Western Massachusetts Gold Guide 2019

Golf Guide Western Massachusetts 2019 Brought to you by The Republican and MassLive.com

GOLF GUIDE 2019

S2 | SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

E.J. Altobello joins short list as 12th pro at Springfield Country Club be named the 12th head professional in the history of E.J. Altobello has done it Springfield Country Club, to the old fashioned way ... he follow names like Simpson, has earned every bit of it.

Mattson and Dell is an honAnd then some. or and a privilege, “Altobello The new head golf profes- said. “I am looking forward sional at Springfield Country to having a long career Club undoubtedly claimed at Springfield and continuthe top headline during an ing to serve the honor off-season that saw a multi- and traditions of this great tude of changes in pro shops place. It’s an exciting opporacross Western Massachutunity for me and setts. No fewer than 10 my family.’’ clubs will have new faces Altobello has long been take on head professional known as one of the region’s opportunities, but perhaps hardest working professionnone as notable as als in the industry, particuAltobello. larly with dual responsibilAltobello joins the private ities more common of club club on Elm Street in West pros during the early part of Springfield after spending the 20th century.

20 years at Tekoa Country “I won’t say that I work Club in Westfield. It was not harder than anyone else in lost on anyone that the last this business around here,’’ 12 were spent in two major Altobello said. “The hours capacities - as director of I work, they’re no more or golf and head superintenless than anyone else. I had dent - at the public course. a good staff at both ends to “I’m am very excited to help me. But the way I look

By Russ Held

Special to The Republican

AGAWAM MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE

General Manager – Thomas DiRico, PGA

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18 HOLES .................$26.00 ..... w/Cart $36.00 9 HOLES ...................$20.00 ....w/CART $27.50 18 HOLES (SR.).........$22.00 ....w/CART $32.00 9 HOLES (SR.)...........$18.00 ....w/CART $25.00 BACK 9 SPECIAL ....................................$22.00 BACK 9 SPECIA (SR.) .............................$22.00 JUNIORS (under 18/walking) ................$13.00 AFTERNOONS 18 HOLES (RIDING)................................$32.00 18 HOLES (SR.)......................................$30.00 BEFORE 8:00 AM SPECIAL 18 HOLES (RIDING)................................$22.00 LEAGUE PLAY 9 HOLES (RIDING)..................................$23.00 9 HOLES (WALKING) .............................$17.00

at it, people have real jobs in this world. It’s not that bad, man … what we do (as golf professionals). We work a lot of hours during those (in-season) months, it’s what you do.’’

Altobello considers his strengths to be his love of the game, organizational and tournament operations skills, and his personality.

“I think I’m pretty approachable, I’m always willing to help out and I’m easy to get along with,’’ Altobello said. “I’ve spent most of my career just trying to give back to a game that has given me so much.

And I’ll always be doing that.’’

With these attributes, Altobello becomes just the 12th head professional at Springfield CC, which was founded in 1897.

“I’m coming from a different situation, coming from a public course,’’ Altobello said of Tekoa. “But at the end of the day, you want to treat people like you want to be treated.

At both clubs, people are here for golf and just want to have fun doing it. People have their lives, and they just want to get out and have fun. They want to relax, whether it’s Springfield Country Club, Tekoa or Shinnecock.

E.J. Altobello holds his finish after swinging a club at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield.

“It’s a great situation, the club is privately owned by a small group of investors … the Hannoush family.

They are all successful businessmen, and the club’s

nity to teach.

“I missed out on coaching and instruction, and there is a range and practice facility that provides that opportunity,’’ Altobello said.

Altobello replaced Dave Dell, who resigned this winter after 12 seasons. Dell has relocated to the Naples, Fla., area.

“That’s tough, because there are some big shoes to fill with Dave being gone,’’ Altobello said.

“But he did so much for the club, he’s a great person to follow.’’

The prospect of landing at one the region’s most membership continues to prestigious courses was still move forward. It’s getting a tough decision for him. better and better at the “It was not an easy club.’’ decision by any means,’’ Altobello, 43, said he’s also Altobello said. “I had been excited about more opportu- at Tekoa so long, I have so

“I’m am very excited to be named the 12th head professional in the history of Springfield Country Club, to follow names like Simpson, Mattson and Dell is an honor and a privilege.”

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many great relationships there … and (owner) Dan (Burack) has been so great to me. I was not looking to move. There have been a lot of openings, but I did not look at them. It was tough to leave.’’

Burack, who has owned Tekoa for the last decade, said Altobello “is like a son” and that he’s thrilled for the opportunity and challenge Altobello has earned.

Altobello’s love of the game and work ethic dates back to his teenage years, when he started as a volunteer at Hunter GC in Meriden, Conn.

“I was washing carts, picking up the range at the local municipal course,’’ Altobello said. “My family was big into golf, my father, my grandfather, my mother.

My brother and I grew up on a golf course, we’d ride our bikes there.’’

Altobello played two years of college golf at Manatee Community College in

GOLF GUIDE 2019

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019 | S3

Bradenton, Fla. Soon after, he began in the industry on the turf side, at Venice Golf & Country Club.

“I had no experience, but I had met some people on the turf end and I ended up getting a turf degree from Edison Community College (in Fort Myers, Fla.),’’ Altobello said.

in 1998 and 1999, and he moved up when Sullivan left.

“At some point, I took over it (superintendent duties) over,’’ Altobello said. “(Current Springfield CC superintendent) Jedd Newsome was there, but he left for The Ranch and I sort of took over. We tried to find someone, but nothing ever came along.

I was doing it in the interim, and I knew I could do it.’’

Altobello, who lives in Westfield with wife Michele, earned Class A membership with the PGA of America in 2003 and last year he was honored with the Youth Player Development Back home, Altobello followed Hunter GC pro Steve Award through the ConSullivan when he moved to necticut Section PGA. He the head pro job at Tekoa CC. has also been very active New Springfield Country Club head golf professional E.J. Altoon numerous committees, “He said I know you’re bello has had a busy spring in the pro shop. including the Western doing turf, but I need an assistant pro,’’ Altobello re- Mass. Golf Hall of Fame Julius Boros Challenge Cup head pro at Wyckoff CC, and called. “I started by making and the Junior PGA League.

Matches this spring. superintendent Alan Young He has also been selected $250 a week.’’

(The Ranch, Southwick, Tekoa CC has hired Rick He worked under Sullivan as a captain’s pick for the Leal, longtime assistant and Springfield CC, etc.).

“I’ve spent most of my career just trying to give back to a game that has given me so much. And I’ll always be doing that.’’

