Although I moved to Florida 18 years ago, I will always be Worcester native.
Tony Lema–1965 Carling World Open at PV
Jack Nicklaus at PV 1965
Cuz Mingolla presents check to Kathy Whitworth
I was fortunate enough to grow up as a caddy at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton and the experiences and memories from those years served me well. My business endeavors and tour caddie years on both the PGA and LPGA Tour flourished because of those days of carrying double around the ex apple orchard known affectionately as PV.
During the 1970’s PV hosted two professional golf events during the summer months, the LPGA Championship (one of only 2 major championships on the LPGA Tour at that time), and the PGA Tour under many different title sponsors. Only this year’s US Open, next month at Pinehurst, can boast the same, hosting both the ladies and men’s events in consecutive weeks. It is amazing to me that so many of golf’s talking heads today boast of the great legacy of past champions at many of lesser LPGA and PGA Tour events on today’s tour schedule. This made me think a bit and really appreciate the who’s who of great champions that have walked the fairways of our gem of a golf course in Sutton.
Golf’s greatest winner, male or female, Kathy Whitworth, won numerous times at PV.
Arnold Palmer at PV 1965
Hall of famers such as Billy Casper, Arnold Palmer, Ray Floyd, and Lanny Wadkins tasted victory in Sutton. Champagne Tony Lema started the great legacy here by winning the 1965 Carling World Championship. Pleasant Valley takes a back seat to no golf venue when looking at its place in the history of the game. In the end, Pleasant Valley was a victim of the big corporate business that the PGA tour has become-–Sport Illustrated obituary.
The next time you watch a golf telecast and listen to the pundits talk about playing golf where the pro’s play or the great legacy of champions that have been a part of any particular event, remember Pleasant Valley. It is in your back yard and if you get the opportunity to play this jewel of a golf course, do it. You will feel the history and your game will be better for it. The course has the memories, legacy, and character. If only those rolling hills could talk!!
Thanks for the memories Cuzzy and Ted Mingolla.
