By Lorie Mcclory | Background Photo of EGL Hole 16 by Steve Handley Sr.
A junior golfer competes in a New Hampshire Golf Association event / EGL file photo
How can you tell that an online review of Eastman Golf Links is true? By the first line:
“Eastman is a hidden gem way up north in the middle of nowhere right off Route 89.”
What makes EGL a “gem” as this person calls it? They cite its “spectacular layout,” that it is “always in great condition,” and “has spectacular views in all directions.”
While those things will keep existing golfers coming back, it’s important to keep up with trends and make sure things don’t get stale. What has EGL done lately?
EGL’s practice green gets a lot of use / EGL file photo
For the past several years, EGL has been working on making the course more “friendly.” Working a few holes at a time, Eastman has new forward tees on Holes 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 13, 17 and 18, with others in the planning stages. These tees makes EGL more accessible to new golfers and families, but they are also fun for the more experienced golfers to use to work on their short game or just to mix things up.
The short game / Michael Sandman
Consider one of this year’s new events: the Forward Tee Challenge on June 8. Teams put together by the pro shop will alternate between white, yellow and green tees. While non-golfers may think it’s easier to play from tees that are closer to the green, golfers who regularly play from the “back” tees know what a challenge it is to play forward. Considerations include what club to use when you’re 100 or 200 yards closer than usual and the difference in the angle to the green from a different tee box. It can be mind-blowing!
Putting Lesson / Mark Larrabee
Another change made a few years ago didn’t involve the physical layout but rather the pricing structure. Juniors ages 8 to 15 play free after 2 p.m. daily with a paying adult golfer, and juniors ages 16-17 playing after 2 p.m. daily pay only $13 for 18 holes or $8 for 9 holes. This not only fosters intergenerational play, but also encourages younger people to take up the game in hopes of keeping it flourishing for the future.
Chipping to the green / Michael Sandman
If you don’t yet play golf or play but need to improve (and who doesn’t?), EGL staff offers EGL University (EGLU) programs for newbies through “improvebies.” Some EGLU programs were held indoors during “not golf season,” including sessions on putting and club-fitting. Others are scheduled for this spring and summer, including Short Game Scoring Clinics, Introduction to Recreational Golf, and Beginner Golfer Scrambles. There is more than one date for each program, so don’t worry about missing out.
There are also opportunities for private and group lessons for all ages.
If you’re totally not interested in golf, stop by the pro shop anyway. PGA Professional Mark Larrabee lays in a great assortment of clothing, hats, and even glassware that can be used by all Eastman Members. And if you live in Eastman, you’ll eventually need a gift for SOMEONE who plays golf, right?
For more information about EGL, visit eastmangolflinks.com.
Lorie McClory enjoys playing golf, particularly the Tuesday evening Ladies on the Links.