Author: Kate

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Inductee

Craig Steckowych

Craig Steckowych has been a pillar of New Hampshire amateur golf for more than three decades, building a record of excellence that spans generations, formats, and championship stages. A competitor of remarkable consistency, Steckowych’s name is etched across nearly every major title in the state—and beyond.

He is a two-time New Hampshire Amateur Champion (1990, 1998), Mid-Amateur Champion (1991, 2003), and Stroke Play Champion (2000, 2007). He has also won the Players Invitational (2012), Four Ball Championship (2003), and captured the Senior Match Play Championship five times (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023), cementing his legacy in every stage of competition.

In 2001, Steckowych reached a career milestone by winning the New England Amateur Championship at the Quechee Club in Vermont—a victory that confirmed his belief that he could succeed on a broader stage.

His talent carried him to 12 USGA championships, highlighted by his appearance in the 2009 U.S. Senior Open at Crooked Stick Golf Club, where he competed alongside the best senior golfers in the world.

Over the years, the New Hampshire Golf has recognized Steckowych with three Thomas J. Leonard Player of the Year awards (2000, 2001, 2007) and five consecutive Senior Player of the Year honors (2020–2024), a reflection of his remarkable longevity and continued pursuit of excellence.

But for Steckowych, the game has always meant more than trophies. Introduced to the game at age 13 through a junior membership at Derryfield Country Club, Craig quickly developed a deep connection to golf and a reputation for both competitive spirit and personal integrity.

As he joins the elite company of the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame, Craig Steckowych is celebrated not just for what he’s won but for how he’s carried himself through it all. A champion, a sportsman, and a role model for generations of New Hampshire golfers.

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Press Release

A Career for the Ages: Steckowych to be Inducted into NH Golf Hall of Fame

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame Nominating Committee is proud to announce that longtime amateur standout Craig Steckowych will be inducted into the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2025. With a career that has spanned more than three decades and includes championships at every stage of competitive amateur golf, Steckowych’s record is among the most decorated in state history. But to Craig, the game has always been about more than just titles.

Steckowych’s journey in golf began as a teenager at Derryfield Country Club. “I started playing at 13 or 14 years old,” he recalls. “My dad was a member at Derryfield and came home one day with a junior membership for me and my older brother. That’s where it all started.”

From those early rounds, Steckowych went on to etch his name into the record books. His list of achievements includes winning the New Hampshire Amateur Championship twice (1990, 1998), the NH Mid-Amateur twice (1991, 2003), and the Stroke Play Championship twice (2000, 2007). He also claimed victories in the Players Invitational (2012), the Four Ball Championship (2003), and is a five-time Senior Match Play Champion (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023). On a regional scale, his crowning moment came with a win at the 2001 New England Amateur Championship, a performance that proved he could compete, and win, on a broader stage.

“At the time, I had a quiet confidence that I could compete at that level,” he says of his New England Amateur victory. “It was very gratifying to pull off that win on a bit of a larger stage. It confirmed a belief in myself that I could achieve a personal competitive goal under pressure.”

That belief has carried him far beyond New Hampshire’s borders. Steckowych has competed in 12 USGA championships, a testament to his skill and consistency. Most notably, he qualified for and teed it up in the 2009 U.S. Senior Open at Crooked Stick Golf Club, competing alongside some of the best senior players in the world.

His competitive success has been recognized time and time again. Steckowych was named Thomas J. Leonard Player of the Year three times (2000, 2001, 2007) and has dominated senior amateur golf in recent years, earning NH Senior Player of the Year honors five consecutive times from 2020 through 2024.

But for all the trophies, accolades, and scorecards, Craig Steckowych’s connection to the game runs deeper. “I think that in life people identify with certain characteristics, social values, and morals,” he says. “The golf culture has many of those positive attributes to which I subscribe and embrace. It’s part of who I am.”

That sense of identity, and humility, runs through his reaction to learning of his Hall of Fame selection. “I’m not one to live in the past,” he says. “As I get older and the game gets harder, many of my accomplishments seem so distant. My drive is still there, but my game isn’t and there are just so many better players than me now. So, to be an inductee almost feels surreal. I don’t take it for granted, nor do I expect it. The fact that others feel that I am deserving is humbling because I don’t see it as clearly as they do. It’s an honor.”

