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Brattleboro Country Club
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Contributing
Claudio
Dave
Contributing
perfect time to take a get away into this exciting part of Thailand.
It’s Travelers Tournament time and we have compiled several stories to give you the lowdown on New England’s professional stop on the PGA Tour, which has attracted a top field of players after being elevated in status by the Tour.
We also take you on a road trip of Connecticut golf courses, We have some of the best layouts in the state in our lineup, including some private courses that you can play for a cart or a small service fee by partnering with us at www.FreeGolf.net.
We also offer up a number of courses in Vermont, a summer playground, full of things to do and see; world-class fly fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, shopping, museums and parks and keep us around for a week or more. The Green Mountain State is also home to some superb golf courses, a number of them located at resorts, making stay and play always an option.
Golfing Magazine is making summer much more enjoyable for our subscribers with our celebrated “Free Golf” offer that entitles an individual signing up for an annual subscription to our magazine free or reduced rate golf at over 120 of the top daily fee courses (and even several top private tracks) the region has to offer. It’s the largest course list ever.
To take advantage of this tremendous offer, call 860-563-1633, or visit www. FreeGolf.net. Remember, you get five issues of our magazine yearly in addition to Free Golf when you subscribe.
Our Early Summer Issue is filled with information about where to play and how to play the game properly, with tips from top pros.
We take a visit to exotic Chiang Mai,Thailand hiang Mai, the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand and situated amongst the highest mountains in the country. Chiang Mai is a great mix of rich Lanna culture, savory foods, relaxed lifestyle, a cooler climate and fantastic golf. We have taken you the beaches of Hua Hin and Pattaya, and the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, it was the
Subscribers can visit New Hampshire this summer and enjoy a number of the best layouts the Granite State has to offer, including the delightful Newport Golf Club, which has upped the ante on conditions.
We also pay a visit to check in on three courses and two resorts in the northern Catskill Mountains of New York, where you can make a nice weekend or longer stay and play trip.
So, enjoy our Early Summer issue, sign up for a subscription and play lots of golf. Summer flies by, so keep the sticks in the trunk of your car or SUV and enjoy the greatest game man has ever created.
Hit ‘em straight!
Landers, Publisher
Boasting the longest stretch of ocean front holes in all of Hawaii, the Ocean Course Hokuala will test your golf and your photography skills as you maneuver through the mango groves of the rainforest terrain and play along the cliffside of the beautiful Pacific on this Jack Nicklaus signature layout.
HI 96766
Chiang Mai, the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand and situated amongst the highest mountains in the country, is a great mix of rich Lanna culture, savory foods, relaxed lifestyle, a cooler climate and fantastic golf. We have taken you the beaches of Hua Hin and Pattaya, and the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, it was the perfect time to take a get away into this exciting part of Thailand.
More on Bangkok later, as when visiting Thailand, a stop in the #1 most visited city in the world, BANGKOK is a must.
Arriving in Chiang Mai, golfers are spoiled with a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from. Be it 3-star comfort, to 5-star luxury, there is something for everyone. The main area of Chang Klan Rd is a vibrant section of town, home to recommended hotels such as the brand new 5* Intercontinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping Hotel, or the 4* Movenpick Suriwongse Chiang Mai, to even the 3* Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai. Golfers cannot go wrong by picking any of these options, and will be just steps from a bus-
tling market, excellent local and international dining options, as well as a few bars to soak up the local beverages.
Let’s be honest – we’re not going to be up in Chiang Mai to spend much time in the hotel, where there is a wealth of activities to do and golf to play.
One of the first stops in my trip to Chiang Mai was to the Tiger Kingdom. This experience allows people to get up close and personal with these majestic animals, and learn how they are being taken care of and rehabilitated. This includes get-
ting accustomed to their natural habitat and the issues they face when in the wild. The Tiger experience is a more commercialized experience than some of the other animal interaction experiences in Chiang Mai. OMG we were in very large cages sitting and playing with big cats. Admittedly I was a little nervous at first but it was very much an experience of a lifetime. Where else can you hold the tail of a tiger?
Another must-do for golfers when on a non- golf day is a trip up the Doi Suthep mountain to the famous temple that overlooks the city, and a trip further into the jungle to meet an authentic Karen Long Neck Tribe.
The Doi Suthep temple, rising 1,073 meters above the city, is a sacred temple for the Thai Buddhist population and is home to a shoulder bone relic of Buddha. Buddhists regularly come here to pray and to ask for something good to come to them in their life. Additionally, once that good thing is realized, they will come back and pray and provide a gift which was promised to the Buddha during the original prayer. The views over Chiang Mai from the temple are spectacular, and it gave me a true sense of the size and beauty of Chiang Mai.
Into the jungle we go, an experience unto itself, visiting an authentic Karen Long Neck Tribe’s village. This was a fantastic experience where we got to interact with this unique tribe and see how they live their daily lives, and the handmade crafts such as
brooms and wicker baskets that they make in order to sell on and support their day-today lives.
What makes this tribe the most interesting and unique are the brass coils that the women of the tribe place around their
necks. The tradition starts when they are approximately 5 years old and once the ring goes on their neck, it doesn’t come off. The brass rings are replaced as the girls get older. In actual fact, the brass rings do not extend the neck, rather push down the collarbone to give the look of an extended neck. It is definitely a sight to behold and is something that is only common in the northern part of Thailand and into Myanmar.
There are many more spots to visit such as the temple walking tour around the Chiang Mai Old Town or the Bor Sang Umbrella Village, but a visit to Chiang Mai is just not complete without a visit to an Elephant sanctuary. The Elephant is Thailand’s national animal, and has a steep history in helping shape the kingdom as it is today. Used by kings down to soldiers, the Elephant was used in wars, infrastructure development and farming amongst others. So, it’s only fitting to learn how these Thai icons are taken care of, how they live their lives in their vast expanses, and the little things that make them tick! I was lucky enough to experience this while
in Chiang Mai, being able to bathe an Elephant in the river and feel the pure power the Elephant has, along with crating it’s meals, and of course getting to feed them some Bananas which I can tell you from experience, is definitely their favorite!
First off, when you think of Thai golf you generally think of playing in the heat. Being in the mountains gives you more moderate temperatures. Secondly, another iconic Thai tradition is having the company of a female caddy – she will be very knowledgeable and helpful to your round!
We played 4 of the 9 top courses in the area, in my humble opinion Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort was the champion of the group. Warm greeting to a cozy and comfortable clubhouse. Even playing in what was considered a drought the course was is superb condition and no doubt one of the reasons that it is always highly ranked in the country.
You can go back to about 7,200 yards if you dare but with water on at least 11 holes and more sand than Lawrence of Arabia had in his boots – why would you want too? Play the right tees and you will enjoy these rolling fairways right up to the uphill challenge of the 558-yard par 5, 18th taking you back to the clubhouse. This is a great collection of par 3’s. With 27 holes here, it’s even possible to get 2 rounds in here on a trip while still getting some excitement of new holes and new challenges.
Alpine Golf Resort, designed by my
old friend Ron Garl, might be considered a little more robust a test than most. The tips will take you back to 7,500 yards and there is water on just about every hole. The 11th, par 4 is a muscular 485 yards and save yourself for an Amen Corner style 14 – 16th holes. With the addition of 9 more holes, bringing the total number to 27, 2 rounds here on a trip is definitely something to consider.
You know when there is one course in a destination that you just don’t forget? Gassan Khuntan Golf Resort might just be that one that leaves a lasting impression. Intimidation might be the word we are looking for. Set next to the Khuntan
National Park, this course is widely known as one of the more difficult golf courses in Thailand. Bring your camera for this round, as the lush vegetation and vistas over the tree-covered hills make it one of the more picturesque courses in the north. From island greens to holes with wide panoramic views, there is never a boring moment at Gassan Khuntan. Another 27-hole complex with the 9 holes that were added in 2018, playing through the State Railway of Thailand tracks, includes the iconic white bridge over which the trains still rumble today!