Head Golf Professionals at Springfield Country Club

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Dan Leitch, 1899-1906 Walter Clark, 1907-1909 Jack Clark, 1910-1913 Fred Rigden, 1914-1925 Walter Denning, 1926-1929 Alex Simpson, 1930-1943 Tommy Filmore, 1943-1954 Jerry Gianferante, 1955-1963 Harry Mattson, 1964-2000 Ed Twohig Jr., 2002-2006 Dave Dell, 2007-2018 E.J. Altobello, 2019-

For More Information Call: Joe Plante, PGA Director of Golf

GOLF GUIDE 2019

S4 | SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Western Mass. Tee Party to honor Ludlow CC pro

Mike Bechard

By Russ Held

Special to The Republican

Talk about a milestone year …

Mike Bechard of Longmeadow recently turned 50, a few months after finishing his 30th year as a golf professional and this fall he’ll celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary.

And you can add his name to the short (and long) list of guests of honor at the Western Mass. Tee Party.

The head golf professional at Ludlow Country Club will be honored at the Tee Party for his commitment, dedication and promotion of golf in Western Massachusetts.

“The whole thing has been great so far,’’ Bechard said of the off-season recognition. “It really started to sink in when a lot of people starting messaging me. It’s just a great honor and I’m very excited about it.

I’m looking forward to spending it with friends - old and new. I’m hoping we’ll have a great day with weather.’’

The Tee Party’s afternoon golf tournament and evening awards banquet takes place Thursday, May 9 at Ludlow Country Club. The event has long served as the unofficial kickoff to the local golf season.

Bechard has seemingly always been at Ludlow CC, where he begins his 13th year as head professional. He played there as a junior, before spending six years as an assistant at the private club on Tony Lema Drive.

“The foundation of Ludlow Country Club is not the golf course, but its members,” Bechard said.

“Whenever an employee or a member faces loss or a difficult time, the members unite as a family to provide support. Ludlow Country Club and its members have been a major part of my life for 34 years and I am proud to be their golf pro.’’

Bechard knows that the golf profession has been his

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Western Mass. Tee Party honoree Mike Bechard begins his 13th season as head golf professional at Ludlow Country Club.

calling, since his junior days that began with long days at Franconia and Veterans golf courses in Springfield and closed with trips to Ludlow CC once he got his driver’s license.

Bechard also played baseball and football as a kid, but said his golf game improved after playing in state-caliber junior tournaments and as a standout at Cathedral High School. He was a schoolboy teammate of former Tee Party honorees Kevin Piecuch (CC of Greenfield) and Tim Quirk (formerly Longmeadow CC), and he qualified for the state championships during his junior and senior years.

“I finished fifth at states in 1987, and we had some

very strong teams with some really, really good players,’’ Bechard said. “I was a pretty good junior (golfer), but I always seemed to be behind guys like Erik Tiele

gets beat.’ That’s how it was.’’

Bechard has won a number of pro-am and Connecticut Section PGA tournaments over the years, and he competed in regional tournaments, including a Ben Hogan Tour (precursor to the Web.com Tour) event in New Haven.

“I qualified for their tournament at Yale (GC), and one day I was walking down the 10th fairway and a group of 20 people came running at me,’’ Bechard said.

“They thought I was John Daly, (Waubeeka Golf Links) and who was on that tour then Wayne Leal. I finally won but not there that weekend. the (Springfield) Daily News He had not won the PGA tournament (age 19-20) Championship yet, but peodivision, and the headline the ple knew who he was then next day was, ‘Wayne Leal because of how long he hit

“Ludlow Country Club and its members have been a major part of my life for 34 years and I am proud to be their golf pro.’’

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

GOLF GUIDE 2019

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019 | S5

Above: Mike Bechard of Longmeadow shows his playing form. The Ludlow Country Club head professional will be the guest of honor at the 2019 Western Mass. Tee Party.

Right: Mike Bechard, head golf professional at Ludlow Country Club, takes a moment in his pro shop. The Western Mass. Tee Party honoree considers merchandising to be among his professional strengths.

what I wanted to do.’’

Bechard said he and a friend took a Columbus Day Weekend trip to Florida that year, in hopes of lining a job for the winter.

“We both found jobs, went back for the winter and he didn’t like it,’’ Bechard said.

an 11-year run at Greenock CC in Lee. The nine-hole Ross design was an ideal fit for the East Forest Park native, but it only made sense to return to Ludlow when O’Neill retired.

“I loved it a Greenock, but the job opened up when Bobby left, and I came home,’’ Bechard said.

Today, Bechard said his strengths within the industry are his organizational skills, his love of running tournaments and merchandising in the pro shop.

At home, he and his wife, Lynn, have raised Rachel and Michael. Rachel is on course to graduate from RPI in 3½ years, with an interest in aerospace engineering.

Michael is a playing golf as freshman at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Tee Party, named after longtime emcee Rollie Jacobs, began in 1947. Other honorees with affiliation to Ludlow CC include Art House (1961) and O’Neill (1998).

It’s just a great honor and I’m very excited about it. I’m looking forward to spending it with friends - old and new. I’m hoping we’ll have a great day with weather.’’

“No one (golf clubs) keeps you there for the summer, so I had to come back.’’

But an opportunity opened at Ludlow CC, under longtime pro Bob O’Neill, and Bechard spent his next six years there.

By then, he was ready for his first head professional job,

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it. He was a bigger guy, with the blonde hair look. They thought I was him.’’

Bechard spent time as a caddie at Bay Hill in Orlando, Fla., and dabbled in the minitour life in Florida, but still he said he knew he’d “never be a tour star.’’ He spent a couple of semesters at Holyoke Comwas.’’munity College ber and took a few ut classes at Springs field College.

“But I always rna- knew I wanted ding to be a golf pro since I was very sor young,’’ the om Longmeadow n resident said. “It was a combid nation of being r- around the game and loving to nd play it as a kid. s I always loved wn being around the way pro shop, I just of really knew it ame was what I wantme,’’ ed to do.” d.

Bechard sent out resumes ght and at age 20 landed as an asDaly, sistant under Francis Kringle n at Crestview CC in Agawam. nd. “I got my feet wet there, and unfortunately I only had one eo- year to learn under him,’’ Ben chard said. “But that’s really hit when I decided that this was

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GOLF GUIDE 2019

S6 | SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019

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Roberta Bolduc ‘taking relief’ from USGA Championship responsibilities

By Russ Held

Special to The Republican

LONGMEADOW - In golf terms, Roberta Bolduc is taking relief.

The Longmeadow resident quietly retired from her longtime, volunteer role as a United States Golf Association championship competition rules official, and she’d have it no other way.

Bolduc has stepped away after helping officiate 50 national championships, including 22 Women’s Opens and five U.S. Opens.

“It’ll be sad not to be out there again, but it was time … it was just time,’’ Bolduc said.

And like any great official in any sport, if you’ve done your job … no one notices you.

“Sometimes I’ve had to pinch myself, because it doesn’t all feel real. There were some incredibly magical moments and memories. The places it has taken me in this world and to where I’ve been inside the ropes.’’

Her first major assignment was a three-year project that was greeted with great fanfare, when she served as the general chairman of the 1995 U.S. Girls’ Junior at Longmeadow Country Club. The field includes the likes of champion Marcy Newton, Cristie Kerr, Candy Hannemann and Grace Park.

