PLAY MORE GOLF FOR LESS
Our subscribers have called the Golfing Magazine Subscription program
THIS IS A VERY SIMPLE PROGRAM
Step 1) Subscribe to Golfing Magazine
Purchase a subscription to Golfing Magazine for $49.95 and you become part of the Golfing Magazine Ambassador Program entitling you to complimentary rounds of golf at over 65 courses by just paying a cart fee. You also receive deep discounts at 75 other courses and resorts in the area. Plus receive discount coupons at local retailers including Golfers’ Warehouse. Plus receive Golfing Magazine 4 times annually.
Step 2) We’ll mail you the Golf Magazine Ambassador program certificate. This is your ticket to complimentary or discounted rounds of golf at all the participating courses.
Step 3) Play lots of golf
With over 120 courses to choose from, feel free to play a lot of golf. Call the course as you would normally to book a tee time within 72 hours of your requested tee time. Let them know you have a Golfing Magazine certificate. At check-in, present your certificate and then head out to play golf!
TESTIMONIALS
In case you think this program is too good to be true!
I only played 4 of the courses and still think this is the best deal in golf. I’m buying one for my 3 buddies I play with each Tuesday. I know I’ll be using it a lot more next year!
Dick R. Danbury, CT
Great magazine! The free golf deal is outrageous! I hope you do it again next year.
Brian K. Norton, MA
I played more courses this summer than ever. My Golfing Magazine subscription was the best investment I made. I’m definitely renewing.
George L. Middletown, CT
When my daughter gave me a subscription to your magazine and I received the certificate I thought it meant I got a free round at any one of the listed courses. Then I found out I got a free round at EACH of the courses. I don’t know how you do it but I hope you keep it up. Thanks!
Steve C. Worcester, MA
I gave up my country club membership and ended up playing more golf last summer than ever. Playing a different course every week has me hooked all over again.
Roger W. Waterbury, CT
My subscription saved me over $600 in greens fees this year.
Brett P. Quincy, MA
PLAY MORE ... FOR LESS
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CONNECTI CUT COURSES
Blackledge Country Club
Blue Fox Run Golf Course
Crestbook Park Golf Course
Elmridge Country Club
Farmington Woods Country Club
Gillette Ridge Golf Course
Hawk’s Landing Country Club
Hunter Golf Course
Keney Park Golf Course
Laurel View Golf Course
Manchester Country Club
Norwich Golf Club
Portland Golf Course
Quarry Ridge Golf Club
Simsbury Farms Golf Course
Stanley Golf Course
Tallwood Country Club
The Golf Club at River Oaks
The Golf Club at Windham
Tumble Brook Country Club
Tunxis Country Club
Twin Hills Country Club
Western Hills Golf Course
Whitney Farms Golf Course .... plus 25 more
Brattleboro Country Club
Green Mountain National
Mount Snow Golf Course
Mount Washington Resort GC
Newport Golf Club
The Shattuck
MASSA CHUSETTS COURSES
Blackstone National Golf Club
Captains Golf Course
Cold Spring Country Club
Chicopee Country Club
Crestview Country Club
Crumpin Fox Club
Crystal Lake Golf Course
Dennis Pines & Dennis Highlands
Heather Hill Country Club
Kings Way Golf Club
Ledges Golf Club
Maplegate Country Club
Newton Commonwealth GC
Norwood Country Club
Tekoa Country Club
Wentworth Hills Country Club
Waubeeka Golf Links .... plus 22 more
Bethel Inn Resort
Dunegrass Golf Club
Poland Spring Resort Spring Meadow Golf Club
Sunday River Golf Club
Sugarloaf Golf Club .... plus more
Golf Like No Other
Blackstone National Golf Club was designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones. Rees put a great deal of his heart and soul into coming up with a player’s course that took full advantage of the best landscape and scenery that central New England has to offer.
