GG Talks Etiquette

How are my Golfer Gals doing?

I hope everyone has been able to get some time out on the course and practice their game. This week I want to touch on a more traditional golf topic, Etiquette.

A lot of new players feel nervous stepping onto golf club grounds. I sure did and sometimes still do! It can be attributed to a few factors:

Lack of general golf knowledge
Every course is unique with their own regulations
There are so many zones at a golf club that have their own rules
- Ex: on the course, at the clubhouse, in the pro shop, within the dining areas

We want to ensure you’re well informed and equipped to fit right in!

So here are some top Do’s and Don’ts…

The Do’s

Always. Be. Respectful.

Even though golf is more and more modernized, there are fundamental building blocks of the sport that will transcend time. We must always respect that.

Dress appropriately – business casual never fails, remember no denim
Take your hat off when entering the clubhouse
Show up 30 minutes before your tee time
Keep up with pace of play
Fix your divots and ball marks
Stay on the cart path if the course is wet
Share golf carts efficiently
Keep your golf bag off the tee box
Rake the bunker after a sand shot
Each shot, the person whose ball is farthest away from the green hit first

The Don’ts

Do not use your phone – turn it off or silence it
Keep quiet when any player is hitting
Do not bring your golf bag into the clubhouse
Do not talk in someone’s backswing
Do not walk in someone’s backswing
Do not look for a lost ball for more than 3-5 minutes
Do not want through someone’s through line on the green

GG on Golf Conditioning

Hey Golfer Gals!

Has anyone noticed how many cleanses and lifestyle changes are going into effect right now? Even we have committed to a 30 day program to reset post Summer!

In light of the new season and the focus on wellness, we thought it would be fun to dig into exercising. Specifically, how to use fitness to be a stronger player.

Most people don’t realize that even golf requires physical training. There are critical exercises that will help your swing and make you feel more confident out on the course.

There are five key areas to focus on for building up your golf strength

Balance
Core
Flexibility
Strength
Endurance

Each plays a critical role in consistency of the game and power of your strokes.

Okay so these areas of fitness will help yield results on the course, what can I do to build up balance, core, flexibility, strength, and endurance?

GG recommends yoga, yoga sculpt, or pilates to help develop balance, core strength, and flexibility. Golfers have a tendency to get in their own heads and build up unnecessary frustrations. Both the physical and mindful transformations proven by these practices can positively impact a player’s physical performance and mental strength.

One of my favorite statements from Tiger is “If you look at some of the players on tour who can really bomb it… they all are very flexible players who can generate tremendous club-head speed while swinging in balance… I’m convinced that if you increase your flexibility, you’ll add power to your swing.”

Now let’s focus on strength. GG believes in conditioning through one or more of the following:

HIIT
Weight lifting
Circuit training

Each of these programs targets functional strength training where all muscles and joints work together. This results in building coordinated strength over time. The more in sync your muscles are, the better they perform on the course.

Finally, my personal favorite, cardio (endurance)! We love this category because cardio creates endorphins, and endorphins make you happy!! Hehe but mostly for the fact that it is the most diverse category. Players can keep their heart rates up through so many activities. Running, walking, biking, spinning, swimming, boxing, dancing, roller blading, etc. depending on your personal preferences. So get out there and move! It’s so good for you.

GG’s Golf Dictionary

Hello GGs!

This week we wanted to take a step back and focus on terminology.

As we write and edit our posts, it became clear that maybe not everyone knows all the terms we use on a daily basis. SO, we wanted to call out those overloaded terms and give a very clear definition of what we mean by them.

We also threw in some extras for fun 🙂

Tees – where you hit your first shot from (women typically play the red tee)

Pin – the flagstick on the green of every hole indicating where the cup is

Green – the culmination of a golf hole where the pin and hole are located

Dance floor – the green!

