Following a massive, self-directed engineering and construction effort, the new Norwood Country Club is scheduled to open for play today. Located on land adjacent to Route 1 and the Norwood Airport purchased in 1973 from the Foley family, the regulation golf course represents a triumph over difficult terrain by builder, contractor, designer, and engineer Frank Simoni.

When commercial golf course builders and contractors balked at the project, deeming the deep peat swampland too hazardous and costly, Simoni came out of retirement to oversee the undertaking himself. Handling the engineering and layout of the fairways, greens, tees, and ponds personally, Simoni utilized specialized dragline cranes operating on floating mats and “floating” bulldozers to clear debris, cut trees, dig ponds, and bury undesirable material.

Course Specifications and Future Amenities

The completed layout is a tree-lined, flat par-70 course featuring two par-5 holes, four par-3 holes, and twelve par-4 holes. To transform the site, crews brought in 100,000 cubic yards of fill, laid more than three miles of irrigation pipe, spread 80 tons of lime and 20 tons of fertilizer, and planted five tons of special grass seed.

Even before opening day, strong local demand resulted in five leagues securing reserved playing times. While the course opens today, several auxiliary facilities remain under construction:

Clubhouse and Pro Shop: Expected to be completed in a few weeks, featuring a fully licensed “19th hole.”
Restaurant: Simoni is currently negotiating with Red Coach Grill to manage a full-service restaurant on the premises equipped with a function room.
Driving Range & Pitch-and-Putt: Slated to open later this year, with the entire integrated complex fully operational by next year.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

More Norwood Business History

Norwood Entrepreneur Quontay Turner-January 30, 2026

Quontay Turner, owner of The Emerald City Plant Shop on Washington Street, for her business success and community leadership.
A Black-Owned Plant Shop Blooms In The Pandemic’s Wake-June 9, 2021

Quontay Turner opened Emerald City Plant Shop in Norwood, becoming New England’s first Black woman-owned plant store, turning a pandemic leap into a thriving botanical oasis and community space.
Hurley’s Beer & Wine Relocates to Vanderbilt Avenue-July 17, 2015

After 16 years in South Norwood, Hurley is navigating increased competition by emphasizing community involvement and quality customer service.
Savers Thrift Store Grand Opening In Norwood-July 30, 2013

On July 30, 2013, Savers Thrift Store opened at 560 Boston Providence Highway in Norwood, providing affordable goods, jobs, and charitable support.
Boston’s Baddest Burger-August 10, 2012

Kevin Tortorella’s “Boston’s Baddest Burger” is now serving fresh, locally sourced breakfast and lunch options in Norwood and Boston, marking the town’s first fully licensed food truck.
Ruma’s Fruit & Gift Basket World Wins Businesswoman of the Year-July 10, 2010

Tracing its roots back to 1900 on the cobblestones of Haymarket Square, the Ruma family of Norwood built a century-old produce and gift basket enterprise that earned Businesswoman of the Year honors in 2010.
Revitalizing Norwood Center: A Town’s Rebirth-July 2, 2005

Discover how Norwood has been working to transform its central business district into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.
Slump in Chip Industry Hits Norwood Maker-This Day In Norwood History – July 21, 1998

Analog Devices Inc. struggled with falling revenues in 1998 as global demand for semiconductors and testing equipment plummeted. Despite the fiscal pressure, the Norwood company avoided layoffs, maintaining its workforce through the market downturn.
Ice-Cream Vendor Disputes Fees Demanded by Norwood Arts Council-July 18, 1991

The dispute involved allegations of intimidation, Open Meeting Law concerns, and tensions over who is permitted to sell goods on the Norwood Common.
Butters Family Sells Pharmacy-July 20, 1990

A significant chapter in the history of South Norwood business and family legacy came to an end on July 20, 1990. The Butters family pharmacy, a staple in the community for over four decades, ceased operations after Helen Butters, the selectman’s mother and president of the family business, decided to sell the pharmaceutical stock and…