Conference 7.286::golf

    According to the MGA Member Club List,the phone number is 413-648-9101.
    When you call just ask for directions.
    
    Paul

    Form what I understand they have a deal 40 bucks includes cart,18
    holes and 15 dollars off at a restaurant I forget which one.
    
    Ted who can't wait to play
    

    I've been a member at Crumpin-Fox for many years and can give you
    directions (depending on where you're coming from). Bring lots of golf
    balls, cause it can DESTROY you. If you see someone fly fishing in the
    ponds, it'll be me.
    
    Jack Varley (DTN 223-2440 in PKO2; node ASABET::VARLEY).

    Hi Jack,
    
    I played the course last year just before the back nine opened up.
    I will be coming west on Rt 2, I just can't remember the street
    name which is a right in the center of Irving (if I remember
    correctly).  If you could just refresh my memory from there I
    would appreciate it.  
    By the way, how does the new nine compare with the old?
    
    /Russ

     I think the name is Church Street, and it is next to the Town of
    Erving office and Firehouse (modern white buildings). Going West you
    would take a right, then stay on the "main" road for about 8 miles. The
    road dead ends on to Rte 10 in Northfield, and you take a left. Go
    about 1/2 mile and take a right at the first major intersection (it's
    a "T") and go over the Connecticut River towards Bernardston. When you
    see the Windmill Motel on your left, you are about 1 1/2 miles from the
    entrance to Crumpin-Fox, which will be on your right.
    
     Here's a tip - if you want to have breakfast, just go straight past
    the entrance to Bernardston until the road ends, and directly in front
    of you is "Pizza, Etc.".It's a GREAT breakfast place, and very
    reasonable (how's $3.15 or so for everything, including coffee?).
    
     The new 9 is more open than the old one (but a hell of a lot less open
    than almost anything you've probably seen). We still have some washouts
    on #1 and #4, but we're weorking on 'em. Be VERY careful with your tee
    shot on #4, especially if the tees are up. You want to be in the right
    center of the "saddle", because if you nail a driver or 3 wood you'll
    go through the fairway and rough into Vietnam. In THIS vietnam,
    everyone is MIA! That green is also fairly hard, so don't fly it past
    the pin. Remember, you can't play the back tees without permission (and
    if they give you permission, ask them "what they're on." Golf should be
    fun, and it's no fun from the blacks at the Fox.
    
     BTW, if you stop at "Pizza, Etc." tell Mike the owner/cook that I sent
    you.
    
    Good Luck,
    
    Jack

     I ran into Walt Lenehan, Steve LaCaire and two other DEC guys at "The
    Fox" yesterday (4/17). I'm anxious to hear their opinions, although
    Walta told me he'd be back. How about the back (black) tees next time
    boys ? Would the course be strong enough ?
     The course and greens should be "primo" in 2-3 weeks.
    
    --Jack

    You guys are serious!!! Well, we are awaiting your replies with our
    golf gloves on. How did each of you you fare? It is my intention to
    get permission from Ron Beck to play the blacks on the 18th. Is this
    an exercise in insanity? 
    Rich

     Rich I know of some guys in Charlestown who will give you a good
    beating for ten bucks and you won't even lose any balls... Seriously,
    if you just want a real challenge and the satisfaction that comes from
    an occasional par or birdie on a tough hole, playing from the tips on a
    hard course is fine. As a steady diet, the majority of golfers are just
    takin' up space.
     It's fun once in a while though, and I wouldn't discourage you. In my
    opinion, there are a bunch of holes that most of us would have some
    serious problems making par on from the black blocks (unless the up and
    down game is working. Here are my "Tough from the tips nominees":
    Number 1, 4, 6, 7 (somewhat - depends on the pin), 8, 10, 11, 12, 13,
    15, 16 (INSANE !!) 17 and 18 (People love to watch the second shot from
    our porch).
     My criteria on where to play from is where can you BELIEVABLY hit the
    green in regulation from over 50% of the time. Some of these babies
    just ain't believable. Most folks think of their career shots and say
    "that's my normal game." Therein lies the problem. We had so many
    people playing the blacks that shouldn't have that we set up the
    permission requirement. I'm sure you'll have no problem obtaining
    permission, but if you do, please tell Ron we played together and I
    recommended you get the chance to see the whole golf course.
    
    --Jack
    

    Hi Jack and others,
    
    	Playing Crumpin Fox was a VERY humbleing experience. I played 18
    	the day before, shooting +4 on the front and -1 on the back of
    	an easy course. So I "thought" I was ready for the Fox. Well,
    	I ended up 49 on the front, 44 on the back... and walked off the
    	course screaming for a rematch ! I played a course called
    	Hells Point in Virginia, it truely was Hell. The Fox played even
    	more difficult.
    
    	I've been doing a lot of thinking, trying to understand what
    	caused so many bogies and double bogies. The simplest explanation
    	is that if you don't hit the green in regulation, you're looking
    	at some serious difficulty getting up and down in 2. The killer
    	is trying to hit the elevated greens and stop the ball before it
    	plunges into a huge sand trap or rolls off down a ledge. Looking
    	back on yesterdays round, one thing that cost me dearly was 
    	going for the pin... next time I'll be aiming for the fat part
    	of the green !! And I won't forget the "tips" sheet Jack Varley
    	typed up. The couple holes Jack was with us helped a lot ;) !!
    
    	Crumpin Fox is definitely THE most difficult course in this area.
    
    	thanks for your hospitality Jack,
    
    	Walta
    	
    	

    
    Yes, we were there yesterday. Practically had the whole place to
    ourselves. What a magnificent golf course! The new nine complements
    the old nine extremely well. Things will get progressively tighter
    as you go along. There is just so much there, it's really a great
    design. It will eat your lunch the first time you play it. There's alot
    to learn about position, club selection, when to play conservative,
    when to play aggressive. I definitely needed to overcome the feeling
    of being intimidated by the course. 
    
    16, 17 and 18 are 3 great finishing holes. They are difficult but
    fair.
    The 18th (par 4 what 397?) played very tough into a strong headwind. I 
    had to lay up. Walta went for it and knocked it into the trap in the 
    front. Then the green wouldn't hold my 8 iron and I'm in the gronkly
    stuff in back of it. Tough. 
    
    The straight hitters will do well on this course.
    Greens were smooth and true (no bumpy rides).
    
    I don't see any need to play the back markers. This is MORE THAN ENOUGH
    golf course for most of us.  It just wouldn't be as much fun IMO.
    
    
  -Steve.   
    

    Jack, believe me, I have no illusions of grandeur about my game. I
    am not even close to being even a "good amateur" (5 or less). I do
    enjoy the challenge of tougher courses, playing them from where I
    put them and sinking 'em all. "The Fox" certainly does give me that
    challenge and then some. It galls me that I had
    to take an unplayable from the rocks on 12 the last time I played
    there. Thanks for the endorsement to play from the blacks. Care to
    join us? There are still a couple of spots open.
    Rich

    
    Steve Lacaire is being VERY modest... 
    
