News

EAST AMHERST, N.Y. – The Foundations of the Western NY PGA, New York State Golf Association, and Rochester District Golf Association are pleased to announce a grant program directly aimed in helping PGA Professionals and facilities grow the game of golf.  Under the guidance of PGA REACH WNY, the collaborative initiative is anticipated to benefit the communities across Buffalo, Rochester, and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Based around the thought of positively impacting lives through the game of golf, the organizations will provide grants to programs, led by PGA Professionals, that serve youth, individuals with disabilities, and military or diverse demographics. The goal is to award a maximum of $10,000 in grants across the region that will initiate new programs or enhance and strengthen existing programs.

“It is inspiring to see the philanthropic work that our Western NY PGA Professionals continue to do through golf programming both on property at their clubs, and off property in their respective communities,” WNYPGA \ PGA REACH WNY Executive Director Steven Bartkowski said.  We are proud to be able to team up with both the NYSGA and RDGA, and excited to see some of the long-term impacts that these new and enhanced programs will have on the local golf community.”

These monies are available to any Facilities/Organizations that employ a PGA Member(s) within the boundaries of the Western NY PGA Section.  PGA Members, Facilities and Organizations just need to apply by April 15^th to be considered for the funding.

“We are pleased to partner the WNYPGA and RDGA to support PGA professionals in their efforts grow the game,” said Bill Moore, Executive Director of the NYSGA. “We are confident that the programs these grants fund will have a strong positive impact on the game of golf in WNY, and most importantly, on the participants involved.”

Consideration will be given to the span and benefit to the community. 

“The RDGA has long felt it important to work together with the WNYPGA in many areas of the game of golf in our region and is especially pleased to collaborate with the WNYPGA in this effort to support and enhance the Grow the Game efforts in our area, and very much welcome the NYSGA to this initiative as well.” – Tim Vangellow, RDGA Executive Director     

More information on this grant program and application can be found on wnypga.com.

More Information about PGA REACH WNY:
The PGA REACH WNY Foundation (Western New York PGA Foundation, Inc.) is the charitable arm of the Western NY PGA Section and was founded in 2010 by local PGA Professionals.  The 501 c 3 Foundation was created with the goal of providing support to various organizations in the Western New York Section through the game of golf.  PGA REACH WNY will look to fund programs supporting its mission including the Western New York Section PGA Junior Golf and various underprivileged youth golf programs.  The Foundation will strive to fund, conduct, and/or support these initiatives and many others that serve under the founding pillars – Youth, Military and Diversity in golf.

More Information about NYSGA Foundation:
The NYSGA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) and charitable arm of the association, has awarded over $300,000 in college scholarships and grants supporting junior golf in New York since 2009. The NYSGA Scholarship Fund annually awards scholarships totaling $30,000 to exceptional high school students who are employed in service to golf by NYSGA Member Clubs. The Foundation also awards substantial grants to junior golf initiatives. These initiatives include small, regional programs providing on-course instruction and nationally recognized programs. This level of giving is not possible without the support of members of the association, whose membership fees and donations directly fund these initiatives.

More information about the RDGA Foundation:
The RDGA Foundation, Inc. and Rochester District Golf Association are dedicated to giving children within the RDGA district access and exposure to the game of golf. This is accomplished through programs we have administered for decades - featuring youth golf tournaments, coaching, training, and education of golf's etiquette, safety, rules, and fundamentals.