Syracuse District GA Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Class

The Syracuse District Golf Association is honored to announce that Kevin Vandenberg, Frank Plata, Sally Dee, John Clare, Suzy Whaley and Joe Russo, Jr. will be inducted into the Syracuse District Golf Association Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Kevin Vandenberg

A winner of 5 SDGA Men's Majors and 3 SDGA Senior Majors, and NYS State Senior Championship, who has continued his impressive play at the regional and national levels, winning many senior titles across the country and recently repeating as the Golfweek's National Senior Amateur Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024.

Frank Plata

A steady player who dominated the local Senior circuit for many years, with 11 local Senior Major titles as well as the NYS Senior Championship and whose name is synonymous with integrity, sportsmanship, and lifelong dedication to the game.

Sally Dee

A fierce competitor, a devoted mentor, who rose from the local and state junior and women's amateur levels becoming a 3-time College All American, and then competed 5 years on the LPGA Tour, playing in all of the Women's Majors.

John Clare

A tremendously talented golfer with even greater humility, achieving the coveted SDGA Triple Crown at the age of 18, excelling in college golf and then turning pro to compete on the Latin American Tour and PGA Tour Canada.

Suzy Whaley

A trailblazer, the first woman president of the PGA of America and the first woman since Babe Zaharias to play in a men's PGA Tour Event and who got her start here in CNY.  Her accomplishments on and off the course have opened doors and changed perceptions, paving the way for countless others.

Joe Russo, Jr.

Whose game has stood the test of time, winning numerous local junior, college and men's and senior amateur championships over a span of many years, with 2 SDGA major victories 24 years apart, and whose nickname "The Prince" is analogous with "Legend" in CNY.

Induction into the SDGA HOF is "in recognition of those players who have accomplished an exceptional Greater Syracuse amateur record while conducting themselves in the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions."

The Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon will take place at Tuscarora Golf Club, 2901 Howlett Hill Rd., Marcellus, NY on October 20, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. The 2025 SDGA Players of the Year will also be recognized at the Luncheon.

Tickets can be purchased by check for $32.00 payable to "Syracuse District Golf Association" and mailing it to:

                                                              Terence A. Langan, PC

                                                              892 East Brighton Ave.

                                                              Syracuse, NY 13205

For any additional questions or information, please contact Terry Langan at terry@langanlaw.us or text 315-569-8446.