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New England Edition Summer 2021
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
New England Summer 2021 Volume 50
Issue 4
golfing M A G A Z I N E™
Summer 2021
Publisher Tom Landers TLanders@GolfingMagazine.net Creative Director Heidi Dyer Production@GolfingMagazine.net Editor John Torsiello Editor@GolfingMagazine.net Contributing Writers John DiCocco Claudio DeMarchi Mike May Mike Stinton George Connor, PGA Sue Kaffenburg, PGA Lucas Hitchcock, PGA Ron Beck, PGA Jimmy Damiano, PGA Gene Mulak, PGA
Connecticut National Golf Club FROM THE PUBLISHER
MUST PLAYS
6 Get Out and Play Golf During New 24 England’s High Summer Period FEATURES
8 North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands 10 The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge 12 It’s Annika in a Romp at U.S. Senior Women’s Open in CT 14 Western Massachusetts Abounds In Fine Golf Courses…and More 18 Eastern Massachusetts has a Bevy of Great Courses 22 Connecticut National Golf Club
Contributing Photographer Mark William Paul
The Shattuck Golf Club Canaan Country Club Wentworth Hills Country Club Heather Hill Country Club Omni Mount Washington Resort Mount Snow Golf Course Killington Grand Resort Brattleboro Country Club The Captains Golf Course Yarmouth Golf INSTRUCTION
31 Bunker Stategies 32 What’s Your Angle? 33 One Handed Drill
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Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
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Get Out and Play Golf During New England’s High Summer Period
olf remains as hot during the summer of 2021 as the weather. And that’s a god thing for the game we love so much. Many golfers have been taking advantage of Golfing Magazine New England’s Course Play Stimulus Program. We have half a year of golf left, so sign up and join the thousands of individuals who are playing over 135 courses this year, all with no greens fees. Call 860-563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net. Here’s the scoop on what going on in this issue: The Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts is a superb area to spend a day playing nine or 18 holes. The area’s courses are routed over open land and gently rising hills. And après golf, spend a few hours visiting the villages and towns of the area, where can discover fine restaurants, cool pubs, boutiques, museums, historic landmarks and hiking trails. You can easily build a week’s vacation out of your visit to the area, play as many courses as you can, and drink in this special part of the region.
Eastern Massachusetts also offers a plethora of great daily fee golf courses. From the Blackstone Valley to the Boston area, we tell you about some of the best layouts you can play. We reprise Sweden’s remarkable Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam’s victory at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Connecticut. Sorenstam, who turned 50 last October, closed with a four-under-par 68 on Sunday to finish at 12-under 276 and post an eightstroke victory over Liselotte Neumann. Created by legendary golfer and worldrenowned golf architect Jack Nicklaus, The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge in Monroe, New York is a stunning track that was carved out of the mature forests and rolling hills of a 220-acre estate. It features rock formations, extreme elevation changes, and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. It’s worth a visit. When Joseph Quattrocchi took a glance at Canaan Country Club in northwest Connecticut he knew he had found what he was looking for. Quattrochi purchased the nine-hole course built in 1931, renovated the restaurant, which became “The Belted Cow”, and it setting upon a program of course conditions to this little gem bordering the scenic Blackberry River in northwest Connecticut. Check out Connecticut National Golf Club in, a pleasant mix of links-style and parkland holes with nary a house to be seen during your round. Connecticut National was once nine-hole course known as Putnam Country Club but ownership wanted to make something special and turned it into a championship, 18-hole course. The renovations were led by course architect Mark Mungeam, known for his challenging
All That Is Good,
Tom Landers, Publisher
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yet approachable-for-all routings. New Hampshire is where you will find one of the most challenging courses in New England. The Shattuck Golf Club (www. ShattuckGolf.com) in Jaffrey was carved out of granite and mature woodlands and demands a well thought out approach to every shot on every hole. This is a tough routing and target golf at its best. You must hit your spots, both off the tees and on approaches to the greens. We also tell you about a great golfing getaway, the Brunswick Islands area of southeast North Carolina, offer up some courses you simply “Must Play” and present valuable instructional tips from our cadre of top-notch golf pros. Enjoy our digital magazine, take advantage of our Course Play Stimulus offer, and play golf! We hope you enjoy this issue and that you always hit ‘em straight and long. We thank you for your enduring love of golf.
C
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7
GETAWAY
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands
A Coastal Treasure That Keeps Golfers Coming Back
P
laying golf in the fall is a pleasure. Taking a fall golf trip to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is unbeatable. The Brunswick Islands are home to more than 30 immaculate golf courses boasting 120 miles of stunning fairways and 540 of one-of-a-kind holes. The numbers alone make it easy to see why NC’s Brunswick Islands, also known as NC’s Golf Coast, has become a must-play destination for those who love to golf. But there’s more. On this treasured southern stretch of the North Carolina coast, legends of the great game paired their eye for design with the unique coastal landscape to craft courses that incorporate the area’s rivers, marshes, and maritime forests. The result? Awe-inspiring designs and distinctive challenges, all set against a scenic backdrop that is beyond compare. Names like Palmer, Byrd, Maples, Jones, Couples and Cate have left their mark here, and they invite golfers from all over to come walk in their footsteps. The location on the coast also gives way to a year-round golf climate, so any time of year is a great time to play. But there is something about the onset of autumn that beckons golfers to escape to the Brunswick Islands for an all-golf getaway that is second to none. Notable courses like Cape Fear National, Bald Head Island Club Golf Course, and Leopard’s Chase – one of the famed Big Cats
courses, designed by local legend Tim Cate – call the Brunswick Islands home and have been named among the best courses you can play in North Carolina. Other must-play area courses feature special signatures like the 9th hole at the Arnold Palmer-designed Rivers Edge Golf Club, a par-5 known as “Arnie’s Revenge,” or the 767-yard par-6 at Farmstead Golf Links that traverses state borders. The destination is perfect for staying and playing. Whatever you’re searching for in accommodations, from a villa right on the fairway, to an oceanside inn, or the perfect beach vacation rental home to welcome a group of any size, you’ll find it in the Brunswick Islands. Plus, the area’s two
golf resorts – Sea Trail Villas and Brunswick Plantation Resort and Golf – offer top-rate amenities in addition to great golf. And our local professional golf packagers are ready to help line up all the details of your trip for you so you can spend more time lining up your first drive. Between the welcoming climate, the accommodations, the breathtaking views and the memorable courses, everything comes together here to create the perfect golf getaway. You’ll come with a passion for the game and leave with a love of a place. Make the turn at NC’s Brunswick Islands this fall. You won’t regret it. www.NCBrunswickGolf.com
River’s Edge #9
Leopard’s Chase #18 8
Leave some holes in your schedule