Bolduc found her place as an on-course rules official with the USGA, often finding herself walking with final-round groups in contention for major championships.

Top: Team captain Roberta Bolduc, left, and U.S. World Amateur Team members Jessica Korda, Danielle Kang and Cydney Clanton. The team won the silver medal in 2010 at Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Above left: Roberta Bolduc, right, and the 2008 U.S. Curtis Cup team stand in front of the clubhouse at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland.

Above right: Roberta Bolduc hands the U.S. Women’s Open trophy to Cristie Kerr, left, in 2008.

“So I was the one speaking on behalf of the USGA at the opening ceremonies, standing in front of the Royal & Ancient. It was so magical, the three flagpoles, the national anthems. It was all I could do to keep myself together out there.”

Her first foray came in 1995, when Annika Sorenstam won at Broadmoor, and highlights included the likes of Birdie Kim, Sorenstam (again) and

Jenny Chausiriporn.

“I was standing 10 feet from her (Kim), I wanted to be as close to her as possible in case there were

any questions about what happened in the bunker,’’ Bolduc said of Kim’s hole out at the 72nd hole to win the 2005 U.S. Women’s Open at

Cherry Hills Country Club.

“I was literally hanging onto the cameraman, so that I wouldn’t fall into the bunker myself. Birdie made a birdie

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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019 | S7

Eastern Senior Amateur Championship during the mid-1990s, a few years after falling to Ann-Marie Tobin in the final of the Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts Association Championship at Myopia Hunt Club in Hamilton.

“If I have anything I’d call

a regret or I wish had been a little different, it would have been nice to have won that,’’ Bolduc said of a match against Tobin, who was named the Massachusetts Golf Association’s Female Golfer of the 20th Century.

And somewhere in there, Bolduc and Kathleen teamed

to win the state Mother & Daughter Championship.

Bolduc has also made three holes-in-one, but she had long wondered what the golf gods were thinking when they made her wait 50 years for her first.

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Her USGA ties led to her captaincy of the U.S. women’s squad at the World Amateur Team Championships in Buenos Aires in 2010, which required armed guard security on the team bus and very strict security around the golf courses.

“We came back with the silver, we beat everybody but Korea, they were very, very good,’’ Bolduc said. “It was quite an experience … we needed armored guards just to get on the bus.’’

Stateside, Bolduc has long held an affinity for Longmeadow Country Club, where she has been an esteemed member since 1981. Her humility overrides her memory when asked how many club championships she’s won at the 1922 Donald Ross design. The clubhouse walls provide those numbers and years, but Bolduc said it’s close to 30 between women’s and senior women’s club championships.

“I played my daughter Kathleen (Schuster) one year; that was really, really difficult emotionally,’’ Bolduc said.

“She didn’t want me to let her win, I didn’t want her to let me win and I didn’t want her to win.’’

And years later, Bolduc doesn’t clearly recall who actually won that year.

Bolduc competed at 10 USGA Championships, including the Women’s Mid-Amateur and nine Senior Women’s Amateurs.

Bolduc says highlights of her playing career include a 70 she shot at Longmeadow, a score she’ll forever deem as “unofficial” as a playing partner conceded to her a 12-inch putt at the third hole.

“I chipped it up to a foot and she gave it to me,’’ Bolduc said. “I wish I had putted it out.’’

She carded a 33 on the back nine at Merion, after arriving late and joining her playing group at the fifth hole while on-site to prepare for a championship.

“It was one of those days when they just put the holes in the right places,’’ Bolduc said.

She won the Women’s

GOLF GUIDE 2019

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and really just snatched it away from Morgan Pressel.

“And I was with the last group at Interlachen. It was Annika’s last Open (2008) and she was a hole away from me. When she holed out for eagle at the last hole, I didn’t see it from where I was. But the roar?

The ground shook from the crowd noise. It’s something I can still feel.

“And Jenny Chausiriporn, who made that long putt at Pumpkin Ridge to tie Se Ri Pak (in 1998). Her reaction after she made it and the noise was just overwhelming. The whole hillside rose at once. Some moments are just absolutely indelible in your mind, and always will be.’’

Count hallowed Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland among them, where she delivered an opening ceremony address during the Curtis Cup Matches in 2008.

“That was the true height for me, I was chairman of the Women’s Committee,’’ Bolduc said of the committee that conducts the USGA women’s championships.

“So I was the one speaking on behalf of the USGA at the opening ceremonies, standing in front of the Royal & Ancient. It was so magical, the three flagpoles, the national anthems. It was all I could do to keep myself together out there.

“And we had complete access to the clubhouse, and that was before they admitted women as members. All the great golfers who have ever lived, they have their names on the lockers in there. Palmer, Nicklaus, all of them …”

She spent 12 years on Women’s Committee, including two as chair, and today she counts a pair of former members - who were also her childhood idols - as two of her best friends.

“Judy Bell and Barbara McIntyre were the best amateur golfers anywhere and they were my idols growing up,’’ Bolduc said.

“And through the years, it’s amazing that through the USGA they became two of my best friends.