    	We were playing a dollar Nassau and Steve's team was one up with
    one to go. With my team in with a 5, and Steve in the "gronkly" stuff
    in three... it was looking real good that my partner and I would escape
    without digging into our pockets. Steve had to SOMEHOW, pitch out of
    the woods, up a hill, to a tight pin that the green rolled away from.
    His partner had the same shot and sent it roaring past the pin some
    30 feet... Steve looking determined I might add, simply pitched it
    one bounce, release to 6 feet. The after surveying the putt, drilled
    it dead center !
    
    		I looked like Ray Floyd as his ball hit the water ;( .
    
    	Till next time Steve ,
    
    	Walta

     Steve, I've been there on 18 and you can't DO that ! What a great shot
    ! I don't blame Walta for counting the money before you got it up and
    down. Sometimes they put the pin on 18 on the front right peninsula and
    you should see the scores skyrocket. We kind of get used to shots like
    the third shot on 17 over all the deep bunkers because we see it a lot,
    but if you're from a different course it can be terrifying. I only
    played the front 9 yesterday (from the blues like you guys did - they
    were back a bit, by the way) and shot 45 with 3 doubles. It was my
    first 9 of the year and I skulled two PW's into ponds. I was feelin'
    kinda low until I talked to Ron Beck. He just got back from Illinois
    and played with an old pal. Both were even par out there  (not at The
    Fox) for the front 9, then the other guy goes birdie, birdie, par,
    eagle, birdie on the next 5 holes.
     I've played with Ron's pal at Crumpin Fox and he shot 72 from the tips
    with a double on 9 and a double on 18. This guy shot 59 once in a
    college match ! I asked him how it felt and he said, "I hit it o.k., I
    just made everything." I also asked him how come he shot 104 at Cog
    Hill #4 2 weeks after the 59 and he said "real bad hangover." Master of
    the understatement. Seems like I should enter a description on how to
    play the front 9. I described the old front 9 (now the back 9) in a
    previous note - somewhere around 670, I think. I'll enter the
    description separately. BTW, Rich will love any course from any set of
    tees. He is the consummate golf junkie !
    
    Come on back !
    
    Jack

     The original notes on what is now the back 9 at Crumpin-Fox are in
    note 463. I'll post all the latest yardages (some tees have changed)
    that I got from Ron Beck today and do a rundown on the new first 9.
    BTW, Golf Digest contacted Ron and told him we were nominated as one of
    the best new golf courses. I don't know who the others are, but Ron is
    sending them some info, including a humorous (I hope) description I
    gave him yesterday). All yardage below is from the back tees.
    
    Hole#    Par  Yardage
    ------  ----- --------
    1       4     414
    2       4     362
    3       3     193
    4       4     392
    5       5     528
    6       4     448
    7       4     387
    8       5     592
    9       3     188
    ------------------
           36    3504
    
    10      4     424
    11      3     161
    12      4     388
    13      4     393
    14      5     527
    15      3     175
    16      4     457
    17      5     565
    18      4     413
    ------------------
            36   3503
    
    total   72   7007
    
    # 1, par 4 414 yards. If tees are back, hit driver to the left edge of
    the right hand mound with the tree on it. If they're up, hit a 3 wood
    on the same line (or dead center if you're not too long off the tee).
    If you're a long hitter, bust it over the tree for a pw/sw into the
    green. Whatever you hit in, hit to the front (!) of this green. Over,
    long right or short left is dead.
    
    # 2, par 4 362 yards. Anywhere up on to the fairway where the landing
    area appears to level off is fine. Left side takes the trap along the
    right side of the green out of play for your second shot but is more
    likely to produce an uneven lie or might hang your ball up in the
    rough. I recommend a tee shot right center. The hole plays shorter than
    it looks, and if you fly over the pin from the right onto the left
    hillside guarding the green your ball frequently rolls back on to the
    surface.
    
    # 3, par 3 193 yards. Be REAL careful to watch the wind here - if it's
    in your face hit two clubs more. Again, as in almost every hole, try to
    stay under the hole. The right hand trap is a bitch if the pin is up
    because it does NOT hold sand shots well; you can hit a perfect blast
    and go across the green into another trap on the left. Wide right, left
    or over is dead also.
    
    # 4, 392 yards. I predict this hole will kill more people than the atom
    bomb. Murderous tee shot into a saddle between a hill left and some
    terrible bunkers right. If you're long, hit at the very left edge of
    the bunkers, but anything to the middle or left of this line goes
    through the fairway down a hill into Vietnam. I'd hit a 3 wood at the
    bottom of the left hand hill. Second shot MUST be played short of the
    hole. Over, either left, right or long is cooked. There are too many
    undulations on this green, creating some really difficult pin
    placements and putts.
    
    Hole # 5, par 5 528 yards. Hit your tee shot left center of the fairway
    and hit a fairway wood or long iron second shot up the fairway to the
    left of the right hand mound guarding the entrance to the green. There
    are traps just past the mound across the front of the green which are
    invisible. Long, left or right are all o.k. if you miss your 3rd shot.
    Short isn't. If you don't make par here you'll kick yourself, 'cause it
    gets worse real quick.
    
    Hole # 6, par 4 448 yards. The good news is it plays a little shorter
    due to the elevated tees. The bad news is the second shot is a BITCH
    (to an elevated green with a huge trap across 2/3 0f the entrance
    starting to the left). Leave your feet on the tee shot and hit it left
    center. Right is a little shorter, but the rough is tough if you miss
    the fairway and the trees are worse if you MISS the fairway. If you
    miss this green, miss it short right. Over or left are 6 city, and
    right isn't much better. This green doesn't hold long approach clubs
    well, so if you're a long iron or fairway wood away, put them back in
    your bag, lay it up, take your 5 (or 4) and stop whining.
    
    Hole #7, par 4 387 yards. Long hitters can blow it over the far left of
    the traps (I mean legitimately long hitters, not the guys you meet in
    bars that hit it 300 + on some airport runway muni. We're talkin' AIR
    time here). Humans hit a spoon just right of the traps (too far and
    you're through the fairway and down a golf ball). Second shot faces
    traps right, steep bank down to a pond to the left of the green and
    along the front and a hill to the back. A word of caution, DO NOT go
    for the pin if it is left. The green is still hard and it's tough to
    stop it. Putts on this green do interesting things at the hole...
    
    Hole # 8, par 5 592 yards. Tee shot is left center to right center; The
    water is further than you think. Crank that 300 yarder ! you'll only
    have 292 over water to reach the green ! Most people hit a 3 or 4 iron
    second up the right side of the fairway, leaving them a short iron to a
    green fronted by water and a STEEP bank. Some room left, a steep bank
    and traps over and some room right. If the pin is up, don't get too
    cute (of course, there IS that downhill putt toward the water if you're
    long...).
    
