Located on Brandy Pond in Naples, Maine, in the heart of the Sebago Lakes Region, is Naples Golf and Country Club.

The Naples Golf and Country Club was established in 1921 with the fine front nine, then the back nine were added in 2000. The rolling fairways and views of Brandy Pond make this a premiere course in western Maine. About 2,000 feet of the course fronts the edge of Brandy Pond. Robert "Bob" Caron is the PGA Professional and General Manager of the club.

Gene Ferreira, who works in the Pro Shop told me his favorite hole is the 14th.

"It's an interesting par 5 with a pine tree smack dab in the middle of the fairway. Challenging," said Gene.

June Gyger also likes the 14th hole. "It's picturesque," she said.

According to Gene, playing the front and back nine is like playing two different golf courses. The back is narrower and more challenging.

The remodeled clubhouse features a full-service pro shop ready for repairs and sales. You'll find golf products from Cobra, Titleist, Ping and Callaway along with Ben Hogan, Tour Edge and AMF. Golf shoes are available from Foot Joy and Dexter, while there is clothing from Dockers, Ashworth, Page & Tuttle and Sun Mountain. Overnight regripping of clubs is available throughout the season.

Also located in the Club House is The Sandtrap Grille, which features panoramic views of the front nine, a full-service bar, outdoor deck and window seating. It's open during the season for a quick snack or a casual meal and is also available for banquets and other functions.

During the summer season you'll find golfers participating in a Scramble League on Tuesdays, Ladies League on Wednesdays and Men's League on Thursdays. Tournaments occur from spring till fall. Some are club tournaments, while others are special fundraisers.

One such fundraiser will take place on September 27th and is near and dear to Gene Ferreira's heart: Harvey's Second Annual Golf Challenge, which will benefit the Harvest Hills Animal Shelter at 1389 Bridgton Road in Fryeburg.

Gene said, "My wife and I run this event. She works at Harvest Hills. One hundred percent of the net proceeds go to take care of dogs and cats. We still have openings if people want to play."

Call 207.935.4358 to register for this benefit tournament. Registration is at 8 a.m., with a shotgun start to the scramble format at 9. A buffet lunch will follow. It costs $75/person or $300 for a group of four.

Other upcoming tournaments include the Lake Region Youth Football tournament and the Windham Class of 2010 Project Grad tournament. Check the club Web site for more details.

FMI: Naples Golf and Country Club, 136 Sebago Road (Route 114), Naples, 207.693.6424, www.naplesgolfcourse.com
Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Road, Fryeburg, 207.935.4358, www.harvesthills.org

As you play the front nine you might want to keep an eye out for these lakefront properties on Brandy Pond:

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