PGA REACH New England is excited to continue its spotlight series dedicated to sharing the goodwill and support of local communities by our PGA Professionals. Chipping In trumpets the story of individual PGA Professionals and his or her efforts to differentiate their facility and personal PGA Brand within the community. This month, we share the story of  Tyler Piekarski, PGA of Button Hole.

TYLER PIEKARSKI, PGA

Button Hole

Tyler Piekarski: I am a class “A” PGA Member golf professional, who grew up learning the game of golf at my current facility, Button Hole in Providence, RI. I earned my “Button Hole Kid” status after successfully completing youth golf classes. This allowed me to play and practice at Button Hole for just $1 until the age of 18, a program which is still offered today.

In high school I was a first team all division golfer and ice hockey player. In college at Johnson and Wales University, I played NCAA Ice Hockey, while also completing an internship at Button Hole, thus sparking my interest in a career in golf. Upon my graduation in 2021, I entered the PGA program, while simultaneously playing professional ice hockey in the FPHL. After 2 seasons in the FPHL, and a stint managing the junior golf program as the Assistant Golf Professional at Montaup Country Club, I returned to Button Hole.

In 2023 I was fortunate enough to coach a group of children who won the New England Section PGA Jr League Championship. This season I was named the RI PGA Teacher of the Year (2025) and a US Kids Golf Honorable Mention. When not teaching and coaching I enjoy playing competition golf in the NEPGA section.

Is there a personal cause or goal you would like to bring attention to? 

Last year I started a new program called the Button Hole Golf Club, where our staff and I brought small groups of advanced Button Hole Kids to different golf courses throughout the state for free, with transportation provided. This program breaks down financial barriers to learning the game, all while teaching youth vital on-course lessons and life skills. I ask that you allow a small group (3-6) of advanced Button Hole Kids to play your golf course at one point this season. I implore you to even play alongside us!

What is the name of the organization or program you would like to highlight?

The San Miguel School, an independent, tuition-free middle school serving boys in grades 5-8.

How long have you been active with your charitable organization?

I have worked directly with San Miguel School for at least the last 4 years, Button Hole has been in partnership with San Miguel School since day 1.

What is the most rewarding thing about giving back to the community?

For nearly 25 years Button Hole has been working with the San Miguel School. This partnership has brought in countless youth from the Providence area and made them not only Button Hole Kids, but leaders in the community. Three years ago, I booked a private lesson with a recreational golfer, Ryan DaCruz. During the lesson I discovered that he was not only a former Button Hole Kid, but also a former San Miguel student. He is now a small business owner working in the food service industry who operates both The Point Tavern – Providence and Four/29, a catering service. Ryan is just one of the countless success stories of youth who have been positively impacted by San Miguel School and Button Hole. Today, we have taken multiple children from our program with San Miguel and inserted them into our PGA Jr League teams. Three young men stand out in particular – Ian, Isaiah and Miguel. Miguel has been playing with us for 3 years; Isaiah and Ian started playing last season. All these youth golfers have played on our PGA Jr League team and now they hope to try out for high school teams next year. Without our partnership they may have never picked up a golf club. Instilling youth with the life lessons and the game I was taught is a great honor. To do it at the same place I grew up playing is truly a special feeling to say the least.

What other organizations do you support?

Our facility supports a wide array of organizations; West End Community Center, Providence Recreation Department, Providence After School Alliance (PASA), The Met School, Times2 Academy, East Side YMCA and Special Olympics are just some of our partners. We also have several free opportunities for veterans such as bi-monthly clinics and free play during certain hours on Wednesdays.

How has giving back to the community helped to raise awareness of your facility?

Recently we have installed SkyTrak simulators at several local schools and community organizations. These organizations include Times2 Academy, The Met School, East Side YMCA, Classical High School and Achievement First. These simulators have helped to get students directly involved in golf at their schools and organizations. We have been able to transfer some of these students to programs at our facility such as PGA Jr League. Giving back to the community this way has created a pipeline of new junior golfers for our facility that we wouldn’t have had prior.

How do you determine which charities to support?

I like to find causes that I am passionate about. There are so many great charities within the game of golf alone, not just Button Hole – Full Swing Golf of RI, Fab Golf Newport and Youth on Course are just a few great local examples.

Any recommendations on how someone can start to support their community?

Find new ways to promote junior golf! The next generation needs places to play, learn and practice. In today’s busy golfing climate junior golf can get lost in the shuffle, I challenge you to create opportunities for youth at your facility.