The Longshore Golf Course Gets Ready for 50th Season

The Longshore Men's Golf Association sponsored its annual Longshore Golf Course Work Day early Saturday morning.  Over 50 people came out on a perfect first day of spring for the 50th annual spring clean up including several Westport residents and the Staples High School boys and girls golf teams.

 Dan Rackliffe, the course superintendent for 23 years, said, " The course was hit hard by last weekend's storm.  We lost over 30 trees, mostly white pine, and the course was a mess.  A fully staffed grounds crew has been working all week to clean it up.  They have done an incredible job.  The storm set us back about 2 weeks, so having the turn out that we got today is a big help.  Fifty people working for three hours is equal to 150 hours of man power for us — that's a lot of work getting done today."

Michael Erdman, President of the Longshore Men's Golf Association and former editor and producer at GolfDigest.com, has been playing golf at Longshore for more than 17 years.  "This has been a long standing tradition here at the club.  Members come out, get caught up after a long winter away from the course, and help get it ready for the season.  Everyone has a great time.  It is the kick off for the season."

After a few hours of working, a putting contest took place on the practice putting green and sandwiches and refreshments were served.  In addition, all members of the Longshore Men's Golf Association who participated today are guaranteed a spot in the Gilardi Kickoff Tournament this Spring.