The 2020 Acushnet Golf NEPGA Pro-Assistant was played on Monday, June 29 at the Bay Club and the Bay Club teams proudly represented the host Club.  This is the 13th consecutive year the Bay Club has hosted this section and player favorite event.

John Paesani and partner Greg Yeomans tied for first place with a seven under par, 64 in the team better ball competition.  They tied with Kernwood Country Club (Dully/Bramlett).  John and Greg played bogey free golf and, for the most part, each had looks on every hole, which is always the key in team golf.  Birdies at 2, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13 and 15 along with a key par saver at 5 propelled them to the top spot.  This is the second time John and Greg have won the Pro-Assistant title, having previously won in 2017.  Greg also won with Tracy Djerf in 2012.

The Bay Club team of Ben Egan and Kyle Dobbs rebounded from a slow start to rip up the back nine with a team better ball of 30 to post a four under par 67 and finish tied for seventh.  The duo, bogeyed the opening two holes but rallied with birdies on 6, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16 and 18 to turn things around and finish strong.  The teams had an especially impressive moment on the 13th hole when all four approach shots were within 8 feet of the cup as they surrounded the flag.  All in all, a T1 and T7 finish for the Bay Club against 81 other teams from 50+ Clubs around New England is an impressive feat.

The Bay Club teams were cheered on by a large member contingency that certainly kept the host pros excited and motivated to perform.  Greg commented that on the 4th hole it felt like one of the Club’s member shoot-out events, having all the members gathered around.  And it was especially extraordinary to see so many members return to watch the finish following a 90-minute rain delay.  The staff was very appreciative of the member spectators and as always values their support.

Congrats John, Greg, Ben and Kyle on the solid showing!

Each spring, Bay Club Director of Golf, Greg Yeomans and Fitness Manager, Matt Beatty team up to offer members a “Golf and Fitness Spring Training” program.  The class series generally begins mid- to late-April and includes multiple sessions for golfers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities. The primary goal is for the members to get their body and game ready for the golf season.

Combining golf and fitness into one program allows golfers to enjoy the benefits of stretching, fitness and instruction on the way to improving their golf game.  The classes are primarily group-based with limited one-on-one coaching.

Weather permitting, the typical schedule is an hour of fitness, followed by an hour of golf instruction for nine sessions.

Members enjoy this program each spring, with many returning year after year to dust off those clubs and work on strengthening their game for the coming summer.

Spring has arrived and the golf season is finally upon us.  And with that, it’s time to start dusting off those clubs. When was the last time you got new gear?  Having the proper equipment will help your performance and enjoyment of the game.

The Bay Club’s Golf Professional team is always ready to help members make good equipment decisions.  This season, the addition of Assistant Professional, Mike Chase, an expert club fitter having previously worked for Callaway Golf, will help enhance the fitting programs the club currently offers.

Frequently asked fitting questions:

Should I get fit for new clubs?

Clubs are fit for an individual’s swing, so club fitting is important for all players, whatever their skill level.

What clubs need to be fit?

It is essential to get fit for all clubs, from your driver all the way down to putter.  What works for one player isn’t necessarily going to work for another.  Fittings can be broken down into these categories:

• Long Game (Driver, Fairways and Hybrids): This fitting covers the long part of the bag.  It’s important to have proper gapping between your driver, fairway woods and hybrids.  Being able to hit more fairways will lead to lower scores and more consistent drives.
• Irons: This dials in what head and shaft combination will work best for your game.  It is important to zero in on the correct launch and spin to hit consistent iron shots and help find more greens in regulation and shorter putts.
• Short Game: These fittings combine a few different factors.  With wedges, it is crucial to find the correct bounce that fits your swing.  This leads to more consistent chipping and pitching.  We also focus on finding proper gapping between wedges.  This fitting will mostly focus on working around the short game area, hitting a variety of shots to find the most consistent grind and loft.
• Putter: The putter is the single club that amounts the most shots per round.  Some players prefer a blade style while others prefer a mallet.  There are also many different options for what kind of putting stroke you make.  Dialing in the right putter for your stroke is the quickest way to lower your scores.