With more than 30 championship courses and 120 miles of fairways along the coast, you’re going to want some time to play NC’s Brunswick Islands. Request your Brunswick Islands Golf Guide: ncbrunswickgolf.com Runner-Up Kramer Hickok tees of 18th hole in play-
ncbrunswickgolf.com | 800-795-7263
SUNSET BEACH • OCEAN ISLE BEACH • HOLDEN off BEACH • OAK ISLAND • CASWELL BEACH • BALD HEAD ISLAND • LELAND • SHALLOTTE • SOUTHPORT • CALABASH www.GolfingMagazine.net 9
GETAWAY
The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge By John Torsiello
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A True Delight to Play
reated by legendary golfer and world-renowned golf architect Jack Nicklaus, The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge in Monroe, New York is a stunning track that was carved out of the mature forests and rolling hills of a 220-acre estate. It features rock formations, extreme elevation changes, and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The layout measures 6,899 yards from the tips and plays to a par of 72 and the course is a unique golfing experience, with a layout and design that will challenge all individuals, regardless of handicap. In addition to the recreational golfer, the course draws metropolitan New York’s best players, PGA professionals, and even a few Tour players to give it their best against the master’s work. “The Club at Mansion Ridge continues to push for the highest possible standards in guest service and golf course conditions,” said General Manager, Patrick Wynn. The property is managed by Troon Golf. “Our Superintendent, Rob Capecelatro, has now been with us for four years, and really has the place dialed in. Nick Schremser, our Director of Golf, continues to work with his team to ensure a smooth and friendly round
10 10
from the bag drop to the pro shop to our on course player assistants. Our pricing is done dynamically meaning that it is always based on availability. The further out you book the lower the rate you will receive most of the time. “This has been a busy year for us. We’ve still seen an increase in the public play similar to last year, but more of the golf outings are returning. Most of our golfers live within about an hour of club. That includes a lot of northern New Jersey, New York City, Westchester County in New York and into Connecticut. We do see some guests coming from a little further like out on Long Island which is great to see, and we hope they can make the trip back again soon.” Mansion Ridge is a stunning routing. “We have what is known as Bear’s Corner, which is holes 12 through 16,” explained Wynn. This is the toughest stretch of holes on the course and can make or break your round. Nine, a 540-yard par-five, is the hardest hole, but is surrounded by a few easier ones. The Bear’s Corner starts with a 167-yard par-three over water (the 12th) with large bunkers and a hazard directly over the green. The 13th is a medium length par-four but requires a good
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
approach shot in to a small green, a large bunker left is a hard place to get up and down from.” Wynn continued, “On 14, you have to be positioned on the left hand side of the fairway to have a clear shot in to the green. The green sits on top of the hill so your blind second shot is a real challenge. The par-five 15th requires a good tee shot to get to the top of the hill but thick woods left and trouble right could lead to a big number. Longer hitters may try to go for it in two, but the greenside bunkers swallow up a lot of these attempts.” Wynn said the 16th doesn’t look intimidating on the scorecard but with a straight-up-the-hill tee shot and out of bounds left and trees right you need to be very precise. “The second shot is also uphill in to green with a false front. We call this Bear’s Corner not only for our course designer Jack Nicklaus but also this area sits up against a state park where you can see bears crossing the fairways on occasion.” The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge Monroe, New York www.MansionRidgeGC.com 845-782-7888
Have you beaten Bear’s Corner? Come try your best against the hardest stretch of holes at this Jack Nicklaus Signature design
A Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Awaits The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge | 1292 Orange Turnpike, Monroe, New York 10950 | 845.782.7888 /mansionridgegc.com
/mansionridge
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11
TOURNAMENT
It’s Annika in a Romp
At U.S. Senior Women’s Open in Connecticut By John Torsiello
S
weden’s remarkable Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam captured the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in her championship debut in early August at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Connecticut. Sorenstam, who turned 50 last October, closed with a four-under-par 68 on Sunday to finish at 12-under 276 and post an eight-stroke victory over Liselotte Neumann. “It’s really hard to describe,” said Sorenstam of winning her fourth USGA championship, after U.S. Women’s Open victories in 1995, 1996 and 2006. “When we came here, I just loved the place from the start. Everything felt so good, and then obviously you have to go out there and finish it up, and today I really felt like I played very, very well. To come in here on Sunday knowing what I had to do and I did it, obviously I’m very happy.” She continued, “When I turned 50, my children and I had a discussion. I said, `Do you want to see mama play?’ And they said, ‘Yeah, we want to see mama play.’ I said, to do that I have to put in some time. You can’t just go out there and compete with the women out here. They have seen me hitting the balls, they’ve seen me go out there and really put sweat and tears into it, so it’s really paid off. Without them this would not really happen. It’s certainly a team effort.” Neumann eagled the opening hole of the day, a 435-yard par-five, which briefly tied Sorenstam at eight under par, but Sorenstam converted her
own birdie putt on the same green to edge back in front by one stroke. The margin stayed at one for just one hole. Neumann bogeyed numbers three, five and eight, while Sorenstam made five consecutive pars and back-to-back birdies on the par-five seventh and eighth holes to extend her advantage to six strokes. When Neumann bogeyed the par-three 10th and Sorenstam rolled home a 20-foot birdie putt, the margin was eight and the closing holes became something of a coronation. Sorenstam’s total of 276 tied Laura Davies’ record total from the inaugural championship at Chicago Golf Club, when Davies, of England defeated Juli Inkster by a 10-stroke margin. It completed a wire-to-wire victory, with Sorenstam sharing the lead after round one (at 67, with Dana Ebster) and then holding the sole advantage the rest of the way. Neumann finished solo second, with Davies one stroke farther back after a closing 71. Yuko Saito, of Japan, and Catriona Matthew, of Scotland, tied for fifth place at 2-under 286. Seven-time USGA champion Ellen Port and Martha Leach, the 2009 U.S. Women’s MidAmateur champion, shared low-amateur honors at 6-over 294, in a tie for 20th place. For her win Sorenstam pocketed $180,000, received a gold medal, the U.S. Senior Women’s Open trophy for one year, an exemption into the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in North Carolina, and an exemption into the U.S. Senior Women’s Open
through age 65. For the third straight time, an international player won the championship, after Laura Davies (England, 2018) and Helen Alfredsson (Sweden, 2019). Kris Tschetter was the low U.S. player for the week, finishing solo sixth at 1-over 289, just ahead of Alfredsson and Americans Christa Johnson and Kim Williams, who tied for seventh.
18th Hole at Brooklawn Country Club 12 12
Golfing GolfingMagazine Magazine••New NewEngland EnglandEdition Edition
1st Hole at Brooklawn Country Club
Come enjoy the day at one of the top 10 public courses in Massachusetts. Relax before or after your round on the new Heron’s Nest deck with lunch, dinner or your favorite 19th hole refreshments!
