info@nesga.org 617-395-2002

Our History

The New England Senior Golfers’ Association boasts a long and storied history. While many of our members distinguished themselves in golf or other pursuits, the NESGA membership has been comprised of men who appreciate golf and the people who make up the game. At its inception, the New England Seniors was fortunate to have a strong leader. Julius Mathews, an advertising executive was one of the incorporators of the NESGA. He served as the first President of the association, and remained as its President from 1922 to 1938. He was able to successfully lead the association through the Great Depression. While many golf clubs and similar associations, failed, Mr. Mathews was able to lead the NESGA through this troubled period. Another of the distinguished gentlemen who were instrumental in the growth of the NESGA was George Wright. Mr. Wright was a member of the Woodland Golf Club who was part of the early discussions, which preceded the formation of the New England Seniors.


G WrightElected into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937, George Wright was a standout shortstop in professional baseball’s early years, winning 4 championships between 1872-1875, playing for the Boston Red Stockings. After retiring from baseball he entered the sporting goods business and established the firm of Wright and Ditson which sold golf and tennis equipment. Mr. Wright served as an incorporator of the Seniors and served on the Board of Governors. In 1934, Mr. Wright proposed having a “tournament within a tournament” a special competition specifically for men who have celebrated their 80th birthday. Thus, the Gold Star division was born. Mr. Wright later was inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Among the first class of five Gold Star members were former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and United States Senator Frederick Gillette, Congressman Alexander Treadway and George Wright himself. Gillette is still the only person to be Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and a popularly elected member of the United States Senate. Mr. Gillette hailed from Westfield, Massachusetts and Mr. Treadway from Stockbridge, Massachusetts.  Mr. Treadway was the proprietor of the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge.The Post World War II period saw tremendous growth in the association, and membership exploded from 220 to 400 by 1970. A call was made to initiate more events, and this expansion launched the schedule the NESGA currently has. The association grew from a single championship event to hosting an event in the Summer, later one in the Fall was added, to the point where we now have five separate events throughout the season. In 1948, the NESGA saw a familiar youngster of  join their ranks when Francis Ouimet became a member. Mr. Ouimet remained a member until  passing in 1967. He was a regular participant in its competitions. He also served the association as a member of the Board of Governors and ultimately as First Vice President.


F OuimetMr. Ouimet was never able to capture the championship of the association. It is said that he appreciated the collegiality of the association and appreciated the opportunity to socialize with so many old associates at the NESGA events. When approached about becoming President of the NESGA, he demurred stating that there were other men who had served the association in a more meaningful capacity.


The NESGA had another great name added in the 1960’s, that of Bishop. Leon Bishop joined the organization and soon became a force in the association, serving on the Board of Governors as Tournament Chairman officer and as President of the NESGA. He later served as the first Executive Secretary of the association where he handled the daily duties of the association, selected the tournament sites and set the handicaps for members (pre computer time). Leon was joined in the NESGA by his brother Stanley E. (Ted) Bishop in 1967. While Ted overshadowed Leon in their younger days, Leon won the championship, while Ted was never able to enter the winner’s circle at the Jarboe. However,


Ted won numerous amateur tournaments, including three Massachusetts Amateurs and two New England Amateurs, with his biggest win being the 1946 U.S. Amateur at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey. Ted also played on the winning Walker Cup teams in 1947 and 1949.


The focus of the NESGA has always been the annual championship, named in 1961 after Perron C. Jarboe. To single out Perron Jarboe would be to shortchange the caliber of play displayed by several of its champions including Roy Moore, Owen Shiro, Fordie Pitts, John Mercer, Gael Coakley, all who won three or more championships.


