Golf and singles — fun and fellowship

By Mary Parslow

Being single after 30 years of marriage and wanting to meet other singles can be a daunting experience. My daughter Trish came to the rescue with an e-mail to me about the Central Mass. Singles Golf Association. I joined shortly after, and have discovered a great way to meet other singles who enjoy playing golf together. Not one for the club or singles dance scene, this was a perfect way for me to meet other singles. Golf outings are mixed with social events throughout the year, not just the golf season. I felt immediately welcomed into the group.

The Central Mass. Singles Golf Association is part of the American Singles Golf Association. Our Central Mass. branch has approximately 60 members spread over all of Massachusetts, but most members live in Central Mass. So far, Central Mass. is the only chapter in our state. Membership in the Association allows you to participate in not only local but national events as well. Membership is split almost evenly between men and women. You don't have to be a low-handicap golfer. I am not. You play in foursomes with usually two guys and two gals.

Since joining in July 2006, I have attended weekend golf tournaments in Massachusetts. After our golf tournament at Clearview Golf Course, our Chairman of the Board, Ron Pichette, prepared a complete clambake for all who attended. What a feast! We also had a holiday party in December and Ron gave homemade chocolates to each lady golfer.

I also attended the National New Year's Eve tournament weekend in Tampa, Florida. I met other single golfers from all over the U.S. We stayed at the Hyatt Hotel in Tampa and played at two beautiful courses just outside the city. The National Association sponsored a New Year's Eve Dance at the hotel. I never realized that I had such a prominent "Boston accent" until other golfers from Chicago, Philly and parts south and west made good-natured fun of my pronunciation of caht (cart) or lahge (as in "large Coke"). Several hundred singles attended this event.

Our local chapter sponsors golf weekends as well. Lake Morey in Vermont and Cape Cod were the locations for two fun golf weekends last season. We will be returning to both places this summer. The Albany, New York chapter has invited us for a weekend golf tournament and horse track event in Saratoga.

Central Mass. also traditionally plays a Ryder Cup event with the Hartford, Conn. Chapter each summer. This summer's event took place at Heritage Golf Course in Charlton.

Sometimes 18 holes of golf can be challenging and also pricey for those of us on a tight budget. So our chapter also sponsors "Nine and Wine" events, where we play nine holes and then enjoy a convivial gathering afterward. There are events for every level of golfer. There are also "hooky" days during the work week for those who can get away from the job for a day of golf.

There's always a social or golf event to look forward to, thanks our social chairperson who plans these events for the fun and benefit of all. The Patriots play-offs and Super Bowl Sunday were occasions for informal get togethers. There have been at least two marriages between singles who met on the course. Then there are the Monthly Mingles at a local restaurants.

The Mingles are fun and informal and potential new members are encouraged to come. Dues are currently $70 per year. There are currently 14 golf events planned for the Central Mass. 2007 season. Membership is open to singles from age 21 to 80 and up.

The American Singles Golf Association is a non-profit organization formed to promote singles golf and fellowship. In 10 years the Association has grown to 60 national chapters located in cities nationwide. A good part of joining is that you can participate in any of the other chapter events across the country. If you are vacationing out of state, you can contact the local chapter in your vacation spot to participate in one of that chapter's events. Volunteers run the local chapters.

Interested in joining Central Mass. Singles Golf? Just call 508-770-9452 or visit our Web site at www.centralmass-asga.com and find out when the next monthly "mingle" is scheduled. Bring a friend and join a group that promotes fairways, fun and friendships to a tee.