The New England Golf Course Owners Association (NEGCOA) is pleased to announce that Hopkinton Country Club, in Hopkinton, MA, has been named the 2025 Chapter Course of the Year. Award presenter Randall Anderson explained that the NEGCOA honors a member course that meets four criteria: Exceptional Quality of the Course, Exceptional Quality of Ownership and Management, Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community,and Significant Contributions to the Game.
Nestled in the historic town of Hopkinton on 127 acres of scenic farmland, Hopkinton Country Club, known locally as “The Hop,” has undergone a transformative journey under the stewardship of Golf Course Superintendent Justin Gagne and his team.Over the past several years, the club has invested heavily in infrastructure and course enhancements, leading to the remarkable condition of its 18-hole championship layout.
Beyond course maintenance, Hopkinton Country Club is also recognized for its exceptional community engagement.The club is committed to making golf accessible to everyone, offering family-friendly programs such as the Saturday afternoon Family Golf Program and youth initiatives like the Junior League and Ladies’ Beginner Clinics. The club’s charitable foundation, founded in 2010, has granted over $1.1M to not-for-profit organizations.
Hopkinton Country Club’s ownership team, led by local businessmen Joe Pasquale and Dan
McLaughlin has made substantial investments in the club’s facilities and community programs, ensuring its vitality for years to come. Recent upgrades to amenities include a resurfaced tennis and pickleball complex, new lighting, expanded fitness facilities, and even a snowmobile and grooming equipment to cut cross-country ski, hiking, and snowshoe trails. On the lighter side, the club offers doggie swim days and take your dog to the course days for members’ dogs!
Elaine Gebhardt, Executive Director of the New England Golf Course Owners Association, praised Hopkinton Country Club for its exceptional achievements: “Hopkinton Country Club exemplifies what it means to be a leader in golf course operations. Their commitment to course excellence, innovative improvements, and community engagement makes them an ideal recipient of our Golf Course of the Year award. From the meticulous care of the course itself to their outstanding efforts in supporting local charities and providing an inclusive environment for golfers of all ages, HopkintonCountry Club sets the standard for what a modern, successful golf club should be.”
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition from the NEGCOA,” said the club’s General Manager, JoAnn Parks. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, from the grounds crew to management and our ownership, as well as our committed members. This award reflects our ongoing effort to elevate the golfing experience and contribute to the community in meaningful ways.
This year’s Golf Course of the Year award reflects Hopkinton Country Club’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the course, and its unwavering dedication to enhancing the golfing experience for all.
Hopkinton Country Club was recognized for its accomplishments at the Annual Chapter Meeting held November 13 at Atkinson Resort & Country Club in Atkinson, NH (the 2015 Chapter winner and ultimately National Course of the Year winner). JoAnn Parks, General Manager, was on hand to accept the award from Board member, Randall Anderson while key members of their team cheered from the audience.
NEGCOA president David Frem had this to say about our winner, “Hopkinton Country Club deservedly won the NEGCOA’s Course of the Year Award. The overall quality of its golf and club experience ise xceptional, and it is a fantastic partner in the community. Yet, it doesn’t rest on its laurels. With a priority on always improving, creating grow-the-game initiatives for youths and adults, it is well-positioned to be a successful club for manyyears to come.”
For more information about Hopkinton Country Club visit www.hopkintoncc.com.
The NEGCOA is an organization made up of golf course owners and operators who are dedicated to promoting the gameof golf, improving course conditions, and providing fun and appealing golf experiences for our customers. The NEGCOAand its 200 plus member clubs are always looking for better solutions, creative programs, and ideas to help golfers enjoythe game more and improve the bottom line for operators. The NEGCOA, in conjunction with the NGCOA, provides itsmember owners/operators with on-going educational resources, cost savings programs, and advocacy.
Additional information will be posted soon to www.negcoa.org. Contact:
Elaine Gebhardt, Executive Director
New England Golf Course Owners Association 300 Arnold PalmerBoulevard
Norton, MA 02766
Ph: 774-430-9031
www.negcoa.org