BLACKstone national golf club 227 Putnam hill road, Sutton, MA 01590 508-865-2111 • www.bngc.net
50 minutes from Boston, 15 minutes from Worcester and 40 minutes from Hartford
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13
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS MUST PLAYS
Western Massachusetts Abounds In Fine Golf Courses…and More By JOHN TORSIELLO
T
he Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts is a superb area to spend a day playing nine or 18 holes. The area’s courses are routed over open land and gently rising hills. And après golf, spend a few hours visiting the villages and towns of the area, where can discover fine restaurants, cool pubs, boutiques, museums, historic landmarks and hiking trails. You can easily build a week’s vacation out of your visit to the area, play as many courses as you can, and drink in this special part of the region. Thanks to Golfing Magazine’s comprehensive Course Play Stimulus Program, our subscribers can try out a multitude of courses in this portion of Massachusetts. Check out the details of this can’t miss offer in this issue. Call 860-563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net to sign up. Wyckoff Country Club (www.WycoffCountryClub.com) in Holyoke is an 18-hole, par 69, 6100-yard championship golf course built on the beautiful rolling property at the base of Mount Tom. Wycoff has an interesting
mix of holes; a number of short par--fours that can be attacked with a lusty drive and a short-iron or wedge to the putting surface, only two par-fives, one of which, the 478-yard 13th, can also yield birdie to long hitters that can reach the green in two, two par-fours that play over 400 yards from the tips, and several strong par-threes (there are five short holes in all on the layout). The 18th is perhaps the most difficult par-three and a cool way to finish a round. It’s a whopping 229 yards from the tips. East Mountain Country Club (www.EastMountainCC.com) in Westfield was designed by owner Ted Perez, Sr., who wanted to have a course that is approachable for golfers of all skill levels and fun to play. The layout measures around 6,200 yards from the tips and all but one of the par-fives is reachable in two by the big hitters. There are several short par-fours where birdie can be made, and a fun mix of holes on the back side, which has three par-threes, three par-fours, and three par-fives, including back-to-backers at 11 and 12. The toughest hole on the course may
The Ranch Golf Club 14 14 14
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
be the 429-yard par four 16th. The club prides itself on the quality of its greens. Greenock Country Club (www.GreenockCC.com ) in Lee dates back to 1895. Redesigned in 1927 by the legendary golf architect Donald Ross, the nine-hole course is an example of craftsmanship and original style. The club is located just one mile from Exit 2 off Interstate 90, within minutes of the historic town of Stockbridge, and just a few short miles from Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The sixth hole is a riskreward par-five, measuring only 465 yards, but there is water left and right of the green if you are thinking about going for it in two. The Links at Worthington Golf Club (www.WorthingtonGolfClub.com) is actually a 10-hole course with small sloping greens and tight tree-lined fairways, a bothersome creek, thick rough, and 15 strategically placed bunkers. It provides a challenge for the low handicappers, as well as an enjoyable round for the recreational golfer.
Cold Spring Country Club (www.ColdSpringCC.com), an 18-hole semiprivate course located about midway between Springfield and Worcester in Belchertown. Designed by Mary Armstrong, completed in 2010 and opened for play in 2012, Cold Spring Country Club is a par-71 course with 6,521 yards set on rolling hills that boast of vistas in nearly every direction. Each hole has up to five sets of tees, enabling golfers of all levels to play an exciting mix of six par-threes, seven par-fours and five par-fives. It all starts with a tough 216-yard par-three. From the highest tee box on the course, enjoy a panoramic view of central Massachusetts facing south. Normally you will need one less club because of the steep drop, but watch the wind here. If prevailing winds are in player’s face it will require one or two more clubs. The trees on either side of the tee box will keep players honest, by making them hit down the chute. But there’s lots of wide open room the rest of the way. Also in Belchertown you will find Mill Valley Golf Links (www.MillValleyGolfLinks.com), which features some of the toughest par-threes in the area, with one playing 240 yards from the back markers. The course starts with back-to-back parfives, both of which are reachable in two for big hitters. There is a great mix of short and long parfours and those tough par-threes, including the aforementioned fifth hole. The 468-yard par-four 14th demands two lusty shots to find the putting surface on the dogleg right hole. The layout ends with a long par-four, 422 yards, and a short four par, the 323-yard 18th, where a birdie will be a nice way to finish a round. Gardner Municipal Golf Course (www.gardnergolfcourse.com) is considered one of the “hidden gems” of the region. The layout is nestled compactly along the shores of Crystal Lake on the north side of the city, and offers challenging approach shots due to its small, fast greens. Several of the holes, the 311-yard par-four 10th and 480yard par-five 11th, play near Crystal Lake and afford golfers a nice moment of relaxation before tackling both. Agawam Golf Course (www.AgawamGC.com) in Feeding Hills claims to be a “user friendly” track with a rolling terrain and undulating greens. The course can play anywhere from 4,658 to 5,679 yards. A number of the par-fours are reachable or almost reachable, for big hitters and are perfect opportunities for birdie. The number one handicap hole is the fourth, a 430-yarder that plays as a four or a five. As a four it’s a tough par, but as a five a birdie chance awaits. The Ledges Golf Club (www.LedgesGC.com ) in South Hadley is routed through woodlands and over and around wetlands and natural areas. You won’t find two holes alike and they range from long and difficult par-fours, like the 448-yard second, to the 106-yard par-three third, short par-
Waubeeka Golf Links fours, such as the back-to-back drivable 15th and 16th holes, long par-threes, and very good parfives that range from 489 to 579 yards. You have to think your way around the track and proper placement off the tee will likely leave you with a very solid shot at making birdie, especially on the short par-fours. But wander with the driver and you’ll pay a steep price. The Ranch Golf Club (www.TheRanchGolfClub.com) in Southwick is considered one of the top tracks in the state. The conditions are always top notch as is the routing. The 540-yard par-five ninth and 618-yard par-five 16th roll dramatically downhill and afford great views of the surrounding countryside. A well struck tee shot on the ninth will tumble down a hill and leave the player with a choice of either lay-
ing up for a short third shot, or going for the green in two by challenging a wetlands area in front of the putting surface. The 195-yard par-three 17th, which plays across water, is the best short hole on the track. Wyndhurst Manor and Club (www.WyndhurstManorAndClub.com), located in Lenox, is a traditional New England course that is over 90 years old and designed by the noted architects of the early 20th century, Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek. The course features treelined fairways and naturally contoured greens that have been carefully preserved. The first three holes wander near a small clubhouse. The tee box on the third hole, a little 152-yarder, has a huge pine tree guarding the left side of the putting surface. The 11th is one of the course’s signature holes, a 200-
Wyckoff Country Club www.GolfingMagazine.net
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yard par-three that plays from a chute of trees to a severely slopped green. Huge bunkers guard the putting surface. The Crumpin-Fox Club (www.GolfTheFox.com) in Bernardston, 7,007 yards long from the tips and with a par of 72, is considered one of the most challenging tests of golfing ability in the Northeast. Many of the holes are tree-lined with ample bunking and enough water to create a few jangled nerves. The eighth hole is one of the best on the course. It begins from an elevated tee box and a lake plays a factor on the first, second and third shots, as it must be avoided and then cleared on any approach to a rather large green protected by bunkers. Westfield’s Tekoa Country Club (www.TekoaCC.com), located in the scenic foothills of the Berkshire Hills, can trace its lineage back to Donald Ross. He laid out the original nine holes of Tekoa, and although only five of the original holes remain intact--the second, third, fourth, 14th and 15th--the owners of Tekoa have taken great care to insure Ross’s touch remains a big part of their course’s appeal. Geoffrey Cornish, one of the most prolific of all New England architects, redesigned the course in 1961 and added 13 holes of his own to the present routing. Shaker Farms Country Club (www.ShakerFarmsCC.com) in Westfield is a unique track that contains interesting holes. The front side has two great par-threes, the demanding 225-yard seventh and the 165-yard ninth, the latter playing across a small pond. The back side features a nice mix of holes. The 318-yard parfour 10th plays uphill from the fairway landing area. The 12th, a 144-yard par-three, has a green flanked by tall pines and is the first of two very pretty short holes on the side. The Blandford Club (www.MassGolfTennis.com) is a nine-hole private layout. Only 2,722 yards from the tips and playing to a par of 35, this is a fun, playable track for all levels. Beginners will enjoy the friendliness of the routing and rather short overall distance, while more advanced players can work on their iron and short game skills. The course is one of the oldest in the region, having opened in 1910, and was designed by William Dexter. Waubeeka Golf Links (www.Waubeeka. com) in South Williamstown is known for its stunning views. There have been renovations of the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th holes, which ranged from the addition of new tees and bunkers to completely new holes being created. Two of the best holes are the 11th, a 420-yard beast of a par-four that 16
Tekoa Country Club has a deep bunker to the right side of the green that makes getting up and down from there very difficult, and the 501-yard 17th, which has out of bounds the entire length along the right side and a lateral hazard almost all the way on the left side. Oak Ridge Golf Club (www.OakRidgeGC.com) in Feeding Hills is another approachable course for players of all skill levels. The15th hole is a great par-four, playing as a dogleg right. Your tee shot must be hit as close to a pond as possible to leave a manageable approach shot over water to the green. The course hosts prominent tournaments and charity events each year. In addition to golf, Oak Ridge Golf Club
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
offers an exceptional banquet facility. Edgewood Golf Course (www.Edgewood4Golf.com) in Southwick is an 18-hole course in Southwick, at the foot of the Berkshire Hills. It’s a family and senior-friendly course. Geoffrey Cornish designed the course, and it measures 6,500 yards from the championship tees, with a par of 71. The course rating is 69.1, with a slope of 115.While the front nine gives one room to warm up because of its openness, the back side is carved out of woods and includes three scenic par threes.