    Hole # 9, par 3 188 yards. Watch the wind and your alignment on this
    hole, and play for the middle of the green. Over is awful, especially
    back right, there is a brook in front and traps along the right front.
    The hole normally plays a bit shorter than it looks, but putts have
    many hidden breaks.
    
    I hope this helps.
    
    --Jack  
    

    I love C&F, I think it's a great course, havn't played the new nine
    yet, but played the old 9 many times from every tee. I do think that it
    is an unfair course especially from the black tees, if you miss greens
    just by inches to the left (on old #1), you're in god only knows what, 
    next to rock and other crap if it rolls down the side of the hill, with
    a double bogie looming, and an impossible par chance. I just play the
    course for the pleasure of the challange, not to post number on the
    board. Is the new nine the same as the back, ie rocks and crap around
    elevated greens?
    
    peter

     I don't tink it's generally as bad around most greens on the new 9,
    although they ARE elevated. However, if you go over any of them you
    meet "the death of a thousand cuts..." The new 9 is real pleasnt to
    play. I'd say you have to have some real lapses to make a big score for
    the 9, but I just remembered a friend who is a good player (5 hcp at
    The Fox) who was 1 under after 4 and shot 51...
    
    -- Jack

    	I've never played C&F, but just because a particular hole or
    holes have extreme trouble or penalty for missing just inches from
    one side of a green, is no reason to say it's unfair.  If you KNOW
    there is severe trouble inches to the left of a green, and then
    you hit it there, either you hit a terrible shot, and deserve the
    penalty, or you took a gamble and shot for the pin and pulled it
    a bit.  Either way, you had the option of hitting to the right sode
    of the green, where a slight pull wouldn't hurt you to much.  And
    depending on the distance and the hole, sometimes there should be
    shots that require a very good shot.  Like the 17th at the TPC course.
    I don't think it's unfair.  It's a short shot, but a tough hole.
    I think every course should have at least one hole that requires
    a very good shot.
    
    Beak

    Beak,
    
    It's not just one hole at C&F that has the problem, it's almost every
    hole, and it's not just left but right and long. And if you read the
    yardages, these shots are not short shots but long irons. What do you
    think the pros would say if the TPC 17th was 200 yards long? Again I
    love the course, but think it unfair only from the black tees (unless
    you're a 300 yard stright driver), because of the long iron shots into
    the elevated greens.
    
    peter 

    Isn't that why there are different tee boxes on every hole
    at a course ? Each move farther back increases the difficulty
    of the course by some factor. It should be harder to score
    from the back tees (I play the whites) to test the skill of
    those who chose to play from them. Sometimes the groups I play
    with want to play from the back tees so I go along and invariably
    get my behind kicked by the added length and difficulty. It seems
    unfair to say a course is fine from one set of tees but unfair
    from another. It is just a sterner test of ones abilities !!
    Just my opinion.
    
    Mad Hacker

    	I agree.  Most courses have at least 2 sets of mens tees and
    many have 3 sets of mens tees.  Each is set up, to provide a
    tougher/easier lay out for varying levels of players.  Noone forces
    you to play from the back tees.  And no matter what tees you play
    from, as long as everyone your playing with/against that particular
    day is playing from the same set of tees, it's equally difficult
    for each golfer.  The name of the game though, is to have fun. 
    If you feel you will not do so from the back tees, then don't hit
    from them.  And vice-versa.  Some very good golfer may not have
    any fun from the shorter tees.  I just feel that to expect any course
    to yield the same score as any other course is unfair.  You may
    shoot 80 on one course and play okay, and shoot 86 on another course
    and play great!!!  Which course is the better course?
    
    Beak

    
    I can see what Pete is saying... unfair is a good way of explaining
    	the black tees at the Fox. The opportunity to make par requires
    	an excellent up and down, because sticking it on the green is
    	on some holes, not even possible. The green should hold a shot
    	that is hit from the designed distance assuming your approach shot
    	is coming in after a big tee-shot. I felt as if I was simply 
    	throwing the ball at the green and hoping for a good result...and
    	this was from 6 iron distance. The Fox is the ultimate test of
    	your short game , which puts additional stress on your tee-shot...
    	knowing it HAS to be deep or you'll have NO prayer of hitting
    	the green in regulation !
    
    	That would be an interesting stat at the Fox.... greens in
    regulation ;) !! 
    
    	I'm not complaining mind you, the course was fun and difficult
    	at the same time. I wouldn't change one yard. Just stating an
    	opinion.
    
    	Walta

    re. Beak and Mad Hacker
    
    I play the tips because I feel that is the only way I will get better.
    You guy never having played C&F don't know how difficult it is, I love
    the challenge. I've heard of a lot of good player that won't play C&F
    because it will humble them. Believe me I have fun there, it's a great
    great layout. All I was saying was that it's unfair around the greens
    mainly because of rocks.
    
    peter 

    Peter, I understand what you're saying, and I have not ever played
    there, but I don't think what you describe is unfair, just very
    difficult.  Do the golfers in here play balata, wound balls?  Do
    you also hit your approach shots from the fairways?  These are things
    you have to do to put enough spin on the ball to hold the greens
    you guys describe.  They can't be tougher than holding the greens
    at Augusta.  Or can they?  But an unfair hole, would be a 550 yard
    par 4.  Or a 330 yard par 3.  One that is impossible to get to the
    green in regulation.  In the cases that you guys have described,
    it seems that the holes are difficult, but not unfair.  In any event,
    you're right about me not having played there, so I can only comment
    on how you describe the hole(s).
    	I do know quite a few people who have played there, and while
    all of them have said the course is very tough, and by the way they
    also have said it is a very nice place to lay, I haven't heard them
    say it's unfair.
    
    Beak

    	I'll have to play there sometime, but I'm sure it will be tough
    for me.  Although I can hit the ball fairly long, I'm not the most
    accurate golfer off the tee with my driver, or even 3 wood for that
    matter.  So I won't be playing from the back tees!!!  But I do have
    a decent short game.
    
    Beak

    Pete,
       Next time I get to come back there for training I hope
    someone will take me out to C&F. I have never been afraid
    of any course and never worry about being humbled. My scores
    are so high what are a few more strokes ! 8^) As for unfair,
    come out here and try Poppy HIlls sometime !! ALthough the
    more I play there the less unfair it is and just plain hard !!
    
