Hey Everyone,

Is anyone else catching The Golf Itch this month? For some, it’s been 2 or 3 months since playing golf on grass. Maybe your clubs are collecting dust in the garage, or they’re sitting in a corner of a room, staring at you every day, wondering when it’s time to head outside again. You’re rolling putts on the carpet, but that’s not really helping.

Sure, simulators help relieve The Itch like a weak store-bought balm. But green grass golf is the prescription we all need to feel better.

If you’re looking for some strong drugs to fight off The Itch, might I suggest a trip to Hilton Head to play 54 holes of golf with some other golf sickos. I’m heading down with the Golf Trip Guys from April 10-13. Here are the details. Side effects may include fun, joy, camaraderie, and memories.

News and Notes:

Michael Thorbjornsen watching cut line: Following a solid opening round 69 on Wednesday at Torrey Pines North in the Farmers Insurance Open, wicked winds made the second round very different. A 77 on the South Course has Thorbjornsen sitting at 2-over par and one shot outside of the cutline. However, there are a few groups who need to finish their round because play was called due to darkness on Thursday night. Four players sit at +1, and their finish will likely decide if Thorbjornsen sticks around for the final two rounds.

Korn Ferry off and running: Davis Chatfield, Richy Werenski, and Rob Oppenheim all made the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour in The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic. Chatfield made a strong move on Sunday and earned 24,000 for the T7 finish.

This week, I released a couple of podcasts. I interviewed Jim Garren, the U. of Miami Women’s Asst. coach, and Justing Hastings, the Latin America Amateur Champion, for Amateur Golf.

I also had Mike Bird, the assistant superintendent at Green Harbor GC, on the Bay State Golf feed. Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Three Public Courses I Could Play Everyday

Over the course of my quest to play every course in Massachusetts, I have played a myriad of different types of courses. Some of those go on a short list of places I’d love to return to at some point, while others look just fine in my rearview mirror.

Then there are courses that I could return to every day. That doesn’t make them the best courses, but they have a good variation of holes and challenge while not beating down the golfer after 18 holes.

The contrast between George Wright and Franklin Park is a great way to break this down. At face value, George Wright is probably the better course of the two. Most would argue it’s a better test in better condition on better land.

If I had one day to play golf, I’m going to George Wright. If I had someone visiting from out of town, I’d want to bring them to George Wright. It has a bit more of a “wow” factor.

However, if I had a summer and could only play George Wright or Franklin Park, I’d pick Franklin Park. It’s a tough course (you’ll play in the wind across the open land), but it allows for a bit more error off the tee and has far fewer blind tee shots.

Courses I could play every day have to be walkable and playable with a good variation. They have to leave me wanting to return to the first tee after walking off the 18th green.

Here are three courses I could play every day:

Wachusett CC (Bolyston, Mass.)

A charming public option in Central Mass, this course was never on my radar until I played it in 2021. I haven’t been back, but it’s one of those courses I send as many people as I can to it.

It’s a Donald Ross with a nice variety of long and short par 4s, a couple of interesting par 3s, and a cool set of greens. There’s also a great push and pull between open holes and some tree-lined tee shots. Even with the trees, it doesn’t feel tight.

Butter Brook GC (Westford, Mass.)

This was my go-to golf course before the quest. Living in Boston, it was a bit of a drive, but it always felt worth it. The course is tough, especially if you try the tips, which stretch to 6,810 yards. Pick the right tees, though, and low scores are possible.

Like some other courses from Brian Silva, Butter Brook makes a hard shift from classic New England golf, weaving through the trees to a wide open segment of the course with waste areas and water hazards. It’s a lovely dynamic between the first 11 holes and final 8 holes.

D.W. Field (Brockton, Mass.)

From what I have heard, D.W. Field just keeps getting better. The Stiles and Van Kleek design boasts some superb greens. It’s a pretty open golf course without much elevation changes. An easy walk at a solid price on a Golden Age hidden gem, especially if you’re a Brockton resident.

Here’s a video with some more courses I could play every day. Would appreciate if you subscribed to the YouTube channel. It’s been slowly growing these last couple of months.

If you would like to support my work, you can upgrade your subscription.

When I’m not golfing…

I’m reading…

⚾️ An 11-year-old from Los Angeles finds 1-of-1 Paul Skeens rookie card: Topps made 1 signed card and sent collectors into a frenzy. An 11-year old found it in one of his packs. When the card was announced, the Pirates offered season tickets for 30 years behind home plate along with some cool experiences, like a softball game for 30 on the PNC Park field to whoever found it. They probably didn’t think through the fact that the founder could live anywhere. I also just realized if the kid took the deal, his 30-year season tickets would run out when he’s 41. I’m 41. Ugh. Here’s the story.

I’m listening to…

🎶 At the end of every Bulwark Podcast, they play a different song. They’re always good. Sometimes a nod to the topic of the day. They put together a playlist of all of them. It’s a good, eclectic mix. 

🏌️ This podcast about Bethpage Black tee times from Kevin Van Valkenburg was outstanding. Listen here. Hot tip… go play Bethpage Red. It’s awesome.

I’m eating…

🥣 This week, I made Eleven Madison Park Granola and this Banana Granola that tastes like banana bread.

🫘 Making slow-cooker beans is easy, and you can add whatever flavors you’d like.

I’m drinking…

🍸️ I’m dry this month, but some friends (Michigan friends…) dropped off some treats for the National Champion on Monday night. They found a delightful Non-Alcoholic canned Negroni from Lapos. It went great with an Ohio State blowout that turned into a bit of a nail-biter.

I’m watching…

🤭 We’re into Season 2 of Bad Sisters. It’s still good and ridiculous.

🏈 The college football playoff, combined with the NFL playoffs, has done a nice job of taking a bite out of January. A lot of games to watch. We are headed into the sports desert here in the coming weeks, though.

Bay State Archives

• Bay State Picks: Best courses you can walk for less than $60.

• Bay State Picks: Nine-hole courses to play before or after work

• Bay State Picks: 18 public golf that is worth your time

• Bay State Picks: Easy 18-hole public walks

• Bay State Deep Dive: Myopia Hunt Club

   

• "On Course" New England Journal Podcast

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• Amateur Golf Podcast

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