That humility and grace haven’t gone unnoticed by those who’ve worked closely with him. Steckowych served nine years on the Board of Directors for New Hampshire Golf.  Executive Director, Matt Schmidt commented, “For all of Craig’s accomplishments on the course, and there are plenty, what has made his career stand out the most is his humility, friendship, and character. You’d be hard pressed to find an individual who represents NH golf with more class and distinction than Craig.”

As Steckowych prepares to join some of New Hampshire’s most legendary golfers, the moment is not lost on him. “NH Golf has provided a competitive playground for me to test my abilities against my friends and fellow competitors, but it is much more than that,” he says. “Some of my best friends are here. I would hope that others felt that I was a good guy to play with rather than just a good golfer. I think that other Hall of Fame inductees embody that sense in one way or another. It’s special to be considered part of that group.”

Steckowych will be formally inducted on November 6th at the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame Ceremony taking place at Manchester Country Club, where his achievements, character, and impact on the game will be celebrated by friends, family, and the New Hampshire Golf community.

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Press Release

Upcoming New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame Class Set to Include Danny Arvanitis, Larry Gallagher, PGA and Tom DiFonzo

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame Nominating Committee is excited to announce three individuals set to be included into the Class of 2024.  Danny Arvanitis, Larry Gallagher, PGA, and Tom DiFonzo will be inducted for their accomplishments and contributions to the game of golf here in New Hampshire.  All worthy inductees, each has made their own mark on the game through amateur golf accolades, professional and teaching contributions and through their leadership in advocating for the sustainability of the game and the promotion of responsible golf course maintenance practices.  The New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame Committee is proud to be honoring each of these individuals at the upcoming ceremony being held at Manchester Country Club on November 7th.
 
Danny Arvanitis, a golfer who has made a name for himself around the state through his amateur playing accomplishments, feels honored to be chosen and to be joining an elite group of golfers who have been inducted in previous years.  He stated, “To be included with those inductees already in is special.  Phil Pleat, Bob Mielcarz, Kirk Hanefeld and Rich Parker are players in my era that I have played with and against.  They are a special talent.  I have tremendous respect for them as players and people.”
 
“What an honor to be chosen and it is something I will cherish the rest of my life”, continued Arvanitis.
 
Arvanitis’ accomplishments include winning the 2001 New Hampshire Amateur Championship, winning four New Hampshire Mid-Amateur Championships, and most recently, winning the 2022 New Hampshire Senior Championship.  As a lifelong member of Derryfield Country Club in Manchester, Arvanitis has claimed 12 Manchester City Championship titles, the most any golfer has won.  He has also competed in 13 USGA championship events over the years.  As he continues to compete against the top in the state, Arvanitis finds the time to give back to the game as he has been the head coach of The Derryfield School golf team since 2011.
 
Dedication and love for the game have been at the heart and soul of Larry Gallagher’s career.  Gallagher started playing golf in high school and acquired his first job at North Conway Country Club in 1970.  From there, he turned Professional and worked his way up through the PGA program.  He landed back at North Conway in 1991 where he served as Head Golf Professional for 25 years.  During his tenure at North Conway, Gallagher had a successful playing career and found even more success with the teaching and mentorship part of the job.
 
In 2001, Gallagher and his wife Kathy designed and trademarked The Liberty Ball which raised over $30,000 for The Red Cross as well as The Police and Firefighters Women’s and Children’s Fund of NYC.  Their efforts in raising funds through The Liberty Ball were recognized by President George H. W. Bush and President George W. Bush.
 
Gallagher commented on his induction by saying, “I’m happy, surprised, grateful, and honored to be associated with this Class of Inductees.  These are people I respect for their hard work, dedication to and love for the game of golf.  To be mentioned along with this group of candidates is truly an honor.”
 
He continued, “After all the years of Pro Shop time, time on the lesson tee, junior programs, member tournaments as well as my tournament play, it is what I signed up for and I have loved it all!”
 
Joining Arvanitis and Gallagher in the Class of 2024 is Tom DiFonzo, a longtime New Hampshire Golf Course Superintendent who made an immense impact on agronomy and turfgrass in the state through his work on the Board of Directors of the New Hampshire Golf Course Superintendents Association (NHGCSA).  DiFonzo was the superintendent at Laconia Country Club for 18 years, a timeframe which included the 113th New Hampshire Amateur Championship.  During that time, he held every office on the Board of Directors for the NHGCSA, including serving two terms as their President.
 
