The 2008 season was one of the best in the history of HCC golf. The team was undefeated in Region 21 play (18-0, 31-2 overall), won the Cobleskill Tournament for the first time, and finished ranked #10 nationally by the NJCAA. Individually, freshman Greg Strattner finished ranked #2 nationally by the NJCAA, and was the first HCC golfer ever to be named 1st Team All-American. Both Greg and fellow freshman Tim Fanion were named to the All-New England Team.
The Golf program at Holyoke has a long tradition that goes back to the 1968-69 academic year when HCC played against local teams. The team was coached by English Professor Joe Moriarty for the 1st three seasons. In 1972-73, HCC joined the "National Jr. College Athletic Association" (NJCAA) and participated in Region 3 - an area that ranged from Providence, Rhode Island to Buffalo, NY. That year the golf team finished 2nd in this large region. In 1974, the New England Region 21 was formed. In the 31 seasons of New England Championships, HCC has finished 1st or 2nd on 17 occasions. [11 Firsts and 6 Runner-Ups]. In addition, 58 students earned All New England recognition over these years. Many qualified and played in National Tournaments. Holyoke CC won Championships under coaches Bob Duncan and Rich Frasco in the 1970's and 80's. In 1985, Coach William Sullivan took the helm for 18 years, until 2003. HCC won five NJCAA Tournaments during this time. Coach Sullivan won a championship in three different decades while at HCC.
Among HCC’s notable players are Tony Kelly 1976-77. Tony captained the team that year, and was the championship’s medalist. He went on to finish 16th in the NJCAA National Tournament. Currently, Tony is the Head Professional at Wycoff CC in Holyoke, MA. He has been the pro at Wycoff since 1982.
Also, Rick Fleury, (New England Medalist 1982) was elected to P.G.A. membership. In 1995, Rick assumed his duties as Head Professional after serving as 1st Assistant at Hickory since 1988. Prior to working at Hickory Ridge, Rick served as an assistant professional at many prestigious golf clubs including: The Orchards Golf Course in South Hadley, Massachusetts, John's Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida and Canoe Brook C.C. in Summit, New Jersey. Jim Gavron (All New England 1989) is also a Head Professional in the Pioneer Valley. Jim is currently at Mill Valley CC in Belchertown.
The College has utilized golf courses from throughout the Valley, including Shaker Farms, The Orchards, Southampton, Hickory Ridge, East Mountain, and Wyckoff CC. Currently, Wyckoff CC is the home course to HCC. The team has qualified and participated in National Tournaments in locations as far away as Florida, Arizona, Texas, Nebraska, Tennessee, North Carolina, and New York. The team is coached by Coach Brian Shelasky who in his fourth year at the helm for HCC.
The team opens its match schedule in early April. The team organizes in the fall and trains for the spring season throughout the year including indoor hitting in the Bartley Center. The New England Tournament is held in May. The winner of that tournament travels to the NJCAA National Tournament in June.