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.
Elected 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.
Mr. 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, 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
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
The Spring Opener Tournament is played as a 2-Best Balls of the Foursome event.
Rhode Island Country Club - "Located in Barrington, Rhode Island you’ll find this 1911 Donald Ross masterpiece. The course is a combination of parkland, wooded and seaside holes, with the final four holes located on beautiful Narragansett Bay. RICC offers magnificent views of the Bay and its islands, which are connected by three bridges. Consistently ranked as a top classic golf course, it has hosted four USGA championships and is home of the CVS Charity Classic."
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.
Woodland Golf Club - "In the 1920's additional land was purchased and famed golf course architect Donald Ross was commissioned to redesign the existing layout. In the early 1960's, Woodland retained noted golf course architect Geoffrey Cornish for the great redesign of the golf course. In recent years, there have been major renovations of both the clubhouse and golf course. We continue to respect our Club's 125 years of history."
Barrett C. Nichols Memorial Tournament
The Barrett C. Nichols Memorial Tournament format is played as a 2-Best Balls of the Foursome event.
Lake of Isles - "Lake of Isles, a 36-hole Rees Jones-designed golf club located in North Stonington, Connecticut, opened in May 2005. Owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and located across the street from Foxwoods Resort Casino, the two courses wind their way through 900 acres of wooded Connecticut countryside and around a 90-acre lake. Lake of Isles offers the ultimate golf experience. In addition to superior service and impeccable course conditions, amenities include a 50,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, a state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor practice facility."
Clifton C. Larson Memorial Tournament
The Clifton C. Larson Memorial Tournament is an Individual Stableford event.
Thorny Lea Golf Club - "Located in the Brockton, Massachusetts and often referred to as 'a hidden gem' or 'an oasis in the city'. Members experience one of the finer golf layouts in Massachusetts with traditional Styles & Vankleek design.
Thorny Lea has long been renowned, not only for the quality of the grounds, but also for the caliber of the play by our members. The Thorny Lea membership has always topped the list of single-digit handicappers at clubs across the state. The club boasts numerous Massachusetts Amateur champions.
Golfing legends such as Ouimet, Hagen, Sarazen, Nelson and Zaharias have taken a crack at par and come up short. A quick read of the scorecard does not even begin to tell the story of this wondrous course."
W. Royce Taylor Tournament
The W. Royce Taylor Tournament is played as a 1-Best Ball of the Twosome.
Boothbay Harbor Country Club - "Boothbay Harbor Country Club is the perfect Maine Golf Course, featuring breathtaking vistas, challenging holes, and a sea breeze blowing off the ocean. Our 18 championship holes are truly a "Pure Maine" golfing experience with innovative design, incredible conditioning, and beautiful landscaping. The stunning new clubhouse is unlike any other facility in Maine with luxury amenities and unparalleled service. It's a course not to be missed."
Thomas L. Lyons Tournament
The Thomas L. Lyons Tournament is played as a 2-Best Ball of the Fooursome
The Kittansett Club - "Appropriately named from two Native American words meaning “near the sea,” is situated in the town of Marion at the end of Butler Point, which extends into Buzzards Bay.
During its memorable history Kittansett has hosted several Massachusetts Golf Association championships over the years. These include the Massachusetts Amateur Championship in 1958, 1978, 1990, 1999, 2008 and 2020. The most prestigious event hosted by Kittansett was the 1953 Walker Cup when the United States defeated Great Britain & Ireland 9 to 3.
With its spectacular views and challenging golf, a round at Kittansett is a truly memorable experience."
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: | Paul Lazar, Montcalm GC (NH) |
First Vice President: | Joe Abely, Brae Burn CC (MA) |
Second Vice President | Mitchell Jean, Laconia CC (NH) |
Secretary | Ronald Milauskas, Winchester CC (MA) |
Treasurer | Joe Abely, Brae Burn CC (MA) |
Past President | Jim Farina, Woodland GC (MA) |
Committee Chairmen
Charitable Gift Fund Chair | Jonathan Davies |
Membership Chair | Harry Hanlon |
Tournament Committee Chair | Paul Quinn |
Nominating Committee Chair | Thomas Lyons |
Marketing Committee Chair | Joe Abely |
Governors
2023 |
Aram Hintlian, Brae 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) |
2024 |
John Curtis, Woodland GC, (MA) |
Jonathan Davies, Woodland GC, (MA) |
Daniel Grady, Brae Burn CC (MA) |
Ken Hintlian, Winchester CC (MA) |
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) |
David Berman, Pine Brook CC, (MA) |
Charitable Giving
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
Email:
info@nesga.org
Call:
617-395-2002