History

We love the game of golf but since we don’t love the attitude encountered at most clubs, we decided to build GreatHorse around the idea of like-minded members enjoying a lifestyle club without the stuffiness of traditional clubs. GreatHorse is a private club located in the small town of Hampden, Massachusetts where you and your family will feel completely at home in our opulent mountain retreat. Come relax with us, enjoy world-class golf, and take advantage of unparalleled clubhouse amenities such as the outdoor pool, private spa, fitness center, golf simulators, tennis and platform tennis courts, and the restaurant and bar. It’s different at GreatHorse.

The Story Behind the Name

As one of the most sought-after breeders in the nation, the Antonacci family has been synonymous with racing greatness and integrity for over 50 years. Their involvement as owners and breeders in five Hambletonian Champions with some of the greatest racehorses the sport has ever laid eyes upon, makes them well known on harness racing’s biggest stages. To reflect this proud history, they selected the name GreatHorse, which is English for “Gran Cavallo”, the title of Leonardo Da Vinci’s magnificent horse statue.

Our Family

Guy Antonacci
President
Looking after the interests of the membership and making sure they enjoy every minute at the club is what drives Guy in his role as president and owner of GreatHorse. His managemen…
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Guy Antonacci

President

Looking after the interests of the membership and making sure they enjoy every minute at the club is what drives Guy in his role as president and owner of GreatHorse. His management style is to encourage every member of the staff to take responsibility for their everyday performance as if they were each the club president. It’s an approach that’s been key to the success of his family’s businesses since 1974. When he's not at work, you can find him hanging with family or enjoying the outdoors. 

I come from a big family. You learn to meet challenges by thinking outside of the box and always treating each other with respect.
Bryan Smithwick
General Manager
Born to deliver a gracious good time, Bryan began his career as a bartender at a private club in his native Georgia. He brings his southern charm to GreatHorse along with twenty ye…
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Bryan Smithwick

General Manager

Born to deliver a gracious good time, Bryan began his career as a bartender at a private club in his native Georgia. He brings his southern charm to GreatHorse along with twenty years of food and beverage experience and his instinctive team management skills, honed at private clubs in New York and Connecticut. When he’s not at work, you can find him spending time out on the lake or enjoying nature with his wife and two pups, Boone and Scarlett.

I’m here to help GreatHorse shed many of the old guard’s stuffy rules, and to create an experience that guests will never forget!
Matt Torff
Director of Operations
Nothing compares to the Club industry for Matt, our Director of Operations, who has experience working in hotels, restaurants, and clubs all along the east coast. Building meaningf…
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Matt Torff

Director of Operations

Nothing compares to the Club industry for Matt, our Director of Operations, who has experience working in hotels, restaurants, and clubs all along the east coast. Building meaningful relationships with members and staff is what keeps Matt going, and he is passionate about developing the team around him. When he's not at work, Matt loves to play golf and root for any and every Boston sports team.

Michela Paolucci
Project Manager
As liason between the GreatHorse team, its corporate headquarters, and the outside world, Michela is a communications professional on a mission. In addition to her natural ability …
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Michela Paolucci

Project Manager

As liason between the GreatHorse team, its corporate headquarters, and the outside world, Michela is a communications professional on a mission. In addition to her natural ability to simplify complex scenarios and create systems to help the team, Michela is relentlessly driven, resourceful, and eminently uncompromising. When she’s not at work, you can find her planning her next tropical vacation or enjoying life with her family. 

The more I accomplish, the more I want to do.
Samantha Dion
Communications Director
As the communication connection between the Club, membership, and the outside world, Sami is passionate in developing marketing strategies that effectively share news thr…
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Samantha Dion

Communications Director

As the communication connection between the Club, membership, and the outside world, Sami is passionate in developing marketing strategies that effectively share news throughout the Club. She is our brand ambassador, building brand awareness and integrity through all Club communications. When she’s not at work, you can find her hiking in the fall, going to the beach in the summer, or snowboarding in the winter.

Kevin Torchia
Membership Director
With 20 years of experience in marketing and sales, Kevin brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table. Kevin is known for his strategic thinking and willingness to roll…
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Kevin Torchia

Membership Director

With 20 years of experience in marketing and sales, Kevin brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table. Kevin is known for his strategic thinking and willingness to roll up his sleeves to get things done. As an effective communicator and problem solver, he is able to adapt to different situations and personalities with ease. When he's not at work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family. You can often find him watching his two sons play hockey, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, or teeing off on the golf course.

Tommy Sandomierski
Facilities Director
Working as a hands-on problem solver, Tommy brings over 20 years of experience in maintenance. He enjoys working and interacting with others to help bring the facilities to their h…
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Tommy Sandomierski

Facilities Director

Working as a hands-on problem solver, Tommy brings over 20 years of experience in maintenance. He enjoys working and interacting with others to help bring the facilities to their highest expectations. In his free time, you can find him playing music or spending time with his 4 dogs and 4 cats.