GOLF GUIDE 2019

S8 | SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

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GOLF GUIDE 2019

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019 | S9

Western Massachusetts Golf Course Guide 2019 COURSE

ADDRESS

PHONE

PRO

COURSE RECORD

PUBLIC COURSES 128 Southwick St., Feeding Hills 786-2194 Agawam Municipal GC Tom DiRico 61 Wayne Leal, Rick Leal, Mike Herbert 151 Plunkett St., Hinsdale 655-2605 Gary Norton 65 Jim St. Lawrence Bas Ridge GC 323 Montague Rd., Amherst 256-4071 none 64 Wade Lavigne Cherry Hill GC 1290 Burnett Rd., Chicopee 594-9295 Mike O’Neill 62 Steve Bys, Dan Lapierre Chicopee CC Rte. 20/55 Lee Rd., Lenox 637-2563 Luke Salvatore 63 David Hatheway Cranwell Resort 775 Williamstown Rd., Lanesboro 499-PUTT none n/a Donnybrook Country Club East Mountain CC 1458 East Mountain Rd., Westfield 568-1539 Ted Perez Jr. 61 Kelly Gosse 298 Barnes Rd., Ashfield 625-6018 Mark Graves (owner) 69 Pat McGuire Edge Hill GC 161 Sheep Pasture Rd., Southwick 569-6826 Bob Mucha Jr. 61 Mike Slyne Edgewood GC 619 Dwight Rd., Springfield 734-9334 Ryan Hall Franconia GC 63 Dick Murphy, Mike Werenski, Ryan Riley 18 Mulligan Dr., South Hadley 532-2307 Ledges GC Rick Fleury 63 Matt Scytkowski, Adam Rainaud Route 57, Southwick 569-0093 Daril Pacinella 33 Daril Pacinella Longhi’s Par 3 394 Deerfield St., Greenfield 773-9047 none 64 Dave Kennedy The Meadows GC Oak Ridge GC 850 South Westfield St., Feeding Hills 789-7307 Tony Strycharz 63 Peter Longhi 231 West Gill Rd., Gill 863-9693 none 62 Bobby Caouette Oak Ridge GC 254 Old Wilson Rd., Northampton 584-4570 none 65 Mike Berube Pine Grove GC The Ranch GC 65 Sunnyside Rd., Southwick 569-9333 Jared Slingerland 62 Andy Mai 357 College Highway, Southampton 527-9815 none Southampton CC 63 Frank Sadowski, Jim Sullivan 459 Russell Rd., Westfield 568-1636 ext. 1 Tekoa CC Rick Leal 61 Mike Trombley 29 Country Club Lane, Turners Falls 863-8003 none 62 Mike Griffin Thomas Memorial G & CC 1059 South Branch Parkway, Springfield 787-6449 Ryan Hall 63 Joe Perry Sr. Veterans GC 137 New Ashford Rd., Williamstown 458-8355 Waubeeka GL Erik Tiele 63 Paul Briggs 488 Chapin St., Ludlow 547-8610 Bill Kubinski 64 Tele Wightman, Chris Miele Westover GC SEMIPRIVATE COURSES 365 South Pleasant St., Amherst 256-6894 Dave Twohig 62 Jesse Morgan IV Amherst GC 183 Main St., Haydenville 268-7229 none 29/65 Bob Toski Beaver Brook GC 336 Chauncey Walker Road/Rte. 21, Belchertown 323-4888 Chris Tallman 64 Jeff Davenport Cold Spring CC Crestview CC 280 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam 786-0917 Milton Torres 63 Tony Clecak Crumpin-Fox Club Parmenter Rd., Bernardston 648-9101 Jamie Ballard 64 Mike Zaranek Rte. 23/685 So. Egremont Rd., Great Barrington 528-4222 none 63 Billy Gibbs Egremont CC 1928 Pleasant St., Athol (978) 249-7460 none 63 Tom Day Ellinwood CC Elmcrest CC 105 Somersville Rd., East Longmeadow 525-8444 Milton Torres 61 Mike Devlin Jr. Forest Park Ave., Adams 743-3311 none 61 Jim Nichols Forest Park CC General Electric Athletic 303 Crane Ave., Pittsfield 443-5746 Jay Abair 64 Mike Delgado 244 Country Club Rd., Greenfield 773-7530 Kevin Piecuch 61 Kevin Piecuch CC of Greenfield 220 West Park St., Lee 243-3323 Ryan Butterick 63 Tom Keenan Greenock CC Holyoke CC 2 Country Club Rd./Rte. 5, Holyoke 534-1933 Steve Cournoyer 63 Dave Spitz Mill Valley GL 380 Mill Valley Rd., Belchertown 323-4079 none 71 Scott Rainaud 641 River Rd., Clarksburg 663-7887 TBD 64 D. Hatheway, S. Kawa, C.Baran North Adams CC 31 Holton St., Northfield 498-2432 none 60 Bill Thornton Northfield GC 135 Main St., Leeds 586-1898 Jim Casagrande 63 Butch Duhart Northampton CC Quaboag CC 70 Palmer Rd./Rte. 32, Monson 267-5294 Joe Plante 60 Tom Sullivan Shaker Farms CC 866 Shaker Rd., Westfield 568-4087 Eric Nelson 65 Bob Mucha Jr., Bart McCarthy Route 7, Lanesboro 445-5584 Jim Mitus 63 Chris Tremblay Skyline CC 781 Shoemaker Lane, Feeding Hills 786-2088 none 64 Tom Napolitan, Mike Zaborowski St. Anne CC Taconic GC 19 Meacham St., Williamstown 458-3997 Josh Hillman 64 Rick Pohle 15 Orchard Rd., Dalton 684-1333 Mark Duane, Jim Underdown 65 Joe Mullarkey, Paul Daniels Wahconah CC CC of Wilbraham 859 Stony Hill Rd., Wilbraham 596-8887 Bob Downes 64 Todd Ezold, Noah Peterson, Cody Booska 113 Ridge Rd., Worthington 238-4464 Francis Kringle 62 Willard Brown Worthington GC 233 Easthampton Rd., Holyoke 536-3602 TBD 60 Kurt Wajda, Ed Garbacik Wyckoff CC PRIVATE COURSES Berkshire Hills CC Benedict Rd., Pittsfield 442-1451 Mike Hillman 66 Steve Magargal, Robert Ahlen 17 North Street, Blandford 848-2443 TBD 62 Marc Jemilo The Blandford Golf and Tennis Club 128 Wilbraham Rd., Hampden 566-8010 Billy Downes Jr. n/a GreatHorse 400 Shaker Rd., Longmeadow 567-8412 Mark Keiser 63 Billy Cunningham Jr. Longmeadow CC Tony Lema Drive, Ludlow 583-3434 Mike Bechard 63 Mike Majka, John Kelly Ludlow CC Orchards GC 18 Silverwood Terrace, South Hadley 535-2582 ext. 14 Keith Cunningham 63 Steve Bys 639 South St., Pittsfield 447-8504 Eric Mabee 62 Matt Donovan CC of Pittsfield 1375 Elm St., West Springfield 787-1573 E.J. Altobello 63 Matt Doyle, Jim McDonald Springfield CC Main Street, Stockbridge 298-3423 Steve Mazzariello 62 Jim Salinetti Stockbridge GC 700 Wolf Swamp Rd., Longmeadow 567-0181 John Steffen 64 John Kelly Twin Hills CC Wyantenuck CC West Sheffield Rd., Great Barrington 528-3229 Tom Sullivan 62 Tom Sullivan Note: yardage/par is from white and red tees greens fees – for 18 and 9 holes on weekdays/weekend cart fees – for 18 and 9 holes

YARDAGE/PAR

GREENS FEES

6,099/71; 5,345/71 5,051/70; 4,369/70 2,682/35; 2,317/36 6,109/71; 5,123/71 6,240/70; 5,104/71 3,338/36 5,644/71; 4,544/71 6,050/72; 4,620/72 6,500/71; 5,500/71 5,838/71; 5,075/72 5,539/72; 5,001/72 2,280/27; 1,970/27 5,600/72; 5,094/72 5,711/70; 5,297/70 2,861/36; 2,647/36 6,110/72; 4,890/72 6,103/72; 4,983/72 6,125/72; 5,125/71 5,894/71; 5,620/71 2,688/35; 2,424/35 5,901/72; 4,810/72 5,972/72; 4,845/72 6,610/72; 5,600/72

$26/$29, $20/$22 $16/$21, $13/$16 $21/$23, $15/$17 $27/$19 spring/fall $39/$59, peak $59/$79 $30/$35, $25/$30 $25/$27, $16/$17 $24, $16 $26/$30, $17/$20 $24/25 $31/$40, $22/$25 $10/$13 per nine $12/$20 $25/$35, $16/$16 $18/$18, $14/$14 $24/$27, $15/$18 $82/$98, $47/$47 $22/$27, $16/$18 $29/$34, $16/$20 $22, $16 $24/25 $49/$59, $29/$39 $25/$28, $18/$19

