We invite you to learn a little about the people in our community in our occasional series “Meet a Neighbor.” In each of these posts, we profile someone who lives or works in Amherst by sharing their responses to our 20-ish questions, both serious and fun. In this article: meet Dave Twohig.

By Jack Jemsek

In his 46 years as the head golf professional at Amherst Golf Club (AGC), rough estimates indicate that Pro Dave Twohig has had a minimum of one million unique interactions or “touches” with customers. Now at age 71, Dave has decided to call this year his last, and will retire from the job he loves on December 24th. His biggest lament is that due to his rigorous schedule, and despite being on the course for countless hours, he hasn’t been able to actually play a lot of golf during his tenure. That will change beginning next year.

Dave Twohig succeeded his father, Ed Twohig Sr., who was the golf pro at Amherst Golf Club beginning in 1944. Dave graduated from UMass in 1975, and was the assistant for several years before taking over full-time for his dad as the pro in 1979. Doing the math, the two Twohigs have been running Amherst Golf Club as golf pros for 81 straight years. That is what you call a family legacy.

In honor of his retirement, a maximum capacity crowd of approximately 200 people attended “An Evening Honoring Our Pro Dave Twohig” at the Delaney House on October 23, 2024. The program shared stories that highlighted the impact Pro Dave has had on the club and its members. His wife Sandy Twohig concluded the program with these words: “I’ve lived with this man for 46 years. 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.” MassGolf published an article on Dave and his honorary event, which is linked on the AGC website. MORE

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, just prior to the AGC Annual Membership Meeting, Jonathan Paul, the Amherst Postmaster, conducted a Ceremonial Postmarking for the David Twohig Station pictorial postmark. It was a special way to commemorate Dave and thank him for his service to the AGC members, patrons and the golf community all these years. MORE

Regarding Dave’s impending retirement, an AGC member recently wrote “Anyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with Pro Dave during his 46 years of dedication at Amherst Golf Club likely found themselves not only improving their golf game, but also growing as an individual in the process. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Pro Dave!”

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Full Name?

David Twohig

Nickname?

Dave

Years living or working in Amherst?

I grew up in Easthampton and began working at Amherst Golf Club in the mid-60s when I was a kid helping my dad out at the course. After living in Belchertown for 15 years, my wife Sandy and I moved our family to Amherst in 1996 . . . the main reason for moving to Amherst was to take advantage of the schools and youth sports programs for our son Kevin.

Job/What keeps you busy most days?

During the golf season, the work is from sunrise to sundown. We usually open up the course in late March and then close sometime after Thanksgiving, with the Pro Shop staying open until Christmas Eve. There’s a lot of work in the Pro Shop stocking merchandise and cleaning before the season gets going. April and early May we’re busy getting the club membership and leagues set for the year, and planning the tournament schedule for the season.

Historically, we’ve typically run about 60 competitive tournaments for members and guests. We’re well-known for our Novemberfest tournaments with golfers coming in from as far as Maine and New York to play. Each tournament requires signing people up, getting their handicaps or GHIN, assigning tee times, prepping tournament scorecards, and getting the tournament results out to the membership and local papers. Fund-raising events require a bit more preparation to accommodate the set-up and post-round festivities.

After the golfing season gets in full swing, I provide golf lessons on a request basis throughout the day to golfers of all ages, ranging from beginners to low handicap players. For three 3-day sessions in late July and August, I’ve enjoyed running my Golf for Kids program and seeing the junior golfers progress, with some going on to compete on a high school team or even college.

Hobbies?

There is isn’t much free time during the golf season, but I do follow the Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots as well as UMass and Amherst College sports. During January and February, when the course is closed, one of my favorite pastimes was to watch Hall of Fame basketball coach Dave Hixon’s teams play at Amherst College. Back 20 years ago when Kevin was young, I also enjoyed coaching LSSE basketball with Brad Worthley.

Last show or movie you streamed?

Justified series was a favorite of mine. During the winter, my wife Sandy and I will catch up on some of the more popular series.

Five things you wouldn’t want to live without?

My wife, family, and pets. 

Top of your bucket list?

Traveling in general with my wife. Ireland is at the top of my list.

Life-changing experience?

I’d just say raising a family.

A hidden talent or little-known fact about you?

I see a lot of people throughout the year, and truly enjoy the people that have a knack for humor and are just naturally funny.

Dumbest thing you ever did?

I had an accident while cleaning that resulted in a hand injury one summer, and it affected my golf grip to the extent that I couldn’t easily swing with a normal “two-handed” grip. This was just before a Pro-Am tournament that I was really excited about playing with Coach Mike Hodges (football coach at UMass before Mark Whipple). We still played and I got by with a modified one-hand swing for the day, but it wasn’t pretty.

One trend you’d like to see return?

I miss the formal salutations and respect extended by children toward adults by using the titles Mr. or Mrs. To me, it reflected well on the child’s ability to get along with others.

If you could have dinner with any 3 people, alive or dead, who would you invite?

I’ll go with the golfing legends Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

Best advice you ever got?

My father said “No matter how smart or wealthy a person may be, treat all people the same.” 

Favorite place to get a bite?

There are many obviously in Amherst, but I’d say I miss Judy’s restaurant (closed permanently during COVID).

3 favorite foods?

Steak, seafood, and pasta.

What gives you the creeps?

Putting from above the hole on the 9th green at Amherst Golf Club.

Who do you most admire?

My wife, of course, but in general, I admire people who are principled and true to their beliefs.  

Are you sunrise, daylight, twilight, or night?

Sunrise.

What would you like to be known/remembered for?

That I treated people fairly.

What was your favorite game to play as a child?

Besides playing golf, I enjoyed basketball as well as fishing.

Do you know what Amherst golf Club has planned upon your departure?

Pro Shawn Durocher, originally from Amherst, has been hired as the new pro beginning in March 2025.

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About Amherst Golf Club:

Amherst Golf Club is a 9-hole golf course that was established in 1900, and will be celebrating its 125th year in operation next season. The club offers individual and family memberships, and also offers open play to the public. The club is located just 1000 feet south of Amherst College off Rte 116 (365 South Pleasant St), and offers the most beautiful sunset view in Amherst. MORE