NYS MEN'S AMATEUR
CHAMPIONSHIP
WANAKAH COUNTRY CLUB, HAMBURG | JULY 9-11
Welcome
Welcome to the 101st NYS Men’s Amateur Championship and Wanakah Country Club.
The NYSGA takes our responsibility seriously of conducting New York’s amateur championships, which began in 1923 with the NYS Men’s Amateur Championship at the Garden City Golf Club. It is a role entrusted to the NYSGA by our membership, one we do not take for granted.
The NYSGA remains committed to elevating each New York State amateur championship. This is accomplished through strengthening our relationships with NYSGA member clubs, adopting new and creative ideas to deliver an elite player experience, and assembling the strongest fields New York can offer.
We saw these efforts elevate in 2024 when four NYS amateur championships - Men, Women, and Junior Boys & Girls - earned the right to become USGA Exemption Events. These NYSGA champions are now invited to compete in their corresponding USGA championship.
Wanakah Country Club has been an indispensable ally and generous supporter of our mission to deliver a best-in-class championship. We are grateful to Wanakah’s membership, volunteers, and management team for their tireless efforts in making the 2024 NYS Men’s Amateur Championship a success. We’d also like to congratulate them on their 125th anniversary!
Most importantly, I want to recognize the players, who have dedicated much of their lives to the pursuit of their dreams in golf. Your infectious love for the game has a wider reach than you may know, offering inspiration for the next generation of golfers. Thank you for showing us what is possible.
Good luck this week and Let’s Go Buffalo!
Jamie Miller NYSGA President
The NYSGA
Officers, Committee and Staff
NYSGA Officers
President Jamie Miller, Crag Burn GC
1st Vice President Doug Vergith, Chautauqua GC
2nd Vice President Rich Weber, Brookfield CC
Secretary Ryan Gabel, Southern Dutchess CC
Treasurer Robert Smith, Sunset Ridge GC
General Counsel Peter Jones, Drumlins CC
NYSGA
Executive Committee
Shawn Baker, Oak Hill CC
Lee Bearsch, Binghamton CC
John Burns, Niagara Falls CC
Karen Feldman, Columbia G&CC
Henry Fust, Onondaga G&CC
Ryan Gabel, Southern Dutchess CC
Megan Grehan, Hudson National GC
Brent Herlihy, Glens Falls CC
Brian Kumiega, CC of Buffalo
Lawrence Lessing, The Creek
Tom Owen, Corning CC
Christy Schultz, Oak Hill CC
Frank Suits, Cortland CC
Brian Williams, Winged Foot GC
Course Rating Volunteers
Michael Aquino
Norm Amyot
Tom Andrews
Gary Assad
John Barry
Al Belair
Vic Bergsten
Vincent Bonvino
Chris Boynton
David Braunscheidel
Kevin Broderick
Daniel Bronchetti
Gene Bullis
John Bullis
Ron Case
Sue Chambers
Cory Ciambella
Darrell Cornett
Jerry Danielski
Patrick Donoghue
Edward Evans
Michael Fitzgerald
Georgette Folley
Adrian Forzani
Shaun Francis
Bill Geider
Tom Hahn
Wade Hall
Joe Hazard
Patrick Henry
Jeff Holmes
John Hudacs
Al Huggard
Mary Ann Keeler
Stephen Keeler
Robert Kawa
David Kokes
John Kulesa
Tom Lanahan
Rod Lindstrom
Janis Luce
Susan Marsh
Robert Martin
Ron Mason
Pat Mayne
Theresa McGibbon
Tom McGibbon
Pat McKenna
Jim McKillip
Richard Meath
Brian Merritt
Jim Meyers
Gene Meyle
Bill Moreland
Jack Mulvey
Arthur Munson
Jim Murrett
Richard North
Rocco Palmeri
Brandon Payne
Richard Prestopnik
Joseph Pucello
John Reagan
Bob Raimo
Sean Rotella
Anthony Scarpello
Dan Scott
David Smith
Don Sommerville
Peter Stoj
Wayne Stoughton
Gale Sutton
Jerry Vereeke
Mike Walczak
Mona Wasserman
John Wheeler
Bryan Whooten
Steve Wilber
Warren Winslow
NYSGA Staff Listing
Bill Moore, Executive Director
Andrew Hickey, Assistant Executive Director
Dan Thompson, Director, Marketing & Partnerships
Jack Travers, Assistant Director, Rules & Competitions
Deb Spilman, Manager, Special Events & Volunteer Ops
Michael Dirkes, Manager, Regional Associations
Maggy Stewart, Manager, Marketing & Creative Content
Mark Ackley, Manager, Course Rating
Carson Crestohl, USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Communications Intern
Garrett Aadal, USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Tournament Operations Intern
Jack Corcoran, USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Tournament Operations Intern
Nico Karnath, USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Tournament Operations Intern
Luke Lynch, USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Tournament Operations Intern
Tournament Volunteers & Rules Officials Championship Committee
Fred Arliss
Larry Arliss
Marci Bevilacqua
Doreen Biviano
Marian Blain
John Blain
Timothy Brady
Sue Chambers
Andy Conway
James Cook
John Cooney
George Cretekos
Tom Cotter
John Davis
Dick Dorgan
Georgia Dusckas
Thomas Eckert
Joseph Enright
Laurie Enright
John Ernst
Vie Evans
Mary Beth Fiore
Tim Frank
John Gaffney
Richard Galvin
Brad Griffin
David Hayes
Brad Houston
Marge Hubbell
John Hudacs
Tim Kayes
Edward Koslick
Bill Loehr
Ronald Mack
Gene Meyle
Ginny Meyle
Albert Mowery
John Quijano
Nick Raasch
Joe Riccio
Robert Rosen
Thomas Reidy
Chris Schmidt
Tim Schum
Robert Simms
John Sniezyk
Ron Socash
Jerry Stahl
Iris Stanek
Edward Stanek
Peter Stoj
Joseph Strykowski
John Sullivan
Thelma Taylor
David Vaneenaam
Sheila Vergith
Mona Wasserman
Warren Winslow
Hall of Fame Committee
Joe Enright, Chairman
John Blain, Central NY Region
Pete Dougherty, Capital Region
Dick Galvin, Rochester Region
Mark Gaughan, Western NY Region
Tom Reidy, Hall of Fame Member
Doug Vergith, NYC/Long Island Region
Jamie Miller, Chairman
PJ Alterio, Niagara Falls CC
Mike DeBlois, Cavalry Club
Tim DiGiulio, Transit Valley CC
Jamey Friedman, Southampton Golf Club
Ryan Gabel, Southern Dutchess CC
Jim Gifford, Mohawk GC
Andrew Hickey, NYSGA Staff Liaison
Tom Owen, Corning CC
Jimmy Pizzutelli, Park CC
Chris Van Tuyl, St. George's G&CC
Jeff Wolniewicz, Crag Burn GC
Men’s Amateur Championship History
The New York State Golf Association’s first responsibility, upon its formation in 1923, was to conduct N.Y.S. Men’s Amateur Championship. Previously, it had been noted by Grantland Rice that New York was the only state in the 48 without a state golf association, and thus no governing body to administer the state’s amateur golf championship.
Sherrill Sherman of Utica was voted the first president of the NYSGA at the association’s initial meeting at the Yahnundasis Golf Club and he quickly approved Garden City Golf Club’s request to host the inaugural playing of the N.Y.S. Men’s Amateur Championship. In the finals at Garden City, Edmund Driggs of Cherry Valley Country Club defeated S. Clifton Mabon of Garden City Golf Club 8&7 in a 36-hole match to become the first champion.
Since this first playing, the championship’s format has changed three times. From 1923 until 1969, the championship was decided by match play. In 1970, the decision was made to go to 72 holes of stroke play, until it was switched back to match play in 1992. But in 2009 the format was once again changed to 72 holes of stroke play, as it remains today.
The number of participants who have attempted to qualify has increased immensely as golf’s popularity has grown. In 1923, 61 entries were fielded at Garden City as compared to 1992, when a record of 726 golfers registered to qualify to compete in the championship at Drumlins Country Club.
Throughout the years the NYSGA has been fortunate to witness the transformation of many amateur golfers from great players into champions. Included below you will find a brief description of some of these golfers whose wins in this championship have propelled them on to fruitful careers in the game of golf.
In 1935, a young Ray Billows of Poughkeepsie won during his debut at Winged Foot Golf Club’s West Course. Billows’ was a true ‘rags to riches’ Cinderella story in golf. At the time he was 21 and worked as a printing clerk making $17 a week. He arrived at Winged Foot in a $7 car, slept on the clubhouse porch to save money for a caddie, and ended up winning over one of the greatest fields in state golf history. Billows went on to have a terrific amateur golfing career, winning a record seven N.Y.S. Men’s Amateur Championship titles, getting to the U.S. Amateur Championship finals three times, and representing the U.S. in the Walker Cup matches at St. Andrews in 1938 and at Winged Foot in 1949.
Another past champion who would make a name for himself in the amateur circuit was Rochester’s Don Allen. The former Colgate University golf captain defeated the defending champion John Konsek in 1961 at Onondaga G&CC to claim the first of his six titles. This first win was very meaningful to Allen, since he considered Konsek to be the most talented golfer he had ever seen. Allen would go on to represent the United States in two Walker Cup Matches, the first at Baltimore Country Club in 1965 and the second at Royal St. George’s Golf Club in 1967.
