As the Western New York PGA celebrates its Centennial, few professionals represent the heart and history of the Section quite like Denny Ferstler, PGA. A PGA Member since 1982 and a proud member of the PGA Quarter Century Club, Denny was inducted into the WNYPGA Hall of Fame in 2013 for his outstanding contributions as a player, leader, and ambassador of the game. His career has been defined by decades of service to the game, most notably as the longtime Head Professional and Director of Golf at Penfield Country Club, where he has become a beloved figure in the Rochester golf community. His presence became synonymous with hospitality, humor, and an unwavering commitment to creating a welcoming golf experience for all. As early as the 1990s, he was listed as “Manager/Pro” at Penfield helping to guide and elevate the club’s operations and tournament offerings. His legacy continues today through successors, like PGA Professional Mike D’Agostino, who carry forward the values and high standards Denny instilled at the club.
Denny’s playing credentials speak for themselves. He captured the Rochester Classic title in 1989 and added the Senior title in 2004, demonstrating competitive longevity, which is rarely matched. He is a WNYPGA Senior Championship (2003) runner up, two time runner up in the WNYPGA Section Championship (1983, 1999), and finalist in the 1994 Match Play Championship. He also finished second in the WNY Open in 1994 and 1997. One of his most notable early accomplishments came in 1981 when he earned medalist honors as Low Qualifier for the U.S. Open. During his playing days, Denny set course records at several clubs across the Northeast, including Cazenovia CC (65), Rogues Roost CC (64), Cavalry Club (63), Locust Hill CC (63), Rhode Island CC (62), and Penfield CC (66). His ability to compete at a high level well into his senior playing years underscores not only his talent but also his enduring love for the game.
Denny’s impact on the WNYPGA extends well beyond his playing record. He served as Tournament Chairman for the Section from 1994 to 1997, helping organize and elevate the quality of professional events throughout the region. His leadership during this period helped raise the bar for tournament operations and Section visibility. In 1995, he was honored by his peers as the WNYPGA Professional of the Year, a testament to both his leadership and the respect he continues to hold within the professional golf community. In 2025, he was inducted into the Rochester District Golf Association Hall of Fame, further cementing his place among the most influential figures in Western New York golf.
More than anything, Denny Ferstler is known for the energy and personality he brings to the golf shop. He has always had a unique gift for connecting with people, making the game fun, and creating a relaxed, welcoming culture for members and guests alike. “I always had nicknames for everybody,” Denny has said. “I got away with a lot more stuff than a lot of other pros did. I always wanted members, and their guests, to come in when they left work and have a great experience as this was not their job.” His humor and warmth continue to leave a lasting impression. “I would always joke with them,” he recalled. “A guy would come in and I would look at his outfit and say, ‘Why don’t you go through my lost and found and get yourself an outfit?’ I would do that just to make people laugh. I used to love to see people laugh.”
That warmth and humor helped make Penfield CC not just a golf facility, but a place of connection and community. Denny’s influence on the club’s culture, from casual rounds to member-guest events, made a lasting impression on everyone who walked through the doors.
As the Western New York PGA reflects on its first 100 years, Denny Ferstler stands as a reminder that the greatest professionals are not just great players or instructors but great people. His commitment to excellence, his service to the Section, and his joy in making others feel welcome continue to make him a leader, mentor, and friend to so many. His legacy is still growing seen in the stories, the laughter, and the lives he continues to touch through the game he loves.
-Mollie Mars