Cold Spring Country Club
MUST PLAY
The Shattuck Golf Club In Jaffrey, New Hampshire
By John Torsiello
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ew Hampshire is where you will find one of the most challenging courses in New England. The Shattuck Golf Club (www.ShattuckGolf.com) in Jaffrey was carved out of granite and mature woodlands and demands a well thought out approach to every shot on every hole. This is a tough routing and target golf at its best. You must hit your spots, both off the tees and on approaches to the greens. The 157-acre tract was designed by golf course architect Brian Silva with emphasis on the natural beauty that lies at the base of Mount Monadnock. You will find the mountain (elevation 3,165 feet) stands prominently over you on most holes. Don’t let the scorecard fool you. The tee down from the championship markers plays only 6,077 yards (par-71) and the white, or middle tees where recreational and even good golfers usually play from on most courses, measure just 5,412 yards in total. But wetlands and other hazards loom off the playing surface. But, as the course’s website says, if you can hit the ball 75 yards in the air, you can play any of the holes. Still, The Shattuck is listed as one of the Top 100 toughest courses in the country. The 200-yard par-three second is a visually stunning golf hole, with elevated tees that look down over a grassy hillside to a large, bunkered green set in front of a sparkling pond. The tee doesn’t feel all that high, but it’s unusually deceptive. The most common error here is overclubbing. The 426-yard par-four 10th starts from the highly elevated area, offering a spectacular view of the large green below with Mount Monadnock serving as the backdrop. The hole
is a dogleg left with a deep drop-off at the turn. A long drive center of left gives you the best approach to the green, too far left and you’ll go over the edge. The par-four, 391-yard 16th is played over a pond in front of the tee to a wide, rolling fairway and bunkered green with a colonial farmhouse behind. Just keep it straight; there’s deep rough left and right. A big green is slightly elevated, so your second shot may require one more club. The 380-yard, par-four home hole is one of the few that doesn’t have wetlands on it. However, the fairway slopes hard to the left towards the woods off the tee. If you are successful in finding the short grass, you will be met with a fairly uncomplicated approach. This
is the largest green on the course and gives you an opportunity to finish a round with birdie. Make sure you check out the club’s Dublin Road Taproom & Eatery after your round. The establishment offers great food and craft beer, as well as other libations in a cozy setting that befits the laid back atmosphere of the New Hampshire woods. There is plenty to do and see in the area if you chose to stick around for a few days and give The Shattuck a second play. The Shattuck Jaffrey, New Hampshire 603-532-4300 www.ShattuckGolf.com
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EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS MUST PLAYS
Eastern Massachusetts has a Bevy of Great Courses from which to Choose By JOHN TORSIELLO
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hanks to Golfing Magazine’s fabulous “Free Golf ” subscription offer you’ll get a complimentary, or greatly discounted, round on the following layouts in eastern Massachusetts. Check out the details of this offer in this issue, call 860-563-1633, or visit www. FreeGolf.net to sign up. There is lots of time to enjoy all the courses on our list. Heritage Country Club ( w w w. H e r i t a g e C o u n t r y C l u b . c o m ) i n Charlton has long been a favorite of locals and those golfers who like to throw their sticks in the trunk and drive a bit to play a real good course. Heritage offers private club conditions and amenities at affordable rates. There is a mix of holes at Heritage CC that will keep you entertained through your entire round. Some of the fairways are rather tight, so accuracy is called for off the tee to get you involved in the hole from the tee box. The layout starts off in stern fashion, with a pair of fairly long par-fours followed by a 200-yard par-three where par is a good score indeed. The fourth is a 452-yard par-five that
is reachable in two shots for long hitters. Quaboag Country Club (www. QuaboagCountryClub.com) located in Monson is a nine–hole course with a championship layout and private club conditions. The course offers sweet views and was ranked a 9 out of 10 by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette golf review. The second hole is a 215-yard par-three and the next hole is a very demanding, 440-yard par-four. The seventh, a 255-yard par-four, can be reached from the tee by big hitters. There’s a fully stocked pro shop, full service restaurant, and a golfers’ lounge. Crystal Lake Golf Club (www.CrystalLake-Golf.com) in Haverhill, located only 35 minutes from downtown Boston. The course offers some of the finest rolling bent grass greens in the area, lush wide fairways, light rough, manicured bunkers, rolling tree-lined terrain, and a well-thought out design by Geoffrey Cornish. Crystal Lake provides a fun, yet challenging round of golf that will be played under four and half hours on weekends. Every club in
Crystal Lake Golf Club 18
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
your bag will be used and a memorable golf experience is guaranteed. Acquired by Sterling Golf Management in 2018, Crystal Lake Golf Club continues to provide guests and members with a unique golf experience. Bedrock Golf Club (www.BedRockGolfClub.com) in Rutland is a nine-hole course operated by the Carr Family. Former PGA Tour Professional and current PGA of America member Joe Carr has served as Bedrock’s Golf Professional since the club’s inception in 1992. This is a scenic course carved through the woods, and has a fully stocked pro shop, a practice putting green, and the “Back Nine Pub”, a full service bar and grille. The course plays 3,463 yards from the longest tees and was designed by Bill Greene and Joe Carr. Ellinwood Country Club (www.EllinwoodGolf.com) in Athol was opened in 1929. The original Donald Ross design consisted of nine holes. With the help of local and renowned designer Geoffrey Cornish, Ellinwood grew to 18 holes in 1965, and Cornish carefully shaped and placed nine
The Links at Poland Spring Tumble Brook Country Club
new holes in and around the existing nine. The 10th is a brutal par-three that plays 225 yards from the tips and demands a fairway wood from even the best places to find the green. Pine Ridge Golf Club (www.pineridgegolf. net), located just south of Worcester in North Oxford, is a shotmaker’s delight, with several drivable parfours, reachable-in-two par-fives, and tough par-threes that demand sound club selection and pinpoint accuracy. A pleasingly eclectic mixture of relatively easy and demanding holes can be found right out of the box. The first is a 308-yard par-four; number two is a short, 150-yard par-three; the third is a beefy, 202-yard par-three; and the fifth is a demanding, 403-yard par-four. Maplegate Country Club (www.MapleGate.com), located in a scenic, quiet area near Bellingham and Franklin, features a challenging 6,815-yard, wellconditioned layout that hosted U.S. Open qualifiers in 1998 and 2001. The course has a great mix of holes; from short par-fours that may be drivable by big hitters to difficult fours. Water comes into play on a number of holes and makes tee shots and approaches to the rather large and undulating greens occasionally dicey. The par-five fourth hole is only 522 yards from the back tees. But the layup must be hit as close to a pond as possible if you entertain any thoughts of getting on in two shots. Number five, a 431yard par-four, has water running across its fairway and a fairway bunker guarding the right side of the landing area.
