There is a special place just over the Connecticut border where golf etiquette goes to a comfortable, casual nap. It’s called Longhi’s Golf Range in Southwick, MA. If you are looking for the pristine, quiet country club vibes where people clap politely, keep driving. But if you want a place where your terrible swing is met with mutual understanding, welcome home.
When you see the word “Range”, you may think, “Finally a place where my untamed slice can roam free”. That may be partially true. The fairways are mostly wide open, the greens are receptive, but the woods are home to many a $5 Titleist.
The Rules of Engagement (or lack thereof)…
Cash is King: Longhi’s operates strictly on a CASH ONLY basis. If you try to swipe an Apple Watch here, you’ll be laughed off the premisses.
The No-Reservation Rush: There are no tee times. It is first-come, first-served. It’s the ultimate equalizer. A scratch golfer, “dressed to the nine’s”, and a guy hitting a pitching wedge in flip-flops have the exact same rights to a patch of grass.
Shot Value: Everything is right in front of you until you hit the “back 4”. Straight-forward, but enough variety of lengths and elevation changes to keep you guessing about club selection.
Design Variety: The par 3s range from 80-180 yards (white). There are no bunkers, but just enough water to give the high handicap golfer fits. The elevation changes will test the club decision process for all golfers. The greens vary in size, but are not very undulating.
Memorability: The Par 3 (+4) make this course a quirky par 42 golf experience. Quirky = Always Time for 9 likey! Besides these 13 holes you’ll find a driving range and a 18-hole min-golf course.
Aesthetics: This is a tree-lined, woodsy course. Just the type of east coast track you would expect. Anyone with a big hook or slice, make sure you have enough balls to get you through 13 holes!
Conditioning: For a small facility like this one, the course was in excellent shape, particularly the greens. Awesome job, guys!
Ambience: As you might expect, this is a “bare-bones” operation. You hand your cash to someone who is working out of a “garage”. What made this special for me were the people I met out on the course. Even though I played as a single, the groups in front and behind me were fun and engaging. Just a warning to the better golfer who plays quickly…you probably won’t find a quick round here. Just kick back, and relax – enjoy nature and the company.
Rating – Uncategorized: Longhi’s Golf is proof that you don’t need a $500 driver or a collared shirt to have a perfect round. Grab twenty bucks from the ATM, dust off your irons, and prepare to lose a few balls in the Southwick wilderness. Just remember to bring bug spray – those woods are beautiful, but the local mosquitos don’t care about your handicap.
This was a stop on the New England: Birdies (Bogey’s), Bakeries, Brews, and Beauties Golf Adventure. The Pre-round stop was Pasticceria Italia with their wide variety of bakery items.
The post-round brew stop was Rail Trail Ale House. Nothing like a cold local brew after a grueling round.
300 Feeding Hills Rd., Southwick, MA 01077; 413-569-0093; www.longhisgolf.com
