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HISTORY OF THE
SECTION
PGA providing this
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ..................................................................22
The Origin.................................................................23-25
The Early Years 1933-1957........................................26-27
The Middle Years 1958-1982 ...................................28-30
The Last Quarter Century 1983-2008.....................31-33
Section Leaders ........................................................34-36
Membership and Organization Development.......37-38
Western Massachusetts ................................................39
The Players .............................................................40-42
The Decorated ..............................................................43
Other Information .......................................................44
Connecticut Section PGA 2008
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
75 YEARS
ongratulations to all Connecticut Section PGA members, past and
present, who this year are celebrating 75 years as “the experts in the
game and business of golf.” From a small group of dedicated men
who struggled to gain autonomy, to a group of more than 360 men and
women, the mission has remained the same, to preserve the integrity and
the ideals of sportsmanship and ethical practices inherent in the game of
golf. Much has changed over the years including clothing styles, equipment,
business practices, and more importantly, the role of the golf professional.
Over the course of its history, the section and its PGA Professionals have
greatly influenced the course the Association has taken in Education,
Employment, and Membership.
C
For the past several years, the 75th Anniversary Committee has been
gathering information, photographs, newspaper articles, and stories in an
effort to capture as much of the 75 year history of the Connecticut Section
as possible. While not everything has been recovered, this History Section
will summarize certain areas using what resources were made available.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If, after reading through the
information, you find that you have details that would enhance this
document or would fill in missing data, please contact the section office.
The 75th Anniversary Committee would like to express their appreciation to
all those who shared their photo albums, files, and memories which were
used to chronicle the history of the section including the following: John
Boucher, Dennis Coscina, Ralph DeNicolo, Dan DiRico, Don Ross, Mildred
Kay, Del Kinney Jr., Chuck Lasher, Walter Lowell, Don Malen, John
Nowobilski, Jim Orsi, Ted Pisk, Gary Reynolds, Bob Schappa, and Frank
Selva. Many items not contained in this section were used to create the
timeline banner and may appear in special articles on the section’s website,
ctpga.com.
Thanks also to all those who participated in the filming of interviews at the
2007 Walter Lowell PGA Tournament at the Golf Club of Avon. A DVD is
being produced using the interviews and it will be showed for the first time
on May 27, at Ann Howard at The Bond, at the 75th Anniversary Celebration
Ceremony.
The Committee would also like to acknowledge Emily Newbury and Kristin
Rossi, Central Connecticut State University students, who interned at the
section office and were an integral part of the compilation of this section.
John Nowobilski, 75th Anniversary Committee Chairman
Tom Hantke, Executive Director
Sue Bell, Executive Assistant
PAGE 22
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
SECTION ORIGIN
The Connecticut Section of the PGA of America was the 23rd of the 41 PGA
Sections. The section had humble, but proud beginnings. The PGA gave the
section its charter in 1933 after a series of meetings that took place in the
spring of that year.
In March of 1933, a group known as the Connecticut Professional Golfers’
Organization (Connecticut PGO) met at George Siebert’s golf school in
Avon, Conn. This group went on record as opposed to any affiliation with
the New England Section PGA, but favoring petitioning the National PGA
to form a Connecticut Section. This meeting was a prelude to a statewide
meeting soon to be held. The forming of a Connecticut Section, it was
pointed out, would permit the playing of bi-weekly tournaments for
Connecticut golf professionals and include all the advantages of the present
Connecticut PGO for the “paid brigade.”
A new Section would permit professionals of the state to have their own
qualifying round for the PGA Championship, whereas it was then necessary
for them to seek a qualifying place around Boston, Mass., in the New
England Section PGA. In attendance at this decisive meeting were the
following professionals and guests:
PROFESSIONALS
Willie Whalen (Willow Brook)
Ernie Doering (Middletown)
Charley Nicoll (Sunset Ridge)
Syd Covington (Hartford)
Jack Williams (New Haven)
Herb Armstrong
Capt. C.H. Perkins (Wampanoag)
Bill Martin (Manchester)
Arthur Reid (Farmington)
Graham Reid (Farmington)
Barney Gunshimman (Willimantic)
Joel Smith (Wallingford)
George Siebert (Avon)
Clarence Booth (Wethersfield)
Bob Smith (Indian Hill)
GUESTS
Joe Stein (golf salesman)
William J. Lee (golf writer)
C.S. Henderson (golf writer)
C.H. Perkins, who served in the British military and was influential in
forming the Canadian PGA in 1922, was one of this early group’s most
prominent leaders.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
SECTION ORIGIN, Ctd.
Shortly after that historic meeting at Avon, the Connecticut PGO
reversed its decision when it held its annual meeting at Shuttle Meadow
Country Club, hosted by Professional Val Flood, at the end of March.
The professionals did a complete “about face” on what was decided earlier.
This later move came as a result of the full disclosure of the New England
Section PGA’s plan presented at the annual meeting by Worcester Country
Club’s Willie Ogg (former NEPGA president) and Robert Pryde, Secretary
of the Connecticut State Golf Association.