The majority of the past champions would play as amateurs for the entirety of their careers, although a select few would turn to the professional ranks and find success. Sam Urzetta, another successful
Sherill Sherman
Rochester golfer, won the 1948 championship at Buffalo’s Brookfield Country Club. Urzetta would win the U.S. Amateur Championship title in 1950, where he defeated renowned amateur Frank Stranahan in 39 holes at the Minneapolis Golf Club. Urzetta, not interested in tour golf, became an assistant golf professional in 1954 and in 1956 joined CCR as their head golf professional, where he would remain for the next 37 years.
In 1978, a young golfer named Jeff Sluman won the state amateur by four strokes over Radford Yaun at Jamestown’s Moon Brook Country Club. Sluman turned professional in 1980 upon graduating from Florida State University, but wouldn’t find immediate success on the PGA Tour. At the age of 30 he won his first tournament, the 1988 PGA Championship at Oak Tree Golf Club in Edmond, Oklahoma. Sluman went on to win five PGA Tour events from 1991-2001, and is still enjoying a successful career on the PGA’s Champions Tour where he has won six times.
Another prominent PGA Tour player, Joey Sindelar, would etch his name on the Ganson Depew Cup in 1980 with a record breaking performance at Vestal Hills Country Club in Binghamton. Sindelar, a collegiate All-American at Ohio State University, fired a four-round total of 280 (8-under) to beat Jeff Sluman by seven strokes. Sindelar turned pro in 1980 and won the first of his seven PGA Tour events at the Greater Greensboro Open in 1985.
Sindelar’s record four-round total would stand until Dominic Bozzelli shot a blistering 277 (11-under) to claim his second consecutive title in 2012 at Elmira Country Club. It was broken again in 2022, when a 19-year-old Charlie Berridge fired 14-under over 72 holes at Onondaga Golf & Country Club during his championship debut.
2023 marked the NYSGA’s centennial season and the 100th playing of this flagship tournament, hosted by New Rochelle’s Wykagyl Country Club.
Ray Billows
Don Allen
Past Champions
of the New York State
Men’s Amateur Championship
1923 | Garden City CC
Edmund Driggs, Jr., Garden City
1924 | Orchard Park GC
Lee Chase, Buffalo
1925 | Lido CC
Jack Mackie Jr., Inwood
1926 | McGregor Links CC
Al Brodbeck, Bronxville
1927 | Oak Hill CC
Arthur Yates, Rochester
1928 | Biltmore CC (West)
George Dawson, Harrison
1929 | Mohawk CC
Maurice McCarthy, Mt. Vernon
1930 | Lakeville CC
Jack Mackie Jr., Inwood
1931 | Oak Hill CC
Phil Perkins, Fox Hills
1932 | Niagara Falls CC
Tommy Goodwin, Rye
1933 | Garden City GC
Edmund Driggs, Jr., Garden City
1934 | Sagamore GC
Edmund Driggs, Jr., Garden City
1935 | Winged Foot (West)
Ray Billows, Poughkeepsie
1936 | Bellevue CC
Tommy Goodwin, Rye
1937 | Oak Hill CC
Ray Billows, Poughkeepsie
1938 | Oak Ridge GC
Championship Records
Match Play Format (1923 – 1969, 1992 – 2008)
Stroke Play Format (1970 – 1991, 2009 – 2023)
Most Times Hosted by a Member Club
6 | Oak Hill Country Club (1927, 1931, 1937, 1945, 1987, 2011)
6 | Yahnundasis Golf Club (1946, 1953, 1958, 1968, 1988, 2007)
4 | Country Club of Troy (1941, 1959, 1984, 2006)
4 | Elmira Country Club (1957, 1969, 1983, 2012)
3 | Dutchess Golf & Country Club (1956, 1972, 1997)
3 | Albany Country Club (1977, 1990, 2010)
3 | Bellevue Country Club (1936, 1975, 2014)
3 | Knollwood Country Club (1951, 1963, 1986)
3 | Moon Brook Country Club (1955, 1978, 1995)
3 | Onondaga Golf & Country Club (1940, 1961, 2022)
3 | Wanakah Country Club (1981, 1999, 2024)
Willie Turnesa, Elmsford Edmund Driggs
Most Victories
7 | Ray Billows (1935, 1937, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1945, 1949)
6 | Donald Allen (1961, 1963, 1964, 1970, 1972, 1973)
4 | Tommy Goodwin (1932, 1936, 1946, 1953)
3 | Edmund Driggs (1923, 1933, 1934)
3 | John Konsek (1958, 1959, 1960)
3 | Billy Shields (1951, 1952, 1955)
3 | William Tryon (1962, 1965, 1968)
Winner of NYS Men’s Amateur & NYS Junior Amateur
Mark Balen (1973 Junior; 1979 Men’s Amateur)
Dominic Bozzelli (2007 Junior; 2011, 2012 Men’s Amateur)
Terry Diehl (1966 Junior; 1969 Men’s Amateur)
Tommy Goodwin (1932, 1933 Junior; 1932, 1936, 1946, 1953 Men’s Amateur)
John Konsek (1957 Junior; 1958, 1959, 1960 Men’s Amateur)
Leonard Lasinsky (1983 Junior; 1991 Men’s Amateur)
Yaroslav Merkulov (2008, 2009 Junior; 2009 Men’s Amateur)
Nick Raasch (1965 Junior; 1966 Men’s Amateur)
Ben Reichert (2015 Junior; 2019 Men’s Amateur)
Matthew Stasiak (2005 Junior; 2014 Men’s Amateur)
Radford Yaun (1972 Junior; 1976 Men’s Amateur)
Winner of NYS Men’s Amateur & Junior Amateur in Same Year
Tommy Goodwin (1932)
Yaroslav Merkulov (2009)
Siwanoy CC | 1939
Richard Chapman, Larchmont
Onondaga G&CC | 1940
Ray Billows, Poughkeepsie
CC of Troy | 1941
Ray Billows, Poughkeepsie
Niagara Falls CC | 1942
Alex Stevenson, Niagara Falls
Lake Placid Club | 1943
Ray Billows, Poughkeepsie
Lake Placid Club | 1943
Ray Billows, Poughkeepsie
Lake Placid Club | 1944
Joe Ruszas, Albany
Oak Hill CC | 1945
Ray Billows, Poughkeepsie
Yahnundasis CC | 1946
Tommy Goodwin, Rye
Westchester CC | 1947
Richard Mayer, White Plains
Brookfield CC | 1948
Sam Urzetta, Rochester
Syracuse Yacht & CC | 1949
Ray Billows, Poughkeepsie
Binghamton CC | 1950
Mike Dudik, Endicott
Knollwood CC | 1951
Billy Shields, Albany
Wolfert’s Roost CC | 1952
Billy Shields, Albany
Yahnundasis CC | 1953
Tommy Goodwin, Rye
Fairview CC | 1954
Robert Monk, White Plains
Moon Brook CC | 1955
Billy Shields, Albany
Dutchess G&CC | 1956
Joe Gagliardi, Larchmont
Elmira CC | 1957
Jack Veghte, Gloversville
Yahnundasis CC | 1958
John Konsek, Buffalo
Ray Billows
1959 | CC of Troy
John Konsek, Buffalo
1960 | Locust Hill CC
John Konsek, Buffalo
1961 | Onondaga G&CC
Don Allen, Rochester
1962 | Glens Falls CC
William Tryon, Elmira
1963 | Knollwood CC
Don Allen, Rochester
1964 | Leatherstocking GC
Don Allen, Rochester
1965 | Lancaster CC
William Tryon, Elmira
1966 | The Concord Course
Nick Raasch, Syracuse
1967 | Nassau CC
John Baldwin, Plandome
1968 | Yahnundasis GC
William Tryon, Elmira
1969 | Elmira CC
Terry Diehl, Rochester
1970 | Locust Hill CC
Don Allen, Rochester
1971 | Cavalry Club
Mike Slipko, Niagara Falls
1972 | Dutchess G&CC
Don Allen, Rochester
1973 | The Concord Course
Don Allen, Rochester
1974 | Wayne Hills CC
George Burns, Jericho
1975 | Bellevue CC
Alan Foster, Syracuse
1976 | Grossinger’s CC
Radford Yaun, Jamestown
1977 | Albany CC
Rich Serian, Troy
1978 | Moon Brook CC
Jeff Sluman, Rochester
1979 | Drumlins CC (East)
Mark Balen, East Aurora
Youngest Champion
17 | Nick Raasch (1966)
| Yaroslav Merkulov (2009)
| Will Thomson (2018)
44 | Joe Gagliardi (1956)
Most Walker Cup Appearances
| Donald Allen (1965, 1967)
| Ray Billows (1938, 1949)
| Sam Urzetta (1951, 1953)
| Tom Scherrer (1993)
| Ralph Howe III (1989)
| George Zahringer III (2003) *difference of months/days
John Konsek
Highest Winning Total (72 Holes)
298 (+10) | Donald Allen (1973)
292 (+8) | Alan Foster (1975)
295 (+7) | George Burns (1974)
Lowest Winning Total (72 Holes)
270 (-14) | Charlie Berridge (2022)
277 (-11) | Dominic Bozzelli (2012)
280 (-9) | Joey Sindelar (1980)
280 (-8) | James Allen (2021)
Lowest Consecutive Rounds
65, 66 | Jason Lohwater (2022)
65, 67 | Charlie Berridge (2022)
66, 67 | Jeff Sluman (1980)
66, 67 | Jeffrey Peck (1992)
66, 68 | Ben Reichert (2021)
Lowest Final Round by Champion
66 | James Allen (2021)
67 | Mark Balen (1979)
67 | Dominic Bozzelli (2012)
67 | Will Thomson (2018)
67 | Kyle Downey (2023)
Widest Margin of Victory
(During Match Play Era)
13 & 12 | Kevin Haefner def. Dan Ricci (2001)
13 & 11 | Joe Ruszas def. Steve Doctor (1944)
11 & 10 | Dirk Ayers def. Jason Piurkowski (1995)
Vestal Hills CC | 1980
Joey Sindelar, Horseheads
Wanakah CC | 1981
James Roy, Syracuse
McGregor Links CC | 1982
