Summer is the perfect time to play golf and there are a number of local courses that offer players of all levels the opportunity to get out on the course and have some fun.
Many of the courses, which may be unknown to the average Dartmouth golfer, have much to offer in terms of challenge, length, design, terrain and student rates.
The course that Dartmouth golfers frequent most is the College-owned Hanover Golf Club. Located at the far end of Occom pond the 18-hole course is a par 69.
The club offers a variety of memberships and particularly good rates for Dartmouth students. A summer membership costs $175 for undergraduates and $190 for graduate students. Single rounds cost $13 for undergraduates and $15 for graduate students
Susan, a pro shop employee, describes the course as being "challenging and interesting, a course that forces you to use all your golf skills." The Hanover Country Club boasts Bill and Izzy Johnson as its professionals, a couple who also coach varsity men and women's golf at the College.
Just off Interstate 89 at Exit 13 lies the Country Club of New Hampshire in the town of Sutton. This Par 72 is a fun course characterized by moderately flat terrain and excellent scenery.
Strictly a public course, the club offers no memberships. Fees for golfing are set at $20 for weekdays and $30 during weekends. Although there are no student discounts, twilight rates are available all week for $12 a round on weekdays and $15 on weekends.
The John H. Cain Golf Club, located on Unity Rd. in Newport, offers an 18-hole par 71 course with reasonable rates. Head Pro John Pawlak described the course as "target golf layout in which distance is not the priority. Doglegs and spacious bent-grass green scharacterize this course."
Weekdays and weekend rates are $22 and $25, respectively. Although the club does not offer student discounts for individual rounds, a college student summer membership is $150, as long as you bring your college identification when applying.
Keene, the home of Bretwood golf course, a 27-hole championship course that was recently ranked one of the top five in the state. Fees at Bretwood for a round of 18 cost $22 on weekdays and $24 on weekends. For those interested in only nine or an additional nine, rates are half-price. Bretwood also has a unique $30 "all-day" rate for the truly hard-core golfer.
Eric Sandstrum, an assistant pro, described the course as incredibly scenic with a river that winds throughout, covered bridges and an island green.
Seasonal memberships valid from April through October are available at Bretwood at regular and student rates. Bretwood is located on East Surry road just off the Route 12 Maple Avenue exit.
Golfers should also explore the Tory Pines Golf Resort located in Francestown. The resort offers an18-hole par 71 course designed by Golf Architect Donald Ross and is home to Head Pro Chris Card and the Rolland Stafford Golf School.
The course is characterized by "narrow fairways, small greens and hilly terrain," Ross said. "It's a course that plays much harder than it would appear on paper."
Tory Pines offers seasonal memberships including a student membership for $250 for those between the ages of 18 and 21. Individual 18-hole rounds cost $22 on weekdays and $29 on weekends.
The Shattuck Golf Course, another 18-hole, par 71 course, is also worth venturing to. Rated the number one golf course in New Hampshire by Golf Digest in 1993, it is located two-and-a-half miles west of the downtown Jaffrey.
Seasonal memberships are available, but there are no student rates. The fee for an 18-hole round is $35 any day of the week. Twilight rates after 2 p.m. are offered on weekdays for $20.
A multitide of golf courses to suit every golfer's needs are located within reasonable distance from Hanover. In addition to the courses mentioned above, Lake Morey, Windsor, Woodstock and Carter Country Clubs are also worth checking out. Enjoy exploring the options.