Cham
Lodging Coordinator
As a hospitality professional for over 30 years, Cham works hard to ensure each member and guest is satisfied during their stay at GreatHorse. He takes pride in making everyone fee…
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Cham

Lodging Coordinator

As a hospitality professional for over 30 years, Cham works hard to ensure each member and guest is satisfied during their stay at GreatHorse. He takes pride in making everyone feel at home when they are visiting the facilities, as well as doing anything he can to assist with special requests. There’s nothing more rewarding to Cham then knowing his efforts of helping others gives them the desire to visit GreatHorse again. When he’s not at work, you can find him with his family or out shopping.

Billy Downes, PGA
Head Golf Professional
Tying for 6th place in the New England Classic on the PGA Tour, Billy then continued with four full seasons on The Nike Tour, finishing in 2nd place at his best. He has always had …
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Billy Downes, PGA

Head Golf Professional

Tying for 6th place in the New England Classic on the PGA Tour, Billy then continued with four full seasons on The Nike Tour, finishing in 2nd place at his best. He has always had a love for golf and has been with GreatHorse since the very start, standing beside the Antonacci Family in the development stages of the new club. After 36 years in the sport, and his continued love for teaching and attention to customer service, Billy knows he is well equipped to elevate the golf experience for the membership here and plans to do every day.

I enjoy helping bring out the best golfer in every person, at every level.
Liz Farland
Merchandise Manager
Liz is a seasoned golf professional whose passion for the game is not limited to merchandise. She is an LPGA member who just received her 25-year pin. Having started her career in …
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Liz Farland

Merchandise Manager

Liz is a seasoned golf professional whose passion for the game is not limited to merchandise. She is an LPGA member who just received her 25-year pin. Having started her career in high school, Liz has seen the evolution of the industry and is always up to date with the latest and greatest trends.

Golf is a family affair for the Farland’s. Liz's husband, Greg, is a PGA member, her daughter, Grace, is a collegiate player, and her son, Will, is a social player. They all enjoy battling it out on the course against one another.

Liz is committed to helping members and guests make informed purchasing decisions while sharing her passion for the sport. With Liz's wealth of experience and knowledge, you can be sure that you are in good hands when you visit to the Pro Shop. 

Jared Smith, PGA
1st Assistant Golf Professional
Jared takes pride in his passion for helping junior golfers maximize their potential while shaping their confidence when playing the game. He strives to create an atmosphere that i…
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Jared Smith, PGA

1st Assistant Golf Professional

Jared takes pride in his passion for helping junior golfers maximize their potential while shaping their confidence when playing the game. He strives to create an atmosphere that is a home away from home for members and their guests. His patience, knowledge, and passion for the game from over 20 years of experience continues to grow and shows in his hard work. If he’s not at work, you can find him at home relaxing with his wife and two kids, Douglas and Evelyn, or creating different types of pizzas.

James Lentz
Executive Chef
Growing up in a large Greek family where getting together over a delicious meal was a common occurrence, Chef James strives to bring that same atmosphere to GreatHorse by spending …
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James Lentz

Executive Chef

Growing up in a large Greek family where getting together over a delicious meal was a common occurrence, Chef James strives to bring that same atmosphere to GreatHorse by spending endless time in the kitchen creating delicious meals. With over 15 years of knowledge, he passes his experience onto others to help them grow and continue learning, while always striving to make every plate perfect. When he’s not working, you can find him at the ice rink playing hockey or spending time at home with his wife, Jenny, and children, Leila and Logan.

I like the action of the clubhouse. It keeps me thinking on my feet and keeps my chef skills sharp - pun intended.
Kady Hervieux
Sous Chef
With a keen eye for detail and over 10 years of experience, Kady enjoys creating unique recipes while continuously serving high quality food. She regularly works with members atten…
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Kady Hervieux

Sous Chef

With a keen eye for detail and over 10 years of experience, Kady enjoys creating unique recipes while continuously serving high quality food. She regularly works with members attending to their dietary restrictions and enjoys being able to put together amazing dishes to satisfy member preferences or health allergies. When she’s not working, you can find her spending quality time with her kids, Kaolani, Matthew, and Xavior, and anywhere outdoors- her backyard, her garden, or somewhere in nature.

Wesley Harrington
Sous Chef
Wes’ love for culinary began at the age of 10 when he started cooking for his family at home. This personal hobby turned into a professional career, and now, Wes has been wor…
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Wesley Harrington

Sous Chef

Wes’ love for culinary began at the age of 10 when he started cooking for his family at home. This personal hobby turned into a professional career, and now, Wes has been working in the field for 18 years. He is passionate about putting his own spin on classic dishes with new flavors and variations. He is admired for his positive attitude and giving great advice to his coworkers. When he is not at work, you can find Wes relaxing at home with his wife, Hannah, and his kitten, Whiskey.

Polibio Vargas
Sommelier
Sommelier Polibio Vargas is a master at discovering, tasting, and presenting both varietal and old-world wines for pairing with food or to enjoy on their own. He is passionate…
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Polibio Vargas

Sommelier

Sommelier Polibio Vargas is a master at discovering, tasting, and presenting both varietal and old-world wines for pairing with food or to enjoy on their own. He is passionate about educating and encouraging guests to try a variety of wines from different regions, and to appreciate the characteristics of each. When he’s not at work, you can find him visiting small wine shops trying to find rare bottles to introduce to the Club, and spending time with wine makers.

