When he left as head professional at Nashua CC to build Green Meadow 40 years ago, he knew what the public needed. He knew the average golfer couldn't hit it 180 yards on the fly and rarely hit it straight. Friel also knew that nobody enjoys losing golf balls or spending time looking for errant shots. So when he built these 18-hole tracks, Friel made sure there would be wide fairways and generous bailout areas near the greens. The bunkers are not treacherous, and the greens are not devious.
Golfers actually enjoy their rounds and most come back to play.
This ''let golf be fun'' philosophy has paid off for the Friels. Green Meadow is one of the most successful courses in New England. During midseason, golfers line up at the front gate before sunrise and the last golfer arrives at dusk. Today, the course is owned and operated by Friel's sons. The Prairie course was open last Friday, but only nine holes of the Jungle track were playable.