2022 Golfing Magazine Summer Issue, New England Edition

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• Instruction from Local Professionals

New England Edition Summer 2022

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

New England Summer 2022 Volume 54

Issue 3

golfing M A G A Z I N E™

Summer 2022

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

First Tee Fun at Goodwin Park Golf Course Hartford, CT FROM THE PUBLISHER

6 Get Out and Play Golf During New England’s High Summer Period

MUST PLAYS

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FEATURES

8 Goodwin Park Golf Course A New First Tee Hotbed 10 LIV Golf Comes To Boston 12 Western Massachusetts Abounds In Fine Golf Courses…and More 16 Eastern Massachusetts has a Bevy of Great Courses 20 Blackledge CC’s New Practice Facility TRAVEL

32 Hilton Head Island

Contributing Photographer Mark William Paul

Chicopee Country Club The Shattuck Golf Club Quarry Ridge Golf Course 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

29 Impact, Impact, Impact 30 What’s Your Angle?

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Editorial Contributions should be mailed to above address or emailed to the publisher. Material accepted is subject to revisions necessary to meet requirements of the publication. The act of delivering material shall express a warranty by contributor that material is original and does not infringe on the rights of others. Reproduction of the contents of this publication is prohibited with written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

31 One Handed Drill Golfing Magazine is published five times annually.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Get Out and Play Golf During High Summer Season

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: There’s a youthful vibe circulating around Hartford, Ct.’s Goodwin Park Golf Course. That’s because the First Tee of Connecticut has taken over partial stewardship of the course as it seeks to grow its Hartford area footprint and enhance its programming.

The LIV Golf Invitational Series is coming to the Boston area September 2-4 olf remains as hot during the sum- when the new circuit rolls into The Oaks mer of 2022 as the weather. And golf course at The International Golf Club. that’s a god thing for the game we While surrounded in controversy, this is an love so much. opportunity for golf fans to see some of the Many golfers have been taking advan- best players in the world tee it up. tage of Golfing Magazine New England’s The Berkshire Hills of western MasCourse Play Stimulus Program. We have sachusetts 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 6 Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

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the best layouts you can play.

There’s a new vitality surrounding Quarry Ridge Golf Course in Portland, Ct. New management has invested money and effort in making the club one of the finest in Connecticut.

Chicopee Country Club in Chicopee, Ma. is one scenic and challenging layout.

Conditions are superb and readers will not be disappointed with a visit to the club.

Blackledge Country Club has opened its sparkling new practice facility where you can work on your game or tune up for a round.

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, Hilton Head Island of South 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.

All That Is Good,

Tom Landers, Publisher

golfing M A G A Z I N E™

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!

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50 minutes from Boston, 15 minutes from Worcester and 40 minutes from Hartford

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Goodwin Park Golf Course A New First Tee Hotbed

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here’s a youthful vibe circulating around Hartford, Ct.’s Goodwin Park Golf Course. That’s because the First Tee of Connecticut has taken over partial stewardship of the course as it seeks to grow its Hartford area footprint and enhance its programming.

There aren’t any dramatic changes to the course’s operation, explained Mark Moriarity, First Tee Connecticut executive director and a First Tee coach, but there may be more youngsters around the facility this year and additional programs for those enrolled in the organization.

“We have been running First Tee programming at Goodwin Park since 1999 and this was a chance to enhance our presence in the Greater Hartford area,” said Moriarity. “The operators and city have always been good to us, and customers shouldn’t expect any big changes, just maybe signage explaining

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Golfing Magazine • New England Edition Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

the First Tee’s role at the course. More junior golfers will be enjoying the course through play and programs.

We will insure that any golfer that comes to Goodwin will be treated warmly. We won’t let our taking over management of the course interfere with golfers’ enjoyment playing Goodwin Park.”

Moriarity continued, “Long term, we hope what we are doing at River Highlands (another First Tee headquarters and operational facility in Cromwell) will happen at Goodwin.

Things like summer camps and programs such as parents getting a complimentary round if they are with their child or children, and charity events to benefit the First Tee. We may not be able to add a lot of new programming this year but 2023 will see an enhanced First Tee at Goodwin. In the meantime, those involved with First Tee will have easy access to a golf

course. We are making sure we get as many First Tee members to the course as possible this year.”

