Longtime PGA Professional Kamal steps down at Keene CC

KEENE, N.H. -- Someone not named Kamal will be the head golf professional at Keene Country Club this season for the first time in more than half a century.

Longtime PGA Head Professional Charlie Kamal has stepped down from the position he's held since 1986, when he replaced his dad, George, who served as the head pro at Keene for 30 years before his son.

"I'll have summers free for a change," Kamal said Monday. "Maybe I'll get a chance to play more.

"It's time. I have some other opportunities I want to pursue."

Barry "Pudge" Pearson, a longtime PGA Assistant Professional at Bretwood Golf Course and an assistant professional at KCC last year, has been promoted to head professional, club treasurer and board member Rick MacMillan said.

"It's a natural fit," MacMillan said. "The board interviewed Pudge. He has a good rapport with the membership and within the community."

Jeff Day will return as assistant pro, a post he's held the last two seasons, MacMillan said.

Kamal worked at Keene Country Club through several renovations, including most recently the addition of select tee boxes that stretched the hilly par-72 course to 6,335 yards from the tips.

Kamal's departure is the second in the last six months by a longtime area golf pro. Bretwood's Matt Barrett retired at the end of last season after 30-plus years with the family business.

In the past few years, Hooper Golf Club's Jay Clace and Pine Grove Springs' Jim Hillier, each with around 30 years at the Walpole and Spofford courses, respectively, also have stepped down.

This article was written by David Lanier from The Keene Sentinel, N.H. and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.