DiFonzo was active in encouraging industry leaders to monitor and impact important legislation that could affect golf courses and the turfgrass industry. He was at the forefront of protecting New Hampshire courses by being present at the State House when needed and signing necessary petitions.  He served as the NHGCSA delegate for the national association for over 10 years and helped to grow the New Hampshire Chapter into a leader across the industry.  DiFonzo’s efforts with the NHGCSA has earned him an induction into the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions to bettering the game of golf here in the Granite State. DiFonzo’s induction will be posthumous as he lost a brave battle with cancer in 2018.
 
Along with the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the New Hampshire Golf Association (NHGA) awards the Joe Kane Distinguished Service Award to an individual who has dedicated much of their time and effort to the game of golf in New Hampshire.  This year’s recipient is John Bottomley, an individual who embodies all the qualities of Joe Kane and has given much of his time bettering golf in the Granite State.
 
NHGA Executive Director, Matt Schmidt, commented, “John’s contributions to the game in New Hampshire have been immeasurable and he’s a worthy recipient of the Kane Distinguished Service Award. He truly embodies the ideals of Joe Kane, and this is recognition of John’s work as an ambassador of the game for many, many decades.”
 
Bottomley has served on the Board of Directors of the New Hampshire Golf Association and was President of the organization in 1991 and 1992.  Over the years he has continued to volunteer with the NHGA and continues to give back to the game as he serves on the Advisory Council of the First Tee – New Hampshire.  John Bottomly is a worthy recipient of this award for his contributions, efforts and support of golf here in New Hampshire.
 
The Class of 2024 is set to be inducted on November 7th during the NHGA Annual Meeting which will be held at Manchester Country Club.  More information on tickets will be available later.

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Inductee

Tom DiFonzo

Tom DiFonzo was a longtime New Hampshire Golf Course Superintendent who made an immense impact on agronomy and turfgrass in the state through his work on the Board of Directors of the New Hampshire Golf Course Superintendents Association (NHGCSA). 

DiFonzo was the superintendent at Laconia Country Club for 18 years, a timeframe which included the 113th New Hampshire Amateur Championship.  During that time, he held every office on the Board of Directors for the NHGCSA, including serving two terms as their President.
 
DiFonzo was active in encouraging industry leaders to monitor and impact important legislation that could affect golf courses and the turfgrass industry. He was at the forefront of protecting New Hampshire courses by being present at the State House when needed and signing necessary petitions.  He served as the NHGCSA delegate for the national association for over 10 years and helped to grow the New Hampshire Chapter into a leader across the industry.  DiFonzo’s efforts with the NHGCSA has earned him an induction into the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions to bettering the game of golf here in the Granite State. DiFonzo’s induction will be posthumous as he lost a brave battle with cancer in 2018.

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Inductee

Larry Gallagher, PGA

Dedication and love for the game have been at the heart and soul of Larry Gallagher’s career.  Gallagher started playing golf in high school and acquired his first job at North Conway Country Club in 1970.  From there, he turned Professional and worked his way up through the PGA program.  He landed back at North Conway in 1991 where he served as Head Golf Professional for 25 years.  During his tenure at North Conway, Gallagher had a successful playing career and found even more success with the teaching and mentorship part of the job.

Some of Gallagher’s playing accomplishments include being the New Hampshire PGA’s Player of the Year in 1991 and 1995.  Over the years he won the New Hampshire PGA Stroke Play Championship, Match Play Championship, Senior Stroke Play Championship and various other Pro/Amateur events.

In 2001, Gallagher and his wife Kathy designed and trademarked The Liberty Ball which raised over $30,000 for The Red Cross as well as The Police and Firefighters Women’s and Children’s Fund of NYC.  Their efforts in raising funds through The Liberty Ball were recognized by President George H. W. Bush and President George W. Bush.  That same year he was honored as the New Hampshire PGA Professional of the Year.

Gallagher was also a well-recognized teacher of the game.  In 2007 and 2009, he was recognized by US Kids Golf for his work with junior golf at North Conway Country Club.  For all his years of service to the game of golf, he is now a Lifetime Member of the PGA of America.