Fairway – the grassy area situated between the tee box and the green

Cup – the hole you are trying to get your golf ball in

Bunker – the sand pit where the ball sometimes lands

Links – any series of holes that make up a golf course

Stroke – each time you hit the ball, that counts as a stroke

Par – the number of strokes a player is expected to need to complete the play of one hole

Chipping – a short shot usually made from just off the green

Birdie – getting a score of one under par on a hole

Eagle – getting a score of two under par

Double Eagle/Albatross – getting a score of three under par

Bogey – getting a score of one over par

Double Bogey – getting a score of two over par

Buzzard – same as Double Bogey

Triple Bogey – getting a score of three over par

Handicap – the system used to rate the average number of strokes above par a player scores in one round of golf

Fore – when you hit a shot and it goes towards another person, warn them

Duff – a bad shot

Mulligan – when playing casually, this is a “do-over” shot made to replace a poorly hit shot, taken without counting the stroke toward the score

All square – tied score in match play

Beach – a term used to refer to a sand bunker

Deep – a hole located on the back of the green

Flyer – when you hit from the rough, this is a shot that goes a lot further than envisioned

Lip Out – when your ball hits the lip but doesn’t go in the hole

Chili Dip – when you hit the ground behind the ball before hitting the actual ball in one swing

Ready Golf – to speed up or maintain the pace of play players will hit when ready

Tap In – a short, easy putt that goes into the hole

The Turn – halfway point in a round

Velcro – the speed of the Putting Green on a golf course

Whiff – a swing that completely misses the ball

Army Golf – hitting the ball out of bounds on the left side, then hitting the ball out of bounds on the right side, and so forth

If we missed any terms you learn or want to share, please submit and we will update our dictionary!

GG Course Guide #3. Widow’s Walk Golf Course

Hiii Golfer Gals!

Yay! It’s our third published course review.

We did not forget about our signature content!

This week we are sharing our experiences from a round of 18 holes at Widow’s Walk Golf Course — Scituate’s water-front public course.

We hope our transparency and the honest view into what golf ACTUALLY is like encourages you to join the golf community and view the game in a positive light.

As mentioned in the previous course reviews, I will share something I strive to change about women in golf. Today’s goal is to conquer your doubts. We are filled with doubt and tend to believe we can’t achieve the things we want. Let’s harness that and turn it around. Anything worth having takes hard work. And hard work starts with motivation.

Today, I want GG to motivate you to take that leap and believe in yourself. If you want to get into golf, you can. And the GG community is here to support you.

Alright, here are the deets on Widow’s Walk.

Course Metrics

How long is the course? It is 18 holes and 4562 yards long.

What is the par? 18 holes is a par 72

How does it play? This is the most narrow course I have ever played. And those pot bunker shots will challenge you. Take these details as positives. As opportunities to improve your game. Do not let them intimidate you. WW is an excellent opportunity to introduce another variety of course types into your mix. What I loved was the unique character each hole has.

Range Costs. 1 Token is $5 and provides 35 balls. Bundle and save option is to get 5 Tokens for $20 and is $175.

Course Costs. We’re going to separate this out into season. Peak vs book ends. Let’s start with peak. Monday – Friday, adults can play 18 holes for $40 or 9 for $24. Saturday & Sunday those numbers are $50 and $28, respectively. Seniors and juniors do receive discounts on the weekdays prior to 4pm! Seniors can play 18 holes for $32 or 9 holes for $20. Juniors can play 18 holes for $24 or 9 holes for $15.

Non-peak dates are March 27 – Apr 30 and October 13 – November 1. Within this timeframe and from Monday – Friday, adults can play 18 holes for $36 or 9 for $21. Saturday & Sunday those numbers are $40 and $24, respectively. Seniors and juniors do receive discounts on the weekdays prior to 4pm! Seniors can play 18 holes for $30 or 9 holes for $18. Juniors can play 18 holes for $24 or 9 holes for $15.

Winter dates are also available if you are the bravest GG we could ever meet! This runs from November 4 – March 26 and the rates for adults from Monday – Friday, for 18 holes for $38 or 9 for $18. Saturday & Sunday those numbers are $35 and $21, respectively. Seniors and juniors also receive discounts on the weekdays prior to 4pm during the winter, but those rates are the same as non-peak dates.

Logistics

How do I get my tee time? There are a couple routes you can take. The first is book online through their website. They require a valid credit card to reserve your tee time. Note: you will not be charged until you arrive at the course. The second option is to call their golf shop or email their contact. Both options are available here:

p. (781)-544-0032

e. ikelley@scituatema.gov

Covid-19 safety GG rating? Safe. Bookings are required ahead of time and are done virtually. All carts are sprayed down before and after use, in plain sight. There are few rangers on the course and masks are required inside the clubhouse. All staff members are very friendly and proper precautions are enforced.

Is it walkable? Yes! It is actually such a great course to walk because it is not terribly long and rather flat. GG recommends getting your steps in here, it is also a wonderful opportunity to take in the sights and appreciate the time for some mental clarity. It also plays right along the ocean!

