In Memory of Tracy Mehr 1928-2020 Posted February 28, 2020
Amherst Golf Club regrets the passing of local legend, Coach Tracy Mehr. Among his many accomplishments was winning the 1971 Massachusetts Amateur Golf Championship at age 43, the first state amateur based out of Western Mass. As a result of the win, he was able play in international amateur invitationals and with the likes of Arnold Palmer, Gene Littler and Billy Casper.
ARHS Golf Team Fall 2019 Season Recap Posted January 23, 2020
Off
The ARHS Varsity Golf Team (from L to R) Chase Lashway, Ben Oates, Evan Rutherford, Eli Kayser-Hirsh, Skyler Ferro, Piet Hartman, Coach Carl Vigeland, and William Platt [missing: Logan Madden & Ahanu Youngblood]
Divot repairs made by the 2019 ARHS golf team under the watchful eye of golf superintendent Carl Teschke.
Evan Rutherford wins WMass Division 1 Golf Tournament, Amherst finishes third
SOUTHAMPTON — Evan Rutherford stood in the corner of the Southampton Country Club clubhouse among dozens of other high school golfers and waited for scores to trickle in.
The Amherst Regional senior’s hands gripped the top of a chair that was in front of him. He stared at the submitted scores that were taped on the windows for a few seconds, then he turned around and faced his friend, Ludlow’s Evan Libby …
“I want to win so bad,” he said.
Over the next 30 minutes, the final scores came in. Rutherford’s 8-over 80 was good enough to give him the win and make him the Western Massachusetts Division 1 Tournament champion on Monday.
“A lot of hard work paid off,” said Rutherford, who will play at the state Division 1 championship at Haven Country Club in Boylston on Oct. 28. “I worked hard this summer. I’m not going to complain at all about winning, but I left a few strokes out there, but I’m not going to worry about it.”Longmeadow scored 344 to win the team championship. Minnechaug and Amherst each scored 353, but the Falcons won the tiebreaker to finish second and qualify for states.
Each team sends six golfers and the top four account for the team score. A team’s fifth score is used to break a tie. Tim Jodoin shot a 95 for Minnechaug to beat Ben Oates and his 99 for Amherst.
Belchertown finished seventh with a 381.
As the championship went along, Rutherford felt like he had a good chance of competing for the top overall spot.
“I knew I was going to play some good guys,” Rutherford said. “They didn’t have their best rounds, so I thought I had a shot. … I’ve never entered a tournament I didn’t think I was going to win. It’s like, why show up if you don’t think you’re going to win?”
Rutherford competed in the first group with Agawam’s Michael Santore, Belchertown’s Brady Perkins (39th, 99) and East Longmeadow’s Kyle Garvey-Hannah.
Rutherford made four-straight 10-foot putts from the 15th to the 18th hole. The stretch gave him a boost of confidence, but other things were on his mind.
“I was trying to figure out why I missed four greens in a row,” Rutherford said. “I knew once I missed that last green, I had a pretty stock chip – flubbed it. Left myself a 10-footer. I hit it hard enough. … Just knocked it in.”
Rutherford played two practice rounds with this father before competing on Monday. During the rounds, he created a game plan.
“I stuck to it,” Rutherford said. “I’m not going to change my game plan, no matter what happens. … I knew it was going to work, I just had to execute.”
Amherst finished eighth out of eight teams at last year’s championship. The Hurricanes finished third this year and missed qualifying for the state tournament by a stroke.
“I would have loved for the team to go,” Rutherford said. “We missed out by one, which sucks. As a team we are so young.”
Piet Hartman (88) and Chase Lashway (92) are eighth graders and finished among the top four for Amherst. Senior Eli Kayser-Hirsh (13th, 93) was fourth for the Hurricanes.
Eighth grader Skylar Ferro (42nd, 100) also competed for Amherst.
Perkins, Ryan O’Neil (39th, 92), Riley Breen (24th, 93) and Timothy Roda (36th ,97) scored for Belchertown.