    Mad Hacker

    I have five slots open on May 18 to play at "The Fox". Tee times are
    at 7:30 am. We plan to play 18, hop in the cars and go down I91 and play
    18 at The Orchards in South Hadley at 1:30 pm. If you are interested
    in joining us call me at DTN 273-5387 AND send me (VRO5-2/B9) a check for
    $65.00 for green fees at both courses. First come, first served.
    RICH (The Consumate Golf Junkie)

    	Rich, if it was only the Fox, I probably would go, but since
    I'm allready playing in a 36 hole tourny on May 4th, I think I'll
    pass.  If you do indeed need someone for only 18 holes at C&F, let
    me know.
    
    Beak

    Beak,
    I will let you know a little later on. I will try to work it out.
    Rich

    Is this a private club? If, public how easy is it to get on during the
    weekends? Any good times? Can you get tee times?
    
    
    Thanks
    
    Roland
    

     It's semi-private, but, unlike Marlboro, does not have whole days
    blocked off for members only. Give 'em a call at 413 648-9101 and ask
    for a tee time. We have some restrictions like a dress code (golf
    shirts, no jeans, the basic stuff -no dressing like bums kinda sums it
    up) and no coolers. Ask the guys at the golf shop, they are real
    accommodating. Leave yourself some time to hit range balls if you like.
     Providing they have an open tee time, any day is o.k., and we like to
    have new folks see the course. Ask 'em about the golf and dinner
    package, it's a super deal and the restaurant (Phases) is beautiful
    with an unbelievable view. Drop me a note if I can help you out (and
    read the hole descriptions in this note and 463).
    
    -- Jack
    

    For you distance freaks out there, I played with a pal from the Robert
    Trent Jones company at Crumpin Fox last saturday. On the 17th hole (a
    565 yard par 5 with SOFT fairways) he hit driver 4 iron! On the
    previous hole (448 into the wind, also with a soft fairway) he hit
    driver, PW. I've known this guy for several years and he is THE longest
    player I've ever payed with. EVER!
    
    -- Jack

>    For you distance freaks out there, I played with a pal from the Robert
>    Trent Jones company at Crumpin Fox last saturday. On the 17th hole (a
>    565 yard par 5 with SOFT fairways) he hit driver 4 iron! On the
>    previous hole (448 into the wind, also with a soft fairway) he hit
>    driver, PW. I've known this guy for several years and he is THE longest
>    player I've ever payed with. EVER!
 		      ^^^^^
    			|
    			|
       
     Jack,
    
    	Was this intended...? ;-) ;-) If he hits it that long he MUST
    	rake in the bets...!
    
    

     No, it's a misspelling (should have been "played"), but come to think
    of it the Pro (Ron Beck) and I had to pay Niall and his partner $5.
    It's nice to play with someone who has a unique talent, but is still a
    great guy.
    
    -- Jack

    I talked with Gene Kelley and Rich (The Ultimate Golf Junkie) OConnor
    and it sounds like you guys had a fun day at our quaint little course.
    Too bad it was so wet - the rough must have been murder - but at least
    you got to see the whole layout (from the TIPS!).
     I think the landing areas on the front 9 shut down a little more from
    the back tees, while they open up a bit on the back 9. Looking off the
    back tee on # 10 is a scary "carry" for shorter hitters, and there are
    some pretty strong holes - 16, 6 and 8 for instance. On # 1 you have to
    hit it 240 just to GET it to the corner (the big tree on the mound to
    the right). There is no free lunch, but in my experience it's as close
    to a U.S. Open layout as you'll see. 
     We need some dry weather for sure ! Then in several weeks the course
    should be pretty good. I played 9 Sat. from the blues (which were back
    a bit but not as bad as the blacks) and shot 39, bogeying 1 (knocked a
    PW second into the trap), 2 (tee ball into the furniture) and 9 (bad
    chip) and felt so good I went right to the bar. We've got a few guys
    (me not included) who are in heavy demand at Member-Guest tournaments.
     Y'all come back...
    
    -- Jack
    
    P.S. How did "The Mad Hacker" like the course ? Walta, would this place
    get you in shape for the State Amateur ?

    Hi Jack,
    
    	Once again the Fox out fox'd me ! I just now returned to swinging
    	the club at 85% of maximum rather than at 200% ! 
    
    	Playing from the blacks wasn't as bad as I thought it would be
    although it was still VERY tough. We weren't getting any roll due
    to the soggy weather... but if conditions were drier ??? What am I
    thinking ? If conditions were drier I wouldn't have held 1/2 the greens
    I hit ! 
    
    	The one thing playing the fox has done for my game, is when I play
    any other course I feel at ease, because they all appear so harmless ;)
    
    	Walta

    
    	I totally enjoyed the layout at the Fox and the conditions for
    	such a young course... Real tough from the blacks, but real nice.
    	BUT I AM GOING TO SNEAK BACK THERE AND BLOW UP THAT DAMN TREE IN
    	THE MIDDLE OF THE 17TH FAIRWAY... aaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggg!
    
    	There are some holes there that I am not likely to ever forget.
    	Like #8 (I think it was) what an intimidating hole...! 590+
    	with water all the way up the left side...!
    
    	I would love to get back out there during the middle of the season
    	on a dry sunny day and play it again...
    
    	Great course, love all the yardage markers... To bad it is so far
    	away...
    
    	To then go play The Orchards was a let down (particularly for $15
    	more then the Fox)..!!!
    
    	Just my thoughts
    	Gene
    
    	Hey Rich, you gonna put another one together for mid season?

    Yah, I'd like to do the Fox again but forget the Orchard with temp
    green and all. Rich, could you set up a fox run mid season?
    
    I had the pleasure of playing with the Mad Hacker and found him to be
    every bit the gentleman his writings connote. As you know he is from
    central California and he went out of his way to be with us. I'll bet
    he will have the experience indulibly etched in his memory because he
    had a bum knee and with all the rain the courses would not allow carts.
    Given the extreme terrain, up and down, and the sloshy weather he
    really perservered despite all odds. OH!, also he forgot his golf shoes
    and had to hit with street sneakers. Despite all this he managed to
    finish at the Fox and shot some rather remarkable sand shots.
    
    I did'nt understand how he got tagged with all of his name until he
    volunteered to me after crushing a fairway wood which had followed a
    dub that " see that is why they call me mad ".
    
    Paul got the Mad Hacker to sign his card at the Fox. Unfortunately we
    never got to see Jim (the Mad Hacker) at the 19th at the Orchard as he
    understandably ran out of where-with-all in what can only be considered
    a marathon golf outing with a 4.5 degree of difficulty. 

    AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
       That sums it up for my experience at C-F with the guys ! The only
    sterner test of golf I have experienced is Poppy Hills in Monterey.
    The fos however doesn't penalize you for good hits and that can happen
    at Poppy !! I had a great time with Paul and Phil and it was nice to
    meet so many people I had only talked with in this notesfile. The
    view from the tee at #3 is incredible and my tee shot 6 feet from
    the cup helps me to remember it !! (missed the putt 8^{ ) The
    conditions
    were pretty bad including hiding in the trees on #17 for the sqall to
    pass. I would love to play this course in the fall with the leaves
    changing and the weather nice. I left my driver at home as I feared
    shaft breakage during transit si I was hampered by using 3-wood as
    a driver all morning. Man is it long from the blacks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     You have a great course there Jack, hope to play it with you 
    sometime !!!!
       Thanks to Rich and the rest of the gang for a wonderful time!!!
    
