Since his college basketball career ended, Dennis Belote of East Amherst, N.Y. has walked in pain. Torn cartilage and ligaments in both knees have led him to the realization that knee replacement surgery is his only ticket to a better quality life.
Belote, 60, will postpone surgery until Oct. 4, in order to join his sons in competing in the national finals of the inaugural PGA McGladrey Team Championship, Sept. 10-12, at Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort.
PGA McGladrey Team Championship
Belote, who carries a 10 handicap, leads a true family affair at the first grassroots best-ball event conducted by The PGA of America. He has served as a high school basketball coach since 1989 and junior varsity baseball coach since 1981 at Williamsville East High School in Amherst, N.Y. When he's not coaching, Belote is a sales representative for Advantage Trade Group Co.
His sons, each sporting 4 handicaps, are past club champions at Transit Valley Country Club in Amherst, N.Y. Scott, 38, is an emergency room physician at United Medical Center in Batavia, N.Y., and Keith, 37, is an accountant and partner in the Buffalo branch of PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
Dennis played basketball at Buffalo State College from 1965-69. He said that he used to walk a golf course up until three years ago. Now, he needs a golf cart due to the increasing pain.
"I decided that I could wait a bit longer for surgery, because playing in this championship with my two sons at Pinehurst is the highlight of my golf career," said Belote. "The other highlight is being fortunate enough to watch my kids grow up playing and enjoying the game the way my wife (Diane) and I do."
The fourth member of team is Transit Valley PGA Head Professional Tim Fries, the president of the Western New York PGA Section. Fries posted a 66 in the final round of the Section Championship, Aug. 3, at Chautauqua Country Club in Mayville, N.Y. That was the spark for an eight-stroke victory for the foursome.
Fries, a veteran of five PGA Professional National Championships, also led four teams between 1998 and 2005 in the former Buick Scramble. He was the 1998 Western New York PGA Player of the Year and the 2002 Western New York PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Fries also captured the 2005 and 2006 Western New York PGA Professional Championship
"I'm excited to be part of this team," said Fries. "The Belote family is so nice. I think Dennis is a very calming influence on his sons. He's coached for many years and has the right mind-set on how to help others. We enjoyed our Section Championship experience. There were a lot of high-fives that day."
The National Championship, Sept. 10-12, features 41 four-member Section Champion teams composed of three amateur members and a PGA Professional.
"It was really fun, and especially winning with your dad," said Keith. "I like the format of this championship. Everyone on the team helps out. And, we are all excited about coming to Pinehurst and trying to arrange that we can have most of our family with us."
Dr. Scott Belote won Transit Valley Country Club championships in 1988, '90 and '97. Keith was the 2000 champion.
"Scott has the best short game among us," said Keith. "He can get it up and down from about anywhere."
Scott said the family golf learning center was not far from his doorstep.
"Dad built a putting green in the backyard," said Scott. "My brother and I learned to pitch and putt there. It made us have a good short game right away.
"My brother and I are hoping that we can carry on our good fortune in this championship," said Scott. "We have had the uncanny ability to zig and zag with the best of them."
The PGA McGladrey Team Championship is a result of the new partnership between The PGA of America and RSM McGladrey, the Official Accounting, Tax and Business Consulting firm of The PGA of America. RSM McGladrey is the fifth largest accounting, tax and business consulting firm in the country when considered with McGladrey & Pullen LLP (a partner-owned CPA firm).
