The Western New York PGA Section proudly recognizes Mike D’Agostino, PGA, Head Professional at Penfield Country Club, as the recipient of the National PGA of America Deacon Palmer Award, one of the Association’s highest honors for exceptional service and leadership at the Section level.
D’Agostino has exemplified unwavering dedication and selfless service throughout his career, consistently placing the success of others ahead of personal recognition or circumstance. Since becoming Head Professional at Penfield Country Club in 2002, he has built a reputation as a respected leader, mentor, and ambassador for the game whose impact reaches far beyond his home facility.
Mike’s service to the Western New York PGA Section has been both extensive and transformational. Appointed to the WNYPGA Board of Directors in 2015, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including Committee Chair, Secretary, Vice President, and most recently as the 42nd President of the WNYPGA Section. His tenure in these roles has been marked by thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the Section and supporting its Members.
In addition to hisvSection leadership, D’Agostino serves as Vice President of PGA REACH Western New York where he has been instrumental in the success of the PGA HOPE program in the Rochester community for more than a decade. His dedication to military veterans through PGA HOPE reflects his deep belief in golf as a tool for healing, connection, and purpose.
“The HOPE Program is the greatest program the PGA of America has ever done,” D’Agostino often says, which is a belief he has backed with tireless action. His leadership has directly inspired more PGA Professionals to become HOPE certified, which has expanded the program’s reach and impact across the region.
D’Agostino’s service and leadership have been repeatedly recognized by his peers at the Section level. His honors include:
- Deacon Palmer Award – 2025, 2024
- Bill Strausbaugh Award – 2022
- Patriot Award – 2021
- Player Development Award – 2021, 2018, 2017
- Horton Smith Award – 2019
- Golf Professional of the Year – 2018
These accolades reflect his extraordinary commitment to education, mentorship, player development, and service to others.
Perhaps most remarkable is the manner in which D’Agostino has continued to lead through personal adversity. In 2023, following his role as host PGA Professional for the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup in Rochester, a national event welcoming veterans from across the country, Mike was diagnosed just weeks later with tonsil cancer. He began an aggressive seven week regimen of chemotherapy and radiation shortly after completing his club’s Member Guest tournament.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of treatment, D’Agostino never stepped away from his responsibilities. Throughout this period, he continued to serve his club, remained active as Vice President of the WNYPGA Section and PGA REACH WNY, and fulfilled national duties on the PGA of America’s Adult Player Development Committee. He attended meetings virtually, supported initiatives, mentored fellow Professionals, and led with quiet strength and professionalism.
On October 19, 2023, Mike completed his final treatment. Just 11 days later, he stood before his peers and was elected President of the Western New York PGA Section. A moment that exemplified his resilience, determination, and deep commitment to service.
Even during recovery, D’Agostino continued to lead by example. He attended the 2023 PGA Annual Meeting in Frisco, Texas, just 18 days after treatment concluded. This was an experience he described as both professionally meaningful and personally symbolic, representing a step toward healing and normalcy.
Beyond his formal leadership roles, Mike continues to have a profound influence on PGA Professionals throughout the Section. He is widely known as a mentor and advocate, always willing to listen, guide, and support others in their professional journeys. His authenticity, humility, and empathy have made him a trusted leader, especially for those navigating their own challenges.
D’Agostino’s community impact extends even further. Through PGA REACH Western New York, he helped create the Smiling FORE Life program, which brings joy and therapeutic golf experiences to children’s hospitals in Rochester and Buffalo. Additionally, for more than a decade, he has coordinated WROC Channel 8 Golf Tips, providing Western New York PGA Professionals with a unique platform to teach golf, elevate their personal brands, and promote the value of the PGA Professional to the broader community.
Despite a demanding professional schedule and a busy family life with three children, Mike continues to serve tirelessly at the Section, Foundation, and national levels. Today, he remains active as Honorary President of the WNYPGA, Co Vice President of PGA REACH WNY, and a contributor to the Adult Player Development Committee and Mentoring Task Force at the national level.
The Deacon Palmer Award honors PGA Professionals whose service embodies leadership, integrity, and devotion to the Association. In every sense, Mike D’Agostino represents those values.
His story is one of perseverance, purpose, and profound impact, which is proof that true leadership is measured not by titles or accolades, but by the lives touched along the way. Through adversity and achievement alike, Mike D’Agostino continues to exemplify what it truly means to be a PGA Professional.