    Mad Hacker
    (pardon my typo's, this node is so slowwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
    

    Gene, I will commit to to organizing a trip to the Fox later during
    the DRY season. I don,t know when yet, though.

    
    Rich,
    
    Sounds great...!
    
    
    Thanks
    Gene

    Well, I'll have to start on my manager for more training but
    I would sure enjoy playing the Fox with you guys again !!!!!
    
    Mad Hacker

    I'd love play Crumpin-Fox again! Hopefully the fairways will be in
    alittle better condition, mainly more grass.
    
    				-Paul
    

     They're already better, and the grass that is present is bent -
    perfect ! The new 9 is less than a year old, so on 1,4,5 and 8 there
    are still some washout areas being fixed. This isn't unusual for any
    new course, and the RT Jones guys told me that it takes a while for the
    real problem areas (ones that require different solutions from the
    traditional solutions) to manifest themselves. Some areas take 3 or 4
    tries to fix.
     Our real problem is that with the wet weather, we haven't been able to
    mow frequently enough. This hurts bent grass seeded in problem areas
    because bent grass grows sideways. The more you mow it, the more the
    rows of bent grow toward each other. We just lift the ball out of
    seeded areas and hit it, being careful not to walk on them or drive
    carts on them.
     One other note, last August we killed all the grass on the old 9 and
    reseeded it with bent also, so it is new too. From my experience, it is
    really coming in fast and looks very good, and I play it every weekend.
    I kinda wish they put bent in the forest instead of the fairways,
    'cause that's where I used to spend a lot of time (prior to the ADX 200
    driver...).
    
    --Jack

    re. Ahh, It's O.K.
    
    Hi Jack,
    
    	Well it's okay if you are taking lifts from this area and dropping
    in a place with grass. But, we were playing the ball down the day we
    played Crumpin-Fox and it seemed like almost every time I hit the
    fairway I ended up in some area where the grass was not grown in very
    well. I guess I (we) didn't do much good for the course, hitting from
    these not fully developed areas, sorry Jack! If, these areas had been
    marked off I would have taken lifts, but since they weren't I just
    played it where it lied because that was what was decided before we
    went out. If, I played Crumpin-Fox again under the same conditions I
    would have suggested we use our own descrection on determining if the
    area was still developing new grass and take a lift accordingly. I have
    a feeling that by the time I get to the "Fox" again, the fairways will
    be magnificient like the rest of the course! Really looking forward to
    playing Crumpin-Fox again. Jack, I hope I'll get to meet you next time
    I'm there. Better yet, maybe we could play a round of golf together!
    
    					-Paul

     I don't think the greens crew marked off as many areas as they should,
    but even then, things change quickly. I guess the grass is just so new
    that it hasn't thickened yet. It was quite a bit better last weekend,
    but that didn't help me. I shot 41 from the "blues" with 3 doubles...
    
    --Jack

    I am sorry to say that I will be unable to organize any other golf
    outing. I have been involved in DECworld and have just recently
    moved from VRO to PKO and I am in the process of hunting for a new
    job. Plus my wife and I are preparing to put our house on the market.
    There isn't even time to get out and play. If anyone wishes to take
    over and set it up, please call me on the DTN 223-5094. I do not even
    have an account at PKO yet. This is the first time in about 8 weeks
    that I have been able to read the notes.
    Sorry Gene.

I'm going to be spending the better part of August up at my camp in 
Dublin, NH. I'd like to get a game or two up (or rather down) at the Fox.
Would you, Jack, or any other masochists in this conference (how about 
you, Walta?) care to have a go at picking my pockets. With a 6 
handicap from little ol' Marlboro and a new baby who's kept me off the 
course (and my game), I should be easy pickin's.

Tom

    
    hi Tom,
    
    	I think it's a great idea to do the Fox again... It's like
    when you get wooped by your best friend at anything, you never
    really sleep the same until REVENGE ;) !!
    
    	I know how well you hit the ball Tom... I'll make sure I'm
    prepared !
    
    	One problem, I kinda used up a lot of my vacation hours and
    therefore can only do a weekend match. Is that OK?
    
    	thanks  Walta

I knew you were a gamer, Walta! A weekend is fine with me, if we 
can get on the course. Maybe the Scoal Bandit has some words of wisdom 
for us. I'm sure you've got your weekend matches already committed for 
the summer, Jack, but I'd sure like to meet the swing that's been 
launched on a thousand courses (many of which are in GD's top 100). I 
figure if I can't play Merion, Medinah, Pine Valley, or Shinnicock, 
it's worth the price of a nassau to here stories about playing them.
Besides, I could use a seasoned guide. The only time I played the Fox 
before--the original nine, a lack of course knowledge cost me more 
than a few strokes.

Anyone else besides Walta and me interested in taking a weekend--or 
midweek--journey to golfing hell?

Tom

    
    
        I would be interested...If you guys don't mind a first time Crump
    player...
    
         Jim

    I'd love to play the "Fox" again, count me in as well!
    
    		-Paul
    

    Hey Pual, if you play the Fox again, stay out of the lake on #7 !!
    Or was #8 the one ? Maybe it was both of them ? Had a great time
    when we played there.
    
    Mad Hacker

    Hey MH,
    
    	Sure will try to stay out of the water, always do 8^)! How's things
    out in sunny California? Have you tried that shot off of the hard
    ground with you putter yet? When will we see you in this neck of the
    country again? If and when you come around these parts, let us know and
    we'll play the "Fox" again and maybe some other course(s).
    
    
    						-Paul
    

    It's been too hot to get out lately !!!! Was 111 on my deck at 4:00 
    p.m. yesterday so I have been practicing chipping off the shag rug.
    Hoping that one of my customers will buy a 9000 so I can get up to 
    Burlington for a few weeks in the fall but it isn't firm. Hit'em
    straight !!!!!
    
    Jim

    
    Been hearing a lot about the house of pain...
    
    count me in...
    
    when is the planned date, I'll need to get a first aid kit...
    
    Dave

    Let me know the date and time, I would like some revenge, also.
    Thanks, Rich.

    I'd like to try it.
    
