WHITINSVILLE, Massachusetts – On Monday, June 11th, Mass Golf hosted its seventh Member Day event of the 2018 season at Whitinsville Golf Club, a continuation of one of the most popular programs offered to Bay State golfers. Established in 2010, the Member Day program was created as another benefit for golfers holding a Mass Golf/USGA GHIN Handicap index with one of the 360-plus Member Clubs across the state.
Having grown every year since its inception, the Member Day program allows golfers with active indices at a Bay State member club the opportunity to play some of the finest courses in the state in what is ultimately a fun-filled day of play.
The $90 fee associated with the cost of the Member Day program covers green fees, golf carts and range balls to warm up ahead of the event, which consist of both tee time starts as well as shotgun starts depending on the facility.
“It’s a great way for members of Mass Golf to be able to play courses that they otherwise would not be able to play,” said Connor McDonagh-Poh, Mass Golf’s Manager of Member Events & Services, who overtook the operations of the program for the 2018 season. “These private venues are some of the best sites in the state and this program allows for the general public – all 87,000 men and women who hold Mass Golf/USGA GHIN Handicap index at a Mass Golf club – the opportunity to play without the cost of becoming a full-time member of the club.”
With a focus on fun, the Member Day program welcomes golfers of all skills and abilities to various courses throughout the state, as the program has now grown to offer play at 27 sites across the Bay State.
Before teeing off, Member Day regular David Beebe, of Hickory Ridge Golf Club in Amherst, commented on participating in Member Days, and why he has been returning ever since his first event.
“For years, I played with a woman in the mixed team scotch match play tournament called the Stone Cup, and that was an opportunity to play the Kittansett Club, the Bay Club, and a number of courses like that,” said Beebe. “This is just another opportunity to play courses I’ve never played before.”
Mark Freitas and Anne Marie Freitas, who hold their indices out of TPC Boston in Norton, also commented on their experiences with Member Days and what they like most about participating in them.
“I’ve been participating in Member Days for quite a few years,” said Mark. “Even though we have a great home course, it’s really terrific to get out and see the wide diversity of courses here in Massachusetts, especially old classic courses like here in Whitinsville.”
He added, “I really like just seeing and playing challenging courses. Our course has its particular set of challenges, but a course like Whitinsville is a completely different thing. The greens are completely different from what we experience at our course.”
His wife Anne Marie enjoys the camaraderie associated with the events.
“I have not played in as many as Mark because I’ve played in the women’s spring team matches and things like that, but I have enjoyed primarily having a different challenge and meeting people,” said Anne Marie. “We rarely come with other friends, so we do meet people from other courses and we just have a good time.”
While the 2018 Member Day season program is well into its season, many of the state’s top sites are still available to sign up. In the month of July, two events remain at Pawtucket Country Club on July 23rd (June 18th lottery close) and at the Country Club of Halifax on July 30th (June 25th lottery close).
In the month of August, golfers will have the opportunity to play The Orchards Golf Club on August 6th (July 2nd lottery close) and The Cape Club of Sharon on August 13th (July 9th lottery close).
Additionally, two sites were recently added to the schedule, as a rain-delay caused Thorny Lea Golf Club in Brockton to reschedule their Member Day until September 10 (August 13th lottery close) while Marlborough Country Club will host its inaugural Member Day on October 9.
For those interested in competing, golfers with an active handicap index at one of the 360-plus member clubs can add their name to the lottery system that is used to ensure equal opportunity for competitors to choose their desired sites. If your name is drawn, competitors can request up to four spots for a group.
Additional questions about Member Days can be directed to Connor McDonagh-Poh at 774-430-9014 or cmcdonaghpoh@massgolf.org.
