By Steve Derderian
sderderian@massgolf.org

As vibrant leaves swirl to the ground at Amherst Golf Club, as they do each fall, golfers traveling down the tree-lined, narrow driveway are greeted by a familiar sight: A purple road sign marking “Twohig Way.” For generations, the Twohig name has been synonymous with the area, and amidst this season of change, next year will mark a historic shift for the Amherst club.

One of Western Massachusetts’ most recognized names in golf, Dave Twohig, is retiring after a remarkable 46-year tenure as the club’s fifth head golf professional. Twohig’s legacy is not just about years of experience; it’s the relationships he’s built with every visitor to the tidy 9-hole course set against the Mount Holyoke Range, the enhancements to the club, including a new pro shop and lounge, and the interactions (largely pleasant) with members and guests, estimated to be over a million collectively.

As he prepares to step into retirement at age 71, Twohig leaves behind not just a legacy of excellence but a profound connection to a family tradition that has shaped the club for over eight decades combined. From his father Ed’s pioneering role to his transformative leadership, the Twohig name is etched in the very fabric of Amherst Golf Club.

During a retirement ceremony last week at The Delaney House in Holyoke, attended by more than half of Amherst’s membership, friends and family shared anecdotes and reflections, highlighting the profound impact Twohig has had on the club and its members. While he often carries a straightforward disposition, it’s often met with a charming wit and a caring and gracious attitude, constantly seeking to share his affinity for the game with others.

“It’s fabulous,” Twohig stated afterward, reflecting both on the ceremony and his career. “We all experienced it from a young age. My brothers went into the business, and when my father retired in 1978, I was offered the job, and the rest was history.” 

Before taking the reins, Twohig competed as an alternate for the UMass Amherst golf team, later teaching golf at the school from 1981-1993. Upon graduating in 1975, he worked for his father for three years before taking over in 1979, beginning the longest active, consecutive year tenure as head professional at a golf club in Western Massachusetts.

In 1999, he was recognized as the Western Mass Tee Party honored guest, joining his father and brother as fellow honorees. The award and pro-am tournament dates back to 1947 when Henry Bontempo gathered friends to raise money for then-18-year-old standout Bob Toski, who would soon enter the national golf circuit.

Though Twohig often gave up his own tee times to focus on managing the club and its members, he always made time to support new and aspiring golfers.

“A lot of what I’ve enjoyed is seeing young kids come up into the game and not preaching to them but showing them the ways of the golf club,” Twohig said.

If anybody can speak to what the business is like, it’s Dave’s older brother Ed Twohig Jr., who previously served as head golf professional at historic clubs such as Springfield Country Club and The Orchards Golf Club. Ed Twohig told a story of a golfer who was turned away from playing in a threesome at a nearby club. Upon arriving at Amherst, Dave was the first greet him and fit him right in with a trio off the first tee. He reminded those gathered “It’s not where you play; it’s who you play with that makes the game of golf great.”

“If you looked up the term ‘PGA Golf Professional,’ you’d see a picture of Dave,” Ed added. “He’s dedicated his life to this game, often sacrificing time with family, and has helped build one of the finest clubs in New England.”

As for the timing of his departure, Twohig said it was simply fitting to usher in a new era. While he would never be confused as the most tech-savvy of head golf pros, Twohig has always kept a keen eye on the future, which next year includes a milestone 125-year celebration for the club.

“Even though a lot of things are the same, it’s important to shake it up a little bit, rebrand yourself, get a new logo, and make things unique,” Dave Twohig said. “That attracts new people.”

Last week’s ceremony also included some comical ribbing, courtesy of Ron Moyer, a longtime member and revered high school basketball coach. “I started at Amherst 25 years ago with a 16 handicap. After lessons with you Dave, I’m now a proud 26 handicap,” Moyer joked. “Whenever I ask you to help me with my swing, you never fail to ask which one.”

Striking a more sincere note, Moyer phrased the time put in to help his grandkids play golf. “I think he sees it as his calling to introduce young youngsters to a great, lifelong sport. I see it as a representation of golf done the right way — The Twohig Way.

In recognition of his remarkable career, Kathryn Mahony, Amherst’s women’s association president, and George Oulundsen, the club president, presented Twohig with a lifetime membership, ensuring that he would always remain a part of the Amherst Golf Club family. The local postmaster also commissioned a pictorial postmark (see top photo) to honor his legacy of leadership for the club.

“Dave made what is a very hard business look easy, so we’re all beneficiaries of that,” said past president Steve Elkins, who emceed the ceremony.

Just as Twohig was giving his final remarks to conclude the evening, his wife Sandy joined him at the podium and shared a personal glimpse that summed up perfectly Dave’s secret to his longevity and desire to serve as head golf professional for so long.

“I’ve lived with this man for 46 years,” she remarked. “He has never once woken up and said, ‘Jeez, I really don’t feel like going to work that day.’ His passion for the game has been unwavering.”