Course In Hartford County Gets Major Connecticut Section PGA Award

GLASTONBURY, CT — Timberlin Golf Club located in Berlin, Conn., 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 "dedication, promotion, advancement, and accessibility to the game of golf."

Timberlin GC, which previously earned the award in 2005, will be recognized at the annual Walter Lowell PGA Tournament on May 28 at Race Brook Country Club in Orange.

Connecticut Section PGA President Bob Sparks said of the course, "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 included some re-contouring 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.

"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 Director of Golf Sol Guerrero said.

Golf Professional Marc Bayram added, "When I stepped foot inside the golf shop 14 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 two-time award recipient and continue serving the community and providing playing opportunities for all demographics."

The course is affectionately called the "home of where the players play," and it 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.