SANDWICH, Mass – Heading out onto Route 95 North from the Providence (R.I.) Airport, after my arrival from Orlando (FL), I just couldn’t get the Bee Gee’s Song “Massachusetts” out of my mind as I began to start singing 🎶 Feel I’m goin’ back to Massachusetts. Something’s telling me I must go home 🎶 as I headed towards Cape Cod, to the Town of Sandwich, to meet with friends and play Sandwich Hollow’s Golf Course, where I had been a member prior to moving to The Villages in Florida in 2019.
Owned and operated by the town of Sandwich. This 18-hole, par 71 championship layout was carved from 120 wooded acres of rolling terrain. The fairways were designed to include some of the most scenic elevations on Cape Cod. The view from the Clubhouse offers a panoramic look at both Cape Cod Bay and the tranquil Town of Sandwich. The property offers a practice range and memberships are available.
Over the past year, Sandwich Hollows has been in a constant state of transition while a new watering system is being installed throughout the entire course. This state-of-the-art system will add new life to the fairways and greens. With all of the disruption that occur, during any long-term course improvement project, the course still remains in operation offering its Pass-holders and guest an opportunity to play with little or no disruptions.
A visit to the Pro Shop found a variety of golfing attire and equipment and the staff was courteous and helpful. Daily Green Fees fluctuate depending on the season and time of day. It’s best to give the Pro Shop a call to check on the daily fees or go online. The clubhouse also has a restaurant that is a popular hangout for local golfers.
This 18-hole, Par 72 course offers 4 sets of tee boxes. Blue Tees– 6307 yards 70.4/122, White Tees– 5915 yards 68.8/120, Red Tees– 5124 yards 70.7/121, White Tees ladies- 5915 yards 73.8/124. There is a full driving range located beside the clubhouse and putting greens at both the first and tenth tees.
I recommended a golf cart be rented if you are planning on playing the full 18 holes. The changes in elevation, throughout the course, could be an unexpected physical challenge to some golfers who choose to walk the course.
The entire course is surrounded by natural boarders that all seem to be in perfect harmony. Numerous undulations and strategically placed bunkers combined with this natural setting creates a golf course that will challenge the accomplish player while accommodating the novice player with its multiple tee boxes, including “Family Tee Boxes” on every hole.
The Front Nine gives players a taste of what Cape Cod has to offer when it comes to a good “Old Fashion” New England golf course. The first tee to the ninth tee offers the golfer a true test of dealing with tree lined fairways, overhanging branches, and sloping fairways that will capture even the most well-placed drives.
There are numerous elevation changes, that are not expected on Cape Cod, along with deep bunkers surrounding some greens. Enjoy your introduction to Sandwich Hollows because what awaits you on the back nine is the true test of what you learned on the front nine. The saying here at “The Hollows” is “You walk the front nine, but you hike the back nine.”
Starting with the 10th tee to the 18th tee you will begin to understand the true meaning of “elevation changes” when it comes to Sandwich Hollows. The Back Nine is a true test of both ball placement and courage that will have you thinking and rethinking club selection throughout the remainder of your round. There is a sign placed at the top of the 10th tee in the winter that reads, “Sandwich Hollows Welcomes Sledders, But Asks They Be Respectful.”
The 14th “Signature Hole” is a par 5, 456 yard “roller coaster” that will have your undivided attention from tee to green. The wide-open fairway is a drivers dream but beware of the downhill lie awaiting you on the others side of the mountain. The raised green is a difficult target to reach in two even for the most seasoned golfers.
The 17th and 18th holes are truly a challenge to all levels of golfers. The 17th is an uphill climb that leads to a blind shot to a raised sloping green. An Approach shot landing above the pin on this hole could result in a “Snowman” (8) if you’re not paying attention.
The 18th hole is a nice closing hole and over time has given up some of its original features. A large Oak tree stood guard in front of this green for many years before it was removed a few years back. The original layout of this hole was a par 5 that had the green at the absolute top of the hill in back of the clubhouse which is now the putting green. It’s still a great closing hole that leaves you finishing deep in a hollow at “The Hollows.”
When visiting Cape Cod may I suggest you put Sandwich Hollows on your list of courses to play!
https://www.sandwichhollows.com/
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