Round 39: Olde Salem Greens

Olde Salem Greens was the 39th course in my quest to play every course in Massachusetts.⠀
This nine holer might not be on your radar, but it should be. For 22 dollars for a non-resident to walk, the price is right and there are some holes that will bring you back. ⠀
The opening hole is going to give you a taste of what's to come. The fairway winds up and to the right. The line off the tee is a large rock outcropping, which won't be the only one you see throughout Olde Salem. ⠀
The second hole is a blind 250 yard downhill par 3. It gets a big "meh" from me. The land is dramatic, but I'd prefer at least a peak at the flagstick or at the very least an aiming pole. ⠀
Holes 4-6 is probably the best stretch; the elevation changes and there are plenty of spots where the ball can go careening into trouble. If you don't mind some blind shots and uneven lies, these three holes are excellent. ⠀
Of that stretch, the blind second on the par 5 fourth and tee shot on 6 require some local knowledge. The sixth, a dogleg left, cape style hole has a blind tee shot into a narrow tunneled fairway with a creek meandering down the left side. The green is the most challenging on the course, sloping back to front.⠀
The final three holes roll up and down, too. The 7th is short hole with a blind tee shot. The green is tiny and round and tucked back among some trees. The par 3 8th is a solid uphill mid-iron shot and the ninth is a tempting 280 yard par 4.⠀
It appeared the course had eliminated a lot of trees, opening up some holes and making the course more playable in certain areas. While the course had some rough patches and dusty spots, the greens were in good shape, and golly, we're playing April golf. So it's tough to complain about course conditions!⠀
I found myself walking off the course eager to go and play again with the knowledge I had collected the first time around. ⠀
THE FACTS

Date: April 2021

Playing Partners: Pat, Matt, Bruce

Tees: Blues

Game: None

Score: 39

Birdie Count: 1 (46 total)