THE HISTORY OF THE WESTERN NEW YORK PGA

When the PGA of America was formed in 1916, there were seven original sections, one of them being the Metropolitan 
Section, which was the entire state of New York.

In 1925, the Metropolitan Section began to shrink in size geographically when the Western New York Section was formed. 
In 1927, the Northeastern New York and Central York Sections were formed.

On June 3, 1925, the Western New York Section officially became a part of the PGA of America by the submission of a check 
from Mr. E.L. Worrell, who was affiliated with A.G. Spalding & Brothers Sports Division in Buffalo, NY. The check was for 
$55, which was $5 annual dues for each of the original 11 members.

By 1929, there were 24 PGA Sections, with a total of 2,000 members, and the membership of the Western New York PGA 
grew to 48 professionals. Today, there are 41 PGA Sections, with a total of over 23,000 members and apprentices. 
The Western New York Section is comprised of 195 members, 60 apprentices, and 40 pre-apprentices.

Geographically, Lakes Erie and Ontario border the Western New York Section to the west and north respectively. 
The southern border dips about 20 miles into Pennsylvania and includes the cities of Erie, Warren and Bradford. 
The eastern border is a line that extends along \and beyond NYS Route 14. There are approximately 230 golf facilities 
in the section, of which approximately half employ PGA Members or Apprentices.

Until 1984, the Western New York Section was administered by the officers of the Section, who had to help administer 
programs while also performing their duties at their clubs. The Section now has a 
staff and offices located in Williamsville (Buffalo), New York.

The Western New York Section of the PGA promotes involvement in and enjoyment of the game for the golfers of western 
New York and northeast Pennsylvania by providing services to it's members, the golf industry, and to amateurs of all ages 
and skill levels. A thirteen member Board of Directors and a Section staff of three help to administer the many programs, 
services, and events offered. These programs include an extensive tournament schedule, annual awards for 
both professional and playing achievements, education seminars and clinics for continuing education purposes, junior 
golf clinics and tournaments, charity fundraising, public relations and promotion, and 
membership information and assistance. Members are also offered employment and club relations assistance.

THE WESTERN NEW YORK SECTION MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Western New York Section of the Professional Golfers' Association of America is to establish the 
Section as a viable, valuable and visible organization in promoting the growth of golf and the advancement of the golfing 
professional. The Western New York Section shall be the leader in the promotion of golf, a provider 
of job opportunities for its members and apprentices, a professional force for members to maintain and upgrade their skill 
level to allow them to compete in today's business world, a leader in teaching and 
tournament operations, and finally a trainer of future Golf Professionals and other career positions.