3,029/35; 2,774/36 3,080/36; 2,650/36 5,430/71; 4,676/71 6,297/72; 5,571/73 6,508/72; 5,432/72 5,771/71; 4,894/71 6,000/71; 5,100/72 5,904/70; 5,363/72 2,555/34; 2,218/34 6,044/72; 5,274/72 6,218/72; 5,448/73 3,007/35; 2,898/37 3,133/36; 2,705/37 6,186/72; 5,546/72 2,840/36; 2,503/36 2,694/36; 2,398/36 5,672/35; 5,004/36 2,900/36; 2,500/36 6,096/72; 5,271/72 5,656/72; 4,708/72 5,927/72; 5,018/72 6,002/71; 5,202/71 6,229/71; 5,778/73 5,967/72; 5,168/72 2,797/35; 2,487/35 5,468/69; 4,915/69

Daily fee $25 $15/$25 $35/$40, $20/$25 $40/$45, $24/$30 $79/$99 $30/$45, $20/$32 $20/$30, $10/$15 $35/$40, $21/$24 $20, $15 $22, $14 $45/$50, — $35/$48, $25/$32 $20/$25, $15/$20 $20/$25, $15/$15 $20, $15 $25/$32, $16/$20 $25, $14 $30/$35, $20/$24 $25/$32; $16/$20 $17/$25, $15/$17 $23/$29, $19/$22 $145 $75/$85, $50/$55 $50/$55 $26/$32, $16/$22 $30/$35, $17/$20

6,316/72; 5,574/73 2,824/35; 2,367/35 6,493/72; 5,496/72 6,268/70; 5,626/72 6,201/72; 5,712/72 6,217/71; 5,360/71 6,095/71; 5,417/71 6,215/72; 5,094/72 6,294/71; 5,450/73 6,117/71; 5,416/72 6,056/70; 5,364/71

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

CART FEES

RANGE

WEB SITE

$15/$7.50 per person No agawamgolfcourse.com $12/$6 per person No basridge.com $24/$14 No cherryhillgolf.org $16/$10.50 per person Yes chicopeecountryclub.com $20/$14 per person Yes Cranwellgolf.com $15/$10 per person No donnybrookgolf.com $12.75/$8.25 per person Yes eastmountaincc.com $10 per person Yes edgehillgolfcourse.com $19/$10 per person Yes edgewood4golf.com $15 per person No franconiaveteransgolf.com $12/$7 per person Yes ledgesgc.com $7 per person Yes longhisgolf.com $10/$6 per person No meadowsgolfcountryclub.com $10/$9 per person No oakridgegc.com $14/$10 per person No oakridgegolfclub.net $16/$8 per person No pinegrovegolfma.com Greens fees include cart Yes theranchgolfclub.com $16/$9 per person No southamptoncountryclub.com $16/$11 per person No tekoacc.com $14/$10 per person No thomasmem.com $15 per person No franconiaveteransgolf.com $21/$11 per person Yes waubeeka.com $15/$10 per person Yes westovergolfcourse.com $15/$10 plus tax per person $25/$15 $19/$11 $19/$12 18-hole rates include cart $22/$12 per person $15/$10 per person $18/$11 per person $27/$15 $20/$14 18-hole rates include cart $21/$12 per person $15/$8 $14/$7 per person $27/$15 $16/$8 per person $18/$9 per person $15/$10 per person $17/$12 $14/$7 per person $15/$7.50 per person Greens fees include cart $45/$25 $20/$10 per person $18/$12 per person $17/$9 per person Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

TEE TIME POLICY 7 days in advance Requested none Call pro shop Call pro shop Call pro shop 7 days in advance none 7 days in advance Wednesday for weekend 7 days in advance none none 1 week in advance none 1 day in advance 7 days in advance 1 week in advance 7 days in advance none Wednesday for weekend 7 days in advance 7 days in advance

No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes No No No No No No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes No

amherstgolfclub.org gobeaverbrook.com coldspringcc.com crestviewcc.com golfthefox.com egremontcountryclub.com ellinwoodgolf.com elmcrestcc.com forestparkadams.com none countryclubofgreenfield.net greenockcc.com holyokecountryclub.com millvalleygolflinks.com none northfieldgolfcourse.com hampgolf.com quaboagcountryclub.com shakerfarmscc.com skyline-cc.com stannecc.com taconicgolf.com wahconahcc.com ccofwilbraham.com worthingtongolfclub.com wyckoffcountryclub.com

Call pro shop 1 day in advance 7 days in advance Call pro shop 7 days in advance, 30 online 7 days in advance 7 days in advance Not applicable Call pro shop Call pro shop Thursday for weekends 5 days in advance Call pro shop Call pro shop 7 days for wknds/holidays none Not applicable Call pro shop 6 days in advance 7 days in advance 1 week in advance 7 days in advance Call pro shop none Call pro shop Not applicable

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No

berkshirehillscc.com theblandfordclub.com greathorse.com longmeadowcc.net ludlowcountryclub.com orchardsgolf.com ccpittsfield.org springfieldccma.org stockbridgegc.com twinhillscc.com wyantenuck.org

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

S10 | SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019

GOLF GUIDE 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

2019 Western Massachusetts

Golf Events Schedule April

20: Opening Scramble, Cold Spring CC

May

3-4: Spring Open, Wyantenuck CC 4: Open Two Man Scramble, CC of Greenfield 5: 2-Person Cash Skins Game, Cold Spring CC 5: Low Amateur Championship, Ludlow CC 7: U.S. Open local qualifier, Berkshire Hills CC 8: Massachusetts Open qualifier, CC of Pittsfield 9: Rollie Jacobs Western Mass. Tee Party, Ludlow CC 11: U.S. Kids Hartford Tour event, East Mountain CC; Allied Four-Ball, Wahconah CC

12: Open Three-Man Scramble, Greenock CC 13: Men’s Senior Open Two-Ball, Ludlow CC 13-14: MassGolf Women’s Stone Cup, Crumpin-Fox Club

17: AH Findlay Hickory Open, CC of Greenfield 18-19: Amherst 2 Ball Open, Amherst GC 22: Senior Open Two-Ball, Crumpin-Fox Club 24: Stockbridge Classic, Stockbridge GC; Easthampton Food Bank/Give ’em the Birdie, Southampton CC

24-27: Foursome Best Ball Open, Worthington GC

14: Senior 2 Ball Open, Amherst GC 15: Irish Open, Northampton CC 26: Tee it Up for the Troops, Cold Spring 15-16: CFC Open Two-Ball, CrumpCC 27: Memorial Day 4 Ball, Franconia GC,

in-Fox Club

Open Two-Ball, Chicopee CC; Memorial 16: Father’s Day 2-Person Scramble, Cold Spring CC Day Open, Crumpin-Fox Club 17: Massachusetts Amateur qualifier, 28: MIAA Girls Regional ChampionCrestview CC ship, CC of Greenfield 29: Berkshire Hills Pro-Am, Berkshire 19: Senior Open Singles, Crumpin-Fox Club CC