How is the course traffic? Widow’s Walk is popular but it is not very backed up. The holes do overlap quite a few times and you will likely run into other groups as you cross from one hole to another. Beware of stray shots that might go in the direction of other holes, we had a situation where we got a little too close to a group on a different green on accident!

Fun Facts

Course designs keep the planet at the forefront. This course was designed for minimal impact on the environment by following the natural contours of the land. They strategically manage the course in a way that uses less water than a typical golf course.

Environmental awards. In 2002, WW became a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary course which means that they are dedicated to benefiting the environment by “establishing avian nesting box programs, providing habitats for numerous other species of animals, and using integrated pest management to apply the least amount of water, pesticides and fertilizer as possible.”

Interested in wildlife? While constructing this course, a primary goal was to build a wildlife habitat that is conducive to the waterfowl, migratory, and indigenous birds in the area.

Atmosphere

What’s the vibe? Beachy town golf. The best part about beach towns is the sense of relaxation you get from strolling the streets, the peacefulness of your surroundings, and the fresh air. WW does not disappoint at bringing those essences of nature to you while on the course.

Who am I going to be surrounded by? We noticed a lot of groups here! Friends meeting up for a round, parents with their children, men’s league, and beware there are ticks. If you need anything to be prepared,don’t forget bug spray. This is not a reason to worry or not play this course. We consciously went into long grass and in a routine check afterwards, found 2 ticks across 4 people.

What’s the scoop on the Clubhouse? Think cape-style! It is positioned up on a hill – carts are picked up and returned by the lower level garage and the clubhouse sits on top. The clubhouse is split by a diner and the golf shop. The snack bar of the diner is open with a full bar (sandwiches, single serve snacks). All available togo to continue your round.

What’s the dress code? Business casual. Definitely a more casual vibe than most courses you will visit. That said, GG recommends appropriate golf attire when visiting any course, regardless of stated dress code.

Pace of play? Even at peak hours it is not slow! There is never that sense of needing to rush while also not having to wait around for the group ahead.

Is there a GG recommended format? You know it! Given how narrow this course is but always loving a challenge, we recommend Best Ball. To summarize, best ball is where the group splits into two teams. Each player on a team plays their own ball on every hole. After each hole the player with the lowest score is recorded as the team’s score. The higher scoring player’s score is thrown out for that particular hole. This gives you a chance to play the whole course and less pressure about letting scores from bad holes impact your mentality. We promise there are holes that make you feel like a champ!

How are the greens? They are spongy. This means your ball won’t run as fast.

What’s the hardest hole? Hole 13!!

Hole 13 Advice? Lay up on the second stroke, no mulligans allowed!

What’s the GG secret? Here is a secret – know how you hit your clubs and what distance.

What’s GG’s favorite thing about Widow’s Walk? Babes birdie, boys bogey!!!!

Social

Make it a GG day. You’re starting your day off right by choosing to be right next to the water. The views are beautiful and the surrounding areas are very inviting. Here are our favorite restaurants to hit after:

Roht Marine – in this full service marina lays a cozy resto-bar called Erich’s Clam Shack. It has one of the most picturesque landscapes the South Shore. It’s a perfect spot to grab a bite and a mudslide – sometimes with live music!
Galley – if you’re an oyster lover, this place is for you! They have some of the best seafood offerings in the area with a shipyard aesthetic. Not to worry if you’re not a fan of seafood there are still options for you!
Rexicana – part of the Levitate group, Rexicana offers great mexican food and drinks. In the back they have a large outdoor seating area (up to 20 tables or more) with two stages for live entertainment! We recommend the salsa, quac, queso trio!

GG word of the day: Fried Egg. Sometimes when your ball lands in the bunker it will get buried. It looks exactly like a fried egg!

GG Score: 6.5

So Golf Actually Is Not Boring?

Welcome back, GGs!

We wanted to continue our conversation from July 29th in addressing the three largest stigmas in the golf world.

As a reminder from last time, we discussed the following:

From my 13+ years in the golf community, the three biggest stigmas I have seen and continue to hear are women (and people in general) are discouraged from golf because it is:

Expensive
Boring
A men’s sport

In our last post we spoke about #1, Budgets.

This week we want to address #2, Boredom. The expectation that golf is boring is another one of the largest obstacles preventing most ladies from even thinking about picking up a club.

Drop the Formality!