508.865.2111 www.bngc.net
A Barn Wedding Venue
Celebrate your special day with us, where our stunning features including a semi-private golf course and pavilion, will make your day truly unforgettable.
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New England Early Summer 2025
Summer is Here... So Play Lots of Golf GAME ON.
with a new Presenting Partner, Munich Re, the parent company to one of Connecticut’s most iconic brands, Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB).
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.
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 the top players on the PGA TOUR after being elevated to a “Signature” event.
The Hartford HealthCare Women’s Championship returns to Great River Golf Club in Milford, CT for the third time, now
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.
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 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!
All That Is Good,
Tom Landers, Publisher
Top Five Players in the World Committed to The Travelers Championship
By Mark William Paul
The field in the prestigious Signature Event ($20 million purse, $3.6 million first prize, no cut, top 70 players in world rankings) includes defending champion and topranked Scottie Scheffler, No. 2 Rory McIlroy, No. 3 and 2022 Travelers and 2024 Open Championship titlist Xander Schauffle, No. 4 Collin Morikawa, No. 5 Justin Thomas, No. 6 Ludwig Aberg, No. 7 Hideki Matsuyama, No. 8 Russell Henley, No. 11 Maverick McNealy, No. 12 Viktor Hovland, No. 15 Patrick Cantlay, No. 16, 2023 Travelers winner and U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley of Vermont, No. 20 Wyndham Clark, No. 36 Tony Finau, 2017 Travelers champion Jordan Spieth and popular Rickie Fowler.
Three international players ranked in the Top 14 in the world are also committed to the Travelers Championship. Sepp Straka, No. 9 in the Official World Golf Rankings, No. 12 Tommy Fleetwood, and No. 14 Shane Lowry join the already stellar field that will be at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell on June 19-22.
Last year, Scheffler notched eight PGA Tour victories, including the Masters, Players Championship, and Tour Championship, plus the Olympic gold medal and FedExCup, on the way to becoming a runaway Player of the Year and No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings. He was the first player since Tiger Woods in 2007 to record a seven-win season, and his total on-course earnings for the season were a staggering $62 million.
“At the end of the year, I was very grateful, very thankful,” Scheffler said via Zoom from his
home in Dallas, Texas, during the Travelers Championship Media Day. “I had some pretty significant life experiences between Bennett being born (on May 8) and then all the golf tournaments as well. It was a lot of fun, but I didn’t feel any pressure to repeat this year. I was hoping to continue that trend on the golf course. “Life’s been good
here at home. Bennett’s doing great. He’s healthy. He’s been doing well, and he’s been a lot of fun for (wife Meredith) and me.”
Scheffler made his 2025 debut as the two-time defending champion at The Players Championship, tying for 20th. Two weeks later, Scheffler finished second in the Houston Open, one stroke behind Min Woo Lee, and then was fourth in defense of his Masters title and eighth in the RBC Heritage. “The beginning of this year was strange in the sense that I couldn’t necessarily lean as much on the preparation because I had taken essentially a month off of golf due to kind of a silly injury,” Scheffler said. “So, did I put more pressure on myself? Not really. I think my expectations
were even lower at times because I hadn’t been able to practice the way I normally would. My ball striking wasn’t as sharp as it was last year and the year before that. I continue to work on my swing, focusing on the basics that I do well and reinforcing those good habits. “I’ve had some good finishes recently and been close to the lead in some events, so I feel like I’m trending in the right direction.” Scheffler, 28, a native of Ridgewood, N.J., won the 2025 PGA Championship, marking his third major title, and he also secured victories at the CJ Cup and the Byron Nelson. He finished the PGA Championship with a score of 11 under par, winning by five strokes. He will zero in on the U.S. Open before defending in the Travelers Championship on June 1922 at TPC River Highlands.