Of course, no visit to Thailand would be complete without a short stay in Bangkok. After 2 weeks being immersed in Thai culture and cuisine spent some time in the capital and main arrival/departure port for the Kingdom. Whether continuing on to one of the beach golf destinations of Phuket, Pattaya or Hua Hin, or winding down your trip before heading home, a stop for a couple of nights in Bangkok is a must – especially when considering some of the fantastic Michelin restaurants and Michelin dishes that one can take in while in the city. We will focus here next time around.
If you have never been to Thailand, you don’t know what you’re missing. My friends. AJ & Ian from Asia Golf Experiences can help you out with planning an unforgettable Thailand golf holiday. www.AsiaGolfExpeirences.com
For more information on Thailand, visit www.ThailandInsider.com
By JOHN TORSIELLO
Back a decade and a half ago it would be difficult to imagine that a golf tournament struggling to survive would one day be elevated to a status that few PGA Tour events attain.
After losing its title sponsor and scrambling to immediately find a replacement, organizers of the now Travelers Championship were considering possibilities to keep the event afloat before cobbling together a one-year lineup of sponsors that gave the tourney. Insurance giant Travelers stepped up the following year and not only saved the event for Connecticut and its rabid golf fans, but slowly and surely over 16 years brought it to new levels of success. Today, the tourney stands among the top tournaments in the world as the PGA Tour designated the event with elevated status. Elevated status, given to several events this year, brings with it a large purse that will attract the best players in the game.
The Travelers Championship, which
annually has some of the largest crowds on Tour, will this year offer an increased purse ($20 million with first place worth $3.6 million) that is drawing the best and deepest field of Tour players the event has ever seen. Overall, the move by the PGA Tour provides golf fans with the opportunity to see the Tour’s top players compete against each other
more often. World number one Jon Rahm, four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, defending champion Xander Schauffele and many of the other top players in the world including Tony Finau, Justin Thomas and Max Homa, have committed to play in the event, which will be held June 19-25 at the Tournament Players Club at River Highlands in Cromwell.
Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers, said,
“Over the years we’ve seen this tournament go from good to great, from better to best, all aimed at helping the community. We appreciate the support of the players over the years, and we’re proud that the PGA Tour felt we earned this opportunity. We intend to show everyone, once again, why the Travelers Championship is one of the top stops on the schedule.”
Tournament Director, Nathan Grube, said of the only PGA Tour event in New England, “Our fans have seen some of golf’s biggest stars in years past, and this year’s event will include even more. We’re working hard to make sure that everyone coming to TPC River Highlands will be treated to another unforgettable, worldclass experience.”
Grube added, “We’ve been given this incredibly shiny new toy that we and our sponsors are excited about, that other markets are excited about. We feel a massive sense of responsibility to turn this into more people and more lives being impacted from the charitable dollars derived from the event.”
Bessette added, “In 2007 when we took over as title sponsor of the tournament, and Nathan and I every year, every day for the last 17 years have
never accepted the status quo. That’s been our rallying cry, and we’re always trying to get better, and we want to be world class, and we’ve worked really hard to get here. When the call came last August at the Tour Championship, when PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan announced that they were going to have designated events, we immediately put our hat in. Nathan and I started strategizing and talking about how we could be one of the selected events to be designated. We’ve been negotiating with the PGA TOUR ever since.”
Bessette said, “It started in August of 2022, and it was in place by December. I was at a Tour meeting in late October and Tiger (Woods) and Rory were there, and they both came up and said, ‘You guys have earned this’. To have Tiger and Rory say that we earned this meant the world to me and to us and our entire team. That’s how it evolved. It’s negotiation. It’s positioning and all the great work that Nathan and his staff do. We have a world class staff and tournament director that we couldn’t have done this without.”
Bessette said there will be a small number of designated events going forward, and that tournament officials are in “deep
conversation” with the Tour on remaining a designated event. “It will probably come out sometime in July that they announce the 2024 season. We’re working. It’s important to us to be designated beyond 2023. We’ll see how that all ends up, but I feel pretty good.”
The Travelers Championship has generated more than $25 million for nearly 900 local charities since Travelers became title sponsor in 2007. The bigger purse and better player field could bring more fans and sponsors, which, officials said, may increase the amount of money generated for charity this year. In 2022, more than $2.5 million was distributed to over 140 organizations, including The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, The First Tee of Connecticut, animal shelters and local Boys & Girls Clubs.
Television host and Connecticut resident, Chris Berman, said at the tournament’s media day in May, “Elevated on top of everything the Travelers has done? With apologies to UConn basketball and Quinnipiac hockey, this is our annual week. We can count on this every year being big-time in sports in Connecticut. We as Nutmeggers are pretty proud of that.”
Defending champion Xander Schauffele,
who shot a final round 68 to finish two shots ahead of the field last year, said the Travelers Championship always produces one of the most exciting finishes on Tour. “It’s so great to watch for people on TV or in person because you can have someone with a five-shot lead entering the back nine and they may struggle to get home. For me to feel comfortable I would want a nine-shot lead. You can hit it in the water, and all of a sudden you’re scrambling for bogey. You’re supposed to hit it on the green on 16, and you can hit it in the water. There are just so many opportunities there, but also danger looming around the corner that makes it a really exciting finish.”
The tournament will also have its popular fan zone where activities for all ages will be offered, the traditional pro-am day and other events.
Travelers, a leading provider of property and casualty insurance for auto, home and business, is the Official Property Casualty Insurance Provider of the PGA Tour. The company has been a corporate sponsor of the event each year since its inception in 1952.
Tournament details are available at www.TravelersChampionship.com
Golfing Magazine’s “Free Golf” program you get a complimentary round of golf on a number of courses in Connecticut when you sign up. Call 860563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net to get aboard and take a road trip through the Nutmeg State.
Here are the layouts, some of which are private, that you can play for a cart or a small service fee by partnering with us.
The Golf Club at River Oaks (www.ClubRiverOaks.com) is located on the Sherman/New Milford town line in western Connecticut. The courses has a number of holes on its back nine that hug the Housatonic River, which is visible through the trees in late autumn or early spring. The look from the tee box on the par-four dogleg left ninth hole reminds one of playing golf in northern New England rather than Connecticut. Many consider this to be one of the top two or three courses in the state. Robert McNeil designed the course that opened in 2003, and he built
into it challenge and fairness.
Farmington Woods Country Club (www.FarmingtonWoods.com) in Avon was designed by American designer Desmond Muirhead, who also crafted the famed Jack Nicklaus Muirfield Village course in Ohio. The layout is unique to the Farmington River Valley area in that there are dramatic elevation changes in what is usually a rather flat section of Connecticut. The course features woods that line many of the fairways, as well as wetlands.
Tumble Brook Country Club (www.TumbleBrookCC.com) was incorporated and organized in 1922 and features 27 holes. Willie Park, one of the foremost golf course architects of the time, was commissioned to design the first nine. A second nine, designed by Orrin E. Smith, was opened to play in the spring of 1949. The third nine, designed by George Fazio, opened for limited play in the fall of 1970, and was eventually integrated with the rest of the golf course in 1971.The seventh hole on the “Green Course,” a combination of two of the three
nines, is a 440-yard beast where par is an accomplishment for any level of player
THE GREATER HARTFORD AREA
Simsbury Farms Golf Course (www.SimsburyFarms.com), which measures 6,509 yards in length from the championship markers, was designed by Geoffrey Cornish and opened for play in 1972. Recognized as one of the top 100 courses in New England by one New England publication, the course provides an excellent test of golf and a visually pleasing round. A driving range and large practice green, as well as a newly constructed clubhouse compliment the golfing complex.
Blue Fox Run Golf Course (www.BlueFoxEnt.com) in Avon has 27 holes of golf. A new nine was added several years ago and these holes are a pleasing mix of those that are open in nature and several that are lined by trees. There is ample bunkering in the fairways and around the modest-sized greens. One of the best new holes is the 512yard par-five fourth on the White Course. If you can steer clear of fairway bunkers to the left of the fairway and high grass on the right,
you may be left with an opportunity to go for a large, oblong green in two.