Founded in 1906, Goodwin Park Golf Course is a 27-hole facility located in the south end of Hartford. The course annually hosts the Hartford Women’s Open, Greater Hartford Amateur Championship, and Greater Hartford Junior Amateur Championship. Under new management since 2014, the course has returned to excellent conditions and customer service. Goodwin Park Golf Course offers an excellent opportunity to play golf a quick pace, learn the game, or practice and improve your game.

The championship South Course annually hosts professional and amateur championships. The Hartford Women’s Open was begun in 2016 at Goodwin Park and Keney Park golf courses. In 2015, Goodwin Park

Golf Course hosted the Connecticut Section PGA Match Play Championship. The Greater Hartford Amateur Championship, also known as the “Hartford District”, has been played at Goodwin Park since 1963.

In 2014, the city of Hartford reclaimed management of both Goodwin Park and

Keney Park golf courses. After years of mismanagement by leasing companies, the city contracted a golf operator, maintenance operator, and food and beverage operator to work with the city to improve conditions, provide better customer service, and enhance the reputation of both courses. Through proper maintenance practices, the course has returned to excellent shape. The greens have been returned to their original size and shape and surrounding areas have been enhanced. Tee boxes have been leveled and fairway have also been improved through proper maintenance.

The North Course is considered more of a beginners course but offers enough challenge for the best golfer. The South Course will test your ability and has risk-reward holes and superb par-threes. www.GolfingMagazine.net

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TOURNAMENT

LIV Golf

Coming to Boston Area in Early September

By John Torsiello

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he LIV Golf Invitational Series is coming to the Boston area September 2-4 when the new circuit rolls into The Oaks golf course at The International Golf Club.

LIV Golf is run by Greg Norman and funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Each tournament offers $25 million in prize money, with $4 million for the individual winner. The event will be comprised of 48 players who compete in a team format as well as individual play.

Organizers of the LIV tour said its entire premise is founded on producing more continuous action for fans and a shorter work week (three rounds) for players. There are 48 pros in all who will take part in eight events. There will be a shotgun start for each tournament, which will guarantee that all players are on the course immediately.

Also there will be no cuts, so fans are assured of seeing their favorites when they attend an event.

The LIV Tour will be a seven-event regular

season. At the end of the seven events, an individual champion will be crowned based on points accumulated throughout the season.

The eighth and final event will be a season-

ending Team Championship match play.

The LIV Golf Invitational Series features 12 teams of four players each. Since each event will be made up of a different field,

The International Oaks Course 5th Hole 10 10

Golfing GolfingMagazine Magazine••New NewEngland EnglandEdition Edition

teams will be decided via a draft the week of each event.

Teams have a LIV-appointed team captain who select their players via a draft format. The captain will be one of the four starting players, but also has the responsibility to set the lineup each week, choose the scores that will count, and act as an on- and off-course captain for the team For an individual event, every stroke counts just like it always has (although with 54 holes, a fast start is even more important). The individual winner will be the player with the lowest 54-hole stroke play total. The player with the most ranking points after seven events will be named the Individual Champion.

The team event is where the scoring sees the first two rounds using a best two-stroke score for each team. For the third and final

will be a seeded, four-day, fourround, match play knock-out.

The tour is not without controversy.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has said that players may choose one tour or the other, but not both.

Some golfers that joined the new tour are no longer eligible for PGA Tour events, and several, such as Phil Mickelson, have been suspended by the PGA Tour.

Other players who have said they would play on the LIV Tour include Brooks Koepka, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Bryson DeChambeau, The International Oaks Course, 1st Hole Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Martin Kymer, Kevin Na, and round, the best three scores will count, with Louis Oosthuizen. the lowest overall team score after 54 holes being named the Team Winner.

The Team Championship will be the eighth and final event of the season. This

www.LIVGolf.com

www.GolfingMagazine.net

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WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS MUST PLAYS

Great Golf Aplenty to be Found in Western Massachusetts

By JOHN TORSIELLO

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estern Massachusetts, which includes the tourist-friendly Berkshires and the scenic Pioneer Valley area, 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. After or before golf you can spend a few hours visiting the villages and towns of this area, where can discover fine restaurants, cool pubs, boutiques, museums, historic landmarks and hiking trails. You can even build a vacation out of your visit to the area, play as many courses as you can, and enjoy this special part of New England.