Historically, golf has had the reputation of being elitist, serious, stuffy, and resistant to changes. However, over the last decade, the industry has been trying to change this. In 2017, the PGA communicated they wanted to fix golf’s image. At GG, we are all aboard that bandwagon and specifically want to focus on golf’s makeover as it pertains to women.

Golf definitely is not for everyone. But it is one of the only sports that is accessible to people in every stage of life; from kids to seniors.

As life goes on, people find interests in new places. Especially those who are looking for new challenges, want to work on a unique skill, or commit to a hobby. If you find yourself curious about the game in any way, we’re here to encourage you to get out there! Just trying it out is the best way to start and we promise that no one is analyzing you, they’re focused on themselves.

Yes, it will be frustrating at first.

You will need to work yourself up to a consistent, repeatable swing.

You will need to exercise hand-eye coordination.

But once you feel ready to hit the links, you can focus on different parts of your game each time.

GG’s favorite part of golf is that each hole is a chance to start fresh. A reset.

Honestly, this is a HUGE advantage women have. The blessing of letting things go. Men tend to get frustrated with a shot and carry that frustration throughout the round. Of course that outcome is playing poorly and creating negative energy.

With this mindset, you will continuously set yourself up for success. It truly is about evolution and never giving up.

For example, maybe you are debating going out for 9 holes and have been focused on improving your short game. Make the full 9 holes about that. You do NOT have to stay in the practice area forever. Then each hole you get to practice all strokes while setting yourself up in different scenarios to really test and try your short game.

So what’s a good strategy for this?

GG loves breaking down the larger game by giving ourselves goals for each hole. Here are some starting ideas:

hole 1 you want no more than 3 strokes without a putter when you are within 150 yards of the pin
hole 2 you want to land in a place to test out your 60 degree wedge
hole 3 could be for putting from the fairway

Whatever you want to work on, take it to the course and set goals for yourself. That will enable you to focus on something specific and the time out there will FLY by.

Make It Social

Let’s be honest, everything is better when you’re surrounded by the ones you love the most. No matter what you are doing, surrounding yourself with great people is what gives any activity that spark most people are looking for.

If you’re anything like us at GG, you’re probably looking for fun social activities to change up the routine. We have gotten very sick of only planning dinners or beach days or meeting up for brunch. What this lead to was opening our minds to other fun day activities.

Getting out on the course with your favorite people, snacks, and some fun beverages is a great way to get comfortable with the game and take the pressure off yourself.

There are a few ways to have a blast during a round of golf that keeps your mind off of the preconceived notion that golf is strict, intense, or pressure-packed. Admit it – we have all anticipated it being extremely formal.

Here are some ways GG loves to have fun!

Bring friends that are as new to the game as you are and work together on the challenging strokes. This will help you identify where you need to improve and is a great way to stay accountable. Plus you get to spend quality time together!
More experienced players LOVE to teach and encourage our fellow GGs. There is nothing better than watching a women fall in love with golf. If you’re newer to the game, find a gal and hangout on the course!
Sign up to play in a fundraising tournament. They are always a good time AND you’re giving back to meaningful organizations. You are also changing the lives of many by participating while expanding your golf network / finding others to play with. Charity tournament formats also create some healthy competition and take the pressure off any one player – one of my favorite new ways is to play Alternate Shot. This one is great for foursomes and involves two teams of two. Both teams play as an independent unit and they alternate shots on each hole. The first hole player A hits the tee shot, player B hits the second shot, player A hits the 3rd shot, and so on.
Find a shorter par 3 course. Sometimes the short shots are the hardest and most rewarding, so nailing those par 3s can really improve your confidence. These courses are also a lot more laid back and facilitate some healthy bets with your friends.

GG on a Budget

GGs!

Our goal is to write and provide content that is non-geographical, as relevant and timeless as possible, and useful to you ladies. We thought the best place to start is with one of the largest obstacles preventing most ladies from even picking up a club: Budget.

From my 13+ years in the golf community, the three biggest stigmas I have seen and continue to hear are women (and people in general) are discouraged from golf because it is:

Expensive
Boring
A men’s sport

The GG goal is to break this stereotype.

So let’s take a moment, stop right here, and reset.

We are on a journey to prove those people in the world wrong.

Today we’ll focus on the first of those three stereotypes. $$$. How to golf without breaking the bank or spending outside of your means whether you are brand new to the game or have been dabbling for a while.

Like with any hobby, there are going to be expenses involved. Whether you join a kickball league, play tennis, or basketball, there are equipment expenses, league dues, and clothing costs. With golf, the must haves are clubs, balls, family/good friends, and either a range or a course.

