In the Western New York PGA Section, certain names echo through time; not merely for what they’ve accomplished on the course or in the golf shop, but for the enduring legacies they’ve built across generations. Here, golf is more than a profession or passion; for many, it is a family tradition.

 

One such name is Urzetta. A family synonymous with excellence and leadership in our Section. The late Sam Urzetta was a towering figure in Western New York golf. A former U.S. Amateur champion, he served as WNYPGA Section President from 1965 to 1968 and was inducted into both the New York State Golf Association Hall of Fame and the Western New York PGA Hall of Fame. Revered by many as a consummate professional, Sam was the longtime Head Professional at the Country Club of Rochester (CCR). Today, that legacy continues through his son, Mike Urzetta, who now holds the same position at CCR, upholding the high standards his father once set.

 

The Urzetta legacy also includes Frank (Babe) Urzetta, Sam’s brother, who served as Section President from 1977 to 1980. Frank contributed significantly to the Section’s development and left a lasting mark on the community before his passing. He was the longstanding Head Golf Professional at Midvale Country Club. Together, the Urzettas are deeply woven into the fabric of the Western New York PGA.

 

Another enduring family legacy is that of the Hoeckers. Jon Hoecker, Section President from 2007 to 2009, played a pivotal role in guiding the Section through periods of growth and evolution. He currently serves as the Director of Golf at Brook-Lea Country Club, where his leadership continues to be felt. His son, Christian Hoecker, is now forging his own path as Head Professional at the Country Club of York in Pennsylvania. 

Though they work in different regions, the commitment to the profession remains the same. The Kaye family exemplifies generational dedication to the game. It began with brothers Billy and Danny Kaye, both PGA Life Members, whose passion for golf laid the groundwork for a remarkable family tradition. Billy’s son, Jeff Kaye, is currently the Head Professional at Livingston Country Club, while Danny’s son, Jonathan Kaye, continues the family legacy as a PGA Associate, specializing in club fitting and repair at Woods to Wedges. Their cousin, Greg Kaye, a PGA Life Member, credits his successful career to the support and mentorship he received from his uncles and cousins – mentorship that has defined the Kaye family’s enduring presence in the Section.

 

At Stafford Country Club, Eric Haile serves as Head Professional, working alongside his son, Sam Haile, who supports operations as Assistant Professional. Their collaboration offers a compelling testament to the strength of familial ties in the golf industry. Watching this father-son duo work together each day is a reminder of how meaningful those bonds can be within the profession.

 

The Alberico name also holds a place of honor in the Section’s history. The late Ange Alberico laid the foundation for a legacy continued by his son, Ric Alberico, who served as Section President from 1985 to 1987. Ric’s ongoing contributions are a tribute to both his father’s legacy and his own dedication to the game.

 

Not all golf legacies are father-son stories. Some are shared between siblings. The Yeager brothers, Tom and Jim, have each made their mark in the game. Tom served as Head Professional at Mendon Golf Club, while Jim currently represents Callaway Golf. Though their career paths diverged, their shared roots in the game and commitment to the profession remain a common bond.

 

Other family names also stand out:

  • The Knights: Brothers Craig and Curtis Knight, both PGA Professionals, continue to actively compete in Section tournaments and contribute to the game’s growth.

Across each of these families runs a common thread: a love of the game passed from one generation to the next. Whether it’s father and son, brothers, or mentors and protégés who feel like family, these relationships form the backbone of the Western New York PGA Section.

 

Golf is, at its core, a game of tradition. Thanks to these families, and many others, the tradition remains strong, vibrant, and deeply rooted in our Section’s past, present, and future.

-Mollie Ray