31: Greenfield Knights of Columbus

21: Greenfield Senior Open, CC of Greenfield

31-June 2: Mac Sennett Two-Ball, CC

21-23: Pewter Cup, Berkshire Hills CC 22: N.E. Snowmobile Assoc., Southamp-

Council #133, Crumpin-Fox Club, (413) 774-2465

of Greenfield

June

1-2: Stockbridge Trophy Tournament, Stockbridge GC

4: Four-person scramble, Worthington GC 5: Massachusetts Amateur qualifier, Wahconah CC

7: Newman Golf Tournament, Ledges GC, v.webb@diospringfield.org, (413) 519-0300

ton CC

22-23: Women’s Better Ball of 2, Worthington GC

20-23: Walter “Bucky” Simao Member-Guest Four-Ball, Ludlow CC

23: 17th annual Friends of Chicopee Public Library, Chicopee CC, jmoran6458@charter.net or wcmuldoon@gmail.com; Phyllis Canon Invitational, CC of Greenfield 25: Massachusetts Public Links Championship, Ledges GC

7-9: Spring Open Four-Ball, Wahconah 26: Women’s Open 2-Player Scramble, CC; Open Four Ball Scramble, Worthing- Crumpin-Fox Club ton GC 27: Massachusetts Junior Amateur quali1290 Burnett Road, Chicopee, MA fier, Amherst GC 8: Stockbridge Women’s Open, Stockbridge GC Now Offering 28-30: 4 Person scramble, Worthington GC 9: William B. Menard Memorial, Oak 2019 Season Ridge GC, (413) 348-4443, billygolf13@ G Golf olf Passess Golf SWeekday 30: Hampshire Regional Booster Club, gmail.com; Butch Duhart Open 2 Ball, pecial w/ Southampton CC; Open Two-Ball, Chic art: Northampton CC Residents Women &ics $ 3 6 copee CC Non-Resid Junior Clin ents $40 11: Ladies Invitational Senior Open, Call Ca l Mike O’Neill, (includes tax) Ludlow CC PGA A Director of Golf 413-594-9295 41 1 Se g ni in k or Book B 12: Stockbridge Senior 4 Ball, StockWeekday G lf Outings Go Special w/ cart 4: Firecracker Ryder Cup, CC of Greenfield bridge GC : y Size

Chicopee Country Club

July

02564036

An Resident $34 Good Dates Non-Resident $3 For more info: 8 e (includes tax) Availabl chicopeecountryclub.com om om

13: Two-Woman Scramble, Worthington GC

6: Red, White & Blue Scramble, Cold Spring CC

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

GOLF GUIDE 2019

6-7: Worthington Cup, Worthington GC 8: U.S. Amateur qualifier, Longmeadow

9-11: Summer Open Four-Ball, Wahconah CC

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019 | S11

20-22: Seniors 2 Ball, Worthington GC 21: Stockbridge Turning Leaves, Stockbridge

CC; Polish Center for Discovery & Learning, Ludlow CC

10-11: Walter Martowski Open Two-Ball,

GC

8-10: New England Women’s Association

11: Larry’s Clambake Scramble/Ronald Mc-

21-22: Springfield Country Club Open Two Ball, Springfield CC; Barber Collins, CC of Greenfield

Championship, GreatHorse

Ludlow CC

Donald House, East Mountain CC

10: Senior Open Two Player Scramble,

13: Worthington Junior Tournament, Worth- 22: Ryder Cup, Chicopee CC ington GC 23: Taconic Four-Ball, Taconic GC 11: Western Mass. Pro-Junior, CC of Greenfield 13-14: Ladies Open Two-Ball, Twin Hills CC 27-29: Flaming Leaves, Worthington GC 13-14: Greenfield Open, CC of Greenfield 16-18: Little Brown Jug, Wahconah CC 14: Par 3 Challenge, Cold Spring CC; Wom- 17: Friends of the Springfield Vet Center Crumpin-Fox Club

en’s Open Two Ball, Crumpin-Fox Club; Open Golf Tournament, Tekoa CC, acwymanusa@ Four-Man Team, Greenock CC; Mark’s Barbe- yahoo.com cue Scramble/Diabetes, East Mountain CC 18: Martha Hayes Ladies 2 Ball, Northamp17: Kells Junior Two-Ball, CC of Greenfield ton CC

18: MassGolf Women’s B, C, D & E Champi- 19-22: Massachusetts Junior Amateur onships, Waubeeka GL

Championship, Crumpin-Fox Club

19: Bob Dubiel Memorial, Southampton CC 19: Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Championship, Wyantenuck CC 19-21: Open Two Ball, Worthington GC 20: U.S. Mid-Amateur qualifier, Orchards GC 20: 2 Ball Scramble, Amherst GC; Ray Ellerbrook tournament, Northampton CC 21: Women’s Open Singles, Crumpin-Fox Club 20-21: John Raimondi Open Two-Ball, Vet- 23: Jon Hunt Senior Two-Ball, CC of Greenfield erans GC and Franconia GC 24: Open Mixed Scotch, Crumpin-Fox Club; 21: East Mountain Country Club Junior 20th Chris Knight Memorial, Agawam MunicChampionship, East Mountain CC

ipal GC, jimknight23@comcast.net

23-26: AJGA Junior at Chicopee presented

24-25: Cold Spring Four-Ball, Cold Spring

October

3: MIAA Western Mass. Girls’ Golf, Franconia GC 4: PVIAC Two-Ball Championship, Ledges GC 4-6: Open Two Man Scramble, Worthington

GC

5: Fight Like A Girl Tournament, Veterans GC, golfermellen178@aol.com; Open Two Player Scramble, Crumpin-Fox Club; Brett Williamson Memorial Scholarship, Ludlow CC 5-6: Amherst 2 Ball Open, Amherst GC 6: Greenskeeper’s Revenge, Cold Spring CC 12-13: Chili Scramble, Worthington GC;

Two-Person Scramble, CC of Greenfield

12-14: Open 2 Man Scramble, Greenock CC 14: Men’s Columbus Day Open Two-Ball,

by John D. Mineck Foundation, Chicopee CC

CC

25-28: Invitational Four-Ball, CC of Green-

Twin Hills CC 25: Open Two-Ball, Chicopee CC 26: 23rd Sisters of St. Joseph Golf, Springfield 20: Halloween Scramble, Cold Spring CC;

field

26: Via Wightman Junior Open, Chicopee CC CC, (413) 536-0853 26-28: Berkshire Hills Singles, Berkshire 30-Sept. 2: Bontempo Four-Ball, FrancoHills CC

nia GC

27: Amherst Women’s Open, Amherst GC 28: Stockbridge Mixed Scotch, Stockbridge GC; Open Two-Ball, Chicopee CC