Northampton sophomore Camille Richmond (45th, 101) and Holyoke junior Ryan Maloney (16th, 90) competed individually.
As a senior, Rutherford has seen Amherst’s golf program make tremendous strides the last four years.
“It’s awesome,” Rutherford said. “Especially being on the team for four years and seeing how far we have come from my freshman year. We have come so far as a program. Our coach Carl Vigeland has a lot to do with it, making golf cool in Amherst.”
Eli Kayser-Hirsh, of Amherst Regional, watches his drive on the 10th hole at Southampton Country Club during the Western Massachusetts Division 1 Tournament, Monday in Southampton. STAFF PHOTO/MIKE MORAN
Piet Hartman, of Amherst Regional, watches his tee shot on the second hole at Southampton Country Club during the Western Massachusetts Division 1 Tournament, Monday in Southampton. STAFF PHOTO/MIKE MORAN
Evan Rutherford, of Amherst Regional, watches his tee shot on the 10th hole at Southampton Country Club during the Western Massachusetts Division 1 Tournament, Monday in Southampton. STAFF PHOTO/MIKE MORAN
Chase Lashway, of Amherst Regional, putts on the 18th hole at Southampton Country Club during the Western Massachusetts Division 1 Tournament, Monday in Southampton. STAFF PHOTO/MIKE MORAN
Evan Rutherford, of Amherst Regional, stands with his medalist medal after the Western Massachusetts Division 1 Tournament, Monday at Southampton Country Club in Southampton. STAFF PHOTO/GAGE NUTTER
Photo Gallery
See HS golf/XC: Amherst Regional defeats South Hadley to stay undefeated for some great action shots of the ARHS team in their Sept 11, 2019 match with South Hadley at The Orchards Golf Club.
2020 New Member Special Posted December 5, 2019
Off
2020 NEW MEMBER SPECIAL:
$700 for Single (>35 yrs)
$500 for Young Single (19 – 35 yrs)
$1,000 for Family Membership
The cost covers membership for the entire season for those that qualify as new members.
2020 Amherst Golf Club Membership Form
On-line payment options are detailed here for new and existing members, or just fill out the 2020 Membership Form and pay by cash/check at the Pro Shop. Installment plans are also available through Greenfield Savings Bank.
Enjoy the benefits of being a member at Amherst Golf Club:
- No initiation fees to become a member,
- No tee time needed, just come and play,
- There are many leagues to play in, including:
- Women’s Leagues Tuesday Morning & Thursday Nights,
- Men’s League on Tuesday afternoon and evening,
- Senior Men’s League on Wednesday Morning,
- Mixed League on Monday evenings,
- Regular tournament play throughout the golf season,
- A membership community that is friendly and welcoming to new members,
- A quality golf course with great greens maintained by Superintendent Carl Teschke and crew, and
- Golf Lessons with PGA Pro Dave Twohig. Dave also has Junior Camps in July/August and runs other successful junior programs like Speed Golf for Kids.
Members – have a prospective member try out the course for a complementary round. After playing a round at Amherst, it is our hope that they will consider joining, or at the very least, become a regular visitor until such time they can join.
Thank you!
AMHERST GOLF CLUB
2019 Decemberfest I Results Posted December 1, 2019
Off
| 11/30/2019 | Decemberfest I | |||
| 3 Ball Best Ball | Gross | Cronin DJ | ||
| Harrington Pat | 69 | |||
| Lentner Mike | ||||
| Net | Staplin Ryan | |||
| Levin Steve | 61 | |||
| Farnham David |
2019 Novemberfest IV Results Posted November 25, 2019
Off
| 11/24/2019 | Novemberfest IV | Gross | Laga Mike | 65 |
| 2 Ball Scramble | Cronin David | |||
| Anton Nick | 66 | |||
| McElligott Chris | ||||
| Net | Cronin DJ | 60 | ||
| Cronin Mike | ||||
| Staplin Ryan | 62 | |||
| Levin Steve |
2019 AGCWA News Posted November 18, 2019
Off
Hello Women Golfers,
- There’s still time to call Dave (256-6894) to join 12, TWELVE, yes, DOUZE, DOCE women golfers signed up for Best Ball Tournament on Labor Day at 1:30 pm. Fee is $10. If you’re not busy, come out and have some fun.