David Boeff, Ontario
Elmira CC | 1983
William Boland, Jr., Troy
CC of Troy | 1984
George Zahringer, Sands Point
Ridgemont CC | 1985
Christopher Lane, Binghamton
Knollwood CC | 1986
Jay Gunning, Colonie
Oak Hill CC (East) | 1987
Tim Straub, East Aurora
Yahundasis GC | 1988
Tim Straub, East Aurora
Vestal Hills CC | 1989
Tim Marsh, Endicott
Albany CC | 1990
Joe Wilson, Rochester
Brook-Lea CC | 1991
Leonard Lasinsky, Syracuse
Drumlins CC (East) | 1992
Todd Dischinger, Syracuse
Seven Oaks GC | 1993
Jeffrey Peck, Clifton Springs
Cobblestone Creek CC | 1994
David Bonacchi, Rochester
Moon Brook CC | 1995
Dirk Ayers, Jamestown
Links at Hiawatha GC | 1996
Michael Valicenti, Elmira
Dutchess G&CC | 1997
Greg Rohlf, New Rochelle
Pinehaven CC | 1998
Bryan Smith, Kingston
Wanakah CC | 1999
John Gaffney, Buffalo Monroe GC | 2000
Michael Valicenti, Elmira
2001 | Seven Oaks GC
Kevin Haefner, Rochester
2002 | Transit Valley CC
Kyle Hess, Buffalo
2003 | Ravenwood GC
Kyle Hess, Buffalo
2004 | Wiltwyck GC
Matt Thomas, Blasdell
2005 | Ontario GC
James Scorse, Churchville
2006 | CC of Troy
Andrew DiBitetto, Rochester
2007 | Yahnundasis CC
John Duthie, Lansing
2008 | Pinehaven CC
Jeff Wolniewicz, West Seneca
2009 | Ravenwood GC
Yaroslav Merkulov, Penfield
2010 | Albany CC
Doug Kleeschulte, Kingston
2011 | Oak Hill CC (West)
Dominic Bozzelli, Pittsford
2012 | Elmira CC
Dominic Bozzelli, Pittsford
2013 | Schuyler Meadows Club
Matt Stasiak, Clarence
2014 | Bellevue CC
Luke Feehan, Carmel
2015 | Kaluhyat GC
Trevor Sluman, Rochester
2016 | Mohawk GC
Tyler McArdell, Baldwinsville
2017 | Bethpage Black
Adam Condello, Fairport
2018 | Irondequoit CC
Will Thomson, Pittsford
2019 | Crag Burn GC
Ben Reichert, East Amherst
2020
Suspended for COVID-19 pandemic
2021 | Schuyler Meadows Club
James Allen, Scarsdale
2022 | Onondaga G&CC
Charlie Berridge, Scarsdale
2023 | Wykagyl CC
Kyle Downey, Webster
Longest
Championship Match
(During Match Play Era)
39 Holes | Ray Billows def. Johnny Ward (1949)
Consecutive Victories
3 | John Konsek (1958, 1959, 1960) 2 | Don Allen (1963, 1964) 2 | Don Allen (1972, 1973)
| Ray Billows (1940, 1941)
| Dominic Bozzelli (2011, 2012)
| Edmund Driggs (1933, 1934)
| Kyle Hess (2002, 2003)
| Billy Shields (1951, 1952)
| Tim Straub (1987, 1988)
Most Masters Appearances
3 | Donald Allen (1965, 1966, 1967) 2 | Ray Billows (1939, 1940)
Most Runner-up Finishes
4 | Ray Billows (1936, 1942, 1946, 1952) 3 | Donald Allen (1962, 1965, 1974) 3 | Tommy Goodwin (1937, 1938, 1955) 3 | Robert Hughes (1982, 1985, 2000) 3 | John Ward (1949, 1956, 1958)
| Chris Blyth (2018, 2019)
| Andrew DiBitetto (2004, 2007)
| Ralph Howe III (1987, 1988)
| Jake Katz (2010, 2011)
| Charlie Murphy (1977, 1985)
| Dr. Edward O’Keefe (1964, 1968) 2 | Lloyd Ribner (1948, 1950)
Billy Shields
Nick Raasch
Dominic Bozzelli
Will Thomson
Our most important work happens outside the four walls of our bank. KeyBank gets involved to help keep our communities full of hope and opportunity.
Thank you, Wanakah Country Club, for making a difference. one open door can open doors across a
©2024 KeyCorp. KeyBank Member FDIC. 221108-1326908-1268690973
Conditions of Play
The Field
The field is composed of approximately 144 players, including sectional qualifiers and exempt players. The field is cut after 36 holes of play to the low-40 players and ties.
Format and Ties
The championship will be conducted in two stages, at stroke play:
1. Sectional qualifying – 18 holes. Non-exempt players must qualify through one of the sectional qualifying sites.
2. Championship – 72 holes*
*If a tie exists at the end of 72 holes, the champion will be determined by a hole-by-hole playoff.
Ganson Depew Cup
The champion will be awarded possession of the Ganson Depew Cup for one year.
Sectional Qualifying Schedule
All non-exempt players must qualify to earn a spot in the Championship.
• Albany | Colonie G&CC | Mon, June 24
• Binghamton | Links at Hiawatha | Sat, June 23
• Buffalo | Lancaster CC | Mon, June 10
• Elmira | Elmira CC | Sun, June 21
• Finger Lakes | Wayne Hills CC | Sat, June 15
• Jamestown | Moon Brook CC | Thu, June 13
• Long Island | Bethpage - Yellow | Thu, June 13
• Mid-Hudson | Red Hook GC | Wed, June 12
• N. Country | Malone GC | Sat, June 15
• Rochester | Mendon GC | Mon, June 17
• Syracuse | Lakeshore Y&CC | Mon, June 17
• Utica/Rome | Yahnundasis GC | Mon, June 17
• Watertown | Thompson Park GC | Sat, June 24
• Westchester | Mahopac GC | Thu, July 13
Players Exempt from Qualifying
Players in the following categories are exempt into this year’s Championship.
• E1. Winners of the NYS Men’s Amateur Championship from the last 20 years
• E2. From the 2023 NYS Men’s Amateur Championship, the 20 lowest scorers and anyone tied for 20th place
• E3. Winners of the NYS Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship from the last 10 years
• E4. From the 2023 NYS Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, the 10 lowest scorers and anyone tied for 10th place
• E5. Winners of the 2024 NYS Men’s Amateur Four-Ball Championships
• E6. From the 2024 NYS Boys’ 18U Amateur Championship, the 5 lowest scorers and ties
• E7. Winner of the 2023 NYS Boys 14U Amateur Championship
• E8. From the 2023 NYS NYS Men’s Senior Amateur Championship, the 5 lowest scorers and ties
• E9. Most recent (as of July 9, 2024) winner or low amateur (*professional events) of the following regional championships:
• AIM Championship
• BDGA Buffalo District Individual Championship
• CCR Invitational
• Delaware County Amateur Championship
• Dutchess County Amateur Championship
• LIGA Individual Championship
• MGA Ike Championship
• MGA Amateur Championship
• MGA Open*
• NYC Amateur
• NYS Open*
• NYSPHSAA Boys’ Golf Championship
• RDGA Rochester District Individual Championship
• SDGA Gerry Ashe Memorial
• TCGA Amateur Championship
• Tri-Country Match Play Championship
• Ulster County Amateur Championship
• Watertown City Championship
• WGA Westchester Individual Championship
• E10. All golfers ranked in the top-3000 in World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) as of June 5, 2024
• E11. Players qualifying for a USGA Championship (since July 9, 2023)
• E12. Host club exemptions
• E13. Special exemptions as selected by the NYSGA
Schedule
Monday, July 8 – Practice Round
Tuesday, July 9 – Round 1, 18 holes
Wednesday, July 10 – Round 2, 18 holes
Thursday, July 11 – Rounds 3 & 4, 36 holes
2023 NYS Men's Amateur Recap
Kyle Downey
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -- The final round of the 100th New York State Men’s Amateur Championship finished with a come-from-behind win.
First-time winner Kyle Downey, of Locust Hill Country Club (and Oak Hill) broke through after tying the low score of the tournament with a 5-under 67 final round. Ben Carpenter of GlenArbor Golf Club and Yale University opened a quick lead after an impressive 67 in round one, and after shooting 73-71 in rounds two and three, he entered the final round three shots clear of the field.
Downey entered the final 36 holes at Wykagyl Country Club at 3-over, seven shots back of the three-round leader, Carpenter. Downey kept clawing his way up the leaderboard and was able to shoot a combined 8-under for his final two rounds.
After an opening round of 77, all Downey was looking to do was try to make the cut and keep himself in contention.
After navigating the classic layout at 5-over in his first round, something clicked for Downey, and the next three rounds he was able to shoot 10-under and finally win his first New York State title. He finished with a four-round total of 5-under 283 (77-70-69-67).
“I have really never won anything. I have always come in second,” said Downey reflecting on his win at Wykagyl. “It feels really good to just get over the hump and winning is fun. You can't replace that feeling.”
