to view the bios of the 29 individuals in the WNYPGA Hall of Fame

WESTERN NEW YORK PGA
HALL OF FAME
Location: 8265 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Please call 716-626-7095 before visiting.
WALTER HAGEN (1893-1969)
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1986.
Born in Brighton (Rochester) New York.
Career
Began caddying at the C.C. of Rochester at age 7.
Broke 80 by the time he was eleven.
In 1909, became Assistant Professional at C.C. of Rochester.
Head Professional at C.C. of Rochester from 1913 to 1917.
Captain of the US Ryder Cup Team:
1927, 1929, 1931, 1933, 1935, 1937
Member of the National PGA Golf Hall of Fame.
Playing Accomplishments – Professional
Qualified to play in the US Open in 1913 at the age of 20.
U.S. Open Winner: 1914, 1919.
5 Time PGA Championship Winner: 1921, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927.
4 Time British Open Championship Winner: 1922, 1924, 1928, 1929
54 Professional victories between 1914 and 1936.
DON ALLEN
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1986.
Amateur Member at C.C. of Rochester.
Playing Accomplishments – National Level
Walker Cup Team Member: 1965-1967.
American’s Cup Team Member: 1966-1968.
4 Time US Open Qualifier.
3 Time Masters Participant - 2nd low Amateur twice.
18 Time US Amateur Qualifier - best finishes 3rd in 1965, 6th in
1966.
Playing Accomplishments – State Level
6 Time New York State Amateur Champion: 1961, 1963, 1964, 1970, 1972, 1973
New York State Mid-Amateur Champion in 1985.
Playing Accomplishments – Local Level
6 Time Rochester District Golf Association Champion.
22 Time C.C. of Rochester Champion: 1959-1986.
6 Time Winner of C.C. of Rochester Invitational Championship.
4 Time Winner of Monroe G.C. Invitational Championship.
FRANK COMMISSO (1911-1995)
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1986.
PGA Member for 63 Years.
Head Professional at Irondequoit C.C. for 48 years: 1933-1980.
Past President of WNYPGA.
Past National Vice President for the PGA.
Three time WNYPGA Professional of the Year: 1955, 1957, 1980
Playing Accomplishments – Professional
National
Played in 10 PGA Championships.
Played in 8 US Open Championships.
State
Lake Shore Open Winner.
Central New York Open Winner.
Cambridge Springs Open Winner.
3 Time Buffalo Open Champion.
Western New York PGA
11 Time WNYPGA Section Champion.
8 Time WNYPGA Senior’s Champion.
2 Time WNYPGA Super Senior Champion.
TOBY LYONS (1914-2000)
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1986.
PGA Member for 49 Years.
Teaching Professional at Niagara Falls C.C. for 11 years.
Head Professional at Burning Tree C.C. Greenwich, CT for 10 years.
Head Professional at Moonbrook C.C. Jamestown, NY for 13 years.
Head Professional at Conewango Valley C.C. Warren, PA for 5
years.
Spent 16 years teaching at Ben Sutton Golf Schools (FL) during the
winter.
As an Amateur he won the Pennsylvania State Amateur Championship and played in 6 U.S.
Mid-Amateur Championships.
Playing Accomplishments – Professional
Professional Tour:
Played on the PGA tour for 5 years.
Held record for many years for lowest 18-hole score, 28-33-61 in Texas Open.
Played in 15 US Opens.
Played in 8 PGA Championships.
Finished 3rd - 3 times in PGA tour events including, St. Petersburg Open in 1954.
State:
3 Time Lake Shore Open Winner.
1974 Woodstock Open Winner.
Buffalo Open Winner .
National:
PGA Club Professional Championship Winner in 1956.
PGA Stroke Play Championship Winner in 1961.
PGA Section:
8 Time WNYPGA Section Champion.
3 Time WNYPGA Senior’s Champion.
2 Time Metropolitan PGA Section Champion.
LANCY SMITH
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1986.
Amateur member at the Park C.C.
Playing Accomplishments
Curtis Cup Team Member: 1972, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984.
Curtis Cup Team Alternate: 1974, 1976, 1986, 1990.
Curtis Cup Team Captain: 1994.
Western Amateur Champion: 1974.
