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The sun warmed the September air and Owasco Country Club provided the perfect fall backdrop for an unforgettable day of golf and giving. On Monday, September 15, PGA of America Golf Professionals and their partners teed it up for the first-ever PGA REACH CNY Birdie Bash—an event built on one simple idea: make as many birdies as possible to make a difference.
Teams of two, each featuring at least one PGA Professional, played a scramble across 44 holes or more. Every putt and every drive carried extra meaning, with supporters pledging donations per birdie or offering flat-rate contributions. By day’s end, players recorded 284 birdies, fueling a fundraising total of $69,229.
The number is all the more remarkable considering the Birdie Bash began with an ambitious $40,000 goal. That mark was quickly surpassed, and the target was bumped to $50,000. But with momentum building and pledges pouring in, the teams and supporters didn’t stop there—they blew past the new goal, finishing nearly $20,000 higher.
Reflecting on the event, PGA REACH CNY Executive Director Joe Tesori expressed both pride and gratitude:
“I am proud to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible success of the inaugural PGA REACH CNY Birdie Bash. This event was truly powerful, and I am so fortunate for the support from our sponsors, membership, donors, and the host facility.”
The energy and excitement extended beyond the golf course, as the event became a true team effort.
“I also want to extend a special thank you to our 2025 PGA WORKS Fellow, Harlee Lucier. Her contributions were absolutely critical to the success of this event, and it was a pleasure to work alongside her.”
And even as the final putts dropped, thoughts were already turning toward what’s next.
“We continue to be blown away by the overwhelming support for this event from all parties involved, and we are already looking forward to next year. The PGA REACH CNY Birdie Bash is more than just a golf tournament; it is, and always will be, about supporting children and those less fortunate. The ability of this event to help the children at Upstate Golisano is something our membership, donors, and sponsors should be immensely proud of, as I certainly am.”
Alongside the incredible fundraising results, several teams and players stood out for their on-course performances:
Most Money Raised: Nick Serafino & James Trasher – “Trash Talkers” – $26,444
Most Birdies: Dennis Colligan & Max Cooper – “Bash Brothers” – 34
Most Eagles: Danny Thomas & Carter McMahon – “Heavyweights” – 6
Most Donors: Dylan Plis & Jason Wall – “The Great Wall of Plis” – 110
Longest Drive (Men): Max Cooper – Hole #1
Longest Drive (Women): Kalin Merkley – Hole #5
Complete results here.
Photo Gallery here.
The success of the Birdie Bash was made possible thanks to the hospitality of Andy Myers, Phil Kless, Matt Alm, and the members of Owasco Country Club, as well as the partnership of the Play Yellow Team and Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Huge thank you to our generous sponsors also played a vital role:
Oakley – Matt Cunha
Sterling Cut Glass
Ahead – Brian Robinson
Brian Robinson Golf
Warner Energy – Zach Drescher
LoPar – Taylor Bellemare
Stitch – Andy Gregory
Travis Mathew – Sam Altman
Brian’s Landing – Jaclyn Tesori.
The Birdie Bash was more than a golf marathon—it was proof of what can happen when a community comes together with purpose. Birdies fell, smiles were shared, and lives will be impacted because of it. With nearly $70,000 raised in year one, the foundation has been set for an even brighter future.
The wait is over for Nick Serafino.
After 36 tries, the PGA of America Golf Professional scored his first Central New York PGA Section Championship on Aug 26 at Turning Stone Resort Casino. For Serafino, it was a rewarding moment to finally hoist the championship trophy.
“It’s great,” said Serafino, who is the director of golf at Timber Banks Golf Club. “I say, I’m 1 for 36 because this is my 36th Section Championship and to get a victory, it’s really nice and I’m very happy.”
Serafino shot rounds of 70 and 71 at the Shenendoah Course and withstood a challenge from 2011 champion Mark Tucker to finish at 3-under-par 141. Tucker (Cazenovia Country Club) finished two strokes back at 1-under 143.
After a challenging first round Aug. 25, Serafino ended on a high note with an eagle on No. 18 from 60 yards out. He carded a 2-under 70, one shot back of leader defending champion Dennis Colligan (3-under 69).
Serafino carried that momentum into the final round playing with close friends Colligan and Tucker.
Serafino, who is also the chairperson of the PGA REACH CNY, seized the lead on the front nine with birdies on holes 4, 6 and 9. Tucker erased Serafino’s two stroke lead and pulled into a tie with two birdies on 10 and 13 after Serafino carded bogeys on No. 10 and 12.
“I wasn’t really looking at the leaderboard,” Serafino said. “I’m not a leaderboard watcher. But I knew Mark birdied 10, and I bogeyed it so I knew we had to be close.”
Not to be denied this year, Serafino came through with a birdie on the par-3 No. 14 to regain the lead for good.
“I hit a great shot that kind of turned things around on 14,” Serafino said. “I hit it to about a foot and made birdie and then just hung on from there. I made that shot on 14 when I needed it.”
FINAL RESULTS
Serafino enjoyed earning his milestone win playing alongside Tucker and Colligan.
“I had a great pairing,” Serafino said. “They’re both tremendous friends and great players. It was nice to be with them for the victory.”
Serafino and Tucker will represent the CNY PGA at the 59th annual PGA Professional Championship next April. Matthew Jaynes (Corning CC) earned the third spot for nationals in a playoff over Tim Hume (McConnellsville GC), who scored a hole-in-one on No. 14.
Hume is the first alternate. second alternate Colligan, who won a playoff against Joey Tesori. Tesori (CNY PGA) is the third alternate.
The 2025 CNY PGA Section Championship was presented by Club Car, Corebridge Financial and Rolex.
PHOTOS FROM ROUNDS ONE AND TWO
