Find Your Clubs: Short Beach Golf Course May Be Opening Soon!

Members of the Short Beach Commission met Monday and the good news is that local golfers could be out on the course in less than two weeks.

The bad news: sections of the par 3 pitch and putt 9-hole course are currently under water, with more heavy rain expected Thursday into Friday.

Member Karen Darden noted after the meeting on Monday, "Right now the course is under water - snow would be better.  But with luck and some warm weather, we are hoping to open the course around the 20th of this month."

Even if the opening is pushed into April, Darden noted that the Short Beach "clubhouse is open for those wishing to update their ID cards ($10) or purchase our new Loyalty Card, where patrons who play five rounds of golf at the regular price will receive a 6th round for free."

The Short Beach Commission is hoping that the incentive will bring more people out to the course in the coming year. "The Short Beach Golf Course is a hidden gem," Darden noted.  "We are the only Par 3 in Connecticut that is directly located on the water, plus we have powered golf carts for rent."

Paid rounds of golf were down at golf courses around the region and state the past few years due to the difficult economy. Currently, the Short Beach facility is projecting an operating deficit that they hope to offset through increased publicity and incentives like the Loyalty Card promotion.

Darden noted that the Short Beach Mens League is having its sign-up this weekend and next weekend.  The Women's League will have their sign-up April 12, she said.

On Monday, the commission also discussed the pending work about to begin on the clubhouse, where new windows, paint and a new set-up to include an expanded snack bar are in the offing.

Darden also praised the vision and foresight of the Short Beach pro, Don Samultuski, whose contract was recently approved by the Stratford Town Council despite some hesitation by some to commit to a pro when the facility is operating in a deficit.

Commission members felt strongly, howeve,r that Samultuski's efforts are well worth the expense. "Don's background in managing golf courses is extensive.  He is currently the Assistant Coach for Post University's Mens' Golf Team.  He knows golf and he knows what it takes to make a course successful," Darden said.

For more information on leagues and the upcoming season at the Short Beach Golf Course, call 203-381-2070.