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Warming temperatures, green grass, birds chirping, bees buzzing and 490 yards separates your ball, two water hazards, and an elevated green surrounded by four bunkers.  It's spring and there is a definitive hint of romance in the air, or is that the lingering scent of the guy who splashed on too much Hai Karate.

For the members of the Central Mass. Singles Golf Association (single, divorced, legally separated or widowed) it's not so much the possibility of romance on the links but of sharing some laughs and making new friends that is the appealing aphrodisiac.  According to Ron Pichette, former president of the Central Mass. chapter of the American Singles Golf Association (ASGA), its national parent organization, “This is a fun-first organization that runs year-round.”  From informal mingles to before-season practice sessions at indoor golf centers to after-work 9-and-wine get-togethers and weekend tournaments during spring, summer and fall, having fun is at the heart of this 7-year-old organization.

The chapter has about 80 members, who range in age from early 30s to 70s (most members are in their mid-40s to mid-50s).   “It's more than golf,” said Janet Carter, communications director for the group. “We're all friends. We started out as golfers but we've got some pretty good friendships going.”  The club is not looking for scratch golfers who have the steely-eyed determination of a Tiger Woods. Rather, the chapter encourages single golfers who can laugh at themselves if their tee shot makes a 90-degree turn into the woods. It's OK because mulligans ($5 for three, per round) are allowed. The money collected is used for prizes and future social functions.  Central Mass. has conducted theater outings, bowling and billiards nights, dozens of restaurant outings, brunches, Super Bowl parties, monthly mingles, and Christmas parties.  In addition to these get-togethers the group sponsors one or more annual three-day getaways, such as Cape Cod, Lake Morey, Vt. and Poland Springs, Maine.

And then there are the national events.  Because the group is affiliated with the national American Singles Golf Association, based in Pineville, N.C., any member of one chapter may play in tournaments or attend social functions in other chapters around the country. Essentially, if one belongs to one chapter, you belong to all – with over 5,000 singles in similar organizations all over the country.

National dues are $70 for the first year; $65 thereafter, with $10 dollars given to the local chapter.

Currently, the Central Mass. chapter is the only one in Massachusetts. The nearest chapter is Hartford, Conn. To take full advantage of the geography Central Mass. and Hartford coordinate hold their respective tournaments on off-weeks, so that any member may play in the other’s tournament.  And while it's not on the level of a Yankees-Red Sox confrontation, Hartford and Central Mass. have formed a friendly rivalry, especially when it comes to the August Ryder Cup tournament. Each chapter pits their best players in a match play tournament at an alternating golf course in Connecticut and Massachusetts, for bragging rights for the following year.  In addition, ASGA sponsors multi-day national tournaments and outings, such as a New Year’s Eve party and golf in Orlando, Fla., or three days of golf and activities in Pinehurst, N.C., home to two of the best U.S. courses.

Four years ago, Central Mass. had not had a marriage from a couple who met through the group.  In October and November 2005, then-president Peter Schultz promised a surprise for everyone who attended the annual Christmas party in December. Most people thought it was a ploy to get more members and guests to attend.  At the party, everything was going smoothly during dinner and everyone participated in a Yankee Swap – but alas, no surprise.  Then Schultz said he had a special announcement – he and his bride-to-be, Nadine, were going to be married – in about 10 minutes, right here!  Sure enough, another member of the group, Ernie Hesling, confirmed the occasion and noted that he was going to do the honors as the solemnizer of the ceremony, similar to a justice of the peace.  (Under Puritan rule in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1600s, religious clergy were not allowed to perform wedding ceremonies. In those days, a solemnizer, often a friend of the couple, had to ask the governor permission to do the honors. Weddings were strictly a civil matter between man, woman and the state.  The law is still on the books in Massachusetts; and one can be a solemnizer for a $15 fee.)  And so they wed -- between the entrée and dessert, now wedding cake, at the Central Mass. ASGA Christmas party.

The following year, another couple, Lori and Art, were married in October 2006 in a more traditional fashion.  Once married, couples can no longer be members of the singles golf group – they now have to play strictly as a twosome. So, you never know who will be next. Maybe this year the guy with Hai Karate will hook up with the gal who bathes in Chanel No. 5.

If you meet them, you’ll certainly know who they are.

For more information:

Central MA Singles Golf Association: http://www.centralmass-asga.com.       

American Singles Golf Association: www.singlesgolf.com.

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