The Amherst Golf Club will celebrate its 125th anniversary this weekend to honor its history as well as its longstanding relationship with the golf community in Amherst.

Head professional Shawn Durocher, who replaced former pro Dave Twohig last spring, was born and raised in Amherst, so the celebration is extra special for the former Mount Holyoke College head coach.

“For me it means a lot that when he was retiring, I had people reach out to me saying ‘are you interested in this? Because we think you’d be a great fit,’” Durocher said. “I wasn’t at first, I thought we might wind back up in Florida, but the more I thought about it I’m like, ‘yep this is where I’m meant to be.’ So I feel like I’ve come full circle and this course has been a part of my families since the [1930s], so it means a lot to me.”

Durocher coached the Lyons from 2001-2010.

As part of the celebration, greens fees were reduced to $25 all week, spearheading the list of activities planned for this Friday and Saturday.

On Friday, Amherst Golf Club will run a Par 3 tournament where partners will play a best-ball format and the winners will receive prizes. Also, a putting contest, a chipping contest and hot-air balloon rides are scheduled to start at 4 p.m.

Saturday, four-person teams will compete in a scramble tournament, which will use a shotgun start beginning at noon, before a brief social will commence afterward.

Amherst Golf Club oozes history as it was founded in 1900 and Walter Hatch, a top assistant of the legendary Donald Ross, designed the semi-private, nine-hole course.

Jesse Morgan IV holds the course record of 62 that was set back in 2003 during the final round of the Club Championship.

History buffs aren’t the only one’s enjoying the challenging, yet alluring layout, according to Durocher.

“I think there was a down-curve, prior to COVID, with golf and this was a resurgence and people are finding us that have lived in the area for 50 years and never played here before,” Durocher said. “I just think it’s great. They come up here and are like ‘oh my god, I didn’t know this was here.’”

Amherst Golf Club has outlasted a couple other area courses such as Hickory Ridge (closed in 2022) and Beaver Brook (closed this past July), adding even more to the significance of the celebration.

“I think it’s important to keep golf courses running, especially with Hickory Ridge closing,” Durocher said. “I think it’s important for the community.”

Despite the celebration conflicting with UMass’ Homecoming Celebration this weekend, Durocher is hopeful for a good turnout.

“Hopefully we can get some of the community to come over and take advantage of the greens fees, the reduced rates and the hot-air balloon,” Durocher said.