The WNYPGA honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport by granting honorary membership. Honorary members are selected for their long-term commitment, professional achievements, leadership, and impact on the sport’s development.
The honorary members of the WNYPGA are:
| George Blaisdell | Jean Giambrone | Tom Lunt Jr. | Henry P. Certo |
| Gary Grelick | Robert Standish | John Jachym | Dudley Hart |
| Frank Wakefield | Peter I. Certo | Jim Tyrell | Jim Wells |
| Frank DeSantis | Bruce Koch | Al Wiegley | George Duke |
| Jon Ludwig | Claude Wright | Edward F. Forrest | Gibson Lunt |
WNYPGA honorary member highlights:
George Blaisdell, and grandson George Duke, founded Zippo Manufacturing. Their contributions are commemorated through the Blaisdell Pro-Am & Open, an annual tournament sponsored by Zippo that brings together PGA Professionals and local amateurs.
Jean Giambrone, born in Rochester, NY, left a legacy marked by her trailblazing role in sports journalism becoming the first woman to be awarded Masters media credentials. Initially denied access to the media tent at the Masters, it took a year for her to gain full press credentials due to Augusta National’s policy against female reporters. Jack Nicklaus referred to her as “a true professional in her craft,” and colleagues acknowledged her impact on women’s sports journalism.
Dudley Hart, born in Rochester, NY and currently residing in Buffalo, NY, is celebrated for his victories on the PGA Tour and induction in the WNYPGA Hall of Fame. Hart was named the PGA Tour Comeback Player of the Year in 2008 after overcoming significant injuries. Hart, along with his father, have since purchased Lake Shore Country Club on Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY.
Hank (Henry) and Peter Certo’s contributions through their family’s business, Certo Brothers Distributing Co., included sponsoring the WNYPGA Section Championship. Today, the Section Championship trophy is named after Mr. Henry Certo in his honor.