What is the process for fitting clubs?

The first step is to decide what manufacturer has clubs that best fit your preferences.  Our Golf Pro Shop carries demo clubs from Titleist, Callaway and TaylorMade.  Once members narrow down the decision, it is time to schedule a fitting.

During the fitting, our professionals will provide the variety of options and manufacturers to help determine what will work best for the player.  Using our GCQuad, they can fine-tune the numbers to get an exact and perfect fit.  Ultimately, the fitting ties together length, loft, lie angle, shaft selection and grip choice with the best quantified data for performance and feel.

The Golf Professionals at the Bay Club are highly trained for club fitting and are happy to help each member be their best – whether it be for a single club or a full set.

Congratulations to Bay Club Head Golf Professional, Ben Egan and Assistant Professional, John Paesani on their stellar performance at the NEPGA Winter Pro-Pro at Disney’s Magnolia course in Orlando, FL on January 26.

They teamed up down south for a score of 7-under par 65 and combined for seven birdies and no bogeys.  The weather conditions weren’t ideal, with unseasonable cold temperatures and varying wind speeds; however that didn’t stop them from putting up an impressive score to defeat three teams who shot a 67.  For full results, please click here.

Great work Ben and Pi!

Fall has arrived in New England; Days are getting shorter and sadly, the end of the golfing season is approaching.  So…now what?

Bay Club Golf Professionals suggest putting together a “golf play plan,” to help golfers stay motivated for whatever is next on their calendar.  Depending on what that includes, this plan will differ from person to person.  However, this is a useful exercise for all, no matter your skill level.

When creating a plan, consider the following:

1. Evaluate the past season
   • Did your handicap or average scores go down/up?
   • What were your go-to shots this year?
   • What shots could use improvement for next season?
2. Identify your “whys”
   • Why did you start playing golf and why do you continue?
   • “Whys” help motivate us to appreciate the game
3. Think about your long- and short-term goals
   • What will you do to improve the following:
     • Weaknesses
     • Strengths
     • Mental game
     • Physical well-being

Whether you’re finishing your season here in the cooler temperatures, traveling to play in a warmer climate, or taking time off to rest following a great season, a plan of action will help improve ability as well as enjoyment for the seasons to come.

Bay Club Junior member, Brady Weglowski had the best day of his young life recently, when he spent the day with golf great, Tiger Woods.  Tiger was in town for the Dell Technologies Championship Pro-Am at TCP Boston located in Norton, MA.

At just 13 years old, Brady has undergone seven open heart surgeries due to a congenital heart defect he’s had since birth.  Knowing the battles he has fought and what a big golf fan he is, a friend of his mom, Kelly invited them to walk with him, Tiger and the other golfers in the foursome; inside the ropes for the full 18 holes of the tournament.

During this time, Tiger and Brady walked side-by-side, chatting like old friends; the main topic of the day – golf, including putting tips.  Tiger also spoke about school, emphasizing the importance of getting good grades.

Throughout the day, Brady was given a few chances to take some swings with Tiger’s clubs.  Even a driver the size of him didn’t keep him from nailing a drive, earning a high-five from the pro.  And some of his newly acquired putting tips were put to good use when Tiger handed him the putter allowing him to putt out on the 17th green.

The Weglowski family is thankful for the amazing opportunity they were given, as well as Tiger’s genuine kindness; making the day about Brady, who is still on cloud 9 from the experience.  It’s a day they will certainly never forget.

For more on Brady’s story, please click here.

Congratulations to Bay Club General Manager and Director of Golf, Greg Yeomans as he captured his third Cape Cod PGA Championship Wednesday, August 29.  The 36-hole event took place at LeBaron Hills Country Club in Lakeville, MA in extreme conditions, where temperatures climbed to the upper 90s and winds whipped at 20 mph at times.