The Kemp family of purchased the Airways Golf Course (www.AirwaysGolfCourse.com) in West Suffield in 1996 with the intent of providing good, affordable and friendly golf to the town and surrounding communities. Their course is on the short side, 5,845 yards from the tips, and you can score here as long as you drive the ball well. Included in the final five holes of the front side are four par-fours measuring around 300 yards, including the ninth at 273 yards. The 16th is a strong par-five playing 481 yards from the tips. The hole doglegs to the right and there is water to worry about off the tee and on the second shot.
Keney Park Golf Course (www. KeneyParkGolfCourse.com)
in Hartford underwent renovations and upgrades that turned the par-70 track in the 700-acre Keney Park into a beauty. The first nine holes of the course were finished in 1927, and the remaining nine were completed in 1930. Keney was designed by notable early 20th century American architect Devereux Emmet, who has several illustrious courses to his credit, including Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., the site of several U.S. Opens.
Goodwin Park Golf Course (www.GoodwinParkGolfCourse.com) in Hartford offers 27 holes, with the shortish North Course (2,544 yards) a great place for beginners and senior players to hone their skills and enjoy a leisurely round. The more demanding 18-hole course plays around 6,000 yards from the back markers and features a number of par-fours that are drivable, or approachable, off the tee for long hitters. The 381-yard ninth hole may be the toughest par-four on the track.
Gillette Ridge Golf Club (www.GilletteRidgeGolf.com) in Bloomfield is an Arnold Palmer Signature course and a layout that fits nicely into the existing natural landscape. Great care was taken to preserve the numerous trees that serve to frame fairways and greens, as well as the ample wetlands
on the property.
The architects built a number of peninsula or island greens, using granite from the site to construct walls near several greens and tee boxes. There are some forced carries at Gillette Ridge, both off the tee and on approach shots to the medium size, undulating putting sur-
challenging and perplexing opening holes you will find anywhere. It’s only 368 yards from the back tees, but a stream dissects the fairway a little over halfway to the green, so the dilemma is to take driver and risk hitting it short or right and into the water, or lay up and be left with a long approach to an elevated green. The 10th hole is a demanding 587-yard par-five that bends to the left and has water hazards on the left side of the fairway and near the green, which makes the second shot and approach tricky.
The 27-hole Stanley Golf Course (www.StanleyGolf. com) in New Britain has long been considered one of the premier daily fee facilities in the state. With three distinct nines to select from and some of the best conditions in the Greater Hartford area, Stanley has a dedicated following among the state’s golfers. Some modifications were made a few years back to the course, with several new or reshaped holes created and some shifting of the nines, which made the course even more interesting and more challenging.
faces, but nothing so daunting to scare away the average player. Bunkers, ponds or wetlands come into play on almost half the holes. The fairway landing areas are ample.
East Hartford Golf Club (www.EastHartfordGC.com) was designed by Al Zikorus, plays around 6,200 yards from the tips, and has a nice mix of short par-fours that can be attacked with driver, reachable-intwo par-fives and solid par-threes. There are a number of tee settings to cater to all abilities. This classical design is great for newcomers to the game, but tree-lined fairways and small greens present a challenge to even the most skilled golfer.
Hunter Golf Club (www.HunterGolfClub.com) in Meriden offers great views of surrounding trap rock ridges and Castle Craig in Meriden’s Hubbard Park, which can be seen while playing the fifth hole. The layout has one of the most
Manchester Country Club (ManchesterCountryClub. com) opened in 1917 and was designed by two early 20th century course architects, Tom Bendelow and Devereaux Emmett, the latter creating famed Congressional Country Club in Washington, D.C., and Keney Park’s golf course. Manchester has bunkers placed strategically around fairway landing areas and putting surfaces, which puts a premium on accuracy both off the tee and on approaches to medium-sized greens. The course plays 6,339 yards from the tips and has a par of 72. There are some elevation changes and water comes into play on several holes.
In Glastonbury, you will find the nine-hole Minnechaug Golf Course (www.MinnechaugGolf.com). The well-manicured layout is only 2,668 yards from the back markers and plays to a par of 35. But the fairways are narrow and the par-threes demanding. The course features a true island green, a 125-yarder that plays from an elevat-
ed tee box.
One of the best-conditioned, playerfriendly tracks in Connecticut is Rockledge Country Club (www.GolfRockledge.com) in West Hartford. The relatively flat layout has a parkland setting and offers a pleasing mix of holes. Rockledge has a mix of holes, ranging from short par-fours, like the 290yard second and 317-yard 11th, where birdies await, to classic risk/reward par-fives.
Timberlin Golf Club (www.TimberlinGolf.com) in Berlin also has a park-like routing, and was given a facelift a few years back in the form of new bunker complexes, fairway and green complex work, an effort led by noted golf course architects Stephen Kay and Doug Smith. The track is kept in immaculate condition and the renovations added more teeth to this scenic track, originally designed by Al Zikorus.
Established in 1902, Pequabuck Golf Course (www.PequabuckGolf.com) in Bristol is a par-69 course that has a pleasing mix of two par-fives, 11 par-fours and five par-threes. Here, you will be called upon to use every club in your bag and strategy plays a vital role in success as you navigate this well-manicured layout that has the distinction recently of being voted on Golf Advisor as the “13th Most Improved Golf Course in the United States”. While on the short side at just over 6,015 yards from the tips, Pequabuck is no
pushover. It starts with a relaxing par-four that measures around 300 yards and gets you off and on your way with a chance to make birdie.
Originally a nine-hole private golf club, purchased by the town of Watertown in 1975, a second nine holes were added in 1980 to make Crestbrook Park Golf Course (www.CrestbrookPark.com) one of the best daily fee tracts in the area. Crestbrook features fast, sloping greens and has four sets of tees for all levels of play. The course, which plays almost 7,000 yards from the tips and features a number of elevation changes, has par-fives that demand thoughtful tee and approach shots and beefy par-threes, like the 228-yard seventh where the tee shot must clear a pond to reach the putting surface.
Southington Country Club
(www.SouthingtonCountryClub.com) is fairly wide open with a few delightfully quirky holes, such as the deceptively short 306-yard par-four second and the 120-yard par-three 12th. The course is well maintained and the new ownership has made improvements to the layout and the facilities. It’s a track that is approachable for golfers of all levels.
Hawk’s Landing Country Club (www.HawksLandingCC.com) in Southington is not long, 5,825 yards from the tips, but the course has great par-threes and some interesting par-fours. The seventh and ninth holes both play around 230 yards, while the 18th is 190 yards from the back markers with the tee shot having to carry a pond. The 360-yard par-four fifth is a good test. It dog-
legs to the right and the drive and approach must steer clear of water.
Whitney Farms Golf Club (www.WhitneyFarmsGC.com) in Monroe was designed by Hal Purdy and yardages range from 5,480 yards to 6,714 yards, with slope levels of 127 to 134. The layout starts in stern fashion, with three holes that will test you immediately. The first is a 426 yard par-four, the second another par-four measuring over 400 yards, and the third a 526 yard par-five. After letting up a bit, the front nine again rears its head with four difficult holes to end the outward journey. There are two par-fives that play over or around 500 yards and a pair of par-threes that are 200 yards or longer. The back nine is a bit less severe with shorter parfours where birdie awaits. But you’ll also encounter two par-fives that play over 560 yards from the tips, and the final hole is a brutal, 442-yard par-four that can make or break a round.
Laurel View Country Club (www.LaurelView.com) in Hamden is a classic Geoffrey Cornish track, and a stern test of playing ability. The course can be stretched beyond 7,000 yards and features some of the toughest par-fours in the state, like the 479-yard fifth. There’s a pond guarding the right side of the green, which often must be attacked with a long iron or fairway wood. Number nine is 450 yards from the back markers, and climbs up a hill to the putting surface, making the hole play 20 to 30 yards longer than its listed yardage.
