This past July the Bay Club at Mattapoisett completed a 1 ¼ acre Short Game Practice Area.  Watching the  Booth and Faxon designed course mature over the past five years has given Head Golf Professional Greg Yeomans a strong understanding of the course’s particular challenges and it’s impact on the players games.  With this knowledge, Yeomans and a group of Bay Club members approached Faxon and Booth to create a short game practice area that addressed the Bay Club’s specific needs.  The vision became a 7000 square foot practice area with a two tiered green, three practice bunkers, 70 yards of fairway along with ample rough grasses so players can practice every conceivable shot.

“Players will lower their handicap without ever having to make another full swing on the range by only utilizing this area,” says Yeomans.  “A player can now practice a 70 yard pitch shot, a greenside bunker shot, a chip shot, a flop shot and their putting all in one session and all from a variety of locations.  It has made short game lessons much more productive, as we can truly replicate any situation a player may face on the course.”

Club member Jeannie Smith recently stated, “The new short game practice facility has made a terrific difference in my confidence as I approach the green. Within a small amount of time it allows me to practice a seemingly infinite variety of shots.  I am certain that soon the time I spend practicing at this new location will show up in my handicap!”

The new short game practice area is the latest upgrade to the Bay Club’s golf facility with its 18 hole championship course, driving range, practice putting green, and indoor practice area.

The Bay Club Mattapoisett Golf House Restaurant was full of exuberance this past weekend where members gathered to watch member Peter Uihlein, in the 42^nd Walker Cup Match played at famed Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, PA. Peter, a 20-year-old-sophomore at Oklahoma State and a captain’s pick for the Walker Cup, proved himself invaluable to Team USA, posting a perfect 4-0 record for the weekend and registering the decisive point in the USA’s third consecutive victory (16 ½ -9 ½ ) over Great Britain and Ireland.

Head Bay Club Golf Professional Greg Yeomans, along with a group of fellow Bay Club members, made the short trip to Philadelphia in support of Team USA and the Club’s most celebrated member, Peter Uihlein. Unlike in professional golf, spectators at the amateur level are allowed to walk the course alongside the players, thus giving Yeomans an up close and personal vantage point. “Being present at the 2009 Walker Cup was one of the more rewarding golf experiences I have had in my life. Having had the opportunity to play with Peter several times this summer I began to see a different player and a different person, both in good ways. For only 20 years old, I am amazed at how he carries himself, he possesses a presence with every move he makes. He played well this summer, highlighted by the Quarter-final run at the US Amateur, but what I saw the last two days at the Walker Cup was more impressive than anything I have ever seen. He was confident, he was resilient and you could tell he was so proud and excited to be part of Team USA. Who knows what will happen in the coming years, but one thing is for sure, what Peter accomplished, along with the rest of his teammates at the 2009 Walker Cup will forever be remembered for some truly great golf. Thanks for making us so proud Peter!”

Watch Peter’s 18-foot putt on No. 18 at Merion, which gave Team USA a 3-1 lead heading into the Saturday afternoon singles session.