South Atlantic Champion: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1979, 1985, 1989.
Harder Hall Champion: 1980, 1982, 1983, 1985.
Doherty Champion: 1977, 1979.
International Four-Ball Champion: 1973, 1975, 1976.
New York State Amateur Champion: 1966, 1969, 1970, 1998, 1999.
South Atlantic Senior Champion: 1998.
14 Time Women’s Buffalo District Champion.
Played in 13 Women’s U.S. Opens.
SAM URZETTA
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1986.
PGA Member for 52 Years.
Teaching Professional at the CC of Rochester in 1954.
Head Professional at the CC of Rochester: 1956 – 1993.
Western New York Section PGA
WNYPGA Professional of the Year: 1965.
WNYPGA Horton Smith Award Winner: 1977, 1985.
Other Hall of Fames
Member of the St. Bonaventure Hall of Fame.
Member of the Monroe County High School Hall of Fame.
Member of the Rochester Golf Hall of Fame.
Playing Accomplishments – Amateur
1948 New York State Amateur winner.
1950 USGA National Amateur Champion.
Played in 4 U.S. Opens.
Walker Cup Team: 1951-1953.
America’s Cup Team: 1952-1954.
4 Time RDGA Champion.
3 Time CC of Rochester Invitational Winner.
3 Time Monroe GC Invitational Winner.
Playing Accomplishments – Professional
National
Played in the Masters 4 times – finished tied for 12th in 1956.
Played in the PGA Championship 4 times.
Section
3 Time WNYPGA Section Champion.
WNYPGA Player of the Year in 1971.
WNY Pro Team Championship Winner in 1966.
2 Time Lake Shore Open Winner.
WNYPGA Senior Championship Runner-Up in 1982.
H. WARD WETTLAUFER
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1986.
Amateur Member at the CC of Buffalo.
Board Member
Buffalo District Golf Association: 1972-1974.
Southern Golf Association 1962-1965.
Playing Accomplishments
National
2 Time U.S. Open Qualifier.
7 Time U.S. Amateur Qualifier – Quarter Finals in 1958.
3 Time Masters Qualifier.
Walker Cup Team in 1959 – Alternate in 1966.
Porter Cup Winner: 1960, 1965.
Tam O’Shanter World Champion in 1956.
Eastern Intercollegiate Champion in 1955.
Eastern Amateur Winner: 1958, 1959.
Georgia State Champion in 1966.
Atlanta Open Champion: 1965, 1966.
National Intercollegiate Runner-Up in 1956.
Local
Buffalo District Golf Association Champion: 1958, 1960.
14 Time CC of Buffalo Club Champion: 1955-1984.
4 Time CC of Buffalo Junior Champion: 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953.
East Aurora CC Junior Champion in 1953.
Course Records
CC of Buffalo – 64 (Unofficial)
CC of Buffalo – 65 (Official)
Audubon GC – 64 (Official)
Edgewood Valley GC – 63 (Unofficial)
ALEX GREER
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1987.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1946.
Member of PGA Half Century Club.
Head Professional Brookfield C.C. 1946-1979.
WNYPGA Vice President: 1954-1956.
WNYPGA Professional of the Year: 1964, 1978.
WNYPGA Section Champion: 1946.
WNYPGA Senior Champion: 1965, 1969, 1985.
Course Records
Brookfield C.C. Course Record – 64
DENNIS BRADLEY
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1988.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1973.
Member of PGA Quarter Century Club.
Head Professional, Locust Hill C.C. 1967 to 1995.
WNYPGA Section President: 1988-1990.
WNYPGA Section Vice President: 1987-1988.
Awards
WNYPGA Professional of the Year in 1986.
WNYPGA Club Fitter of the Year: 1990.
WNYPGA Teacher of the Year in 1994.
WNYPGA Merchandiser of the Year in 1987.
WNYPGA Player of the Year: 1975, 1977.
WNYPGA Section Champion: 1976, 1979.
WNYPGA Senior Player of the Year: 1988-1993, 1996-1998.
Playing Accomplishments
Lake Shore Open Champion in 1970.
Rochester Classic Senior Champion in 1999.
National PGA Match Play Champion in 1982.
