“Strokes of Genius” Returns to Drive STEM and Startup Innovation Across the Mohawk Valley – Presented by AX Enterprize 

ROME, N.Y. – April 21, 2026 – Griffiss Institute (GI) announces the return of its 2nd Annual Strokes of Genius Charity Golf Tournament, presented by AX Enterprize, on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Rome Country Club. 

More than a day on the green, Strokes of Genius is designed with on-course experiences that keep the energy high throughout the day, including a hole-in-one contest, closest-to-the-pin and longest drive challenges, and interactive moments across the course that bring competition and conversation together. 

Proceeds from the tournament support GI’s STEM and tech startup initiatives. Expanding pathways for the next generation of innovators, from students to tech & science entrepreneurs. Through hands-on, real-world experiences, these efforts build skills, advance ideas, and strengthen the Mohawk Valley’s innovation ecosystem by connecting learning to application and opportunity. 

“This event brings our community together, from players to volunteers to those driving what comes next across the Mohawk Valley. It is a time to connect, share ideas, have fun, and talk about everything from emerging technologies to new ventures and regional growth. It is where we put ideas into play and where the connections are made that move the next generation of innovators forward,” said Melissa Tallman, chief brand and advancement officer at Griffiss Institute.

The tournament will feature a mix of corporate teams, startup founders, engineers, educators, and community partners from across the Mohawk Valley and beyond.  You can find a dynamic environment where competition meets conversation, and new connections take shape throughout the day. 

Tournament Details 
Monday, June 1, 2026 
Rome Country Club 

• 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Registration, networking, and ‘Anything but a Putter’contest 
• 9:00 a.m. – Shotgun start (18-hole scramble) 
• Midway Point – Lunch at the 19th Hole 
• 2:30 p.m. – Awards ceremony, appetizers, and sponsor recognition 

Registration is $600 per team (four players) and includes a day on the course, a swag bag, light morning refreshments, lunch, award-ceremony appetizers, and networking. All skill levels are welcome. 

A highlight of the day includes the ‘Anything but a Putter’ hole, where players ditch the putter and get creative. It is where the innovators start to stand out. 

Corporate teams will find value in a setting designed for both engagement and visibility, whether strengthening internal teams, hosting clients, or building new partnerships within the region’s innovation network. 

Participate or Partner 

• Team Registration: Secure your foursome and join regional leaders for a day of connection, competition, and impact. 

• Sponsorship Opportunities: Position your organization at the center of the Mohawk Valley’s innovation ecosystem while gaining visibility among industry, academic, and government partners. 

Secure your spot on the course, align your organization as a sponsor, or step in as a volunteer; each role plays a part in advancing STEM and innovation in our region. 
A special thank you in advance to local support and sponsorships  

Sponsors 

• Presenting Sponsor: AX Enterprize 
• Gold Sponsor: First Source FCU 
• Player Bag Sponsor: Michael Best 
• Beverage Cart Sponsor: AGELISS Aesthetics 
• Media Sponsor: Daily Sentinel 
• Sign Sponsor: PJ Green 
• Hole-in-One & Par 3 Sponsor: Mastrovito Hyundai 

Additional sponsors will be announced as confirmed. 

Learn more and get involved: 
griffissinstitute.org/strokes-of-genius/ 
Contact Melissa Tallman at (315) 269-4205