The seventh hole is a monstrous par-three,
measuring around 250 yards from the tips, leaving even the best players with a fairway wood in their hands on the tee box.
Coventry’s Twin Hills Country Club (www.TwinHillsCountryClub.com) was built on a former farm and offers golf in a rural setting yet convenient to Hartford and other cities off Rt. 84. Twin Hills has the country charm of stone walls, a covered bridge and its signature stone bridge located on hole number three (a massive 600-yard par-five) that makes one think of the famous bridge crossing to the 12th green at Augusta National Golf Club.
Nestled into the rolling hills of the tiny
town of Hebron is Blackledge Country Club (www.BlackledgeCC.net) that boasts two 18-hole courses. The club’s owners added nine holes in 1995 and another nine in 2000, creating what is called the Gilead Highlands course. The newest nine on Gilead Highlands is a bit reminiscent of Carolina courses, with wide fairways, bunkering, and tall pines and oaks framing many of the landing areas and large greens. Anderson’s Glen has the club’s original 18 holes and is another very solid test. The fairways are tree lined and the greens undulating.
Tallwood Country Club
(www.TallwoodCountryClub.com ) in Hebron is known for its classic New England landscape. Situated on over 200 acres of rolling country farmland, it’s another perfect place for a quiet golf getaway. The course offers a pleasingly eclectic mix of strong par-threes, long and demanding and then shorter and tricky par-fours, as well as par-fives that sometimes are reachable in two for long hitters and other times, not so much.
Quarry Ridge Golf Club
(www.QuarryRidge.com), located on the slopes of the Connecticut River valley in Portland, offers some of the best views in Connecticut. This is a true shot-maker’s delight, with dramatic elevation changes, a mix of long and short holes, and tricky greens. The course is regularly listed among the best in Connecticut. The course plays 6,369 yards from the back tees, but it’s all about proper club selection and accuracy at Quarry Ridge.
Portland Golf Course (www.PortlandGolfCourse.com), which measures just over 6,200 yards from the tips and plays to a par of 71, is also set in the rolling hills of the Connecticut River Valley. Its tree-lined fairways, various elevation changes, and doglegs make the track challenging and enjoyable for all players. The 405-yard par-four first hole is a strong way to begin a round. The tee shot is relatively easy, but the second shot is down a 60-foot drop to the green, making club selection difficult.
Black Birch Golf Club (www.BlackBirchGolf.com) in Moodus has earned a reputation as one of Connecticut’s “hidden gems.” Ownership has improved the course, which included increased turf quality, new tee boxes on select holes, re-designed holes (13 and 14 in particular), a new fleet of carts, and the installation of an updated irrigation system.
Windham Golf Club (www.WindhamClub.com) first opened in 1922 and was once maintained as a private facility. The putting surfaces are medium in size with some undulation. They roll true and reward good approach shots with makeable birdie opportunities. The rough areas are kept at a height to punish wayward tee shots but still allow players to advance the ball to the greens.
Elmridge Golf Club (www.ElmridgeGolf.com) in Pawcatuck features three nines that are approachable for golfers of all abilities. The par-fours are on
the short side, most measuring between 340 and 370 yards from the middle tees, but a number of them are doglegs. The par-threes are strengths of the layout and several measure close to or over 200 yards. One of the best par-fives on the course is the 525-yard seventh on the Blue Course. The hole bends slightly to the right and a good drive will leave you with a shot to go for the green in two. But there are bunkers guarding the putting surface and the green is elevated.
Norwich Golf Club
(www.NorwichGolf.com) is known for its fine playing conditions and is a tricky layout that
is fun for players of all abilities. The course opened in 1925 on July 4th. It was designed by Tull and Tull, a famous golf course architectural firm of the day, and there is some indication that Walter Travis, a noted designer and legendary amateur player, had a hand in the routing. Norwich isn’t long, just 6,191 yards from the tips. But its slope of 131 from the championship markers gives you an idea of just how difficult it can be.
River Ridge Golf Course (www.RiverRidgeGolf.com) in Jewett City opened in May of 1999 and is a carefully maintained course. The first three holes were built on open space that was formerly an apple orchard. The other 15 holes are characterized by rolling hills and scenic vistas that present various challenges. The front side plays to a par of 37 and is a demanding nine holes. It has three of the course’s par-fives, all pretty much asking for three good shots to find the green in regulation.
Robert McNeil re-worked Mohegan Sun Golf Club (www.MoheganSunGolfClub. com) and took a layout first designed by Geoffrey Cornish and reworked by Stephen Kay in 2002 and created something new and special. McNeil opened up to course to give it somewhat of a links feel on many holes, with mounded fairway and greenside bunkers and tall fescue grass growing in the rough areas. In all, five holes were totally rebuilt, the bunkers redesigned and all new greens installed.
Vermont is a summer playground, full of things to do and see; world-class fly fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, shopping, museums and parks and keep us around for a week or more. The Green Mountain State is also home to some superb golf courses, a number of them located at resorts, making stay and play always an option.
Several of the state’s best courses are in Golfing Magazine’s Free Golf program. To take advantage of his offer, call 860-5631633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net. You also get our digital magazine sent to you when you join.
The Mount Snow Golf Course (www. MountSnow.com) in Dover is one of Vermont’s premier “mountain” courses and has been rated one of the top five layouts in the state by Golf Digest magazine. The 18-hole, 6,943-yard (there are three other sets of tees) course has also been named one of the top 10 resort courses in the country.
The track meanders through the Vermont countryside and provides views of the Green Mountains, including the peaks of Mount Snow and Haystack Mountain. Tamaracks, oaks, birches and sugar maples line
fairways, while the mountains provide a majestic backdrop. The front nine is spread over scenic expanses and the back nine winds its way through wooded terrain. Water comes into play on 11 holes and 41 sand traps are strategically located on almost every hole.
Brattleboro Country Club (www.brattleborocountryclub.com) has been called “a hidden gem” and our readers simply must try out this classic New England layout.
The course measures 6,533 from the tips and is full of interesting, challenging and fair holes. Take the par-five second for instance. The hole heads up a hill, takes a right turn to a narrow strip of fairway only to head up another hill for the third shot. Then there is the drivable par-four sixth, the classic risk-reward par-five seventh, and the long par-four 11th, where bogey doesn’t feel all the bad.
A number of improvements to the course
and clubhouse have been made in recent years, including a fresh look in the dining room, kitchen, and bar area, irrigation, tree work, cart paths, enhanced gardens and more. The club also has a new fleet of golf carts.
Green Mountain National Golf Club (www.gmngc.com) in Killington is in its second year under new management, Brown Golf Management Company, which is working tirelessly to enhance an already notable facility.
Green Mountain features holes that have demanding tee and approach shots and places a premium on all-around ability. The course was carved out of the mountains, and thus offers solitude and a “private” golf experience. Gently sloping fairways that feature generous landing areas, distinctive changes in elevation, and undulating greens add to the beauty. There are centuries-old rock formations carved by glaciers, and the view from 16th tee is stunning.
The seventh hole is a downhill par-three that plays shorter than its 151 yards. With a ridge in the middle of the green, put your tee shot to the side of the ridge where the pin is located. There’s a bunker in the back of the green.
Thanks to Golfing Magazine’s ground-breaking Course Play Stimulus Program, subscribers can visit New Hampshire this summer and enjoy a number of the best layouts the Granite State has to offer.
One of the premier courses in New England has joined our program to allow you to sample a classic layout that was designed by the legendary architect Donald Ross. Indeed, there are 27 holes to enjoy at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods.
The 18-hole Omni Mount Washington Resort Golf Course (www.OmniHotels.com) 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 2010.
Reopened on Aug. 1, 2008, the Mount Washington Course was 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 parfive 11th hole and the par-three fifth hole feature stunning views of Omni Mount Washington Hotel and the surrounding mountains.
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 this historic par35 course. In 1989, the course was restored and upgraded by Cornish & Silva Golf Course Architects, with advice from worldrenowned golfers Gene Sarazen and Ken Venturi, and now offers players a more challenging round alongside New Hampshire’s scenic Ammonoosuc River.