National PGA Quarter Century Champion: 1990, 1991.
Northern Ohio Section Champion in 1964.
Northern Ohio Assistant Professional Champion in 1963.
ANGE ALBERICO
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1991.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1958.
Member of the PGA Quarter Century Club.
Head Professional Springville C.C. 1959-1991.
Playing Accomplishments
PGA Quarter Century Champion in 1984.
WNYPGA Senior Player of the Year: 1985, 1986, 1987.
WNYPGA Super Senior Champion:
1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998.
Rochester Classic Super Senior Champion: 1992, 1994, 1995, 1998.
WNYPGA Classic Senior Champion: 2002, 2004.
RALPH HAAS
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1991.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1954.
Member of the PGA Quarter Century Club.
Head Professional at Transit Valley CC: 1954-1999.
National Committees
PGA National Vice President: 1970-1972.
PGA Championship Tournament Committee: 1970-1972.
Ryder Cup Tournament Committee in 1971.
Section Committees
WNYPGA President: 1963-1965.
WNYPGA Vice President: 1960-1962.
WNYPGA Treasurer: 1955-1960.
Awards
WNYPGA Professional of the Year in 1967.
WNYPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award in 1985.
WNYPGA Merchandiser of the Year in 1986.
WNYPGA Senior Junior Championship Winner: 1986, 1999.
CLARENCE DOSER (1909-1999)
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1993.
PGA Member for 72 Years.
Head Professional at Durand Eastman: 1929-1930.
Head Professional at Lake Shore C.C.: 1931-1936.
Member of the Metropolitan Section PGA Hall of Fame: 1981.
Member Mid Atlantic Section PGA Hall of Fame: 1988.
Playing Accomplishments
4 Time WNYPGA Champion.
4 Time Buffalo Open Champion.
4 Time Rochester Open Champion.
4 Time Central NY Open Champion.
3 Time Metropolitan Section Champion.
2 Time Mid Atlantic Section Champion.
6 Time Mid Atlantic Section Senior Champion.
2 Time Westchester PGA Champion.
2 Time Qualifier Finalist in National PGA Championship.
Semi-Finalist in National PGA Championship.
21 Time Qualifier for the National PGA Championship.
19 Time U.S. Open Qualifier.
3 Time Masters Qualifier.
Runner-Up in the U.S. Senior’s Open .
Shot his age numerous times every year from 1973 (64) to 1999.
DENNY LYONS
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1995.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1971.
Member of the PGA Quarter Century Club.
Head Professional at Niagara Falls C.C. 1971-1995.
Playing Accomplishments
WNYPGA Player of the Year: 1973, 1974, 1978, 1980.
WNYPGA Section Champion: 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980.
WNYPGA Senior Player of the Year: 1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004.
WNYPGA Senior Champion: 1994-1997, 1999, 2002.
Rochester Classic Champion: 1990-1994.
2 Time Winner of the WNY Open.
3 Time Qualifier of the National PGA Championship.
Made the cut 3 times in the National PGA Championship.
6 Time Qualifier for the US Open.
Made the cut once in the US Open.
Made the cut once in the US Senior Open.
NYS Open Champion.
8 Time Qualifier for PGA National Club Professional Championship.
PGA National Stroke Play Champion.
JOHN CALABRIA
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1998.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1978.
Head Professional, Brook Lea C.C. 1978-1992
Western New York PGA Section
WNYPGA Teacher of the Year in1989.
WNYPGA Horton Smith Award in 1992.
WNYPGA Tournament Chairman: 1982-1985.
WNYPGA Player of the Year: 1979, 1981-1984.
WNYPGA Section Champion: 1981-1984.
Western New York Open Champion in 1987.
WNYPGA Tournament of Champions Winner in 1990.
Rochester Classic Champion in 1991.
Rochester Classic Senior Championship in 1998.
Playing Accomplishments
Greater Erie Charity Classic Champion in 1973.
South Florida PGA Champion in 1998.
Florida State Senior Open Champion in 1998.
3 Time US Open Qualifier: 1977, 1982, 1995.
3 Time PGA Championship Qualifier: 1980, 1982, 1984.
2 Time US Senior Open Qualifier: 1999, 2000.
2 Time PGA Senior Championship Qualifier: 1999, 2001.
2 Time Senior British Open Contestant: 1998, 2000.
JOE DIEGO
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 1999.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1954.
