2020 Memorial Day Weekend Tournament Results Posted May 28, 2020
Memorial Day Weekend Schedule Posted May 21, 2020
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We are happy to report that the new golf season is rolling along nicely. We are managing the COVID19 rules well with the 2-club length social distancing and our other Phase 1B rules in effect as mentioned here. You must call for tee times at 256-6894 and arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before.Cart use is restricted to ADA related access. Reservations can now be made for single-use of the putting green and practice area.
Thank you in advance for following the Phase 1b rules to limit the spread of COVID19.
2020 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 23th: Open play all day.
Sunday May 24th: Sign-up for ABCD Member 18-Hole Best Ball– the first tournament of 2020! Tee times available from 7:30 to 10:00 AM. A blind draw will be made subsequent to play to determine the teams that will be comprised of an A, B, C and D level player. The course will be Closed until 12:15 PM for this event. Open play will be available after 12:15 PM.
Monday May 25th: Sign-up for ABCD Member 18-Hole Best 2 Balls. Tee times available from 7:30 to 10:00 AM. A blind draw will be made subsequent to play to determine the teams that will be comprised of an A, B, C and D level player. A Women’s Member-Member 9-Hole Best Ball tournament will take place 12:30 to 1:30 PM. The course will be Closed until 1:45 PM for this event. Open play will be available after 1:45 PM. Call Dave Twohig PGA at 256-6894 to sign up!
LEAGUES STARTING IN JUNE
The following tentative starting dates have been scheduled for our three evening leagues: June 2nd – Men’s Tuesday League June 8th – Pairs Monday League June 11th – Women’s Thursday Twilight League Further information on our standard leagues are highlighted here. New and past members – get your dues in so you can play in the leagues! . . . an e-mail with league format rules adjusted for COVID19, and final schedule will be sent next week. Call Pro Dave at 256-6894 to sign up.
2020 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Due to the delayed re-opening, our tournament schedule is being revised . . . We expect to have a full schedule of member and open tournaments for the 2020 season detailed soon.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call Dave Twohig PGA at the Pro Shop 413-256-6894.
Phase 1b – Course is now open to Members and Non-Members Posted May 13, 2020
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Amherst Golf Club is pleased to
announce Phase 1b of our re-opening immediately with Members and
Non-Members welcome to play – Tee Times required with preference to
Members during high traffic times. On-line payments for membership are accepted here. Or a check may be mailed or dropped off at the club (see membership page here or the invoice that was mailed to you). Amherst Golf Club is offering new member specials detailed here. Amherst Golf Club is also offering an Approved Payment Plan option. Please call the Pro Shop at 256-6894 for details.
For play, you must call the Pro Shop for a tee time as mandated by the Commonwealth
. . . non-members must pay for their play by credit card; preferably
one payment for all players in the group. As described below, golfers
cannot be on the course until 15 minutes before their tee time per the
Commonwealth. The Pro Shop, practice green and range must be closed.
Basically, there is no gathering allowed at the course . . . just
playing the greatest game on earth while observing social distancing.
Pro Dave Twohig anticipates that leagues will be initiated in early June for a 10 week period – see Amherst Golf Club league informationhere.
We anticipate our standard leagues will be offered: Monday PM Mixed
League, Tuesday AM Niners, Tuesday Men’s Round Robin, Wednesday AM
Legends, and Thursday PM Women’s Twilight League.
An overview of the May 7th announcement of the re-opening of golf in Massachusetts is detailed here
(scroll to near the bottom for “Other”). Golf is not considered an
essential service. As such, notable requirements for golf courses are as
follows:
- Club facilities including but not limited to the club house, pro shop, restaurant, bag room and locker room must remain closed
- Push carts may be used. Players must either carry their own bag or use a push cart
- Use of motorized carts allowed for golfers that require ADA assistance
- All golfers must maintain proper social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times
- Groups of players are restricted to no more than 4 players at one time.
- Members-only clubs can allow guests as determined by the security personnel on the golf course
- Private clubs that allow non-members to make reservations can do so at their discretion
- Tee Time Policy must be 15 minutes between groups
- Golfers must stay in their car until 15 minutes before their tee time and must return to their car immediately following play
- Flag sticks must remain in the hole. Hole liners must be raised so picking a ball out of the hole doesn’t occur
- Bunker rakes must be removed, and ball washers must be removed or covered.
- Practice putting green, driving range, and chipping areas must be closed.
- Facilities must have readily accessible hand sanitizer
We are so looking forward to this re-opening after some spectacular conditions we played in March during the initial opening.
Phase 1a – Course is open, Members Only Posted May 8, 2020
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Amherst Golf Club is pleased to
announce that our re-opening will be today (Friday May 8th) at 10:00 AM
for fully-paid Members Only. On-line payments for membership are accepted here. Or a check may be mailed or dropped off at the club (see membership page here or the invoice that was mailed to you). Amherst Golf Club is offering new member specials detailed here. Amherst Golf Club is also offering an Approved Payment Plan option. Please call the Pro Shop at 256-6894 for details.