Let’s start with clubs

A brand new set of 14 clubs plus a golf bag could be as much as $1500 or as low as $100. Second hand clubs are the GG recommended mechanism to acquire your first set. It is an inexpensive alternative to used clubs sold in stores and enables you to get the feel for golf as a new player guilt-free. Once you spend time with this set and identify your personal areas of strength and weakness, you will be prepared to upgrade to a new set with specific requirements in mind.

Okay so how do you go about finding the right second hand clubs? There are definitely multiple approaches to this. In GG’s experience, a solid first step is showing up for yourself! Get involved at your favorite course. The more people that you meet, the more connections that you will make, the more doors will open up. Golf offers a wonderful community of kind people who love to network. If you have a favorite course or range to practice, connect with the pro shop. The second step is leveraging your new friends to test out some clubs – this is called demoing. Oftentimes pro shops will let you demo clubs for free. By demoing, you get acquainted with all different brands and types of clubs.

The third step is to let your new network know you’re in the process of finding new clubs. They might know someone trying to sell a set or at least be able to spread the word to help you find a second hand pair for yourself. Golf players are in all different stages, so some will be selling clubs to upgrade while you’re looking for your first set.

GG fun fact, this is how I got my first set! And guess what? I use the same set to this day AND they’re not even women’s clubs. Oftentimes senior men’s clubs work very well for women. The ultimate hack for Teeing Up Your Weekend hehehe

Onto Golf Balls & Accessories

So now that we have our irons sorted out, don’t we need a couple of sleeves of balls? I’ve heard they’re very pricey and it’s likely I will lose them!

Yes, you do need balls for the course. However, you don’t need professional quality Pro v1s by any means. There are plenty of good quality, kind-to-the-wallet alternatives, brand new golf ball options: Vice balls, Noodles, Nitro Maximum Distance, and Srixon. The GG favorite deal is actually the refurbished tub of balls from Amazon; it is an incredible deal and you score 50 “rescued” balls for $20. Nike also has a similar deal for used balls.

Cool. Let’s talk about clothes and shoes. Our favorite subject, am I right? In the real world yes, in golf NO. Women’s golf attire needs a massive makeover. And this starts with us Golfer Gals. I’m pretty bummed out by the offering out there. I struggle with finding items that fit right. I’m usually uncomfortable. And how are we supposed to play with confidence if we don’t feel our best? However, the shoe collections are drastically improving to offer trendy, classic, sneaker like shoes. Both spiked and spikeless. A step in the right direction! Here are some of my favorites (not all are on sale right now):

Puma/Cobra golf: WOMEN’S RS-G GOLF SHOES

Adidas: PUREBOOST GOLF SHOES

Puma golf: WOMEN’S LAGUNA FUSION SPORT GOLF SHOES

Adidas: CROSSKNIT DPR GOLF SHOES

Puma golf: IGNITE NXT PRO GOLF SHOES

I am doing my best to sift through everything offered and find the best items to link for you GGs. Because there have to be decent tops and shorts out there for us. My latest haul was at combination of the PGA Tour Superstore and Amazon. At PGA Tour Superstore, I found a scallop neck sleeveless polo so I grabbed the white and black. I also found their sleeveless pique polo. I recommend sizing one up for maximum movement and comfort. On Amazon, I scored an on-sale pair of Adidas golf shoes that have the bounce soles.

Now let’s discuss ranges and courses

Across the US, there are plenty of public ranges and public courses to enjoy that do not require a membership fee. Typically a large bucket of balls at the range is ~$10. And 18-holes averages $50 depending on where you are. This is an incredible way to practice on different terrains, grass types, and hazards without the redundancy of playing the same course by way of memberships.

Since forgoing my golf club membership, my Summer 2020 goal has been to travel (due to covid I stuck to just MA) and play as many public courses as possible. I wanted to do this to gain more insights on ladies’ golf and analyze the different obstacles and opportunities we have as female players. I wanted to find the best courses for our dollars and focus on how to breakthrough to inspire more women to join the golf community. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Another opportunity to practice for less stems from growing our GG network. As we expand our community and meet more people, we will inevitably become friends with GGs who have a go-to set of ranges and courses or belong to private golf clubs. These clubs typically have member discounts and complementary practice areas so the price to pay is reduced. As a bonus, most clubs host very fun tournaments (hint hint, new post coming soon) to get together with your girls and enjoy a day on the course!

