SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Franconia Golf Course was recognized Tuesday with the Walter Lowell Public Golf Course Distinguished Service Award during the annual Walter Lowell PGA Tournament in West Hartford, Conn.
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The award ceremony took place at Rockledge Golf Club and marked the first time in 17 years that a Massachusetts golf course received the honor.
Founded in 1929, Franconia Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course on Dwight Road in Springfield designed by John Van Kleek, Wayne Stiles, and Geoffrey Cornish. City officials said the course underwent major upgrades in 2025, including renovations to the clubhouse, redesigned bunkers, and the addition of new fairway and green mowers.
2025 Bontempo Tournament group photo with Mayor Sarno (Courtesy of the City of Springfield)
Under the leadership of PGA Professional and Director of Golf Operations Steven Carle, the course set records in 2025 for both revenue and participation, according to the city. Mayor Domenic Sarno praised the recognition and recent investments in the course.
“Thank you to the Connecticut Section PGA for honoring the great Franconia Golf Course as this year’s Walter Lowell Public Golf Course Distinguished Service Award. Franconia- dubbed the ‘country club’ of New England public golf courses recently underwent $1 million in renovations, enhancing the quality of play for golfers of all ages, levels, and abilities, including the addition of a specialized single-rider cart designed for golfers with disabilities that allows access to tees and greens without harming the turf. With my Administration’s investments in the golf course, not only did Franconia hit record-breaking revenue of nearly $1.2 million last golf season, but a record number of attendees. Thank you to PBRM Tom Ashe, Anthony Kowal, and his team at Franconia Golf Course for their continued hard work in maintaining these beautiful and affordable courses. I’ve always said, ‘We have award-winning public golf courses,’” Sarno said.
Carle, who has been a PGA professional in the Connecticut Section since 1990, called the recognition one of the proudest moments of his career.
“I know that the Walter Lowell Public Golf Course Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor for a public course in our Section,” Carle said. “Franconia is a very special place. Winning this award is one of the proudest and greatest days I have ever had as a Professional.”
Franconia (Courtesy of Mass Golf)
Welcome to Franconia Golf Course (Courtesy of the City of Springfield)
Franconia Clubhouse and green (Courtesy of the City of Springfield)
Sean Kavanaugh and Mickey Foley_2025 Bontempo Champs (Courtesy of the City of Springfield)
Parks Dir. Tom Ashe, Course Manager Steve Carle, Mayor Sarno, Van Sickle Middle School program particpant and teacher, Jeffrey Speller Foundation representatives_June 2025 (Courtesy of the City of Springfield)
Officials said the course’s growth has been fueled by facility improvements and a focus on accessibility and community outreach. Programs at Franconia include youth golf initiatives, women’s leagues and clinics, adaptive golf opportunities, and leagues for local businesses, police officers, and first responders.
“I know that Franconia has everything in its right place,” Carle said. “From our clinics for inner-city youth to our leagues for local businesses, police, and first responders, we are committed to doing all we can to promote the game.”
Since 2001, the Walter Lowell Public Golf Course Distinguished Service Award has recognized public golf facilities that demonstrate service to their communities and expand opportunities for golfers of all backgrounds.
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