And, thanks to Golfing Magazine’s comprehensive Course Play Stimulus Program, you 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.

Chicopee Country Club (www.

ChicopeeCountryClub.com) in Chicopee, with its rolling terrain, tree-lined fairway and fast, sloping greens is generally regarded as a fine championship course by area golfers. Through the years, this picturesque golf course has received

accolades from publications such as Golf Digest, USA Today, and the New England Journal of Golf. It has been touted as being among the best public courses in Massachusetts, named one of New England’s top 100 golf courses, and among the courses that provide the best value in Massachusetts.

The setting is superb at the semi-private Crestview Country Club (www. CrestviewCC. org) in Agawam, which has a beautiful, quarter mile drive to the course. A Geoffrey Cornish design, the course is challenging enough to have played host to the PGA Tour Travelers Championship Open Qualifier in 2015, the Connecticut Section PGA Championship in 2013, the LPGA Friendly’s Classic from 19951998, as well as several US Amateur qualifiers. A scenic collection of challenging par-threes await as you are guided through the meticulously maintained rolling fairways with a number of risk reward par-fours and par-fives to round out you round. Big hitters can tee it up from as far back as 7,100 yards, the reds tees bring that down to a very manageable 5,500.

Elmcrest Country Club (www.Elmcrestcc.com) is located in the quaint Town of East Longmeadow on the border of Somers, Connecticut. Rock walls, rustic bridges, and floral accents are just some of the allures of this classic New England course that winds through beautifully wooded, rolling terrain past picturesque ponds and streams. The design of this well-conditioned course makes for an enjoyable round for any level of player. The course has hosted the Joe Pagos Western Massachusetts Amateur Championships and MIAA Division I

Golf Championships. Elmcrest’s expansive facilities, situated on over 110 acres of private land, offer a sanctuary to all who visit.

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 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

The Ranch Golf Club 12 12

Golfing GolfingMagazine Magazine• New • NewEngland EnglandEdition Edition

Cohasse Country Club

Crestview Country Club

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.

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 106yard par-three third, short par-fours, such as the back-to-back drivable 15th and 16th holes, long par-threes, and very good par-fives 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 parfive 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 laying 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

www.GolfingMagazine.net

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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 tree-lined 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-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. Gene 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.

Waubeeka Golf Links

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.

Cold Spring Country Club 14

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

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 parfour that 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 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.

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15

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 (www.HeritageCountryClub.com) in 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 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 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.

Crystal Lake Golf Club 16 16

Golfing Magazine Magazine •• New New England England Edition Edition Golfing

Pine Ridge Golf Club (www.pineridgegolf.net), located just south of Worcester in North Oxford, is a shot-maker’s delight, with several drivable par-fours, reachable-intwo 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, 150yard 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, well-conditioned layout that hosted U.S. Open qualifiers in 1998 and 2001. The course has a great mix of holes; from short parfours 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 431-yard parfour, has water running across its fairway and a fairway bunker guarding the right side of the landing area.

Blackstone National Golf Club (www.BlackstoneGolfClub.com) in Sutton

Blackstone National Golf Club 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.

Wentworth Hills Golf Club

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-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 shortand medium-length par-fours, tricky parthrees, 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 The Club at River Oaks, 17th Hole that plays 516 yards from the tips, with www.GolfingMagazine.net

17

Newton Commonwealth Golf Course 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 par-four, 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 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 18

layout, the track has fairly flat terrain with medium size, well-manicured greens. The course features a number of short par-fours and reachable-in-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

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

(www.GardnerGolfCourse.com) is an 18hole 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).

Maplegate Country Club

www.GolfingMagazine.net

19

Blackledge CC’s New Practice Facility “Now Open”

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he Club’s NEW Practice Facility is open for business.

Undoubtably, the Premier Golf Practice facility in Connecticut, with a driving area stretching out to 340 yards to accommodate even the longest of hitters. Located across the street from the main entrance of Anderson’s Glen, the Practice facility will feature; 40 hitting stations, target greens and bunkers and a practice fairway bunker to take care of the long game.

