10 Reasons for RI Golfers to be Thankful in 2023

Posted on November 23, 2023 by Joe Calabro 2 comments

As we celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, the Rhode Island golf community has plenty to be thankful for in 2023.

Topgolf is here and creating hundreds of jobs, the USGA is bringing more events to the state, Challenge Cup continues to produce stars and a legend is still as good as ever.

Not to mention, the great golf courses and the numerous players who have turned pro just in the last few years.

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10. Topgolf RI – Topgolf opened in Cranston in October and has brought hundreds (and hundreds?) of jobs to the state. Topgolf is also introducing people to the game in a more relaxed, fun way, which is a great sign for the future of the sport.
9. Indoor Golf – The rise of indoor golf in Rhode Island is altering the golf landscape. There is no longer an “offseason” in Rhode Island if you don’t want one. Whether it’s Inside Links, Golf365RI, V-Golf, Newport Indoor Golf or other. There are plenty of places to go to work on your game.
8. USGA Events – The U.S. Senior Open at Newport was canceled in 2020 due to Covid, and the USGA is bringing it back in 2024. It will be an unbelievable event. Not to mention the number of USGA qualifiers the state has hosted – U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur, Four-Ball. As a fan and media entity, that’s pretty cool. Credit to the USGA and RIGA.
7. Met Links – Met Links will open in the spring of 2024 on the property formerly Metacomet. While there is still disappointment about the way the Metacomet situation went down, it is a positive that the course isn’t gone completely. The new 9-hole track will give people a place to play, memories to be relived and junior golfers to practice. PHOTO: Northeast Golf Company Video
6. The Burke Fund – This past summer, the Burke Fund awarded scholarships to 17 new students all of whom are involved in the game of golf in some way. Over the last several years, the Burke Fund has awarded thousands and thousands of dollars to help students go to school.
5. Joe P – There is nobody that represents RI golf, or RIGA as an organization, better than the legendary Joe Pieranunzi. From the Northeast Amateur to the State Amateur and an occasional weekly tournament, Joe P is everywhere and anywhere. And everyone is always happy to see him. The guy is a legend and we hope he is around for years… and years to come. PHOTO: RIGA
4. Spargo Golf – When Rhode Islanders have problems with clubs or just need to be fitted, they go to Spargo Golf. Earlier this year, Spargo was named one of the best club fitters in America by Golf Digest. Spargo also moved from Mulligan’s Island to Button Hole this year.
3. RIers on Tour – Over the past couple of years, there have been a slew of Rhode Islanders turning pro. Patrick Welch, Davis Chatfield, Andrew O’Leary, Will Dickson, and Chris Francoeur are the newbies in the pros. Meanwhile, Brett Quigley and Billy Andrade are still going strong on the Champions Tour. A unique time in RI Golf.
2. Challenge Cup – Why are so many RI students playing college golf? The answer is the U.S. Challenge Cup run by Dave Adamonis. Challenge Cup allows kids ages 8-19 play competitive golf while developing their games along the way. Challenge Cup has helped kids get college scholarships and some have even turned pro. Adamonis and his family will be inducted into the RIGA Hall of Fame next month. PHOTO: Alexis Florio/Facebook
1. World Class Courses – Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island contains some of the best golf courses in the world. Obviously, it starts with Newport Country Club, Wannamoisett and Shelter Harbor, but Triggs, Sakonnet and others certainly make arguments.