Michele Decoteau
micheledecoteau@verizon.net
Golf Gems in the Valley
Golf season is in full swing and desirable tee times can be difficult to come by. Now is the time to check out a couple of diamonds in the ruff with great courses, friendly staff, and stunning vistas. Born from desires to keep family farmland open spaces, these golf courses add to the beauty and character of the Blackstone Valley.
Highfields Golf Course, Grafton, MA.
A former dairy farm, Highfields Golf Course and Country Club in Grafton
is an 18-hole course set on 220 acres surrounded by 160 beautiful homes.
The dairy farm originally occupied 500 acres and this course was set with
it in to make a course that is excellent for both the beginner and advance
golfer.
“This is a player-friendly course,” says Golf Pro, Roger Adams. “There are no forced carries or water hazards that you must hit over to get to the next tee.” The course is also a designed to be challenge for all players with different teeing grounds for beginners and a really challenging set of champion tees. “This course will give a an experienced player a good test, but it isn’t tricked up. There are no surprises, just good golfing,” says Roger.
Owner, John Magill, is an avid golfer and community builder who had a dream to keep his family’s dairy farmland open space. Creating a golf course was not the easiest way to do that, but is a very satisfying and fun way to preserve open space. The course is very picturesque with rolling hills, beautiful wooded areas, and breath-taking views.
Once again, with the greater community in mind, John is expanding. This fall will they will begin building a clubhouse with a restaurant and function hall for 230 people. Please contact Highfields Golf Course and Country Club for information on tee times, instruction, and home sites surrounding the golf course at www.highfieldsgolfcc.com or (508) 839-1945.
Blissful Meadows, Uxbridge, MA.
Also occupying land once farmed, Blissful Meadows Golf Club in Uxbridge
is rich with history and charm. The Clubhouse, built in the 1880’s
and on the National Historic Register, is a stunning location for meals,
events, or a visit to the Pro Shop.
Award-winning designer, Brian Silva, designed this 18-hole course to be challenging for experience golfers yet playable by beginners. To help new golfers learn the game and experienced players lower their handicaps, they have a driving range, putting greens and even a practice sand trap.
“Unlike some golf courses, this is a blue collar course – you’ll find everyone from professionals to junior golfers playing here,” says Kyle Auclair, Assistant Golf Professional. “It is very playable for all skill levels.”
Blissful Meadows offers may programs for the beginning golfer with three Golf Pros, Junior, Ladies, and Short Game clinics. Most of these clinics and private instruction are in evenings so everyone can participate while relaxing and enjoying themselves.
In July, Blissful Meadows, is hosting a program “Take your daughter to the course” week. During this week your daughter plays for free, there are green’s fee discounts for parents who bring a daughter, a free golf clinic, fun games, a putting contest, and a 9- hole scramble tournament. Contact Blissful Meadows at www.blissfulmeadows.com or (508) 278-6113 for details on this and other programs.
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This article orignially appeared in the July 2006 Blackstone Valley Shopper.