It is my pleasure and privilege to share my knowledge of wines with club members and to witness their enjoyment personally.
Lynn Crutchfield
Food & Beverage Manager
An outgoing and natural entertainer, Lynn felt right at home when she first started serving in the GreatHorse Dining Room. As a Food & Beverage Manager, she is determined to do…
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Lynn Crutchfield

Food & Beverage Manager

An outgoing and natural entertainer, Lynn felt right at home when she first started serving in the GreatHorse Dining Room. As a Food & Beverage Manager, she is determined to do whatever is necessary to spread her happiness and bright personality to her employees, members, and their guests. From the moment people enter the Dining Room to when they make their way home, Lynn is passionate about making everyone’s dining experience unique and memorable.

Alyssa Lucas
Bar Manager
GreatHorse Veteran, Alyssa, is most passionate about creating a memory for our members. She is devoted to the success of her team and creating an experience for our members that wi…
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Alyssa Lucas

Bar Manager

GreatHorse Veteran, Alyssa, is most passionate about creating a memory for our members. She is devoted to the success of her team and creating an experience for our members that will stay with them forever. When she’s not at work, you can find her at the beach with her German Shepherd, Lacey, or out exploring and scoping out new ideas to bring back to the club. 

Michele Yurgaitis
Creative Director
With a keen eye for detail and tremendous creative expertise, Michele brings any vision to life. Her background in visual merchandising, photography, and graphic design brings inno…
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Michele Yurgaitis

Creative Director

With a keen eye for detail and tremendous creative expertise, Michele brings any vision to life. Her background in visual merchandising, photography, and graphic design brings innovative elements together to deliver a unique member and guest experience. Her passion for excellence will always exceed the client expectation.

Taylor Coffey
Private Events Coordinator
After over 5 years of being part of the GreatHorse Family, Taylor brings extensive knowledge and a dedication to detail when planning private member events. Her approachable manner…
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Taylor Coffey

Private Events Coordinator

After over 5 years of being part of the GreatHorse Family, Taylor brings extensive knowledge and a dedication to detail when planning private member events. Her approachable manners, helpful organization skills, and kind heart are reflected in her strong work ethic to serve members with top-notch customer service. When she’s not at work, you can find her spending time with friends and family, or somewhere outdoors- at the beach, practicing yoga, or going hiking.

Conrad Leclerc
Transportation Coordinator
From his positive energy to his smile, the way Conrad makes people feel is magnetic. Conrad is passionate about delivering safe and reliable transportation services to the GreatHor…
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Conrad Leclerc

Transportation Coordinator

From his positive energy to his smile, the way Conrad makes people feel is magnetic. Conrad is passionate about delivering safe and reliable transportation services to the GreatHorse Family. He genuinely cares about each of our members and goes out of his way to provide an unforgettable club experience.

Shannon Auger
Dining Room Manager
Shannon consistently demonstrates her ability to be a team player while creating a positive, memorable experience for our members. Her lively personality, intuitive thoughtful natu…
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Shannon Auger

Dining Room Manager

Shannon consistently demonstrates her ability to be a team player while creating a positive, memorable experience for our members. Her lively personality, intuitive thoughtful nature, and desire to improve the member experience, makes her an integral part of what makes GreatHorse different.

George Boudreau
Event Assistant
George grew up on the Hampden Country Club course, quite literally. The Backstretch was his childhood home, and he has watched the property transition over the years to the Club we…
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George Boudreau

Event Assistant

George grew up on the Hampden Country Club course, quite literally. The Backstretch was his childhood home, and he has watched the property transition over the years to the Club we know and love today. George was inspired by his parents to pursue a career in the Food and Beverage Industry, following them from restaurant to restaurant in the Western Mass area. He has experience working in various roles, from serving, to cooking, and catering. Today, George is responsible for the behind-the-scenes efforts of our events, assisting with setup and final details that bring the space together. With his dedication, positivity, and driven mentality, George is an asset to our team that is sure to help make any event a success.

Chris Tallman, PGA, TPI
Director of Instruction
From a very early age, Chris knew that he wanted to be a golf professional and share the game with others. He started playing golf at four years old and has worked various position…
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Chris Tallman, PGA, TPI

Director of Instruction

From a very early age, Chris knew that he wanted to be a golf professional and share the game with others. He started playing golf at four years old and has worked various positions at golf courses since he was 14, including course maintenance, outside services, pro shop attendant, assistant golf professional, head golf professional, and general manager. As time progressed, Chris began competing at a high level, and he has now been a golf professional for 13 years. Chris believes that the game of golf is far more than going out on the course to shoot the lowest score; golf is about the camaraderie and friendships that are made along the way. Through his patient and approachable manner, Chris is looking forward to motivating his students to reach their own personal goals and sharing his passion for the sport. When he is not at work, you can find Chris spending time traveling and hiking with his wife, Kyleigh, and their German Shepherd, Maverick.