Published in the August 30, 2018 edition

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

METHUEN — Hickory Hill Golf Course is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The 18-hole Methuen public course officially opened for business on June 27, 1968 with the first nine holes. Three months later, the second nine opened.

Ray Brox owned the land back in 1966, which was farmland at that time, and he hired Manny Francis to design the layout.

Today, Brox’s sons, Eric and Peter, now run the course.

Due to the harsh later winter we had this season, the course opened up a little later than usual as it opened on April 11.

“The turf held up,” said Eric Brox, despite the cold and snow. “We did, though, have a lot of tree damage we had to clean up. Overall, the course is in good shape, especially the greens.”

With its proximity to Route 93, the course is popular for players from towns and cities from Boston up that stretch of highway.

There are leagues every weekday that start at 3 p.m. but they are done by 5:30 p.m. and the public can get in a lot of holes with the late sunset.

There are four tees to accommodate golfers of all abilities. The Blue Tees measure the longest at 6,287 yards. The White Tees measure 6,020 yards while the Gold Tees are 5,191 yards.

The Red Tees are the shortest yardage and they measure 5,081.

Par is 71 while, for the Red Tees, it is 72 as the sixth hole is a par six for the reds while it is a par five for the three other tees. It is ranked as the number-one handicap hole as it is the longest hole on the course.

The slope for the Blue Tees is 123 while it is 119 for the whites. The Gold Tee slope is 111 while the Red Tee slope is 113.

The front nine holes are mostly flat but do feature a couple of elevated tees on the first and fifth holes. The back nine is more hilly and has more forest. On the 14th hole, you must carry the water on your tee shot.

“It is a very playable course,” said Brox. “There are no tricks and we have the four sets of tees. We also strive hard to be friendly.”

The course held its Club Championship in mid-July and, starting in September, it is the home of the Dracut High golf team.

“We like to promote the game to the junior golfer and have great rates,” pointed out Brox.

Players under 18 can play 18 holes for only $20 on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays. Playing nine holes, juniors play $12 on weekdays and $14 on weekends and holidays.

Seniors also get discounted rates as Monday through Thursday they can play 18 holes for $50 with a cart or $40 to walk. For nine holes, it is $32 on those days with a cart or $23 to walk.

For the general public, it is $43 on Monday through Thursday for 18 holes and $45 on Friday. On weekends and holidays, it is $54. Carts are not included in those rates.

Nine holes on weekdays, including Friday are $25 while it is $30 on weekends and holidays. The hours are restricted for nine holes.

Twilight rates on weekdays are $18. On weekends, it is $36 after 3 p.m. and $26 after 5 p.m.

Carts are $18 for 18 holes and $12 for nine. Pull carts are $6.

The clubhouse restaurant is open to the public and opens at 6 a.m. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. and lunch and dinner are served until 9 p.m.

There is also a driving range located to the left of the 10th hole.

For more information call 978-686-0822 or go to golfhickoryhill.com.