You will want to stay and play when you visit, as the Omni Mount Washington Resort is a grand masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture, conceived by industrialist Joseph Stickney, and named a National Historic Landmark. The Inn originally opened in 1902 and has served as a retreat for the famous and every day folk ever since.
New Hampshire is also where you will find one of the most challenging courses in New England. The Shattuck Golf Club (www.ShattuckGolfCourse.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 200-yard par-three second is a picture perfect hole, with elevated tees that look down over a grassy hillside to a large, bunkered green set in front of a pond. The tee area 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 a highly elevated area, offering a spectacular view of a large green below, with Mount Monadnock serving as the backdrop. The hole is a dogleg left with a deep drop-off at the turn. Drive the ball too far and you’ll go over an edge on the fairway.
The par-four, 391-yard 16th is another beauty and played over a reflecting pond in front of the tee to a wide, rolling fairway and bunkered green with a Colonial farmhouse behind. Keep it straight, as there’s deep rough left and right. A big green is slightly elevated, so your second shot may require one more club.
The Newport Golf Club (www.NewportGolfClub-NH.com) is nestled in the scenic Sugar River Valley of New Hampshire. The par 71, Phil Wogan design utilizes the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, streams and ponds to perfectly frame the 18-holes built on 143 acres in the early 1990s.
The “Wogan course” replaced the origi-
nal nine-hole course designed by Willie Park, Jr. in 1920. Coincidentally, Parks was also the designer of the Newport Country Club in Newport, R.I. In addition to golf the Newport Golf Club has a restaurant, the Hole-In-One Diner, and two facilities for hosting meetings, reunions and weddings. The Sunrise Pavilion can accommodate up to 175 people and The Divot Room is used for more intimate gatherings.
“The natural beauty of the area is usually commented on by visitors and first time golfers,” said Donald Hague, General Manager. “There are five course layouts utilizing three sets of tee boxes, ranging from the Sugar River Course at 6,509 yards to the Sunshine Course at 4,738 yards. The courses appeal to all levels of players from beginners to pros and all are welcome by the friendly staff. We also offer a driving range with a large natural grass teeing surface.”
The handicap rating of the holes changes quite a bit depending on which of the five courses is being played. Said Hague, “Probably the toughest hole on the course on average is the 12th. It’s a slight dogleg left to a long, narrow, undulating green
sloped back to front. From the tee there is a lateral marshy hazard to the left that ends in a pond on the left third of the fairway at about 220 yards from the tips. On the right, a fairway bunker and a pond at about 240 yards from the tee make a well controlled tee shot a necessity. Past the first pond on the left the marshy hazard extends all the
way to the green and the pond on the right extends all the way to the green as well. Hit your approach shot left and the ball will bounce left, hit it right and, you guessed it, it will bounce right. It’s a really good, challenging hole from all tee boxes.”
Maine has miles and miles of rugged ocean coastline, forests, rivers and lakes, mountains and, of course, lots of wonderful golf courses, some of them dating back 100 years or so and others of recent vintage. Why not plan a trip to the Pine Tree state and blend a week’s worth of golf with charming hotels and bed and breakfast establishments, great seafood, and a plethora of outdoor activities, from kayaking and fishing to hiking and sailing.
Here is a sampling of the some of the best courses you can play in Maine, thanks to Golfing Magazine’s Course Play Stimulus Program.
To take advantage of Golfing Magazine’s Free Golf offer, call 860563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf. net. Remember, you get five issues of our magazine in addition to Free Golf when you subscribe.
Established in 1895 by Arthur Fenn and re-designed by Donald Ross in 1912, the Links at Poland Spring ( www.PolandSpringInns.com) claims to be the first golf course built at a resort in the United States. Poland Spring Resort recently added a new 330-yard driving range with natural grass, artificial tees, and a spectacular view of the rugged White Mountains. After a round at Poland Spring you can relax on the clubhouse porch overlooking the championship golf course at
Mel’s Hilltop Restaurant, or grab a quick bite at the Pro Shop Café before you join your family for a swim in the large crystal clear swimming pool, all just a few yards from the 18th green. The Inn offers many options for dining, such as a home cooked breakfast and evening meals that are served daily, buffet style, in a comfortable dining room.
(www.SpringMeadowGolf.com ) at Cole Farms in Gray is a delightful routing, with management taking great pride in the conditioning of their layout. The course measures 6,656 yards from the tips and plays to a par of 71. The par-fives here are very sturdy, including the 600-yard third that tests your ability early in the round. Speaking of early, you can’t have a much more demanding start to a loop than the first at Spring Meadow. The par-four plays 430 yards from the tips and there is a pond to the right that must be avoided on the tee shot. If you play safe to the left you will have a longer approach that again must contend with the water and a bunker. Spring Meadow Golf Club, the Links at Poland Spring, and Fox Ridge Golf Club are part of the Maine Trifecta (www.MaineTrifecta.com ) golf offering, were you can golf all three and stay at Poland Spring Resort for two different prices; $319, which includes lodging, three all-you-caneat buffet meals, 18 holes at each course, golf carts and range balls at each course; and the $339 Deluxe Trifecta, which includes the above plus upgraded accommodations and four buffet meals. All rates are per person, double occupancy, plus seven percent Main sale tax.
The Bethel Inn Resort (www.BethelInn.com ) golf course in Bethel, built just over 100 years ago, remained nine
holes of little recognition until 1988 when it was redesigned and expanded to an 18-hole championship layout by the renowned architect Geoffrey Cornish. The 6,663-yard, par-72 course takes maximum advantage of mountain vistas and the natural beauty of the area. Large, well-trapped greens, tree-lined fairways and five tee positions make play challenging for all golfers.
There is a pleasant mix of short and long par-fours, tough par-threes, and demanding parfives that will test the ability of all levels of golfer. America’s Greatest Golf Resorts magazine has rated the Bethel Inn layout among the top 10 resort courses in the Northeast, and Golf Digest magazine has awarded it 3 1/2 stars.
Dunegrass Golf Club (www.Dunegrass.com) in Old Orchard Beach has been offering local and visiting golfers the opportunity to experience an uncommonly high caliber of golf for Maine and New England since 1998. Designed by internationally known golf course architect, Dan Maples, Dunegrass Golf Club has quickly gained the reputation as the Portland area’s premier public golf course. Maples imbued the course with the look and feel of a layout one might find in the Carolinas.
The par-threes at Dunegrass are all very good and water comes into play on the four short holes. The 17th can play almost 200
yards from the tips and has water short and to the right of the putting surface.
One of the most spectacular and scenic courses in New England, the Sunday River Golf Club (www.SundayRiver.com ) is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design featuring 18 breathtaking holes that wind through the Maine woods and over dramatic elevation changes in a stunning mountainside setting. Overlooking the Sunday River Valley with the Mahoosuc range towering above, the course follows the natural topography of the landscape while striking the perfect balance between challenge and playability. Facilities
include a clubhouse, restaurant and bar, pro shop, and practice range.
As Maine’s premier golf destination, Sugarloaf Golf Club (www.Sugarloaf.com )is a must-play for any golfer. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. design provides golfers with stunning panoramic mountain views and an unforgettable experience from first tee to final putt.72 6,910. Aptly named for the course’s designer, the first hole plays downhill, and is a dogleg right par-four that is as demanding as it is scenic. The hole offers your first glimpse of the Bigelow Mountain Range. Be sure to factor in elevation change on both your tee shot and approach. Bunkers to the left and right guard the small green.
Lake Kezar Country Club (www.LakeKezarGolf.com ) in Lovell is one of the oldest courses in Maine, built in 1923, when several summer camp owners recognized the need for a golf course to entertain summer visitors. The worldrenowned golf architect, Donald Ross, was chosen to design the course. His trademark design was “naturalness”, which is evident at Lake Kezar, with the course flowing through pines, stone walls, brooks and flowers. The back nine was added in 1998. The course offers four sets of tees. The design invites you to bump and run it onto the green whenever you can to avoid trouble behind several of the greens.