Connecticut’s biggest sporting event holds special meaning for Scheffler, as he turned 28 in the third round of the 2024 PGA Championship, and it was his first
PGA Tour victory since his son, Bennett, was born on May 8. Ironically, he parred the first playoff hole to defeat close friend Tom Kim, whom he had a pizza party with earlier in the week. “When I think about the Travelers tournament in general, I think of how fun it is, how fun the week is for me and my family,” Scheffler said. “It’s a week in which the players and our families and our caddies get treated as good as we do all year. If you ask any caddie on Tour what’s his favorite event, it’s probably going to be the Travelers Championship. I think the tournament does an excellent job of making the week easy and fun for us and the whole family. We always get a great crowd, and it’s always a fun event to play. “The city and the town of Cromwell kind of rallies around the tournament, and it’s fun for us to get to play in front of such great crowds. When I think about last year’s tournament, I had a great week playing. I hit the shots when I needed to. I think on Saturday, I was starting to fall out of the tournament, but I
birdied the last four holes to get myself into the last group. That was important to me at the time. Then, I was able to play well on Sunday and get myself into that playoff with Tom, one of my good buddies. We share a birthday, so it was fun competing with him down the stretch. It was even more fun to get the win and not have him have that over my head.” Coming off the usually tortuous U.S. Open, the Travelers event is “a relaxing week” for most of the best golfers in the world. In 2024, it helped Scheffler achieve 13 career PGA Tour victories, alongside 18 overall professional titles, and finish No. 1 on the money list for the third consecutive year, amassing nearly $72 million in purse earnings over five years on the PGA Tour.
For ticket information or tournament details, visit www.TravelersChampionship.com
Hartford HealthCare Women’s Championship
Returns July 7 – 13, 2025 at Great River Golf Club, Milford, CT
The Hartford HealthCare Women’s Championship returns to Great River Golf Club in Milford, CT for the third time, now with a new Presenting Partner, Munich Re, the parent company to one of Connecticut’s most iconic brands, Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB).
“We are thrilled to bring back the Hartford HealthCare Women’s Championship to Connecticut for the third consecutive year as the official qualifying tour of the LPGA,” said Karen Goyette, Hartford HealthCare’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer.
“I am immensely proud of the championship and its remarkable growth and support of the community over the past two years. This event has evolved into a prestigious four-day tournament, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of the players. Our partnership with the LPGA and Epson Tour aligns perfectly with our mission and values, supporting future women leaders on their path to excellence.
We are also proud to welcome Maisie Filler,
along with other key sponsors ensuring the tournament’s financial viability and sustainability” said Goyette.
“Munich Re is proud to partner with the LPGA Epson Tour and to serve as the presenting sponsor for the Hartford HealthCare Women’s Championship,” said Mike Kerner, Member of the Board of Management for Munich Re’s Global Specialty Insurance division. “We have a long-standing connection with Connecticut,
of respect, inclusion, and opportunity for all.”
The tournament has several exciting new updates for the 2025 event starting with lengthening the tournament to 72-holes, to be played Thursday July 10 through Sunday July 13. This year the tournament’s benefactor will be Hartford HealthCare’s Swim Across the Sound. The charitable contribution will be made in honor of Epson Tour Athlete Kim Kaufman, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. Additionally, the LPGA Epson Tour took part in “Nurses Week” by offering all Hartford HealthCare nurses four tournament passes to the newly created Hartford HealthCare Friend’s and Family Lounge.
On Tuesday July 8th all Epson Tour Athletes will have the opportunity to receive a complimentary breast cancer screening exams and skin cancer screening exams by Hartford HealthCare doctors and nurses. This is just another example of Hartford HealthCare’s commitment to the Epson Tour Athletes.
Tickets go on sale June 1, 2025. Volunteer
Golfing Fun in Connecticut
By TOM LANDERS
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.
PRIVATE COURSES
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,
Keney Park Golf Course
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.
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-
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.
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.
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
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-
The Club at River Oaks
Keney Park Golf Course
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.
THE GREATER WATERBURY AREA
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-
Elmridge Golf Club
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.