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Inductee

Danny Arvanitis

Danny Arvanitis has made a name for himself around the state through his amateur playing accomplishments. His accomplishments include winning the 2001 New Hampshire Amateur Championship, winning four New Hampshire Mid-Amateur Championships, and most recently, winning the 2022 New Hampshire Senior Championship.  He has also competed in 13 USGA championship events over the years, which is an accomplishment on its own.

As a lifelong member of Derryfield Country Club in Manchester, Arvanitis has claimed 12 Manchester City Championship titles, the most any golfer has won.  He has been inducted into the Manchester City Hall of Fame and was the 2015 NHGA Champions Dinner Honoree.

As he continues to compete against the top in the state, Arvanitis finds the time to give back to the game as he has been the Head Coach of The Derryfield School Golf Team since 2011.  Prior to 2011, he was the Assistant Golf Coach for Southern New Hampshire University from 2008 to 2010.

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Inductee

Mike Ryan, PGA

Remembered by all for his dedication to the game, Mike Ryan, PGA will be inducted into the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game as a PGA Professional.  Right out of high school, Ryan joined the PGA Apprentice Program and was elected to the PGA of America in 1981.  Starting out, he was the Assistant Golf Professional at Plausawa Valley CC, now Pembroke Pines CC.  From there, he went on to take other Assistant Golf Professional positions until being named the Head Golf Professional at Derryfield CC in 1996 where he stayed the remainder of his career. 

While at Derryfield, he created the Mike Ryan Learning Center with golf simulators for golfers to enjoy year-round.  Over the course of his career, he garnered many honors, including NH PGA Junior Golf Leader, NH PGA Teacher of the Year and in 2017 was named NH PGA Professional of the Year. 

Now in his memory, the New Hampshire Golf Association holds the Mike Ryan Memorial Tournament, formerly the Red Ryan, at Derryfield CC, bringing together junior golfers from the around the state to compete in a match play format championship.

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Inductee

Warren Tibbetts, Sr.

With an impressive amateur golf record, Warren Tibbetts is set to be inducted into the 2023 class of the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame.  Tibbetts claimed his first New Hampshire Amateur title in 1955 and won again 15 years later in 1970.  Between those two years, he picked up two New England Amateur titles (1960 and 1963) and won the Massachusetts Amateur Championship in 1966.  Tibbetts was a part of the inaugural New Hampshire Tri-State team in 1935 and was a part of the team for two wins over Vermont and Maine. 

Over the years, Tibbets was a member at multiple courses in New Hampshire, including Derryfield CC, Manchester CC, Green Meadow GC and The Maplewood GC.  He claimed the club championship title at Manchester CC seven times as well as the Derryfield CC club championship title. 

After turning professional, Tibbetts served as the Interim professional at Manchester CC while Joe Makara served in the military.  He also served as the Head Golf Professional at Lake Sunapee CC.

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Inductee

Rich Parker

With accomplishments spanning both his amateur and professional years, Rich Parker has rightfully earned his spot in the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame.  He is a two-time New Hampshire Junior Champion, winning in 1977 and 1978.  As a three-sport athlete at Plymouth State University, Parker found most of his success in golf, winning the ECAC individual title in 1982.  For all his accomplishments there, he was inducted into the Plymouth State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. 

Professionally, he won three New Hampshire Open titles, one Massachusetts Open, Maine Open and Vermont Open titles.  In 1990, he qualified and competed in the US Open at Medinah and competed in the 2010 US Senior Open.  He was named Vermont PGA Player of the Year in 1997 and New Hampshire PGA Player of the Year in 1999. 

Returning to his roots on the amateur side of competition, Parker won the 2018 New Hampshire Senior title and was named New Hampshire Senior Player of the Year that same year.  Currently, Parker is the Head Coach of the Dartmouth College Men’s Golf Team, a position he has held since 2005.

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Press Release

New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Announced: Rich Parker, Warren Tibbetts & Mike Ryan to be Inducted

Concord, NH – With the next New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame Induction ceremony approaching this fall, the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame Committee is thrilled to announce the class of 2023.  Rich Parker, Warren Tibbetts, Sr. and Mike Ryan, PGA are set to be inducted in November for their accomplishments and contributions to the game here in the Granite State.