Blackstone National Golf Club Blackstone National Golf Club (www.BlackstoneGolfClub.com) in Sutton was designed by noted architect Rees Jones, and is tucked into the wooded countryside of the Blackstone Valley area of southeastern part of the Bay State. Blackstone National, which can stretch to almost 7,000 yards from the tips and plays to a par of 72, has some good short holes. One of the most stunning par-threes is the 173-yard 11th, which demands a tee shot over a small pond. The par-fours are solid and can be tough, like the 486-yard 15th for example.
It bends to the left after a large ridge that cuts across the fairway. Hit a tee shot to the right side of the fairway and the ball will tumble down a hill and shorten the hole by 50 to 100 yards. The varied natural topography of Wentworth Hills Golf Club (www.WentworthHillsGolf.com) in Plainville presents a beautiful round of golf, with rolling, tree-lined fairways, large, receptive greens, ponds and lakes protecting holes, and 60 strategically-placed bunkers. Designed by Howard Maurer, the 18-hole, par-71, 6,202-
Wentworth Hills Golf Club
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yard layout offers multiple tees to accommodate golfers of all skill levels. Classic risk/reward decisions dare low-handicappers to “go for it,” and all holes allow alternate routes for less experienced golfers. Heather Hill Country Club (www.HeatherHillCountryClub. com) in Plainville offers one regulation 18-hole course and one nine-hole course. The North Course (nine holes) has a few hills that can cause uneven lies. The fairways are narrow, and the greens are small. The South Course (18 holes) has many more hills than the North Course, but doesn’t have a lot of sand bunkers. The fairways are wide open, but most are tree lined, so you just can’t spray it around and get away with it. The greens are large, and water hazards come into play on three holes. The 18-hole course plays around 6,000 yards from the tips and has a mix of short- and medium-length par-fours, tricky par-threes, and two par-fives that can reached in two shots by big hitters. The back side has three short par-fours that allow you a real chance at birdie, the 334-yard 13th, the 317-yard 14th, and the final hole, a 317-yarder. Number 12 is a good par-five that plays 516 yards from the tips, with the hole doglegging to the right, which may demand a precise layup shot to set up a wedge approach. Close to “Beantown” you will find Newton Commonwealth Golf Course (www.SterlingGolf.com), an exceptionally groomed course that was opened in 1907 and redesigned in 1920 by Donald Ross. The layout offers a short but challenging round of golf, featuring quick greens and relatively narrow fairways. Course management is essential, as many a big hitter has discovered, with water and sand bunkers scattered about. The sixth hole, a 276-yard parfour, can be reached by the longest of hitters, but a narrow fairway slopes severely from left to right, and the hole features the most difficult green on the course. There is no such thing as a “straight putt” on the multi-sloped and 20
Blissful Meadows Golf Club undulating green. Norwood Country Club (www.SterlingGolf.com) is a decidedly fun and interesting layout to play for players of all skills. Designed by Sam Mitchell, built by Frank Simoni and opened in 1975, Norwood Country Club is one of the best kept golf secrets in the area. A par-71, 5,630-yard layout, the track has fairly flat terrain with medium size, wellmanicured greens. The course features a number of short par-fours and reachable-in-
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
two par-fives, but don’t let its overall short length fool you, as it has enough bite to keep even the best players on their toes. Established in 1936, Gardner Municipal Golf Course (www.GardnerGolfCourse.com) is an 18-hole facility featuring outstanding conditions and excellent greens. Four sets of tees meet the playing abilities of all golfers. Beginners can shorten the course to a playable 4,898 yards, or you can challenge yourself and step back to the tips (par-71, 6131 yards).
Newton Commonwealth Golf Course
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MUST PLAY
Connecticut National Golf Club By John Torsiello
A Sweet Test for All Abilities
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onnecticut National Golf Club in Putnam in what is known as the state’s “Quiet Corner” was truly really created almost 15 years ago after extensive renovations added 800 yards of length to its original 6,169 yards, as well as a modern styling. In all, some 4,000 trees were removed, new fairways seeded and sodded, bunkers added or altered, and new green complexes built. The work turned it into one of the best daily fee layouts in Southern New England. Connecticut National Golf Club is a pleasant mix of linksstyle and parkland holes with nary a house to be seen during your round. A little history: Connecticut National was once nine-hole course known as Putnam Country Club. It was a nice little layout, the locals loved it, but new ownership wanted to make something special and believed creating a championship 18-hole course was just the ticket. The locals fell in love all over again after changes were made to the course. The renovations took place in 2007 were headed up by well-known course architect Mark Mungeam, known for his challenging yet approachable-forall routings. Every hole was modified to increase both playability and toughness. Keeping the ball in the fairways is key to scoring well at Connecticut National as the fescue grows tall in the summer and bunkers are deep and difficult to recover from. The real challenges here are the green complexes, which feature multiple tiers and some tough slopes that make finding a flat lie a tough task.
