We wait for it all winter and into the spring: the day they say the greens are ready. Get your golf clubs out and shined because it is officially time to hit the links. Both Farm Neck in Oak Bluffs and Mink Meadows in Vineyard Haven have given their courses spring spruce ups.
Farm Neck Golf Club opened last weekend to an enthusiastic group of golf enthusiasts and a hungry group of foodies. Tennis players have to wait another month before they can assuage their desires on the courts.
While the Café hopped with the annual pilgrims eating their favorite Cobb salads and profiteroles, the action on the green looked more tranquil and, according to one golfer, “amazing.” The Café is sure to keep their new chef Mike Thomas busy with their $5 appetizer specials from 4 to 6 pm, and the course will most likely be busy with Islanders taking advantage of the Monday through Thursday specials that run through June 18. For $25 off the 18-holes Greens Fee or $12.50 off the Twilight (2 to 5pm) fee ($37.50 after the discount), you might want to take advantage of their four-day early booking availability. Not quite ready to get back on the course yet? You can head over and practice at their driving range for as little as $5 or you might choose to take a lesson with one of their four phenomenal golf pros. I was lucky enough to be able to chat with the assistant golf pro, Kyle Fiore.
Katryn: What would you say the hottest club of the season is going to be?
Kyle: Well that is a tough one. The best thing to do would be to book an appointment to try our state-of-the-art Callaway and Mizuno club fitting systems.
Katryn: What are some of the more popular items in the Pro Shop?
Kyle: Well, aside from the fact that we always have discounts on something, from shirts – Under Armour is most popular along with Adidas – shoes to clubs; we offer club prices that are competitive with off-Island.
Katryn: What should people be looking forward to this season on the golf course?
Kyle: Our ever-popular junior program for the summer, along with the ladies clinics, which always fill up. You can call now to reserve for the junior program, which is $60 for a three-hour lesson, and the ladies clinic should be booked at least a week in advance. Keep in mind that we do private, semi-private, and group lessons.
Mink Meadows, the Island’s premier nine-hole (that can be doubled for 18 holes) golf course is also open for the season offering great shoulder season rates. You can play their environmentally friendly property that has both salt and fresh water eco-systems, for $40 for eight holes or double the holes for an additional $15 through June 13. Lessons are available with their head PGA. professional Chet Nowak. Or, shop in their pro shop or online at minkmeadows.clubstore.org. If you could use a little more practice, try their driving range where a basket starts at $4.
If you are looking for a quicker, family-style activity when it comes to golf, try Island Cove Mini Golf on State Road in Vineyard Haven. They officially open this Saturday, April 17, so head over to play through their adventure themed course or climb their three degrees of difficulty outdoor climbing wall that can accommodate the entire family.