The New England Senior Golfers’ Association in 1998 established a Charitable Gift Fund to give back to golf. Since that time monies have been distributed to students and junior golf programs have been supported. In 2011, the John A. Casey New England Senior Golfers’ Association scholarship became an endowed scholarship under the auspices of the Francis Ouimet Fund. The Charitable Gift Fund annually makes donations to the Widdy Neale Scholarship Fund (Ct. Golf Association), The John Burke Scholarship Fund (Rhode Island Golf Association), The Richard McDonough Scholarship (New Hampshire Golf Association), and the Maine and Vermont Golf Association scholarship funds. Donations have also been made to the First Tee of Massachusetts and the Button Hole Golf Course in Rhode Island to help promote junior golf and help grow the game.


The NESGA looks forward to the future while being respectful of its past.

 

Past Championship Sites

The NESGA prides itself in playing the best private golf courses in New England.
Over our long and storied history we have seen all six states and played at more than 100 golf courses.

Including:

MASSACHUSETTS
Brae Burn CC, Essex County Club, Longmeadow CC, Myopia Hunt Club, Oyster Harbors, The Country Club, The Kittansett Club,
Salem CC, Taconic GC, Vesper CC, Weston GC, Wianno GC, Winchester CC, Woodland GC, Worcester CC

RHODE ISLAND
Metacomet CC, Misquamicut Club, Newport CC, Rhode Island CC, Wannamoisett CC, Warwick CC

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Abenaqui CC, Baker Hill GC, Lake Sunapee CC, Lake Winnipesaukee GC, Manchester CC, Portsmouth CC

VERMONT
Dorset Field Club, Ekwanok CC, The Quechee Club, Stratton Mountain Resort

MAINE
Portland CC, York Golf & TC, Boothbay Harbor CC

CONNECTICUT
Lake of Isles (South), Farmington CC, CC of Waterbury


 

 

New England Senior Golfers' Association Annual Events

Each season our Annual events are played at different, exclusive clubs across New England.

Spring Season Opener Tournament

The Spring Opener Tournament began in 2022 and is played as a 2-Best Balls of the Foursome event. Being the "shoulder season" for golf courses, often we are able to take advantage of some of the top-rated courses New England has to offer.

 

Parran C. Jarboe Memorial Tournament

The Parron C. Jarboe Championship is one of the oldest senior championships that has been played continuously since 1932. Woodland Golf Club is where the NESGA got its start and is often the host of the annual Jarboe event. The Jarboe Champion is the overall low gross winner.

 

Barrett C. Nichols Memorial Tournament

The Barrett C. Nichols Memorial Tournament format is played as a 2-Best Balls of the Foursome event.

In Barry's obituary it states, "He attributed his longevity to playing golf five times a week, drinking a bourbon sour at lunch and a rum and tonic before dinner, smoking at least four cigars a day. Once he retired, he played 300 rounds of golf a year – even in the pouring rain – and hit six holes- in-one, the last one at the age of 90. He continued to play well past the age of 100."

His son Barrett C. Nichols Jr is an active member of the NESGA and at the age of 92 is still shooting his age.

Clifton C. Larson Memorial Tournament

The Clifton C. Larson Memorial Tournament is an Individual Stableford event.

Cliff was an avid golfer, a sixty-three year member and a past president of Woodland Golf Club and a member and past president of the NESGA.

 

W. Royce Taylor Tournament

The W. Royce Taylor Tournament is played as a 1-Best Ball of the Twosome.

A passionate golfer, Royce was a lifelong member and past president (1984-1989) of Brae Burn Country Club and a long time meber of the NESGA.


Thomas L. Lyons Tournament

The Thomas L. Lyons Tournament is played as a 2-Best Ball of the Foursome

In 2023, the former Coakley-Stimets event was renamed to honor long time NESGA member and past president Thomas Lyons. Tom has served on the Membership Committee, the Nominating Committee, and is a lifetime member of Woodland Golf Club as well as the Ouimet Society. Tom began his golf career at the age of 11. He played many a tournament with his favorite golfing buddy, his dad, and has used the same putter for 61 years! Being a great admirer of Bobby Jones and Payne Stewart, Tom started wearing plus fours in the early 1990’s. He can't be missed.

 


Spouse Events

When an overnight stay is expected for our 2 day events, why not bring your better half to enjoy the sights as well. The NESGA will often offer spouses opportunity to meet eachother, play golf, or enjoy local adventures and entertainment while we travel to the most beautiful New England communities.