- This just in: SUNDAY, SEPT. 8 OVER 50 TOURNAMENT 1:30 pm. Fee $10. Prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive with $100 going to the event winner who has to be over 50 yr. old. 😕 Last year we had nearly 20 women playing and as this is the last AGCWA sponsored tournament this year let’s see if we can repeat.
Hello Women Golfers:
A few updates ~
- Maggie, Ginny, Mary Ellen and Rosie have been working on the 18 hole President’s Cup which takes place on Sunday Aug. 18 in the morning. Fee is $15 and sign-up sheet will be posted at the Pro Shop or call Dave at 256-6894 to register. Look for more details from the Committee soon.
- We are still in need of a group to organize the Over 50 nine hole tournament for Sunday Sept. 8 in the afternoon. There isn’t a lot of work involved because it is 9 holes meaning snacks, delicious, of course, are sufficient and the prize is already determined – $100 to the winner who must be over 50 yrs. old. However, you don’t have to be over 50 to play. The Committee sign-up sheet is on the AGCWA bulletin board in the Pro Shop. Please consider volunteering so we can have a positive finish for the season.
- As soon as information is available regarding the Fall League, it will be sent out.
- THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO OUR SUCCESSFUL 2019 TOURNAMENT SEASON. Whether organizing and/or playing, it takes all of us working together toward the same goal – having fun golfing with friends at the Amherst Golf Club!
- 1:30 pm Thurs. July 4th ~ 4 ball best ball. Fee $10. Sign-up sheet posted or call Dave at 256-6894.
- Women’s Open Tournament Sat. July 27 ~ 2 ball scramble. Fee $50 per person, $60 w/cart. Includes golf, lunch, prizes, chipping & putting contests, and a 50/50 raffle. Sign in 8am and shotgun start at 9am. As of this date, there are 14 non-members and 2 members registered and 6 carts reserved. Please see the flyer below that you can download and print . . . or you can simply get more information from Dave at the Pro Shop. You can always contact me or one of our Committee members: Claire, Ann G, Pat or Colleen.
Jean Gowdey
Download a printable version of the 2019 AGCWA Open flyer HERE.
June 2019 AGCWA News
Hello Women Golfers!
- Saturday, June 1 at 9am 18H Founder’s Cup. Fee $15. Connie, Edith, Pat O. and Barbara have been planning some fun and food for us so please sign up at the Pro Shop or call Dave at 256-6894 asap.
- Ann K, Kathy and Jen are organizing our annual Guest Day on Thurs., June 13 at 4:15 shotgun. Remember this is NOT a Twilight League event ~ it’s our chance to invite our friends to play golf with us, relax and share a meal together. There are always prizes and surprises. Details will follow soon.
- Save the date: Sat. June 15, am start, 18H Special Cup. Marie, Vera and Martha will explain why this event is truly the Special Cup. Again, watch for sign-up sheet soon.
- Update on the Ringers/Chip in contest: congratulations to Jodi Kirschner, new member and first to make a chip in, and to Pat O’Brien who has also marked one on the board. Hope you are also lucky.
- Speaking of new members: Gail Seefeldt joined AGC last week and has already played a round with the Niners. If you see a new face, please welcome her to AGC.
May 2019 AGCWA News
Hello Women Golfers!
- Sat. May 4, 2109 ~ Members Day at Amherst Golf Club at 1pm. Chance for you to meet: new members present, Pro Dave Twohig, Superintendent Carl Teschke, AGC Board members present. Learn about: new USGA rules, 2019 course maintenance schedule. Plus Q&A session and BBQ.
