*Connecticut Section PGA Press Release
(April 29, 2024) – Timberlin Golf Club located in Berlin, has been selected by the Connecticut Section PGA to receive the 2024 Walter Lowell Public Golf Course Distinguished Service Award.
The award is presented annually by the Section to a public golf course for their dedication, promotion, advancement, and accessibility to the game of golf. Timberlin GC, who previously earned the award in 2005, will be recognized at the annual Walter Lowell PGA Tournament on Tuesday, May 28, at Race Brook Country Club in Orange.
Connecticut Section PGA President Bob Sparks said, “Timberlin has a rich history of player growth through its programs and implementation of various PGA initiatives, particularly junior golf. The facility’s willingness to host numerous events for junior and adult golfers makes it an excellent choice for the Walter Lowell Distinguished Service Public Golf Course award.”
Constructed in 1970, the Al Zikorus design provides an enjoyable layout surrounded by open farmland in Berlin. In 2006, a $2 million dollar renovation gave the facility a facelift with the redesign of 50 bunkers and the addition of another 12. The redesign also saw to the recontouring of fairways and an updated irrigation system. The par-72 layout is welcoming to beginners while also reaching 6,733 yards from the championship tees for those experienced golfers.
“We are honored to be awarded the 2024 Walter Lowell Award. We pride ourselves on being a community here at Timberlin. Our patrons come for golf, but stay for the camaraderie,” said Director of Golf, Sol Guerrero.
Golf Professional Marc Bayram added, “when I stepped foot inside the golf shop fourteen years ago, I saw the Walter Lowell Award plaque hanging on the wall from 2005. Since that day, it was always important for me to continue the traditions that made Timberlin special and continue to create new ones. We could not have received this award without the support of the Town of Berlin officials, the Berlin Golf Commission, and most importantly the customers who frequent us regularly. We will continue to make Walter and his family proud as a 2-time award recipient and continue serving the community and providing playing opportunities for all demographics.”
“Home of where the players play,” as it is affectionately known at the club, hosts nearly 50,000 rounds a year in addition to outside events such as the Ryan Lee Memorial Junior TOUR event, PGA Pro-Veteran, Berlin High School golf, and numerous Connecticut State Golf Association events.
In addition, Timberlin participates in Youth on Course, an initiative that gives junior golfers the opportunity to play for $5 per round. Other programming elements include PGA Jr. League, a robust men’s and women’s club, the Women & Wine player development program, and numerous charitable causes.
Since 2001, the Walter Lowell Public Golf Course Distinguished Service Award has honored a public golf course in the Section, in recognition of their dedication to the promotion of the game of golf. The award was inaugurated in honor of the Canton Golf Course for the standards it set in serving the community and providing playing opportunities for all those who want to play and learn the game.
About the Connecticut Section PGA
The Connecticut Section, PGA of America is a non-for-profit organization chartered by The PGA of America in 1933 to promote golf and enhance the livelihood of its members. The Section is comprised of more than 350 men and women golf Professionals who are employed at over 180 golf facilities throughout Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. They are dedicated and committed to growing the game of golf. More information about The Connecticut Section is available on the organization’s website, located at www.ctpga.com.
