Big Green steps up to host Vermont Open

Rutland Herald

STAFF REPORT | June 13,2014

 

KILLINGTON — It isn’t Pinehurst No. 2 with back-to-back men’s and women’s U.S. Opens but a big event is a big event. And Green Mountain National taking the Vermont Open on short notice, and the week before its annual date with the American Juniors Golf Association tournament, speaks to the willingness of course staff as well as the surrounding community.

GMN will host the Open next Monday through Wednesday as pros from all about New England and beyond test the course that has entertained a lot of talented fields, from women’s and men’s professional tours to top amateur events.

The tournament has been moved from weather-damaged Lake Morey for the second time in five years and Green Mountain National pro Dave Soucy was quick to offer up his course, even if it’s the week before the fifth annual Killington AJGA Classic.

“I called Bill (Ross, Lake Morey head pro) when I heard they couldn’t handle it,” Soucy said. “There were several other golf courses that offered but I thought it would be good for the golf course.”

Ross and Dave Pfannestein, head of the Vermont Golf Association, gave Green Mountain National their blessing. Pfannenstein and the VGA ran the Vermont Amateur here and that left a good impression of the course and the support staff’s ability to get large fields around in a timely fashion.

“I certainly think Dave Pfannenstein knew we were capable of it and the golf course would hold up. I think those things weigh in on the decision but it’s a good, strong golf course,” Soucy said.

“With the AJGA coming up I knew we would be in in tournament shape. We had some bruises (from the winter) but mainly (superintendent) Peter Bissell and his staff have worked hard and they’re dedicated. They are working literally night and day. Peter comes back at night and waters greens after being here early in the morning. That was part of the decision.”

Soucy lauded the efforts of GMN group sales director Patricia Whitney, who is in charge of rallying support staff for the busy two-week stretch.

“We have a list of people who will volunteer even if it is two weeks in a row,” Soucy said.

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Defending champion Michael Welch returns, along with faces Vermont golf fans have come to know well.

They include host pro Soucy, two-time Vermont Amateur champion Brian Albertazzi, Williston’s Todd Trono and John Goodchild, and Kyle Gallo, who won a New England Pro Tour event on this course.

Amateurs in the field include Rutland High School’s Drake Hull and Max Major, St. Johnsbury’s Alex Rainville, Spaulding’s Troy Evans and Garren Poirier of the host course.