For almost a century, Cape Cod Country Club has been one of the jewels of public golf in Massachusetts — a Devereux Emmet and Alfred Tull design that’s hosted Mass Opens, legendary exhibitions, and generations of local golfers. But now, this beloved course in Falmouth, Massachusetts, faces a new reality: a plan to convert its 18 holes into massive solar arrays led by PureSky Energy.

In this video, we explore the club’s storied past, the Friel family’s management, and the community’s reaction as the town prepares for a crucial November 17th vote that could determine the future of the property. From Arnold Palmer’s 1962 exhibition to today’s open house debates, this story captures the tension between golf’s heritage and renewable energy’s future on Cape Cod.

🎥 Timestamps
00:00 – History of Cape Cod Country Club
03:45 – Friel Golf Management and financial struggles
05:00 – The solar project and PureSky Energy
07:00 – Voices from the community
10:00 – What’s next for golf on Cape Cod

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As fall fades and winter looms, there’s still time for a few unforgettable rounds across Massachusetts golf courses. In this video, I share 10 must-play spots before the season ends — from Cape Cod Country Club and Taconic to Franklin Park and Miacomet. Some are closing, some may turn private, and others just shine in crisp fall weather. Whether you’re chasing late-season tee times or exploring new public golf courses in Massachusetts, these picks will help you finish the year strong. Grab a coffee, bundle up, and let’s hit the road.

Buy a Save Cape Cod CC t-shirt: https://www.baystategolf.com/product-page/save-cape-cod-country-club

00:00 – Intro: 10 courses to play before the end of the season
00:25 – Why now: late-season golf, closures, and splurges
00:42 – Quick plug: subscribe, follow, and newsletter info
01:18 – Video plan and inspiration for it  5 deep dives + 5 quick picks
01:45 – Cape Cod Country Club (Falmouth) – Possibly closing, becoming solar field
03:13 – Cape Club of Falmouth – likely going private soon
03:57 – Leo J. Martin & Ponkapoag – play low-stakes November golf
06:39 – Cohasse Country Club (Southbridge) – private to public success story
08:28 – North Hill (Duxbury) – open year-round, tough second hole
11:00 – Taconic (Williamstown) – late-season splurge
11:35 – Miacomet (Nantucket) – open all year, great off-season trip
12:40 – Franklin Park (Boston) – winter-friendly, fewer leaves than George Wright
13:54 – Whaling City (New Bedford) – drier in fall, development rumors
15:31 – Groton Country Club – wild nine-hole “funhouse” course
17:44 – Bonus: Marion Golf Club – charming southern addition
18:13 – Recap: full list of courses mentioned
19:11 – Wrap-up: call to action & outro

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September Golf Recap: 9 courses, 6 new checks, and one West Coast detour. I sprinted through Cape Cod with a four-day run and squeezed in Whitinsville plus a Walker Cup–adjacent round at Poppy Hills. Quick hits on conditions, vibe, difficulty, and a honest nitpick or two so you can plan your own fall golf.

Chapters
00:00 – Intro: 9 courses, 6 new checks, what to expect
01:46 – Format tweak (why the Cape courses are quick hits)
02:48 – Poppy Hills (Pebble Beach): NCGA price model, 5 par-3s, short-grass heaven
07:31 – Whitinsville (Donald Ross): big-feel nine, great greens, “golf club” vibes
10:47 – Cape trip setup (4 days, base in Yarmouth at The Uncommoner)
12:08 – Farm Neck (Martha’s Vineyard): restoration complete, views + strong inland holes
12:53 – Paul Harney (side quest): par-60, beginner-friendly, fast lap
14:20 – Eastward Ho!: wild land, wind, fast expanded greens, is it a "play every day course?"
16:11 – Highland Links: true New England links feel, secret tees, views.
19:06 – Chequessett: excellent 2–5 stretch, flooding fixes planned, charming/rustic
21:27 – Dennis Pines: Classic Cape Cod golftidy under trees, odd stretch of holes (10–12), tougher back nine
23:12 – Bayberry Links: open look, hidden penalties, limited vistas
26:29 – Wrap-up: shoulder-season notes + where to play next

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Question of the week
What’s your favorite Cape Cod fall route—and which of these should I deep-dive next?

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In this Ryder Cup 2025 preview, Sean Melia and Paul Burke dive into every major storyline shaping golf’s biggest team event. From Bethpage Black’s iconic setup and rowdy New York crowds to the captaincy drama surrounding Keegan Bradley, Luke Donald, and even Tiger Woods, no topic is off-limits. They debate whether John Rahm can carry Europe, if Scottie Scheffler will dominate for the U.S., and how LIV Golf continues to reshape Ryder Cup rosters. With bold predictions for breakout stars and potential disappointments, the stage has been set for an unforgettable week. 

NOTE: Apologies for the poor sound from Sean's mic. 

00:00
The Ryder Cup Excitement

04:06
Historical Context of Ryder Cup Teams

08:48
Bethpage Black as a Venue

13:44
Spectator Experience at the Ryder Cup

18:09
What If the US Loses the Ryder Cup?

