resort Casino with Ryan McGinnis, PGA. As a PGA HOPE graduate, Ware’s experience will be useful to his Fellowship responsibilities.
“That’s the awesome thing about it,” he said. “I can explain what it’s about and what they do during the clinics because I’ve done it. You get some instruction and you go hit golf balls and be with other Veterans.”
Because of PGA HOPE, Ware has embraced golf as a life sport. He is a member of Drumlins Country Club.
“Golf is a humbling sport but I love playing,” he said. “The social interaction aspect is the coolest part for me. You meet so many people through golf. I’ve met so many people there after a round. We’ll just be talking and next thing you know you’re signing up to golf together. That’s the most fun, the social aspect part.”
Working in the golf industry is a possible career option but Ware is also interested in getting his masters in higher education to become an athletic director. Ware, who earned a BS in Physical Education from Syracuse University in 2023, spent last spring subbing as state-certified PE teacher at Bishop Ludden High School.
“This is a good opportunity for me to see the business side of golf,” Ware said. “When my year is up, I’ll see if this is a career path I want to go forward with. Right now, I’m taking it day by day looking to make a difference.”
“He is a special young man and I am just fortunate to call him a friend,” Tesori said. “Welcome Casey!”