For those wanting to improve their scores, it is all about the short game! In case no one told you? We just did! Here you will find a – Short game chipping area with practice bunker and 7,500 sq. feet of putting green. Really want to improve your game? Consider a lesson from the qualified PGA Staff including the newest member of the staff, Director of Instruction Nicole Damarjian.

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Known for being the “Public Course with the Private Touch” Blackledge Country Club is a 36-hole public golf course nestled in the scenic Connecticut countryside in the town of Hebron.

Anderson’s Glen, the original 18 and known as “The Old Course”, was designed by architect Geoffrey Cornish and opened in 1963. With its tree lined fairways and undulating greens provides a very solid test for golfers.

Gilead Highlands, known by many as “The New Course”, was designed by architect Mark Mungeam and opened in the Spring of 2000. Reminiscent of Carolina courses, with

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

wide fairways, bunkering, and tall pines and oaks framing many of the landing areas and large greens.

Both courses are consistently rated among the top choices by golfers in the Greater Hartford-area. Over the years, Blackledge has played host club to many popular tournaments. www.BlackledgeCC.net

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All rates per person, double occupancy, plus Maine sales tax.

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21

MUST PLAY

Everyone is a Winner at

The Shattuck Golf Club

By John Torsiello

W

hether you had a great day or got beat up by the difficulty of the course, you can certainly celebrate or ease your pain in the Shattuck Golf Club’s comfortable Dublin Road Taproom and Eatery.

The restaurant is in a cozy setting that befits the laid back atmosphere of the New Hampshire woods. It provides high quality comfort food, pub favorites and healthy options. With 24 rotating draft beer lines and a refrigerator stocked with cans, craft beer lovers will surely delight in the extensive variety the taproom offers. The bar also features wine and well as non-alcoholic beers.

Happy Hour in the Taproom is 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with 50 cent wing night on Monday, burger night on Wednesday, and 12 dollar beer flights specials on Thursday and Friday evenings.

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

Omni Mount Washington Resort Golf Course 22

GolfingMagazine Magazine••New NewEngland EnglandEdition Edition Golfing

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 over-clubbing.

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.

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

Chicopee Country Club

Offers Pleasant Views and a Challenging Test

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hicopee Country Club in Massachusetts, with its rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, and fast, sloping greens, is generally regarded as a championship course by golfers.

“Players continue to come out in big numbers as conditions continue to improve each year,” said Director of Golf, Mike O’Neill. “We now have great conditions, a central location, great food, and a friendly staff.

We have always gotten golfers from western Massachusetts, but in recent years, we’re seeing groups from central Massachusetts as well as Connecticut.”

Through the years, the picturesque golf course has received accolades from publications such as Golf Digest, USA Today, the New England Journal of Golf, and Golfing Magazine. It has been touted as being among the best public courses in Massachusetts, and has been named one of New England’s top 100 golf courses. It has also been credited with providing the best value in Massachusetts.

The course recently hosted an American Junior Golf Association event for the fourth consecutive year, and also hosted a Massachusetts Public Links qualifier in June. O’Neill mentioned a great twilight fee of $43 after 2 p.m. for golf and cart.

Chicopee plays a very manageable 6,422 yards from the back tees, and plays to a par of 71. The “member” tees one step down from the championship markers measure 5,986 yards. The next tee down plays 5,508 yards, and the forward markers play 5,159 yards.

There is a pleasing mix of holes in the course routing; short par-fours, including the drivable 292-yard ninth hole, reachable-in-two par-fives, such as the 485-yard second and 476-yard 15th, and long par threes like the third, eighth, 11th and 12th. Note the unusual back to back par-threes, both of which play almost 190 yards from the cham- pionship makers. The eighth hole plays over 200 yards from the back tees.

The starter is a 400-yard par-four that is pretty straightforward. The green is somewhat oblong and there is a bunker on the left that could come into play on the approach shot.

The second hole is the 485-yard par-five that can be attacked in two shots, depending upon if one hits the ball into good position at the bend of this dogleg. The fifth is a strong par-four, measuring 408 yards from the tips. The eighth is a 206-yard parthree and the final hole on the front nine is a 290-yard par-four that is reachable for the log hitters.