Ogg and Pryde outlined the plan as follows:
1. The New England Section PGA would establish eight separate Chapters:
Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Greater Boston,
Cape Cod and Western Massachusetts.
2. Each Chapter would have its own tournament schedule, its own officers and its
own qualifying round for the PGA Championship.
3. The New England Section PGA Board of Directors would operate under a
governing body composed of the president and treasurer of each of the eight
Chapters.
Because the plan was presented in such clarity and simplicity, the
Connecticut PGO changed their minds. What the Connecticut
professionals wanted most chiefly was their own tournament schedule and
this was exactly what was assured under this proposed reorganization.
Events continued to unfold and in early April of 1933, a Connecticut PGO
delegation attended the New England Section PGA meeting and returned
with the assurances that all demands would be met. A Connecticut PGO
meeting was called for and held at the Hartford Hotel Bond to get approval
for the New England Section PGA, Connecticut Chapter plan. During the
time of these developments some opposition had arisen, since some members of the Connecticut PGO were not, and could not become, members
the PGA of America under any classification because they did not sell golf
supplies at their clubs.
At the Connecticut PGO meeting arguments concerning the new affiliation
as a Chapter of the New England Section had boosted the temperature of
the smoke-filled meeting room. But despite the acrimonious meeting, the
state’s paid brigade voted unanimously to adopt the plan outlined by Pryde
and Perkins, then President of the Connecticut PGO.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
SECTION ORIGIN, Ctd.
At the end of the meeting, Perkins was elected as the first president of the
Connecticut Chapter, while Pryde was named honorary president. The
entire roster of Chapter officers and directors elected were as follows:
OFFICERS
Cap Perkins, President (Wampanoag)
Joel Smith, Vice President (Wallingford)
William J. Lee, Secretary (golf writer)
Syd Covington, Treasurer (Hartford)
Robert Pryde, Honorary President (CSGA)
DIRECTORS
George Siebert (Avon)
Jack Williams (New Haven)
Don Canausa (Suffield)
George Ferrier (Ridgewood)
Barney Gunshinnan (Willimantic)
Ernest Doering (Middletown)
Also present were: Tom Donahue (Stonington), N.M. Williams (Plymouth
Meadow), Bill Martin (Manchester), Bob Smith (Indian Hill), George
Hunter (Meriden), Meredith Nickel (Tumble Brook), Frank Convey
(Highland), Clarence Booth (Wethersfield).
This relationship with the New England Section PGA did not last very long.
In May of 1933, the newly formed Connecticut Chapter of the New England
Section PGA voted to petition the National PGA to receive its own Section
charter and to divorce itself from the New England Section PGA.
Officers of the Connecticut Chapter were dissatisfied with the lack of
co-operation. From the original eight Chapters that were discussed, only
Connecticut and Western Massachusetts formed Chapters. The
misunderstanding of Connecticut’s plans were made evident following the
New England Section’s PGA Championship at Metacomet Country Club
held earlier in the month. Several professionals in Connecticut and Western
Massachusetts said they were not notified of the New England PGA
Championship at Metacomet nor the popular team matches.
In the summer of 1933, the PGA of America officially chartered Connecticut
and Western Massachusetts as the “Connecticut Section.” Since its charter
was enacted, the Connecticut Section has governed it activities by a
membership-elected Board of Directors.
Connecticut Section PGA 2008
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
THE EARLY YEARS
1933-1957
Except for the initial struggles of the “founding fathers” of the section, most
of the history of the early years is a mystery. Only small bits of information
has been recovered from that time period, mostly small newspaper articles
and tournament results. It is surmised that the governance of the section
was mainly focused on organizing tournaments for “the paid brigade”
during this time. Any and all records were essentially passed from briefcase
to briefcase.
Life in the section was interrupted by World War II when many left to serve
their country. Stan Pisk, Stanley Golf Course, landed at Omaha Beach with
the 38th Field Artillery and spent 15 months in Europe, fighting five campaigns. Former section President and 1930 Connecticut PGA Champion
George Siebert served with the Marines on Okinawa. Due to the war, no
section championship was held 1943-45.
Some other, more fraternal, activities were also underway. In 1947, Henry
Bontempo, head professional at Franconia Golf Course, in Springfield,
Mass., got together with other area professionals to organize the first
“Western Massachusetts Tee Party” to honor a person who had made
significant contributions in the field of golf. This annual event remains the
unofficial kickoff of the golf season in the Pioneer Valley. Over the years,
several PGA Professionals, including Bontempo, have been selected as the
honoree along with representatives of the media, golf course architects, and
coaches.
In 1953, the section delegation returned to The Hotel Bond for the first
Annual Golf Show. This gathering continued for many years and brought
together golf professionals and the heads of other golf associations, golf
writers, local and national dignitaries, as well as exhibitors for a day of
meetings, education, and a preview of golf products and equipment. Guest
speakers over the years included Governor Joseph Longo, Herb Graffis, and
influential leaders from local and national associations. This annual gathering continued for many years and was held often at the Norwich Inn.
