A Wonderful Blend of Golf and Food at Fenner Hill GC
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
HOPE VALLEY – Fenner Hill Golf Club is known as one of the best public courses in Rhode Island, but it's also becoming a culinary destination.
The original 1880 farmhouse was renovated a year and a half ago and Fenner Hill has successfully found a way to blend the golf and culinary worlds.
"We've wanted to make it a gathering place for both golfers and non-golfers," said Amy Fields, who is the daughter of owner Ron Levesque. "We wanted to elevate it a little bit. We wanted the clubhouse to match the quality of the course golf."
The club also hired a new chef, Lisa Barone, to create an eclectic menu that fits everyone's appetite.
"She's amazing," Fields said. "It's completely a from-scratch kitchen. She's super creative and loves to try all different types of food, so we figured by doing different themes was a way she could explore all different things. We've just increased what we're able to offer people who are coming here and golfing."
Theme nights have been a popular addition and Friday and Saturday nights have been busy. There's also a great sitting area to enjoy your favorite post-round libation.
"It's been great," Fields said. "We call it the bourbon lounge. We have a really big selection of whiskey now and we've focused on being able to bring in something (golfers) can enjoy after their round. We're open to the public and we're doing weekly specials, usually around a theme. We've done Kentucky Derby, we've done Greek Night, we focused on Masters week, all different kinds of themes. We've drawn in the public a little bit more, too, so it's not just the golfers."
Located a pitching wedge away from Route 95, brothers Ron and Dennis Levesque transformed the 165-arce property from dairy farm to golf course in 1999. When they purchased the land, the original idea was to build houses, but when they first saw property there was no question, they wanted to build a golf course. The old farmhouse houses the pro shop and restaurant. The area includes a patio, bar, dining room and sitting area for drinking socials. In addition to the farmhouse, the old barn is used as a banquet hall, and now there's a plan to build a simulator room for next winter.
Fenner Hill GC has an impressive layout and is known as a well-bunkered course. In fact, it underwent a massive bunker renovation during the winter, including 4,500 tons of new sand. Dennis passed away in 2013, but Ron still rides the mowers.
Superintendent Billy Sandborg has done an outstanding job with the course and players rave about the conditions.
Fenner Hill GC joined the RIGA in 2000 and the two organizations have helped amateur golf thrive in the Ocean State. Fenner Hill has become a perennial host to several different RIGA tournaments, including the 32nd Senior Four-Ball Net Championship May 19-20.
The Fenner Hill family takes an incredible amount of pride in what they've created and successfully maintained in Hope Valley.
"I take a lot of pride," Fields said. "It's cool. The fact that my dad and uncle built it, people are surprised its still family owned. I don't think there are a lot of smaller, family-owned courses left anymore, so it's pretty cool to be part of that."