Downey is a competitor at heart, formerly a college basketball player for Siena College, and nowadays plays in Rochester District events, USGA qualifiers, and the NYS Men’s Am and Mid-Am championships each season. He finished runner-up in the 2022 NYS Men’s Mid-Am Championship, and also led during the first two rounds at the 2021 NYS Men’s Am at Schuyler Meadows Club. In July of 2023, he finished as runner-up to Jason Lohwater (2022 NYS Men’s Am runner-up) in the Rochester District Stroke Play Championship. He built off those experiences, and finally capitalized on the opportunity.
Ben Carpenter
“My caddy today was fantastic. He was so good at pumping me up and just being positive,” said Downey on his great chemistry he had with his caddy. “Most of the time by myself, sometimes I always think about the negatives, but today we were on the same page and we were fantastic.”
Following him was a two-way tie for runner-up as Round 1, 2, and 3 leader Ben Carpenter of GlenArbor Golf Club and 2021 NYS Boys’ 18U Junior Amateur champ Anthony Delisanti of Willowbrook Golf Course both finished at 3-under for the tournament. After two solid rounds from Carpenter and holding the lead for almost the entire tournament, the Yale University player fell just short with two fatal bogeys on the back nine of his final round (No. 11 and 17), dropping him down one spot.
“Overall for this tournament, I just have to build on all the positives and there were a lot of them, not a lot of negatives,” said Carpenter reflecting on his rounds at the championship. “I played great all week just down the stretch, didn't have what it took to win the tournament.” Carpenter was the 2022 Connecticut State Amateur champion. Next to him was Delisanti, who after his first two rounds of even par, looked more like himself on the last day, shooting 3-under in those final two rounds. He carded 4 birdies and an eagle to jolt his way to second place.
“This place was awesome,” said Delisanti about playing at Wykagyl Country Club for the Men’s Am.
“The greens were absolutely perfect all week, even with the amount of rain we got. Can’t thank this place enough.”
To round out the top five was 2023 NYS Open champion Peicheng Chen of Rock Hill Golf & Country Club who was on pace for a record round. He drained five birdies on the front nine and shot a 31 through nine holes (after a bogey on No. 9). But with an even-par back, he was able to secure the top 5 position. He finished at 2-under 286.
Alongside him was Jeremy Sisson of Skaneateles Country Club who made a push in the morning round and stayed in contention for most of the day. But with an unfortunate double-bogey on the difficult 9th hole, the Nebraska Cornhusker stayed at 2-under.
Thomas Finn of Nassau Country Club finished in solo sixth at 1-over. Behind him was Ryan Rittberger of Garden City (2-over), Darin Goldstein of Noyac Golf Club (3-over), Aiden Spampinato of Ravenwood Golf Club along with Ben Loomis of Winged Foot Golf Club at 4-over.
The low 20 golfers and ties earned an exemption to the 101st NYS Men’s Amateur Championship at Wanakah Country Club.
The final 36 holes were set up at 6,690 yards and played to a par of 72.
Anthony Delisanti
Thomas Finn
Ryan Rittburger
Let’s
Micheal
First
716.849.2108
michael.ferranti@ml.com fa.ml.com/new-york/buffalo/michael.ferranti/
Wanakah Welcome
Welcome to Wanakah Country Club
On behalf of our members, our employees, our Board of Directors, and the Western New York Area, Wanakah is proud and honored to host the 101st playing of the New York State Men’s Amateur Championship, adding to our legacy of contributing to the game of golf in New York State. This year’s Championship coincides with the 125th Anniversary of our club, a milestone achieved by few golf clubs throughout the United States. We are excited to host the top golfers in New York State, joining a long list of accomplished amateur and professional golfers who have competed at Wanakah and contributed to our long history. We recognize and appreciate the effort every golfer has made to be here, and we look forward to hosting a memorable event.
The golf course at Wanakah was originally designed in 1900 as a nine-hole course and the Club was known as the Wanakah Golf Club. In 1913 the Club became the Wanakah Country Club, and in 1925 the Club engaged with renowned architect William Watson who created an 18-hole course with beautiful views overlooking Lake Erie. The Club has hosted several notable events, including the second USGA Girls Amateur in 1950, the Ryder Cup Challenge Matches in 1957, the State Mid-Am in 2018, and previously hosted the NYS Men’s Amateur in 1981 and 1999. The Club has also hosted multiple national qualifiers, as well as several Buffalo District events. To remain amongst the finest Clubs and golf courses in Western New York, in the early 2000’s the Club embarked on a new golf course enhancement plan with Arthur Hills and Chris Wilczynski. The plan was eventually completed with Chris’s guidance in the Spring of 2018. The course is fair, yet can be very challenging especially if the winds pick up off of the Lake.
We thank the participants, families, NYSGA officials and volunteers who have provided their time and effort to make this year’s tournament a wonderful event. We welcome you all and hope you feel at home at Wanakah. We are excited for a great competition, adding to golf history in New York State and to our “Legacy on the Lake”. Good luck to all of the competitors!
Sincerely
Wanakah Country Clubs Board of Directors and Management Team (left to right) Scott Drezek, Committee Member, Richard Gladhill, WCC Grounds Superintendent, Andy DeVincentis, Committee Member & Golf & Racquets Chairman, James Murrett, Committee Chair & Past President, David McNamara, Club President, Charles Castiglia, Committee Member & Past President, Marc Rosa, PGA , WCC Head Golf Professional, Mike Karnath, CCM, CCE, WCC General Manager / Chief Operating Officer
Wanakah Country Club
2024 Board of Directors
David McNamara President
Thomas Frizzell Vice President
Raymond Barry Treasurer
Jeffrey Friedman Secretary
Greg Alongi
Michael Berchou
Andrew DeVincentis
Thomas Hayes
Drew Pettit
Gerald Pullano
James Travis
Thomas Waring
HOLE 1
PAR 4 / 401 YARDS
With sweeping views of Lake Erie, this downhill tee shot plays to a narrow fairway that is guarded by two fairway bunkers along the inside of the dogleg. Challenging the inside of the dogleg shortens the hole and provides the best approach into the raised green. Golfers must take note of the pin position off the tee to manage the best angle into the green. Trouble is lurking with out of bounds behind the green and the Club’s entry drive that runs parallel to the right side of the hole from tee to green.
HOLE 2
PAR 4 / 350 YARDS
This short and strategic uphill par four requires a well executed tee shot to score low. Players that lay back from the fairway bunkers that cut into and pinch the landing area will be left with a mid length approach shot. Players that aggressively challenge the bunkers or even the green will be left with a strong opportunity for a birdie! The green is arguably the smallest and hardest at Wanakah, sloping severely from back left to front right.
HOLE 3
PAR 5 / 520 YARDS
A drive that threads the needle between the fairway bunkers on both the left and right side of the landing area will have a player thinking eagle on this relatively short par 5. Out of bounds down the entire left side of the hole presents risk for the tee shot and the approach into the second landing area and green. Large bunkers protect the entry into the green and will need to be navigated while playing aggressively.
PAR 3 / 180 YARDS
This strong par three hole requires a well thought out tee shot based on the days pin location. The green is larger than it looks from the tee and its playing surface is bisected by swales and subtle ridges that define the cupping areas. Be sure not to short side yourself with a miss, as recover shots to get “up and down” will be challenging from the left or back side of the green.
HOLE 5
PAR 5 / 574 YARDS
A tee shot starting down the left side of the fairway with a slight fade is required to avoid the fairway bunker and the large maple trees down the right side of the hole. The fifth is typically a three-shot hole given its length and orientation into the predominate westerly wind. The second shot must negotiate a cross bunker that cuts into the right side of the landing area and a large sprawling bunker that sits 20 yards to the short left of the green. Avoid the steep run off to the right and back side of the green. This putting surface runs faster from left to right than it appears.
HOLE 6
PAR 4 / 403 YARDS
Perhaps the hardest tee shot at Wanakah, this medium length par 4 plays directly into the wind with out of bounds left, a small pond to the right and two well placed fairway bunkers that guard the ideal landing zone. Players can choose to be aggressive with driver or lay back from the fairway bunkers with a long iron. However, a conservative tee shot will leave a mid to long iron into the raised plateau green. Golfers must find the putting surface to walk away with a par.
This relatively straightforward par 3 plays to a subtly difficult green that runs more from right to left than it looks. With bunkers that protect the front of the green and runoffs to the left, right and back of the green, accuracy is imperative to finding the putting surface. Birdie awaits a tee shot that finds the correct section of the green. Bigger scores loom if attention and focus are not given to the execution of the hole.
PAR 4 / 377 YARDS
The strategically placed fairway bunkers present a challenge off the tee as they cut into and obscure the line of play down the hole. Laying back from the layered fairway bunkers is an option but will leave a mid to short iron into the small green. A drive that splits the fairway bunkers will leave just a short wedge into the putting surface. This is a classic risk and reward short par 4 that requires a golfer to make a decision off the tee…play aggressive or conservative.
HOLE 9
PAR
4 / 457 YARDS
Length is the challenge on the closing hole of the front side. The prevailing left to right wind makes it difficult to hold a drive in the fairway and avoid the bunkers that cut into the front right and back left sides of the landing area. The medium size green sits above the fairway and is guarded to the front right with a large bunker and deep pot bunkers to the left. Consider leaving the approach shot into the green below the hole as putting from above the back to front sloped green can be treacherous.
This strong right to left dogleg hole provides another risk and reward tee shot with several bunkers that protect the inside of the hole. The green is drivable but presents risk with the fairway bunkers, out of bounds behind the green and a broad native grass area on the left side of the hole and through the right side of the doglegged fairway. An iron or a fairway wood off the tee leaves just a wedge into this low-lying green that is bisected with a well defined and menacing swale.