The VUE (www.TheVueCT) 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,
HEADING EAST
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
leaving even the best players with a fairway wood in their hands on the tee box.
Gillette Ridge Golf Club
Whitney Farms Golf Club
(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.
GOLF BY CONNECTICUT’S CASINOS
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.
Mohegan Sun Golf Club (www.MoheganSunGolfClub.com) It’s okay to walk onto the tee at No. 6 with some swagger, even though the hole might eat your lunch. The par 5 slopes downward, then doglegs right 90 degrees, with plenty of bunkers along the way that could lead to the dreaded snowman, a.k.a. 8 on the scorecard. The safe play is a little baby fade that hugs the right side. Shot number two should be short of the creek that guards the front of a kidney-shaped green. (Only the bold and not-so-brilliant go for it in two.) There are plenty of other impressive holes on this course as well, originally designed in 1960 by the legendary golfcourse architect Geoffrey Cornish and just renovated by world-class designer Ron Garl.
Laurel View Golf Club
Crestbrook Park Golf Course
The VUE
Summer in Vermont
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,
Green Mountain National Golf Club
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.here’s always something happening at Stratton Mountain, Vt. during the summer, with live music slopeside and in the Village, mountain top yoga, and a season of special events from Fourth of July fireworks and family fun to brewfests and chili cookoff.
If those activities don’t tickle your fancy, how about scenic gondola rides, downhill mountain biking, pickleball and tennis. And, there’s great shopping and dining in Stratton Village.
Of course, the golf is superb at this all-inclusive resort, which boasts a scenic and challenging championship 27-hole course that played host to six LPGA tournaments.
There are three distinct nine-hole routings at Stratton, the Forest, Lake, and Mountain All three have their own charm and danger, and are designed to be playable for any level golfer.
The third hole on the Forest course is a wonderful, short par-four. It measures only 317 yards from the tips, but position off the tee is critical to avoid the right fairway bunkers, or being blocked by trees on the left. A blind, uphill second shot follows to a green with grass bunkers left and a bunker right.
The following hole is a short, 139-yard parthree but don’t hit your tee shot with anything less than determination, as a stream closely guards the right portion of a two-tiered green.
Three bunkers surrounding the green make accuracy important.
The Lake Nine’s fourth, a 291-yard parfour, does not require driver because of its short overall length. Make sure you avoid the trees on the right. A deep bunker protects the front of the elevated green, so take care with your shortiron approach.
On the Lake’s eighth, a very demanding 435-yard par-four, aim your tee shot at the right side of the fairway to set up the approach. A medium- or long-iron approach to a slightly elevated green must carry a bunker in front. Avoid going long on your approach because trees lurk very close to the green.
The Mountain Nine’s ninth hole is a good one. It’s a monstrous, 621-yard par-five where the drive must thread the needle between trees on both sides. A stream is on the right and small brooks cross the fairway in two locations. A well-bunkered green slopes front to back and concludes a challenging journey.
Stratton Mountain offers a number of golf programs and lessons and has great stay and play packages.
www.Stratton.com
New Hampshire Golf
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.”
The Shattuck Golf Club
A Magical Maine Trip Beckons
By JOHN TORSIELLO
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.
Spring Meadow Golf Club (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
Bethel Inn Golf Course Sunday
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.
The Club at River Oaks, 17th Hole
Dunegrass Golf Club
Sugarloaf Golf Club
Travel to the Northern Catskills for Great Golf
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 (www.SunnyHill.com)
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
Island Green Resort & Golf Club
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.”
Wentworth Hills Country Club
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
W“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 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.
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 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.
Heritage Country Club
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.
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
Crestview Country Club
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 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
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.
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 Golf Links
“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
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.
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
Crystal Lake Golf Club
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.
Blackhead Mountain Country Club
The club is also known as one of the best priced courses for the value in New
England, with a caring staff, and a proactive membership program, including a “fun” tournament event calendar.