As the role of the golf professional began to evolve from teacher and player
to businessman, the importance of more advanced business practices
became evident to one man, Anthony Patricelli. His research into the
business end of golf in 1954 uncovered a serious need for change. With the
support of Connecticut Section Officers and Bob Kay, golf professional at
Wampanoag Country Club, he presented his curriculum and training aids to
The PGA of America for consideration in May 1955. Although these plans
were not adopted by The PGA, he is considered to be the catalyst of what
would become the PGA Business School of the future.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
Hotel Bond
Several strategy sessions were held at the
Hotel Bond during the spring and summer of
1933 which resulted in the PGA of America
granting the Connecticut Section charter.
1956 Third Annual Golf Day
Each spring, Section golf professionals and
club representative would meet to kick off the
new golf season. Section President Joe Donato
presides over the April 23, 1956, at Norwich
Golf Club for the Third Annual Golf Day.
Western Mass. Tee Party
John Raimondi served as golf professional at Veteran’s Memorial Golf
Course in Springfield, Mass. for over 20 years and was named the
1948 Western Mass. Tee Party honoree. Raimondi started his career in
1930 as an assistant professional to Henry Bontempo at Franconia
Golf Course. Bontempo was the founder of the Tee Party.
Championship Trophy Presentation
Tournaments dominated the early years of the
Section. In 1949, Del Kinney (right) won the
Connecticut PGA Championship at Norwich Golf
Club. Here he accepts the Hartford Times Trophy
from Section President Lou Galby. On left is runner
up Wally Cichon.
PGA Membership Card
PGA of America Membership Certificate
belonging to Del Kinney from 1935 shows
the original logo.
Meeting at Rockledge Golf Club
Section Officers Bob Schappa, Del Kinney,
Joe Donato, and Lou Galby were responsible for
leading the section into a new era in the 1950’s.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
THE MIDDLE YEARS
1958-1982
A vast improvement in section organization and record keeping took place
under the leadership of Presidents Harry Nettelblatt, Wendell Ross, and
Bob Bodington. Meeting minutes and correspondence were available from
this era and important section issues and business were documented. Also
during this time, the first section monthly publication, “The Connecticut
Golfer” was published to keep the membership better informed.
To further improve the administration of the section, Ray Harper was hired
in 1962 as the first Tournament Director and served for over a decade. This
step led to the improvement of the tournament structure and financial
governance of the section. He remained one of the few constants in section
administration for over twenty years.
A group of professionals from Western Massachusetts petitioned the section
to form the Western Massachusetts Chapter. After several revisions to the
original proposal, the group of Frank Kringle, George Cefaratti, Jerry
Gianfernante, Eddie Rubis, Mickey Cotela, Mike Mare, John Strycharz,
E.R. Howe, Bubby Czeluniak, Fran Monte, and Art House, were successful
and the Chapter was granted the Charter in 1964.
PGA Member George Hunter, longtime professional at Century of Golf in
Meriden, and the 1934 Connecticut PGA Champion, passed away in 1966.
In his honor, the course was renamed George Hunter II Memorial Golf
Course. This remains the only course in the section to bear the name of a
PGA Professional.
Patricelli continued to have educational influence and helped develop plans
for an innovative curriculum. The Key Sponsors Club was created 1n 1968
to unite the four major groups concerned with golf – the amateurs, club
professionals, touring professionals, and equipment manufacturers. Major
objectives were to recognize outstanding players, establish an education
program at the University of Hartford, develop a junior golf lesson
program at the Greater Hartford Open, and assist with planning section
tournaments.
The following year, Patricelli was hired by the section as the Executive
Secretary, and with his leadership the Connecticut Section began a program
that later became a core element in the PGA Apprentice Program. In the
1960’s, it partnered with the University of Hartford to offer a curriculum of
courses for aspiring PGA Professionals, who in turn, could earn a bachelor
of arts degree in “golf.” This became the forerunner and inspiration that
influenced the start of The PGA’s first Professional Golf Management
(PGM) program at Ferris State University.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
Anthony Patricelli
Anthony Patricelli, was the driving force behind the expansion of
education and career enhancement for section professionals. He was
also the catalyst of what is now the PGA Professional Golf Management
Program. He planned the innovative Key Sponsors Club and was hired
as the section’s Executive Secretary in 1969.
Section Logos
The Connecticut Section logo changed
several time over the years. Pictured here
are 1972 and 1978.
Early Challenge Cup
The first Challenge Cup team of PGA Professionals.
Front row: Charlie Moore, Frank Sarro, Ed Rubis, Doug
Dalziel, Chuck Lasher. Back row: Walter Lowell, Mike
Ballo, Bob Kay, Ed Kowalski, Dick Stranahan, Ray
Howell. The professionals won the first matches 33-20
and, since then, have won 27 times.
Trio of Section Executives
Walter Lowell (second from left) is seated with
former section executive directors Bob Shea and
Paul Lanza; and former Tournament Director Ray
Harper (far right). Shea is the namesake for the
Player of the Year title; and Harper is namesake for
the Senior Connecticut PGA Championship trophy.
