Rowley Country Club celebrates its 60th anniversary next year and Ted Speros, whose ownership group purchased the golf club and neighboring land in October 2022, has ambitious plans for the property.
But he is taking things slowly. He and his team have been working with the town, seeking feedback from neighbors, building relationships and providing opportunities for local businesses to be part of this huge project.
“We’re approaching Rowley Country Club’s 60th year with real excitement about what’s to come. We see a transformed course that is at the heart of a vibrant, active, residential and recreational community with benefits for everyone in Rowley,” said Speros, president of Belmont-based ATS Realty Corp.
The site master plan focuses on four themes: Work (small businesses – restaurants, catering, winery, brewery, distillery – and community gardens), Live (senior-focused townhouses, age in place/assisted living/community building), Play (golf course expansion, pickleball, athletic fields, walking trails) and Celebrate (Back Nine Tavern, function hall, weddings/gatherings, collaborations with local businesses).
Rowley Country Club General Manager Darin Chin-Aleong said some changes are already noticeable. There are three new big-screen TVs on the patio, which is a great place to unwind after a round. The renovated Back Nine Tavern now has a full liquor license and offers beers on draft from the town’s Anonymous Brewing, which now calls the tavern home. The tavern offers an expanded menu of affordable appetizers, salads, sandwiches and plates Wednesdays-Sundays. A hot dog is $4. The most expensive items on the menu are steak tips and chicken parm, both at $18.
Chin-Aleong and Speros both said the club is committed to fostering partnerships with local businesses. In addition to the brewery, Mill River Winery, from just up the street on Route 1, and Three Sweet Peas bakery offer their goodies. Fresh produce and meats are provided by Herrick Farm, which is within walking distance of the club’s parking lot.
As for the golf course expansion (potentially another 9 or 18 holes), Speros has secured the services of International Golf Construction Inc.
“We have one of the premier golf course construction companies in the Northeast leading the expansion and renovation of the course, which will appreciate the beauty of Rowley and respect its environment,” said Speros.
International Golf is a preferred contractor for environmentally sensitive and detail-oriented work. Its noteworthy achievements include Widows Walk GC in Scituate and The Vineyard GC on Martha’s Vineyard: The Widows Walk project replicated and created wetlands, introduced habitats and created new ecosystems. The Vineyard GC was located in the watershed of a very sensitive ecosystem and only organic fertilizers were allowed and most chemical treatments are prohibited.
International Golf also constructed The Captains GC in Brewster and Farm Neck GC on Martha’s Vineyard. It is currently completing the last phase of one of the largest recreational facilities in southern New England – Forges Field Recreation Facility and Crosswinds Golf Club in Plymouth, which includes 12 football, soccer, baseball and softball fields and a championship 27-hole golf course.
Speros also has teamed up with Edge Sports Group, an award-winning firm that specializes in navigating public/private partnerships that involve year-round family-oriented athletic venues. Edge’s first major project was Essex Sports Center in Middleton back in 2016.
The goal is to secure all permitting in the next 6-12 months. Once permits are in place, construction, including the golf course, would span approximately an additional 12-18 months.
And that 60th anniversary celebration is on the calendar as well. Chin-Aleong said Speros’ enthusiasm and vision has everyone excited about the new Rowley CC. And he’s a wonderful boss.
“After our holiday fundraiser for the Rowley Food Pantry last year, Ted dressed up as Santa Claus when we dropped off the donation,” said the GM with a laugh.
