Ocean State Golf

Rhode Island Golf Course – Beaver River

Beaver River Golf Club, the scenic Rhode Island Golf Course on Route 138 in Kingston which went into bankruptcy last fall, was going to be converted into housing.

In stepped John Gale, a native of Ellington, Ct. who already owns two other courses in Connecticut. “I was looking to purchase or build another course in the tri-state area (CT-RI-Mass) and I heard about Beaver River,” said Gale. “I came to see the property and was impressed by many things. I liked the layout of the course, it was well designed, had easy access to all the major highways in the area, and it was relatively new.”

Gale crunched the numbers and thought that Beaver River was the best option to expand his golf course portfolio. “It will be a work-in-progress for a few years,” Gale commented. “Cart paths need to be improved, we want to plant many flowering shrubs and native grasses, and define the holes better with well-placed trees and bushes. We did this at Cedar Knob (one of his other courses) in Somers, Ct. and it improved the course tremendously.”

Gale grew up on a dairy farm in Ellington, Ct. He was a Future Farmers of America (FFA) student where he learned much about horticulture and working with the land. “It was tough making a living with dairy cows, so we built a golf course (Rolling Meadows) on part of the property.

In addition to owning the two courses in Connecticut, Gale also leased another (Banner Lodge) in Moodus, Ct. for nine years. “I think golf courses are wonderful places for people to come out and forget their cares and worries for a few hours. Giving folks a good value for their money and a chance for enjoyment is something that I am proud of,” commented Gale.

He brought a couple of key employees with him from Connecticut. Brian Foster is the general manager and director of golf. Todd Davis supervises all three courses owned by Gale. “Todd and I do the superintendent’s work,” said Gale who isn’t averse to getting up on a lawn mower and getting his hands greasy fixing equipment.

Rhode Island Golf Course, Beaver River has wonderful elevation changes and great views. It was designed by local RI golf course architect Michael Weremay of East Greenwich and has hosted many men’s and women’s tournaments as well as a college tournament hosted by Bryant College.

Gale and his wife, Debi, have three children Zach, 25; Jessica, 18; and Drew, 10. The Rhode Island Golf players are glad he came along to keep one of the gems of South County, this Rhode Island Golf Course open for our golfing pleasure.