Segregansett hosts Rhode Island Amateur Pre-Qualifier

By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer

TAUNTON, Mass. – Known as a working-man’s club, Segregansett Country Club doesn’t disappoint in any aspect, which is the main reason for its longevity as a popular golf destination.

“Seggy” is celebrating its 130th anniversary this season, and for the first time, it became a member club of the RIGA. Segregansett hosted a Rhode Island Amateur Pre-Qualifier Monday and 22 golfers earned a spot to compete for the 118th State Championship July 10-14 at Montaup Country Club.

Most everyone who played Segregansett was impressed with its condition.

Rob Baxter has been the head professional at Seggy since 2013. He’s also worked at seven different clubs but understands Segregansett is a special place for several reasons. It starts with the membership.

“Our membership does a lot of volunteer work for the golf course,” Baxter explained. “During the winter there are dozens of guys cutting trees and cleaning up brush. It’s a club that the membership is very involved in its success. Membership takes a lot of pride and it’s unique because everyone comes together to make the club better and they take a lot of pride, and do whatever needs to be done to make it successful.”

Peter Basler is a retired teacher and has been a member at Segregansett for 50 years. He credits his fellow members, along with Baxter and superintendent Tate Asselin and the entire staff that keeps this gem shining.

“It’s very friendly place to belong,” Basler said. “It’s just a fun place, and a very difficult golf course. We’ve got good people here.”

Segregansett boasts an eclectic membership of players from both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It started as a 3-hole course in 1893 and expanded to nine holes that year. It became a 12-hole course in 1972 and eventually 18 holes in 1975. Ken Ferreira, a former club president, has been a member for 56 years.

“It’s a very friendly golf course,” Ferreira said. “The members are friendly, and the conditions are always good. A lot of local members and it’s just a nice club."

Brian Dempsey, who competed in the Pre-Qualifier Monday and made the cut after posting a 3-over 75, has been a member at other clubs, but believes Segregansett is among the best because it has a little bit of everything.

“Guys here just want to golf and have fun,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re male, female, young, or old, there’s a spot for you here. It’s tremendous.

Here’s to another 130 years.