Acquired by Sterling Golf Management in 2018, Crystal Lake Golf Club continues to provide guests and members with a
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.
www.CrystalLake-Golf.com
It’s a Trap!!
Nick Wiseman, PGA
Nick is the Director of Instruction at Blue Rock Golf Academy.
Blue Rock Golf Course on Cape Cod
South Yarmouth, MA
He can be reached at 508-398-9295 or NWiseman@BlueRockGolfCourse.com
We live in an age where information is just a click away… But is it the right information…or is it a trap?! Everyone knows that no two swings on the professional tours are the same, so why would you adopt the same technique as the next person and assume it’s the correct way to swing for both of you?
Research suggests there are very few “universal” moves that everyone must do in their golf swing. The key to swing success is navigating through the vast sea of information and finding the right individual moves that work with your physicality and abilities.
A prime example:
“Keep your head down, keep your eyes on the ball!” This may be the most common saying in all of golf and I’m here to tell you that it’s a trap! Keeping your head down may theoretically make sense, but if you dig deeper, you’ll find that it could invite the very thing you are trying to avoid: the dreaded top, or worse, a whiff.
Let’s go further. In the down swing we can recognize that there is a finite number of body parts actually leading the club in a downward direction, mainly the arms, hands, and a bit of the right shoulder. As we go through our acceleration process from the ground up (one of those universal moves) we notice that the arms need to extend out to the ball to amplify this speed and make contact with the ball.
But, if we lower the upper body too much, insisting that the head needs to stay down throughout the entire swing, we limit the room the upper body needs to extend and release the club. As a result, our subconscious immediately goes into protection mode, turning us into T-Rexes instead of golfers (think: short arms).
I enjoy a good viewing of Jurassic Park like the rest of us, but sadly T-Rexes don’t make good golfers! This is only one of a plethora of examples related to misinformation and the golf swing.
Mike Adams and Terry Rowles have a wonderful saying that we adopt here at Blue Rock Golf Course: “Measure, don’t guess.” How much should you actually stay down with your posture before and during the swing? That depends on things like the length of your arms. We interview, measure, and assess each golfer on an individual basis, creating each person’s unique “blueprint” for a repeatable and powerful golf swing.
PITCH PERFECT: LOWER YOUR SCORE FROM 40 YARDS AND IN
Sue Kaffenburgh, PGA/LPGA
www.GolfLessonsCapeCod.com
SusiePGA@comcast.net
508-364-GOLF (4653)
Still losing shots when you pitch a ball onto the green? Those 20-40 yard shots can wreck a scorecard. It’s time to pay attention to your SET UP, your CLUBFACE, and your FINISH. Stop thinking these are mini full swings! It’s about accuracy, not distance. There’s no need for ANY weight transfer back to your trail side. You’ll still feel rotation in your chest, but it is from a stable stance. And you’ll need new attention on the CLUBFACE…specifically the grooves of your Sand Wedge.
Here is your new CHECKLIST for LOWER SCORES: SET UP and FINISH: Feet will be closer to each other than your full swing. Weight favors your target side leg. If you’re right-handed, that means having 60-70% of your weight on your left leg at address…and here’s the important key… staying there as you make a back swing. A centered shoulder turn is all you need as your engine. Maintaining weight on your target side leg in your backswing will produce cleaner contact, because the club’s low point becomes more predictable. Lastly, allow 100% of your weight to finish on your front leg. Short swing, short finish…chest toward the target. Consider an open stance, with your front left leg pulled back slightly off the line of your right foot, if you have trouble “seeing” the target line. This will be similar to how you would stand to hand toss a ball onto the green. SHOULDERS: Keep your shoulders more LEVEL. Watch out for the tendency to place the right shoulder significantly lower than the left. That will lead to the club bottoming out before the ball= FAT.
BALL POSITION: With your feet closer together than normal, pick a forward ball position to minimize the ball rolling out. If there’s plenty of room for roll to the flag, move the ball to the center.
