NORTON — Before Megan Khang became a professional golfer with the LPGA and an FM ambassador for the FM Championship, she was just a Massachusetts kid playing at Button Hole — a par-3 golf course in Providence.
Khang’s father worked as an auto mechanic in Rhode Island not far from the golf course. On weekends, the Mass. native would play at the par-3 course and even drag some of her extended family along with her.
“We got to know the owners pretty well,” Khang said during the FM Championship media day at TPC Boston.
Ed and Karen Mauro own the Rhode Island-based course and made it affordable and accessible to play golf for those who couldn’t afford to belong at country clubs.
Khang noted her parents were transparent about what they could and couldn’t afford while she was growing up. So having an affordable place like Button Hole to play golf was significant for her.
“It’s pretty cool that they saw a vision for golf for the next generation, for those who weren’t as fortunate to be able to afford memberships at clubs around Rhode Island and even Massachusetts,” Khang said.
“Button Hole Kids” can play 9 holes for $1 or 18 holes for $2. Adults can pay $14 for 9 holes or $21 for 18.
Playing at Button Hole was crucial in developing Khang’s golf skills, especially in Massachusetts where the golf season is short.
“We embraced that we have a short season of golf, so my parents have always iterated to me that you gotta take advantage when you can,” Khang said. “If you’re gonna do something, you gotta do it 100%.”
Khang still resides in Massachusetts and doesn’t have the same golf season as someone who lives in Florida or South Carolina does. She often gets asked why she remains somewhere she can’t golf year-round.
“It’s really cool because obviously there are not that many players that come from Massachusetts in general,” Khang said Wednesday at TPC Boston. “To be one of the few that have made it out here and continue to make it, it means a lot.
“I haven’t moved. I love being here. I say home is where the heart is. I’ll happily pay my taxes and be happy,” she continued. “I can’t imagine moving somewhere and not really enjoying — not not enjoying —but not loving it as much as I do love it up here.
“It’s definitely shaped me into who I am today.”
Khang went from a “Button Hole Kid” to a professional golfer who is helping pave the way for those who will come after her.
“It’s great to be a part of something that’s going to be bigger not only for us,“ she said, ”but the next generations to come.”
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