Eastman Living Online Magazine

BY MARK LARRABEE, PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL

Some golfers want to play alone. Some golfers want to feel accepted into the sociality of a group. Some golfers love playing with their spouse only. There are many approaches with which a golfer can embrace the fresh air, fitness, family feeling and fun of golf. No matter your style, Eastman Golf Links (EGL) staff offers a wonderful variety of programs for golfers.

Ladies on the Links (LOL) is a social tutoring golf program that is entering its ninth season in 2020. This has been a very successful effort that allows beginner women golfers a chance to learn and play without being intimidated. After women learn the basics with the instruction staff, LOL is a perfect bridge program for them to mingle with more experienced golfers in a nine-hole scramble format. Food socials follow golf. The program has grown from an average of 12 golfers to approximately 40. LOL takes place each Tuesday evening, beginning at 5:15 with a 15-minute golf tip from the pro and moving to the scramble at 5:30. EGL members and public players take part in the program. Ladies on the Links has its own web page too: eastmangolflinks.com/ladies-on-the-links

Experienced golfers who are members are welcome to participate in weekday golf group opportunities. These groups take care of the administration themselves, while the golf staff takes care of the communication and promotion. A flyer summarizes the name of the group, lead contact person, time of play, and other details. These groups have an email list that keeps things organized. Once a golfer joins the group, they simply sign up for the week they want to play. Tee times are sent directly to the players for that week. Weekly entry fees are small. Socializing in Forbes’ Tavern after golf is a sure thing. 1099 forms are not encouraged.

For those golfers wanting to expand their knowledge of golf equipment, the rules of golf, and many other topics, EGL University is at the forefront of the teaching and coaching programs. EGLU could come in the form of a live Saturday afternoon workshop at The Center. It could also be a Facebook Live presentation discussing the secret of great putting. Nowadays, useful golf information that helps you play better golf or simply be more knowledgeable about golf can be delivered by email, YouTube, a group clinic on the driving range, or through a merchandise display in the golf shop. EGLU schedules these programs in advance and provides promotion through weekly emails. For example, 2019 offered Cleveland Short-Game Scoring Clinics, Introduction to Recreational Golf, and Beginner Golf Scrambles. Through the trial and error of golfer participation, some programs will continue and some will be eliminated. In any case, the golf staff never stops proposing new ideas.

For sure, the PGA Junior League has been a big winner. It is a wonderful program for boys and girls aged 13 and younger. More than 61,000 kids across the United States participate in this PGA of America administered program. Golf courses then form teams and play matches against teams from other courses in their region. EGL has been involved for five years. PGA Junior League is an important cog in the wheel for junior golf and the future of golf in general. EGL staff provides an after-school program for Grantham Village School to expose the students to PGA Junior League. As these kids develop, they could end up on the Lebanon High School Golf Team. But the PGA Junior League is not limited to Grantham students. Everyone is welcome!

Call the golf shop (603.863.4500) and see what’s happening this season or visit eastmangolflinks.com.

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