For play, you must call the Pro Shop for a tee time as mandated by the Commonwealth
. . . the Pro Shop will be open at 8 AM today for calls. As described
below, golfers cannot be on the course until 15 minutes before their tee
time per the Commonwealth. The Pro Shop, practice green and range must
be closed. Basically, there is no gathering allowed at the course . . .
just playing the greatest game on earth while observing social
distancing.
Amherst Golf Club anticipates open play by non-members
soon. For one, we are reviewing the remote payment options for greens
fees required by the Commonwealth’s recent directive, as well as the
mandate for tee times. We consider this first week as “Phase 1a” of the
re-opening for Amherst Golf Club.
An overview of today’s announcement that golf is open in Massachusetts is detailed here
(scroll to near the bottom for “Other”). Golf is not considered an
essential service. As such, as of this date, notable requirements for
golf courses are as follows:
- Club facilities including but not limited to the club house, pro shop, restaurant, bag room and locker room must remain closed
- Push carts may be used. Players must either carry their own bag or use a push cart
- All golfers must maintain proper social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times
- Groups of players are restricted to no more than 4 players at one time.
- Members-only clubs can allow guests as determined by the security personnel on the golf course
- Private clubs that allow non-members to make reservations can do so at their discretion
- Tee Time Policy must be 15 minutes between groups
- Golfers must stay in their car until 15 minutes before their tee time and must return to their car immediately following play
- Flag sticks must remain in the hole. Hole liners must be raised so picking a ball out of the hole doesn’t occur
- Bunker rakes must be removed, and ball washers must be removed or covered.
- Practice putting green, driving range, and chipping areas must be closed.
- Facilities must have readily accessible hand sanitizer
We are so looking forward to this re-opening after some spectacular conditions we played in March during the initial opening.
Temporary Closure of the Course is in effect per State Order Posted March 23, 2020
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Governor Baker issued an emergency order for nonessential business and organizations to close their physical workspaces and facilities to customers, workers and the public through April 7th. As a result, Amherst Golf Club will be closed to all member and non-member play, subject to changes in local, state and federal guidelines related to the COVID-19 corona virus crisis and golf.
Essential Services are listed in this document from the Governor’s office. The list does not specifically address golf course operations, play at golf courses or limited operation of the Pro Shop as had been conducted by Pro Dave Twohig during the COVID-19 prevention measures implemented by the club.
Amherst Golf Club is seeking clarification on these matters from the Governor’s office as it applies to play at our course, and we will implement permissible measures that allow continued enjoyment of the outdoors and the game of golf during these trying times, while keeping everyone safe.
Your observance of the temporary closure of the Amherst Golf Club facility is greatly appreciated.
Recommendations for COVID-19 Virus Control Posted March 15, 2020
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Subject to change as more information becomes available from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and/or local, state and federal agencies
- If you are sick and feeling symptoms of:
- Fever greater than 100.4 deg F.,
- Cough, and/or
- Shortness of breath, OR
- If you have had exposure to a person infected with COVID-19 or people who have returned from traveling in one of the “level 3” countries where self-quarantined for 14 days is required.
DO NOT COME TO THE AMHERST GOLF CLUB COURSE
GENERAL STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COVID-19
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, utilize a hand sanitizer (comprised of 60% alcohol) until hands are dry.
- Avoid touching the “T zone” of your face, which consists of your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Practice “social distancing” by maintaining a safe distance of 6 feet between yourself and other people.
- If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use inside of your elbow. Throw tissue in trash after use.
WHILE PLAYING GOLF . . .
- Keep the flag sticks in place. If touched, wipe with hand sanitizers.
- Sand traps will not have rakes. Lift and replace ball if you are in the trap.
- Avoid contact with another player’s golf ball.
- Avoid touching your “T zone” if contact is inadvertently made with another player’s golf ball or the flag stick. If contact is made, use your own hand sanitizer for use during play, as washing hands at the course is limited to the clubhouse (pro shop).
Clubhouse (Pro Shop) and CARTS . . . Will be Frequently cleaned
- Please do not congregate in the Clubhouse . . . enter only to use restroom, purchase food or snacks, or pay greens fees.
- Avoid touching surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks. Dispose of pencils after use.
- Please confirm that your golf cart has been wiped down prior to use.
- Take appropriate precautions if sharing a cart and in cleaning your golf equipment after cart use.
****LIMIT THE EXPOSURE OF COVID-19 TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS****
Course Opening Wednesday March 11 @ 9 AM! Posted March 9, 2020
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Amherst Golf Club will be opening at 9 AM Wednesday, March 11th for the 2020 season. Call for cart availability @ 256-6894.
Divot Repair
Divot repair rules will be strictly enforced. Enhance the golf experience for everyone by replacing divots throughout the course, and using divot mix where it is available on the tees, e.g., No. 4 tee, or using the divot mix on the carts.
Spring Cleanup Day
Spring Cleanup Day will remain scheduled for the morning of Saturday March 21st. Volunteers are requested to participate from 9 AM till Noon. Please bring gloves and a rake. Coffee and donuts will be provided, followed by pizza for lunch. Note: the course will be CLOSED until 1 PM on Spring Cleanup Day.
Spring Membership Drive
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
In Memory of Tracy Mehr 1928-2020 Posted February 28, 2020
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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
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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
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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
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