Getting Golf Ready at NBT Bank Stadium

Fans practiced their golf swing at the PGA Family Fun Zone behind
right field during the Syracuse Chiefs game Tuesday. 

By: Jasmine Haynes Syracuse 

While the Syracuse Chiefs suited up to play a suspended game and a scheduled nine-inning game against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, fans had the chance to practice their golf swings.

The PGA Family Fun Zone was a special attraction organized by the Professional Golfers' Association of America. It is the PGA's way of bringing golf to non-traditional golf sites in the Rochester, Syracuse and Buffalo areas to celebrate PGA Championship Week. The 95th PGA Championship begins Thursday at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester.

This free golf festival featured games, like kwik golf where fans focused on getting their ball in the hole quickly, and golf lessons from PGA professionals from the Western New York PGA Section.

The first Fun Zone was located at Buffalo Bisons Ball Park this past Saturday. The next day the PGA set up shop at Port of Pittsford Park. NBT Bank Stadium was the third and final stop of the fun zone.

Fans playing various golf games at the PGA Family Fun Zone

"What we are trying to do is very simply promote the advancement of more people playing golf and if we can do that at a baseball game the week of the PGA championship in Rochester [and get] a few more people to come visit us at our golf clubs that's a good thing, " said Richard Winstead, head professional at Wincrest Golf Club and Secretary of Central New York PGA.

12-year-old Paige Freyer of Manlius came out to the ballpark Tuesday with her Dad as part of his company outing. She ended up spending several innings hanging out at the zone.

"Well I saw the free bags that say golf ready, and I got interested and I was going to come over to the family park, " said Freyer. "[The PGA Fun Zone] was really cool because I got to practice my golf game." 

Winstead said the Fun Zone saw hundreds of fans during the game Tuesday. Signs directing fans to the special attraction were stationed throughout the concourse area of the stadium. Winstead said a variety of fans participated in the golf festival.

"We've had it from about three-years-old to don't want to say anybody's ages but maybe in the 60's or so. From inexperienced to very experienced." said Winstead.

Although Freyer is only 12-years-old, she has some golfing experience under her belt. Fryer has been golfing for three years. She plays golf for Cavalry Club in Manlius and she even plays on the Fayetteville-Manlius high school team.

Paige Fryer and friend entering a drawing for a chance to win
a pair of tickets to the 95th PGA Championship

Tickets to the 95th PGA Championship in Rochester are sold out but fans, like Freyer, that attended the PGA Family Fun Zone Tuesday were able to enter their names into a drawing for a pair of tickets.

The Fun Zone was open from 5 p.m. until the 7th inning of the second game. The Syracuse Chiefs lost the suspended game 7-6 but rallied back in the second game to defeat the RailRiders 3-2. Winstead said he hopes after experiencing golf in a fun way tonight, kids and their families will want to play golf more.

"It's all about growing the game of golf, " said Winstead. "If we can get one or two of these [kids] not only to come out and play but also to say to mom and dad, 'hey let's go out and play golf on a Sunday afternoon,' well now you got the family doing it and their out here enjoying a great day."

Paige Freyer getting golf lessons at PGA Family Fun Zone

Richard Winstead, PGA professional giving golf lessons at PGA Family Fun Zone