Golf House Announced
In 1988, the Connecticut Section PGA
joined forces with the Connecticut State
Golf Association to purchase 13,000 sq.
ft. of office space in Southway Executive
Park in Rocky Hill, Conn. for $165, 000.
“Golf House” doubled its space in 1995
and remains the home base for the two
associations.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
THE MIDDLE YEARS 1958-1982, Ctd.
During the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, the section recruited established community
business leaders who served as employment consultants on every head
professional job change. These consultants actively met with clubs during
the hiring process and helped to develop compensation package models
that ensured a higher standard of living for golf professionals. This “club
relations” committee made lasting impressions as many jobs at clubs and
courses in the section today still bear the fruits of their labor.
Dick Stranahan, golf professional at Longmeadow Country Club, won the
first two the Player of the Year Awards in 1970 and ‘71. Also that year, the
first Connecticut PGA Junior A Championship, now the Assistant
Championship, was held at Pequot Golf Club.
Teams of the top 12 PGA Professionals and top 12 Connecticut State Golf
Association amateurs played the first Julius Boros Challenge Cup Matches in
1972 at Tumble Brook Country Club. Walter Lowell was instrumental in
developing this annual professional vs. amateur event to foster camaraderie
among the two associations, and arranged for the donation of the trophy by
Boros, the golf legend from Connecticut. Over the years, the professionals
have dominated, winning the Cup 28 times in 37 matches.
In 1977 Lowell, a member of the PGA National Board of Directors, began
his two-year campaign to accept women as members in the Association. His
relentless pursuit eventually persuaded his fellow board members, who for
two years, were unanimous in their opposition, to pass the amendment that
would make women eligible to pursue PGA membership. He became the
first section member to win a national award when he was selected as the
PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1978.
Bob Parker was hired in 1975 as Executive Director and established an office
in a rented space in Unionville. He was succeeded a year later by Paul Lanza
who remained until 1979 when Bob Shea took over.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
THE LAST QUARTER CENTURY
1983-2008
Along with the rest of the world, changes in the Connecticut Section have
occurred much more rapidly in the last quarter century. The advent of
computers, cell phones, and other technology has changed the pace at which
people live and play. During the last 25 years, more has happened; however,
record keeping has improved.
When it was time to bring section education to a new level, Ron Beck, then
head professional at Crumpin-Fox Club, stepped up. In 1990, he developed,
organized, and administered the first Teaching and Coaching Summit.
This biennial event continues to bring world-renowned golf instructors to
the section for two days of cutting edge instruction. Since then, he has
continued to plan “The Summit” and also the Spring and Fall education
seminars.
Shea continued as Executive Director and the section office was moved to
Edgewood Golf Course in Cromwell, then to Glastonbury Hills Country
Club in 1985, then to Middletown. In 1988, it was decided by section leaders
that after years of moving from office to office, it was time to find a
permanent site. Together with representatives of the Connecticut State
Golf Association, an office space in Southway Executive Park in Rocky Hill
was purchased and became the “Connecticut Golf House.”
When Shea became too ill to perform his duties, the Officers and Board of
Directors stepped in to run the section. In 1993, a search committee hired
Tom Hantke, a PGA Professional from the Middle Atlantic Section, to replace Shea. He brought to the section his experience in section governance
along with a vast background in career enhancement and employment service.
Over the next several years, under Hantke’s direction, gradual improvements
were made in the structure of the section and how it conducted business.
Financial policies were put in place, the Constitution and Bylaws were
rewritten, the tournament program was expanded, and the marketing and
sponsors program was developed.
The Golf House partnership with the CSGA continued. In 1995, together
the two associations purchased the adjoining suite and, following a period of
construction, doubled the office space. Sharing the office and much of the
office equipment has proved to be financially beneficial.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
Special Olympics
PGA Professionals Frank Selva (left) and Mike Carney
(right) are joined by avid Special Olympics of
Connecticut golfers Kevin Brink and David Denem
in making a presentation at the Spring Membership
Meeting in 2005.
Suzy Whaley
In 2003, reigning Connecticut PGA Champion Suzy Whaley
made her historic appearance in the PGA TOUR’s Buick
Championship in Hartford. Whaley was the first woman PGA
Member to win a PGA Section Championship. She did that in
2002, nearly 25 years to the day that the Association
changed its bylaws to allow women to join.
Award Presentation
The section began to honor the most
distinguished public golf course in 2001 in honor
of Canton Public Golf Course. In 2005, Timberlin
Golf Course pictured here became the first
municipal operation to be named recipient.
Northeast Golf Instructors
Conference
Renowned golf instructor Hank
Haney, pictured here, is one of many
of the nation’s leading golf coaches
that have been headliners for the
Northeast Golf Instructors
Conference, the biennial golf teaching and coaching education seminar
that began in the early 1990’s.
Jack Kelly Foundation
Members of the Jack Kelly family present a
check for $100,000 to the Connecticut
Section PGA Golf Foundation. This generous donation was the result of ten years of
proceeds from the Jack Kelly Junior Golf
Classic, a founding tournament on the
Connecticut Section PGA Junior Golf Tour.
