By Robbie Lindo (Read Robbie’s agent bio.)
As many of you know, I grew up in Bermuda and my dad worked at a golf course. When I was little, I used to enjoy going to work with him and helping out around the shop—parking carts, cleaning shoes, and helping maintain the grounds. Any chance I could get, I would sneak off to practice putting or hit balls. When I got older, golfing with my buddies was one of my favorite pastimes—I used to love the freedom of walking the course with my friends and hanging around in the clubhouse after a round. I really enjoyed the camaraderie of hanging out in the clubhouse and socializing with the club staff and members. At the time, I thought I was just having fun, but now I can see that my time at the golf club taught me a lot of important life skills as well. By following my father’s lead and watching how other members interacted with one another, I learned how to conduct myself in a respectful manner and how to successfully engage with others—for instance, the importance of manners, sportsmanship, a firm handshake, good eye contact, and being able to small talk. Without these skills, I would not be where I am today.
The gift of golf, and all the things that go along with it, is something that my Dad gave to me and it is something that I would really like to pass along to my own children as well.
I am trying to take them to the driving range a couple times a week. I'm hoping that consistently practicing driving will help get them up and running. Once they're ready, I am going to start taking them out on the course. If they like it, I am going to sign them up for Mass Golf Association’s Youth on Course Program. It costs $15 dollars to join, then members, ages 6-18, can play on any of the association’s golf courses for only $5 a round. It seems like a great program. Hopefully, the kids will make good use of it this summer!
Below you'll find information on two of our favorite local driving ranges—Ridder Driving Range in East Bridgewater and The Range in Hingham. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and posts about our favorite local courses throughout the summer.
Ridder Farm Golf Course & Driving Range
390 Oak Street - East Bridgewater, MA 02333
The driving range at Ridder offers a nice, quiet, low-pressure learning atmosphere. The range features one-acre grass tee hitting stations, mats that include lights, half of the bays are under cover for inclement weather, and a practice putting green. Ridder is open year-round and the current hours are 8am-8pm, with the last bucket of balls sold no later than 6:30 pm. Balls can be purchased at the side window so you don’t have to go into the building. It costs $5 for a small bucket, $10 for a large bucket, $500 for an annual bucket (members receive unlimited buckets).
This is a nice spot for beginners. Our boys have attended golf camp here in the summer as well. We found it to be a good value and a great experience. You can always expect to find friendly service and quality instruction at Ridder. It is perfect for children of all ages and varying skill levels. It does not look like they are offering camps this summer due to Covid, but private and small group lessons are available for a reasonable price.
306 Whiting Street - Hingham, MA 02043
The Range is a full-service restaurant with patio seating overlooking the double deck driving range out back. Perfect for dining and golfing, just dining, or just golfing. It’s a great facility with a fun, lively atmosphere and good food. Open 11:30 am to 10:00 pm. Cost is $10 per bucket (approximately 60 balls).
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