By Kathy Bennett
This not the first year that I busted out my golf clubs for a first round of the year at Indian Mound Golf Club in Ossipee, NH. Indian Mound has the advantage of being located on the southern fringe of Mt. Washington Valley, often giving it a precious two or three week advantage to get its grounds prepped and greens opened earlier than other courses further north (and it often stays open later into the fall for the same reason).
This year was no exception. By mid-May, the greens at Indian Mound were in fine shape when we hit the course for a quick nine holes on a seasonally warm Sunday afternoon.
For the average duffer, the first round is often approached with great trepidation. Living in northern New England, one’s golf game can atrophy over the long dark winter months. You line up your shot on that first tee and pray you can hit the ball at least as far as the fairway.
Fortunately, both me and my husband remembered our modest golfing skills and were able to enjoy our first round of the year. Amazingly – on the lovely 4th hole – I followed a strong drive right up the fairway with a generous approach shot, then chip shot the ball right into the hole from 30 yards. This was a first in my golf career. No one but my husband witnessed the shot, but I shared my excitement with the server at the new hot dog stand just beyond the green. We celebrated with Bloody Mary’s (made with their scratch-made mix) and had a great afternoon all around.
Indian Mound’s owners have paid attention to detail since taking over the course over a decade ago. Its River’s Edge Grille & Tavern is now a fixture in Ossipee and is open to the public, features live music and frequently hosts events and functions. Most recently they added Keno – a welcome addition to this former Massachusetts resident who always enjoyed buying a few quick picks over a drink after a round of golf. Apparently my luck that day ran out with that chip shot and I kissed $5 goodbye.
Indian Mound’s front 9 are welcoming for less skilled players, but the layout is interesting enough, with lots of water and trees in play, to keep it interested even for scratch golfers. Its back 9 are longer and more challenging. Walk it and put a work out into your game as the greens are hilly at times.
You can find more information on Indian Mound on their website and watch for their special deals frequently advertised in the Conway Daily Sun.
In and Around Mt. Washington Valley, NH 