Member of PGA Quarter Century Club
Head Professional, Green Hills C.C. from 1962-1992
Western New York PGA Section
WNYPGA President: 1971-1974.
WNYPGA Vice President / Treasurer: 1966-1969.
WNYPGA Tournament Chairman: 1963-1966.
WNYPGA Professional of the Year in 1966.
WNYPGA Super Super Senior Champion in 2000.
Rochester Classic Super Senior Champion: 1989, 1990, 1991.
Playing Accomplishments
1958 qualified for National PGA Championship:
1st to tee off the year the PGA switched from match play to stroke play.
1966: Carlings Open Champion, Syracuse NY.
Course Records
1968
Midvale C.C.
1970
Green Hills C.C.
1972
Island Valley C.C.
Has 18 Holes-In-Ones to his credit
36-28-64
34-31-65
29-31-60
COOKIE SWIFT BERGER
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2000.
Amateur Member at Westwood C.C.
Playing Record
Women’s NCAA Champion in 1950.
Women’s NYS Amateur Champion in 1953.
Women’s Metropolitan NY District Champion.
Women’s Metropolitan NY District Junior Champion.
9 Time Qualifier in the USGA Women’s National Amateur
Championship from 1953-1971.
9 Time Westwood C.C. Women’s Champion: 1959-1967.
5 Time Buffalo District Women’s Champion: 1956-1962.
Has set 10 Course Records.
Has 8 Holes-In-Ones to her credit.
JEAN RAMAKER TRAINOR (1917-2001)
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2001.
Amateur member at the CC of Rochester.
Golf Association Committees
USGA Women’s Committee.
New York State Women’s Junior & Senior Committees.
Women’s Western New York Board.
Women’s Rochester District Golf Association Officer.
Playing Accomplishments
Competed in Women’s US Open in 1953 and 1963.
9 Time Women’s NYS Section Champion.
Women’s NYS Amateur Championship: 2 time Runner-Up.
24 Time Women’s Rochester District Champion: 1937-1969.
23 Time Women’s C.C. of Rochester Champion: 1952-1989.
12 Time Women’s Oak Hill Champion: 1949-1967.
3 Time Women’s Monroe Golf Club Champion: 1937-1940
3 Time Women’s Western New York Champion.
7 Time USGA Women’s Amateur Competitor - went to the 5th Round in 1958.
Holds the Women’s C.C. of Rochester Old Course Record - 72 with Ruth Finch.
JOHN HENRICH
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2001.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1963.
Member of the PGA Quarter Century Club.
Head Professional at Pleasantview GC: 1958-1959.
Head Professional at Elma Meadows GC: 1960-1988.
National Accomplishments
Norton Smith Award Winner in 1975.
Nominated for the Golf Digest Club Fitter of the Year.
Member of the Teaching Staff for the National Golf Foundation.
Co-Writer of “Golf Club Design, Fitting and Repair” for the PGA in 1969.
Taught Club Repair at the PGA National Business Schools: 1966-1974.
Taught Hands on Club Repair and Fitting Workshops for the PGA: 1974-1981.
Taught Club Repair and Fitting at PGM Programs at Ferris State College for 13 years and
Mississippi State for 3 year.
Section Accomplishments
WNYPGA Horton Smith Award: 1972-1975.
WNYPGA Dura Golf Super Senior Champion in 1992.
Volunteered for Clubs for Kids, Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY.
Teaches Junior Programs at Brighton GC, Chestnut Hills CC and Deerfield CC.
BILL DIMAS
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2001.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1970.
Member of PGA Quarter Century Club.
Assistant Professional at Lake Shore C.C. in 1964.
Assistant at Transit Valley C.C. 1968-1970.
Head Professional at Niagara Frontier C.C. 1971-1976.
Director of Golf at Glen Oak G.C. 1977-1980.
Executive Director for the WNYPGA: 1984-2009.
Served as Tournament Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary for the WNYPGA 1975-1980.
Awards
WNYPGA Professional of the Year: 1976, 1988.
