As the snow melts and the fairways across Western New York begin to green up for the 2026 season, the WNYPGA is launching more than just tournament schedules. This year, we are proud to spotlight our newly formed Mentor Committee, a group dedicated to the professional growth, retention, and success of our Section’s Associates and new Members.

The demands on a PGA Professional have never been higher. From navigating the complexities of the Associate Program to balancing the work-life integration that modern careers demand, the journey to Class A membership can be daunting. The Mentor Committee was established to ensure that no one in our Section has to navigate that path alone.

What the Committee is Doing

The committee kicked off its mission with a series of high energy gatherings designed to bridge the gap between “working on the book” and “working in the shop.”

  • Event #1 (GOLFTEC Buffalo): Host Steve Latimer, PGA opened his doors for our inaugural session. The energy and engagement from the start made it clear that there was a need for this kind of peer-to-peer support.
  • Event #2 (Wild Wood Country Club): Host Mike Sweazy, PGA kept the momentum going, providing a space where Associates and Mentors could connect over meaningful conversation and hands on professional advice.
  • Event #3 (GOLFTEC Buffalo): Hosted by Josh Wojtasczcyk, this session continued our focus on providing a dedicated space for Associates to network with PGA Mentors and make tangible progress on their PGM portfolios. 

Having experienced professionals on site to answer questions and provide real world insight into portfolio tasks is a game changer for those working toward their Class A membership. These events have proven that when you remove the pressure of the daily grind, real growth happens. Whether it’s navigating a tricky portfolio assignment or discussing career paths, the meaningful connections made at these sites are the foundation of our Section’s future. 

Education for All

The Mentor Committee’s influence will also be felt at our upcoming Spring Meeting. In a move to further support our future members, we are excited to host Associate specific education sessions running simultaneously with our Member education. This ensures that every professional in attendance, regardless of their current classification, leaves the meeting with valuable, relevant knowledge to apply to their specific stage of the journey.

“The engagement we’ve seen so far proves how valuable these opportunities are,” says Committee Chair Eric Haile. “We’re building a support system that doesn’t just help you pass a test, but helps you build a career.”

A Culture of Giving Back

At its core, this committee is about legacy. Our Section is defined by the legends who came before us, and this initiative ensures that their wisdom isn’t lost. By fostering a culture of mentorship, we aren’t just improving individual careers; we are strengthening the entire Western New York PGA family.

How to Get Involved

Whether you are an Associate looking for guidance or a veteran Member looking to give back to the game that has given you so much, the Mentor Committee wants to hear from you.

  • To find a mentor: Visit the WNYPGA website here.
  • To host a future mentor event: Contact the WNYPGA office to learn how you can help shape the future of our professionals.

Mollie Ray