5011 Jamesville Rd, Jamesville, NY 13078-9429
Email: crtrlny@pgahq.com Website: Central New York Office: (315) 446-5610
Click here to view Central New York PGA Section's Staff Listing
Click here to view Central New York PGA Section's Board of Directors
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PGA REACH CNY has hired Dakota Holbrook, a 23-year-old native of Jordan, NY, as the 2026 WORKS Fellow.
Holbrook graduated in 2024 from SUNY Cortland with his bachelor’s degree, where he also founded and captained the university’s club basketball team for three years. In this leadership role, Holbrook oversaw all aspects of team operations, including scheduling, budgeting, fundraising, travel coordination, injury management, and communication with campus recreation and administration. This experience provided him with early exposure to organizational leadership, program development, and operational decision-making within a sport setting.
He later earned his Master of Science in Athletic Leadership while competing as a Division III basketball graduate student-athlete at a small institution in Vermont. While balancing the demands of academics and athletics, Holbrook earned All-Academic honors, was named to the North Atlantic Conference Sportsmanship Team, and received National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court recognition. In addition, he coached youth basketball, managed summer sports programs, worked for Syracuse Football production, and completed his graduate capstone through a Fall 2025 semester internship with SUNY Cortland Athletics, where Holbrook gained hands-on experience in collegiate athletic operations, event management, production and marketing.
Sport has played a central role in shaping both who Holbrook is and the professional path he has chosen. Growing up a competitive athlete instilled discipline, persistence, and a strong appreciation for continuous learning and growth. Through both athletic and academic experiences, Holbrook has learned how to perform under pressure, lead with purpose, and grow through both success and failure. Golf, in particular, has held meaningful importance, providing balance and clarity during stressful periods and serving as an important source of connection during the COVID-19 pandemic, when opportunities for community and shared experiences were limited.
“I chose to pursue the PGA WORKS Fellowship with PGA REACH CNY because the organization’s mission aligns closely with my values. I believe sport is a powerful vehicle for mental and physical growth, connection, opening doors, and supporting long-term personal development across all ages and backgrounds.
I am excited to learn from the Professionals within the CNY PGA and gain firsthand exposure to the behind-the-scenes work that drives the golf industry. Through the PGA REACH fellowship, I look forward to continuing my development as a leader, leveraging my background as a student-athlete and emerging sport administrator to make a lasting impact on both the game of golf and the individuals it serves. Sport has provided me with invaluable lessons and opportunities, and I am grateful for the chance to now give back by helping others experience those same benefits.”
Welcome to the team, Dakota!
Matt Moretti Jr., PGA of America Associate and Coach at Corning Country Club, has been named a Central New York Player Engagement #GameChanger Award recipient for the third straight time, recognizing his continued commitment to growing the game and creating meaningful experiences for young golfers and their families.
The Player Engagement #GameChanger Award celebrates PGA Jr. League Coaches who embrace inclusive, age-appropriate programming for kids of all skill levels, prioritize family involvement, and demonstrate a commitment to continued education and development.
“The #GameChanger Awards are a meaningful way to recognize the PGA Jr. League Coaches who consistently go above and beyond to enrich the lives of families in their communities,” said Steve Tanner, Senior Director of Player Engagement for the PGA of America. “Their passion, leadership and dedication play a vital role in creating positive experiences that extend beyond the course.”
Moretti’s approach to coaching emphasizes communication, organization, and attention to detail—qualities that have helped him build a welcoming and successful PGA Jr. League program. His dedication was recently highlighted in a PGA Jr. League Coach Newsletter, where he shared best practices that have contributed to strong participation and positive experiences for players and families alike.
“For me, communication is the difference maker,” said Moretti. “Talk with the parents. Pay attention to any special medical or dietary restrictions, especially when it comes time to host a pizza party. Group the kids by age and skill level. Order your uniform kits early. The kids love them!”
By focusing on thoughtful planning and strong relationships with families, Moretti continues to create an environment where young golfers feel supported, confident, and excited to return to the course week after week.
PGA REACH CNY and the The CNY PGA congratulates Matt Moretti Jr. on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his ongoing impact on junior golf and player engagement throughout the region.
Members of Bellevue Country Club once again demonstrated their generosity and commitment to community service by donating several hundred pounds of clothing to PGA REACH Central New York as part of a recent clothing drive. This marks the second installment of the collaborative effort between Bellevue Country Club and PGA REACH CNY, further strengthening their shared mission of giving back to those in need.
The donated clothing was distributed to Syracuse PAL (Police Athletic League), who selected Encounter Christian Fellowship as the beneficiary organization. Encounter Christian Fellowship, led by Pastor Joe and his wife, has become a growing and vital resource within the community. Pastor Joe expressed deep gratitude for the donations, noting that the church is “doing everything they can to be a blessing in the community.”
Since taking over the church six years ago, Pastor Joe and his wife have overseen remarkable growth and transformation. What began with just 14 parishioners has grown to a congregation of more than 75. During that time, the church has renovated its kitchen to better serve meals to the parish, added French- and Spanish-speaking ministers to better support a diverse community, and developed a fully equipped children’s area designed to serve children of all abilities, including those with special needs.
PGA REACH CNY is proud to partner with Bellevue Country Club and Syracuse PAL to support organizations like Encounter Christian Fellowship that are making a meaningful difference at the local level. These continued efforts highlight how the game of golf can be a powerful vehicle for positive community impact, extending well beyond the course and into the lives of those who need it most.