7 Time WNYPGA Bill Strausbaugh Club Relations Award Winner: 1979-1998.
WNYPGA Horton Smith Award Winner: 1988.
Committees
Member of the National PGA Club Relations, National Golf Day, Education, Membership &
Apprentice Committees and Technology Task Force.
Chairman or Member of numerous WNYPGA Section Committees: 1975-2009.
Chairman of PGA Section Executive Director Group: 1997-2000.
Member of Oldsmobile Golf Advisory Committee 1998-1999.
Member of Town of Amherst Golf Oversight Committee: 2000-2009.
STAN MARSHAUS
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2002.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1974.
Member of the PGA Quarter Century Club.
Graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH in 1965.
Taught school in Painesville, OH from 1965-1970.
Golf Coach, Basketball Coach, Athletic Director & Teacher of the Year
of the Painesville School District.
Assistant Pro Positions at: Acacia C.C. in Cleveland; Lost Tree G.C. in
Palm Beach; San Carlos G.C. in San Diego from 1970-1973.
Director of Golf at Chautaqua G.C. from 1974-2008.
Committees
Member of the WNYPGA Board of Directors: 1998-2003.
Tournament Chairman, Secretary, Vice President, President & Honorary President of
WNYPGA: 1990-2003.
District Director for National PGA Board of Directors from 1996-1999.
Member of the National PGA Tournament & Budget Committee: 1996-1999.
Awards
WNYPGA Professional of the Year in 1994.
WNYPGA Resort Merchandiser of the Year: 1987, 1991, 1994, 1995.
Qualified for National Senior CPC Championship: 1998, 2000, 2002.
LONNIE NIELSEN
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2004.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1980.
Played on the PGA Tour 1978-1983
Director of Golf at Crag Burn C.C. 1984-2003
National PGA Accomplishments
Club Professional Player of the Year: 1986, 1987, 1989
Played in 9 PGA Championships.
Competed in 15 Club Pro Championships.
Played in PGA Team Cup: 1988, 1996.
PGA Stroke Play Champion in 1988.
PGA Match Play Champion: 1988, 1989.
Finished 3rd in 2003 Senior CPC.
New York State Playing Accoplishments
NY State Open Champion: 1985, 1989
2003 State PGA Senior’s Champion
2003 Otesaga Senior Open Champion
Western New York Section Playing Accomplishments
All Time Leading Money Winner
Leading Money Winner 13 years
Player of the Year 12 years
Section Champion 9 years
Match Play Championship 10 years
Won Western New York Open 7 years
2003 Senior’s Championship
Winner of over 100 Section Tournaments
Western New York Awards/Committees
1999 Professional of the Year
1998 Teacher of the Year
Tournament Chairman 1998-1999
Board of Directors 1996-1999
Instructor of Numerous Section Teaching and Playing Education Programs
Other
PGA Championship Tour: 2004-Present
CRAIG HARMON
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of fame in 2005.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1976.
Member of the PGA Quarter Century Club.
Head Professional at Oak Hill C.C. 1972-Present.
Teaching Accomplishments
1994: Co-Chairman, National PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit.
1996: Chairman, National PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit.
Instructor, National & Local PGA Teaching Seminars.
Regularly evaluates Master Professional Thesis for the National PGA.
Personal instructor to Jeff Sluman, 1988 PGA Champion and consistent PGA Tour Player
Instructor to many PGA, LPGA, Buy.com and Top Amateur Players.
Voted 20th best teacher in America by Golf Digest.
Host Professional of Major Events at Oak Hills C.C.
1980 PGA Championship
1983 Senior US Open Championship
1989 U.S. Open Championship
1995 Ryder Cup Matches
1998 U.S. Amateur Championship
2003 PGA Championship
Western New York PGA Awards
Professional of the Year: 1983
Horton Smith Award Winner: 1993
Teacher of the Year: 1986, 1991, 1995, 2002
Special Honors
Inducted into Oak Hill C.C. Hill of Fame in 2003.
2004 National PGA Golf Professional of the Year.
FRED SILVER
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2006.
Amateur member at Niagara falls CC.
