Since 2001, Russell Heller has supervised the maintenance and improvements at the second oldest municipal golf course in the country. As superintendent of Boston’s William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park, Heller has been a steady hand for the must-visit public track where he has overseen the gradual implementation of the course’s master plan, including much-improved teeing grounds.

Heller has now been recognized by the Golf Course Superintendents of New England Association wioth the group’s Distinguished Service Award for his many years in the golf industry.

When interviewed by a representative from Mass Golf, the successor to the Massachusetts Golf Association (MGA), Heller said that the course at Franklin Park is “s a good spot to work. Every place has its challenges, but I like the golf course. People are good here. The city’s been willing to make some improvements every year, so it doesn’t get boring over here. I also prefer playing the older style golf courses. I like the history behind everything here, so that’s definitely been a positive aspect of the job.”