    Dan

     Sorry I won't be able to join you guys, but I'll be there in spirit !
    I had a recent death in my family which kept me away from DEC for a bit
    and have my yearly golf trip coming up starting this weekend.
     I'm gonna have to spend a bit more time with my girlfriend (her idea,
    but - "fair's fair") when I get back to even things up timewise when I
    get back. Somehow the idea of 3 guys playing golf and drinking beer for
    a week sans spouses, SO's, whatever, just doesn't go over too well with
    her. I'm breaking unwritten rule no. 1 of a relationship, I guess - "No
    having fun !" I'll try to remember that at Merion (and I'll try to be a
    Celtic number one draft choice or a 'Sox starter who can finish and
    win...).
     The course is in primo shape, but remember, the greens on the front
    side are HARD. Also, Walta, you probably won't need your driver much on
    the front side (unless you play the "blacks"). A word to the wise - if
    you play the "BLUES," a Driver with a fade on the fourth hole can get
    you VERY close to the green (of course, a straight drive, or one with a
    draw can get you VERY dead...). From the "tips" the driving areas on
    the front nine shut down, but on the back nine they open up. Remember,
    on the first hole it is 240 yards to the big pine tree on the RH corner
    from the black tees. Keep those irons under the hole on the front side
    guys, and ENJOY!
    
    --The Skoal Bandit

    
    
    You can add my name to the list of interested players.
    
    Jim

    Count me in.

     Well, I posted my scores from my Golf trip, and my 'Fox hcp went down
    to 8. My GHIN for other Mass. courses went down to 6.9. So far, so
    good. Then I go out on Sat., after not playing for a while and shoot
    88. Ahhh, back to normalcy...
    
    --Jack 

    Hey Jack-
      I had the same experience Monday night. Went out to the course
    where I have been shooting "lights out" for the last few weeks
    and shot 52 on the front side !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I love being
    consistent !
    
    Mad Hacker

     My irons have been so crummy this year that the only way I'll shoot
    "lights out" is if I hit a transformer with as 7 iron (I'd probably
    miss it left...). I stink! This weekend I think I'll take a lesson and
    try out my Pro's Apex irons. I'm sick of looking at that ugly top line
    on the Edges.
     How's this for a solution - "man with lousy iron game seeks tour
    blades..."
    
    --Jack

	With all the replys about the Fox I'm amazed that I couldn't find
	the course rating & slope.  Does anyone know what it is?

	Also I was thinking about planning a pilgrimage out there some
	weekend in a couple weeks.  Any problem getting tee times on the
	weekend?  (I've been on hold with Stow for at least 5 mins.
	trying to make one for Labor Day.  At least I got thru the first
	dial!)

	Larry

     I forgot the course rating, but the slope (which should be more useful
    anyway) is 137 from the Blue tees and 141 from the Blacks. I think the
    blacks might be harder than that, based on some high slope places I've
    seen...
    
    --Jack

     Here's an update on what's going on "out West," dor all you 'Fox
    junkies.
     First, there is a 2 day MGA Mass. Seniors Championship being staged
    today and tomorrow. There are 128 players slated, including the best of
    our senior players (amateurs) so the scores should be interesting. As
    we speak, the greens have been double cut.
     Second, our 8th hole is no longer unreachable (for me, at least).
    However, let me explain. I played Sat. from the gold tees with a friend
    who is not a strong player, so I got to see a different hole. It's 529
    yards, but you still have to carry the lake in front, and as some of
    you know it is ALL carry. Anyway, I must have put an unusual swing on
    the Yonex 200, 'cause I hit my tee shot to the 227 marker. I figured,
    what the hell, I could never get it here from the blue (565 yards) or
    black (592) tees, so I'll go for it. I hit a Taylor 4 wood past the
    green to the left and up on a bank behind the green. Still made 5, but
    it sure was a thrill for an old fat guy... Excuse the blather, I'm just
    still pumped up. Now if I could afford a Yonex 4 wood...
    
    --Jack

    
    Hi Jack,
    
    	Ouch ! Sounds like you punted your drive a smooth 302 yards !
    It takes a little intenstinal fortitude to swing like that with
    all that water on your left, and OB down the right ... unless
    the Yonex 200 simply explodes if hit properly? You may be selling
    a few dozen to fellow noters with the results your seeing ;) !
    
    	Walta

    I remember that hole well Jack !!! I hit 3-wood, 5-wood just to get
    to a point that was 150 from the green. Put it on and made one of
    my two pars on that day that will live in infamy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    MAD HACKER

     If I recall, you guys were playing from further back, which would have
    put me (from the "blues," anyway) around 260 away. From that distance,
    it would be INSANE (!!) for me to even think about it. Normally I just
    try to hit a drive from the Blues that gets me to where I can hit a 5
    or 6 iron past the tree - somewhere around 120 yds. or so.
     It was a real different experience playing the Gold tees, because a
    lot of the landing areas run out of room for a driver (which I feel
    much more confident hitting). In fact, unless you're way back, we don't
    have a lot of holes where you absolutely, positively HAVE to hit
    driver. What makes it tough is that the green locations are so
    unforgiving. All of a sudden I'm standing on a bunch of tees with a 3
    iron or a one iron in my hand and wondering "what the hell do I do now
    ?" I gave up on the 7th hole, grabbed my driver, and promptly hit it
    into the lake in front of the green. So much for course management. It
    worked one time (6th hole - SW to 1', birdie) and blew up on 18 (I'm
    right on top of the 100 yd. marker after my tee shot, blade an SW into
    the trap, hello double bogey). At least I caught a ton of bass on # 14
    after the round. Give me a fishin' rod and I'm awesome, otherwise -
    it's anything can happen day...
    
    --Jack

     Re: .67 - Walta, I looked at a set of YONEX irons about a month ago,
    and believe me, ugly IS "to the bone." The woods are ugly, but they (at
    least the driver) work. The irons are so ugly that they're either
    fabulous, or a mess...
    
    --Jack

    I've got to share with you an event that just boggled my mind. Since
    this is "The Fox" note, most of you are familiar with the course -
    specifically the 565 yard (from the blues) 8th hole. One of the guys on
    our greens crew reached it recently with A DRIVER AND A 7 IRON !! This
    is true !! I've played with this fellow, and I can tell you he is ULTRA
    LONG - especiaaly with his irons. Real nice guy too, which counts for a
    lot with me.
    
    --Jack

    Wow !!!!!!!!!!  I remember that hole only too well ! Getting on in two
    is an incredible feat.
    
    Mad Hacker

    Awesome...It is kind of hard to believe! Was there gale winds behind
    him?

    I don't know what the conditions were at the time of "The Blast." I
    will say that this guy hits irons like I have never seen.
    
    --Jack

    Hi Jack,
    
    	Driver , 7 iron 565 yards????  Assuming a 350 yard drive he's
    	looking at a 215 yard 7 iron ! Ouch !
    
    	That's quite a feat !
    
    	I just read an article in an old Golf Digest, discussing a 625 ish
        par 5 that Jack Nicklaus played. He got into trouble off the tee,
    	then unloaded , I mean
    	
    			U N L O A D E D !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    		a six iron 260 yards , clearing the green. Chipped in,
    	and saved par.
    