29: Allied Junior, Worthington GC

August

2-4: Summer Singles, Worthington GC 3: Chicopee Golf Appreciation Day, Chicopee CC; Matt Ziemian Memorial Golf Tournament, Cold Spring CC, davidziemian1@ gmail.com

4: Greater Hatfield Open, CC of Greenfield; Amherst Open (singles), Amherst GC

5: Knights of Columbus Council 15197,

Orchards GC, (413) 427-8621 or pneboksy@ gmail.com

September

GreensKeeper’s Revenge, Chicopee CC

20: Ted Perez Sr. Turkey Shoot Scramble/ American Heart Association, East Mountain CC 21: Western Mass. Division I Championships, Southampton CC

7-8: The Hadley Open (2 Ball), Amherst GC 26-27: Halloween Bar-B-Q Scramble, 8: 15th annual St. Patrick Committee of West Worthington GC Springfield, Tekoa CC, billjolf@comcast.net, (413) 237-3358

8: Sunday Mixed Pinehurst Scotch, CC of Greenfield

November

2-3: Novemberfest I, Amherst GC 3: 3-Man Scramble, Ludlow CC field CC 13: Men’s Senior Open Two-Ball, Ludlow CC 9-10: Novemberfest II, Amherst GC 10: Closing Scramble, Cold Spring CC 15: Cold Spring Two-Ball, Cold Spring CC; Open Singles, Crumpin-Fox Club; Bucky 16-17: Novemberfest III, Amherst GC Scotch, CC of Greenfield 17: Turkey Shoot, Chicopee CC 19: Springfield Classic Women’s Invitational, 23-24: Novemberfest IV, Amherst GC Springfield CC 11: U.S. Amateur Four-Ball qualifier, Spring-

GOLF GUIDE 2019

S12 | SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Bolduc CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

“I was 65, but I made it at the 15th hole at Machrihanish Dunes (in Scotland),’’ Bolduc said. “It had just opened, so I was the first American and first woman to make a hole-in-one there.’’

She has since made aces at the fourth and seventh holes at Longmeadow.

“Longmeadow, it’s my favorite course anywhere,’’ said Bolduc, whose home borders the fifth fairway.

“There have been many changes to the course (and facilities) over the years, but the ground is still the same. It’s a course I have never gotten tired of playing. Never!’’

Bolduc’s handicap once dipped as low as 3, a testament to her short game as she said “hitting greens in regulation was never my strong suit. But I could really chip and putt.’’

She grew up in Kansas in a family of golfers, where her father and brother were single-digit handicappers.

She took up the game at age 15, and still says her contribution to helping her home club win a state team cham-

Above left: Roberta Bolduc raises the American flag at World Amateur team festivities in 2010 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Above right: Roberta Bolduc, right, and U.S. World Amateur team members Danielle Kang, Jessica Korda and Cydney Clanton.

“Longmeadow, it’s my favorite course anywhere. There have been many changes to the course (and facilities) over the years, but the ground is still the same. It’s a course I have never gotten tired of playing. Never!’ pionship at Prairie Dunes is one of her most prized trophies.

“I loved golf and was a

decent player, but it wasn’t until I was in my 40s that I really started playing with a purpose,’’ Bolduc said. “In

my mid to late 40s, it made the thought of turning 50 feel a whole lot better. I was ready to compete in senior

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events.’’

In between, life brought Bolduc back to Western Massachusetts when her father retired from the U.S. Air Force.

She “married the boy next door (Bob, a successful local businessman)” and she has always been grateful to have had the opportunity to raise Kathleen (now a mother of three) and spend the majority of her adult life in volunteer capacities.

In addition to the USGA volunteer experiences, Bolduc became the first woman to serve as president of Longmeadow CC (in 1999) and as chairperson of its golf and green committee. She was also inducted into the Western Mass. Golf Hall of Fame.

Bolduc plans to play at least three times a week again this season, and will still be involved in national, regional and state level qualifying competitions.

ve

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

GOLF GUIDE 2019

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019 | S13

Western Massachusetts Tee Party

Honoree List

With Ludlow Country Club head pro Mike Bechard set to be honored as the 2019 Western Mass. Tee Party honoree, here is a look back at the past winners of the prestigious honor: 1947: Bob Toski, PGA National Tour 1948: John Raimondi, Memorial/Veterans 1949: Vic Wall, Springfield Newspapers 1950-1955: no guest honored.

1956: Al Porter, Western Mass. PGA 1957: John Banks, Mt. Tom/Shaker Farms 1958: Jimmy Young, The Orchards 1959: Mac Sennett, CC of Greenfield 1960: Henry Bontempo, Franconia 1961: Art House, Ludlow 1962: Harry Biagiotti, Holyoke 1963: Allan Mackintosh, Wilbraham 1964: Ole Clark, Longmeadow 1965: Frank Kringle, Crestview 1966: Jack Taylor, Feeding Hills 1967: Ed Twohig Sr., Amherst 1968: John Marge, Tekoa 1969: Mike Marge, Southwick

1970: John Strycharz, Bud Czelusniak, Southhampton

1971: Jack Toski, Beaver Brook 1972: Jimmy Nichols, Westover 1973: Leo Fugiel, Wyckoff Park 1974: John St. Clair, A.G. Spalding Co. 1975: John Sutter, Shaker Farms 1976: Fran Monte, Quaboag 1977: Mickey Cotela, Elmcrest 1978: Tom Toski, Hickory Ridge 1979: Bob Case, Tekoa 1980: Dick Stranahan, Longmeadow 1981: all prior recipients honored 1982: Harry Mattson Jr., Springfield 1983: Robert Bontempo, The Orchards 1984: Rollie Jacobs, Channel 22-WWLP 1985: Ronnie Mattson, Twin Hills 1986: Jim Regan, USGA/Springfield Newspapers 1987: James “Bucky” O’Brien, Greenfield 1988: Bob O’Neill, Ludlow 1989: Tom DiRico, Shaker Farms 1990: Jim Long, Spalding Sports 1991: Dan DiRico, Franconia 1992: Tracy Mehr, Amherst College 1993: Gerry Finn, Springfield Newspapers 1994: Tom Gorman, former Franconia