GG Course Guide #2. Granite Links Golf Club

Hiii Golfer Gals!

This is our second published course review! We are still overwhelmed with excitement and so grateful to be here to share and discuss detailed thoughts on courses across the USA.

We want to continue to inspire YOU to hit the range and/or play all the courses you want and can. Let’s continue to grow and strengthen the female golf community!

As mentioned in the last post, we will always share something we strive to change about women in golf. Today’s goal is to bring forth confidence – you are your biggest critic but also your biggest cheerleader. Believe in yourself, you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to stick with it. Take it one stroke at a time.

Today we are sharing everything you want to know about Granite Links Golf Club — Quincy’s semi-private hot spot. When we say hot spot we mean HOT SPOT.

Granite offers the best of all worlds: entertainment, driving range & practice area, and most importantly a championship golf course.

Some perks:

Easy commute for the Boston city dwellers and neighboring towns.
Multi-purpose social destination for those interested in golf or if you just want to be in a beautiful space with incredible views of Boston.
- The range attracts all types of players; from first-timers to life-longers
- Its operating hours are 7am until dusk each day
- Bonus, they have live music at the Crossing 9’s patio & bar located beside the driving range Thursdays – Sundays
They offer 27 holes!

Okay enough of the intro, here are the details you really want to know… let’s go!

Metrics

How long is the course? With 27 holes, Granite Links is made up of 3 9-hole courses: Granite, Milton, and Quincy! Granite is 2,372 yards, Milton is 2,629 yards, Quincy is 2,334 yards. All yardage reflects the distance from the red ladies tees. Being a semi-private course, they rotate one of the 9 holes to be member only about every month or so. So depending on when you play, your round of 9 or 18 could be different. The other two are always open to the public.

What is the par? Granite is par 36, Milton is par 36, and Quincy is par 35

How does it compare? **Pine Hills Golf Club is also semi-private and has two 18 hole courses, Jones and Nicklaus. The Jones front 9 is 2,715 yards / par 36 and the back 9 is 2,632 yards / par 36. The Nicklaus front 9 is 2,547 yards / par 36 and the back 9 is 2,638 yards / par 36. All yardage reflects distance from the ladies red tees. Even though Granite is a championship course, it plays a little shorter than Pine Hills.

Range Costs. $15 per bucket

Club Rentals. $65 per set

Membership Options. Granite prides themselves on being affordable for young members. If interested in membership perks, their U30 deal is incredible and the program sets you up for success as you age into the 30+/35+ categories. Granite also offers individual, family, and corporate memberships if you don’t qualify for the Young Executive Membership.

Course Costs. Granite is all inclusive and offers strong rates for non members. Gear up this is a lot of different info :).

Weekday:

9 holes is $75 (includes cart)
18 holes is $125 (Includes Cart and Bucket of Range Balls)

Weekend after 2pm:

9 holes is $75 (includes cart)
18 holes is $150 (Includes Cart and Bucket of Range Balls)

Everyday after 4pm:

$75 and includes a cart

GG reminder!! If you’re under 18 or 60+ you get an amazing discounted flat rate $85.

Logistics

How do I secure my tee time? You can book ahead on their website, tee times will be bookable 4 days in advance. The website will often say “no tee times available” when there are actually available slots. Even though they offer online bookings, we highly recommend calling the pro shop to book your tee time. The team here is so accommodating and kind.

Covid-19 safety GG rating? Safe. All bookings are done online and tee times are available starting 4 days in advance. You do need to check-in in the pro shop prior to teeing off. There is usually a starter at the beginning of each 9 hole segment to send you on your way. They are very friendly, cautious, and aware of how the course plays that particular day. They even give tips here and there to prep you for your round. For players using the range, face coverings are mandatory and you must practice physical distancing.

Is it walkable? It is, however, we highly suggest using a cart to play this course. It is a tough one to walk given how the hills roll and the length. Walking will slow down the pace of play if you choose to play at peak hours. We recommend checking with the pro shop if you really want to walk and are playing at a non peak time of day.

How is the course traffic? In the heat of the summer this course is packed. It is very fun out on the course, you will make friends, but be prepared to just enjoy the time outside and play slow. There are so many different combinations of 9 holes being played so you can’t always anticipate who will be turning the corner before or after you.

Coaching

Do they offer lessons? Yes. You can take either private or group lessons. Instruction is available to both members (who get a discount) and the public. The pros are incredible humans and very talented; skilled with both true beginners or more seasoned players. You can book through their Pro Shop (617-689-1900 x105)!

