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Hyannisport Club
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Photography by George Peet
Many golfers on the Cape call Hyannisport Club their favorite course. With just one gander at the view from the clubhouse over the fairways that sweep down toward the shimmering waters of Vineyard Sound, it is easy to see why. And after just one time around this historic layout, you’ll wonder why it’s not everyone’s favorite.
The influence of Donald Ross, who did some refurbishing work on the course in the 1930’s, is especially evidenced on Nos. 10 and No. 12, whose inverted-saucer type greens were also on display during the 1999 U.S. Open at Ross’s masterpiece, Pinehurst No. 2.
Like many Cape courses, The ‘Port lies at the mercy of the wind. Along with contending with the elements, the course is also deceptively short (6,250 yards from the back tees). 1998 Cape Cod Senior Amateur champion, Mike Berube, called it “the toughest 6,250-yard course you could ever want to play.” Its compact greens range from 9-to-11 on the Stimpmeter, and varying terrain offers every shot in the book, no weak golf holes, and vistas that would rival anything Pebble Beach has to offer.
Hyannisport is the site of two of the area’s biggest amateur golf championships – the Cape Cod Amateur (preparing for its 49th event) and April’s Seagulls Fourball Championship, the unofficial kick-off of tournament golf in New England. If the Seagulls were played elsewhere, it would not have the same overwhelming appeal, but when the players go to “The ‘Port” for this tournament, there is incredible electricity in the air that reinvigorates everyone’s golfing desires.
In the early 1960’s, Hyannisport was the home club of President John F. Kennedy, and more than its share of dignitaries has toured its manicured fairways. Hyannisport is also the site of one of the biggest fall celebrity events in the region – the Robert Kennedy Memorial Tournament, hosted by Ethel Kennedy. Such notables as Bill Murray, Kevin Costner and former Celtics’ great Bill Russell have all participated on this event.
The course is open to public play after October 25th. Greens fees are $100 and tee time reservations must be made in advance by calling 508-775-2978.
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