, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Charles Volpone, known as Smilin’ Charley, is a celebrated figure in Massachusetts golf history, revered for his accomplishments and consistent excellence as a club pro. The North Shore offers a variety of golf courses suitable for every player, from classic designs to modern facilities. Notable courses include Beverly Golf & Tennis and Far Corner Golf Club, recognized for their unique features and dedication to the sport. Whether you’re seeking a casual round or professional practice, the region is rich with options for golf enthusiasts.
Beverly, Massachusetts — A Local Legend, Courses That Shine, and Where to Swing Next
If you grew up around the North Shore, you knew the name Charles Volpone. Charles Volpone, affectionately nicknamed Smilin’ Charley, was a prominent local golf professional. He built a reputation not just for steady play but for being the winningest champion among club pros in Massachusetts golf history. That’s a State-level cred that sticks in scorecards and memory alike.
Smilin’ Charley — the story in a quick swing
Before the shades and the easy grin, Volpone often looked like a corporate-level financial planner — a neat, buttoned presence before he fully embraced the iconic glasses that became part of his persona. He rose through club pro ranks and made his stamp at Ould Newbury Golf Club, the place many fans still picture when they think of him. He competed at high levels locally and beyond, and his name is part of local golf lore because he was simply that consistent and successful.
Courses you need to know in the North Shore scene
The region is loaded with course options for every kind of player — public, semi-private, even indoor simulators for when the weather turns. Here’s a quick rundown of the places locals talk about most.
Top outdoor spots
- Beverly Golf & Tennis — A classic community staple that includes an 18-hole golf course and 10 outdoor clay tennis courts. It opened in 1910 and was sold to the city in 1978, giving it deep local roots.
- Black Swan Country Club — An 18-hole layout designed by Philip Wogan. The club has seen significant renovations since 2010, modernizing the experience while keeping character intact.
- Far Corner Golf Club — A big operation with 27 holes spread across 250 acres. It includes a Grille and a large practice facility and was voted the BONS 2025 Editor’s Choice for public golf.
- Merrimack Valley Golf Club — A classic layout designed by Donald Ross and reconstructed in 2008 to fix drainage and other issues, bringing an old-school routing into better-playing condition.
- Ould Newbury Golf Club — A nine-hole course with crowned greens and a local favorite for food at The Pub. Ould Newbury is closely tied to the legacy of Charles Volpone.
- Sagamore Spring Golf Club — Known for reasonable rates and well-maintained greens, recognized as a 2025 Reader’s Choice for public golf courses.
Indoor options when the rain shows up
If you want to keep your swing tuned year-round, the area’s indoor simulators are top-tier. X-Golf Methuen offers state-of-the-art simulators for realistic practice and gaming. Golf Lounge 18 pairs advanced technology with a full bar for a very social practice session.
Why these details matter to players
Whether you’re chasing a low net, tuning your short game, or looking for a place to bring friends for a casual round and dinner, the North Shore has variety. From the nine-hole charm and pub-style meals at Ould Newbury to the 250-acre Far Corner complex that won the BONS 2025 Editor’s Choice for public golf, options are there for players at every level.
Weather note
The last update to the weather forecast noted partly cloudy skies with a low of 59°F and winds from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph on September 18, 2025. If you’re planning a tee time around that date, those are the conditions that were recorded as the last update.
Legacy and local love
The way the community remembers Charles Volpone is simple: consistent excellence, a welcoming presence, and a body of work that earned him the title as the winningest champion among club pros in Massachusetts golf history. For golfers who care about local history, that kind of legacy matters as much as a course’s yardage book.
Quick tips for visiting golfers
- Check course websites or call ahead — renovations and practice facility hours can vary.
- Visit indoor simulators like X-Golf Methuen or Golf Lounge 18 when wind or rain shows up.
- If you want a mix of golf and casual dining, Ould Newbury’s pub-style food at The Pub is a convenient stop.
FAQ
Who was Charles Volpone?
Charles Volpone, affectionately nicknamed Smilin’ Charley, was a prominent local golf professional.
What is Charles Volpone’s golfing achievement?
He was the winningest champion among club pros in Massachusetts golf history.
Where did Charles Volpone have a strong association?
Volpone was associated with Ould Newbury Golf Club.
What does Ould Newbury Golf Club feature?
Ould Newbury Golf Club features a nine-hole course with crowned greens and is also known for its pub-style food at The Pub.
What recognition did Far Corner Golf Club receive?
Far Corner Golf Club was voted the BONS 2025 Editor’s Choice for public golf.
What is notable about Merrimack Valley Golf Club?
Merrimack Valley Golf Club was designed by Donald Ross and reconstructed in 2008 to fix drainage and other issues.
What did the last weather forecast update note?
The last update to the weather forecast noted partly cloudy skies with a low of 59°F and winds from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph on September 18, 2025.
At-a-glance course info
| Course | Holes / Size | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Beverly Golf & Tennis | 18 holes; 10 clay tennis courts | Opened 1910; sold to the city in 1978 |
| Black Swan Country Club | 18 holes | Designed by Philip Wogan; renovated since 2010 |
| Far Corner Golf Club | 27 holes; 250 acres | Includes a Grille and large practice facility; voted the BONS 2025 Editor’s Choice for public golf |
| Merrimack Valley Golf Club | 18 holes (Donald Ross design) | Designed by Donald Ross; reconstructed in 2008 to fix drainage and other issues |
| Ould Newbury Golf Club | Nine-hole | Features crowned greens; known for pub-style food at The Pub; associated with Charles Volpone |
| Sagamore Spring Golf Club | Public course | Reasonable rates; well-maintained greens; recognized as a 2025 Reader’s Choice for public golf courses |
| X-Golf Methuen | Indoor simulators | State-of-the-art simulator facility for year-round practice |
| Golf Lounge 18 | Indoor simulators | Advanced technology with a full bar |
This overview is meant to guide enthusiasts who want a mix of history, strong course options, and practical choices for practice and play around the North Shore. Swing smart and enjoy the greens.
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Additional Resources
- Salem News: Volpone Ranks Among the Region’s Best Ever Golf Pros
- Metro West Daily News: Obituary of Charles Volpone
- Boston Magazine: Andre Dubus III – Dirty Love
- Dignity Memorial: Charles Volpone
- North Shore Magazine: Top North Shore Golf Courses
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: North Shore Golf Courses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: North Shore Golf News
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
