Mike Bello, Professional Golf Association pro, was an exceptional golf instructor and coach who used a low-key approach to help players learn the elements of the game.

 

Bello began his career as a caddy at Onondaga Golf and Country Club. He became an assistant pro at Syracuse Yacht & Country Club, now called the Lakeshore Country Club. From there he went to Tecumseh Country Club where he was the club pro for 25 years.

 

Besides helping formulate a ladies golf league for women who were not members of a private club, Bello influenced and taught players at the college level as the Le Moyne College golf coach, a post he held for 23 years.

 

Two local golf tournaments bear his name: the Central New York PGA Mike Bello Cup and the Le Moyne College Mike Bello Invitational. Bello died in August of 1993, two months before he was officially inducted into the Greater Syracuse Hall of Fame.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

 

1932-1934: Attended Syracuse High School where he excelled in four sports; basketball, football, golf and baseball

 

1946-1964: Spent 18 years as assistant golf pro at Lake Shore Country Club

 

1964-1989: Served as head pro at Tecumseh Golf Course for 25 years

 

1965: Named Central New York Pro of the Year

 

1980: Received the Blind Men and Criers annual Edward J. Kearney Award for service to the community

 

Other achievements: Former chairman of Central New York PGA Executive Committee; Directed the Syracuse District Golf Association Junior program for over 25 years.