Check out the northern Catskill Mountains this summer for a perhaps unexpected treat of superb golf courses and several time-honored resorts. You can unwind for a weekend or longer and sample several very good golf courses the area has to offer.
Let’s take a look at what awaits you in the area.
Sunny Hill Resort and Golf Course in Greenville, N.Y. continues to attract a bevy of stay and play customers from the tri-state area who love bathing in the warm and laid back atmosphere of the Catskills while also taking the time to sample a fun course.
Sunny Hill, owned by the Nicolsen family since 1968, opened as a resort in 1920. “One of the significant highlights of Sunny Hill is that from any tee on the golf course you have picturesque views of the Catskill Mountains,” said Marc Guntert, Director of Golf. “We are very popular locally due in part to the layout and beautifully manicured grounds.”
Guntert said course conditions are “excellent as we continue to keep golf course maintenance equipment up to date and always professionally maintain the layout. Our business has been continuous and steady even
through the pandemic and continues to stay strong, thankfully.”
Sunny Hill is considered to be more a resort style golf course that is challenging to the beginner as well as the experienced golfer. The track could also be deemed an “executive” course that features a number of par-threes, seven in all including six on the front side, and several short par-fours. It makes for an enjoyable round and a fine place to learn the game while not being overwhelmed by difficult holes. It also gives the accomplished golfer a chance to work on every club in the bag.
The front side has par-threes that range in distance from 104 yards to 202. The fifth, eighth and ninth holes are short par-fours where big hitters can drive the greens. The front side plays to a par of 30. The back side is more traditional in distance and plays to a par of 36. There are two par-fours, the 11th and 14th, that play around 350 yards as well as five parfours of less than 300 yards, including the final four holes on the course. The only par-five is on the back, the 423-yard 13th.There is only one par-three on the inward nine, the challenging 203-yard 12th.
Said Guntert, “I would say that our best hole is number 11, which is a 348-yard parfour and downhill all the way to the green. A few yards past the green is a pond, which
of course has claimed many a ball.” Course Superintendent is Erik Nicholsen.
“We don’t offer any real specials during the summer because we are pretty much swamped with our resort guests,” said Guntert. “We hold various tournaments for our guests to enjoy during their stay with us. We don’t have a restaurant but we offer burgers, hot dogs, various sandwiches and other snacks.”
Island Green Resort and Golf Club (www.TheIslandGreen.com)
Thanks to a move by the managers of Island Green Golf Club in Greenville, N.Y., everyone who tees it up at the course will be able to sample the hole for which the layout is named for.
“The biggest change we made was flipping the nines,” said Kevin Smith, General Manager. “This was done for better flow and for quicker play. The signature hole is our now number three on the front and it is accessible to people only playing nine holes.”
The third hole plays 135 from back tees and it’s a true island green that is fun and tricky to play at the same time. There’s no room for error on the tee shot.
“We took over last season and saw a significant increase, but this season has been off the charts so far,” said Smith. “I have learned that there are so many loyal and wonderful
people in this area and beyond. Locally, we draw mainly from the surrounding counties of Dutchess, Greene and Columbia and Schoharie and we have some customers who make the day trip from Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and the upper New York City area.”
“Some of our most exciting news is our food and beverage component,” Smith added. “We have two new excellent food professionals. Drew Tobin is our new head chef with Brad Fitzgerald being the sous chef. They are offering some of the best BBQ I have ever tasted. They have elevated the level of our food and beverage department to new heights. I highly recommend either staying here overnight or booking an outing with us.”
Of course, customers come to sample the wonderful golf course at Island Green. In addition to the aforementioned and high profile island green, the course features a traditional design that is fun and challenging to play.
The first hole is a short par-four that can get a round off in good fashion. Numbers seven and eight and par-fours that measure less than 300 yards and present golden opportunities to make birdie with a strong drive.
The 340-yard 10th hole is a super par-four where players can drive the ball as close to a greenside pond as possible to set up a short iron or wedge into the putting surface. Number 13 is a 380-yard par-four that also has water in front of the green. The 14th and 15th holes are long par-fours that play almost 450 yards from the back markers.
The 17h hole is a 347-yard par-four that doglegs severely to the left. Hit your drive as close to the turn as possible to leave a short iron into the green. The course ends with a 341yard par-four that can make the after round refreshments taste better with a birdie.
The course plays 6,261 yards from the back and has a par of 71. There are four sets of tees in all to fit the playing ability of all guests.
“Our stay and play package is hard to beat,” said Smith. “Those interested can email me at kevin@theislandgrenn.com for details.”
(www.ThunderhartGolf.com)
One of the most scenic and challenging courses in the northern Catskill Mountains is Thunderhart Golf Course in Freehold, N.Y.
This true championship course gives golfers an wonderful golfing experience in the heart of Greene County. The Francis Duane, traditionally designed front nine opened in 1969 and presents wide sweeping views of the
Northern Catskill Mountains. The back nine was the work of William Gressick who, in 2000, carved parkland style holes through the forest of Thunderhart.
In 2022, the Krasney family became owners of Thunderhart and, along with a top notch staff, are improving and innovating both the course and the facilities to ensure that Thunderhart will continue to remain a premier golfing destination.
Let’s take a look at some of the best holes on the course.
The second hole is a 462-yard par-five, and also one of the toughest holes on the course. With tall trees on both sides of the fairway, it might be best to leave the driver in the bag. Try to aim to the left side of the fairway to get a clean shot to an elevated green.
The third hole is a short par-four, measuring only at 345 yards. The green is approachable for the heavy hitters. However, just like hole number two, trees are abundant on both sides of the fairway if you stray too far either way. The green is slightly two-tiered.
Number five, a 415-yard par-four, is considered the course’s signature hole. It overlooks the Catskill Mountains and provides perhaps the most beautiful views on the course. For righties, the hole plays perfectly. Pull out the driver and play for a slight fade. A hill will give your ball an extra 30 to 50 yards of roll depending on the season. Be careful of bunkers lining the front of the green and awkward lies that a hill presents.
Number nine is a short, 462-yard par-
five that can make or break a round. A pond is clearly in play hugging the left side of the fairway and trees are closer than they look. Perhaps take a three-wood, play it safe and aim below the hole. A two-tiered green makes putting a challenge.
Number 11, at 454 yards, is the longest parfour on the course, straight but challenging. With plush vegetation aligning both sides of the fairway, golfers may be hesitant to yank out the driver, but you do need a robust drive to set up a doable second shot. The putting surface is flat, but tiny and home to the narrowest green on the course.
The 16th is a 507-yard par-five. Do not pull out the driver. A pond is only 225 yards out and invisible from the tee box. The 16 is a short par-five, but each shot has the potential of trickling into the woods. The green is easily reachable in two, however. The short game shouldn’t be much of a problem as the green is extremely flat and only slightly elevated.
The final hole is a 493-yard par-five and is considered the easiest hole on the course. A wide open tee shot allows for everyone to pull out driver. The green is reachable in two, with virtually no trouble surrounding the green putting surface. There are shallow bunkers lining the right fairway and one small bunker left of the green. Once you are on the short grass the putting should be straight forward.
The property also has a hotel and offers Stay and Play packages.
We 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.
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-in-one challenge is a game within the game and money we receive helps out charitable causes. We are trying to do things to make golf even more fun and keep people coming back.”
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, tree-lined fairways, large, receptive greens, ponds and lakes protecting holes, and 60 strategicallyplaced 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.
WentworthHillsCountryClub.com
With 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 478-yard 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 backto-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 500yard par-five.
The club has a restaurant and bar for after-round enjoyment.
www.HeatherHillCountryClub.com
Heritage Country Club in Charlton, Massachusetts 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.
Heritage CC has joined Golfing Magazine’s growing list of courses you can play when you subscribe to our magazine. You get a complimentary round of golf with a small service fee charged when you arrive to take care of a motorized cart for the round.
