GMGC opened in 1936 as a nine-hole course and has since expanded to 18 holes
GARDNER ― It happened on May 2, 1936, and it had to be one of the most exciting days in the history of the Chair City – the first day of golf at the Gardner Municipal Golf Course.
Amidst a joyous celebration attended by many city officials and eager golfers at the newly built nine-hole layout bordering Crystal Lake, Gardner Mayor James Timpany, a lefthander, hit the first drive down the fairway. The splendor on the grass had begun, and it hasn’t stopped.
On the morning of Tuesday, April 15, under bright and sunny skies, GMGC’s 90th season began – after a delayed opening because of a surprise April snowstorm a few days earlier. The snow quickly melted away and, as all flags were flying on the greens of the full 18 holes that have been standing for nearly 60 years now, golfers flocked to the course.
“I think it’s going to be a very good year here,” said Dan Berry, beginning his 28th season at GMGC and 12th as the golf pro manager.
“The course is in great shape, the golf shop is ready, and the staff and I welcome back our members and many others who come for public play,” Berry added.
Located near the 17th tee and the 18th green, Zoe’s On the Green, the popular full-service restaurant and bar, under the capable direction of manager and chef Todd Antoniac, will open soon, adding to the enjoyment of a day spent on the course.
GMGC Superintendent Bill Frank, beginning his 17th season, said that the course fairways and greens came through the winter very well.
“We had a cold winter, but it was fairly dry,” Frank said. “Last year we had more ice and rain and that makes the recovery work in order to get to good spring conditions that much more difficult.”
Frank added that golfers will notice areas on the course that will appear much more inviting after brush was cleared and thinned out, such as the left side of the seventh and 12th hole fairways and both sides adjacent to the 15th fairway.
“Having those areas cleaner and more open will definitely speed up play because golfers won’t have to spend as much time looking for errant shots into the wooded sections,” Frank said. He noted that he was pleased with the condition of the greens especially after his staff had rolled them to attain proper early-season speed measurements.
Frank also praised the Gardner Highway Department for its work over the winter creating attractive and colorful map signs for each hole with yardage distances listed. The map signs are located above golf ball washers near the tee areas of each hole.
Tee Times and Rates
Members can book 5 days in advance and the general public can book 4 days in advance. More information about the course and for booking online tee times can be found at: Gardnergolfcourse.com.
Weekday walking rates are $22 for nine holes and $40 for 18. Riding rates with cart are $39 for nine and $67 for 18. After 4 p.m. rates are $22 unlimited holes walking and $39 with cart for nine holes.
Weekend walking rates are $27 for nine holes and $47 for 18. Riding rates with cart are $44 for nine and $72 for 18. Unlimited walking rates after 4 p.m. are $27 and a nine-hole riding rate of $44.
Season membership rates for 2025 range from Juniors at $150, young adult (ages 30 and under) $800, seniors $800, full individual $1,250 and family $2,000. More details on membership rates are available in the pro shop and also online.
GMGC Tournaments to Watch
The annual two-day Member-Member begins the competitive season on the local links on May 3-4, followed by the Gardner Women’s Golf Association Opening Day Scramble the following weekend.
The major tournament schedule begins during the Memorial Day Weekend in late May when the 78th Delay Memorial Championship will take place. The 49th annual Commissioners’ Cup Match Play begins on June 7 with qualifying rounds, the 89th Men’s Club Championship, a 72-hole tournament, begins on July 19 and the 54th Women’s Club Championship, a 36-hole event, will be played during the weekend of July 26-27.
Read the full article here