I stopped by the Candia Woods Golf Links yesterday in Candia, NH in the southern part of the state. As it turned out, Peter Harrity, the owner of Candia Woods and its sister course, The Oaks, was on site and available for a chat. We spent nearly an hour talking about the challenges of course ownership in these times, the oversupply of courses across the nation and some of the inventive ways Harrity and his staff are building rounds despite the recession and falling interest in the game for young people.
One of the ways Peter and his two golf courses have been able to stay a step ahead of the competition is by offering a Preferred Player card which, among other things, gives the cardholder 10% off on golf fees. The card is free, and you can order it through the Candia Woods or The Oaks web sites. If you are in southern New Hampshire any time in the future, it will save you enough for a couple of hot dogs and a drink on the back porch, overlooking the finishing hole and practice areas.
The golf business, in all its various aspects, is a lot "smaller" than it appears, and Peter and I found we knew some of the same people. We were both excited to learn we share Ken Doyle in common. Ken, the pro at my former home course of Hop Meadow in Simsbury, CT, and Peter met decades ago at Waubeeka Springs golf course. I had forgotten that Ken had started his 40+ year career there, a course I know from having followed around my son on cold October days for junior golf tournaments. Waubeeka, by the way, has a new owner and has hired Mark Mungeam, out of Geoffrey Cornish's design shop, to reshape the course and practice areas. Waubeeka should be dandy next spring and summer and, of course, this time next year, when the leaves turn again. Those with some time on their hands could make a nice little swing through some fine golf courses in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Candia Woods' flat fairways (above) provide a good walk for those who like to tote their bags. Peter Harrity and his staff have been able to keep revenues flowing by booking a large share of outings. Their Evergreen Pavillion (below) can handle big and hungry post-round groups, as well as weddings and other events.