The 18-hole course at Heritage Country Club features 6,335 yards from the longest tees and a par of 71. The course rating is 69.3 and it has a slope rating of 118. The layout was designed by Donald Hoenig, with the track opening for play in 1964. Shane Bayer manages the course as General Manager.
There are a mix of holes at Heritage CC that will keep you entertained through your entire round. Some of the fairways are rather tight,
The setting is amazing for this semi-private Country Club which exudes pride of ownership. From the moment you enter the property, making the quarter mile country side drive you can’t miss the rolling manicured greens.
Serving golfers in scenic Agawam, MA, and Suffield, CT, area, Crestview Country Club features panoramic views of the Pioneer Valley. Known as the “Gem of Western Mass,” a renowned Geoffrey Cornish design. The course is challenging enough to have played host
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 200yard 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.
The fifth hole is a beast of a par-five, playing around 600 yards and it’s a true three-shot hole to get the putting surface. Number eight is
a par-four of around 300 yards where birdie awaits before moving on to the monstrous 490-yard par-four ninth. The ninth can also be played as a par-five, which makes sense for most golfers.
The back side also starts off tough, with two par-fours of around 400 yards sandwiched around another long par-five of about 600 yards. The 305-yard par-four 14th is a birdie hole and then it is on to a demanding finish that includes another par-five that measures almost 600 yards from the back tees. Better bring a great long game when you play here and tee off from the tips. The wise option the first visit may be playing from one tee up, which will put the total yardage to around 6,000, shortening some of those long par-fives.
85 Sampson Road Charlton, Ma.
www.HeritageCountryClub.com
risk reward par 4’s and 5’s to round out you round. Plus, a 19th hole to settle those bets. 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.
There is no excuse for not being ready when you get to the first as the club has an expansive driving range, practice green and pitching area. If by chance your game needs a little tune up, the professional staff is there offering lessons, clinics and specialized instruction. Not just for the adults in the room but Juniors as well.
to the PGA TOUR Travelers Championship Open Qualifier in 2015, the CT Section PGA Championship in 2013, the LPGA Friendly’s Classic from 1995-1998, as well as several US Amateur qualifiers.
With it’s 5 sets of tees it is very playable for all levels of golfers. Best to be ready to take on the course right out of the gate. Best not to be tying up your laces on the first tee because the first 2 holes are challenging to say the least. Even from the white tees you are looking at an opening hole (#3 hdcp) of 400 plus yards backed up by a 526-yard part 5.
A scenic collection of challenging par 3’s await as you are guided through the meticulously maintained rolling fairways with a number of
Dining here is an art unto itself and you will want that experience, whether indoors or outdoors. The VIEW Restaurant and The California Grill feature panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley, sumptuous food and an impressive array of cocktails and wine selections.
If you are lucky enough to live close by membership at Crestview Country Club should be a consideration. A classic country club, one of the best semi-private golf courses in the area, other amenities include: pool, tennis courts and fitness area.
www.CrestviewCC.org
Or to book a tee time call: (413) 786-0917
One of the favorite courses of Massachusetts golfers is improving each year.
The ownership of Mill Valley Golf Links in Belchertown, MA is tweaking their property to bring the course and club to an enhanced luster. There’s a new 2,000-square-foot pro shop that will have additional merchandise for sale, a golfer’s lounge with a big screen TV, an outside patio and restrooms for the comfort of visitors. On the course, a new green was built on number three that eliminates a sharp dogleg. The new green features severe sloping to make things interesting. There’s a new par-three 16th hole, and additional parking has also been incorporated into the overall improvement plan.
“Mill Valley is unique because every hole is cut through the woods,” said owner Tim Kurty. “We have exceptional conditions on our greens, tees and fairways. We have a challenging course and relaxed atmosphere for members and guests to enjoy. We are called a links course because many of the fairways follow the natural terrain and feature uphill, downhill and side hill lies that makes approach shots challenging.”
Mill Valley, which plays 6,525 yards from the tips, draws its golfers from the University of Massachusetts, surrounding towns and the greater Worcester area, said Kurty. “We currently have over 400 members and business has been
booming of late as we believe we are in the top 10 percent of courses in condition and the bottom 10 percent in pricing. Every day is special here. It costs $40 to play 18 hole with a cart seven days a week.”
Mill Valley has a number of great holes, including the fifth and 10th, par-threes that can play as far back as 240 yards or more. The 13th hole is a par-four that features a 100-foot drop from the tee to the fairway. Number 15, nicknamed “The Snake”, is a double dogleg par-five that is a true three shot hole.
The course begins in rather unique fashion, with back to back par-fives. There are several par-fours that play at or slightly over 300 yards, allowing big hitters to get on or close to the greens with a big tee shot .The 17th hole is perhaps the toughest on the course. The par-four plays 422 yards from the back makers. The par-fives are a nice mix of three-shot holes, such as the aforementioned 15th, to the 468-yard 15th where birdie awaits with a strong drive, smart layup and wedge into the green.
“We have a 5,000-square-foot bar and banquet area that we are currently seeking a new tenant for,” said Kurty. “We have a full liquor license and currently serve alcohol, beer, seltzers, wine with sandwiches and snack items out of the pro shop.” www.MillValleyGolfLinks.com
Since 1960, Crystal Lake Golf Club in Haverhill, Ma. has been one of the premiere public golf courses in the Merrimack Valley, 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 of Cornish Golf Designs.
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.
England, with a caring staff, and a proactive membership program, including a “fun” tournament event calendar.
unique and affordable golf experience.
Situated near Crystal Lake, the course features a multitude of challenging yet approachable holes for all types of players. Take the fifth for instance. The parfive plays around 500 yards from the tips and bends ever so softly to the right, which makes going for the green in two shots risky.
The 18th is a very reachable-in-two 448yard par five where birdie, or perhaps even an eagle, can really bring your round to a delightful conclusion.
The club is also known as one of the best priced courses for the value in New
Acquired by Sterling Golf Management in 2018, Crystal Lake Golf Club continues to provide guests and members with a
www.CrystalLake-Golf.com
The game of golf has many variables; weather, course conditions, random swing thoughts, mentality, playing partners, pace of play, and the list goes on. Learning how to focus your concentration and maintain control over what you can control will help plot your way around the course more effectively.
One can only effectively control what happens before and after a shot, but not necessarily during. With this tactic, it is important to maintain control over:
· Your game plan, a consistent pre and post shot routine, and
· an effective set-up
If you don’t have a plan on the golf course, your mindset can become chaotic. It tags along with the saying, “if you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail”. Try maintaining one goal throughout a round of golf. Whether it’s: Holding your finish after each shot maintaining balance during each swing Hitting the shot your comfortable with, not necessarily what’s called for · Aiming at the middle of the green Not hitting driver if you can’t hit driver
Having a consistent routine before and after each shot creates a variety of benefits. It allows you to assess all the variables (lie/wind/terrain/obstacles) and make an informed, confident decision. When you’re in pressure situations, it helps to set the nerves. While you should be detailed, this isn’t a lengthy process. The routine should be quick but thorough. If you don’t know where to start, watch what the pros do before they play. Most efficient routines consist of assessing variables and then picking targets. For example, select two intermediate targets, one for the club & one for your body. Focusing on those allows for a proper setup of the ball & swing confidently. Try to start your routine while playing partners are in their process. Consistency is key, keep it the same for every shot.
A solid setup is paramount for executing a successful golf shot. There should be more to your shot than simply walking up to the ball, swinging your club and hoping the universe steers it in the right direction. How you address the ball has a direct effect on where it’s going. Make sure you know and understand how certain shots call for different set up positions. If you have any physical limitations, you’ll need to tailor your setup/ swing to accommodate for those. A TPI physical screen is highly recommended to fully understand what your body is capable of versus heading to YouTube for tips that may not benefit your swing.
While golf can seem like an incredibly complex game, which it is, narrow your focus & see if that changes how you make your way through a round of golf. We’re not building rockets, just trying to advance the ball consistently
Don’t you HATE those skulled CHIP SHOTS that ZOOM over the green? Let’s put a STOP to that habit for good! The problem occurs because you keep flipping the clubhead past the ball through impact, causing the handle to line up with your trail (right) forearm. (Photo NO!)
