Finding a golf course in town is not a problem

Last week Tee talk explored the offerings of Plymouth’s seven public golf courses discussing their daily fees and league offerings. Maybe now is the time for you to consider joining a private golf club?

With the current economic problems that face our nation, golf is facing the same situation. Many private golf clubs are offering very good deals to entice golfers to join. Private courses are looking for new members and in some cases eliminating their initiation fees and allowing new members to stretch out payments.

Why join a private club? One huge reason is that you can book a tee time any time you like. You can enjoy a leisurely round of golf or you can go up after work and play a few holes before dark. You can also enjoy the benefits of a private lounge and restaurant. You can participate in numerous tournaments and private activities. For business people it is a great opportunity to entertain clients. It is a great way to get your spouse and children involved. The camaraderie and friendships developed with fellow members might be just what you want.

Plymouth has two private golf courses that you might like to consider: Plymouth Country Club and White Cliffs Country Club.

About to celebrate its 100^th Anniversary in 2010, the Plymouth Country Club is a private member-owned 18-hole championship course designed by famed Scottish architect Donald Ross. Its new clubhouse overlooks some of the most attractive holes on this Ross masterpiece as well as Plymouth Bay, the Gurnet Lighthouse and the lower South Shore coastline.

Established in 1910, the course sits on 200 rolling acres and was sculptured using existing soil and extreme care was taken to preserve the wide variety of trees, native plants and terrain. The course has remained essentially the same over the past 80 years. It is a member of the USGA, MGA and the Donald Ross Society.

The opening holes are challenging but Ross designed the first three to be comparatively simple and non-punishing. However, holes four through nine are among the most challenging in the area, and the back nine was designed for a tournament finish, giving the edge to the golfer making skillful approach shots.

This golf scribe was a member of PCC for 25 years but with my move to Ft. Myers, Florida on a more permanent basis keeping my membership was not practical. Playing many a golf course over the years I must say that this par-69 gem is one of the best. If you can play Plymouth you can play anywhere. I still cherish many golfing memories at this fine golfing track.

Plymouth is noted for its famous Hornblower Memorial Tournament each year which brings to town many a fine player. Winners of this event have ended up playing on the PGA Tour.

Prior to March 31 Plymouth waived their initiation fee for prospective members and 54 new members entered the ranks. There is an owner’s certificate of $5,000 that may be financed over five years. The annual dues for a single membership are $3,800 with an annual building assessment of $500 and a monthly minimum spend for food of $50 for eight months. The annual dues for a family membership are $5,700 with the minimum spend for food being $75.

Although Plymouth Country Club lost members in the last years due to the economic conditions, rising costs and age of members, the 54 new members who walked in the door this year can only show that Plymouth is a great golfing venue at a reasonable cost when compared to other private courses south of Boston.

Ken Kupferberg, a member of the Board of Directors said “there are golfers out there that are looking for a quality golf course that is private at a reasonable cost and Plymouth Country Club offers that. The new clubhouse and the great playing conditions make PCC an attractive place to join. We all are excited with the influx of new members that joined this year. As we enter the 2009 season we are eager to tee it up on a great course and enjoy a happy and friendly new clubhouse. I am sure the existing and new membership will be very happy in the 2009 season.”

It is not too late to apply for membership to this gem of a golf course and enjoy the upcoming season. For further information on how to become a member of Plymouth Country Club please contact Ann Pearle or Nita Shaw at the administrative office.

Entering it’s 23rd season, this 3,919 yard par-62 executive style golf course designed by golfing legend Gary Player with a rating of 59.5 and a slope of 105 on the blue tees offers golfers a very challenging venue to play golf and enjoy the benefits of country club living.

Head Professional Rick Baptist recently commented, “I can’t believe that the course is open and ready to play. Lianne Larson, our Golf Course Superintendent, has done a great job getting us open and giving everyone hope. With the warm weather on the way it should be a banner 2009 golfing season here at the Cliffs.”

Larson, the very talented Superintendent feels that “the golf course appears to weathered the hard winter well. We will continue to focus on green consistency. Greens will be cut at .115 and rolled daily when the weather permits. We look forward to the upcoming golfing season.”

Contrary to what some people think White Cliffs golfing memberships are not limited to just the residents who live there and enjoy its many amenities. Presently there are a substantial number of non-resident members. You could be one of those new golfing members for the 2009 season.

There is a $3,000 initiation fee and the yearly dues are $3,000. This includes use of all the facilities including golf, tennis, pool, health club, beach and food and beverage.

Deborah Sylva, White Cliffs Membership Coordinator wants golfers to know that you don’t have to live here to belong. “We have a great golfing and social community and we are happy to let people know that they are welcome to take advantage of our membership program.”

According to Sylva, White Cliffs is presently offering an Introductory Membership that you might want to take advantage of.

This offer is available for a three month trial to people who have never been a member of White Cliffs Country Club.

The cost is $1000 which can be applied to the full non-resident membership fee if converted in 2009.

One would be eligible to use all club facilities and participate in all activities and events except major golf tournaments.

Memberships at WCCC are family memberships and include spouses and any children living at home under 25 years of age. Having played there I have found it to be user-friendly and very challenging. This offer is one of Plymouth’s great deals.

If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a private tour of the Country Club, golf or dine in the restaurant, call Deborah Sylva at 508-888-8701.

Whether it’s private at Plymouth Country Club or White Cliffs Country Club or one of the seven fine public venues in America’s Home Town, one has many golfing options. Sit down and explore what the 2009 season has in store for you. Get out and enjoy.

Rules 6-8 and 33-2d Discontinuing Play in Competition states that players in a competition have the right to stop play if they think lightning threatens them, even thought the tournament committee may not have authorized it specifically by signal.

For the 2009 season remember when you hear thunder-lightning is near. Immediately head indoors.

Seek: A large permanent building, the lowest elevation area or a fully enclosed metal vehicle (cars, vans or pickup trucks).

Avoid: Tall objects such as trees or poles, Large open areas, wet areas, elevated areas and all metal objects including golf clubs, golf carts, fences, electrical and maintenance machinery and power lines.

If sudden, close-in lightning does not permit immediate evacuation to a safer place, spread out from your group, squat down, tuck your head and cover your ears. Head for the safest place as soon as the immediate threat passes. Let’s not have any problems on our Plymouth courses!

Jim McCulloch can be reached at jimbomcculloch@comcast.net