Worldgolfer's Golf Course Reviews

Course Name: Swansea Country Club Executive Par 3 Course

Designer: Michael Weremay (1999)

Location: Swansea, Massachusetts

History: One of several par three courses designed by the Weremays around the turn of the century, Swansea CC features holes in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Conditions: 6/10, Similar to the regulation course at Swansea, the greens, teeboxes, and bunkers were in very good shape. The areas between the holes and fairways were a bit rough, however.

Value: 8/10, For $12 dollars everyday, the Par 3 course is a good deal, and much better than a driving range for practice.

Scorecard:

Tee                     Par         Yardage         Rating          Slope

Blue                  27           1378               27.4               84

White                27           1196               27.4               84

Red                    27             957               28.5               89

Hole Descriptions: What makes Swansea CC stand out compared to other par three courses is the variation in hole design. With elevation changes, water hazards, and differing lengths, you will be forced to think your way around this course to save par. This is immediately evident on the opening hole, a tree-lined downhill hole that appears much farther than 184 yards. This narrow green runs hard back-to-front like most of the holes on the regulation course.

The 2nd hole only plays 147 yards, but requires a carry the entire way to avoid a swampy marshland. At 188 yards, the 3rd hole is the longest hole on the course and may even force some players to take out woods. This green is protected by two bunkers and a steep embankment down to water on the right.

At 148 yards, the 4th hole was my least favorite on the course. With no real hazards, this hole is basically a field with a green. Despite being the 7th handicap, I found the 5th hole to be the most difficult on the course. This 163 yarder requires a carry the entire way over a pond and bunker with a tall lip to a deep back-to-front green.

The 6th hole is similar, albeit a bit shorter at 151 yards. This hole also requires a carry over the same pond to reach a circular green. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say this is the best par 3 at Swansea CC (Executive and Regulation course).

After the short, unremarkable 107 yard 7th hole, the 8th hole borders the regulation course and plays 132 yards. This hole again features a carry over marshland the entire way. At only 158 yards, the closing hole is the number 1 handicap due to it’s extreme uphill gradient that makes the hole play longer and appear more intimidating. Deep bunkers flank the sides of this green.

General Comments: Sharing a clubhouse with the regulation course, there is a driving range and large practice green available if you want to warm up before you play. Pace of play was good, as there weren’t many people on the course. I liked the green complexes at the Par 3 course much more than the regulation course, and most of these holes are better than the par threes on the regulation course.

Verdict: This challenging executive course forces you to use every club in the bag, and is much more fun and cost-effective than a driving range. I recommend this course to both novices and good players who want to work on their iron game.