CLUBFACE CONTROL: Your most important focus…specifically, the grooves! They’re not just there for decoration. Clean them. Aim them. Be in charge of the GROOVES on your Sand Wedge for these under 40-yard pitches! That will be a new feeling in your trail right hand and wrist. STOP releasing the clubhead and the grooves past the handle on these shots! Keep that right wrist BENT back and keep those grooves facing the sky at the finish. Slightly open face for high, soft landing shot. Square face for a lower, longer release.
LANDING SPOT: Remember, you must intentionally pick a landing spot. But first you must measure how far your favorite wedges run out after the ball lands. Hit shots to an open green and walk off how many paces your ball rolls out from where it first drops on the green, now that you are using grooves for spin!
With your new stable base and your “groovy” attention, you’ll be the coolest golfer in your group!
Golf Product Guide
THE TIN CUP MARKER
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
FOOTJOY HYPERFLEX
The new HyperFlex from FootJoy is super-athletic, looks incredible and is built for the modern golfer who demands more from their game. Just ask Justin Thomas, who has since transitioned to the new HyperFlex thanks to a combination of comfort, flexibility and targeted stability in key areas. www.FootJoy.com
EXPUTT RG PUTTING SIMULATOR
Bring the golf putting green to life right in your living room! ExPutt allows you to practice putting on various slopes and green speeds, simulating the experience you’d get on an actual putting green but on your TV. Ideal for home or office putting, and it’s easy to set up and simple to use.
$469 Retail
www.AceIndoorGolf.com
BIRDIE BOTTLE
The perfect companion to celebrate life’s most memorable moments!
Sporting events, hunting, camping, fishing, or even just to the neighbor’s cook out— everything’s better with a Birdie Bottle.
Celebrate in style with the Birdie Bottle on the golf course! This ultimate birdie juice flask comes complete with 4 shot glasses, all encased in a snap on leather sleeve. Your foursome will thank you, so bring your A-game to enjoy often!
It’s not just a flask; it’s a conversation starter on the course.
www.BirdieBottle.com
VEGAS GOLF UNIQUE ACCESSORIES
Vegas Golf is known for its best-selling “On The Course” golf games, and this year we’re bringing even more fun to the fairway! Our newest items are guaranteed to add laughs to your next round. Check out the hilarious Golf Ball Flask, Golf Shots, Need Beer Golf Towel, and more! These unique accessories make perfect gifts or additions to your own bag. With prices starting at just $12.95, there’s something for every golfer to enjoy! www.VegasGolfGame.com
ONCORE GOLF
Buy 2 Dozen Get 1 Free offer
OnCore’s Buy 2 Dozen, Get 1 Free offer - our biggest golf ball deal of the year. Whether it’s the award-winning VERO X1, the soft-feel AVANT 55, or any ball in our lineup, now’s the time to load the bag and treat Dad (or yourself!).
https://www.oncoregolf.com/fathers-daysale/
GUSTBUSTER PRO SERIES GOLD™
ACE INDOOR GOLF PRO IMPACT HITTING MAT
This 4’x4’ golf hitting mat comes in standard and custom sizes and offers a durable, low-maintenance surface. The stance mat features high-grade polypropylene yarns that eliminate the need for infill materials and is built to withstand heavy traffic. The Pro Impact golf mat is perfect for serious golfers and features a deep pile height for less impact on elbows and wrists. On Sale $240 / Retail $300 www.AceIndoorGolf.com
GOLF UMBRELLA
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, HandContoured Rubber Comfort Grip Handle and is Lightning Resisting. UNFLIPPABLE, UNFLAPPABLE, UNLEAKABLE www.GustBuster.com
Golf Product Guide
DROP NOT GOLF
NEVER LOSE A HEADCOVER EVER AGAIN!
THE ULTIMATE GOLF COURSE ACCESSORY FOR CIGAR LOVERS!
Take your golf game to the next level with this innovative cigar holder, crafted from a real golf ball! Designed for cigar aficionados who love to hit the links, this practical accessory securely holds your cigar, so you can focus on your swing without worry.
