News

Dedicated golfers burning up city's links even in cold

By Stacie N. Galang
Staff Writer
Published: December 3, 2008

PEABODY — If the weather takes the predicted hard turn toward winter, die-hard golfers have only until this week to get in 18 holes at the city-owned course The Meadow at Peabody.

Peter Cronan, the course's head golf professional, said golfers have continued to play, despite recent cooler temperatures.

About 90 turned out Thanksgiving morning and another 85 the next day.

"We've been very busy," Cronan said. "The cold weather, unfortunately, will take hold Friday and pretty much shut us down for the year."

While some who play in the cold dub themselves die-hard players, Cronan has his own word: crazy.

"We've had snow in the past and had to go out and tell people they have to come in," the head pro said.

Yesterday, players got in 60 rounds of 18-hole golf. The winter rate has been $40 for 18 holes and a golf cart and $20 for nine holes with a cart.

Cronan said the winter closings of neighboring courses has drawn new faces to the Peabody greens.

"We're sort of picking up any of their golfers still looking to play," he said.

The end of season arrives with 30,000 rounds played since April 1, he said. Cronan said the numbers are off slightly from last year's 31,000 rounds.

The exceptionally high number of summer thunderstorms kept even more from playing, Cronan said.

Inevitably, once golfers took to the course, they would have to be escorted off because of rain and lightning.

"It was unbelievable," he said. "It was like someone playing a game with us."

Nevertheless, the head pro said The Meadow had a real strong year.

"It's been a long, good season," Cronan said. "We're very encouraged even with the economy."

Superintendent Dick Duggan will winterize the course once it has been closed to the public, Cronan said.

The Meadow Pro Shop will remain open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 24 even if the course closes this week.