Five Inductees to be Honored in July 14 Ceremony
The Rochester District Golf Association recently announced the five honorees who will comprise the Class of 2026 in the RDGA’s Fifth Annual Hall of Fame ceremony, to be held at Monroe Golf Club on the evening of July 14.
Joining the RDGA Hall of Fame this year will be: former Brook-Lea Country Club Head Professional John Calabria; Oak Hill past president and “Chapin Way” namesake William “Bill” Chapin, who helped bring major championship golf to Rochester; successful amateur, then professional golfer Bob “Bobby” Hill, who later turned to golf instruction and golf course design as a leading ambassador for golf in Rochester; the Ryan Family, including RDGA District Championship namesake John H. Ryan Jr., whose multi- generational contributions to golf in Rochester set the bar for philanthropic commitment; and Christy Rittenhouse Schultz, who has established a superb playing record as both a junior and adult, winning seven WRDGA titles on the local scene and a women’s record nine titles at the State level.
On the evening of July 14, each inductee will receive a special medallion – and all inductees will be introduced by individuals who are well-known to the local golfing community or who have a special connection to the inductee.
Upon announcing this year’s inductees, Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Mark
Battle said, “On behalf of the entire RDGA and the RDGA Hall of Fame Committee, we are indeed proud and honored to pay tribute to our Fifth Class of Hall of Fame inductees. We look forward to celebrating the significant contributions to our sport, both on and off the golf course, by John Calabria, Bill Chapin, Bobby Hill, the Ryan Family, and Christy Schultz. I think this is going to be an exciting night, once again, for the RDGA and the Rochester Golf Community.”
The RDGA Hall of Fame Committee nominates candidates and approves them based on the following criteria:
- Contributions made by a candidate to the enhancement of the sport of golf through playing, teaching, coaching, maintaining/managing, educating, writing, or advocating for an extended period.
- Candidates who exemplify the spirit of the game of golf.
- The achievements of candidates are sustainable over time.
- Eligibility can also include candidates who have, by virtue of name recognition, brought honor, distinction, and/or have made favorable contributions to golf in the Greater Rochester area.
The RDGA welcomes inductees, their families, friends, as well as members of the public, to attend this year’s Hall of Fame Induction Celebration at Cobblestone Creek Country Club. Tickets are $50 and include hors d’oeuvres and a one-hour open bar.
Learn more about the 2026 RDGA Hall of Fame Inductees and purchase event tickets at RDGA.org.
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