HOLE 11
PAR 5 / 555 YARDS
This long, demanding par 5 requires attention to cover the yardages over the sprawling bunker protecting the inside of the first dogleg and the daunting cross bunkers at the second landing area. The bunkers are deceiving and require precise golf shots to find the fairway and score well. The tee shot and approach to the green play into a prevailing wind generally making this a three-shot hole. Missing short left of the green is the ideal angle to a back right pin. Shots missed right of the green may flirt with the out of bounds and a poor angle to the wildly deceptive green.
HOLE 12
Club selection is imperative for this uphill par three that features a two-tiered green that is sloped from back to front. The bunkers that are cut into the front of the green deceive the eye and the overall distance of the hole. Staying below the hole on the tee shot is imperative as a putt from above will be hard to control. The left greenside bunker looks forgiving but with the prevailing wind and green slope it’s a difficult up and down from this location.
Aim to the left off the tee to avoid the large cavernous grass bunker that is cut into the right side of the landing area. The grass bunker is a very long carry! A broad mound obscures the front right side of the green and must be negotiated on the approach to this convex shaped green. Shots that miss the green will find a subtle swale along the right side and a steep roll off on the left. Study the greens contouring for putting and pitching as its the most challenging to read and recover from on the course.
HOLE 14
PAR 5 / 571 YARDS
Swing away on this long par 5 that plays to one of the most beautiful and intimate green complexes on the course. The layup on this hole at the second landing area is very tight with bunkers right and a fairway sloping left to the water penalty area. Move the layup as far down the fairway as possible as the third shot is almost always affected by the wind and played to a small, narrow green that is difficult to hold. Error to the right on the green approach as missed shots to the left will enter the penalty area and require a redo.
HOLE 15
PAR 3 / 179 YARDS
Wanakah’s signature hole boasts an extremely challenging tee shot from the elevated tees. The green is long and slender and sits in a hollow adjacent to a natural creek. The left bunker is a daunting spot to get the ball up and down, but pushing the tee shot right brings the water penalty area into play given the prevailing left to right wind and small target area. Focus and attention are required to score well. Par here may pick up a full stroke on the field!
HOLE 16
PAR 4 / 440 YARDS
This long par 4 plays uphill with a blind tee shot. Out of bounds runs the entire length of the right side of the hole so don’t miss there. Large trees block the line to the green from the left rough. Accuracy off the tee is a must! A 3-wood or driving iron off the tee is a safe play, but it will require a mid to long iron approach into this large green. A solid drive down the center of the fairway will afford and open view of the green and a great opportunity to make a birdie or par.
HOLE 17
PAR 4 / 357 YARDS
Another great short par 4 that will yield birdie with aggressive play but can also lead to a big score given the narrowness of the landing area as you move toward the green. The left side of the hole is flanked by a large pond and the right with bunkers and trees. Generally, a long iron off the tee to the wider section of the landing area is the smart play. The green surface is tiered and provides many interesting pin positions. Even with a wedge, don’t get too aggressive on the approach as water flanks the front and left sides of the green.
HOLE 18
PAR 4 / 473 YARDS
A beast of a finishing hole that’s not only long but also narrow. The drive on this par 4 is the key to scoring well on this closing hole. The approach to the large green provides room for error, but a poor drive will likely lead to a recovery lay up and an inflated score. The green is protected on the left with a steep grass slope and to the right with randomly placed pot bunkers. A great final test that will certainly reward good shots and bold play!
Historic Wanakah Gallery of Country Club
Founded as the Wanakah Golf Club in 1899 by several prominent Buffalo businessmen under the leadership of Warren Phelps King, and situated on an elevated parcel overlooking Lake Erie, the nine hole course and club quickly grew in popularity and membership. Re-chartered in 1913 as the Wanakah Country Club under the direction of members Ansley Wilcox, Esq. and Marc W. Comstock, Esq., the revised By-Laws called for the golf course to be available for play to not only men but women and children also in a vanguard of change in the early 20th century transforming Wanakah into a family oriented club.
Namesakes
The annual two day women's Ansley Wilcox Invitational Tournament honors his many contributions to Wanakah's legendary heritage. It's interesting to note that on September 14, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office as the 26th President of the United States in the library of his friend Ansley Wilcox's home located on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, New York. The annual men's two day Comstock Invitational Tournament pays tribute to the club's co-founder, Marc W. Comstock and his valuable stewardship throughout our early years.
In the summer of 1935 Wanakah inaugurated its famed Ganson Depew Memorial Tournament, the club's premier annual four day men's invitational event that continues as a testament to its namesake's lifelong love and commitment to furthering the game of golf. A respected Buffalo business and civic leader, Ganson Depew was an active member of several area country clubs and served on the Executive Board of the United States Golf Association. He dedicated his efforts to introducing the play and etiquette of golf to countless young people on public and private courses throughout the Western New York region.
Facilities
As early as 1913 the club's offerings reached beyond golf with the addition of two clay tennis courts. Repositioned to their current location in 1974 Wanakah members have access to three state-of-the-art tennis courts today. In 1959 Wanakah families championed the addition of a large L-shaped inground swimming pool and nearby wading pool for members to enjoy. The pool facility remains a major component of the overall Wanakah experience as generations of members and their children have participated in its numerous programs and activities.
In 1925 Wanakah's golf course was expanded to 18 holes by noted golf course designer William "Willie" K. Watson. The current clubhouse facility with a shingled exterior and several large columned porticos was introduced that same year and has subsequently undergone several renovations and additions enhancing its beauty and charm. Major golf course and clubhouse redesigns completed in 2020 are a tremendous source of pride and have made the Wanakah experience even more rewarding for our members and their guests.
Legacy
A renowned golf course, the abiding camaraderie of sportsmanship, an unparalleled location and gracious hospitality have been the hallmark of Wanakah County Club from its inception. We welcome you to our club and invite you to share in the ”Legacy by the Lake” we are so very proud to preserve and continue from generation to generation.
Notable Members
Ganson Depew
When the game of golf debuted in the Buffalo area on the original nine hole course laid out on the grounds of the Country Club of Buffalo in 1894, Ganson Depew was a young, twenty eight year old lawyer in the city pursuing a career with the firm of Greene, McMillan, Gluck & Peabody. A member of an established and respected Buffalo family, Ganson was the nephew of Chauncey M. Depew, president of the New York Central Railroad. In 1902, Ganson expanded his career into the industrial arena, joining with Frank H. Goodyear to develop several successful lumber, coal, and railroad companies headquartered in Buffalo.
Depew not only resembled his celebrated uncle in physical characteristics, but also shared Chauncey's gregarious personality and boundless charm. In addition, Ganson proved himself as accomplished and capable a businessman as Chauncey, a valued trait that allowed him to retire from all business endeavors in 1923 at the age of fifty-seven. Ganson devoted the remaining years of his life to the myriad civic, community, social, and fraternal organizations to which he had fully committed his energy and talent throughout his illustrious career.
His sudden death in 1934 from complications arising after a bout with pleurisy was mourned by business and civic leaders throughout Western New York. There can be little doubt, however, that his absence was most profoundly felt by the area's golfing community. For it was Ganson Depew who embodied the very best of the sport and diligently nurtured its early development in the region. Often referred to as Buffalo's "father of golf," Depew would always graciously decline the title saying the credit belonged to many others who had worked before him to introduce the great sport to countless new players in the area.
As an active golfing member of several clubs, including the Country Club of Buffalo, Park Club,
Transit Valley, Tri-County, East Aurora, and Wanakah Country Club, Ganson Depew devoted a great deal of time and talent to the initial organization and administration of the Buffalo District Golf Association. He was instrumental in founding the BDGA in 1921, and for several years served as its president. While at the helm of the area's first large scale golfing organization, Depew worked with care and concern to establish a high standard of fair play and good sportsmanship throughout the district. His example, both on and off the course, inspired others to follow his lead and his influence left an indelible mark on the area's private and public golfing communities.
Ansley Wilcox
When Ansley Wilcox decided to spearhead the drive to reorganize the Wanakah Golf Club in 1912 he pursued the task with the same energy and determination he brought to the varied interests and endeavors that distinguished his professional career and civic accomplishments. In many ways Ansley was truly his mother's son, for it was her strength and fortitude that enabled Frances Louisa Ansley Wilcox to pack her young children into a small horse drawn wagon and transport them from the war ravaged south to safety in Connecticut during the Civil War. While Ansley's father, Daniel Hand Wilcox, served the Confederacy as a blockade runner, Frances Louisa fled northward with their children to remove them from harm's way and, in so doing, changed the course of her eldest son Ansley's life.
Born in Summerville, Georgia on January 27, 1856, Ansley spent his formative years in New Haven, Connecticut, where he excelled as a student at the Hopkins Grammar School and graduated from Yale University with honors at the age of eighteen. Continuing his studies on the graduate level at Oxford University, Ansley traveled throughout Europe whenever his schedule and finances would permit. On one such excursion he met the Rumsey family of Buffalo, New York. Dexter P. Rumsey and his wife were touring the European continent with their two daughters, Cornelia and Mary Grace. Ansley was immediately taken with Cornelia and, upon returning to the United States, he settled in Buffalo to study law and continue his courtship of the Rumsey's eldest daughter. Ansley and Cornelia were married in January 1878. The same year, after completing his studies at the law offices of Sprague, Gorham and Bason, Ansley was admitted to the Erie County Bar Association.
Two years later Cornelia Rumsey Wilcox died from complications following the birth of their only child, Nina. In November 1883, Ansley married Cornelia's younger sister, Mary Grace Rumsey, and they moved into the large Greek Revival style mansion at 641 Delaware Avenue
that was a wedding gift to them from her father. Ansley and Mary Grace also had one daughter, Frances Wilcox. The family maintained their home on Delaware Avenue for fifty years and summered at the large working farm Ansley built on property bordering the shoreline in Lake View.
