By Christopher Shaban
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
CLAREMONT — Our area is a blessing for golfers of all abilities. It doesn’t really matter if you like a golf course with water hazards, challenging holes, spectacular views, or just a place for some great outdoor fun, our area has it all covered on the carpets we call golf courses.
If you draw a circle around the city, you will be tempted with beautiful places to play like the John Larkin Country Club in Windsor, Crown Point Country Club in Springfield, and the Bellows Falls Country Club in Vermont. In New Hampshire, there is Newport Golf Club, and of course, the Claremont Country Club that looks down upon the city. There is also Hooper Country Club in Walpole and the Country Club of New Hampshire in Sutton to add to an impressive list of nearby courses that can satisfy most any appetite for fun or frustration.
There is still lots of golf to be played this season and most courses have weekly leagues and tournaments on the horizon with member/member and member/guest tournaments always a great time. Things get real in August, where club championships and the special events like night golf are a must do.
I find each course has that special hole, and the 4th hole at John Larkin is one of those. This tee box overlooks the course, high above the valley, providing a picture-perfect view.
Down the road in Bellows Falls, the 5th hole has undergone tree work that eliminated the huge pines on the right side of the fairway, but in order to get to that hole, you need to cross the gully on #4 which is easier said than done.
In Newport, the geese on #13 are always hanging around the pond while the best view might be in Springfield on hole # 7. The par 5 looks directly at Mount Ascutney, before heading down a slight rolling hill to a huge green. When you start your game off in Claremont, the view of the city is spectacular before heading to a covered bridge and standing atop the 11th green in Sutton gives you a great view of Mount Kearsarge.
So here is a collection of my favorite holes in the area:
Bellows Falls
The Par 5, Hole #2, where you have to shoot blind towards a sunken green. The elevated Par 3, Hole #8
Claremont
Hole #4, which features a drivable green, unless you possess a slice, then you can forget about it. The Par 3, Hole #6, featuring a drive over water to a beautiful, plush green.
Country Club of New Hampshire
The Par 4, Hole #10, that gives you stunning views of Mount Kearsarge
Crown Point
The Springfield course’s Par 5, Hole #2, with a mighty right dogleg, where a strong tee shot will have you looking for an eagle. The wide-open Par 5, Hole #7 carries with it spectacular views. The Par 5, Hole #11 with a slight dogleg left, perfect for players with a beautiful draw.
John Larkin
The sandy trenches of the Par 3, Hole #6. From the tee shot down a steep hill, to the sloping green, the short Par 3, Hole #7, is a sight to behold. The Par 5, Hole #8, features a wicked small green, best for precision players.
Hooper
The course opening, Par 5, Hole #1, gives no forgiveness.
Newport
The Par 4, Hole #3 will tempt you to cut the corner over its trees. The short Par 4, Hole #8 with a hell of a left bend. And the closer, the Par 5, Hole #18, where if you drive past the right bunker, you might be itching to go for the green in two. Most clubs ask that you call ahead for a tee time so here are the numbers.
Claremont Country Club-603-542-9550
Newport Golf Club- 603-863-7787
Crown Point Country Club- 802-885-1010
John Larkin Country Club- 802-674-6791
Bellows Falls Country Club- 802-463-9809
Hooper Golf Course- 603-756-4080
Country Club of NH- 603-927-4246
Let us know your favorite hole and course, email us at [email protected]
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