David Dionne, head PGA professional at Beverly Golf & Tennis Club, said just before the arrival of COVID-19 five years ago, his course averaged 4,400 rounds per season. This year? “We could surpass 7,000 rounds. It’s been dramatic. We have never been busier,” said Beverly’s amiable pro. “And our waitlist is up to 100.”
And few employees on Dionne’s staff have been busier than the starters, those friendly older gentlemen and ladies who tell golfers when it’s their turn to tee off and who keep everything – and everyone – moving and on track for sub-4-hour rounds.
In 2010, Dionne hired Tom Ahern, Joe Ferri and Joel Ginsberg to join the club’s starters. All three are still on the job, which they call the “perfect” position for retired folks like them. And they all seem to be genial, great guys. Certainly, nothing like the stereotypical grumpy old man starters
And Dionne thanks his lucky stars that these three reliable gents and all the other starters at Beverly are big pluses for the club, its members and guests.
“True, these three guys facilitate play at a comfortable pace, but this is not a private country club like Pinehurst, where Mr. Jones tees off at 10 a.m. three days a week. We’re always busy, and these guys also don’t mind grabbing a cart that needs cleaning, or helping out when a trash barrel has to be emptied, or an outing has to be set up.
“All three are good guys who show up on time and do the job well,” added Dionne.
A starter’s tools of the trade, clockwise from top left: a walkie-talkie, the day’s tee sheet, golf cart keys and the club’s flag, which adorns every cart.