Like many of his contemporaries in Buffalo's business and professional community, Ansley was drawn to the natural beauty found along the American lakeshore south of the city. His Lake View farm was a comfortable and relaxing retreat for his family, and Ansley enjoyed overseeing the vegetable gardens and assorted animals that were all a part of his summer home. Today only the caretaker's home and a barn remain on the land once owned by the Wilcox family. Both structures are near the present location of Ainslee [sic] Lane in Lake View, named in honor of Wanakah Country Club's founder and first president.
Ansley's successful law practice, along with his effective leadership in areas of political reform and social services, brought him national recognition. His interest in charitable endeavors began while still a relatively young man when he founded the Charity Organization Society in 1877. The first of its kind in the nation, the COS served as a clearing house for local charities and helped direct those in need to the proper agency for assistance. The COS was among the original founding members of the United Way, an organization of national prominence offering transformative services to countless citizens from its onset in 1887. As president of Buffalo’s COS for over thirty years, Ansley assisted Maria Love in the creation of the Fitch Creche, the nation’s first center providing child care for working mothers in the Buffalo region.
In 1895 Ansley led the movement for jury reform in New York State. The present day jury system in the state is based in large part on his work and input. Around the same time he also served in the vanguard of the National Civil Service Reform League. Through his efforts
on behalf of the civil service system, Ansley became acquainted with the then governor of New York, Theodore Roosevelt. The two soon became close friends and allies, pursuing many of the same objectives and goals for state government reform. In addition, the two gentlemen shared the tragedy of losing their first wives to complications from childbirth and both had spent time raising their infant daughters alone. It was only natural that Vice President Roosevelt sought out his friend Ansley Wilcox when he rushed back to Buffalo on September 14, 1901, following the death of President William McKinley from an assassin's bullet. The shooting of President McKinley during his visit to Buffalo's famed Pan American Exposition on September 6, 1901, brought great sorrow to the city, casting an immediate pall over the final weeks of the Exposition and ultimately diminishing Buffalo's sparkling image as the city of illumination lighting the way into the 20th century. In the difficult hours following McKinley's death, Theodore Roosevelt and numerous other Washington officials utilized the Wilcox home as their base to organize plans for the orderly transition of executive power to the Vice President. At approximately 3:00 PM on the afternoon of September 14, 1901, Mr. Roosevelt stood in the library of the Wilcox home on Delaware Avenue wearing a topcoat borrowed from Ansley and took the oath of office as the country's 26th president. The oath was administered by the Hon. John H. Hazel, a Buffalo attorney and federal judge who, like his friend Ansley Wilcox, was a member of the Wanakah Country Club.
Peggy Wattles
One of the finest golfers Wanakah Country Club has had the honor to call its own throughout the course of the past century was undoubtedly Peggy Wattles. A member of Wanakah's "first family of golf," Peggy and her brothers, Frank Wattles, Jr. and Gordon, were introduced to the game as young children by their father, Frank Wattles, Sr. Along with Ansley Wilcox and Marc Comstock, Frank Wattles, Sr. was an integral member of the Reorganization Committee that transformed Wanakah Golf Club to the Wanakah Country Club in 1912. As an accomplished player and avid proponent of the game, the elder Wattles wasted no time in introducing his own sons and daughter to the club's beautiful fairways and greens. The children were naturals, and by Peggy's tenth birthday on June 14, 1921, it was apparent she possessed not only the innate ability to swing a golf club with skill and precision, but also was endowed with a competitor's strong spirit and desire for excellence.
Peggy's remarkable record in the world of women's amateur golf competition began in 1922 when she amazed the area's best women players by advancing to an incredible second place finish in the Women's Golf Association of Western New York Championship tournament held that year at Wanakah. Peggy's many rounds of play at the club with both her doting father and accomplished older brother, Frank, put her in excellent stead for a challenging competition on her home course. The following year, twelve year old Peggy won the women's club championship title at Wanakah and once again placed second in the Western New York district match. Her playing skills continued to develop both at Wanakah during the summer months and the Belleair Country Club in Belleair, Florida, where the Wattles family enjoyed a winter residence. Traveling throughout the south with her parents during school vacations, Peggy demonstrated her skills at such outstanding courses as Pinehurst Country Club in North Carolina and the Augusta Country Club in Georgia.
Marc Comstock
Marc Comstock utilized his legendary powers of persuasion on behalf of the Wanakah Country Club in a subsequent negotiation with Addie Schiller and later with Myrna Schiller. He obtained a right-of-way agreement in June 1914, with Addie Schiller for the improvement and continuation of the Lake Shore Road through a portion of her remaining land. Eight years later he secured the purchase of approximately twenty five additional acres from Myrna Schiller that gave WCC increased property, including additional lakefront footage. Like Ansley Wilcox, Comstock worked tirelessly to achieve the full scope of their vision for the new country club. Comstock and his wife, Helene, were both accomplished golfers and they shared their love of the game with their three children. Marc was particularly proud of his son Henry's ability and they often made a formidable, if not unbeatable, twosome for many years running in Wanakah's popular Father and Son Tournament. Many an evening Marc Comstock returned from his law practice in Buffalo to the family's comfortable summer home, located on the lake almost directly across from the club's entrance, and took young Henry to the green on hole #1 after dinner to practice their putting until virtual perfection was attained. Even after the setting sun had slipped into the lake's cool waters, Marc and Henry would remain on the green, with a candle carefully secured in the cup, and continue to sink putt after putt into the illuminated hole!
Indefatigable in his profession as well as his avocation, Comstock practiced law until three weeks before his death in February 1948, at the age of eighty-two. While in his early seventies, Comstock took some time to compile a brief recollection of the Wanakah community's early days. It is interesting to note he makes no mention of his success in obtaining the all-important Deed for Wanakah Country Club from Addie Schiller in 1913, nor acknowledges his dealings with Myrna Schiller several years later. [Editor's Note: Addie Schiller deeded her remaining farm land to Myrna Schiller approximately eight years after her 1913 sale of an 11 acre tract to Wanakah Land Corporation. In 1922, Myrna deeded the remaining 25 acres of the Schiller farm to the Club.]
Warren Phelps King
From their spectacular mansions lining elm-shaded Delaware Avenue to their summer retreats dotting the American lakeshore, Buffalo's leading industrialists, business leaders and professionals surveyed a universe that, for a period of time, they truly mastered. One such gentleman was Warren Phelps King, a graduate of Cornell University, Class of 1888. Born in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, King married Justine McKenna of Buffalo in 1892. King's family was itself quite well established and he was justifiably proud of the fact his paternal great-grandfather had served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Within just a few years of settling in Buffalo after his marriage, King was president of Liberty Brass Foundry and a respected member of the city's fast-growing business community.
As with many others in his circle of friends, King joined the prestigious Buffalo Club for the social and professional contacts it offered city businessmen. In addition, the beauty and tranquility of Lake Erie's shore line soon attracted the young entrepreneur and, by the late 1890's, King was a regular summertime visitor at the lovely Eyncourt Inn overlooking the water in the small community of Wanakah. Located along the lake south of the present entrance to the Wanakah Country Club, the Eyncourt Inn was a short carriage ride from the Lake Shore and Pennsylvania Railroad's Wanakah station.
Soon King and his friends who shared his affection for this pleasant area along Lake Erie were
an intricate part of the "Den" at the Eyncourt Inn - similar in nature no doubt to the famous "Round Table" at the Algonquin Hotel! The Inn, owned and operated by the congenial Chester and Sarah Nye, served as a popular gathering spot for city residents seeking a respite from summer-time heat and humidity. Before long, the discussion among King and his fellow members of Mrs. Nye's "Den" centered on their wish for a golfing facility nearby so they could pursue the sport that had recently captured the attention of the country's emerging leisure class.
By the summer of 1899 they had fixed their attention on a large, 70-acre tract of open land directly across the road from the Eyncourt Inn and declared it ideal for such a purpose. Their plans quickly became actions and arrangements were undertaken to lease the property from John T. Roberts, an area business owner and developer.
Early records show the area comprising the Wanakah community was originally part of the Miller, Schiller, and Amsdell farms. Abner Amsdell came to the area from Connecticut in 1805. A veteran of the American Revolutionary War, Amsdell and his family were among the area's first permanent settlers. The Amsdell homestead was located on a large parcel of land centered near the present day intersection of Roberts Road and Lake Shore Road. The original farmhouse later became a stagecoach stop along the Erie Road (now known as Lake Shore Road) and subsequently served as a private residence for the families of
both a former member of the Wanakah Country Club, Dr: George Cooper, and a current member of the club, Dr. Lawrence Plumb.
Following the Civil War, much of the same land in the region was purchased by John T. Thebaud and later by John T. Roberts, both of whom had plans to develop the lakeshore area. In those days, part of the community now known as Wanakah was called Grandview. The community’s name was changed to Wanakah by Roberts, founder of the Wanakah Water Company and an early member of the Wanakah Country Club. His son, the late Alfred (Ted) Roberts, indicated his father was an avid collector and admirer of the Native American culture and artifacts. He explained the name Wanakah had no particular meaning and was simply one his father made up and gave to the area because he felt it had "a nice Indian sound to it! "The Wanakah Golf Club, predecessor to the Wanakah Country Club, was situated on land leased from John T. Roberts in 1899. However, there is yet another explanation for the particular name, Wanakah. Some older residents of the area have always insisted "Wanakah" is in fact an Indian word meaning "view of the lake."
The Kavanaugh Family
Lawrence. M Kavanaugh Jr.