• Secure Hold: Made with a sturdy metal pin to keep your cigar in place.
• Versatile Placement: Easily stick it in the ground while practicing or playing.
• Golf Cart Compatible: Fits any golf tee holder and includes a
FREE strong magnet for attachment to the cart’s metal arm.Bonus Fun: The Famous Beer Chip Rule Add laughs to your round with the authentic Beer Chip! On Par 3s, the worst tee shot earns the Beer Chip. If it’s still in your pocket when the Beer Cart comes by, you are buying!Only $19.95 www.VegasGolfGame.com
Show me one golfer that has not lost their favorite head cover? We all have that cherished headcover that we would hate to lose. They are reminders of special trips, memorable places and valued people and let’s not forget, headcovers protect our clubs from bangs and dents!
We›ve lost them on the tee boxes, on greens and even when we walk or drive!! That is why I created the DROP NOT device ... the perfect FATHER”S DAY golf gift! Simply attach the Drop Not reel with retractable cord to the golf bag using the velcro strap and the clip to the head cover. It is as easy as 1-2-3!
www.dropnotgolf.com
HILLBILLY SCOUT
ELECTRIC GOLF TROLLEY
ORANGE WHIP PUTT MASTER
Putt like a tour pro with no more guesswork. Just get locked in and get instant results that you can feel immediately. The Putt Master was designed to teach fundamental putting skills and minimize hand and wrist movement during your stroke. It encourages a smooth, pendulum putting stroke, and is adjustable to accommodate all putting grip types and putting styles.
https://orangewhipgolf.com/shop
Enjoy walking the course with a Scout electric golf trolley. Simple controls are at your fingertips. Send the Scout ahead three preset distances with the push of a button. Match its speed to your pace and walk together. When your round is over, the Scout folds compactly to fit into your trunk. Charge the removable battery after play. You’re ready for the next eighteen. Visit us at www.HillbillyUSA.com to learn more or call 888 682 7757.
THE BEST BALL FOR YOU
We’ve maintained that balls with a urethane cover offer better potential for short-game spin, and that difference, combined with overall consistency and excellent full-swing performance particularly off the tee, make them a better investment for the better and aspiring golfer, regardless of handicap. Therefore, we divided golf balls here into multilayer urethane models and non-urethane models. Multilayer urethane balls offer a full suite of performance functionality, while the best non-urethane balls generally focus on a softer feel with more chance for distance. However, they lack the high spin found in urethane-cover balls for finesse shots around the green.
Urethance Balls
Mizuno Pro S has a soft feel for maximum greenside control while the thin cover, thick mantle layer boost ball speed and reduces driver spin. The dimple pattern helps promote higher drives and flatter wedges.
The OnCore Vero X1 provides a midtrajectory option for players who prioritize control. The thicker cover than XP2 model increases greenside spin while the metal-infused mantle controls spin on tee shots
The Mizuno Pro X provides a higher flight with more speed than the S model while the thin cover, thick mantle layer boost ball speed and reduces driver spin. You can expect more long-game spin than the S model.
The OnCore Vero X2 provides a higher trajectory, firmer feel than the XP1 model. The metalinfused mantle controls spin on drives and a new rubber formula increases resiliency.
The enhanced OnCore ELIXR golf ball features the same three-piece construction and proprietary perimeter weighting as the original. The polybutadiene core has been enhanced for higher ball speed with even more carry and roll. A firmer cover with a 350-dimple pattern (up from 318) and mid-compression delivers a pure feel off the club face and gives the new ELIXR superior greenside control & durability. Built for intermediate or advanced players
Snell’s new urethane cover compound, XV3, is a complete revision developed for the 4.0, 3.0 and 2.0 golf ball. The 4.0 is a 4-Piece Construction with a high speed, low spin core for Long Distance and mid to high short iron spin. The additional mantle layer provides long iron control with a soft fell for greenside control. Prime 4.0 is the designed for the player carrying his or her 7-iron more than 165 yards.
