Embrace The Journey: Le Moyne Men's Golf Coach Joe Tesori Enshrined in the PGA of America Hall of Fame

Embrace The Journey: Le Moyne Men's Golf Coach Joe Tesori Enshrined in the PGA of America Hall of Fame

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 


SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Le Moyne head men's golf coach Joe Tesori was enshrined in the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of America Hall of Fame recently. The ceremony took place in conjunction with the PGA's 101st Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.

As the head coach of the Dolphins, Tesori has led his teams to NCAA Championship appearances in seven of his 10 seasons. The Dolphins have received four straight berths and have advanced to the National Championships in each of the last three seasons (three of Le Moyne's four all-time championship appearances). In 2017, the Dolphins turned in their best-ever finish at the national championship by placing 13th with a three-day score of 893. The Dolphins have won the team title at three invitationals in each of the last four years and have placed in the top-two at 21 of their last 33 regular season events.

In Tesori's own words: "When I look at the list of decorated and distinguished current members, it is like a look back on my career and the many who taught, mentored, influenced, and guided me along on this 45- year professional journey. I remember that coaching great Jim Valvano once said, "...nothing great will ever be accomplished without enthusiasm." In my humble opinion, not many bring the passion to their profession, avocation, or volunteer positions that I continue to do each day."
 
The following was included in Tesori's profile by the PGA of America:
"The PGA Head Professional at The Pompey Club in Pompey, New York, Joe Tesori has made a lasting impression upon his peers, including serving as President of the Central New York PGA Section from 1999-2004. Spanning a 40-year career, Tesori has been a leader and mentor to 15 men and women who have gone on to PGA Member status, including PGA Vice President Suzy Whaley. His mentorship skills earned him the 2016 Bill Strausbaugh Award.
 
Elected to PGA Membership in 1977, Tesori was a game-changer when it comes to promoting women and minorities within the industry. His first minority hire in the 1980s opened the path for many city school and inner-city golf programs to be initiated within the Central New York PGA Section. Tesori's community outreach also extended to media relations, where he was the first CNY PGA Member to have a cable TV show on the PBS Network; to host a call-in radio program and the first to have a weekly column in the Syracuse Post-Standard, which ran for 35 years (1977-2012).
 
In 1992, Tesori began a public Golf Expo, which operated through 2000, and attracted thousands of area golf enthusiasts. Over the past 25 years, Tesori has coached high school football, a premier prep girls' golf program, collegiate golf, and spent over 40 seasons as a high school and collegiate basketball official. In 1996, Tesori began a girls' golf team at Jamesville-Dewitt High School and only accepted the men's golf position at his alma mater, Le Moyne College, if the school would initiate a women's program.
 
Born in Syracuse, Tesori grew up in Endicott, New York, and was introduced to golf at age 7 by his father, Charlie, an amateur champion golfer. He was later mentored by a college coaches Bill O'Leary and Mike Bello, and Tesori's first boss, Earl Maurer, all PGA Members. Tesori graduated from Le Moyne College in 1971. He would go on to compete on the PGA Tour from 1980-81, and also the PGA Tour Champions and European Senior Tour. He is a two-time CNY PGA Section Champion, a three-time Section Senior Player of the Year, and a regular competitor in the PGA Professional and Senior PGA Professional Championships.
 
A 2002 Central New York (CNY) PGA Section Hall of Fame inductee, Tesori has received a myriad of awards from the Section including: 1995 and 2004 CNY PGA Golf Professional of the Year; 1986 CNY Teacher of the Year (inaugural award); 1985, 1989, 1990, 1992 and 1994 CNY PGA Horton Smith Award; 1997 and 2003 CNY PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award; 1993 CNY PGA Junior Golf Leader; and the 1991 and 1998 CNY PGA Merchandiser of the Year.

About the PGA of America Hall of Fame
Originated in 1940 at the suggestion of famed sportswriter Grantland Rice, the PGA of America Hall of Fame honors and recognizes individuals who through their lives, careers, service and support have made significant and enduring contributions to the PGA of America in its mission to grow the game of golf. Inductees include PGA Golf Professionals, Tour Professionals or Ambassadors, who throughout their lives have supported and elevated the image of the PGA Golf Professional, the PGA of America and the game of golf.

ABOUT THE NE10
The NE10 is an association of 15 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.

Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.