It’s Friday. June starts tomorrow. Life. Is. Good.

I’m playing later this afternoon and tomorrow with a few buddies in the Wahconah CC Spring Open Four-Ball. I can’t wait to get out!

Just a few short years ago, I was in a lull with the game of golf. Kids and work will do that to a guy (or girl). But in the last two years, I’ve been lucky to get my youngest hooked and found a community at my local club. This has led me back into the idea of playing competitively.

There’s just something about pride, bragging rights, drinks, or money on the line that laser the focus and get the best play out of us, isn’t there?

So, this is a call to mix things up a bit and get in some competitive play wherever and whenever you can. Whether it’s league night, a friendly match, a four-ball, or one of the many higher-level tournaments accessible to amateurs across the state, get in on the action.

In fact, I’m exploring the possibilities of introducing events to the 413 Golf repertoire. Would you be interested in a mix of fun and competitive events across the region later this fall and next season? Let me know by replying!

Ok, now that’s out of the way, let’s get to this week’s editorial.

Today, we’ve got:

• An update on the tournaments and outings you should get on your calendar ASAP, including a few with capacity THIS WEEKEND

• A spotlight on Northampton junior golfer Galen Fowles

• A deep dive into the gorgeous Crumpin-Fox!

• News and notes from the 413 Golf community

• And more!

Hit ‘em long. Hit ‘em straight.

Tournaments & Outings

A look at the tournaments and outings important to the 413 Golf community this week.

Upcoming:

• CC of Greenfield also hosts its Senior Club Championship this weekend. Look out for results next week!

• Springfield CC (Springfield Cup), Orchards (Donald Ross Cup), and The Ranch (Match Play Championship) all begin season-long events this week. Keep an eye out for updated results as the events progress!

• Pairings are out for the June 17 Mass. Am qualifier at Veterans; June 18 at Stockbridge, too.

• Speaking of Stockbridge, they’ll host the Stockbridge Trophy this weekend. Results will be here.

• Wahconah CC has a Spring Open 4-Ball this weekend. Yours truly will be competing, so let me know if you’re playing, too!

• Spots remain open for Greenfield’s Mac Sennett Two-Ball June 7-9, which features men and women divisions. Email [email protected] or call the pro shop at 413.773.7530 to inquire.

• The Berkshire Hills’ 67th Singles Championship will be July 29-30. This is a great event with a number of flights and games. Learn more here.

  • Also at Berkshire Hills:

    • Registration is underway for the 42nd Annual Pewter Cup Classic, and only a few spots remain available! This 54 hole event is GROSS ONLY by divisions and preference is given to last years field followed by member apps. Don't wait, grab a partner, and sign up today! The event is set for June 21-22-23. Register here.

    • BHCC’s popular 9-hole match play event is also open for registration. Sign up here using the login code: berkshire2024

• The Greenfield Senior Open Championship will be June 21 at CC of Greenfield. Inquire with the pro shop for entry.

• The Hornblower Memorial kicks off today at Plymouth Country Club

• The Links at Worthington host the Worthington Cup July 13-14. Submit your application here.

• Also, a reminder that the Mass Golf Association has a number of events open for registration. See them & register here.

• Other MGA items to keep an eye on:

  • Women’s Stroke Play Championship at Cummaquid June 5

  • Mass. Open (June 12) at Willowbend

  • Mass. Am qualifiers at Veterans (June 17) and Stockbridge (June 18)

  • Pub-Links qualifier at Chicopee CC on June 18

Completed

• Greg Pease, Joe Mac, James Ryan, and Kevin Atkin (62) won the gross flight at the Best of 4 Memorial Day event at The Links at Worthington. Carl Zurrin, Chris Begrowicz, Nicholas Greenleaf, and Robert Milne took the net flight.

  • Faithful 413 Golf reader Gabe Crane placed 4th just two shots back in the gross flight alongside Jared Carey, Marc Jemilo, and Mike Farrell.

