First came The Clubhouse.
Then Sticks.
Now Westport has a third golf simulator.
As use of its spin room declined — a nationwide trend — the Westport Weston Family YMCA repurposed that space. Last Friday, it reopened as a multi-purpose golf center. The centerpiece is a versatile simulator.
“We’re always looking for new sports,” says COO Christina Scherwin. “Golf is a way to diversify our offerings. It’s good for all ages” — including members with special needs, the Parkinson’s exercise group, and women who may be reluctant to go out on a course or driving range.
Angelo Lopiano is the Y’s new golf pro. Owner of Studio Golf in Wilton for 25 years, he’s available 25 hours a week — Mondays through Saturdays — for lessons.
The simulator — featuring hundreds of courses worldwide, and dozens of ways to analyze swings and strokes — will be open for rental at all other times. Lessons and rentals are for Y members only.
This Friday us the official inauguration, with a closest-to-the-pin contest and giveaways.
The new offering has already proved popular. Lopiano and Scherwin envision adding more simulators, and perhaps adding golf to the Mahackeno Outdoor Center. (There is mini-golf there already, next to the pool.)
Harrison Browne — a former Staples High School golf star, now on the Lafayette College team — was driving, chipping and putting yesterday.
“It’s a great place to practice and hang out,” he says.
For more information and to book a slot, call 203-226-8981, ext. 147. (Hat tip: Susan Garment)

Harrison Browne, in action. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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This week’s “Jazz at the Post” offers a tribute to Chet Baker and Stan Getz.
Trumpeter Andy Gravish has spent 20 years devouring Baker’s music. Saxophonist (and JazzFC artistic director) Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall has admired Getz’s work for decades.
Gravish and Wall will be joined by pianist Michael Cochrane, bassist Bill Moring and drummer Eric Halvorson.
“Jazz at the Post” runs every Thursday, at VFW Post 399. Shows are 7;30 and 8:45 p.m. A buffet dinner begins at 7. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Diane Lowman. It’s the full moon (“Wolf Moon”) — and just to its right, Jupiter.

(Photo/Diane Lowman)
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And finally … in his State of the Union address on this date in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt United States President described “4 Freedoms” that people “everywhere in the world” ought to enjoy:
- Freedom of speech and expression
- Freedom of worship
- Freedom from want
- Freedom from fear.

Dan , You didn’t really think you could possibly post a story with the word “GOLF” and not have me comment? I’m sure there are many who played the 18th hole and got it in the clown’s nose and won a free game! #WestportGolfRange 1954 to 1983