Ellen Ferri has been inside the ropes at some of the most prominent golf events and venues in Massachusetts. In the 1990s, Ferri volunteered as a scorekeeper at the PGA TOUR’s New England Classic at Pleasant Valley Country Club. She also was a marshall and volunteer at the LPGA’s Bay State Classic at Blue Hills Country Club and the LPGA Boston Five Classic at Ferncroft Country Club.
Now a member at The Club of New Seabury along Cape Cod’s south coast in Mashpee, Ferri recently joined the Mass Golf ranks as a volunteer to support the amateur game and its statewide championships, tournaments, and qualifiers.
MASS GOLF: How did you get your start in golf?
ELLEN FERRI: My mother told me if I ever wanted to compete in the male-dominated business world, I should learn to play golf. I started playing in my early 20s and have been playing ever since. It’s fun, the exercise is good, the courses are beautiful, you are outside, you can play into your elder years, you can relax and enjoy or you can be competitive, it’s social and the golf community as a whole is supportive and engaging.
MG: What made you decide to volunteer?
EF: I retired and was looking for a way to give back. I enjoy golf, wanted to learn more, see courses I probably would never play and meet new people.
MG: What’s your favorite snack when you’re out on the snack?
EF: Hot dog and a beer.
MG: Which golf course in Massachusetts is your favorite to play?
EF: The recently-renovated Ocean Course at The Club at New Seabury.
MG: What is your most memorable golf shot?
EF: I chipped in the hole from about 50 feet off the green for a birdie at New Seabury. We needed it to stay competitive in the standings.
MG: What is your dream foursome?
EF: I would choose Annika Sorenstam, Payne Stewart, and Collin Morikawa.
MG: What keeps you coming back as a Mass Golf volunteer? And why would you encourage someone to volunteer for Mass Golf events?
EF: Spending time with the other volunteers is fun and educational. Seeing new courses and watching various levels of competition is exciting. The young players are impressive, the tournaments are well organized, the Mass Golf staff is helpful and the volunteers are friendly. It’s a nice way to spend a day outside, watch good golf and help players enjoy competing.