Atmosphere

What’s the vibe? Golf first, yet VERY social. A lot of non-golfers frequent there to use the outdoor patio and enjoy the range area. There will also be the occasional summer wedding at the top of the Granite and Milton courses to steal the show.

Who am I going to be surrounded by? Granite attracts a diverse crowd. Social players, country club enthusiasts, beginner players, advanced players, you name it and they’re here. Over the last few years, I have been paired up with all kinds of people when booked as a twosome and as a result made many friends to plan then play future rounds with!

What’s the scoop on the Clubhouse? Which one? Jk. There are two hangouts here. Crossing 9’s and the true Clubhouse. The Crossing 9’s patio is usually populated with casual groups who want to hang out on a nice summer day and groups of golfers who just finished a round. They offer an American casual menu and pretty much any drink you want. The Clubhouse has a public dining area (indoor and outdoor) and a member’s only room and deck. The menu is larger here and offers unique dishes. GG highly recommends enjoying time here at some point.

What’s the dress code? Golf attire required on the course and in the true Clubhouse. For the practice area, they ask that you please wear a proper wardrobe and recommend collared shirts with bermuda length shorts. GG always recommends dressing respectfully.

Speaking of dress code, favorite Granite swag? The Live Lucky logo hats!

Is there a GG recommended format? You know it! Unless you’re a seasoned golfer, GG suggests playing in a bramble format. Ha, what the heck is bramble? It is just like a scramble except after choosing the best drive, all team members play their second shots through the end of the hole from that location.

What’s the hardest hole? In GG’s opinion, across all 27 holes, Milton #1, Granite #3, Quincy #4 are the toughest playing holes at Granite. Do not get discouraged ladies, even the boys lose balls and “double bogey”.

What’s the GG secret to this course? Like last time, if we told you it wouldn’t really be a secret would it?! Jokes. But our secret spans courses. SO, keep following along and one of these days we will reveal it.

What’s GG’s favorite thing about Granite Links? Call us suckers but during wedding season, seeing the love, beautiful backdrop and gorgeous aesthetic is the icing on the cake.

Those new golf carts though… leave your JBL at home sista! The new carts are equipped with yardage, coolers, and bluetooth speakers.

Okay what’s the best mid-round snack? THE CHICKEN SALAD WRAP, even if you’re a vegan! Jk stay vegan and enjoy the Mezza Trio.

What about drinks? The John Daley is a must try. 21+, PLEASE drink responsibly.

Don’t forget to tip our cart girls!!!!!

Social

Make it a GG day. Honestly I recommend making it a day here. If you have the time post round, appreciate the surroundings and don’t rush yourself out to get anywhere else. Try out Crossing 9’s or the deck at the Clubhouse. You won’t be disappointed – Granite is always a fun time!

GG word of the day: Airmail. A golf shot which travels a considerably longer distance than planned.

GG Score: 9

GG Course Guide #1. North Hill Country Club

Hiii Golfer Gals!

Welcome to our first published course review! We are so excited to be here and share our experiences playing at diverse courses all across the USA (for now hehe).

We want to inspire YOU to get out there and play all the courses you want and can. Our goal is to grow the female golf community. In each post we will share something we want to change about women in golf. Today’s is to abolish fears of stepping on a course and help graduate our newer female players from the range to the fairway.

Today we are spilling the beans on a local favorite, North Hill Country Club — Duxbury’s municipal course.

If you live in the Greater Boston Area, it is only ~35 minute drive from the city.

Honestly, this place is a hidden gem. It is a 9 hole course (you can play 18 by repeating the 9 → we highly recommend playing different tees each round to challenge yourself) with surprisingly long par 4s and 5s, a few feel good holes, and the one par 3 where you kick yourself for not getting that hole-in-one.

Okay now onto the important details you really want to know.

Metrics

How long is the course? 9 holes is 3,501 yards, 18 is 7,002 yards

What is the par? It is par 36 for 9 holes, 72 for 18 holes

How does it compare? **TPC Boston is 18 holes, 7,216 yards, and par 73!!

Costs. Weekday 9 holes is $23, 18 holes is $34. Weekend 9 holes is $25, 18 holes is $36. GG reminder!! If you’re under 18 or 60+ you get an amazing discounted rate!! $20 for 9 holes/$30 for 18 holes, it is an absolute steal. Lastly, if you want a cart it is +$10 per 9 holes per person.