Jack Kelly Jr. was a PGA Professional at
Raceway Golf Course who passed away in
1994 at the age of 34.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
THE LAST QUARTER CENTURY 1983-2008, Ctd.
Also in 1995, the Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation received IRS
approval to operate a 501 (c) (3) Charitable Organization, which laid the
groundwork to provide funding for youth golf programs, Special Olympics
programs, and other initiatives throughout Connecticut and Western
Massachusetts. The creation of the Foundation was driven by section Past
Presidents Frank Selva and Gary Reynolds. Funding from the Foundation
provided the means to create the Junior Golf Association and Tour in 1998.
Mike Bailey, former head professional at Wethersfield Country Club, served
as the Secretary in 2000. Bailey is credited with the daunting task of
completely revising the section Constitution and Bylaws document,
making it a practical and comprehensive document.
Albeit late with respect to other career paths, women began to make their
way into the golf industry. In 2000, Hope Kelley became the first woman
PGA Professional in the section. In July she was named head professional
at Blue Fox Run Golf Course, and thus became the first woman to hold a
management position. Two years later at Ellington Ridge Country Club,
Suzy Whaley became the first woman PGA Professional to win a PGA
section championship, thereby winning an exemption to play in a PGA
TOUR event, the Buick Championship in 2003.
In 2001, following the sale of his beloved Canton Public Golf Course, Lowell
retired. A section tournament now bears his name along with an award that
honors a public golf course. The Walter Lowell Public Golf Course
Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to the course that best
exemplifies the ideals on which Canton was founded and operated.
The Drive For The Game fundraising campaign began in 2002. Since its
inception, PGA Professionals have conducted various programs at their
facilities to support the Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation. As a
result, over $550,000 has been granted to youth golf, Special Olympic Golf,
and Physically Challenged Golf programs throughout the section.
While Officers, Board of Directors member, staff, and professionals have
changed over the years, progress has been made in all areas of governance
and section programs. Throughout section history, one ideal has remained
the same: PGA Professionals will work together to protect the integrity of
the game they love, and will tirelessly endeavor to make the game fun and
accessible to all those who choose to play. Everything else may change in the
next 25 years, but this will endure.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
THE SECTION LEADERS
The early leaders of the section have already been noted. They were the
pioneers of the Association and although they were instrumental in
separating Connecticut and Western Massachusetts from the New England
Section, it was done primarily in the interest of playing opportunities and
exemptions.
The section has been fortunate to have outstanding volunteer leaders over
the years. The following are just a few notable leaders.
Joe Donato, Norwich Golf Club – Next to Walter Lowell, Donato was
the longest serving President from 1952 through 1957. Donato oversaw the
emergence of the section taking the lead in PGA Education. He was the
first section Golf Professional of the Year to be named and won the award
four times. He also served on the National PGA Board of Directors.
Frank Kringle, Crestview Country Club – Kringle was the
section’s 1996 Golf Professional of the Year and the first from Western
Massachusetts. Kringle led his Pioneer Valley contingent to obtaining
a Chapter Charter and was named the first Western Mass. Chapter
President in 1964.
Walter Lowell, PGA Life Member - Although each of the Past
Presidents made contributions to the betterment of the section, Walter
Lowell, stands out as the consummate leader. His unprecedented nine terms
of office resulted in his appointment as Honorary Life President and a
permanent position on the Board of Directors. He was a National Vice
President (now known as District Director) in 1974 and was instrumental in
the charter of the Aloha Section as well as serving as the catalyst for women
to be allowed to pursue PGA membership.
Gary Reynolds, Hartford Golf Club - Elected President in 1993,
Reynolds, along with Past President John Boucher, found themselves in the
position of running the section without an Executive Director. Reynolds was
also one of the founders of the Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation
in 1995. He has served on the Board of Directors since that time and as
President for one term. He later served as District Director (2002-2004) and
won the National Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2001.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
Section Leadership in 2000
Past Presidents Mickey Hawkes, 1999-2000, Tim
Gavronski, 2001-‘02, Executive Director Tom Hantke,
and Mike Bailey, Secretary 2000, pose with the Ryder
Cup at the PGA of America Annual Meeting.
Passing the Gavel
In 1970 President Charlie Moore passed the gavel to
Walter Lowell for the first of his nine terms as
President. With them are Lindsey Hansen, Don Ross,
and future President Tony Rowe, 1997-98.
Past Presidents Gather
The Walter Lowell PGA Tournament at the Golf Club
of Avon was a great opportunity to photograph
many of the section’s Past Presidents. L to R. Ron
Dellostritto, 2007-‘08; Don Gliha, 1984-’86; Gary
Reynolds, 1993-‘94; Jim Bedus, 2003-’04; Walter
Lowell, 1970-’74, 1977-’80; Terry Crawford, 1987-’89;
Frank Selva, 1995-’96; and Tim Gavronski, 2001-‘02.
Hawkes & Gliha
Don Gliha congratulates Mickey Hawkes on his
retirement from Madison Country Club in 2005.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
THE SECTION LEADERS
Frank Selva, Race Brook Country Club - In 1995, while serving as President,
Frank Selva co-founded the Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation.