James and Laura Kavanaugh
Cody & Emily Williams (and Kobe Clare!)
Notable Events League of the Iroquois
The League of the Iroquois, Now The League, 1913
Several hundred years ago, across the verdant hills and valleys we know as Western New York, lived several disparate Native American Indian tribes. Sometime in the late 1500’s, a convergence took place that resulted in a truly historic and long-lasting peace accord from which the Seneca Indian Nation and the League of the Iroquois emerged.
From contiguous territories a Council was formed that united Mohawk; Oneida; Onondaga; Cayuga; and Seneca tribes stretching east to west across land that today comprises New York State. Together their leaders formed a document so enlightened that it served for centuries as a template for similar treaties among previously hostile neighbors. Among its most basic tenets was an agreement providing all future interactions among fellow co-signer tribes shall be conducted in the spirit of friendship and conviviality. Their covenant led to a peace among heretofore warring neighbors that ensued for three hundred years.
In the early part of the 20th century, a second “League of the Iroquois’’ was formed, chartered with the sole purpose to encourage and pursue friendly neighborhood competition of the golfing kind. This League traces its origins to Dr. Arthur R. Grant, a member of Yahnundasis Country Club in Utica, who visited similar country clubs in Syracuse (Onondaga CC, replaced by Bellevue CC in 1926), Rochester (Oak Hill CC ) and Wanakah CC.
Grant’s idea turned heads and a second “Council’’ was formed in 1913. Its members noted this new federation of Clubs rose upon lands of the Seneca Nation and pledged to honor them by adopting a most meaningful name for their golfing competition; The League of the Iroquois.
………“We would emulate their constancy, their eloquence, and their fortitude.”........
The basic competitive format of the League has not changed in over 100 years. Individual matches are conducted so that golfers from each Club compete with players from the other Clubs over a three day period in June. Scratch and handicap players make up each team’s lineup and a Junior and Senior Division exists as well. Daily lineup changes allow for the maximum numbers of players to participate from all four member Clubs.
This annual competition continues to the present day, having now completed 110 consecutive years of friendly matches as the four founding
Clubs gather at each other’s Club on a rotating basis. Established in 1913, it is believed to be the oldest continuously played amateur golf league in the world. The golf is sometimes keenly played - it’s not uncommon for Club champions from one team to be matched up against fellow Club champs - and sometimes not so keenly played. Always though, the players truly appreciate the fact it’s not about the mere winning or losing of one’s match... it’s about laughter, memories, and long-lasting friendships. It’s about stories and legends, along with the cultivation, nurturing, and preservation of great traditions. It’s about respect for those who have preceded us and for the great game of golf.
In recent years the League has adopted a simpler name, but is forever mindful of its heritage and its namesake. Known today as The League, 1913, many long-time players from each Club are involved and dedicated to its perseverance and future. Wanakah Country Club has been very instrumental in keeping the League alive and thriving. Many leaders from WCC have been integral to the League’s enduring success, including such avid golfers as the late Gordy Gannon Sr. and his son, Gordy, Jr., Sal Piccillo, Mike Manganiello, and my uncle, George Fuzak. My brother Mark, Drew Pettit and I are pleased to carry on the dedication to the League so well established by our former Club members. As the torch is passed from generation to generation within the family of Wanakah Country Club golfers, WCC leads the League and
our three co- member Clubs with pride and hard work. Time marches on and so does the League. The game of golf is constantly evolving over time, as does our own individual game. How we played as young golfers many moons ago isn’t the same as the game we play today. Time does that to all of us. What does not change is our love for the game. The camaraderie, friendships, and competition will always be present. The League of the Iroquois has changed in name only. What began in 1913 is still very much with us today and will continue for another 100 plus years.
Yours in the Bond, Paul
J.
Fuzak
Ganson Depew Memorial Invitational
Ganson Depew served for many years as first vice-president of the New York State Golf Association and was a respected member of the powerful executive committee of the United States Golf Association. He was an excellent ambassador of the Buffalo district and his efforts earned recognition for the area's young golfing region as it developed and matured under his guidance. When offered a choice of committees to head for the USGA, Depew quickly selected the Public Links section. An editorial in the Buffalo Courier Express following Depew's death stated:
"It's for youth, for heath, for a game that means heartier, sturdier, healthier young people," was his cry. He predicted the time when more than three million players would be using municipal courses. He lived to see that prediction true; saw it exceeded. He attended every great golf tournament in the last twenty years and was more widely known among all classes of golfers, perhaps, than any man in the game. In Buffalo his work and assistance to golf will never be adequately understood, measured or appreciated. He made it his chief delight and his most arduous and trying chore. He assisted in the conduct of every local
major tournament. There probably isn't a club in the Buffalo district which hasn't in its trophy case a cup donated by Ganson Depew. Always kindly, always gentle, especially with the kids and junior players, who were his special joy and proteges.
One year after his death, Wanakah Country Club led the way in establishing a most fitting tribute to his memory. The first annual Ganson Depew Memorial Tournament was held in August 1935 at Wanakah and has continued to represent good golf and friendship to the present day. Like the gentleman it honors, the tournament stands as one of the area's most respected events of the great sport of golf.
He lived a full life; was a good citizen, Buffalo's No. 1 Citizen they called him, but bore his share of pain and disappointment with his many honors, citations, chevrons and testimonials, each with equal grace and poise, a sportsman, a gentleman, a real man. We're better for having known him.
Buffalo Courier Express September 26, 1934
Ryder Cup Challenge Matches
By the late 1950's, as a decade of pleasant events, increased membership, and financial improvement drew to an end, recollections of the difficult Depression and World War II years were rapidly receding from the Club's collective memory. Indications of an even brighter future for Wanakah were emerging in strong fashion, as members gladly turned their attention toward two such harbingers of change for the Club - the Ryder Cup Challenge Matches in 1957 and the opening of Wanakah's impressive swimming pool facility in 1959.
The first event to herald Wanakah Country Club's assured position in the establishment of competitive golf played on the professional level took place in June 1957, with an announcement the Club would host the prestigious Ryder Cup Challenge in September of that year. It was a tremendous coup for Wanakah to be named the course of choice for an event that would bring together top PGA players for both team and individual
match play over a two-day period. The printed program distributed to the hundreds of golfing fans who endured two days of steady, uninterrupted rain as they lined the fairways at Wanakah to watch the matches gave an excellent overview of the event:
HISTORY OF THE RYDER CUP (written in 1957)
For the first time in Buffalo District golf Wanakah Country Club is host to the Ryder Cup Challenge Matches. Next to the Ryder Cup play itself the two day Challenge is an important international golfing show; in fact some believe the preview here will be more spirited competition than the actual cup matches.
To make our Ryder Cup team is the goal of every American professional, as it has been for thirty years, since the first international meeting between the United States and Great Britain in 1926.
That first encounter; which quickly captured the imagination of the sporting public on both sides of the Atlantic, was an unofficial exhibition. The actual history of the Ryder Cup matches dates from one year later, 1927, when Samuel A. Ryder, a wealthy British seed merchant, first placed the solid gold cup bearing his name in competition.
A fond patron of golf Mr. Ryder set forth certain conditions: he specified the matches should be held biennially on a home-and home basis with the host country's professional golf association acting as the responsible unit for all the arrangements, including selection of the playing site ... [and] that all contestants must be native-born citizens of the nation they represented and bona fide members of their respective P.G.A.
Two days of play was established for the matches; foursomes the first day and individual matches the second day. A possible total of 12 points was fixed as the maximum score, with each winning two-some in the four-man rounds tallying a point and singles winners one point likewise. Each team was permitted 10 players, although only eight to a side actually compete each day. So it will be here at Wanakah, with the challengers captained by Sam Snead and our Ryder Cup team led by Jack Burke, Jr.
With a practice round for all competitors scheduled for Friday, September 20, and match play on both Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 , Wanakah marshaled all of its resources to present a course and Club worthy of hosting this exciting event. Under the leadership of General Chairmen Bob Nagel and Ed Vallone, the committee formed to organize the event for Wanakah executed a flawless major undertaking on behalf of the Club. Their work and efforts brought national attention to Wanakah CC and afforded area golfing fans an opportunity to witness professional golf played on an outstanding course located in their own backyard. With the exception of the relentless rain that soaked players and spectators alike throughout the two-day event, every other detail the committee could control was carried out in an exemplary manner. Best of all, Wanakah benefited from the silver lining in the storm clouds that remained stationary and unyielding for the entire duration of the event. An account of the fortunate circumstances that combined to bring the Ryder Cup Challenge to the Club appeared in the September, 1957 issue of Wanakah's "Ace of Clubs":
The Ryder Cup Challenge Golf Matches are no longer just a promise. It's here and actually going to happen. Yes, the twenty best golf pros are going to do battle right here on our lush fairways and greens. It happened so fast that everyone has been asking the question, 'How did it happen?' Here is the inside pitch.
About a year ago several directors of the club suggested bringing professional golf to Western New York. The usual committee was named to look into the matter. A pro-amateur was suggested, but no top pros were available at the time. It looked like a dead duck until about two months ago when Bob Nagel and Don Stone were having lunch at the Buffalo Athletic Club and a mutual friend came in with golf pro Jackie Burke in tow. The conversation turned to golf and Bob asked why Buffalo was not on the pro circuit. Burke replied that it should be and that Buffalo should do something about it. Bob answered, 'We're interested When do we start?' A phone call to the PGA tournament headquarters by Burke had the Ryder Cup Challenge Matches moved from Oklahoma to our own Wanakah.
We had to come up with the guarantee of $12,000.00 prize money, but a hurried meeting of the Board and some of the key members proved themselves equal to the task.