22:05
Ryder Cup Dynamics and Leadership

27:35
The Role of Home Course Advantage

32:52
Captaincy Considerations and Future Implications

34:36
Key Players and Performance Expectations

45:35
Crowd Dynamics and Event Atmosphere

49:01
Ticket Prices and Accessibility

49:30
The Evolution of Golf Culture

50:24
Impact of LIV Golf on Ryder Cup Dynamics

51:22
Key Players and Team Dynamics

52:20
European vs. American Team Strategies

53:21
Bryson DeChambeau's Role in Team Golf

54:56
Media Perspectives on LIV Golf

56:36
Expectations for Players in the Ryder Cup

57:55
Breakout Players to Watch

01:02:42
Potential Disappointments in the Ryder Cup

01:05:09
Predictions for the Ryder Cup Outcome

01:09:19
Legacy of Luke Donald as Captain

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Junior golf, coaching philosophy, and the surge of competitive golf in Massachusetts—all with Coach Dan (Dan Boisvert of Pin High Golf). We dig into training juniors/college players, how to set realistic expectations, avoiding burnout, indoor vs. outdoor practice, equipment trends, and success stories (Morgan & Molly Smith, Matt Hutchins, Shannon Johnson). Plus: favorite MA rounds and a quick Celtics riff.

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Looking for the best golf courses in Massachusetts to play before the season ends? I’ve played 157 courses across the state and narrowed it down to 10 that are worth checking out. From splurge-worthy tracks to hidden value gems, this list has something for every golfer and every budget.

Watch full episode on YouTube

⏱ Timestamps & Courses

Splurge-Worthy ($100+)
00:02:30 – Taconic Golf Club – $180 walk – Williamstown, MA
00:03:36 – Waverly Oaks Golf Club – $85–$140 (cart + range balls included) – Plymouth, MA
00:04:51 – The Ranch Golf Club – $125 (cart + range balls included) – Southwick, MA

Mid-Range ($60–$100)
00:06:39 – Wachusett Country Club – $95 walk – West Boylston, MA
00:09:25 – Acushnet River Valley – $60 walk / $80 ride – Acushnet, MA
00:11:10 – Bass River Golf Course – $70 walk – Yarmouth, MA
00:14:13 – DW Field Golf Course – $60 walk – Brockton, MA

Value Picks ($60 or less)
00:16:06 – Gannon Municipal Golf Course – $55 walk – Lynn, MA
00:17:27 – Green Hill Golf Course – $54 walk – Worcester, MA
00:18:48 – Veterans Memorial Golf Course – $29 walk (dynamic pricing) – Springfield, MA

💡 Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list round at Taconic, or hunting for the best value in Springfield, these courses deliver great golf before the Massachusetts season wraps up.

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In this Open Championship deep dive, Sean and Paul tee off on everything from course repetition to major championship schedules to who actually needs a win at Royal Portrush. They debate legacy vs. form, make picks, and even go off the rails into Savannah Bananas and lost golf history in country club basements. 

Timestamps:

• 00:01 – Intro: Venue fatigue, Billy Horschel’s European comments
• 01:09 – Open Championship nostalgia & why it’s Sean’s favorite major
• 03:21 – St. Andrews, Tiger Woods Golf, and getting to know the rota courses
• 05:19 – Should the US Open move back to August? Scheduling mayhem
• 08:24 – NFL vs PGA: Why fans might actually watch golf in September
• 11:11 – Anchor sites and the pros/cons of repeat venues
• 13:48 – Can Port Rush produce a better tournament this time?
• 15:28 – Should The Open ever leave the UK? Portmarnock and beyond
• 18:05 – Why expansion to continental Europe might flop
• 20:13 – The USGA’s overcorrection from Chambers Bay, Shinnecock, etc.
• 21:23 – PGA Tour players’ obsession with uniform conditions
• 23:02 – Scar tissue? Player reactions to tricky venues
• 23:29 – Player Tiers Breakdown:
  • 23:29 – Moral Victories (Morikawa, JT, Hovland, etc.)
  • 39:10 – Legacy Chasers (Rahm’s Slam chase, Rory’s double major bid, etc.)
  • 50:38 – Guys Rounding Into Form
  • 55:46 – First-Time Major Hopefuls
  • 58:18 – New Faces of the Major Drought Club
• 01:00:51 – Draft Picks: Sean & Paul’s top 3 contenders
• 01:13:26 – Dark Horse picks: Tristan Lawrence & Tom McKibbin
• 01:17:04 – Could golf learn anything from the Savannah Bananas?
• 01:22:06 – YouTube golf, influencer matches, and a lost Byron Nelson photo
• 01:24:40 – Final thoughts: Enjoy the coffee golf!

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Sean and Paul break down the upcoming 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont. From Bryson’s viral practice round, Rory's odd post-Masters stretch, and who really needs to win this week, the guys cover it all—including picks and other predictions.

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In this episode, Sean Melia welcomes Marcos Baugh, the founder of Urban Golf Club, a Boston-based nonprofit bringing golf and financial literacy to kids in the city. Marcos shares how he uses foam golf balls in gymnasiums, lemonade stands at Franklin Park, and caddie loops at The Country Club to open new worlds for his students. The two dig into what it really means to "grow the game," the potential of Ponkapoag, LIV vs. PGA Tour, and why everyone should experience the game.

🎧 Topics include:

Urban Golf Club’s origin story (2:30)

The lemonade stand project (10:30)

Caddying at The Country Club (20:45)

Golf as a tool for financial literacy (28:00)

Why LIV doesn’t bother Marcos (42:00)

Marcos’ dream 5-round itinerary in Massachusetts (52:30)

🔗 Learn more and support: theurbangolfclub.org

Follow Marcos on Instagram: @urbangolfclubinc

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Sean and Burke made some quick PGA Championship picks during halftime of game 4 of the Celtics-Knicks game. The second half did not go well, but maybe our picks will, though.

Then, on the back end of this podcast, Burke shares his experience as a caddie for Evan Harmeling at the Club Car Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour in April. 

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