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Bay State Golf Podcast

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Looking for the best golf courses in Massachusetts to play before the season ends? I’ve played 157 courses across the state and narrowed it down to 10 that are worth checking out. From splurge-worthy tracks to hidden value gems, this list has something for every golfer and every budget. Watch full episode on YouTube ⏱ Timestamps & Courses Splurge-Worthy ($100+) 00:02:30 – Taconic Golf Club – $180 walk – Williamstown, MA 00:03:36 – Waverly Oaks Golf Club – $85–$140 (cart + range balls in...
In this Open Championship deep dive, Sean and Paul tee off on everything from course repetition to major championship schedules to who actually needs a win at Royal Portrush. They debate legacy vs. form, make picks, and even go off the rails into Savannah Bananas and lost golf history in country club basements. Timestamps: 00:01 – Intro: Venue fatigue, Billy Horschel’s European comments01:09 – Open Championship nostalgia & why it’s Sean’s favorite major03:21 – St. Andrews, Tiger Woo...
Sean and Paul break down the upcoming 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont. From Bryson’s viral practice round, Rory's odd post-Masters stretch, and who really needs to win this week, the guys cover it all—including picks and other predictions. LINKS: Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IG SeanMeliaGolf on Twitter BaystateGolf.com
In this episode, Sean Melia welcomes Marcos Baugh, the founder of Urban Golf Club, a Boston-based nonprofit bringing golf and financial literacy to kids in the city. Marcos shares how he uses foam golf balls in gymnasiums, lemonade stands at Franklin Park, and caddie loops at The Country Club to open new worlds for his students. The two dig into what it really means to "grow the game," the potential of Ponkapoag, LIV vs. PGA Tour, and why everyone should experience the game. 🎧 Topics includ...
Sean and Burke made some quick PGA Championship picks during halftime of game 4 of the Celtics-Knicks game. The second half did not go well, but maybe our picks will, though. Then, on the back end of this podcast, Burke shares his experience as a caddie for Evan Harmeling at the Club Car Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour in April. LINKS: Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IG SeanMeliaGolf on Twitter BaystateGolf.com
The Golf Trip Guys, Sean Toland and Mike Vadala, discuss their inaugural golf trip to Hilton Head. They share insights on the concept of customized golf trips, the selection of Hilton Head as a destination, and the overall experience, including the competitive elements, social dynamics, and the various golf courses played. The conversation also touches on future plans for golf trips, including potential international destinations. Golf Trip Guys Website Bay State Golf Newsletter LINKS...
It's been a busy April after a cold and quiet March. I played golf on an island, on the mainland, and in Hilton Head. I've worn four layers and required hand warmers and have also needed 50 spf sun screen. Here's where's I've teed it up so far: Sandy Burr: (Wayland, Mass.) 2:17 Miacomet (Nantucket, Mass.): 6:30 Old South Links (Bluffton, SC): 10:30 Palmetto Dunes Fazio (Hilton Head, SC): 13:19 Palmetto Dunes Arthur Hills (Hilton Head, SC): 16:29 Palmetto Dunes Jones (Hilton Head, SC): 20:29...
Peter Marchetti, founder of SwingPass golf, is this week's guest. SwingPass aims to create a community for golfers seeking friendly competition without the country club price tag. They explore how SwingPass provides opportunities for golfers to connect, compete, and enjoy the game in a laid-back environment. The discussion also highlights the importance of community in golf, the various event formats offered by SwingPass, and the adaptability of the program to meet the needs of its memb...
Maria Cianchette, a talented golfer and designer behind Sometimes Draws is this week's guest. Maria shares her journey into golf, her experiences in competitive play, and the challenges she faced as a female golfer. The conversation also delves into the intersection of art and golf, exploring how Maria finds inspiration for her designs and her creative process. Finally, Maria shares her top five golf course picks in Maine, highlighting her favorite places to play. IG: Sometimes Draws Website:...
Sean and Paul dive deep into the recent Masters tournament, highlighting Rory McIlroy's historic win and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied it. They discuss the significance of consistency in golf, the balance of luck and skill, and the unique experiences that come with watching the Masters. The conversation also touches on the historical context of the tournament, comparing it to past memorable moments and exploring the challenges of Augusta National. Ultimately, they reflect on th...