Since its inception, the Foundation had granted in excess of $550,000 to
local golf programs in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.
Selva worked with the PGA of America and the World Special Olympic
Games to introduce and implement the inaugural golf competition at
Yale University. Selva was selected as the 2006 PGA of America Junior
Golf Leader.
Section Past Presidents
Name
Date Served
Captain CH Perkins
Charlie Nicholls
Bob Smith
Joel Smith
George Seibert
Jack Williams
Willie Whalen
Willie Hunter
Tom Donahue
Lou Galby
Joseph Donato
Harry Nettelbladt
Wendell Ross
Bob Bodington
Gerald Codore
Denis Collins
Charlie Moore
Walter Lowell
Drew Pierson
Don Gliha
Terry Crawford
John Boucher
Gary Reynolds
Frank Selva
Tony Rowe
Mickey Hawkes
Tim Gavronski
Jim Bedus
Tom Gleeton
Ron Dellostritto
1933-1935
PAGE 36
Employment
Town
Wampanoag C.C.
Rockledge G.C.
Indian Hill C.C.
Wallingford C.C.
Wampanoag C.C.
New Haven C.C.
Shuttle Meadow C.C.
Willimantic C.C.
New Haven C.C.
1949-1951
Mill River C.C.
1952-1957
Norwich C.C.
1958-1961
Avon G.C.
1962-1963
Stonington C.C.
1967-1968
Hartford G.C.
1969-1970
Pequot G.C.
1975
Pautipaug C.C.
1976
The Farms C.C.
1970-74; 1977-80 Canton G.C.
1981-1983
Edgewood C.C.
1984-1986
Black Hall Club
1987-1989
Brownson C.C.
1990-1992
Willimantic C.C.
1993-1994
Hartford G.C.
1995-1996
Race Brook C.C.
1997-1998
Ellington Ridge C.C.
1999-2000
Madison C.C.
2001-2002
Black Hall Club
2003-2004
Indian Hill C.C.
2005-2006
C.C. of Waterbury
2007-2008
Brownson C.C. and Wethersfield C.C.
West Hartford, CT
West Hartford, CT
Newington, CT
Wallingford, CT
West Hartford, CT
Hamden, CT
Kensington, CT
Willimantic, CT
Hamden, CT
Stratford, CT
Norwich, CT
Avon, CT
Stonington, CT
West Hartford, CT
Stonington, CT
Baltic, CT
Wallingford, CT
Canton, CT
Cromwell, CT
Old Lyme, CT
Huntington, CT
Willimantic, CT
West Hartford, CT
Orange, CT
Ellington, CT
Madison, CT
Kensington, CT
Newington, CT
Waterbury, CT
Huntington, CT
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
MEMBERSHIP AND
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
No records from the early years are available, so the composition of the
membership is unclear. What little information that does exist, indicates
that the membership was made up of club professionals whose main
interest was playing. When the PGA of America began, certain restrictions
prohibited many professionals from gaining membership. In order to be a
member of the Association, golf professionals were required to sell golf
merchandise at their facility. Since this was not possible for many professionals at that time, it is uncertain whether our original members were, in
fact, PGA members.
Never the less, in the 75 years following the inception of the section, the
number of PGA professionals has grown from a small group in 1933 to 140 in
1971 to a high of 387 in 2003.
Along with the number of members, the variety of career paths for
professionals has expanded. Whereas the original members were strictly
club professionals, today PGA professionals can be classified in 24
different areas from the traditional roles as a head professional, assistant
professional, or teaching professional, to a player on the PGA TOUR,
General Manager, Golf Coach, Golf Industry Executive, Sales
Representative, or Retail Facility Manager.
Below are a few comparisons that put things into perspective:
Annual Membership meeting attendance has grown from an average of 50
professionals throughout the 1960’s to an average of 140 in the last
decade.
In 1971, the net assets of the section were $8,500, whereas today the
combined net assets for the section and the Foundation exceed $675,000.
In 1966, the total prize purse was $12,876 for professionals and an additional $4,830 in golf shop credit. John McGoldrick became the first to win
over $1,000 ($1,008) that year. In 1980, the prize purse increased to
$54,088, and golf shop credit to $33,570. The total prize purse for 2007
was over $260,000, plus an additional $60,00 in golf shop credit. Tony
Kelley was the leading money winner with $17,885.
In 1990, the Board of Directors approved the purchase of a fax machine
for $990.Today, for that same amount, you can purchase ten fax machines.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
MEMBERSHIP AND
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, Ctd.
There have been several meeting places the section has used frequently in
its history.
From 1967 through 1982, Manchester Country Club served as the site of
every Spring Membership Meeting. The Ramada Inn in East Windsor was
used frequently as the Annual Fall Meeting site during that same era.
Countless Board of Directors meetings were held Manero’s in Manchester
and then at The Hawthorne Inn on the Berlin Turnpike.