• Chris Ferriter and Carter Fasick combined for a three-shot win the gross flight at the Amherst Memorial Day 2-Ball. Jack Jemsek and Tom Selig went low for a 56(!) to take the net flight.

  Got an event or outing you want to see here? Let me know by simply replying to this email!

413 Golf Community Spotlight

In each edition of the 413 Golf Newsletter, we’ll feature a member of the 413 Golf community making news or waves in the game. Today, get to know:

Galen Fowles

Among the top junior golfers in the state, Northampton senior Galen Fowles (The Ranch) has quite the growing resume.

The reigning, two-time Daily Hampshire Gazette Golfer of the Year, Fowles led the Blue Devils to a 57-2 record during his varsity career and a Western Mass. team title in 2021. In 2022, he made the quarterfinals of the Mass. Junior Amateur and finished T2 at the Challenge Cup Boys Championship.

Competing in AJGA events, he’s logged many Top 10s with a T3 at the Gately Cup in 2023. For his efforts on the AJGA circuit, he was named a Rolex Scholastic All-American.

Fowles will take his talents to the University of Rochester next fall.

Featured 413 Golf Course

Western Massachusetts is home to so many highly-rated private clubs, popular public courses, and countless hidden gems. Each week, we’ll feature one of the many courses across the region. This week, get to know:

Crumpin-Fox

Crumpin-Fox Golf Club, located in Bernardston, is widely regarded as one of the premier golf destinations in New England.

Designed by renowned golf course architect Roger Rulewich, Crumpin-Fox features a challenging 18-hole championship course. Rulewich, who worked alongside Robert Trent Jones Sr. for many years, crafted the course to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, incorporating rolling hills, meandering streams, and mature forests, living up to the goal of creating a Pine Valley-like experience.

The course is set amidst the quintessential scenery of the Pioneer Valley, offering gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. Players not only enjoy the challenge of the course but also the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the New England landscape.

Crumpin-Fox Golf Club offers a diverse array of holes that cater to players of all skill levels. From strategic par-3s to demanding par-5s, each hole presents its own unique challenges and rewards. The course requires golfers to showcase a wide range of shots, including precision iron play, accurate drives, and deft touch around the greens. Manicured fairways, fast and true greens, and well-maintained bunkers ensure that players enjoy a premium golfing experience every time they step onto the course.

In addition to the championship course, Crumpin-Fox Golf Club boasts top-notch practice facilities, including a driving range, putting green, and chipping area. Golfers have ample opportunities to hone their skills and improve their game before or after their rounds.

Undoubtedly a must-play course and among the shining stars of golf courses in the 413, Crumpin-Fox has also garnered seemingly countless accolades. Check out this resume:

• Golfweek’s No. 1 public access course in Massachusetts ‘02, ‘06, 10

• Rolex World Top 1000 course in the world

• Golf Magazine’s Top 100 course you can play ‘97, ‘02, ‘06, ‘07

• Top 50 course in the U.S. by Golf Advisor ‘16

• 33rd toughest public course in the U.S. ‘20 from Golf Advisor

Visit crumpinfox.com to learn more about the course and be sure to have a day there at least once this season.

News & Notes

• Longmeadow’s Ryan Downes fired a 4-under 66 to take medalist honors at the Cedar Hill CC (NJ) U.S. Junior qualifier and will head to the 2024 U.S. Junior at Oakland Hills in Michigan July 22-27.

• Representing Springfield CC, Jaelyn Deboise, former Pope Francis/current Stonehill womens golf standout was a part of Team Massachusetts at the Griscom Cup this past week. Team Massachusetts finished third against the Women’s Golf Association of Philadelphia and Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association.

• CC of Greenfield has Women’s Clinics June 5 and 19 led by Assistant Pro Sean Doyle. Inquire with the pro shop for details.

Recommended Newsletter

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