It’s nice to see Pine Oaks Golf Course in South Easton, Mass on the list again. Leigh Bader and Joe Ricci started out as clerks in the pro-shop at nearby Easton Country Club thirty years ago. They acquired the nine-holer Pine Oaks in the early 1980’s. The original clubhouse, built of cheap plywood, contained about 500 square feet. They added plenty of product with good service, creating a golf course equipment dynasty. The clubhouse is now a two-story showcase with an indoor driving range stocked with everything needed to outfit a golfer.
They added an Internet division, 3balls.com, ten years ago. It’s amazing that this golf equipment powerhouse is located at the end of a winding drive, on a quirky nine-hole course, in a sleepy town.