We start our 2026 ‘Sponsor Spotlight’ by recognizing our biggest Sponsor to date, RDGA and its Executive Director Tim Vangellow. We so appreciate RDGA (Rochester District Golf Association) and all they do to support growing golf in the Rochester area, especially women’s golf. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize RDGA and allow our members to get to know them and Tim a bit better.  

 RDGA was founded in 1929 and started with 12 Founding Clubs. Today RDGA has a close relationship and supports -- 

  • 7 Counties in and around Rochester 
  • 75 Member Clubs 
  • 66 Courses 
  • 21,000 Member Golfers 

RDGA is a subsidiary and leading Allied Golf Association of the USGA and strives to provide “great service and support to ALL of our golf community.” 


RDGA’s major focus moving into 2026 is – 

  • GROWING THE GAME OF GOLF 
  • A primary goal is to grow the number of people enrolled in having a handicap through GHIN 
  • Tim encourages all of our members to enroll in GHIN as having and keeping an active handicap has proven key benefits – 
  • Having a GHIN is the best way to IMPROVE your golf game 
  • A GHIN equalizes the play with other golfers and allows you to fairly play and compete with a golfer of any skill level 
  • BRINGING GOLF TO OUR YOUTH, GIRLS AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES 
  • RDGA will emphasize the FUTURE of Rochester Golf for Boys and Girls under the age of 18 through the following services and programs – 
  • Junior Golf Membership 
  • The cost is only $40 per year 
  • Since their focus on Junior Golf, RDGA has grown Junior membership from 400 to 2,400 Junior Members 
  • Youth on Course 
  • Allows our youth to play at 15+ local golf courses for only $5 
  • During 2025, 8,000 Youth on Course rounds of golf were played by RDGA Junior Members 
  • Jerry Stahl Scholarship Program 
  • 50 children will receive access to First Tee programming and RDGA Junior Membership with Youth on Course program. These students will come from YMCA of Rochester, Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester, and the Monroe County Youth Bureau. The program will be provided free for disadvantaged youths who want to learn to play golf. 

 

                       

Mary Kay Masters and Tim Vangellow.                                                                        RDGA's Staff (from left): Dave Eaton, Ty McHerron, Cody Dubiel, Tim LaGeorge, & Tim Vangellow

                                             

  Our Past and Current President's Patty Pitts and Mary Kay Masters at Locust Hill RDGA Event                  RDGA 2025 US Kids Boys 8 Division Winners

Getting to Know Tim

What is your current occupation? 

  • Executive Director of RDGA. Tim started with RDGA 15 years ago, as the first full time paid staff person. In the beginning, Tim was blessed to learn from a group of Board members, teachers and mentors from RDGA.  

What’s one thing you wish people knew about RDGA? 

  • “That we are so much more than an organization that runs golf tournaments.” The RDGA promotes and conserves the true spirit of the game of golf. 
  • RDGA is committed to enhancing the golfer experience in the Greater Rochester Area and GROWING and improving the long-term health of the game we love. They play a significant leadership role in Rules, Golf Genius, Handicapping (GHIN), RDGA Foundation, supporting Girls Golf and much more. 
  • RDGA Foundation 

 What is a recent project or initiative you’ve been involved in that you’re particularly proud of? 

  • “Our US Kids Junior Tournament Program. It is a super fun, family-friendly beginning competitive program for girls and boys ages 6 to 18. It features the parent caddying for the player and helping all the way in a fun and teaching atmosphere. We have been doing it now for 8 years and I have seen so many young juniors grow into lots of very good golfers and become fantastic young people. It is a joy to experience it!” 

 How long have you lived in the Rochester area/Western NY? Where are you from originally? 

  • Tim was born & raised in Pittsford NY. He attended Sutherland High School and was Captain of the Golf Team and played Ice Hockey at Sutherland High School.  
  • He attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland FL. 

 Who got you into the game of golf and when did you start playing golf? 

  • His parents, who were members at Monroe Country Club and he began golfing at a very young age. 

Favorite place that you have golfed? 

  • “My greatest golf experience was playing Pebble Beach and shooting a 78 from the back tees on a gorgeous, sunny perfect day!"

What are your hobbies? 

  • Tim’s hobbies include golf, working out and having fun with his two children, a daughter who lives in Florida and works for the PGA Tour Valspar Championship and a son that lives in Boston and enjoys the game of golf…..”I am so blessed with two great kids!” 

 We close our Sponsor Spotlight with some “you heard it here first” information from Tim. The 2026 RDGA Tournament schedule will be released on Thursday, January 15th and Tim has informed us that the Tournament focus is playing on Rochester’s Premier Private Clubs. In addition, the Women’s Open is scheduled for Monday, August 24th and will be held at the historic, private Donald Ross-designed Monroe Golf Club in Pittsford. Mark your calendar now! 

 Today RDGA has a staff of five paid employees, three paid summer interns and the all-important 120 Volunteers that lead and assist on a daily basis. The other four staff members include – Cody Dubiel, Junior Golf Director & RDGA Foundation Administrator; Dave Eaton, Communications & Marketing Director; Ty McHerron, Director of Rules & Competition; and Tim LaGeorge, Director of Handicapping & Course Rating Department. 

 If you are interested in volunteering, Tim encourages you to contact the RDGA offices at (585) 292-5950 or email info@rdga.org. 

 We leave with a great quote…..”Golf is Rochester’s Major League Sport – we truly are a special golf community” 

--Tim Vangellow, Executive Director RDGA 

 Thank you Tim and the entire RDGA staff and volunteers for your unending friendship and support of the game we love and respect so much….GOLF. Especially growing the game of golf among girls and women!