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COURSE OF THE WEEK
This friendly layout can get a bit testy
By Paul Harber, Globe Staff, 8/17/2000
GOFFSTOWN, N.H. -- When you approach the entrance to Stonebridge Country Club, you realize you are someplace special. The leafy road that leads to the entrance takes you over a delightful stone bridge and past the signature hole, a wonderful par 3 over water.
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STONEBRIDGE CC
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Goffstown, NH - 18 holes
603-497-8633
Par 72
| TEES |
YARDS |
RATING |
SLOPE |
| Red |
4,747 |
67.6 |
116 |
| Green |
5,628 |
68.1 |
127 |
| Gold |
6,388 |
70.8 |
134 |
| Black |
6,808 |
73.0 |
138 |
TEE-TIME:
Five days
DIRECTIONS: From Boston, take Route 3 or I-93 north to Route 101 west. Take Route 101 twest to Route 114 north. Follow Route 114 north (about 9 miles) to Parker Station Road. Take right. Take next right, Gorham Pond Road. Follow until you reach golf course on your left.
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Over the years, architect Phil Wogan, whose familial roots connect with Donald Ross, has created some wonderful layouts, including Pembroke CC and Lake Sebago. However, this might be the finest effort by the octogenarian designer and his young partner George Sargent.
No, it's not a course the US Golf Association would want to use for a tournament, but Stonebridge is a wonderful track for the common golfer and it is very women friendly. The average woman player can tee it up from the front tees and be challenged, while the better women players can hit from a second set of tees that also are rated for women.
In three years, Stonebridge has grown in and the fairways and greens are lush. If there is a nit to pick, maybe the cart paths could use an upgrade, which undoubtedly is in the plans. However, for those who like to walk a course, it is a nice layout. Even seniors can make 18 holes without extreme effort.
At first glance, scratch golfers think they will beat up the course. Even middle handicappers think they can put together a career round. Rarely does that happen. In fact, the course record was set a week ago in the New Hampshire Golf Association's Stroke Play Championship by Craig Steckowych of Cocheco who posted a 67. During the four-round tournament, it was the only round in the 60s.
Stonebridge CC can haunt you. After a round, you'll re-play the course in your mind. Stonebridge lures you back -- the mark of a well-designed course. It doesn't beat you up physically and emotionally; it simply toys with you.
There is a rhythm to the layout.
You start out with a series of generously wide-open holes to give you the opportunity to find your swing. These holes represent your best chances for birdies.
The back nine, with three par 5s, is much more difficult than the front. It is a test with a climactic finish.
The 17th hole is a narrow, uphill par 5 that plays between wetlands and out of bounds. The 18th may be one of the best finishing holes in New Hampshire. It's a par 4 requiring an approach over water to an elevated green. It plays 427 yards from the back.
Many tournaments and matches will be decided on these finishing holes.
This story ran on page D16 of the Boston Globe on 8/17/2000.
© Copyright 2000 Globe Newspaper Company.
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