Bay State Golf Podcast

I list five courses I played before I started my quest that I am looking forward to playing again and checking off the list.At the end of this episode, I read the story from my mid-week post about George Wright and The Great Depression. LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

Ben Larsen, the founder of 413 Golf, joins the Baystate Golf Podcast to discuss his passion for golf and his new newsletter. Ben shares his decision to start the newsletter and his goal of building a community around Western Mass golf. He highlights the eclectic mix of golf courses in the area, from hidden gems to exclusive clubs. Ben also talks about his background in the golf industry and his own golf game. In this conversation, Ben Larsen shares his favorite golf courses in Massachusetts. Ben describes his personal experiences and memories at each course, highlighting their unique features and the special place they hold in his heart. He also discusses the resurgence of Marion Golf Club and the potential for other courses in Western and Central Massachusetts to undergo transformations.LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

Paul Burke joins Sean to talk about the opening months of the professional golf season, ANWA, and then they dive into The Masters. They look at the last five winners and wonder if it's the best stretch of winners ever, they run through the players without a major championship and wonder who is under the most pressure, and then they wonder where players are in relation to their career peaks.As usual, they make their three picks and darkhorse.LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

I ranked the nine best current players who have never won a major. Then, at the 32-minute mark, I read a story about attending the Masters in 2018.LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

There's plenty of great golf in Massachusetts. I broke up Massachusetts into seven regions and picked one course in each region that is worth playing. LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

Block out a weekend for some golf and hit the road. Here are some ideas for weekend trips to play some excellent golf.LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

Sean is joined by Kevin Van Cleef to share their favorite nine hole courses that they've played in Massachusetts.LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

Picking out some courses around Mass that are "non-traditional" and have a par less than 70.LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

Sharing ten golf Bang for Your Buck public courses that offer excellent value north and west of Boston. LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

Bang for your Buck: I share nine golf courses south of Boston that provide great value for the money. LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

I give out mulligans to five professional golfers to try and change the scope of golf history. I also cover some honorable mentions from my Instagram followers. LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

In this episode, I answer questions from followers on Instagram. Topics:Courses I am most looking forward to playing, My must-haves for a golf courseWestern Mass courses worth driving toUnderrated private courses Favorite public and private courses by Donald Ross, Winter golf spots Golf trips worth takingTips for getting onto private golf courses. LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

In this episode of the Baystate Golf Podcast, I talk about  Wachusett Country Club as the first course in the Baystate Spotlight Series. The spotlight includes facts and history. I share my love for the course's old-school charm, subtlety of the land, and overall feel. I also talk about some aspects I don't love. I compare the back nine to the front nine and a former member weighs in via Instagram with some thoughts about what makes Wachusett CC a tough layout for players who like to hit it left to right.LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

In this conversation, Garrett Salvucci discusses his passion for golf and fashion, as well as his journey in starting a golf page on Instagram. He shares his favorite rounds in Massachusetts.Garrett also mentions some bucket list courses he would like to play around the state. He emphasizes the importance of nice greens and a good overall experience when playing golf. The conversation covers various topics related to golf courses in Massachusetts, including specific courses like Granite Links and DW Field. The discussion also touches on playing golf in the winter and using simulators. Garrett shares his favorite clubs and what's in his bag right now.DropZoneGolfCo on InstagramLINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

Nick Eliopoulos shares his experience as a caddy at Myopia and Essex golf courses in Massachusetts. He discusses the qualities of a good caddy and shares some red flags to watch out for. Nick also talks about his favorite holes at Myopia and Essex and the challenges of caddying on these courses. He shares his love for tournament golf and the unique experience it offers.Finally, Nick reveals his top five golf courses in Massachusetts for his final rounds in the state. Additionally, Nick talks about how he stays engaged with golf during the winter and his other passions, like hunting and fishing.Nick's IG: GimmeThat_GolfLINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

In this solo podcast episode, I share highlights from his quest to play every golf course in Massachusetts. I discuss playing the US Open routing at the Country Club, playing at Willow Bend Country Club with Darren Clarke, playing at Maynard Golf Course, reconnecting with old friends and making new friendships through golf, and the joy of playing alone at Taconic and walking Pinehurst and Elie with my wife, Tiff. I reflect on the meaningful experiences and connections he has made through his golfing journey.LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

I played 25 new courses in Massachusetts in 2023. I ranked them and discuss the different tiers of courses I played and shared my thoughts on each one. I start with the dive bar golf courses, followed by the mediocre middle tier, and finally the top-tier courses. I talk about the conditions, layout, and standout holes of each course and finish up with  my top five courses: Willow Bend, Oakley Country Club, TPC Boston, Great Horse, and Old Sandwich. NOTE: I got a little carried away and spoke about some courses out of the actual order.Here is the actual ranking...Old SandwichGreatHorseTPC BostonOakleyWillowbend Ipswich CCAndoverAcushnet ValleyFour OaksGannonBrooksideMarionSwanseaCC of WilbrahamRidder FarmJuniperFresh PondFurnace BrookJohn ParkerTreehouseMaynard CCStrawberry ValleyTouissetWampanoagElmcrestLINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

Sean and Paul touch on a wide collection of Ryder Cup topics. They start by discussing the short list of sporting events that are better than the Ryder Cup.  They reflect on the Tiger and Phil era ending without a single US victory in Europe, what makes a good match play course, and who has the most to lose. Burke came up with a great topic:If there was an alternate shot 18-hole playoff after a tie on Sunday and the captains picked the opposition's pair, who would they choose? Of course, they finish with their picks. In a podcast first, there's no way both of us will be wrong.... unless there's a tie.LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

Sean and Paul talk about the Open Championship. Sean shares his thoughts on how his personal major rankings are shifting. They discuss the best players with one major championship and how another major could change how history remembers them. Wimbledon and Carlos Alcaraz stir up thoughts on a match-play major in golf and what player we'd put our money on to win the most majors in the next decade. Finally, they get to their picks, long shots, and trunk slammers.LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com

Sean and Paul pick out some storylines for the week at Los Angeles CC, make their picks, and marvel at how the pros handle the stress of high-leverage golf week in and week out.LINKS:Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IGSeanMeliaGolf on TwitterBaystateGolf.com