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Connecticut National is a true shot-makers course, where a well-thought-out plan is a must. The scorecard is a bit misleading as some of the higher handicap holes can pay difficult when you are not accurate in club selection. Following an inviting, fairly uncomplicated par-five to start things off, the par-four second gives you an indication of what is coming. The dog-leg right places a premium on finding the fairway as it is well protected by mounds of fescue on the right and trees on the left. The green has a severe slope, requiring an accurate approach to get close to the hole. The ninth hole is a short par-three but if you miss the green to the right you are in trouble because of a severe drop off. If you do wander, miss left because you might get a lucky bounce
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
onto the green. The back nine has a nice blend of par-fours, some of them long. The 14th, a 447-yarder, demands you find the fairway to stay away from the high rough from where getting onto the green is almost impossible in two shots. The approach must steer clear of mounds and bunkers guarding the green. The finisher is a long, downhill par-five that is real pretty, giving you a sweet view of the hills in the background as you approach the putting surface and clubhouse. The green on 18 can be accessed in two shots by long hitters and is a fairly easy three-shots-to-the-green for everybody else. www.CTNationalGolf.com
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MUST PLAY
Canaan Country Club Good Golf and Food
By John Torsiello
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hen Joseph Quattrocchi took a glance at Canaan Country Club in northwest Connecticut he knew he had found what he was looking for. “Someone approached me about wanting to create a club,” said the Canaan resident and owner of a classic auto restoration business in New York State. “I liked the idea and started looking around at land, saw the country club, thought it was very interesting and said, `Let’s think about this.’ I knew it was for sale. I liked the idea that it had an existing restaurant and the building had good bones so we started negotiations to buy the property.” Canaan Country Club, a nine-hole course built in 1931, sits on slightly more than 200 acres with several holes bordering the scenic Blackberry River. The course plays 2,941 yards from the back tees and plays to a par of 35. Two of the par-trees, the third and eighth holes, are very challenging, each playing around 185 yards. The tee shots on both must be well struck to reach elevated greens. Perhaps the best hole on the course is the 380-yard par-four sixth. It demands a well placed tee shot that steers clear of wetlands to the right and pine trees on the left, and then it’s across a small stream to a putting surface sloped from back to front. Quattrocchi has ambitious plans for the property. In fact, he’s already been busy making changes to the restaurant, which was renamed the Belted Cow Farmhouse Tavern offering lunch and dinner menus and libations. “I took a flyer and figured that we would get the deal done, so we renovated the bathrooms in the clubhouse and made some changes to the dining area. I didn’t want to just use a large space we have in the building strictly for banquets and
other events. So we installed booth seating and set up moveable partitions to separate it from the larger event pace and give it a cozy feeling. When we do have a larger event, we simply take the hanging partitions away and open the room up to allow for more people.” On the renaming of the restaurant, Quattrocchi said, “The Belted Cow is a breed we felt was appropriate for the rural area where the club is located. We put pictures of belted cows on the walls inside the restaurant to give it a unique feel and reflect the name.” The Belted Galloway is a traditional Scottish breed of beef cattle. It derives from the Galloway cattle of the Galloway region of south-western Scotland. The new owner also set up an expanded outdoor dining area in front of the clubhouse that has been popular with golfers and guests. The driveway into the property was also repaved.
Omni Mount Washington Resort Golf Course 24
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
“We don’t need to get a lot more people to the course,” said Quattrocchi. “We we do want is for people to experience a restaurant that is different than the old one. We will get the place rocking and rolling.” He also has plans for the golf course that includes drainage work to several of the holes. The course’s sand bunkers are also being repaired or renovated. And work is and will be done around the edges of the course to remove dead trees and perhaps open views of the Blackberry River that rolls alongside he second hole and past the third tee box. Canaan Country Club’s course is open seven days a week until November, weather permitting, and is located a half mile south of the junction of routes 7 and 44. www.CanaanCountryClub.com
Where Memories Begin.
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MUST PLAYS
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Wentworth Hills Country Club
e know golfing is fun. The ownership at Wentworth Hills Country Club in Plainville, Ma. is intent on making it even more enjoyable. The club has purchased a new fleet of “Shark” golf carts that allows players to remain in contact with the clubhouse throughout a round. They can order food and refreshments while playing the front nine and pick up orders at the turn. In addition, the carts offer yardages and golfers can even watch video tips from Greg Norman between their own shots. The club has a unique “challenge” that gets golfers who ante up $5 or $10 on top of their greens fees a shot at a $10,000 or $20,000 prize if they make a hole-in-one on the par-three 17th hole. And, the club has developed an app for cell phones that make the user a member of the “Wentworth Hills community” once they get the app. Individuals are notified of discounts on greens fees and other promotions and specials. A map of the course and yardages are automatically available on the user’s phone when accessing the app. ”We are trying to keep up with the younger generation that is so into technology,” said one of the club’s owners, Constant Poholek. “The hole-inone challenge is a game within the game and money
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www.WentworthHillsCountryClub.com
Heather Hill County Club
ith 27 holes of golf, Heather Hill Country Club in Plainville, Ma., makes for a full day of golfing fun. The club offers one regulation 18-hole course and one nine-hole course. The North Course (nine holes) has a few hills that can cause uneven lies. The fairways are narrow, and the greens are small. The South Course (18 holes) has many more hills than the North Course, but doesn’t have a lot of sand bunkers. The fairways are wide open, but most are tree lined, so you just can’t spray it around and get away with it. The greens are large, and water hazards come into play on three holes. The 18-hole course plays around 6,000 yards from the tips and has a mix of short- and medium-length par-fours, tricky par-threes, and two par-fives that can reached in two shots by big hitters. One of those par-fives is the 478yard third that is very straightforward with few hazards complicating matters, although there are two bunkers near the putting surface. The seventh and eighth are solid back-to-back par-threes, playing almost 200 yards and 180 respectively. The back side has three short par-fours that allow you a real chance at birdie, the 334-yard 13th, the 317-yard 14th, and the final hole, a 317-yarder. Number 12 is a good par-five that plays 516 yards from the tips, with the hole doglegging to the right, which may demand a precise layup shot to set up a wedge approach. The nine-hole layout measures 3,368 yards from the tips. It begins with a 157-yard par-three, with the toughest stretch of holes coming at three through five. The third, a par-four, plays 400 yards, while the fourth is a challenging 500-yard par-five. The club has a restaurant and bar for after-round enjoyment. www.HeatherHillCountryClub.com 26
we receive helps out charitable causes. We are trying to do things to make golf even more fun and keep people coming back.” The club also continues its popular “cigar nights” where players get a round of nine holes, a cigar and dinner for a reasonable fee that changes according to the dinner provided by the club. Wentworth Hills is a fun course to play, offering classic risk/reward holes that dare low-handicappers to “go for it,” while allowing for alternate routes to the green for less experienced golfers. The varied natural topography here features rolling, treelined fairways, large, receptive greens, ponds and lakes protecting holes, and 60 strategically-placed bunkers. The course, while playing just over 6,200 yards from the tips, has a slope of 128 and a rating equal to its par of 71. The track places emphasis on proper club selection and accurate approach shots to the putting surfaces. Wentworth Hills is located between Boston and Providence and only minutes from Route 495, which makes it an ideal destination for golfers from the Metro Boston area to Federal Hill in Providence.
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
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MUST PLAYS
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Omni Mount Washington Resort
he 18-hole Omni Mount Washington Golf Course was designed by legendary Scottish architect Donald Ross and was completed in 1915. Its backdrop features New Hampshire’s spectacular Presidential Mountain Range. The par-72, 7,004-yard-course has hosted four New Hampshire Opens and the prestigious New England Open Championship in September 2010. Reopened in August of 2008, the Omni Mount Washington Golf Course has been restored to Donald Ross’ original plans by noted golf course architect Brian Silva, including bunkers crafted in a classic flair and infinite varieties of recovery shots in the closely cropped areas around the putting greens. The par-five 11th hole and the par-three fifth hole feature stunning views of Omni Mount Washington Hotel and surrounding mountains. The Omni Mount Washington Golf Course was voted Golfweek’s Best Course You Can Play
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Vermont’s Mount Snow
eoffrey Cornish designed the18-hole, 6,943-yard (there are three other sets of tees) championship Mount Snow Golf Club has also been named one of the top 10 resort courses in the country by SKI Magazine. It has also been rated one of the top five courses in Vermont by Golf Digest. The course meanders through stunning picturesque countryside and provides stunning views of the Green Mountains, including the peaks of Mount Snow and Haystack Mountain. Tamaracks, oaks, birches, and sugar maples line the fairways while the mountains provide a majestic backdrop. The front nine is spread over rather wide expanses and the back nine winds its way through wooded terrain. Water comes into play on no fewer than 11 holes, and 41 sand traps are strategically located around nearly every hole. The resort also has a fully-stocked pro shop with the latest in equipment, accessories, and 28
in New Hampshire from 2009 through 2017. The nine-hole Mount Pleasant Course first opened in 1895, and has been host to generations of golfing enthusiasts from New Hampshire and beyond. Greats like U.S. Pro Golfer Gilbert Nicholls, Golf Course Designer Alex Findlay, British Golf Champions Harry Vardon and J.W. Taylor, and U.S. Open Golf Champion Willie Anderson have all played the historic par-35 course.