Titleist AVX golf balls are designed for players seeking a low-flying and low-spinning golf ball with very soft feel and excellent greenside control. The latest generation AVX was reengineered from core to cover to deliver longer distance from tee to green, more greenside spin and control, and an even softer feel.
The 3.0 has 3-Piece Construction and the New XV3 Urethane Cover. This ball is built golfers with average swing speeds. The high speed, low spin core provides long distance and mid-high iron spin. The soft feel cover provides greenside control. Prime 3.0 is the designed for the player carrying their 7-iron between 125 to 165 yards.
The Pro V1 is optimal for players looking for soft feel and a flatter trajectory. The new core provides rebound and iron/ wedge spin while maintaining low driver spin. The mantle also contributes speed while lowering long-game spin.
1/2
HHHHH
The 2.0 uses a urethane cover around a single, large core. It is designed to get the spin performance with a large core that gets increasingly firmer toward its outer edges. Snell believes the potential added spin from the cover gives average golfers a performance advantage that leads to lower scores. The 2.0 is recommended for golfers who carry a 7-iron less than 125 yards,
The Pro V1x flies higher, spins more in the long game and has a slightly firmer feel then the Pro V1. The mantle layer lowers long-game spin while adding speed.
Non-Urethane Cover Balls
Cover: Lonomer
The RB MAX is an entirely new ball for Mizuno – combining a Tour ball’s speed and launch characteristics with a more durable cover. Created using a new DualCore – with a soft inner to enhance feel, with a firmer, resilient outer, allowing greater energy transfer. The RB MAX also features Mizuno’s AXIALFLOW dimple to reduce drag – for enhanced distance and penetration through the wind. Suitable for mid to high swing speeds.
Cover : Surlyn
This is designed to help get every yard possible out of your game. Longer drives and more distance with your irons means more confidence and more fun. This ball is Engineered with a proprietary high-energy core and an sdvanced and durable soft cover for a consistent and penetrating ball flight.
Cover : Ionomer
Mizuno’s softest compression ball matched with 566 micro-dimple design – engineered to delay the rate of descent past the apex of flight. Stable, mid trajectory with the driver and nimble around the greens. Suitable For Mid and slower swing speeds in warm, dry conditions. All speeds in colder or soft conditions.
Cover : Surlyn
This 2-piece golf ball designed for fun, value, and long distance. The redesigned core is now larger and has lower compression. Providing low spin rates while increasing distance and creating fewer hooks and slices. The new thinner, Ionomer blend cover for soft feel, extreme durability, and short game control.
Cover : Surlyn
A large soft inner core for added perimeter weighting provides straighter, longer shots off the tee. A Soft surlyn cover with 392 dimple pattern provides optimal trajectory and playability. SoftCell technology is used to achieve the ultra low 55 compression. The high coefficient of restitution (CoR) core generates maximum ball velocity. The 2-piece construction allows for high launching wedge shots with a very soft feel around the greens and off the putter face. Built for Senior, junior, or beginner players.
Cover : Fuseablend
Titleist Tour Soft golf balls are designed for players who prioritize soft feel without sacrificing all-around performance throughout the bag. Compared to the prior generation, the latest generation Tour Soft model features faster core technology and a reformulated cover system. A reformulated thin Fusablend® cover provides dependable greenside spin.
Non-Urethane Cover Balls
Cover: TruFlex
Titleist TruFeel is the softest Titleist golf ball with low spin for long distance and excellent control into and around the green. The ball has a new TruTouch core and new TruFit aerodynamics for more distance in your long game. The proprietary TruFlex cover gives you excellent control into and around the green.
Cover : NaZ+
This ball is for the player who is looking for distance above all else. It features a highspeed LSX core delivering downrange distance. The fast NaZ+ cover creates speed and provides playable greenside feel..
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