Paul Burke joins Sean to preview The Masters. Topics: Multiple major winners of the 2020s and who can join the club?Is there TOO MUCH Masters coverage?Who is feeling the pressure to win?Who is in the wilderness?Can players with scars from Augusta ever win The Masters?Picks and dark horsesLINKS: Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IG SeanMeliaGolf on Twitter BaystateGolf.com
Some courses have the perfect combo of walkable, playable, and enjoyable. These courses aren't necessarily all the best courses in the state, but they are public courses I could imagine playing everyday because they aren't too taxing and are a blast to play. . Taconic GC- 1:23 Butter Brook- 3:47 Kettle Brook- 5:41 Franklin Park- 7:41 D.W. Field- 9:35 Wachusett CC- 10:48 Acushnet River Valley- 12:41 Honorable mention (north of Boston) Hillview GC- 15:29 Merrimack Valley- 17:04 LINKS: Watch on...
Mike Bird, the assistant superintendent at Green Harbor Golf Course, shares insights into the world of golf course management, particularly during the winter months. He discusses the importance of social media in connecting golf enthusiasts, the ongoing renovations at Green Harbor, and the growing trend of winter golf. Mike also reflects on his journey into the turf management industry, his internship experiences, and the common challenges faced by golf courses, emphasizing the need for real...
A good month of golf to (probably) finish off the 2024 season... Winchester CC (Private) - 2:00 Whaling City GC (Public) - 7:00 Ponkapoag GC (Public) - 10:55 Plymouth CC (Private) - 14:35 Ould Newbury GC (Semi-private) - 18:25 LINKS: Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IG SeanMeliaGolf on Twitter BaystateGolf.com
Over the course of my quest to play every course in Massachusetts, I have seen some good and some bad and some that could be improved with a little attention. Here are six public courses that I think have potential and why. ____ Butternut Farm (Stow, Mass.) - 2:05 Maynard GC (Maynard, Mass) - 5:29 Stow Acres South (Stow, Mass.) - 9:45 Ponkapoag GC Course No. 1 (Canton, Mass.) - 12:35 Whaling City GC (New Bedford, Mass.) - 16:10 Elmcrest CC (East Longmeadow, Mass.) - 21:25 (Currently clo...
Two trips to Western Mass. highlighted an incredible month of golf. I share the good and the bad from each of the seven courses I played. Five were new courses in the quest to play them all and two were revisits. LINKS: Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IG SeanMeliaGolf on Twitter BaystateGolf.com
Sean Toland joins the podcast to talk about making golf trips. Sean and Mike Vadala started Golf Trip Guys to help golfers make memories on golf trips because they realized how much they loved organizing trips with their friends. Sean discusses the origins of Golf Trip Guys, gives some details about the first trip to Hilton Head in April, and then digs into some Massachusetts golf courses. Links: https://www.golftrip-guys.com/ LINKS: Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Bay...
Coach Kevin Duffy discusses golf training, golf diet, and his journey in the world of training and golf. He talks about his background in football and how he transitioned into golf training. He emphasizes the importance of lower body strength and stability in golf and dispels the myth of getting too bulky from strength training. He also highlights the misconception of stopping training during the golf season and emphasizes the need to maintain strength and flexibility throughout the year. He ...
I played seven courses in August. Four of them were new and three were courses I was revisiting. I share two things I liked and one thing that I didn't like about each. 2:39: Concord CC (Private) 9:00: Wollaston GC (Private) 15:54: Gardner Muni (Public) 19:55: Holden Hills CC (Public) 25:10: Whitinsville GC (Private) 31:26: Kernwood CC (Private) 36:50: Stow Acres South (Public) LINKS: Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on IG SeanMeliaGolf on Twitter BaystateGolf.com
Andy Cocker picked up golf 13 years ago. Now he's traveling the world to rate courses for Top 100 Golf Courses. He recently spent some time in New England. We discuss a number of the courses he's played, how he gets onto the private courses, what he likes and dislikes, and we dig into Hooper, Taconic, Boston Golf, Old Sandwich, and the Cape Cod golf scene, which is where he spends most of his time while visiting the area. LINKS: Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Baystate Golf on I...