Greater Norwich Golfer’s Hall of Fame induction dinner
Submitted Photo
NORWICH – In honor of posthumous inductees Jim Mahoney and Bobbie Carson, on May 12, the Greater Norwich Golfer’s Hall of Fame held its annual induction dinner.
Jim Mahoney was a former resident of Norwich. When he wasn’t working for the Norwich Pharmacal Company, Mahoney was a regular golfer, both at Canasawacta Country Club (CCC) and at Seven Oaks in Hamilton, where he was a one-time scratch club champion. Mahoney possessed a sweet swing described by fellow Hall of Famer, Steve Upton, as “the best [he’s] ever seen.” Mahoney was the long time Member-Guest partner of Ed Lee in the CCC tournament.
“Jim was said to be shameless at recovering golf balls from water hazards. He carried two ball retrievers which he could hook together for greater reach,” said Doug Wilson in describing Mahoney. “Jim promoted the game to many and was a stickler for playing by the rules and with proper etiquette. His step-brother, Neil, was a farm team manager with the Boston Red Sox. Having set up a foursome in Cooperstown, Jim once joined Ted Williams in a round. When Ted [Williams] let his temper flair a couple of times, Jim ended the round––he always exemplified the highest standards of golf while playing at its highest levels.”
Roberta Carson – fondly known around the community as Bobbie – called Norwich home for the majority of her life since she moved to the area at an early age. Carson graduated from Norwich High School in 1957 before attending business school and graduating in 1959. That same year, Carson married William ‘Bill’ Carson.
“Bobbie worked until her children were born and then stayed home to raise Bill Jr., Tim, and Susie. She spent many years supporting Bill Sr. in his coaching career and returned to work in 1972 for the Norwich School System, leaving in 1984,” said Steve Crawford of Carson in his HOF speech.
1984 proved to be a very influential year for the Carson family, as Bill and Bobbie purchased the golf course from Ernie Taranto and Vera Church – thus the Canasawacta Country Club was born.
“Ensuring it would continue to be operated by a family with a strong commitment to the Norwich community,” said Crawford. “Bill and Bobbie took on a very ambitious challenge. Neither had any experience in the golf or hospitality field. While Bill had many successes on the course, including holes-in-one, Bobbie’s hole-in-one was maintaining that the hospitality at CCC was second to none.”
Crawford explained that Carson’s attention to detail for each and every function held at the CCC has made the success of the club what it was and continues to be to this day.
“I never saw Mrs. Carson without a smile and a warm and gracious greeting to all who entered CCC. Her vision of what the club could be and how the family got here is indeed a testament of her drive and ability to make everyone who came to CCC feel welcome,” said Crawford. “Sunday brunch was always a treat, not only because the food was delicious, but because Mrs. Carson was always there to greet her guests at the door, or coming to the table for those she may have missed when they arrived.”
This year’s Hall of Fame Tournament was originally scheduled to take place back on May 13 but was postponed due to rain and rescheduled for July 15. The results of the HoF Tournament will be published once made available.
CCC is located at 261 County Road 44, Norwich, and can be contacted by calling: (607) 336-9214.
NORWICH – In honor of posthumous inductees Jim Mahoney and Bobbie Carson, on May 12, the Greater Norwich Golfer’s Hall of Fame held its annual induction dinner.
Jim Mahoney was a former resident of Norwich. When he wasn’t working for the Norwich Pharmacal Company, Mahoney was a regular golfer, both at Canasawacta Country Club (CCC) and at Seven Oaks in Hamilton, where he was a one-time scratch club champion. Mahoney possessed a sweet swing described by fellow Hall of Famer, Steve Upton, as “the best [he’s] ever seen.” Mahoney was the long time Member-Guest partner of Ed Lee in the CCC tournament.
“Jim was said to be shameless at recovering golf balls from water hazards. He carried two ball retrievers which he could hook together for greater reach,” said Doug Wilson in describing Mahoney. “Jim promoted the game to many and was a stickler for playing by the rules and with proper etiquette. His step-brother, Neil, was a farm team manager with the Boston Red Sox. Having set up a foursome in Cooperstown, Jim once joined Ted Williams in a round. When Ted [Williams] let his temper flair a couple of times, Jim ended the round––he always exemplified the highest standards of golf while playing at its highest levels.”
Roberta Carson – fondly known around the community as Bobbie – called Norwich home for the majority of her life since she moved to the area at an early age. Carson graduated from Norwich High School in 1957 before attending business school and graduating in 1959. That same year, Carson married William ‘Bill’ Carson.
“Bobbie worked until her children were born and then stayed home to raise Bill Jr., Tim, and Susie. She spent many years supporting Bill Sr. in his coaching career and returned to work in 1972 for the Norwich School System, leaving in 1984,” said Steve Crawford of Carson in his HOF speech.
1984 proved to be a very influential year for the Carson family, as Bill and Bobbie purchased the golf course from Ernie Taranto and Vera Church – thus the Canasawacta Country Club was born.
“Ensuring it would continue to be operated by a family with a strong commitment to the Norwich community,” said Crawford. “Bill and Bobbie took on a very ambitious challenge. Neither had any experience in the golf or hospitality field. While Bill had many successes on the course, including holes-in-one, Bobbie’s hole-in-one was maintaining that the hospitality at CCC was second to none.”
Crawford explained that Carson’s attention to detail for each and every function held at the CCC has made the success of the club what it was and continues to be to this day.
“I never saw Mrs. Carson without a smile and a warm and gracious greeting to all who entered CCC. Her vision of what the club could be and how the family got here is indeed a testament of her drive and ability to make everyone who came to CCC feel welcome,” said Crawford. “Sunday brunch was always a treat, not only because the food was delicious, but because Mrs. Carson was always there to greet her guests at the door, or coming to the table for those she may have missed when they arrived.”
This year’s Hall of Fame Tournament was originally scheduled to take place back on May 13 but was postponed due to rain and rescheduled for July 15. The results of the HoF Tournament will be published once made available.
CCC is located at 261 County Road 44, Norwich, and can be contacted by calling: (607) 336-9214.
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