The New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame was established in 2018 to recognize individuals for their contributions to the game of golf in the Granite State.  Since then, 16 individuals have been inducted across three classes.  The Hall of Fame seeks to identify those who have had a profound effect on the game through accomplishments in playing, volunteerism, teaching, or any activity that has made a positive impact on the game within New Hampshire.

“Rich, Mike, and Warren embody all of the qualities that the Hall of Fame Committee is looking for when inducting a new class,” commented Matt Schmidt, New Hampshire Golf Association Executive Director.  “All three men have accomplished and given back so much to the game of golf here in New Hampshire.”

Along with the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the New Hampshire Golf Association will honor all 2023 Players of the Year and will also hand out the Joseph Kane Distinguished Service Award to an individual who has dedicated countless hours to the game of golf here in New Hampshire and beyond.  This year’s award is being given to Joe Sprague, current United States Golf Association (USGA) Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Schmidt stated, “We’re thrilled to be recognizing Joe Sprague with the Joseph Kane Distinguished Service Award as well. Sprague’s career in golf administration speaks for itself and few individuals had the respect and admiration of Mr. Kane more so than Joe did.”

The Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 2nd at Manchester Country Club. The event will be open to the public with tickets available for purchase at a later date.

Rich Parker

With accomplishments spanning both his amateur and professional years, Rich Parker has rightfully earned his spot in the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame.  He is a two-time New Hampshire Junior Champion, winning in 1977 and 1978.  As a three-sport athlete at Plymouth State University, Parker found most of his success in golf, winning the ECAC individual title in 1982.  For all his accomplishments there, he was inducted into the Plymouth State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.  Professionally, he won three New Hampshire Open titles, one Massachusetts Open, Maine Open and Vermont Open titles.  In 1990, he qualified and competed in the US Open at Medinah and competed in the 2010 US Senior Open.  He was named Vermont PGA Player of the Year in 1997 and New Hampshire PGA Player of the Year in 1999.  Returning to his roots on the amateur side of competition, Parker won the 2018 New Hampshire Senior title and was named New Hampshire Senior Player of the Year that same year.  Currently, Parker is the Head Coach of the Dartmouth College Men’s Golf Team, a position he has held since 2005.

Warren Tibbetts, Sr.

With an impressive amateur golf record, Warren Tibbetts is set to be inducted into the 2023 class of the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame.  Tibbetts claimed his first New Hampshire Amateur title in 1955 and won again 15 years later in 1970.  Between those two years, he picked up two New England Amateur titles (1960 and 1963) and won the Massachusetts Amateur Championship in 1966.  Tibbetts was a part of the inaugural New Hampshire Tri-State team in 1935 and was a part of the team for two wins over Vermont and Maine.  Over the years, Tibbets was a member at multiple courses in New Hampshire, including Derryfield CC, Manchester CC, Green Meadow GC and The Maplewood GC.  He claimed the club championship title at Manchester CC seven times as well as the Derryfield CC club championship title.  After turning professional, Tibbetts served as the Interim professional at Manchester CC while Joe Makara served in the military.  He also served as the Head Golf Professional at Lake Sunapee CC.

Mike Ryan, PGA

Remembered by all for his dedication to the game, Mike Ryan, PGA will be inducted into the New Hampshire Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game as a PGA Professional.  Right out of high school, Ryan joined the PGA Apprentice Program and was elected to the PGA of America in 1981.  Starting out, he was the Assistant Golf Professional at Plausawa Valley CC, now Pembroke Pines CC.  From there, he went on to take other Assistant Golf Professional positions until being named the Head Golf Professional at Derryfield CC in 1996 where he stayed the remainder of his career.  While at Derryfield, he created the Mike Ryan Learning Center with golf simulators for golfers to enjoy year-round.  Over the course of his career, he garnered many honors, including NH PGA Junior Golf Leader, NH PGA Teacher of the Year and in 2017 was named NH PGA Professional of the Year.  Now in his memory, the New Hampshire Golf Association holds the Mike Ryan Memorial Tournament, formerly the Red Ryan, at Derryfield CC, bringing together junior golfers from the around the state to compete in a match play format championship.