Ellington Ridge Country Club hosted the Connecticut PGA Championship
for a record 11 consecutive years, from 1987 through 1997.
Today, the section operates two corporations, both non-profit, while the
Foundation is tax exempt. Annual business plans are drawn up, approved,
and monitored. The section operates debt-free and owns its share of the
Connecticut Golf House. This financial stability ensures success in the years
to come. The future leaders of the section will surely benefit from all that
was done by those who preceded them.
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Connecticut Section PGA 2008
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
THE MASSACHUSETTS STORY
The boundaries for the section have always included Western
Massachusetts. And, the storied history shows a progression of family
members that have served as golf professionals for generations.
In 1963, at the request of Section members from the Massachusetts area, the
Board of Directors held a Special Meeting at the Villa Maria, Manchester,
Connecticut, to discuss with five representatives of Western Massachusetts,
the possibility of changing the name of the Connecticut Section or forming
their own chapter within the Connecticut Section. Frank Kringle, who led
the Massachusetts contingent, said that these ideas developed from a
meeting they had conducted because some members felt they were large
enough group to organize and hold their own meetings as well as Pro-Am
tournaments. Kringle said some members did not like to travel too far and
they did not have enough representation on the Section Board of Directors.
It was recommended at that time to put this request in the form of a
proposal so that professionals residing in the Massachusetts area be given
representation on the Board of Directors by electing three directors.
Among the proposed resolutions that were heard a the 1963 Spring Meeting
at Wampanoag Country Club on April 11, the one to elect three (3)
Massachusetts area professionals to the section board was “withdrawn.”
Then at the fall 1963 meeting, on October 7 at Manchester Country Club,
an extensive proposed resolution, proposed by George Cefaratti, Jerry
Gianferante, and Frank Kringle was submitted. The Proposal asked to form
a chapter. The proposal, however, was defeated, with a total of 47 votes cast:
27 no and 20 yes.
It wasn’t until the Fall Meeting on Octiber 19, 1964, at Manchester Country
Club that a more thorough proposal was submitted and signed by Kringle,
Cefaratti, Gianferante, Edward Rubis, Mickey Cotela, Mike Marge, John
Strycharz, E.R. Howe, Bubby Czelusniak, Fran Monte, and Art House. The
vote was 33 yes, 23 no, and 2 abstained; and the Western Mass. Chapter
began.
Throughout the years since, the family golf professional heredity has been
passed on including, Henry and Bob Bontempo; Frank and Fran Kringle;
Ed Twohig Sr. and sons David and Ed; brothers Tom, Dan, and David
DiRico; Bob and Mike O’Neill; brothers Harry and Ronnie Mattson; and
Mickey and Steve Cotela, to name just a few.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
THE PLAYERS
While all golf professionals are experts at playing the game, since it is their
passion as well as their profession, over the years several names stand out as
the best of the best.
Eddie Burke
First four time winner of the Connecticut PGA Championship (40, 46, 48,
50), two-time Senior PGA Championship 1963 and ’67, and Connecticut
Open champion in 1938.
Harry Nettlebladt
The 1950s were dominated by Nettlebladt, of Golf Club of Avon, who won
the Connecticut PGA Championship three times. He also won back-to-back
Connecticut Opens in 1950 and 1951; and did the same in the Senior Connecticut PGA Championship (1955,1956).
Frank Staszowski
The Torrington Country Club professional who passed away in 2006, won
the Connecticut Open 1948-49, and Senior Connecticut PGA in 71.
Stan Staszowski
Staszowski is currently the oldest and longest serving member of the
section. He won the Connecticut PGA in 1968 and the Senior Connecticut
PGA 1968-69-70-78. He served for 40 years at Green Woods Country Club.
Bob Kay
The long time Wampanaog Country Club professional won the Connecticut
PGA Championship six times and the 1964 Connecticut Open, was the 1975
Player of the Year, and played in the first 15 PGA tour events in Hartford.
Ed Rubis
The Chicopee Country Club professional was the first dominant player from
Western Massachusetts. He won the Connecticut PGA Championship five
times in 1961, 64, 65, 72, and 74; and the Senior Connecticut PGA
Championship in 1983-84.
Dick Stranahan
The former professional at Longmeadow Country Club won the first two
section Player of the Year titles in 1970 and 1971. He also won the 1967
Connecticut PGA Championship.
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Connecticut Section PGA 2008
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
THE PLAYERS, Ctd.
Don Hoenig
His business life kept him quite busy as the owner of Raceway Golf Course,
but Hoenig had quite a record for a part time golfer. He turned professional
in 1962. His list of wins include the 1984 Connecticut PGA Championship,
two Connecticut Opens, three Connecticut Senior Opens titles, and five
consecutive Senior Connecticut PGA Championships, 1985-89.
Doug Dalziel
Three-time winner of the Connecticut PGA Championship and winner of
the Connecticut Senior Open in 1994, Dalziel went on to play on the Senior
PGA TOUR.
Dennis Coscina
Coscina has the distinction of winning a record eight Connecticut PGA
Championships over the span of three decades. His first victory was in 1975.
