Cyprian Keyes Golf Club Leader Advances to NCGOA Presidency

Frem Appointed to NCGOA Leadership

David Frem, owner‑general manager of Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, was elected vice president of the National Golf Course Owners Association in January and will become president in January 2028. He previously served as president of the New England Golf Course Owners Association, a role only matched by Walter Lankau of Stow Acres CC in recent decades. Frem described the new duties as “exciting” yet “a little nerve‑wracking,” emphasizing his goal to help expand the golf business.

Water Damage Cripples Clubhouse but Courses Stay Open

Early in the week a sprinkler pipe burst in the kitchen ceiling, flooding the clubhouse at Cyprian Keyes. The building shut down for several days, with the restaurant remaining closed until Thursday’s expected reopening. Golfers were redirected to the patio outside the pro shop, where staff continued taking greens fees, cart rentals, and snack orders. Floors, rugs, and electrical wiring were inspected by the building inspector before normal operations resumed. Frem called the incident “frustrating” and said no one wants it to happen again.

Event calendars moved quickly after the disruption. A Worcester County Women’s Golf Association tournament was shifted to Sept. 8, though it would likely have been canceled by rain anyway. Most other activities, including two wedding receptions planned for the following week, proceeded as scheduled. Frem emphasized that the overall golfer experience remains largely unchanged, aside from limited dining options. The club is exploring temporary food solutions, such as an outdoor beverage cart, a portable grill, and possibly a food truck for the weekend. He also praised his staff’s teamwork during the cleanup and recovery. Customer feedback has been positive, with patrons appreciating the ability to still play golf while the clubhouse repairs take place.

Course Improvements and Operational Shifts

Over the years Cyprian has removed numerous trees to widen fairways, aiming to increase sun exposure and airflow across the 18‑hole championship layout. According to director of golf Scott Hickey, the course now plays “a lot easier” than it did a quarter‑century ago, though it remains challenging for skilled players.

The nine‑hole par‑3 course has become a staple since the pandemic, drawing large crowds especially between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekday evenings. Hickey noted that if he were designing a course today, he would prioritize four nine‑hole par‑3 layouts for their affordability and quick play. Most patrons still use carts on the main course, while walkers dominate the shorter layout. Weekend traffic now includes players traveling from the Boston area and along Route 495 South, as nearby clubs like Maplegate CC and Glen Ellen have closed. Cyprian also supports women’s golf with a new nine‑hole beginners league on Thursday afternoons and a women’s division in the Thursday night members league. Typical visitors often lose six golf balls here, far more than at surrounding facilities.

In the senior competition circuit, Cyprian golfers performed well at the Massachusetts Senior Four‑Ball. Terry Dunn partnered with Michael Haglof to tie for third, while Alex McCallum and Steve Larson finished fifth. The club’s superintendent, Dan Brandt, was singled out for his four‑year tenure, with Hickey calling the greens and fairways “in the best condition I’ve ever seen them.” Greg Farland joined the staff this year as an assistant pro overseeing outside operations, a role that fits his background playing in NEPGA Pro‑Pro events.

Staff Changes and Community Programs

Recent leadership shifts include the departure of Shawn and Rick Durocher after the 2024 season; Shawn now heads Amherst Golf Club with Rick as her assistant. Cyprian’s other assistant pro, Dave Johnson, enters his second year, focusing on tournament organization and computer programs. Steve Clancy took over as director of instruction, moving from Granite Links and Blue Hill clubs, while longtime teacher Jack Gale continues to lead the instruction team. Hickey, who returned to Cyprian in 2009 after stints at Norton CC, remains in his 17th year as director of golf, juggling coaching duties for his children’s softball and hockey teams. He reflected that his own golf game has weakened with age, calling the decline “a little depressing.”

The Haven Hosts NEPGA Pro-Pro Championship

The Haven Country Club in Boylston will stage the NEPGA Pro‑Pro Stroke Play Championship on Monday. The event features a 36‑hole best‑ball format, with Rich Berberian and Matt Arvanitis of Vesper CC and Southern New Hampshire University posting a 65‑65 total of 14‑under 130 last year. Berberian and Arvanitis have also captured titles in 2021, 2024 and shared co‑champ honors in 2022. The NEPGA headquarters sits across the street from The Haven, directly between the parking lot and the driving range, providing convenient access for tournament activities.

The article continues to invite readers to share story ideas by contacting Bill Doyle at [email protected], and encourages comments from the community.