    	Strange game ;)
    
    	Walta
    
    
    	by the way,  do they measure the 8th at the Fox as 545 from tee to
    	green, line of sight? Or is that little loop at the end measured
    	also? I don't know how yardages are determined. Like the 11th(?)
    	at Sky Meadow, the par 3 down the hill? How do the measure it?
    
    	thanks
    	

     They measure straight down the fairway to a point opposite the middle
    of the green and straight across. It's a legit 565, but the elevated
    tee helps. Conversely, with the soft fairways, there is almost no
    roll...
    
    --Jack

    
     That's nothin...
    
     I do that before breakfast !!
     
     Tell that guy to get a life!
    
     - Dave

    
    Repl .77
    
    hi Jack
    
    
    	You said the 8th at the Fox is a "legit" 565 yards. I was hoping
    	my question about how they measure distances wouldn't be taken
    	that way... I didn't mean to sound as if there was any doubt
    	as to the distance on that hole. That hole plays like 665! ;)
    
    	I always wondered if they measure the dog legs etc. when the
    	post the yardage. 
    
    	thanks  Walta
    
    	
    
    	

    
      What does the guy hit when he is less than 150 yards away? Sounds
    like they are going to have to invent new equipment to fit his game.
    
    -rick_who_remembers_when_150_yard_5_irons_use_to_be_the_norm

     Hi guys ! Just back from Texas and a little golf (pretty lousy, but I
    liked being able to play in shorts...). Played Victoria C. C. and the
    Cypress Creek course at Champions in Houston.
     I get confused with the way measurements are done on some courses too.
    I know they did them correctly at the Fox, but I didn't mean to imply
    that y'all didn't understand. The hole kills me as often as not.
     Rick, to tell the truth the guy I mentioned doesn't have much of a
    wedge game. Truthfully, I'd rather be able to hit it like he does than
    be a real low hcp. Reason = There are a moderate amount of low hcp
    golfers, but how many folks can hit it like this guy ? My priorities
    are undoubtedly screwed up, but this is just wishful thinking anyway...
    
    --Jack
     

     I took part in a little member's ceremony yesterday at The Fox. We
    videotaped our owner, Bill Sandri cutting down the overhanging tree on
    the right side of the 16th fairway. The tree used to guard the dogleg,
    but Mr. R.T. Jones recommended that it be cut down. A bunch of us
    brought clubs and balls to take a free whack at the green from an area
    where it was formerly impossible.
     One other change - the huge pine tree in front of # 17 tee and to the
    right fell down. Makes the tee shot a lot easier. Now if they'd just
    fill in that damn pond on # 18...
     Looks also like we'll have a regional qualifier for the U.S. Open
    there next year. Bill Sandri's dream has been to have the Walker Cup
    there someday, but that ain't gonna happen, IMO. He's got NO idea of
    the kind of crusty jerks he'd have to deal with, or the politics. It
    really is a terrific event though, perhaps my favorite in Amateur golf.
     Note that The Fox got "Honorable Mention" in Golf Digest as the best
    new public course. Guys I know who have played the winner (Tidewater)
    say they didn't like it as much, but I'm pretty chauvinistic about my
    course...
    
    --Jack

    The Fox was also named by GOLF magazine in their 10 best new public
    courses list last month.  They mentioned that the name came from a
    local turn-of-the-century soda pop company  whose bottles were
    unearthed during the initial construction of the first nine.
    
    Dave

    I haven't seen it yet, but I understand that our Pro, Ron Beck is in
    the new Golf Digest in the "Pro's Pointer" section. His first pointer
    should be to never give beaters like me a lesson. Seriously, the guy is
    a GREAT (!!) teacher.
     As an aside, The Fox will be a Qualifying site for the U.S. Open this
    year. Not sure when that happens.
    
    --Jack

    Re:                      <<< Note 896.84 by ASABET::VARLEY >>>

    Yes, Jack,  you're club is getting some visibility.  Beck's lesson is
    on relaxing the hands.
    
    Tavo
    

    
    Relax the hands???
    
    	You try relaxing the hands with the death grip you'll have
    	playing the Fox ! :)
    	
    	Walta

     I ran into a few of my 'Fox pals at a Springfield Central H.S.
    basketball game recently. They said the course is slated to open April
    1, and may open earlier if the weather holds (Said he, looking out the
    window at all this @#$% snow).
    
    --Jack

I checked out the local US Open Qualifying scores this morning. Medalist with
San Fillippo from Sky Meadow at something like 72-71. Next in line was a guy
who shot 66 in the second round! I don't care which tee they were using - a
66 at a C-F set up for US Open candidates is real fine play!!

Eric

    I was there, and the course wasn't set up real tough. only a couple of
    pins were "Tucked," like #'s 10, 12, 15 and 17. Tees were up - most
    noticeably on the three strongest par 4's (# 1, 6 and 10 - I mentioned
    # 1 only because there is such a significant difference from front tees
    to back.). Greens were as nice as I've ever seen 'em, and the double
    cut rough was moderately long. Jeff Julian from Queechee shot the
    number and remarked that the course was not tricked up or as brutal as
    it could be.
    
     Bottom line to me is that 66 is a HELL of a score. San Filippo by the
    way, may be the best player in New England. Nobody bitched about
    anything relating to the course or conditions. Very unusual. The USGA
    guys I talked to said that since the qualifier was 36 holes, they felt
    the course was tough enough to determine who were worthy qualifiers. No
    real changes had to be made. I agree. A few members probably had
    bruised egos, but they should know that if you wanted to, you could
    make the place impossible. Heck, look at Kenny Perry shooting 63 at
    Muirfield.... When I played it, all I could think about was "This place
    is IMPOSSIBLE! Good players can make good numbers anywhere - on
    occasion. Jeff Julian is a hell of a player.
    
    --Jack

     Just thought I'd put this in to clarify "Etiquette" at "The Fox,"
    although it seems like this is SO BASIC that it shouldn't have to be
    said. Recently a bunch of Digital "Golfers" played at The Fox. At the
    end of the round they brought coolers out on the deck next to the
    bar/lounge and started having beers. When asked to remove the coolers,
    they did - but many of the guys took out beers before doing so to drink
    on the deck. This just doesn't make sense to me. Hell, I wouldn't even
    try that at Berlin C. C. The reason courses have a bar is to make
    money - ALL COURSES. It's embarrassing to me, because everyone up there
    knows me, and knows that I work for DEC.
    
