WESTFIELD — For a group that has a little bit of everything, it has a lot of many things … including passion, dedication and commitment to golf.
The Western Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame will honor six people as part of its Class of 2025. Brothers David Twohig and Ed Twohig Jr. will be joined by Carl Teschke, Deborah Bloom, Scott Coen and Dan Burack when they are inducted as the 13th class to the region’s elite.
The Sept. 18 festivities include an afternoon tournament and evening induction dinner at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield.
“We are very happy and excited about this group of Hall of Famers,’’ said Tom DiRico, co-chair of the Hall of Fame with Robert Bontempo. “Each has contributed so much to golf and to golf in Western Mass., and all are very worthy of this honor.’’
The Class of 2025 has a strong connection to the Twohig family and Amherst Golf Club, in particular. David Twohig retired as head golf professional at Amherst at the end of the 2024 season, after 46 years at the nine-hole semiprivate club.
“It’s quite an honor to be part of this Hall of Fame,’’ said David, a PGA of America Class A member since 1978. “And for me it’s just a great thing to share for the two of us, with my brother Ed.’’
Ed Twohig Jr. spent more than three decades as head professional at the likes of Northampton CC, Orchards Golf Club and Springfield CC. He has worked in recent years as a noted teaching professional, helping others hone their craft at places like Western Mass Family Golf Center in Hadley.
“It’s an honor, and you really get to meet so many great people over the years when you’re involved in golf,’’ said Ed, who last year reached Half-Century status as a Class A member of the PGA of America. “No matter what golf course you’re at, it’s more about who you’re (playing) with than it is about actually playing golf. That’s really what golf’s all about.’’
The Twohig brothers will join their late father Ed Twohig Sr. (2014) as Hall of Fame inductees.
Behind the scenes, Teschke is halfway through his 30th year as golf course superintendent at Amherst GC.
“There’s no better office than the one where you can work outside,’’ Teschke said. “I was surprised to hear this news, because I know there are a few guys who I think are more deserving. But it’s especially nice for me to go in with guys like David and Ed, guys I know so well.’’
Bloom has been one of the region’s most successful female golfers in recent decades. The longtime member of Springfield CC won 10 ladies club championships during a 14-year span at the private club in West Springfield, and she teamed with Pam Zanetto to win 13 of her 16 career titles at the club’s Women’s June Invitational tournament.
“I just look at all the women before me who are part of the Hall of Fame, and they have been such great mentors to me,’’ Bloom said. “It hit me that now I’m getting old, because now I’m the one mentoring others in golf.’’
Coen has been a very visible and vocal contributor to the promotion of the game in Western Massachusetts, with a professional skill set that has reached all mediums of media.
“Someone once jokingly called me the ‘King of all Media,’ and it was funny but … (true),’’ said Coen, a member at Northampton CC. “At the same time – at one point in my career – I was covering and talking about golf at any chance I had on TV (Channel 40), online (Masslive.com), in the paper (The Republican) and on the radio (WHLL 1450 AM).’’
Coen is best known locally as a sports anchor and reporter for Channel 40 in Springfield and as a master of ceremonies at many golf events, especially the annual Rollie Jacobs Western Mass. Tee Party.
“It’s the human connection that I’ve enjoyed so much about covering golf,’’ Coen said. “In covering golf and sports in the area, I’ve had the chance to cover three generations of the same families. That’s special to me.’’
Burack has made his mark in ownership circles as owner of Tekoa CC since 2009.
“My father (Archie) had a great connection with golf, and I’ve always been around the game,’’ said Burack, a longtime East Longmeadow resident. “I take a lot of pride in making sure people are happy – playing golf, at banquets, enjoying the course and the food. There’s nothing better than hearing people tell you how much fun they are having.’’
Tickets for a four-person scramble (noon shotgun start) and induction dinner are available for $120. Dinner-only tickets sell for $40. Contact Tekoa CC pro Jim DiRico at 413-586-1636 to reserve golfing and dinner spots.
The Hall of Fame was established in 2007 through a joint effort of PGA professionals Bontempo and E.J. Altobello, and local golf media personality Jay Nomakeo. Twelve previous induction ceremonies have honored 73 people.
For more information, visit westernmassgolfhalloffame.wordpress.com.
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