Past spouse outings featured a private cruise in Boothbay Harbor (Maine), an adventure through the Green Mountains, playing golf at the Walter Travis classic at Ekwanok Country Club, attending a private museum tour and participating in a glass blowing class in Vermont. 

Membership Information


How to become a Member

The NESGA is very proud to have members representing more than 60 golf clubs. As a result, we are able to offer members unique and exclusive access to some of the best and most sought-after courses in the New England region. Our purpose is to enjoy the game of golf, network and meet others, and have fun.

Applicants must be proposed and seconded by current members of NEW ENGLAND SENIOR GOLFERS’ ASSOCIATION who are in good standing. Members are eligible for membership at age 50.

Consideration for membership involves factors including your:
Contributions to the Game of Golf
Depth of Experience as a Golfer
Course Handicap
Observance of the Rules and Etiquette of Golf
Probable Participation in New England Senior Golfers ‘Association Events

If you would like to be part of this great and historic organization, please Contact Us

[ Download Our Printable Brochure ]

 

The Board of Directors

Officers

President: Joe Abely, Brae Burn CC (MA)
First Vice President: Mitchell Jean, Laconia CC (NH)
Second Vice President Paul Quinn, Longmeadow CC (MA)
Secretary Ronald Milauskas, Winchester CC (MA)
Treasurer Christopher Carney, Portland CC (ME)
Past President Paul Lazar, Montcalm GC (NH)

 


 

Committee Chairmen

Charitable Gift Fund Chair Jonathan Davies
Membership Chair Harry Hanlon
Tournament Committee Chair Paul Quinn
Nominating Committee Chair Paul Lazar
Marketing Committee Chair Joe Abely

Governors

2025
Ruben Moreno, Brae Burn CC, (MA)
Thomas L. Lyons, Woodland GC, (MA)
David McLean, Cummaquid GC, (MA)
Paul R. Quinn, Longmeadow CC, (MA)
Christopher Carney, Portland CC (ME)
Harry Hanlon, Marshfield CC, (MA)
2026
Aram Hintlian, Bare Burn CC, (MA)
Richard McCusker, Abenaqui CC (NH)
Albert Baltz, Neshobe GC (VT)
William Keaveney, Woodland GC (MA)
Brad Gardner, Rhode Island CC (NH)
Stephen Mullin, Brae Burn (MA)
2027
John Curtis, Woodland GC, (MA)
Jonathan Davies, Woodland GC, (MA)
Ken Hintlian, Winchester CC (MA)
David Beman, Pine Brook (MA)
Glenn Walton, GC of New England (NH)

Charitable Giving


Ouimet

Checks may be mailed to:
NESGA
97 Wheeler Rd.
Marston Mills, Ma. 02648

Or
Donate Today

*Donations to the New England Seniors Golf Association Charitable Gift Fund are not tax deductible

Pay It Forward

The New England Senior Golfers’ Association in 1998 established a Charitable Gift Fund to give back to golf. Since that time monies have been distributed to students and junior golf programs have been supported. The Charitable Gift Fund has annually made donations to the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, The Widdy Neale Scholarship Fund (Ct. Golf Association), The John Burke Scholarship Fund (Rhode Island Golf Association), The Richard McDonough Scholarship (New Hampshire Golf Association), the Maine Golf Association scholarship fund and the Vermont Golf Association scholarship fund. Donations have also been made to the First Tee of Massachusetts and the Button Hole Golf Course in Rhode Island to help promote junior golf and help grow the game.

The NESGA looks forward to the future while being respectful of its past.

Let’s make this year the year we acknowledge the blessings we have received and pass on to those, who in future years, will fill the seats we now occupy. Lets make this the most generous year ever.

 

Thank you on behalf of the New England Senior Golfers Association.

 

 

Contact

Location:

Send mail correspondence to:
97 Wheeler Rd
Marstons Mills, MA 02648

Call:

617-395-2002

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