The 11th and 12th holes are parthrees, while the 13th is another relatively short par-four, measuring 340 yards. The 13th is s slight dogleg left.

The 14th is another tough par-four, playing over 400 yards from the back markers followed by a fairly straightaway 476-yard par-five that has a green guarded by bunkers left and right at the front.

The 16th is another par-three slightly over 200 yards, and the 17th is an interesting par-five that measures 570 yards from the back. You must steer clear of a pond at a point where the hole bends sharply to the left to set up a second shot on this three-shots-to-the-green hole. The round finishes with a 395-yard par-four.

There are several water hazards on the course and enough sand bunkers to keep you on your toes on approaches to the medium-sized putting surfaces.

O’Neill considers the 17th one of the prettiest holes on the course along with the first hole. “Both are very demanding,” he observed.

Chicopee Country Club Chicopee, Massachusetts 413-594-9295 www.ChicopeeCountryClub.com.

www.GolfingMagazine.net

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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 24

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

T

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

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

Where Memories Begin.

Call for Tee Times or check out our New Online Tee Times site

1158 Riverside Street Portland, ME 207.797.3524 www.RiversideGolfCourseMe.com www.GolfingMagazine.net

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MUST PLAYS

A New Energy Circulates Around

F

Quarry Ridge Golf Course

rom the moment you walk into the clubhouse until you are ready to head back home, management and the staff at Portland Ct.’s Quarry Ridge Golf Course make you feel like you are at a special place.

And that’s not by accident. When Tim and Patti Vale of Guilford purchased the club and course early in 2021 they set about improving the course conditions, and the clubhouse and restaurant housed within. Tee boxes, fairways and greens are in splendid shape and the clubhouse has the feel of a private country club.

“We opened the course under our management in early April of last year and we had one of the best years on record,” said Tim Vale, whose wife acts as club general manager while he leads from an advisory position and that of an avid golfer who “Doesn’t get to play as often as I would like”. “The conditions all around had become poor and our first move was to put money into improving conditions and making the clubhouse something distinctive. I think we now have the best greens around and that is because of our maintenance crew, which we doubled the size of to get done properly.”

Vale said the club welcomes golfers of all ages and ability. “My wife is in the position of manager and I think it important for golfers, especially women, to see her running things,” said Vale. “When women walk into the clubhouse they feel welcome and comfortable. Really, we have a ton of new golfers form all age groups. Crystal Lyle plays a big role in building relationships with our customers and building the culture at Quarry Ridge. She has a fun and engaging style that customers really embrace.”

26

The course also have a virtual golf component, so golfers can get their swings in during inclement weather. Vale hinted at the merging of virtual with real golf, something he and his wife are excited about as a way to make the game more enjoyable for all.

“There’s a new energy here,” said Tim Vale.

“We hosted a Hurricane Junior tournament recently and that says something at the improved conditions on the course and way visitors are welcomed in the clubhouse.”

The owners entered the golf business knowing full well that golf was a tough business with high costs and low profit margins. They entered with the confidence knowing that they could increase play, reduce costs and attract new golfers with patented technology they have developed. It is called Nexus Hybrid Golf and they will be introducing the technology at Quarry Ridge late summer

Golfing Magazine • New England Edition

2022. They want to see the game grow, not just at Quarry Ridge, but everywhere. TopGolf has been credited with providing a boost to the game of golf over the last few years. Nexus Hybrid Golf will provide new golfers a way to play golf that is well beyond TopGolf (more like golf and less like a driving range) and will provide all the benefits of traditional green grass golf but in a faster and less intimidating, entertaining way.

Quarry Ridge is a unique course, with lots of elevation changes and some water hazards. It provides quite a bit if challenge even for the accomplished player despite is yardage from the back tees of slightly less than 6,400 yards.

The front nine has two par-fives that are approachable in two shots for the big hitters, the 509-yard fourth and 495-yard sixth hole. The ninth hole is a stern challenge from the back tees, as the par-three is 204 yards from the tips.

