Worldgolfer's Golf Course Reviews

Course Name: Button Hole Short Course

Designer: P.B. Dye/Brad Faxon/Ron Prichard (2000)

Location: Providence, Rhode Island

History: Founded by legendary Rhode Island golfer Ed Mauro, Button Hole was founded in 2000 to introduce inner city Providence kids to golf. The program has been a resounding success and has produced several elite players. Notably, an infamous murder was committed on the course in 2000.

Conditions: 7/10, despite the third teebox being a mat, this course is in very good shape. Greens are fast and smooth and tee boxes are generally very lush.

Value: 9/10, just $10 for adults, Button Hole offers all kinds of discounts, most impressive a $1 deal to “Button Hole Kids.”

Scorecard:

Tee                     Par         Yardage         Rating          Slope

Blue                   27           972                 25.5               N/A

White                27            651                24.3                N/A

Hole Descriptions: Most of these holes require nothing more than a wedge, but I will point to several highlights. The 2nd hole is the second longest on the course at 134 yards and is next to the driving range. Despite a large net, many balls still find their way onto this hole making it both dangerous and hard to find your ball. The 3rd hole is notable for its mat teebox as well as a carry over wasteland. The 7th hole plays straight downhill at 110 yards while the 8th is the best on the course. At 142 yards, this signature hole is both the longest and most scenic, requiring a well struck iron over water.

General Comments: Button Hole is also a Teaching Center and has great practice facilities. The green is large and allows chipping and the range is arguably the best in Providence. The pace of play was good when I played, and should be good given how short the course is.

Verdict: I can’t rank Button Hole highly because it is a short course, but I will point out that it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do. As an affordable, well-kept urban course, Button Hole has provided many kids the joy of golf and has a wonderful track record. If you are learning how to play golf, I highly recommend Button Hole but this is probably not a course for serious golfers.