News Summary
At 86, Joe Carr is contemplating retirement after over 60 years in golf. A pro and co-owner of Bedrock Golf Club for 30 years, his contributions to the sport are notable. Carr looks forward to the future while facing health challenges, reflecting on a rich legacy and community impact at Bedrock.
Rutland, Massachusetts – A Golfer’s Legacy
At the wonderful age of 86, Joe Carr is contemplating a big change after more than 60 years in the golfing world. Carr has been a beloved golf pro and a part-owner of the Bedrock Golf Club for over 30 years, where he has become a staple of the local golfing community. But now, he is starting to think about retirement, a prospect he finds both exhilarating and a bit daunting.
Reflecting on the Future
Like any retiree, Carr looks forward to what lies ahead. The approaching 2026 golf season might mark his last working at Bedrock, although he admits he’s still unsure about making that decision. Carr has faced many health challenges over the years, including ongoing battles with skin cancer and current tests for prostate cancer. Every three weeks, he receives medical infusions which can be incredibly tiring. Yet, despite these struggles, he often puts in a whopping seven days a week working at the club, clocking in anywhere from five to ten hours a day.
A Daily Dedication
Running men’s and women’s leagues almost every day, and organizing weekend outings, Carr thrives on staying active. Leaving Bedrock won’t be easy for him, as he truly enjoys the work he does and is uncertain about what else he would pursue in his retirement. Living just five miles from the club in Spencer, he’s a lifelong bachelor who has poured his heart and soul into this golf haven.
A Family of Champions
Interestingly, Carr shares a birthday with his sister, Mary Gale—a unique bond as they celebrate the same day on January 15, yet twelve years apart. Both siblings have made their marks in the world of amateur golf, with Carr winning the Massachusetts Amateur in 1962 and Gale winning the Massachusetts Women’s Amateur in 1996. Their five surviving siblings also play a part in the ownership of Bedrock Golf Club.
A Legacy in Golf
In recognition of his remarkable contributions to golf, Carr was inducted into the NEPGA Hall of Fame in 2004. His string of achievements includes impressive wins at the 1974 New Hampshire Open and the 1979 Rhode Island Open, demonstrating the vast breadth of his golfing expertise.
Time on the Tour
Carr had a stint on the prestigious PGA Tour between 1963 and 1971, enabling him to participate in three PGA Championships, one U.S. Open, and three U.S. Senior Opens, as well as play on the European Senior Tour. Despite his successes, he recently found himself less interested in actively playing, having only managed to play a mere two rounds during the summer and about six in Florida during the winter months.
Building Community at Bedrock
At Bedrock, Carr has shifted from offering formal paid lessons to providing “helpful hints” to golfers, fostering a sense of community. He and Tim “Hack” McDonnell opened Bedrock Golf Club in 1992, after purchasing unfinished property in 1990. The club, aptly named after the animated TV show The Flintstones, officially opened its doors on Memorial Day in 1992.
Challenging Holes and Memorable Moments
Despite having carded four holes-in-one in his golfing career, none of those took place at Bedrock. The club’s notorious par-3 seventh hole, known for its difficulty, sees only one or two aces each year. Carr fondly recalls experiences with famous golfers such as Arnold Palmer, reflecting on the camaraderie and lifelong friendships built within the local golfing community.
Positive Outlook on Life
Throughout his life, Carr has maintained a positive attitude, uplifting many within the local golf community. As he continues to grapple with his health and ponder retirement, his legacy at Bedrock Golf Club remains undeniable, inspiring both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
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Additional Resources
- Telegram: Carr Winding Down After Over 30 Years Running Bedrock Golf Club
- Telegram: Bill Doyle’s Golf Notes – Joe Carr Strong as Bedrock
- Telegram: First and 10 – Joe Carr, Bedrock Golf Club Part Owner
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