He won six more times over the next ten years and again in 1994. He was
named section Player of the Year six times and qualified and played on the
Senior PGA TOUR.
Jack McConachie
The Pine Valley Golf Club professional won the 1982 Connecticut PGA
Championship, the 1984 Connecticut Open, the 2001 Connecticut Senior
Open and two Senior Connecticut PGA Championships, 2001-02.
Tony Kelley
The Wyckoff Country Club professional won four Connecticut PGA
Championship titles (1988, 89, 96, 2000). He was the 1999 and 2000 section
Player of the Year and an 8-time Chapter Player of the Year.
Kevin Giancola
A three time Connecticut Open champion, Giancola also won the 2003
Connecticut PGA Championship and is a 3-time section Player of the Year.
Fran Marrello
Marrello leads in the all-time section championship title wins with 13.
In 2007, he became the only section member to have won both the
Connecticut PGA Championship and the Senior PGA Championship
in the same year.
John Paesani
The Norwich Golf Course professional is a 4-time Player of the Year
titleholder and won the Connecticut PGA Championship three times
(1991, 93, and 97), and the 2001 Connecticut Open.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
Eddie Burke
Eddie Burke was the first four time winner of the
Connecticut PGA Championship (40, 46, 48, 50)
Ed Rubis
Ed Rubis, the Chicopee Country Club professional, was the
first dominant player from Western Massachusetts.
Bob Kay
Bob Kay, the long time Wampanaog Country Club
professional, won the Connecticut PGA Championship six
times. He played in the first 15 PGA tour events in Hartford.
Dick Stranahan
Dick Stranahan, the former professional at Longmeadow
Country Club, won the 1967 Connecticut PGA
Championship and the first two section Player of the Year
titles in 1970 and 1971.
Dennis Coscina
Dennis Coscina has the distinction of winning a record eight
Connecticut PGA Championships over the span of three
decades. Coscina, who played on the Senior PGA TOUR, was
the section Player of the Year six times.
John Paesani & Fran Marrello
John Paesani, (L) the Norwich Golf Course professional is a
four-time Player of the Year title holder and won the
Connecticut PGA Championship three times. Fran Marrello,
Canaan Country Club, is the only section member to have
won both the Connecticut PGA Championship and the
Senior PGA Championship in the same year.
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Connecticut Section PGA 2008
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
THE DECORATED
Walter Lowell has been honored for his years of devotion to the Association
and to the game of golf. The highest award he has received was bestowed
upon him when he was inducted into the PGA of America Golf Hall of
Fame in 2005. In 1978 he was named the PGA of America Golf Professional
of the Year, the first and only section member to be given that prestigious
award.
Other section members who have received national awards include Gary
Reynolds, 2001, Bill Strausbaugh Award; Ron Beck, 1993 Public Merchandiser of the Year; Frank Selva, 2007 Junior Golf Leader.
The member who has received the most section awards is John Nowobilski,
who has been selected for 10 awards between 1977 and 2007. He has been
honored as the 1998 Public Merchandiser of the Year; 1997 Teacher of the
Year; and received the President’s Award in 2005, ’04, and ’03; The Horton
Smith Award in 1987 and ’82; 1986 Golf Professional of the Year; 2007 Bill
Strausbaugh Award, and Assistant Professional of the Year 1977.
Don Gliha, was the first and remains the only Master Professional in the
section.
Several section Professionals have been inducted into the Connecticut Golf
Hall of Fame: Harry Nettlebladt, 1973; Walter Lowell, 1979; Don Hoenig,
1981; Bib Kay, 1982; Bob Shea, 1983; Dennis Coscina, 1996; John Murphy,
2000; Doug Dalziel, 2005; and Frank Selva, 2007.
The section also boasts two Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance Gold Key
Winners, Bob Kay, 2000, and Don Hoenig, 2003.
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HISTORY OF THE SECTION
OTHER INFORMATION
We hope that you have enjoyed this special section of our Member Services
Handbook. Other information and photographs will be used throughout the
year in section publications in PGA Magazine, and may be viewed on the
section website, ctpga.com, in a special front-page section.
The 75th Anniversary Committee will continue to collect information,
photos, memorabilia throughout the year. A “Walk of Fame” will be
displayed at the Special Awards Banquet and 75th Anniversary Dinner Dance
on Sunday, November 16, at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Please contact a
member of the Committee (page ) or the section office if you have articles
or information to contribute. The following committee members are
collecting items in specific categories: Lindsey Hansen, golf attire;
Dennis Coscina, equipment; Ralph DeNicolo, ICO, GHO, and Buick
Championship information.
The 75th Anniversary Celebration will officially begin on Tuesday, May 27,
at Ann Howard at The Bond, in Hartford and all section professionals are
invited to attend. PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb will attend
along with several other invited dignitaries. This commemorative luncheon
will begin at 10:00 AM and conclude at 12:15 PM. The special DVD that has
been created will be shown. Later that same day, the Walter Lowell PGA
Tournament will be played at Hartford Golf Club and a dinner will follow to
award the public golf course of the year award.
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Connecticut Section PGA 2008