Greg opened with a 1-under par score of 71 and followed up with an afternoon round of even par 72.  For more on the tournament, please click here.

Great job Greg!

The summer is a fun time of year for our young members at the Bay Club!  Each year, our summer program, Club Seahorse, is offered to children and grandchildren of Bay Club members.  The five-day weekly program is available for Pee Wees (half days for 4 and 5 year olds) and Juniors (full days for 6-10 year olds).  While mainly a sports-oriented program providing golf, tennis and swimming, participants also enjoy traditional club activities such as arts and crafts, games and outdoor sports.

Each week features a different theme which is carried out through special guest visits as well as crafts and games.  This year, the children will enjoy visits from Buttonwood Park Zoo and the Boston Museum of Science, as well as Bay Club Chefs for hands-on cooking demonstrations.  The last week of the program will feature the ever popular “Bay Club Olympics,” where the competitive spirit comes out in everyone.

The applications are already coming in and we are working on creating another memorable season for the Bay Club youth.

It’s no secret New England experienced a rather long and cold winter.  However, now that May is here and the weather seems to be turning in our favor, we can begin to focus on our favorite outdoor activities.

The Bay Club has great opportunities for the younger generation looking to get involved with golf and tennis.  Pricing discounts are available for active members of the Old Rochester Regional High School or Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School golf and tennis teams, as well as those affiliated with a current Bay Club member.

Junior Golf memberships are available to youth between the ages of 13 and 23.  In addition to access to the golf course, practice facilities and Golf House restaurant, Junior Golf members can take advantage of professional golf instruction and certified Titleist Performance Institute instruction.  Other benefits include eligibility to play on the Bay Club’s Junior Inter-Club and Junior PGA League Teams and to join the Bay Club Junior Academy.

Our Junior Tennis memberships are for those aged between 10 and 23.  This membership offers access to the tennis courts, practice facilities and Golf House restaurant.  Members can also take advantage of professional tennis instruction through private lessons and group clinics.

These memberships are limited so if interested, please don’t hesitate to contact Head Golf Professional, Ben Egan at 508-207-9231 in regards to Junior Golf, or Bay Club General Manager, Greg Yeomans at 508-207-9216 in regards to Junior Tennis.

The Winter Golf Center has been host to many members experiencing ‘golf fever’ and itching to play some rounds during the off-season.  In addition, it has been a great place for those looking to warm up before the Bay Club Winter Golf trips taking place in this month.  Each March, we offer a variety of trips including separate Men’s and Women’s Golf Trips, as well as a Mixed Trip, open to all members.

This year, the men will return to Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Tarpon springs, Florida for the first time in five years.  The resort offers four championship courses highlighted by Copperhead – which will be hosting the PGA TOUR’S Valspar Championship prior to their visit.

The same week, the women will be traveling for the first time to The Boulders located in Carefree, Arizona.  The Women’s Trip is celebrating it’s 10^th anniversary and is looking forward to this unique dessert experience.

And finally, those partaking in the Mixed Trip are headed to the Bahamas to stay at The Abaco Club.  This location offers the #1 golf course in the Bahamas, along with other great amenities.  Members will play unlimited golf on the Scottish style links course which annually hosts the Web.com Tour.

Members are excited to venture to these extraordinary locations to start playing in preparation for the Bay Club season.

Now in its 7^th year, the Bay Club’s Winter Golf Center is better than ever.  Following the closing of the golf course each year in December, the Golf Cart Barn is transformed into a Winter Golf Center; perfect for members looking to work on their golf game during the off-season.  The Center is complete with hitting bays, putting green, launch monitor and simulator.

The Center’s newest addition of Foresight Golf’s GCQuad provides multiple ways members can practice their swing indoors.  The system challenges golfers of all abilities with golf courses, a practice range, contests, and last but not least, ZOMBIE hunting. The GCQuad also takes our staff’s club fitting ability to the next level, allowing for the most professional fitting technology the Club has ever utilized.

