#SugarRiverSocial Hosted by Eastman Golf Links

The Sugar River Social – Beginner Tips and Tricks with Sean

The most recent Sugar River Social was hosted by Eastman Golf Links in Grantham and was a fantastic time for everyone. With a few dedicated attendees, we learned (and relearned, for some already experienced golfers) the basics of the swing through a relaxed and enjoyable introduction. Following the social, Forbes Tavern and Events hosted trivia (Wednesdays at 6 pm all summer!) which was a total blast. The restaurant was packed!

Forbes Tavern and Events Trivia Night. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Sean, one of Eastman Golf Links Golf Pros, was an amazing coach and full of knowledgeable tips and tricks for us. His methods and insights proved to be a game-changer. One attendee said, “That was just awesome. Sean’s short lesson on basic parts of the golf swing helped put the fun back in fundamentals. I was hitting the ball better than I had in years, and it made me really want to go play more golf!” Overall, it was wonderful getting to learn more about golf and experiencing the fun-filled atmosphere at Forbes on a busy evening.

The Eastman Community Association and Golf Links center is known for its variety of amenities and facilities.

Event spaces:

The Center at Eastman: This facility features a banquet room with a capacity for large gatherings, a full-service restaurant, and catering options. It is often used for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.
The South Cove Activity Center: Another versatile space suitable for meetings, family reunions, and smaller events. It includes a pool and fitness center, making it an attractive option for more active or family-oriented events.

The Center at Eastman. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Tournaments and Programs

Eastman Golf Links hosts various tournaments and programs throughout the year. These events are popular among local golfers and attract participants from outside the area as well. Their calendar includes charity tournaments, youth programs, holiday tournaments, and open competitions, catering to different skill levels and interests.

Green Fees

There are many different golf rates at Eastman Golf Links, depending on what activity you want to do and when. Check out the daily rates page for general fees and membership.

The Changing Landscape of Golf

Golf often feels daunting to newcomers – between the intricate rules, high costs, and the sheer challenge of hitting that tiny ball, the sport can seem intimidating. But as we discovered, with the right approach and a supportive community, these barriers can be broken down. This makes golf fun and accessible to everyone.

The sport is experiencing a renaissance, becoming more inclusive and approachable than ever. Golf courses are now being designed to cater to all skill levels, ensuring that even novices can enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed. The COVID-19 pandemic played a surprising role in this transformation. Many turned to golf for its natural social distancing and as a way to fill their newfound free time.

Golfers Enjoying a Lovely Day at Eastman Golf Links. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

The real question now is how to keep this wave of new golfers engaged as life returns to its usual pace. Whether you’re still in school or 94 years young, like one of Eastman’s spirited participants the morning of the social, golf offers a unique way to connect with the outdoors and challenge yourself.

Engaging in the Sport Long-Term

Keeping golf enjoyable and sustaining interest over time can be challenging, but it’s entirely possible with the right mindset. Engaging in friendly competition, regardless of skill level, can add an exciting dimension to your game. Today, we saw players of all ages and abilities having a great time on the course, proving that golf is truly a sport for everyone. To stay engaged, consider making regular practice a habit, exploring different courses, and celebrating small victories along your journey. Embracing the learning curve and enjoying the process can keep the spirit of golf alive for years to come.

Golf Lessons Learned at Eastman Golf Links

Reflecting on the Sugar River Social event, I realized how much fun golf can be when approached with an open mind and a supportive community. Sean’s concise lesson on the fundamentals breathed life into my game, making me eager to hit the course more often and work on it as a hobby.

Understanding the Basics

One of the most fascinating aspects of golf is the variety of equipment involved. Each club serves a unique purpose, with the most noticeable differences being their length and loft. Longer clubs, like the driver with its 45-inch length and 9-10° loft, are designed for maximum distance. In contrast, shorter irons provide more loft, sending the ball higher but not as far. Mastering these tools is essential, but the foundation of good golf lies in your posture and setup. From your grip to your alignment and ball position, they dictate how you interact with the ball. These elements demand precision from every swing.

Did you know that you can carry up to 14 clubs in your bag?

Learning How to Swing at the Driving Range. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Mastering the Swing

Golf’s beauty lies in its simplicity and complexity, especially when it comes to the swing. At its core, the golf swing is a rotational movement, starting from a firm foundation. Beginners are often encouraged to start with a short club, like the 8-iron, to develop a feel for the swing mechanics. It’s crucial to understand how club length and loft affect your shots: longer clubs with less loft cover more distance, while shorter clubs with more loft send the ball higher. Despite these general rules, every golfer’s swing is unique. Our instructor, Sean, mentioned that he could identify players by their swings from across the range! The key to a successful swing lies in the hips and creating enough space to strike the ball effectively.

Sean taught us a concept that really changed how we swing, known as “The Belt Buckle”. The basic idea here is that once you are in the correct stance and have the right posture, your belt buckle should not be parallel with the ground. In fact, the face of your buckle should be facing the ground at a diagonal angle. This is how you get your hips into the right position to be able to clear room for the swing. It certainly feels odd, since you are holding your body weight mostly on the balls of your feet and your tush is further back than you would normally have it, standing in a regular sports “ready position”.

My Softball Experience Helped… Kind Of…

I had never played real golf (my only experience being mini-golf). It was also funny to me to realize that with nearly every aspect of a good beginner swing, you will feel off. As in, if it doesn’t feel natural, it’s probably the right way to do it. For me, this manifested in first the interlocked grip on the handle and the position of my left hand. It certainly felt incorrect – as a former softball player, I am used to stacking my grip.

Then when it came to the swing, I learned that I am totally conditioned to not want to swing low. The first 30 minutes of the session consisted of me missing the ball… swing after swing. I felt so embarrassed! But again, as a former softball player, I learned that I have to consciously swing lower than I would be comfortable with to actually make contact with the ball. However, I was complimented on the speed of my swing and that my form looked great. That made me feel great, even if I still wasn’t hitting the ball.

Now Back to the Stance

As I mentioned before with the stance, it was a bit weird to feel the majority of my weight on the balls of my feet. I felt unbalanced starting the swing and unbalanced after the swing. Following the follow through, you end with nearly all your weight on your front leg (since I am right-handed, I ended on my left). I tell you, I was so sore in the days following. You wouldn’t think you’d get sore legs from just swinging a golf club, but you do! All of that discomfort was worth it though. By the end of the session, I was hitting the ball nearly consistently! I learned that golf doesn’t have to be perfect to be enjoyable. It’s about the journey and the incremental improvements along the way.

The Eastman Golf Links Course. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Get Out on the Greens!

If you’re curious about golf or looking to reconnect with the game, I recommend checking out beginner sessions or going to a driving range. The camaraderie and support make learning golf a delightful experience.

Check out Eastman if you’re looking for a group activity! There’s more to do than just the 18-hole golf course. You can participate in outdoor activities like hiking and biking, water sports on Eastman Lake, tennis and pickleball courts, and fitness programs at the South Cove Activity Center. Visitors can purchase day passes or memberships to access amenities, join clubs, participate in golf tournaments, and attend community events.

Share your own golf stories or tips with us—we’d love to hear how you make golf fun and accessible in your own way!