- Sun. May 5, 2109 ~ rescheduled women’s scramble open to all members at 1:30pm. Fee $10. Whether (not weather…) or not you signed up for last Sunday’s postponed scramble, you need to sign up for this one by calling Dave, 256-6894, or signing the sheet posted at the Pro Shop Hope you can play.
- Thank you for the great turnout at our meeting last week and to all who signed up to work on one of our tournament committees. The first event is our Memorial Day 9 hole tournament on Monday afternoon May 27. Watch for details soon from: Laurie, Sue, Sandy and Traci. For our new members, Laurie usually creates some wonderful posters so be on the lookout.
- Connie, Edith, Pat O’Brien and Barbara will be organizing our first 18 hole event of the season, our Founder’s Cup tournament for Saturday morning June 1 (I know, it’s not May, but…). Again, they will send out details as to cost, food, prizes, etc. so stay tuned!
- The AGCWA 2019 Committee sheet is posted on our bulletin board in the Pro Shop. Don’t miss out! Sign up today to help work on one (or more) of these fun events.
April 2019 AGCWA News
The Niners will begin league play on April 30th.
2019 Novemberfest III Results Posted November 18, 2019
Off
| 11/16/2019 | Novemberfest III | Gross | Armstrog Bill | 67 |
| Scramble/Best Ball | Bullock Chad | |||
| Net | Lussier Sam | 62 | ||
| Lussier Adam | ||||
| Cronin DJ | 63 | |||
| Cronin Mike | ||||
2019 Novemberfest II Results Posted November 11, 2019
Off
| 11/10/2019 | Novemberfest II | Gross | Ferriter Chris | |
| 4 Ball Best 2 | Garbacik Ed | 136 | ||
| Jubinville David | ||||
| Rickles Dylan | ||||
| Fasick Jon | ||||
| Fasick Carter | 141 | |||
| Ruschioni Jim | ||||
| Hamilton Bob | ||||
| Net | Dowd Aaron | |||
| Dowd Colin | 125 | |||
| Marion Curt | ||||
| Hodgkins Don | ||||
| Cronin David | ||||
| Cronin Mike | 125 | |||
| Laga Mike | ||||
| Griffin Al |
2019 Novemberfest I Results Posted November 4, 2019
Off
| 11/2/2019 | Novemberfest I | Gross | Cipollino Frank | 64-69=133 |
| 2 Ball Scramble/ | Cipollino Gavin | |||
| 2 Ball Best Ball | ||||
| Morgan Jay | 65-70=135 | |||
| Morgan Jesse | ||||
| Yarrows Dennis | 65-71=136 | |||
| Rainville Bob | ||||
| McGuire Pat | 65-71=136 | |||
| Wheeler Aaron | ||||
| Net | Yetter Chuck | 64-65=129 | ||
| Wardwell Bill | ||||
| Gaudette Peter | 64-65=129 | |||
| Auclair Adam | ||||
| Hodgkins Don | 64-66=130 | |||
| Marion Curt | ||||
| Jonhson Mike | 63-69=132 | |||
| Booska Dennis | ||||
| Out of Money | Gross | Fasick Jon | 69 | |
| Fasick Carter | ||||
| Net | Hartbarger Mike | 68 | ||
| Worthley Brad | ||||
Frank and Gavin Cipollino – the 2019 Novemberfest winning team
2019 Annual Meeting Agenda Posted October 19, 2019
Off
AGC Annual Meeting Agenda
Saturday, October 19, 2019, 10:00 AM
President’s Message – Jack Jemsek
2019 has been relatively kind, as our membership has held steady despite an unfortunate loss of members due to folks passing, moving out of the area, or seeking greener pastures so to speak. However, we have gained almost 50 members, many of whom were introduced last year at this time. We’ll have our Treasurer Gordy Palley acknowledge our new members this year later in the program, along with his Treasurer’s Report.
