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PGA of America Golf Professional Dennis Estes, the Head Professional at The Cavalry Club, was named the 2025 Central New York PGA Golf Professional of the Year.
Estes was recognized with the other 2025 Section Award Winners at the 22nd annual Special Awards and Holiday Party on Dec. 4 at Drumlins Country Club. The Golf Professional of the Year award is the highest honor given to a CNY PGA Professional.
For the 37-year-old Estes, having his name added to the list of previous Golf Professional of the Year winners is a career highlight.
“It’s amazing that I’m with a legendary group of CNY PGA Professionals,” Estes said. “It’s unusual for somebody in their 30s to get something like this and join the legends who are in this room. But this is incredibly special. It means a lot to be able to celebrate this award with an amazing (Cavalry) team.”
During his acceptance speech, Estes gave credit to his team of PGA Professionals and supportstaff who share his passion for golf and helped facilitate significant change at The Cavalry Club including major course renovations and upgrades.
In October, the CNY PGA Special Awards Committee determined the finalists for this year’s Special Awards. All category winners were revealed Dec. 4.
Ruth Weydig, PGA was also honored as the newest member of the CNY PGA Hall of Fame.
The 2025 Special Award winners include:
Hall of Fame Inductee – Ruth Weydig, PGA
*Golf Salesperson of the Year: Alex Smith, PGA (Alex Smith Sales)
*Merchandisers of the Year
Public – Jay Turcsik, PGA (Mark Twain GC)
Private – Ryan Hammerle, PGA (Onondaga Golf & CC)
Resort – David Winget, PGA (Turning Stone Resort & Casino)
*Patriot Award – Joseph Tesori, PGA (PGA REACH CNY)
*Youth Player Development Award — Ruth Weydig, PGA (Oneida Community GC)
*Bill Strausbaugh Award – Will Weimer, PGA (Stone Creek GC)
*Professional Development Award – Martha Wells, PGA (PGA of America)
*Teacher and Coach of the Year – Bernie Herceg, PGA (Binghamton University)
*Player Development Award — Joseph Tesori, PGA (PGA REACH CNY)
*Assistant/Associate of the Year – Dan Trebendis, PGA Associate (Green Lakes GC)
Golf Professional of Year – Dennis Estes, PGA (Cavalry Club)
Players of the Year (Presented by Rolex)
Section and Senior – Tim Hume, PGA (McConnellsville GC)Women – Brittany Wowelko, PGA (CNY PGA)Assistant – Robert Larsen, PGA (Onondaga Golf & CC)
Boys – Nathan Brown, Cazenovia, NYGirls – Lindsey Chong, Manlius, NY
PGA of America Golf Professional Ruth Weydig was inducted into the Central New York PGA Hall of Fame on Dec. 4. Weydig was honored at the 22nd annual Special Awards and Holiday Party at Drumlins Country Club.
Weydig, the Head Professional at Oneida Community Golf Course, earned Hall of Fame honors for her contributions and accomplishments within the Section especially in the area of youth and player development.
Prior to her formal Hall of Fame induction, Weydig received her ninth career Youth Player Development Award.
Weydig was humbled to have been selected for the Section Hall of Fame. Her longtime friend, Cathy Quinn, introduced her, and Weydig received a standing ovation from those in attendance at the Holiday Party.
“This is an incredible milestone for me,” Weydig said. “I just love what I do.”
During her acceptance speech, Weydig recognized individuals who have had an impact in her career including PGA peers Stanley Lisk, Steve Nacewicz, Alan Seamans, Jack Conger and Dustin Jones.
Weydig, of Oneida, has been a PGA Member for 37 years. Her dedication to introducing the game of golf to junior players has been at the forefront of her career.
Weydig has been instrumental in creating opportunities for juniors. Among her accomplishments:
*Implemented “Golf in Schools” program at elementary schools in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill District
*Promotes the Section’s Junior Tour, PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip and Putt Qualifiers
*Longtime head coach of the Mohawk Valley Community College Golf Program
The CNY PGA congratulates Ruth Weydig on her induction into the Section Hall of Fame!
The 2025 Holiday Party was sponsored by Presenting Partners: Turning Stone Resort Casino and Supporting Partners: Satch Sales/Club Car and Frank “Red” Costello of New Penn Golf Cart Leasing Co.
PGA REACH CNY extends its sincere thanks to the CNY PGA Members, Associates and friends for their generosity and support during the annual Fall Meeting Toy Drive. Thanks to the collective efforts of our members, PGA REACH CNY was proud to partner with Syracuse PAL to deliver donated toys to Roberts Elementary School within the Syracuse City School District—bringing smiles, excitement, and hope to local students this holiday season.
Syracuse PAL (Police Athletic/Activities League) is a City of Syracuse–sponsored program dedicated to connecting young people with law enforcement in positive, constructive ways. Their mission is to engage community youth through sports and enrichment activities that help keep kids safe, supported, and on a path toward long-term success. By fostering early relationships between youth and law enforcement, Syracuse PAL works to build a safer, more respectful, and more welcoming community for everyone.
Involvement in programs like those offered by Syracuse PAL provides young people with a sense of belonging, purpose, and pride—something that has never been more important as communities continue to emerge from the challenges of the pandemic. Through fun and meaningful activities, youth gain opportunities to learn, grow, and develop both personal and professional relationships that can positively shape their futures.
This toy donation is a reflection of PGA REACH CNY’s commitment to giving back and supporting youth in our region. The generosity shown by our Section Members helps strengthen community partnerships and directly impacts children and families during a special time of year.
“On behalf of PGA REACH CNY, thank you to our CNY PGA Members, Associates & friends for your continued support of this event each year,” said the PGA REACH CNY Executive Director. “Your generosity and willingness to give back truly make a difference in the lives of local youth and the greater Syracuse community.”
The Central New York PGA is proud to support initiatives that align golf professionals with meaningful community impact, and we look forward to continuing these efforts together in the years ahead.