How can members utilize the Winter Golf Center to its fullest potential? Bay Club Head Golf Professional, Ben Egan notes that one of his favorite benefits of practicing indoors is that distance doesn’t play a factor in your training, making it easier to focus on fundamentals and mechanics. If you don’t have a pre-shot routine, it’s a great time to make one. Ben suggests using the time indoors to focus on set up, posture and ball position. Members can also expect weekly tips, occasional drills and a suggested warm-up routine.  Ben notes, “we warm up for every other sport we play and golf should be no different – and hitting balls at the range doesn’t count!”

The Winter Golf Center is open daily for members and Ben is available throughout the winter to assist with club fittings, private lessons and additional tips.

View a video tour of the Bay Club Winter Golf Center:

In 2016, the Bay Club became home to two hives of honey bees thanks to the efforts of beekeeper and Bay Club member, Jeannie Smith.   Throughout the year, Jeannie routinely checks on the hives, which are located on the 11th hole.

During the spring and summer months, the bees are busy foraging for food, building and protecting the hive and producing honey.  However, the winter months present many challenges from now until the queens start laying in late March. The major challenges are to protect the hives from bitter winds, keep out rodents searching for a warm nest, and prevent starvation, as both hives are rapidly eating through their honey stores.  Jeannie has stapled black tarpaper wraps directly on to the hives, which will not only shield them, but also absorb warmth on sunny days. To protect the hives from unwanted, four-legged visitors, each hive has a metal mouse guard, with openings too small for a chilly mouse to sneak through.  And finally, to supplement their dwindling food supplies, the bees are provided blocks of sugar fondant, a sugar/essential oil patty slipped into place just below the inner cover.

Honey bees are necessary to our ecosystem because they are important pollinators for flowers, fruits and vegetables.   As the only Audubon International Silver Certified Sanctuary in Massachusetts, the bees have been a welcomed addition to our property as they help to reinforce our commitment to protect and promote ecological diversity.  And we also benefit by being able to use the harvested honey in recipes at the Golf House restaurant.

We’re hoping for another season of plentiful honey for members to enjoy in 2018!

Winter is officially here in New England, which for some golfers is a time to head south to warmer temperatures.  However, for those who remain here, it’s important to stay in shape during the off season to keep your golf game in tip-top shape.

Bay Club Fitness Trainer, Matt Beatty shares a few exercises golfers can incorporate into their gym routines to help stay in peak physical condition during these winter months.

Yoga

Yoga is a great exercise option for golfers as it helps with flexibility and core stability.  It also helps to lengthen muscles to improve the range of motion.  These qualities can aid in creating a stronger swing.  Yoga can be especially helpful for senior golfers since flexibility tends to decrease as we age.

Here are a few basic yoga poses that are beneficial for golfers:

• Triangle Pose
  • Firms your sides and thighs
  • Streamlines waist
  • Relieves tightness in shoulders
• Seated Twist
  • Relieves back pain
  • Promotes flexibility in spine and hip joints
• Chest Expansions
  • Relieves tension in spine, neck and shoulders
  • Improves posture

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Golf uses many muscles in the body and is considered a “burst sport;” generating a lot of energy in a short period, followed by a period of rest.  Enter HIIT! During interval training, you work at high intensities followed by lower intensities.

• Applying HIIT elements to your workout can be as simple as adding bursts of energy during your normal cardio routine at a 1:2 (work:rest) ratio.
• You can also perform more complex moves such as mountain climbers, plank jacks, burpees or high knees.

Resistance and Weight Training

Resistance and weight training can be particularly valuable to golfers by improving stability and range of motion, as well as helping to create a powerful, more controlled swing.

