SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Springfield golf course has been chosen to host The United States Junior Amateur Championship.

Mayor Domenic Sarno and Executive Director of Parks & Recreation Patrick Sullivan announced Monday that Springfield’s Veterans Memorial Golf Course will host the 2023 USGA Qualifying for US Junior Amateur and US Girls’ Junior Amateur on June 26.

This is the first time the golf course has been chosen to host the event. The course recently underwent $1 million in renovations.

This will be the 5th time Massachusetts will host the U.S. girls’ junior amateur. The first was back in 1995 when they played at the Longmeadow Country Club.

Mayor Sarno states, “This is tremendous news that our Veterans Memorial Golf Course has been chosen by Mass Golf to host two major USGA Qualifying events.  This is a testament to my administrations investment to enhance and renovate our municipal golf courses, along with the management of PBRM Director Patrick Sullivan and his dedicated team.  Our public golf courses are being nationally recognized and are quickly becoming a hidden jewel in the region, offering some of the most affordable rates in the area.  This great news will bring with it positive economic spinoff for our hotels, restaurants and hospitality industry too.”

PBRM Director Sullivan stated, “Thanks to Mayor Sarno’s support, our municipal golf courses are quickly becoming very popular and recognized both regionally and nationally.  The investment of $1 million worth of renovations at our public golf courses is the best example on why it is important to make these capital investments into our open spaces as it has a return of economic development where people will be staying in our hotels and dining at our local restaurants.  The investments and renovations made at both Franconia and Veterans have enhanced the quality of play for players of all ages and level, and I want to thank and congratulate our Greens Crews led by Anthony Kowal, who do a phenomenal job in maintaining them.”