The 36-hole municipal golf course to receive $250,000 donation from PGA REACH to help build 14,000 square foot, synthetic turf short-game area

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Editors:
For renderings of the short-game facility, click here.

For a photo of the check presentation, click here.
(Photo caption is in the Info Section)

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (May 16, 2023) - The PGA of America announced today at the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club that PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA, will donate $250,000 to Monroe County’s Genesee Valley Golf Course as part of the Places to Play program.

The Places to Play program, which revitalizes and ensures the growth of golf facilities in underserved communities, will enable the building of a 14,000-square foot, fully synthetic turf short-game area designed to make the game more accessible to all. This includes growth-of-the-game programming, such as PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), PGA Jr. League, Drive, Chip & Putt and more. This will enable individuals of all abilities, socioeconomic classes and backgrounds the ability to learn the game. 

The project will cost an estimated $500,000—with $250,000 covered by the PGA REACH Foundation and nearly $150,000 in design and construction work performed by Passero Associates and the Monroe County Parks Department. The Western New York PGA Section (WNYPGA) and Monroe County will work together to secure the remaining funding.

“It’s a great privilege for PGA REACH to partner with Monroe County to elevate the already historic Genesee Valley Golf Course in becoming even more accessible to all, especially the underserved communities in the area,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “This project will ensure the community will have a place to play for generations, enabling people of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds to reap the benefits the game of golf offers.”

Monroe County began conversations with PGA REACH regarding a partnership to leave a lasting legacy from the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club nearly a year in advance of the event. Monroe County anticipates a robust partnership with the WNYPGA going forward to expand the programming available at Genesee Valley Golf Course.

“PGA REACH Western New York and our golf professionals are committed to serving our communities and growing the diverse participation of the game of golf through our three mission pillars: Youth, Military and Inclusion,” said Tim Fries, a former PGA of America Board Member, WNYPGA Foundation President and PGA Owner of Glen Oak Golf Club in East Amherst, N.Y. 

Genesee Valley Golf Course is a 36-hole, municipally owned and operated golf course located on the shores of the Genesee River in Rochester. The course is easily accessible, serves a diverse population and sees over 60,000 rounds played annually.

“Monroe County is honored to partner with PGA REACH and WNYPGA to bring the Places to Play Program to Genesee Valley Golf Course,” said Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello. “This investment will leave a lasting impact on our community by increasing accessibility to the game of golf, creating a welcoming practice area for players of all skill levels and abilities, and continuing the improvements Monroe County has made to its golf courses.”

The North Course, referred to as the ‘Old Course’ was built in 1899, and stands as one of the first public golf courses in America. The course served as the home course of golf legend Calvin Peete. Prior to Tiger Woods, Peete was widely known as the most successful African American golfer, with 12 PGA wins.

Peete played in 9 PGA Championships, making the cut 8 times. He finished third in 1982 and fourth in 1984. Peete also played on the 1983 and ‘85 Ryder Cup teams.

About Monroe County
Led by County Executive Adam J. Bello, Monroe County is a diverse and vibrant community nestled along the south shore of Lake Ontario. It is home to the city of Rochester, the third-largest city in the state. With a population of more than 750,000, the county is a hub for business, education, and culture. It boasts a rich history, including ties to the women's rights and abolitionist movements. The county is also home to several major colleges and universities, including the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology. The area offers a variety of recreational activities, from boating and fishing on Lake Ontario to hiking in the scenic Finger Lakes region. Monroe County is a welcoming community that offers something for everyone.

About PGA REACH
PGA Foundation, Inc. d/b/a PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to Impact Lives Through Golf. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Twitter and Instagram, and find us on Facebook. 

About PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of nearly 28,000 PGA Professionals who work daily to grow interest and inclusion in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contacts
Michael Abramowitz   PGA of America mabramowitz@pgahq.com
Amy Grower               Monroe County  amygrower@monroecounty.org