In 1989, the course was restored and upgraded by Cornish & Silva Golf Course Architects, with advice from world-renowned golfers Gene Sarazen and Ken Venturi, and now offers players a more challenging round alongside New Hampshire’s scenic Ammonoosuc River. Throughout its history, the Resort has been renowned for natural beauty and luxurious extras. Indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzis and fireplaces are just a few of the amenities comforting year-round guests. From the Tiffany stained glass to the crystal chandeliers, you’ll find the interior is just as impressive as the exterior. The hotel’s elegant Four Diamond Dining Room serves four-course dinners with orchestra accompaniment nightly. Every detail, from the serenading orchestra to the menu that changes daily, reminds you that this is a place unlike any other. www.OmniHotels.com
apparel. Mount Snow’s Original Golf School, founded in 1978, was one of the country’s first golf schools and continues to be a trusted program for those looking to improve their games. There is a multi-day curriculum that includes instruction and evaluation on every aspect of play, with daily on-course instruction. During your visit, stop by Fairways
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
Restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh food, cold beer, or your favorite cocktail on a large deck overlooking the course. Or relax inside watching the game on flat screen televisions. Fairways is open daily for lunch with frequent menu specials and to-go service, as well as Sunday brunch. The area around Mount Snow has historic towns, antique shops, artisans, craft producers, farms open to visitation, performing arts venues, and outlet shopping centers. Extend a vacation with a few days of hiking, mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, and horseback riding, learn fly fishing, or go canoeing, sailing, and kayaking on any of the numerous pristine rivers and lakes. www.MountSnow.com, or 802-464-4254.
MUST PLAYS
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Killington Grand Resort
illington Grand Resort’s 18-hole golf course, designed by noted New England architect Geoffrey S. Cornish, was skillfully routed high in the lush Green Mountains of Vermont. Here, you will find panoramic views and plenty of challenge. Cornish designed the course to take full advantage of the mountain terrain, and Killington’s rushing snowmelt streams and elevation changes make for an exciting and strategic round. Generous greens allow players to attack the flag with confidence. The 6,186-yard, par-72 layout presents an enjoyable round for any golfer, no matter what skill level or handicap. And at a 2,000-foot elevation, gentle breezes offer a soothing respite from the summer sun. The longest hole on the course is number two, a par-five that plays 510 yards from the back markers. The shortest hole on the course is the sixth, a tricky par-three that plays to 147 yards from the championship tees. And, watch out for number five, a beefy 473-yard par-four and the number one handicap hole on the course. Perhaps the most approachable hole on the track is the 17th, a 168-yard par-three. The course is open mid-May through mid-October. The resort has a new practice facility, as well as a new fleet of golf carts.
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There is a fully-stocked pro shop and professionals offer golf lessons and clinics, as well as golf schools. There is a clubhouse bar and grill with indoor and outdoor seating. Killington is an all-around family resort with an adventure center, a bike park, a spa, and a fitness center. There is shopping on and off-site, as well as several dining venues. www.Killington.com.
Brattleboro Country Club
rattleboro Country Club in Vermont was established in 1914 and was originally a six-hole course located called the Wantastiquet Golf Club. The course as it exists today grew out of a 1930 re-do by Wayne Stiles, and a 2000 expansion and partial rerouting by Vermont native Steve Durkee. Eight classic Stiles holes remain (9 through 12 and 15 through 18), with 10 Durkee holes added (1 through eight and 13 and 14). The course features elevation changes, variety, rolling, tree-lined fairways and pleasing views. Brattleboro plays 6,533 from the tips (a rating of 71.1 and a 126 slope means it’s no pushover), 6,073 from the regular tees (69.1/122), 5,051 from the forward tees (64.2/112 for men; 69.8/114 for women).
ting surface in two, made dangerous by a pond that runs up to the green. The club has hosted numerous state championship tournaments and been the qualifying site for USGA Men’s Amateur and USGA Men’s Senior Amateur events. There are two practice greens, a driving range, a fully-stocked pro shop and the Fairway Tavern, where you can enjoy a post-round cocktail and good meal.
The second hole, a 532-yard par-five, has water right of the fairway to complicate your tee shot and a large bunker and water left of the green. The sixth is a nice par-four. It’s a drivable at 260 yards. The seventh is another strong par-five, playing 507 yards from the tips, with the layup, or second shot if you try for the put-
Brattleboro Country Club Brattleboro, Vt. 802-257-7380 www.BrattleboroCountryClub.com
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MUST PLAYS TOURNAMENT MUST PLAYS
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The Captains Golf Course
he Captains Golf Course in Brewster, Ma. features two very distinct 18-hole layouts. The Captains’ Port Course plays to a yardage of 6,724 yards from the tips and has a slope of 131 and a rating above its posted par of 72. So, it’s no pushover. One of the best holes on the Port Course is the beefy 573-yard, par-five eighth. There is a pond that guards the putting surface and several large fairway bunkers are placed along the hole to make precision on the drive and layup a prerequisite to making birdie or par. The Captains’ Starboard Course plays a tad longer than the Port Course, around 6,800 yards, and has a slope of 122. Most players who tackle both tracks say the Starboard Course it also a bit more player friendly than its sister layout, with wider fairways, large greens, and fewer bunkers than the Port Course, which makes it more suitable for mid- and higher handicap players. But we are here to tell you that it isn’t a pushover either. The course’s 18th is a great finishing hole, a challenging 534-yard par-five that can be reached in two by big hitters. But the smarter play is two strong shots followed by a wedge into the green. The conditioning on both course, which have very affordable greens fees, is always excellent at all times of the year, the golf is challenging but approachable for players of all abilities, there are two practice greens and
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Yarmouth Golf
armouth is home to 45 holes of golf that encompasses the newly renovated Bayberry Hills Golf Course, the Links 9, and Bass River Golf Course. Changes were made to make the nearly 7,300-yard Bayberry Hills Golf Course friendlier to the average golfer, yet maintain or even enhance the course’s challenge to the low handicap player. Embracing the Bob Jones/Alistair MacKenzie (Augusta National Golf Club) design style, bunkers have been renovated and re-positioned to enhance play options. Plus, bunkers have been replaced with closely mown collection areas on some holes, providing multiple options for greenside recoveries, fairway corridors have been widened, and green surrounds have been expanded. Rough areas in the front of greens have been replaced by tightly mown fairway to create the illusion of false fronts in many cases. Forward teeing areas on four holes were added for more options in course setup and to provide additional user friendliness. The Links 9, which is on the property at Bayberry, opened in 1999 and is a real fun layout to play, with its wide open fairways, solid par-threes and exposure to the Cape’s wind, which makes the course play different from day to day. A number of the holes are doglegs, which makes approach shots tricky if you don’t put your tee shot in the proper position. Number nine is a 195-yard par-three that demands an accurate shot over water to reach the green. Bass River is a 100-plus-year-old course that the legendary Donald 30
a driving range, a restaurant, a friendly staff that is available for lessons, and a fully-stocked pro shop. Indeed, what more could locals and visitors to this special section of New England want in a daily fee golf club. www.CaptainsGolfCourse.com.