The back nine has several par-fours that are almost driveabale, especially so from tees oher than the tips; the 335-yard 10th, and the 320-yard 13th. The back side’s par-threes, the 162-yard 12th and 149-yard 16th are birdie opportunities if you strike the ball well from the tee box. The 18th is a 422-yard par-four which affords views of a quarry to the left of the fairway and rough area.

The scenery in general is sublime at Quarry Ridge. The clubhouse has a nice view of the Connecticut River Valley, and a number of holes give the golfer sweet views of the surrounding hilly countryside.

Quarry Ridge Golf Course Portland, Ct. www.QuarryRidge.com 860-788-2845

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.

B

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

T

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

Y

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 28

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

IMPACT, IMPACT, IMPACT I’ve seen you on the range. You’re having issues with solid ball contact and therefore, ball flight. You TOP it. You hit it FAT. Your ball goes sideways. After the frustration has subsided, you are faced with figuring out WHY. Sure, you might consider modifying your backswing or your follow through, working on balance etc. But if you want to stop the inconsistency immediately… if you want to identify WHY each of those mishits happens, you MUST examine the moment of truth…when the ball gets its program. IMPACT!!

Your IMPACT ALIGNMENTS need attention.

Could the answer to WHY be a “y.”? Yes! If you picked your 4 favorite Tour players and compared their position and alignments at the top of their backswings, you would probably see 4 different pictures. Comparing their finish positions might confuse you still because of the variations. How do you know which one is right for you? Instead, compare the pictures of their impact with the ball and the alignments of their hands, arms and shoulders. You need to look like that, too! You’re missing the “y” (lower case) that’s seen as a line drawn from your lead shoulder down to the clubhead and another line drawn from your trail arm to the club handle. At the moment of impact, that relationship and picture MUST be your new mission. Notice the drawn “y” in the pictures! From the top of your left shoulder down to the club head is ONE line, with your right arm completing the picture of a lower case “y.”

It’s important for you to feel this arm and club structure. You can use a stationary piece of wood on the ground like the hitting station dividers seen on our range. A corner of a post or chair works well, also. From a regular golf stance, press your club edge against it as if you were trying to move it forward. There’s your “y” and the feeling of IMPACT. This is your missing structure. Since it’s mandatory to have this alignment at impact, do yourself a favor and set yourself up AT ADDRESS with them. Match the set up pictures below and you increase your ability to have those magic alignments at impact.

Be wise…Bring your “y”s to your moment of impact!

By Sue Kaffenburg

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) www.GolfingMagazine.net

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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 30

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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Travel

America’s Favorite Island

H

ilton Head Island, SC – is a golf mecca, family-friendly destination, and most noted for its outdoor pursuits.

Due to increased demand for advanced reservations, Hilton Head Golf Island’s premier resort partners – The Sea Pines Resort, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and The Heritage Golf Collection – are making their fall golf packages available for booking this now at www. hiltonheadgolfisland.com.

Comprising 26 courses across the scenic South Carolina Lowcountry counties of Beaufort, Bluffton and Jasper, “Golf Island” has long been one of the nation’s most sought-after golf destinations. The region’s stunning setting – marked by barrier islands, coastal marshes, and Spanish moss-draped live oaks – has inspired timeless designs from Pete Dye, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Arthur Hills, Bob Cupp, Willard Byrd, George Cobb, Clyde Johnston, Davis Love III, and other noted architects.

A new addition on the island’s culinary scene is Quarterdeck—a beautifully designed restaurant adjacent to Hilton Head’s iconic lighthouse landmark in Harbour Town at The Sea Pines Resort and

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one of the hottest reservations in town.

Generous indoor and outdoor seating options on an expansive wraparound deck, an indoor bar and dining area on the first floor, and a rooftop oyster bar offering 270-degree views of Harbour Town Yacht Basin, the famed 18th hole of Harbour Town Golf Links, and Calibogue Sound are part of the all-new restaurant.

The wide choice of seating areas allows Quarterdeck to serve guests seeking a romantic sunset cocktail as well as a golf group comparing the day’s scores. A circular bar, firepits with soft seating, open-air dining with breezes off the water, an oystershucking station, and other welcoming features add to the engaging dynamics of this new attraction.

Quarterdeck Quick Facts (sidebar)

1. Quarterdeck is open daily for dining

2.

