WESTWOOD, Mass – If it’s good enough for Francis Ouimet, then it’s good enough for me!
You know of Francis Ouimet, the former caddie at The Country Club who defeated Ted Ray and Harry Vardon to win the 1913 U.S Open. That’s tantamount to a caddie at Winged Foot defeating Rory and Tiger at a major.
I’ve been reliably informed that Norfolk Golf Club, a nine-hole par 35 golf course located in Westwood, was a favorite destination for Ouimet when he was in the mood for a relaxing round of golf. Established in 1896, Norfolk Golf Club is steeped in history, including 1946 when U.S. Amateur Champion Ted Bishop was a member.
Norfolk Golf Club, or “Norfie” to regulars, is a pleasant course that meanders through a former cow pasture and was created not by Donald Ross or Rees Jones, but by six members that walked the property. I have doubts about the veracity of the story, but there is no question that Norfolk Golf Club is one of the best nine-hole courses in New England.
Norfolk Golf Club stretches out to about 5,800-yards and just about every golfer in the Bay State has played there at some point and come away with a fond memory of on-course and off-course shenanigans. The infamous and signature Norfolk “porch” – a sprawling wrap-a-round deck that overlooks Hole No. 5 and 9 – has hosted countless golfing tales of gambling and drinking, all in good taste and fun!
The first hole is a long par-4 dogleg left. The green rises about 35 feet higher than the fairway so take an extra club so your ball does not roll down the hill and end up in some nasty rough.
The second hole is another challenging par 4 which demands an accurate tee shot. The green is tucked into a corner and is guarded by a large bunker. The third hole is a short par 3, surrounded by bunkers and the green has few subtle breaks, so plan the tee shot carefully.
The fourth hole is a real roller-coaster of a par 4. The first 180 yards are straight up the hill and requires a solid tee shot to find a level lie. Then it is 200 yards down the hill to a large green and your approach shot needs to be high with lots of spin to hold the dome-shaped green.
Hole No. 9 is a par -3 that plays about 180 yards. There are a couple of large bunkers framing the green, but there is a clear path between them that is begging you to try a classic bump-and-run shot.
Norfolk Golf Cub is a fun course to play. I played nine-holes with two members of the club who said they enjoyed the friendly atmosphere at the club.
“We’ve been members of Norfolk (a/k/a Norfie) for many years. It is always in great condition and the best thing is that you feel like all the members treat each other like we are all one big happy family,” said the long-time member of the private club. “It’s a great value for money when you compare with other clubs.”
