April 12, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
If the bustle of activity at South Shore Country Club this Spring is any indication, the summer season is bound to be even busier.
"One of the few pleasant surprises during COVID-19 is that for the first time in many years, our golf permits are sold out for this season," SSCC Management Committee Chair Christine Smith told the Hingham Anchor. "The golf course is in great shape, with the public taking full advantage of tee times."
She attributes the successful start to the new season to the many outdoor activities, from golf to tennis to summer camps, that SSCC has to offer. "It's a COVID-friendly environment where people can gather safely to have a good time, with protocols in place," she said.
Smith noted that SSCC is a public course, so it's important to ensure there is ample opportunity for non-permit holders to golf as well.
Eighty-five percent of the Club's revenue comes from golf activities. The other 15 percent comes from a variety of sources, including bowling and golf simulators.
"Unfortunately, because these are both high-touch activities, we weren't able to offer them again until recently," Smith said.
While the golf simulators are now available, bowling hours are more limited, but still lots of fun. Currently, bowling opportunities are available for leagues or for a group wishing to start one, and also for parties. All you have to do is call ahead!
Smith and the SSCC staff are hoping for plenty of sunny weather this Spring and Fall since the sport is both seasonal and weather-dependent. "For the last two years we had six weeks of heavy rain in April and May," she recalled. "It was good for the grass, but no one wants to golf during a downpour. We're hoping that won't happen this season."
In addition to golf-related activities -- including tournaments, lessons, and the "Ladies' Golf Night Out" program this summer beginning late April -- the Hingham Recreation Department and the Special Needs Athletic Partnership (SNAP) will be offering summer camps and activities at the Club. "We're excited about having kids back here again," Smith said.
Ladies' Golf Night Out on Wednesday and Thursday is a mix of learning the game and socializing and having a glass of wine with other women in the Greenside Grille, which is open to the public and offers gas fire pits on the patio as well as a good view of the lush golf course. Also, Trivia Night will be making a comeback.
Smith praised SSCC Executive Director Kevin Whalen and other staff for doing an excellent job in running the club, giving golf lessons, and maintaining the course and the grounds.
In other SSCC news, the permitting process has begun for the new maintenance facility, and there will be further conversation about the proposed new pool in the months ahead.
Hingham Rec offering golf camps and adult program
"Golf Kids and Juniors" introduces children and teens to this popular sport in a spirit of fun and excitement while learning the values that playing golf exemplifies, such as integrity, perseverance, and respect. The program is open to young golfers at all skill levels and focuses on the fundamentals of the sport -- grip, posture, basic shots, rules, etiquette, and developing practice routines that last a lifetime. Spring and summer sessions are available, all at SSCC!
Adult Golf for ages 18 and over focuses on the proper grip, stance, ball positions, and the basics of all aspects of the sport. Even if you've never picked up a golf club, you're invited to sign up and gain the knowledge and comfort with the sport that will take your game to the next level.
Program details and sign-up information are available online at hinghamrec.com.
SNAP summer camp will be filled with fun activities
There's lot of excitement and fun in store for participants in this year's Special Needs Athletic Partnership summer program -- from sports and arts and crafts to field trips and games.
The SNAP summer program was cancelled last year due to COVID-19. SNAP President Warren Pelissier is enthusiastic about the camp's return to SSCC this summer -- with COVID-19 protocols and guidelines in place -- if all goes as planned.
"We're so happy to be back," he said. "It's great that the town owns SSCC. It's a fantastic place that works well for special needs kids. It's handicapped-friendly for those with disabilities, and it's in a safe environment with a lot of outdoor space for activities -- perfect during COVID-19."
The SNAP summer camp is in support of the ESY (Extended School Year) program that special education students are required to participate in each summer -- from July 6 through Aug. 6 this year, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Rather than being dropped off at home once the ESY program wraps up at noon, SNAP campers are driven to SSCC to extend their day with fun activities until 5 p.m.
This allows parents to go on with their days without interruption, picking up their children at the end of the afternoon.
"Campers can bring their lunch or grab one at the Greenside Grille, then go on to participate in sports, use the golf simulators and putting green while golfers are on the course, and many other activities," Pelissier said.
Other choices include a wildlife walk in partnership with the Hanover YMCA, a field trip to the Hingham Fire Department, skateboarding lessons, lacrosse, soccer, and a Wahlburgers Day and Nona's Homemade Ice Cream event.
This year about 30 to 35 kids are expected to participate -- most from Hingham but also some from other communities -- assisted by 16- to 18-year-old mentors from Hingham -- some with whom the campers are already acquainted.
While most of the spots are filled for this summer, Pelissier encourages parents to sign their kids up anyway, even if just to put them on the waiting list (southshoresnap.com).
At the end of the camp season, the two mentors who have gone above and beyond expectations will be awarded the Jess Adams or the Andrew Warhaftig scholarship.
There's also a lunch banquet to honor all the kids who attended SNAP camp, and each one is awarded a proclamation from Sen. Patrick O'Connor's office in recognition of their participation.
"There's nothing more satisfying or rewarding than being involved with this program," Pelissier said.
He gave a shout-out to Whalen for doing "an outstanding job" and to Christine Smith for her part. "It's a pleasure to work with them both," Pelissier said. "It makes it easy to want to come back every year!"
For more information about SSCC, visit southshorecc.com.