FAR CORNER GOLF CLUB continues to thrive along with the game of the golf. (Courtesy Photos)

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

BOXFORD — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of industries have suffered like restaurants and travel. However, one business that has thrived has been golf. Since it is one of the few activities people could do, it has seen a revitalization throughout the country.

Bob Flynn has been the Director of Golf at Far Corner Golf Club in Boxford since 1994.

“Last year was the busiest year we have had since I have been here,” said Flynn. “It reminds me of the 1990’s when Tiger (Woods) came on the scene and the game got popular.”

Far Corner opened in early March last year but had to shut down on March 24. Only Flynn, the superintendent and the grounds crew were at the course during the closure.

It was allowed by the state to reopen in early May and it has been very busy ever since.

“It started instantaneously,” recalled Flynn, about the date they re-opened. “That first day we were booked within hours and we continued to be solid every day.”

About 50 percent of the leagues came back last year and their seasons were extended a little bit due to the late start. This year, all of the leagues have returned.

What also helped was the warm fall last season as it was busy until the start of December when the first real snowfall came.

“I have seen a lot of new faces from players just getting into the sport and ones who left golf and have now come back,” said Flynn. “People were happy to get to enjoy the outdoors.”

One of the advantages that Far Corner has over other courses is that it is the only 27-hole course on the North Shore. The original 18 was built in 1976 when Bob’s father, Bill, was in charge with the other nine holes opening in 1993.

“It helps having those nine extra holes,” said Flynn. “Players can play the course three times in three different ways.”

Far Corner had its 46th-annual North Shore Amateur on Aug. 10 and 11th and will also host the St. John’s Prep junior varsity team this fall.

Its biggest high school event will be the Cape Ann League Open in October which will of course include golfers from the Lynnfield High School team. 

While Flynn has been happy to see his industry thrive, he empathizes for the businesses that have struggled due to the pandemic.

“I really feel bad for those other businesses,” he said. “We are just fortunate that we are an outdoor business.”

The three nine-hole courses are named the Fox, Herron and Hawk. The Fox and Herron are the original 18. The Fox measures 3,438 yards from the black tees and 3,160 from the white tees. The front tees are 2,945 yards, while the red tees are 2,605.

The Heron is 3,273 yards from the championship tees and 3,025 yards from the white tees. The front tees are 2,710, while the red tees are 2,485.

On the Hawk layout, the black tees are 3,220 yards, while the white tees are 3,072. The front tees measure 2,967 yards, and the red tees are 2,806.

Greens fees are $41 for 18 holes on weekdays and $26 for nine. On the weekends, it is $53 for 18 and $30 for nine. There are also special rates for juniors (17 and under) and seniors (62 and over).

Driving carts are also available.

For more information, call 978-352-8300 or check out the Far Corner website at www.farcornergolf.com.