Logistics

How do I get my tee time? You must book ahead on their website during Covid, they do not accept walk ons at this time.

Covid-19 safety GG rating? VERY safe. All transactions are done online prior to showing up at the course. The starters are considerate and professional, ensuring you feel comfortable and have your whole party there prior to teeing off. They also are flexible with cart sharing for those not comfortable with more than one person per cart. And of course you can always walk.

Additional Covid details. “Book and prepay for tee times online

No Walk-Ons Allowed

Credit Card/Contactless Payments Encouraged

Single rider or same household carts now available

Please stay in your car until 12 minutes before your scheduled tee time.

Pro Shop is open

Mask or face covering is required to enter the building

Maximum 6 people including employees in building

Practice areas are open and require a mask/face covering

Social distancing of at least 6 feet must be maintained

Cups will be raised and flag sticks must remain untouched”

Is it walkable? YES YES YES. Walking does not slow down the game too much and it is great exercise. GG recommended for walking.

How is the course traffic? This is highly dependent on the weather and the day. On non-holiday weekdays the play is typically super quick. There isn’t much backup out there. However, a sunny & 75 weekend day or holiday is going to be more crowded.

Coaching

Do they offer lessons? Note here: they do not have a driving range, but they offer private lessons. Feel free to call their PGA Golf Professional, Bill Allen. Phone: (781) 910-3626. He also runs a Junior Golf program for children who want lessons (note here that due to covid this is suspended for this year’s season :(). Junior golf is available through Bill Allen Golf: https://billallengolf.com/north-hill-after-school-application/

GG highly recommends getting your daughters into lessons to form good habits! It was the best thing to happen to me when I was in high school. I just wished I started younger!

Atmosphere

What’s the vibe? GG approved fun-casual. Intimidation should be low, there are a LOT of new players who come here.

Who am I going to be surrounded by? You will see a wide range of players here. Families bring their children to practice their game, high school players, friendly social meetups of friends of all ages, couples, group celebrations, and they are senior / junior friendly.

What’s the scoop on the Clubhouse? The clubhouse looks like a home. Dining and bathrooms are both GG deemed clean. One of the first times I was there I thought someone lived on the 9th hole. Their food offering is a diverse ‘American food’ menu (burgers, fries, sandwiches, etc) and they have drinks for purchase. They offer outdoor seating for post-round food or drinks and socializing.

What’s the dress code? Like any course, they encourage golf attire but do not refuse play to under-dressed individuals. I’ve seen men play in tee-shirts rather than a collared shirt and I admittedly have played in a collared shirt with high-coverage, black bike shorts. If you’re still growing your wardrobe, don’t let this stop you from playing! They also sell really cute tops and hats in their pro shop!

Is there a GG recommended format? Of course! We recommend playing your own ball here. If you don’t feel comfortable, Scramble is the way to go. This is where 2 or more people in your group form a team and each player hits a tee shot on each hole. Then all team players hit from the spot of the best shot.This gets you the most playing time out there while keeping a fair pace for those behind you.

What’s the hardest hole? Hole 2!! Don’t let this get you down when you play. Let it motivate you to get better each time you play it.

What’s the GG secret? If I told you I’d have to kill you! Just kidding. Keep reading and one of these days I will reveal it.

What’s GG’s favorite thing about North Hill? Finally you asked! There are a few holes where the canadian geese LOVE to huddle. I’ve also seen a few bunnies. Most importantly, one of the golf pros has two of the sweetest chocolate labs who respect the space and will greet players if they sense interest. There is also a beautiful black lab who runs the course all day long with the maintenance vehicle. Every once in a while he will pass a player and drop his ball for a fetch ❤ then he runs aftert it and continues alongside the maintenance truck.

Social

Make it a GG day. Of course getting a round of golf in is our goal, but let’s take advantage of the surrounding area! If you’re a fan of the ocean you’ll want to stick around.

Oysterman is an adorable, classy spot for post-golf drinks and apps. GG recommends the oysters and the shrimp.
Fetch BBQ. If your group likes barbecue, this is the place to go. They have weekly specials, a limited quantity per day, and it is only a 10 minute ride from North Hill.
The Jetty. A vibey, laid back, outdoor spot with music, drinks, and modern American food. Also a 10 minute drive from North Hill!

GG word of the day: Barkies. Hitting the golf ball at trees and obtaining a good score despite it.

GG Score: 7.5