1995: Ed Twohig Jr., The Orchards 1996: Massachusetts Golf Association 1997: Jim Modzelesky, Oak Ridge 1998: Dave DiRico, Crestview CC 1999: Dave Twohig, Amherst GC 2000: Joe Grochmal, Springfield CC 2001: Ted Perez Jr., East Mountain CC 2002: Mike Grigely, Edgewood GC 2003: Via Wightman, Holyoke CC 2004: Tony Kelley, Wyckoff CC 2005: Joe Pagos, Elmcrest CC 2006: Joe Agostino, Skip Grant, A.G. GolfClub 2007: Geoffrey Cornish, architect 2008: Ron Dunn, Agawam Municipal GC 2009: Daril Pacinella, teaching professional 2010: Jim Casagrande, Northampton CC 2011: Jim McDonald, Crumpin-Fox Club 2012: Francis Kringle, The Blandford Club 2013: Paul Quinn, Longmeadow Country Club 2014: Kevin Piecuch, CC of Greenfield 2015: Fisk Family, Fenway Golf Inc. 2016: Rick Fleury, Elmcrest Country Club 2017: Bob Mucha Jr., Edgewood Golf Course 2018: Tim Quirk, Longmeadow Country Club 2019: Mike Bechard, Ludlow Country Club

GOLF GUIDE 2019

S14 | SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS GOLF

How to help kids get into golf Golf is a game of skill that can take years, if not decades, to master. Though many players never swing a golf club until they reach adulthood, it’s never too early to hit the links. Some of the world’s most accomplished golfers, including four-time Masters champion Tiger Woods, began playing as toddlers, and many feel that getting an early start can lead to a more successful game down the road.

Getting kids into golf is a great way for parents to bond with their children while enjoying the great outdoors. Golf can also be used to teach kids humility, sportsmanship and the importance of hard work.

Thanks to the often frustrating nature of golf, parents may find it somewhat challenging to instill a love of the game in their youngsters. But there are ways to introduce kids to this wonderful game that kids might just play for the rest of their lives.

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• Hire an instructor with experience teaching children.

Instructors with experience teaching children will understand the basics of the game and how learning those basics provides a great foundation for future enjoyment and success on the course. Instructors who have taught kids in the past also know that teaching youngsters the finer points of golf requires patience and encouragement. Ask a fellow parent or an employee at the club where you play to recommend an instructor for your child.

And take advantage of any kids’ courses your club offers.

• Play some holes. Instructors may teach kids the differences between the types of clubs and how to swing and putt. But golf is most fun when players are out on the links going from hole to hole. Instruction is important, but don’t forget to play a few holes with your child each week as well.

03085299

• Focus on having fun. Few, if any, golfers at your local golf course on a given weekend could say with certainty that golf has never frustrated them. The challenge of golf may be its most appealing characteristic to older players, but young kids can be easily overwhelmed by the challenges golf presents. By focusing on having fun instead of perfecting techniques, parents can get kids to look forward to their time on the links. The more fun kids have, the more likely they will be to embrace the game and its many challenges. Don’t put pressure on youngsters as they develop their games, but encourage them through their struggles and reassure them that you faced the same obstacles when you started playing.

• Purchase the correct equipment. Even the best golfers are bound to struggle when using the wrong equipment. While it might be unwise to invest in especially expensive equipment for youngsters likely to grow out of it in a few months’ time, deals can be found on used kids’ equipment. Used kids’ equipment is typically subjected to less wear and tear than used equipment for adults, as kids tend to play less often and fewer holes than adults when they do play. But make sure to find correctly sized equipment that kids feel comfortable using.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

GOLF GUIDE 2019

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019 | S15

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS GOLF

Interesting facts about golf entire round of golf, signified by a number. The lower the number, the better the golfer is.”

• The word “caddy” comes from “cadet,” the French word for “student.”

• A regulation golf ball contains 336 dimples.

Golf is played all over the globe. Golf is one of the world’s oldest sports, boasting a rich history. Golf is a sport of skill, that can involve not only athletic prowess, but also brain power.

Here are some interesting facts about the game.

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Golf is played all over the globe. Golf is one of the world’s oldest sports, boasting a rich history. Golf is a sport of skill, that can involve not only athletic prowess, but also brain power. Here are some interesting facts about the game.

• To this date, golf is only one of two games to be played on the moon. The other is a javelin throw.

• Long before the advent of tees, golfers played off of hand-built sand piles.

• In 1889, Ab Smith inadvertently coined the phrase “birdie,” when he hit a shot he defined as a “bird of a shot.”

• Making a hole-in-one during a round of golf is quite a challenge. However, the odds of making two are incredibly low, at one in 64 million.

• Only around 20 percent of golfers have a handicap below 18. The United States Golf Teachers Federation defines handicap as “a measure of a player’s current ability over an

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Reasonable terms and conditions apply.

Visit GolfTheFox.com for details.

GolfTheFox.com 413-648-9101

3109064-01

Open Tues.-Sun. • Closed Mondays

3109757-01

3109942-01

Contact Jacob Harrington, Membership Manager 413.298.3439 ext. 1 jacob.harrington@stockbridgegc.com www.stockbridgegc.com

• 3 Round Fox Pass – $69 Per Round • 5 Round Fox Pass – $59 Per Round • 10 Round fox Pass – $49 Per Round

GOLF GUIDE 2019

S16 | SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019

Women’s

G

LF

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Presented by:

CLINIC

Cold Spring Country Club Where: Belchertown Golf pro: Chris Tallman Instructor: David Wright Start dates: Wednesday evening, May 1; Thursday evening, May 2 For more information: (413) 323-4888 Fenway Golf Where: East Longmeadow Golf pros: Bob Lake, Susan Teitel, Joe Eadie Start dates: Tuesday morning, April 23; Thursday evening, April 25 For more information: (413) 525-4444 Franconia Golf Course Where: Springfield Golf pros: Ryan Hall, Chris Miracle, Ed Polomba Start dates: Wednesday evening, May 15 For more information: (413) 787-6467

Holyoke Country Club Where: Holyoke Golf pro: Steven Cournoyer Start dates: Monday evening, April 29 For more information: (413) 534-1933

Springfield Country Club Where: West Springfield Golf pros: E.J. Altobello, Taylor Schmidt Start dates: Wednesday evening, May 1 For more information: (413) 787-1563

Shaker Farms Country Club Where: Westfield Golf pro: Eric Nelson Start date: Tuesday morning, May 14 For more information: (413) 568-4087

Westover Golf Course Where: Ludlow Golf pro: Bill Kubinski Start date: Monday evening, April 29 For more information: (413) 547-8610

Southampton Country Club Where: Southampton Golf pro: Ed Twohig Jr. Start dates: Monday morning, April 22; Monday evening, April 22; Thursday morning, April 25; Thursday evening, April 25 For more information: (413) 265-3551

The Republican Women’s Golf Clinic Registration Form

SIX PRO LESSONS ONLY $50!

Name __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________ City__________________________________________________________State _______Zip____________________ email___________________________________________________________________ Daytime phone___________________________ Mobile phone___________________________ Course:______________________________

Check:_______

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Credit Card Number: _________________________________________________ Exp. Date:_________

Please make checks payable to The Republican Please mail checks to: The Republican Co. Misc. Lockbox II P.O. Box 5820 New York, NY 10087-5820

• All ages & skill levels welcome.

• $50 per person for six lessons.

• Morning lessons begin at 10 am • Evening lessons begin at 6 pm Instructors at individual clinics may decide to vary the times after the first lesson.