WEST BOYLSTON, Mass. – Another hot and humid day for the area isn’t keeping people off the course at Wachusett Country Club. Golfers and staff said as long as you’re staying cool, they’ll take the heat over a rainy day every time.
“Of course I’m not playing,” Peter Bourn said, “but there is a nice breeze, which is helping a lot; I think.”
Bourn is a starter and ranger at Wachusett Country Club and Kettlebrook Country Club. He monitors the pace of play on the public courses, even on extremely hot days.
“They tend to play a little actually faster,” Bourn said, “because they want to get in and have some beers.”
Everybody has a different method of staying cool on the course, but Bourn said Friday’s heat proved to be too much to play 18 holes for some.
“There were a few people that actually nine holes was enough for today, so they packed it in because of the heat or whatever,” Bourn said. “But, you know, the diehards will be out here – rain, sleet, snow, heat.”
“Love it up here. We golf even though it’s going to be 105 degrees,” Chris Goodnow said. “Who cares? I can’t sell cars, of course Chris Goodnow Auto Sales, you all know me. I can’t sell cars. I might as well golf.”
Chris Goodnow said he’s the longest standing member at the club, and Bourn said he’s glad to be around the game he loves regardless of the weather.
“Everything is perfect up here,” Goodnow said. “I’ll tell you, 44 years and I’ll be here another 44 years.”
“If I’m not playing, I like to watch it. Just to be around a whole game of golf, it’s just awesome,” Bourn said. “I’m lucky the Marrone family employs me at both of their golf courses. It’s just a great place to be. Not in a cubicle.”
Whether you’re on a course or anywhere out in the sun, the key is to stay cool.
“Everybody have a great day,” Goodnow said. “Have some water and stay safe.”
“Stay hydrated,” Bourn said, “and stay in the shade when you can.”
