Boston Venues:

Agganis Arena
Avalon
Bank of America Pavilion
Berklee Perfomance Center
Boston Opera House
Boston Symphony Hall
Cape Cod Melody Tent
Charles Playhouse
Colonial Theatre
Conte Forum
Cutler Majestic Theatre
DCU Center
Fenway Park
Fleet Center
Gillette Stadium
Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Mullins Center
Orpheum Theatre Boston
South Shore Music Circus
Tanglewood
TD Banknorth Garden
TPC of Boston
Tsongas Arena
Tweeter Center Boston
Wang Center - Boston
Worcester Centrum Centre

With a naturally enthralling test of golf designed by Arnold Palmer, a first-rate practice facility, a glimmering old-world style clubhouse with opulent appointments, the TPC Boston is the newest gem in the gleaming TPC network.

Opened in June 2002 and located in the suburb of Norton, Mass., the TPC Boston is a natural wonder that in '03 hosts the inaugural Deutsche Bank U.S. Championship on the PGA TOUR.

A par-72 golf course that stretches to 7,488 yards, the championship layout winds its way through wooded wetlands on gently rolling property. Though challenging with its many carries over hazards, the course nevertheless offers a fair test for all levels of players by offering openings into greens for approaches along the ground.

There's more than a first-rate golf course, however. The practice area, which covers 10 acres, features a 72,000 square-foot driving range and putting and chipping areas. Meanwhile, the New England accented clubhouse, 34,000 square feet, is a homey structure accented inside by walnut, hickory, smoke and nickel.

In addition, located off the ninth fairway is the William F. Connell Golf House, which is home to the Massachusetts Golf Association and the Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame.

"You look at the talent surrounding the membership and it’s just an impressive list," says Brian Connor, the director of marketing. "To watch them do their jobs and do them so well is fun."

The word "fun" gets pitched around quite often when discussing the intrinsic value of the par-72 layout that opened in June 2002.

"Overwhelmingly, that’s the word that describes our golf course -- fun," Connor says. "There are so many options presented to the golfer and big tee boxes that move you around, it’s almost like you never play the same course twice."

Palmer and his design crew concentrated their efforts on incorporating natural challenges into the gently rolling acreage. Mature trees and numerous wetlands constitute the primary challenges on a course that measures 7,488 yards from the tips. Very little earth was moved during construction, but 92 bunkers were etched into the turf.

"The terrain was essentially flat, and I think we turned it into a nice golf course," Palmer said. "There were some environmental considerations that added to the challenge, but they add to the overall presentation of a good golf course. We have good tree coverage, and what I think we were able to do is create a very natural, traditional test of golf."

While players face numerous carries over wetlands, most of the small greens on the par-4 and par-5 holes can accept shots along the ground. Three of the par-3 holes require carries over hazards and two of those short holes, Nos. 8 and 11, measure more than 200 yards. They are two fangs in the teeth of the course -- holes 6-12. That stretch includes many of the lengthier holes, including the 600-yard par-5 seventh.

The quality of the golf experience has not been a disappointment to a membership that numbered 250 before the club opened.

"We’ve heard nothing but positive comments," O’Mara says.

The positive energy flows to other parts of the complex. The practice area, which covers 10 acres, features a 70,000 square-foot practice tee and putting and chipping areas.

The clubhouse, 34,000 square feet, possesses shingle style New England architecture with a stone base and copper accents. Walnut, ivory, smoke and nickel contribute to a rich interior elegance. In addition to fine dining, multi-purpose meeting rooms, locker rooms and a top-notch pro shop, round out a turn of the century clubhouse. Located just off the ninth hole fairway is the William F. Connell Golf House, which is the home of the Massachusetts Golf Association, several other regional golf organizations and the Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame.

"The goal was to create a golf course and clubhouse that appeared as if they had been here a long time," O’Mara says. "I think we’ve captured a feel that is comfortable, an old-time home atmosphere that sort of wraps its arms around everyone who comes here."

And now a PGA TOUR event further enhances its image.

"It’s a huge attraction to be a member of a club that hosts a PGA TOUR event," O’Mara says. "I really believe it enhances the value of a membership. You can play the holes they played, walk in their shoes, maybe birdie a hole that Tiger doesn’t birdie. I think it all points to a very special experience."

Online TPC Golf Club Boston Tickets

TOP CONCERTS

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

CHEETAH GIRLS

CELINE DION

JOSH GROBAN

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS

THE WHO

GUNS N' ROSES

NICKLEBACK

SHAKIRA

PANIC! AT THE DISCO