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
Ross renovated and expanded in 1914. The layout rolls along among trees and sandy hills and features narrow fairways, small greens and views of nearby Bass River. The club’s signature hole is the sixth, a 169-yard par-three that plays across the river. Overall, the layout is on the short side, but the holes demand good shot making and a good short game, a typical Donald Ross demand on the player. www.GolfYarmouthCapeCod.com
Book tee times on-line at www.golfrockledge.com
MUST TOURNAMENT INSTRUCTION PLAYS
BUNKER STRATEGIES The days of summer are sure to include beach visits. If you’re golfing, your ball is bound to find its way to the same place: the beach aka the bunker! Time to examine your starting position for a new angle, literally. Most things we do in life are preceded by a picture, and your bunker album pictures need to be replaced for the consequences they’re causing. Are you the player whose club keeps digging into the sand, resulting in the ball remaining in the bunker over and over? There’s an error in your picture of set-up that is causing your pain. Look at the picture of the sand wedge with the white shaft. While this might be an acceptable angle for a chip shot, the shaft has too much forward lean for a bunker shot. The hands are too far ahead of the ball, and the front edge of the club face is going to dig into the sand and get STUCK. Notice in that picture that the front edge of the clubface is angled, ready to go down too deep. There is little chance of accessing the backside of the club where there is more metal called bounce. That’s what is needed to slice and glide through the sand and get under the ball. In contrast, notice the sand wedge with the black shaft and how the hands are behind the ball. The front edge of the clubface is no longer in digging mode. It’s more horizontal to the ground’s surface allowing the back edge bounce to be the part of the club that is closest to the sand surface. Create this picture BEFORE you enter the bunker! Here’s how. Lay your wedge on its “back” on the grass outside of the bunker. This will automatically open your clubface and position the handle and your hands more neutral and even behind the face. Put your hands on the grip in this new place where the handle seems to have been rotated to the right a quarter turn. Then walk into the bunker setting up to a forward ball position, with the club face hovering an inch or two behind the ball. This is where to set your eyes. DO NOT look at the ball since that’s not what you want to hit!!! You will notice that your hands are lower and more behind the ball than before. GOOD PICTURE. Add sound and feel by hitting on a piece of wood, as in the picture.
By Sue Kaffenburg
The second picture in need of change is the exit path of your club. Too often, you swing the club upwards along the target line, seen as orange in the picture. NO!! Your bunker shots will improve once you realize your new job which is to match the exit path defined by white sticks diagonally left in the bunker picture. Yes, you should feel you’re pulling the club through the sand more to the left of the target line for your follow through. My arm’s shadow shows you where to go. New set-up picture. New exit strategy picture. New results. Picture that!
An award-winning public golf course with all the amenities of a private club
• 36 picturesque holes • Practice greens, driving range, carts and club rentals • Friendly, highly-trained PGA Staff • Customized planning for corporate groups, tournaments and special events “Top Ten in the U.S.” -Golf Digest
“Brian Silva, Architect of the Year.” -Golf World Magazine
...Now with Tee Times Available Online!
1000 Freeman’s Way Brewster, MA 02631 Toll-Free: 877-843-9081 www.captainsgolfcourse.com
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Sue Kaffenburgh, PGA/LPGA Bayberry Hills Golf Course, Yarmouth, MA. www.GolfLessonsCapeCod.com SusiePGA@comcast.net 508-364-GOLF (4653)
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INSTRUCTION
MUST PLAYS TOURNAMENT
What’s Your Angle? By Gene Mulak The talented ball striker of the 1980’s Mac O’Grady was asked to name the biggest difference between a low and high handicappers golf swing. His response was the following, “the degree of freedom that the lead shoulder moves downward and inward”. There is a consistent metric among better players. At the top of the swing, their shoulders are on a 35 to 40 degree angle. As the handicaps go up, this angle is much less. When a golfer addresses the ball, they are bent forward to grip the club which is built on a tilted angle. In a good golf swing, the golfer will move their lead shoulder on a trajectory that will move downward and inward. This allows for a number of important pieces to fall into place. It will help in stabilizing your body and create a more center pivot swing, thus creating a more consistent low point on the ground and in turn promote cleaner strikes. Moving the shoulder downward will keep your head in place. This retains your central vision on the ball. A level shoulder turn will move the head off the ball and in effect it is creating a motion that is similar to hitting a moving ball which can be arduous. The lead shoulder moving downward and inward allows for the angle of ascent of the hands in the backswing to make an arc back up and in, creating a circular motion. Try this with a buddy or simply in front of a mirror - Wearing a hat or visor, make a back swing and stop at the top. If you can see your face, your shoulder turn is too flat and need to steepen out. Start noticing the players on TV, from straight on their face is generally not visible because of the lead shoulder moving downward and inward.
Downward and Inward
Shoulder Moves Downward in a Proper Golf Swing
Level Shoulder Turn
Click Here to Watch Video 32
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
Gene Mulak is the Director of Golf at Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield, CT . Gene is a certified Stack & Tilt instructor. He can be reached at (774) 4061549 or Golf@SilverSpringCountryCC.org
INSTRUCTION
One Handed Drill
By George Connor
Golf can be very difficult. When it gets hard many golfers will make it worse by trying harder, working more and it just gets worse. We have all been in that situation. When your golf swing starts to feel like a lot of work it is the exertion you are adding to the swing that is causing the inconsistencies, the bad shots and the exhaustion. I quote Ernest Jones “good golf is easy, bad golf is hard.” What Jones meant by that is the great shots we hit feel easy. I hear golfers say that it was effortless. You know the feeling! But boy oh boy do we work hard to hit those bad shots. If you are looking for more great golf, more lower scores and more consistency use to One Handed Drill to feel a golf club truly swinging. It is not an easy drill but you will be a better golfer by becoming good at the drill. Allow the club and ball to become incidental and you will be shocked how solidly you can hit the ball with only one hand. Remember this, we all talk about our golf SWING. Something that truly swings does not cause itself to swing. Think of a lifeguard swing a whistle with their fingers, or a pendulum in a grandfather clock. It is something external creating the movement. The other thing we can observe from watching something swing is the consistency. The whistle passes through the same space on each revolution. The pendulum never hits the back of the box.
Initiate swinging the club back with your body
From the top, initiate the downswing by turning your body
Start with the club in your trailing hand and clubhead forward
Click Here to Watch Video
George Connor is the Head Golf Instructor at Farmington Woods Country Club in Avon, CT. 860-830-6969 or George@ConnorGolf.com www.GolfingMagazine.net
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Great
Golf
Ocean City, Maryland
17 Championship Courses 10 Miles of Beach 3 Mile Boardwalk
2 Nights, 3 Rounds Starting: Spring / Fall Weekdays - $170 Weekends - $191
First Class Accommodations Excellent Dining Exciting Nightlife
“Great Golf is Just the Beginning” 34
Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
Ocean City, Maryland
www.OceanCityGolf.com
