Serious and amateur golfers, families and tourists in Rhode Island, Connecticut and surrounding areas will have a new place to hone their skills and have fun at the new Hopkinton Golf Pavilion on the Rhode Island/Connecticut border. Close to popular beaches and casinos, and conveniently located off the highway, this new state-of-the-art golf practice and entertainment facility officially opens to the public on June 17.
Grand opening activities feature a brief speaking program beginning at 11:30 a.m. hosted by Master of Ceremonies, ESPN commentator Doris Burke. This will be followed by a VIP/Golf Pro Tee Off on the driving range to officially open the site. There will be a $10,000 Hole-in-One Contest during which six participants, drawn at random, will take a shot. Kids will be able to enjoy a miniature golf tournament, a Moonwalk and balloon animals, and WJZS radio will broadcast live from noon to 2 p.m. There will be prizes and give-aways throughout the day. The facility will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
"Our goal was for each element of the Pavilion to be the best of its kind in the market, and to offer added value to each visitor," says Joseph Rando, president of Land Development Northeast, Inc., co-owner of the facility. "We exceeded that goal and created a facility that can be enjoyed by the entire family, golfers and non-golfers alike."
Features of the Golf Pavilion are touted as the best in New England, if not the country. The all-grass, fully-irrigated driving range is 220 yards wide and 350 yards long with nine target areas. The all-grass tee area alone is 40-yards deep. Located just off the outdoor dining area, the range will be able to accommodate up to 80 golfers at one time. Adjacent to this area will be a practice putting green available to driving range customers.
The Golf Learning Center consists of a two-tier tee elevated 60 feet above the fairway, a par 3 practice hole, a chipping area, and a putting green where golfers can practice all aspects of the game, including fairway bunkers, side hill lies and high grass all day for just $25. The site, located at the opposite end of the property from the driving range and restaurant, will also include a classroom building.
Ben Jackson's New England Golf Academy features quality golf instruction for individual, group and junior lessons. Ben Jackson joins Hopkinton Golf Pavilion from the Stonington Country Club in Connecticut where he served as pro for 13 years. Jackson is joined by former PGA tour member Jim Hallet as visiting pro.
The miniature golf area is designed for maximum impact with scaled-down replicas of ancient historic monuments depicting the theme, Around the World in 18 Holes. This exciting recreational component of the Golf Pavilion is located adjacent to the restaurant.
The Golf Pavilion Restaurant & Sports Bar is a 136-seat quick-serve restaurant offering breakfast, lunch an dinner in a classy, yet comfortable atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor patio seating offers a gorgeous view overlooking the driving range. The restaurant is open to the public who may want to enjoy a meal without taking advantage of the golf activities.