The bad news is that we have not fully recovered from the disastrous 2018 shortfall that resulted from the combination of the historic rainfall and heat we had that decimated all turf-related industries in the area. The conditions in 2018 led to untimely course closures and turf damage that affected play and revenue. In the end we found ourselves $30k hole, which we’ve been trying to refill during our 2019 season. In the last few years, our revenue and expenses have always been a few percent within each other. To further elaborate, our revenue has been handcuffed by a national and regional golf industry that has declined significantly since 2008, as evidenced by numerous course closures in the area . . . in the meanwhile, we have Hickory Ridge hanging on, but in the meanwhile giving away greens fees for the cost of cart rentals . . . it’s insanity really.
But we can balance some bad news with good news . . . we have received encouraging words from Amherst College regarding their interest in committing to some level of long-term support of AGC, i.e., it appears that AGC may be a line item in their FY 2021 annual budget moving forward . . . this will be the first time ever in the club’s history that Amherst College would recognize AGC as a partner in this respect, as they do consider us an asset to their operations. This development is a result of numerous meetings over the last 5 years or so with our board representatives, and I thank our past Presidents, John Hunter our VP, Gordy Palley and Jack Arena for making this happen.
Our success would not be possible without Carl Teschke and David Twhohig’s successfully run in their roles as Superintendent and Club Pro/Manager. Carl, who has ~23 years as Course Superintendent with the club, has kept the course quality at a high level despite the limitations of being able to hire a full staff and without being able to purchase all the equipment that he would ideally have. The quality of our course provided by Carl with the limited budget he has at his disposal has been amazing. Our Pro Dave Twohig, 41 years in as our Pro and club manager, continues to work his 70 to 80 hours a week during the season, and I don’t know how he does it. We have so many members, myself included, that are here because of the welcome mat he provides and the care that he provides to members and guests alike on a day in day out basis. Thank you Carl and Dave!
I also wanted to note that we are so thankful for two of our standout board members who will be standing down this next term. Thank you Jack Arena, after 30 years as the Amherst College representative, and John Hunter, who has been my main support as VP during our various efforts to promote and retain membership at the club these last few years. You both are class acts . . . What is awesome is that they have both offered their ongoing assistance to the club on as-needed special projects. More good news is that Sue Everden has accepted an invite to assume the Amherst College representative role, and Mark McCandlish has accepted taking on the VP position on the board. Thank you Sue and Mark – we are elated to have you and thank you in advance for your past and future contributions to the club.
AGC also thanks our continuing Board members that have also given their best to the club. Gordy Palley as Treasurer, has been in the trenches for us every day in his role. I’d also like to recognize Dave Dougan as Secretary, Jean Gowdey as member-at-large, Edith Hunsberger as AGCWA rep, and Jay Morgan as member-at-large and member liaison for their service on the board. Jean does so much behind the scenes work that we really need to acknowledge her for her numerous efforts on behalf of the Women’s Association and the club in general. Jay Morgan has been our secret sauce, also behind the scenes . . . the insight and experience that Jay brings has been awesome for us. So thank you Dave, Jean, Edith and Jay!
- Committee Reports:
- Secretary – Vote to approve minutes from 2018 Annual Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report – Gordy Palley
- Women’s Association – Edith Hunsberger
- Presentation of 2019’s Awards and Prizes: Dave Twohig
- Election of the Board of Directors for the coming year: Jack Jemsek
- President: Jack Jemsek (1 yr left of 2-year term)
- Past-President:
- Vice President: Mark McCandlish
- Treasurer: Gordon Palley
- Secretary/Clerk: Dave Dougan
- Women’s Representative: Edith Hunsberger
- Green’s Committee Chair: Carl Vigeland
- Amherst College Rep: Susan Everden
- At Large Jean Gowdey, Jay Morgan
Vote to accept
- New Business:
We’d like to hear from our membership at this time. What can we do to increase our membership and further improve our golf experience at Amherst Golf Club?
- Adjournment
Off