By Chris Shott
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Fore!
With daylight savings time starting earlier this year and air temperatures rising, golfing fever is a sure sign of the arrival of spring.
An enthusiastic group of men and women golfers living at Linden Ponds is embarking on its third season of playing on local courses, lured by their love for the game and an ideal opportunity to socialize and make new friends.
“We are golfers of various talents,” says Glen Crowell, who coordinates the Linden Ponds program with Gordon Maver. “We like to go outdoors and enjoy each other’s company. We’re anxious to get started again.”
According to Crowell, Tina Page, who also lives at Linden Ponds, is organizing the activities of the women’s group again this year.
Maver says approximately three dozen people now participate in the golf program, which operates once weekly from May into October (or later, if the weather cooperates). Men play together on Tuesday mornings, while women hit the links on Thursday mornings.
In 2006, the men’s group played primarily at four courses in the area, but also traveled to clubs in communities as distant as Lakeville and Bridgewater. The women’s group largely limited its activities to courses in two nearby communities.
“We’re still a growing group, but little by little, we’re getting more people involved,” Maver says. “The turnouts vary week by week, but everyone has a good time.”
With the assistance of transportation services at Linden Ponds, golfers travel to local courses weekly for a nominal fee. Tee times are generally reserved starting at 9 a.m. and golfers are usually assigned to different foursomes every time out.
“We want everyone to get to know everyone else and have the chance to play with as many golfers as possible,” Crowell says. “We think this system works well.”
The Linden Ponds golf program was launched in 2005, but was loosely organized without formal coordinators, according to Crowell.