Northern Ontario
Junior Champion: 1959, 1961
Amateur Champion: 1966
Ontario Senior Player of the Year: 2002
National Playing Accomplishments
Played in 11 USGA Championships
Ranked 13th in 2002 & 2005 for Senior Amateurs by Golf Week Magazine
Won National Senior-Junior in 2002
Senior Chesapeake Cup in 2004
New York State Playing Accomplishments
Amateur Championship – Played 18 times, 4 top 5 finishes
Mid-Amateur – Played 13 times, 1995 Runner-Up
Senior Amateur – 2001 Runner-Up, 3rd 2004
Member of the NYS 4 – Man Senior Team 5 times
Western New York Playing Accomplishments
BDGA Individual Champion 5 times: 1972, 1983, 1984, 1994, 1995
BDGA Match Play Champion: 2002 & 2005
BDGA Individual Champion Medalist: 1972 & 1998
Named #1 in Golf Ranking from 1983-1996
Niagara Falls Country Club
Club Champion 26 times
Porter Cup: Qualified 36 consecutive years beginning in 1970
3rd in 1983, 1996 Senior Champion; 2nd 1995, 1997, 2004
Porter Cup Tournament Director
Other
BDGA Board of Directors from 1994-Present
BDGA President 2002-Present
Inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2003
Director: Society of Seniors, U.S. Senior Challenge
RIC ALBERICO
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2007.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1977.
PGA Master Professional 1995, Thesis – The Golf Concept.
Member of the PGA Quarter Century Club.
Head Professional at East Aurora CC: 2003 – 2010.
Head Professional at Westwood CC: 1981-2003.
Head Professional at Niagara Frontier CC: 1977-1981.
Assistant Professional at Springville CC and Capri Isle GC:
1974-1977.
Committees
PGA National Board of Directors representing District 4: 1987-1990.
PGA National Chairman Positions:
Junior Golf: 1988-1990
Junior Championship: 1988-1990
Membership Vice Chair: 1989-1990
PGA-USGA Certified Rules Official: 1980 – Present
Served as the President, Secretary and Treasurer on the WNYPGA Board: 1980 – 2006.
WNYPGA Chairman for the following committees:
Education, Club Relations, Junior Golf and Membership
Awards
Golf Industry Magazine 1991 Golf Professional of the Year.
WNYPGA Professional of the year in 1984.
WNYPGA Horton Smith Award Winner: 1986, 1987, 1995.
WNYPGA Bill Strausbuagh Award Winner: 2002, 2003.
Other
Westwood CC Course Record 67 from Championship Tees in 1997.
Graduated from Gannon University with a Major in Physics and Electronic Engineering.
JIM MRVA
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2007.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1978.
Member of the PGA Quarter Century Club.
Graduated from Rutgers University.
Head Professional at Monroe GC: 1983 – Present.
Assistant Professional at En-Joie GC: 1975 – 1978.
Head Professional at Yahnundasis GC: 1978 – 1982.
Western New York PGA
Member of the WNYPGA Board of Directors: 1984 – 2005. Served as President, VicePresident, Secretary and Rochester District Director.
Served on the following WNYPGA Committees:
Junior Golf, Education, Apprentice, Awards, Club Relations and Employment.
Awards
National PGA Professional of the Year in 2010.
WNYPGA Professional of the Year in 1998.
WNYPGA Community Service Award Winner in 2003.
WNYPGA Horton Smith Award Winner: 1996, 1997.
WNYPGA Private Club Merchandiser of the Year: 1988, 1993, 2006.
WNYPGA Junior Golf Promoter of the Year in 1985.
Rochester Press-Radio Club Elliot Cushing Award Winner in 2005.
Playing Accomplishments
Western New York Open Champion in 1992.
WNYPGA Match Play Champion: 1987, 1988.
Western New York Senior Champion: 2000, 2001.
Rochester Classic Low-Scoring Senior: 2000, 2001.
Western New York Section Championship Runner-Up in 1994.
Other
Chairman of the Rochester Classic Tournament.
Chairman of Rochester Golf for Kids.
Board member of the First Tee Program.
Board member on the 85th PGA Championship Community Relations.
Joe O’Shaughnessy
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2009.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1975.
Member of the PGA Quarter Century Club.
Head Professional at Oak Run GC: 1991-Present.
Assistant Golf Professional at Niagara Frontier CC.