3.

4.

from 11:30 am to 10 pm. Quarterdeck Market is open 10 am to 6 pm; ice cream is served until 9 pm.

Children’s menu available.

A rotating, daily schedule of live entertainment features the island’s best musicians.

Valet parking available all summer

Golfing Magazine New Jersey/E. Golfing Magazine • New •England Edition Pennsylvania Section

from 11 am to 11 pm for $10 per car

5. Reservations: Via resy.com or the Resy

app. Phone: 843-842-1999 Next door, the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse has added an exciting chapter to its storied history with the installation of a genuine Fresnel lens to further the power of the light that blossoms from the top. Just over five decades old, the red-andwhite striped Lighthouse serves not only as a beacon to the many ships that reside in the Yacht Basin but also as a landmark that symbolizes the region and the resort.

Developed in the 1820s for use in lighthouses, Fresnel (pronounced “fray-NEL”) lenses are not only stunning pieces of artwork, but their functionality has led them to be called “the invention that saved a million ships.” For visitors to the Lighthouse, the 114-step trip to the observation deck now offers an additional payoff.

The lens installed in the lighthouse is a replica of an original Fourth Order Fresnel lens. Orders are a reference to size, with first order being the smallest and sixth being the largest. “The Fresnel lens is as beautiful in the day as when it’s illuminated at night,” Rob Bender, director of recreation and marine operations for The Sea Pines Resort.

“There is a great deal of history associated

with this Lighthouse and this represented a great opportunity to add to it.”

Harbour Town Lighthouse, which is open 10 a.m. to sundown for daily tours, features numerous historical exhibits as well as a gift shop. Admission is $5.75 per person; children 5 and under are free.

FALL GOLF PACKAGES The Villa Golf Package (The Sea Pines Resort) The Sea Pines Resort’s most popular stay-and-play for small groups, the Villa Golf Package starts at $335 per person per night. It includes three total rounds on Harbour Town, Heron Point by Pete Dye, and Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and three nights’ deluxe villa accommodations. Afternoon replays are available for $75 on Heron Point and Atlantic Dunes. The resort’s private villas are the perfect lodging option for golfers to relax after a long, rewarding day under the Lowcountry sun.

The Golf Group Package (The Sea Pines Resort) Designed for leisure golf groups of 12 or more, the Golf Group Package (also $335 per person, per night) features three total rounds on Harbour Town, Heron Point by Pete Dye and Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III, three nights’ deluxe villa accommodations, gratis resort gift, a personal on-site coordinator, and complimentary afternoon replays on Heron Point. In appreciation for the hard work and planning that goes

into organizing and executing a golf buddy trip, the group leader’s golf is covered by the resort.

Birdies and Beer Golf Getaway (Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort) Back by popular demand, Palmetto Dunes Birdies and Beer Golf Getaway is fully customizable by group size and preferences. The package features three nights’ accommodations in a two-bedroom villa, two or three total rounds on the Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio or Arthur

Hills courses, a one-hour Toptracer Range experience and complimentary range balls. Additionally, golfers enjoy exclusive discounts on pro shop merchandise, dining at Big Jim’s, The Dunes House and Alexander’s Restaurant, preferred rates on bike, kayak and canoe rentals at Hilton Head Outfitters inside the resort, and two hours of tennis and pickleball court time per day based on availability. And of course, breakfast and beer are included.

Fall ‘Fore’ 2022 (Heritage Golf Group) The Heritage Golf Collection offers 81 holes spread among three distinct properties: Port Royal Golf and Racquet Club (36 holes), Shipyard Golf Club (27 holes),) and Oyster Reef (18 holes). The Fall “Fore” 2022 Golf Package lets golfers secure their autumn golf getaway for just $150 down per person. Package pricing starts at $200 per night, per person, based on quad occupancy and includes four nights’ accommodations, taxes, and resort fees. Golfers also enjoy unlimited golf on all Heritage Golf courses, including cart fees and range balls, and a $100 gift card per person to be used for merchandise, food and beverage.

All partner packages are subject to availability, rate changes and blackout dates. Golfers can visit the Hilton Head Golf Island website for more details.

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Golfing Magazine • New England Edition