As a Teacher and Coach, I have three ways to exchange information with you.
By Sue Kaffenburg
1. Weight forward, heavier on front left side.
2. Slightly open or square stance with feet close to each other
3. Ball position between center and all the way back inside your right foot.
4. Place hands low down on the grip so you can SET THE HANDLE of the club TOUCHING and LOCKED onto your left forearm by the veins on your wrist. (“Check” Photo)
5. KEEP IT TOUCHING THERE FOR THE ENTIRE TURNING MOTION!
Notice your arms, hands and club shaft form a lower case “y” in the video. Remember, you MUST KEEP that “y” INTACT, with your arms in front of you with NO CHANGE in the wrist angles. In other words, your new FEEL for consistent chipping is achieved by LOCKING AND RETAINING that connection of the CLUB HANDLE to your left, target side forearm.
6. TURN your sternum BACK and THROUGH to the target. (If you stop turning, you’ll likely flip the club head, so make sure your INTENTION is to TURN).
7. Use a variety of clubs from SW through 7 iron to vary roll out distance. SW = least roll, 7 iron = most roll.
Now your left forearm and the shaft stay in a straight line, maintaining the “y” structure through to the target! It’s totally legal to ANCHOR the top of the club to your arm as long as it is below your elbow !
VERBALLY…I can TELL you what to do.
VISUALLY…I can SHOW you what to do by demonstrating or showing you a picture.
KINESTHETICALLY… I can present a physical activity where you are an active participant, allowing you to FEEL a physical movement. My experience in over 30 years of teaching is that IN A MOTOR SPORT, there better be a “FEEL” element to what I ask you to do.
So…Let’s set up your “FEELS” at address for chipping consistently and then LOCK IN the structure we need for good IMPACT alignments.
LOCKING the handle will remind you to maintain the contact! Acknowledge the FEEL of this and COMMIT to maintaining the handle touching your forearm.
All that is left to make you a cool, consistent chipper is to Turn, Turn, Turn, just like the song said in the 60’s.
When faced with a 40-yard pitch shot from the rough, Hannah emphasizes the importance of understanding the lie and adjusting your technique accordingly. She mentions that when there is grass behind the ball, it won’t spin as much. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan for the ball to roll out a little more upon landing on the green. Here’s a breakdown of Hannah’s technique adjustments for her stock shot from the rough:
1. Neutral Setup: Keep your stance and club shaft neutral.
2. Ball Position: Stand slightly closer to the ball than you would with a fairway shot.
3. Weight Distribution: Shift approximately 50% of your weight onto your front side.
4. Swing: Execute a smooth, neutral swing.
In situations where a forced carry is required, such as when there’s a water hazard between you and the green, Hannah provides guidance on adjusting your technique for a higher shot that stops closer to the pin. Here’s how to approach these shots:
1. Club Selection: Use your most lofted club to ensure maximum height.
2. Ball Position: Move the ball slightly forward in your stance.
3. Setup Adjustments: Stand a little further away from the ball, and lower the grip of the club to create a swallower angle of attack. Open the clubface slightly to add more loft.
4. Swing: Take a slightly steeper swing to generate spin and launch the ball higher.
Remember, the objective is to carry the ball well over the hazard and onto the green, accepting that it may not stop as quickly as you hope. By focusing on hitting the ball higher and farther, you reduce the risk of hitting a short shot and landing in trouble.
Visit www.GolfTec.com/Golfing-Magazine for a $75 Swing Evaluation and $75 Club Fitting with GOLFTEC Certified Coach ($125 Value Each)
www.GOLFTEC.com/Golf-
During the backswing, the ideal hip movement is a rotational motion within a confined space highlighted by lines drawn on either side of the golfer’s legs. This rotational movement ensures that the hips remain within the defined range, allowing for better control and predictability. Conversely, improper hip sway, where the lower body sways away from the target, is a common problem among amateur golfers. Using OptiMotion, we see that Coach Sam sways 2.4 inches away from the target. This faulty hip movement leads to difficulties in striking the ball cleanly and consistently.
Low point control refers to the position of the clubhead in relation to the ground at the moment of impact. A crucial aspect of achieving consistent low point control is the movement of the hips. A proper hip movement involves shifting the lower body towards the target during the downswing. This forward movement of the hips helps bring the low point of the swing in front of the golf ball, ensuring clean ball contact and solid shots.
To improve your distance control and master hip sway, there are specific exercises and techniques you can incorporate into your practice routine. One such exercise is to start with the address position, slightly favoring the lead side of your lower body. This initial positioning sets the stage for moving the low point in front of the ball during the swing.
Begin with small backstrokes, focusing on rotating your hips without any lateral movement back. This rotation helps maintain stability while preparing for the downswing. Next, emphasize driving your lower body towards the target, ensuring that the lead hip extends beyond the lead ankle at the moment of impact. This movement facilitates the forward shift of the low point and promotes solid contact with the ball.
Start with small and deliberate movements, ensuring excellent contact with the ball. As you become more proficient in this skill, gradually increase the size and speed of your hip movements, further enhancing low point control and distance predictability.
Our branded collections include; Black Clover “live lucky”, Bazooka, USA, Folds of Honor, Bomb it, Sugar Skull and Nuthin But Birdies. Our design elements are styled to compliment passionate golfer’s personalities. CMC Design head covers are also available at fine retailers; Golf Galaxy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, PGA Tour Superstores, Edwin Watts, Roger Dunn’s, Golf Mart, Van’s Pro Shops, Golfer’s Warehouse, and more…
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The Tin Cup Marker enables you to “Make Your Mark” with a personalized ball marker using the logo or design of your choice. There are over 250+ existing designs available or you may request your own personal custom design.The Tin Cup is an ideal gift for tournaments, corporate outings, birthdays, wedding parties, holidays and of course for personal use to simply play golf and have fun. Tin Cup will make it easier than ever for you to identify and personalize your golf ball for those shots that happen to miss the fairway!
www.Tin-Cup.com
Chosen by more of the world’s best players than any other shoe, the Premiere Series is inspired by golf shoes of the past, super charged for today’s modern game. The Premiere Series features classic styling with premium waterproof leathers and exquisite details, complemented by state-of-the-art comfort and performance features, including the VersaTrax+ outsole. www.FootJoy.com
You will have a blast with you Golf Buddies when you break out the ALL IN “On The Course” game. This exciting game begins with golfers agreeing on a value of the 26 authentic poker chips. Golfers want the positives & want to avoid the negatives. New Grave Digger chip … takes you more than one shot to get out of the sand trap. Furthest from the pin on a par 3 … gets you the new beer chip, which puts you on the hook for a round when the beer cart comes by.
• 26 HLARIOUS & CHALLENGING CHIPS
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• INCLUDES FREE CHIP & ACCESSORY BAG
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As the number one umbrella for all professional golf tours, this award-winning product makes your time on the green even more pleasant. It fits perfectly in any golf bag, making for easy access when the elements becomes too much to handle. Features a Pinchless Manual Open & Close Release System, Lightweight, Black Fiberglass Frame, Hand-Contoured Rubber Comfort Grip Handle and is Lightning Resisting.
UNFLIPPABLE, UNFLAPPABLE, UNLEAKABLE www.GustBuster.com
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This device is easy to use, lightweight and portable, and it helps to develop MUCH LONGER STRONGER GOLF SHOTS.
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VEGAS GOLF 16”x24” Microfiber NEED BEER GOLFTOWEL with FREE BEER CHIP!DUAL PURPOSE - Microfiber golf towel will keep your clubs clean and most importantly help make sure you are never out of BEER!Green side lets the Beverage Cart know that you need a BEER! The red side lets them know you URGENTLY NEED MORE BEEER!Simply place your towel over the windshield to alert the Beverage Cart that you guys need more BEER!Comes with a large easy to attach clip to fit any golf bag.
www.VegasGolfGame.com