Head Professional at Lockport T &CC and at Niagara County GC.
Awards
WNYPGA Merchandiser of the Year in 1986.
WNYPGA Horton Smith Award Winner: 1998, 1999.
WNYPGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2001.
Committees
Served on the National Board of Directors from 2005 to 2006:
Chairman of the Special Awards, Merchandiser of the Year, and Apprentice committees.
Served on WNYPGA Board of Directors from 1986 to 2008:
Secretary of the WNYPGA: 1999-2001.
Vice President of the WNYPGA: 2001-2003.
President of the WNYPGA: 2003-2005.
Other
While serving as the District IV Director of the PGA, Joe introduced the pairing of Tiger Woods,
Phil Mickelson and Geoff Ogilvy at the 2006 PGA Championship at Medinah Country Club.
In 1988, purchased land where he designed and built Oak Run Golf Club where he is still
serving as the Head Golf Professional today.
Armand Lannutti
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2010.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1949.
Head Professional at Durand Eastman Golf Course (1941-1975)
Awards
WNYPGA Golf Professional of the Year 1960
Committees
WNYPGA Tournament Chairmen: 1952-54, 1957-60, 1961-63.
WNYPGA President from 1960-1963.
Playing Accomplishments
WNYPGA Super Senior Champion in 1990.
Other
Member of the WNYPGA for 64 years.
Mark Kirk
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2013.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1983.
Member of the PGA Quarter Century Club.
Assistant PGA Professional at Crag Burn GC (2000-Present)
PGA Director of Golf at Brierwood CC (1997-2000)
Head PGA Professional at Deerfield CC in 1996
Head PGA Professional at Orchard Park CC (1988-1995)
Head PGA Professional at Brierwood CC (1986-1987)
Assistant Professional at Brook-Lea CC (1981-1985)
Assistant Professional at Crag Burn GC (1979-1980)
Awards
WNYPGA Professional of the Year in 1991
Horton Smith Award Winner in 1990 & 1994
WNYPGA Teacher of the Year in 1993 & 1998
WNYPGA Committees
WNYPGA Secretary/Treasurer 1988-1990
WNYPGA Vice President 1990-1993
WNYPGA President 1993-1995
WNYPGA Tournament Chairman 2003-2005
National PGA Committees
National PGA Club Pro Competitions Committee (1993-1994)
National PGA Section Affairs Committee (1991-1993)
National PGA Membership Committee (1991-1993)
Playing Accomplishments
Seven-time National Club Pro Championship Finalist
Six-time US Open Regional Finalist
WNYPGA Senior Player of the Year in 2009 & 2010
WNYPGA Match Play Champion in 1997
WNY Open Champion in 2010, Senior Division Co-Champion in 2013
Rochester Classic Champion in 1996, Senior Division Champion in 2010
Assistant Pro Champion in 2011
More than twenty-five WNYPGA Section Tournament Victories
Denny Ferstler
Elected to the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2013.
Elected to PGA Membership in 1982.
Member of the PGA Quarter Century Club.
Former Head Professional and Director of Golf at Penfield CC
Awards
WNYPGA Professional of the Year in 1995
WNYPGA Committees
WNYPGA Tournament Chairman 1994-1997
Playing Accomplishments
Rochester Classic Champion in 1989
Rochester Classic Senior Champion in 2004
WNYPGA Match Play Finalist in 1994
WNYPGA Section Championship Runner-Up in 1983 & 1999
WNYPGA Senior Championship Runner-Up in 2003
WNY Open Runner-Up in 1994 & 1997
Low U.S. Open Qualifier in 1981
Other
Course Records –
Cazenovia CC (65), Rogues Roost CC (64), Cavalry Club (63), Rhode Island CC (62), Locust
Hill CC (63) and Penfield CC (66)
Quotes
“I always had nicknames for everybody. I got away with a lot more stuff than a lot of other pros
did. I always wanted members, and their guests, to come in and, this was not their job so when
they left work I wanted them to come out and have a great experience.”
“I would always joke with them (members). A guy would come in and I would look at his outfit
and say, ‘Why don’t you go through my lost and found and get yourself an outfit?’ I would do
that just to make people laugh. I used to love to see people laugh.”