At the reopening of Western Massachusetts golf courses for the 2020 season, the name of the professional leader driving the Amherst Golf Club has remained constant.
In his 42nd season in Amherst, David Twohig currently holds the longest consecutive term of a consecutive year as a golf club head professional in western Massachusetts and shows no sign of slowing down.
The name Twohig has a long tradition in Amherst. Ed Twohig, David’s father, was hired in 1943, with his first full season as a professional leader in 1944. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1975, David Twohig worked as an assistant under the guidance of his father for three years, before taking on the role of head pro in the nine-hole layout of Amherst in 1979.
“All my brothers were here growing up, playing golf and working for dad. This is typical when you look around the western mass. Many families like the DiRicos, the Bontempos, the Kringles, I would be sorry not to hear anyone, the O’Neills, the Toski, the families who were in the sector, the children who carried on what their parents did, “says Dave Twohig .
Unpretentious and modest in his nature, Twohig has quietly carried out his daily tasks in the golf industry, growing the game and taking care of Amherst members during his 42-year career path. What was the key to such a successful race?
“You are content with what you feel comfortable with. What I have always tried to do here, is to provide what they do in any other 18-hole course in terms of competition and in general. And we have an exceptional nine-hole course. ”Says Twohig.
Shawn Durocher, professional chief of Boylston’s Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, worked for Twohig during high school and offered further insights into the secret ingredients of Twohig’s success in Amherst over the years.
“The thing I admire is that he knows all the members. Not only by name, but he really cares about them. I think Dave makes everyone feel special in Amherst. It’s always been a family-oriented club and I think Dave is an important part of this, “says Durocher.
Twohig is the fourth youngest of six brothers. Ed Twohig Jr., the oldest of the boys and a lifetime PGA member, also followed in his father’s footsteps in the golf industry, serving as a professional leader at the Northampton Country Club, the Orchards Golf Club and the Springfield Country Club during his career.
“I have five brothers, the youngest, Michael, is a priest, And he is a professional, Steve was a marine at the end of the Vietnam War, my brother John went to West Point and my brother Tommy went to Air Force Academy, so they were all in the branches of the service. My brother and I had our war, we had to work for dad, “says Twohig.” It was fantastic. He was a rough, thick-skinned Irishman, stubborn in his ways. Sometimes he ran strong, not as soft as you should be these days, but as a kid you knew what you had to do. “
Twohig gives his older brother credit for being someone he could learn from, noting that they continually talk about what’s going on in the golf industry.
“David knows how to manage people well. Listen to what they say and do everything to help them, “says Ed Twohig Jr.” Growing up, he was the last to quarrel with one of the other brothers. He is very relaxed. He works hard and the members see and support him. “
Fran Kringle, longtime friend and current professional chief of the Links in Worthington, echoes the devotion that Twohig has applied to his profession.
“We have known each other since we were young assistants. He is the classic club professional. The club comes first. From beginner to advanced single-digit player, David’s vast knowledge and experience is appreciated by his many students. He’s the professional without a doubt, “says Kringle.
Driving the junior golf program in Amherst has always been a top priority for Twohig.
“I do a lot with juniors. As golf professionals, we have a responsibility to give them the game of golf and a responsibility to do it the right way. You have a certain influence to influence many children, it is important to bring them on the right path, not only in golf. What I am proud of is that you have many children who grow up and move on to bigger and better things than you have had, ”says Twohig. “What a place to leave a child who has to follow the rules, dress appropriately, deal with older people. It’s nice that kids get involved at a young age for the carryover value. “
“Dave always has time for children. Dave took me under his wing and gave me lessons during college. He spent many hours with me honing my skills. My niece and nephews are the fourth generation with a bond with the club. Even my children can feel the atmosphere when we come to participate in the John Shea memorial tournament, ”adds Durocher.
A coherent point for Twohig was how important it is to work and listen to people, from younger to older golfers, and how to treat each person.
“I think from an early age, I have always had to deal with older people. You go through generations of people, from young and active to senior, “he says.
“In Amherst, I really enjoyed the time spent there. Dave has always spent time with me and taught me to take care of the customer and create a welcoming environment. One of my favorite quotes is from Dave. He asked me, “Weren’t you listening or paying attention?” I know he was usually joking, but it’s always been in my mind, “adds Durocher.
“You learned to manage people very quickly. My father said, “You can’t buy experience, you have to go through it and learn,” says brother Ed. “David has done very well with his temperament, and he is very understanding.”
Chris Miracle’s weekly golf column, “From the Fairways”, appears on Thursday the Republican. It can be reached via email at [email protected].
