Sometimes when you try something new you discover something wonderful.
That’s just what I found when I headed out to The Links at Mass Golf to attend my first-ever Women’s Golf Day, Mass Golf’s totally free day of lessons and golf to celebrate International Women’s Golf Day.
I was excited to get some pointers, make some new golf friends and maybe hit some decent shots.
I got all that, sure. But I also discovered that perfect spring day that The Links at Mass Golf (www.linksatmassgolf.org/) is a learner’s paradise. Let me amend that: The Links at Mass Golf is a gem of a spot perfect for any level golfer looking to spiff up their game, hone in on the vital short game or just plain play a fun, pretty and relaxing round.
Owned and operated by nonprofit Mass Golf (www.massgolf.org/), the Links’ main purpose is to offer a comfortable and approachable course, lesson facilities and pros for learners both young and mature. Its 18-hole par 3 course and outstanding practice and learning facilities do just that.
And here’s the best part: It’s fun. You know, fun like golf is supposed to be.
I arrived just before noon on a sunny Tuesday. The clubhouse, with a decently stocked pro shop and snack bar, stood on a small hill looking over the front nine and the practice areas.
We started out split into three groups of nine – a totally manageable group – and took turns at three learning stations: Putting, chipping and irons.
I not only got some great pointers, I got to see first-hand how adept and effective the Links pros are. Head Pro Drew Chapman talked us through hitting irons. Using a super-clever golf glove with written cues (hold firm here; hold loose here) along with other easy-to-understand props, he helped us get a feel for setting up for the best shot possible.
His ability to speak to the complex needs of golf in a clear and understandable way worked – and showed me just how effective the Links program must be for all learners.
Chipping – my nemesis – came next. Kyle Harris, director of operations for First Tee Massachusetts (part of a national program and supported by Mass Golf) talked us through some smart chipping basics and then, as we chose targets on the green and chipped up, gave us each a few minutes of one-on-one attention. By adjusting my stance and helping me better address the ball, he gave me good, easy-to-remember tips to take home and practice.
And at putting – a part of my game that’s not too terrible but that I’ve been working on adapting to stop my sometimes habit of wrist-breaking, First Tee Massachusetts Assistant Program Director Taylor Januario did something I at first thought was bold: suggested I completely change my putting grip. But she didn’t leave me hanging. She guided me until I found the feel. I’m keeping that new grip, and that says something for the level of instruction.
Then we headed out to play. The Links is not too taxing, yet far from boring. It’s a confidence-builder of a course and exactly what a learning course, if you ask me, should be.
The first holes are like friendly warm-ups; not a lot of worry sits in front of you. But as you move along through the course, it ups the challenge by tossing in tee shots over water, tucking some deeper rough into fairway edges, narrowing the fairway with some trees and more.
It requires precision and – as you move through – helps you get an even better feel for which clubs work best for those tricky, pesky shorter-distance shots that can trip you up on a longer course. You know that feeling: You absolutely crush your tee shot and land on the fairway, follow it up with a fairway wood distance shot that makes you think “this could be a birdie hole!” and then …. It all goes south. The Links is all about that moment in the game.
I loved it. I had a particularly good day anyway, but I do think part of that was because I just felt so comfortable and confident. I’m a long hitter off the tee, so only the 18th hole (168/151 from the two tee box choices) even hinted at a driver for me. That meant I worked mostly with the clubs I’m least comfortable with. It helped.
The Links at Mass Golf offers season-long and multi-week lesson programs, single lessons and indoor simulators. And how about these greens fees: 18 holes comes in at $29 for adults, $24 for seniors and $15 for juniors, which is anyone under 18.
I left having joined a text chain of the other women golfers I met that day, with my new putt grip to practice and with that feeling of satisfaction when you play well.
Sure, it’s a par 3, but confidence carries on, and days later, on a bigger course, my long drives were followed – at least some of the time – with more precision near and on the green. The part for dough, as they say, was joining the show..
I’ll return to the Links at Mass Golf for focus, but most of all for fun.