Here are a couple of Matt’s favorite exercises for golfers:

• Glute Bridge
  • Increases core and back strength which is the foundation for a strong drive
• Side Plank with a Leg Lift
  • Increases strength through obliques, thighs and knees and helps improve balance
  • Improves hip control, vital to your golf swing

Keeping active and fit is so important this time of year to make sure you’re ready for golf in the spring!

Leading the Old Rochester Regional Bulldogs golf team and earning recognition as the “Standard-Times Golfer of the Year” for the second year in a row is Bay Club Junior member, Collin Fitzpatrick.  In addition, Bay Club member, Jason Gamache and Jacob Yeomans were named to the Super Team both for the second time in their careers.  Bay Club Junior member, Alex Henrie was named an All Star as a junior and freshmen and Bay Club Junior member, Alex Wright and Cassidy Yeomans both received Honorable Mention nods in their first year on the team.

The Bay Club, located just down the road from the high school, plays host to the ORR golf team’s home matches and practices.

The team finished their 2017 season with an undefeated 17-0 record, winning the South Coast Conference Championship and qualifying for the Division II South State Finals.  Fitzpatrick, Gamache and Yeomans as senior, tri-captains contributed to a cumulative record of 62-5 over the past three years, including two conference regular season titles and one conference tournament title, a very impressive stretch for the triumvirate.

In his final year at ORR, Collin Fitzpatrick not only upped his golf game, but also took on a larger role as a leader for the team.  “The competitiveness that he brought to the team made his teammates strive to be like him, and that made my other top golfers better, as they were competing in practice to try to beat him whenever they could,” Chris Cabe, ORR coach said about Collin.  “The fire inside is what drove him to be the best golfer he could be.  He excelled when the competition was tough.  He seemed to lock in and welcome the pressure.”

Coach Cabe also mentioned that Collin enjoyed using his knowledge and skill to help some of his younger teammates with various aspects of their game; understanding that being part of a team means everything isn’t about you.  To read more, please click here.

The full list of Super Team members, All Stars and Honorable Mention recipients can be found by clicking here.

Congratulations to all of the recognized players and the entire team for a remarkable season!

For more information regarding Bay Club Junior Memberships, please contact Ben Egan at 508-207-9215.

Having a golf course in tip-top shape is one of the most important attributes to a golf club.  While it takes a lot of effort throughout the year to maintain conditions, aerification is one process that’s imperative to ensuring the health of our course throughout the season and off-season.

Why is it so important?

The main reason golf courses aerify is to alleviate soil compaction, which prevents proper circulation of air, water, and nutrients.  Excess thatch or heavy organic debris buried under the surface of the grass can also starve the roots from essential elements. If the layer of organic matter becomes too thick, it becomes like a sponge and holds water at the surface of the grass after watering.  Too much organic matter also produces soft surfaces prone to ball marks, foot printing and inconsistent playing conditions.

The frequency and type of aeration needed is course specific, based on factors such as soil conditions and requirements, as well as climate/weather.

The Bay Club typically aerifies twice a year, in the spring and fall; and uses a 3-step process:

Step 1: Verticutting

• Verticutting helps to remove thatch buildup.  Thatch is a layer of dead stems and roots that forms between grass and soil.  Removing the thatch helps turf breathe easier, better absorb nutrients and soak in much needed moisture.

Step 2: Solid Tine Aerification

• Solid tine makes a hole in the turf but does not extract any material (unlike core aeration which removes small cores from the soil).  This process creates more space in the soil for sand, water, air, and other nutrients which allow for deeper rooting and promotes growth.

Step 3: Top Dressing 

• A top dressing of sand is then applied, filling the holes to help the soil retain air space and make it easier for roots to grow downward.  Over time, it also reduces thatch, creating a firmer playing surface in addition to amending soil structure and proper drainage.

We have concluded our fall aerification and have already seen positive results on some of the greens that were completed early in the process.

Although it can be a frustrating time for golfers, aerifying is a necessary and beneficial practice to help protect the course and maintain the best possible playing conditions.

Just think of it as a short-term disruption that has long-term benefits for the golf course.