If you are around the Grille, you will see little groups of loyal Wanakah members working out plans. Pete Travers, Bob Flickenger, and Tom Clarkson were working out details for catering, Red Baer had his group of marshals cornered, while Jack Ahern was working on ticket sales ... By the way, have you seen the activity on the course? It is being rejuvenated. Thanks to the Ryder Cup Matches we now have a bridge over to the new 15th tee. Previous estimates indicated a new bridge would cost about fifteen grand. The bridge is in, plus another one on number three hole, a bridge on number eight, and number sixteen all this for practically nothing. The course is being made harder and the fairways are narrower. Our course is becoming a real test of golf.
Many members have asked what the Ryder Cup Matches will mean to Wanakah. The consensus of opinion is that it definitely identifies Wanakah and Western New York with big league professional golf. Secondly, it should prove to be a profitable venture which will further our club facilities, and thirdly, it is getting our course in tip-top condition for top flight tournament golf.
Wanakah Club Champions
Men's Club Champ
1913 J. Carter
1914 G. Andrews
1915 J. Gardner
1916 E. Skey
1917 F. Allan
1918 W. Steele
1919 D. Roper
1920 M. Comstock
1921 J. Krans
1922 F. Wattles
1923 J. Kennedy, Jr.
1924 J. Ahern
1925 H. Comstock
1926 F. Wattles, Jr.
1927 F. Wattles, Jr.
1928 H. Comstock
1929 J. Ahern
1930 J. Ahern
1931 A. Hakes
1932 J. Ahern
1933 H. Koehn, Jr.
1934 H. Comstock
1935 H. Comstock
1936 H. Weatherwax
1937 C. Carr
1938 W. Arnold
1939 J. Ahern
1940 G. Miller
1941 W. Arnold
1942 War Years
1943 War Years
1944 War Years
1945 G. Miller
1946 G. Berner
1947 R. Keefe
1948 C. Carr
1949 J. Ahern
1950 G. Gannon Sr.
1951 L. Wilson
1952 G. Gannon Sr.
1953 L. Wilson
1954 G. Miller
1955 G. Miller
1956 C. Carr
1957 G. Miller
1958 G. Miller
1959 R. Hebard
1960 J. Campbell
1961 G. Miller
B. Nenno
B. Nenno
A. Miner
B. Nenno
1962 G. Gannon Sr. S. Thompson
1963 D. Koch
1964 M. Shane
1965 J. Langer
1966 D. Koch
1967 M. Shane
1968 D. Koch
1969 D. Koch
1970 D. Koch
1971 J. Davis
1972 T. Honer
1973 B. O'Mara
1974 D. Koch
1975 D. Koch
1976 R. Saab
1977 R. Saab
1978 R. Saab
1979 R. Saab
1980 R. Saab
1981 R. Saab
1982 R. Saab
1983 R. Saab
1984 P. Mead
1985 P. Weaver
1986 P. Weaver
1987 D. Crosby
1988 D. Crosby
1989 D. Vona
1990 R. Saab
1991 W. Weiss III
1992 J. Raucci
1993 P. Weaver
1994 S. Romal
W. Grove
J. Langer
J. Langer
R. Schoepperle
J. Treman
R. Schoepperle
G. Berner
G. Fuzak
D. Kelley
D. Kelley
D. Kelley
D. Kelley
G. Fuzak
D. Koch
T. Quatroche
J. Treman
P. Weaver
P. Weaver
P. Weaver
R. Saab
D. Koch
J. Raucci
M. Sullivan
A. Miner
A. Miner
S. Thompson
M.L. Vogt
A. Miner
A. Miner
L. Flickinger
L. Ward
L. Flickinger
L. Ward
L. Flickinger
L. Ward
K. Baier
M.L. Vogt
M.L. Vogt
M.L. Vogt
M.L. Vogt
M.L. Vogt
K. Baier
N. Quinlivan
N. Quinlivan
M.L. Vogt
N. Quinlivan
N. Quinlivan
N. Quinlivan
A.M. Granville
Wanakah Club Champions
1995 S. Romal R. Saab
Granville 1996 S. Romal R. Fashano
Gibson 1997 G. Occhino J. Raucci N. Quinlivan
1998 J. Raucci J. Raucci G. Kelley
1999 A. Abt J. Raucci N. Quinlivan
2000 J. Raucci A. Abt G. Kelley 2001 J. Raucci R. Fashano
S. Romal
M. Gacioch
A. Abt
D. Crosby
Raucci
Crosby
Kelley
Kelley
Kelley
Kelley
Kelley 2006 P. Pharr III
Abt
Kelley 2007 C. Covelli D. Crosby
Kelley
2008 C. Covelli T. Kluckhohn G. Kelley
2009 M. Sullivan, Jr. A. Abt J.Tebeau
2010 T. Kluckhohn T. Kluckhohn J. Tebeau 2011 J. Travis
Abt
S. Lindstrom
Kelley
Balbierz 2013 S. Lindstrom J. Travis
Balbierz 2014 S. Lindstrom J. Travis
Kelley 2015 S. Lindstrom V. Farallo A. Dings 2016 J. Miller D. Crosby G. Kelley
2017 J. Miller T. Kluckhohn A. Grimaldi
2018 J. Miller P. Walsh G. Kelley
2019 S. Lindstrom D. Crosby G. Kelley 2020 M. Donner D. Jackson G. Kelley 2021 C. Covelli
A. Fretthold
J. Tebeau
Crosby
DeMeo
Jackson
Kelley
Kelley
Kelley
Wanakah Golf Club
Organized September 1899
Incorporated April 1900
Warren P. King 1900-1901
Bernard Bartow 1902
Wiliam L. Marcy 1903-1906
Lucius E. Bartlett 1907
Beull G. Tallman 1908
William K. Marcy 1909
Pascal P. Beals 1910
Frank E. Wattles 1911
Pascal P. Beals 1912
Wanakah Country Club
Ansley Wilcox 1913-1917
J.B. McNutty 1917-1920
E.B. Holmes 1921
Lester W. Elias 1921-1923
S.B.E. McVay 1923-1926
E.J. Barcalo 1927
Myron E. Forbes 1928
Floyd M. Wills 1928-1931
Howard Ganson 1932
Russell J. Hutton 1933
Arthur P. Wesp 1934
G.W. Whitehead 1935
Carl N. Reed 1935-1937
Hans Schmidt 1938
John M. Reed 1939
Howard Ganson 1940
Benjamin Klopp 1941
N. Osborne Siegfried 1942-1943
Floyd S. Eckhardt 1944
Albert C. Finley 1944-1946
Maxwell T. Eaton 1947
Joseph Davis 1948
Harry D. Grow 1949
Christopher A Carr 1950
Granville M. Breinig 1951
Edmund F. Martin 1952
Jack A. Ahern 1953
Kingsley J. Schneider 1954
John E. Jacobs 1955
John D. Lynch 1956
Harry D. Grow 1957
Robert J. Nagel 1958
Wilbur G. Smith 1959
Past Presidents
Jack W. Bredenberg 1960
William A Rade 1961
Richard B. Morris 1962
Daniel F. Ganey, Jr. 1963-1964
Gran T. Fisher 1965
James F. Murray 1966
J. Clement Johnston 1967
Jack Scott 1968
Cletus A. Weaver 1969
Homer R. Berryman 1970
Timothy F. O'Keefe 1971
Richard K. Terry 1972
Guy P. Berner 1973
Paul R. MacDonald 1974
George J. Pfeiffer 1975
Paul C. Weaver 1976
Paul J. Koessler 1977
Thomas J. Quatroche 1978
Wyndham Eaton 1979
James S. Davis 1980
Karl F. Kluckhohn 1981
John J. Maroone 1982
James P. Flatley 1983
Leo J. Fallon 1984
Peter J. Murrett, Jr. 1985
Alexander C. Meyer, Jr. 1986
Joseph V. McCarthy 1987
Roger L. Palczewski 1988
Michael A. Manganello 1989
Thomas M. DeNisco 1990
Edward J. Flammer 1991
Sam A. Gullo 1992
Robert J. Fashano 1993
Robert C. Squier 1994
James F. Doherty 1995
Jake Schneider 1996
Paul J. Fuzak 1997
Stuart R. Romal 1998
Thomas W. Kluckhohn 1999
Joseph H. Shaw, Jr. 2000
Robert S. DiMatteo 2001
Nicholas L. Buscaglia 2002
John R. Fancher 2003
Robert A. Zugger 2004
Michael B. Sexton 2005
Edward G. Piwowarczyk 2006
Jack Pohlman 2007
James C. Travis 2008
Thomas P. Frizzell 2009
Vincent L. Farallo 2010
David N. Richardson 2011
Frank J. Kopfer 2012
Carl K. Kluckhohn 2013
Thomas Wischerath 2014
Kevin J. Sullivan 2015
James E. Kavanaugh 2016
Michael T. Gacioch 2017
Peter M. Augustine 2018
Steven E. Kluckhohn 2019
Robert C. Weissflach 2020
Charles Castiglia 2021
Thomas Pericak 2022
James Murrett 2023
David McNamara 2024
We’d like to recognize our partner regional associations for the exceptional work they do in promoting the game of golf!
AMATEUR GOLF ASSOCIATIONS
PGA SECTIONS
MORE THAN A LAW FIRM. A CHAMPION.
Phillips Lytle is proud to support the 2024 NYS Men’s Amateur Golf Championship at Wanakah Country Club. We are excited to see New York’s best amateur golfers bring their talent and passion to WNY just as we bring our passion to serving our clients. Being a champion for organizations that showcase all our community has to offer. That’s The Phillips Lytle Way.