     I won't name any names, because it might have been an honest, albeit
    pretty stupid mistake. I just wanted to clarify one thing - our "No
    Coolers" rule means just that - NO COOLERS - on carts, on the course,
    on the deck, everywhere. We try to keep the atmosphere friendly and
    family-like, with the emphasis on golf. That's about all I've got to
    say about this subject. "We didn't know" ain't gonna cut it with me.
    Other than that, there were no complaints about anyone's behavior. My
    suggestion to y'all, is to treat any place you visit as a guest as if
    it were Brookline or Shinnecock. If what you want to do won't fly
    there, it won't fly at the course you are visiting. You (And other)
    Digital folks will be welcome back.
    
    --Jack

    WHO RUNS THAT LEAGUE, I'D LIKE TO JOIN.
    
    MAYBE THIS LEAGUE SHOULD HOST THEIR TOURNEY AT SKYMEADOW, NASHUA N.H.,
    IT'S NOT THAT FAR AND IT'S NOT A BAD LITTLE COURSE FROM THE BLUES.
    
    COOLERS ARE ALLOWED ON THE DECK, I RAN A TOURNEY THEIR LAST YEAR.
    
    

     If it's o.k. with a given course, it's o.k. with me - but I think you
    should ALWAYS ask up front. First of all, you're a guest - either of
    the course owners or the members. Second, it isn't common practice 
    anywhere that I know of. Maybe I should go back to playing "Goat
    Ranches (NOTE: Sky Meadow is definitely NOT a "Goat Ranch," I like it,
    as I've said before) where this kind of stuff happens all the time.
    Naahhh !
     I dunno, if you want to do it, do it - but ask first.
    
    --Jack

     Played The Fox in a Scramble yesterday sponsored by Vt. Realtors. It
    was for kids charities. Greens are coming back after top dressing and
    Hurricane Roberto, but are probably a week away yet. IMO, # 11 is
    awful, and will take longer, although my tee shot landed 2" from the
    cup...
     We had an interesting team - me (9 hcp), a guy with a 15, a guy with a
    23 who hits it pretty short, and a lady with a 21. To keep this brief,
    we won the thing with 8 under (No bogies). I thought that was a pretty
    good score, given our hcps. Pins were pretty tough, but there aren't a
    lot of easy ones there to begin with, I guess. We birdied
    2,3,5,7,11,12,14 and 18 and missed 4 footers on 1,3 and 9.
     Now I'm gearing up for our annual match with the R.T. Jones-Florida
    Golf guys in Oct. Talk about a circus ... Mr. Jones himself may make an
    appearance, and his architect, Roger Rulewich has bought some land in
    Bernardston. He loves the area.
    
    --Jack
    

     The 1991 Club Champ at The Fox is Rick Sigda of Greenfield, with a 54
    hole total of 240, or +24. Rick was in the Guiness Book of Records once
    for making 9 birdies in a row at Greenfield C.C. The tourney was from
    the Blue tees, NOT the back tees. Where's that Canadian 4 hcp that
    wants a challenge ?
    
    

Come on!

I know it's tough, but it's not THAT tough. Averaging 80? The champ 
must be off his game from the days when he shot 9 straight birdies. 
And there must not have been much competition.

It's almost believable that a good player reasonably on his game could 
stumble into a bad round and limp in with a 240 -- from the BLACKS. 
But the blues? 

    I think the lowest hcp playing was 4. Wind was very tough on Sunday.
    The winner is a 5 hcp. I can verify the final score, because I followed
    the winner in the final round. BTW, 9 birdies is 9 birdies - anywhere,
    but Greenfield isn't a real strong course. I think all of the folks in
    contention each made several triples, or even "Snowmen." We didn't have
    a real strong field this year, but normally you can bank on +14 or so
    as a "Lock" to win. There's a lot of self imposed pressure, and you're
    playing with 3 other guys who can PLAY. If you make a double, and watch
    another guy make a birdie, the wheels start turning...
    
     You're right, it's not THAT tough, but everybody had the same chance,
    and +24 won it...
    
    --Jack
    
    P.S. Truthfully, the same guys would have shot higher at Oak Tree, or
    some torture chamber like that.

    Per the most recent issue of Golf Digest, The Fox is ranked #5 in Mass.
    I don't necessarily agree with this. First, I have to SERIOUSLY
    question a ranking process that ignores (In no particular order) great
    courses like Belmont, Tedesco, Taconic, Winchester (ESPECIALLY
    Winchester), Longmeadow, Worcester and Vesper.
    
     It's an honor, for sure, and as mosty of you know, I love the people
    and the ambience at The Fox, and especially the fairways. I just think
    traditional courses should get a better shake. Would I rather belong to
    Worcester ? No. Does it desrve to be on this list ? IMO, you bet your
    butt it does. And how about Concord ? It makes Nashawtuc look like a
    goat ranch. Mount Pleasant ? Other than Brookline or Salem, all the
    others play bass to Mount Pleasant...
    
     It's nice to see old courses like Myopia and Essex County on the list
    - even if the members DON'T move their lips when they talk. Hell,
    they're so cheap at Myopia that the hot water was turned off in the
    locker room just a little later than this the last time I was there.
    
     On the national front, they include Burning Tree in Md. (Wonderful,
    albeit no women, and nice, but not great) and leave off Chevy Chase - a
    terrific course. In Ohio, they rank Scioto behind Muirfield and (Ughh
    !!) The Golf Club. Skokie and Bob 'O Link don't make it in Illinois.
    Who the hell knows ? I was pleased to see both Saucon Valley courses
    included in Pa. - I haven't played 'em yet, but I hear they are awesome
    indeed. Metedeconk made it in N.J., and there isn't a much tougher
    track around. A "Sleeper" in N.Y. was Century, which is a Colt/Allison
    jewel always in impeccable condition. Perhaps the wealthiest membership
    in the U.S. Part of the 'vetting out process for membership is an
    analysis of how much your annual contributions toward a certain
    religion's charities are. They better be over $100k annually, and this
    does not lessen the "Downstroke" to join, or the dues and assessments.
    Sure is a long way from what I'm used to - they'd have to include my
    bar bill...
    
    --Jack

     Last weekend we had the 3rd annual "Berelson Challenge" at The Fox, in
    which 18 of our guys play 18 guys from Robert Trent Jones'
    organization. "The Jones Boys" flew in from all over the world, and
    believe me when I say that they are loved by all the folks at the
    course. A lot of us spent a lot of time with them when they were
    building our new 9, and we've become great friends over the years.
    
     We were scheduled to play 6 - 9 hole matches, but after 5 matches,
    "The Rock" (All our trophies are rocks taken from the course, mounted
    and inscribed) returned to us. I did just o.k. - I went 3-1-1, losing a
    match by having a "Jones Boy" sink a 12 footer on 18. I tip my hat to
    that ! Some of their guys hit about the longest irons I've seen ! How's
    a 180 yard 8 iron uphill into a slight breeze ? I hit the Yonex so
    lousy in the 4th match that I went back to an old 1960 MacGregor driver
    in the afternoon. For those of you who've played there, I had a rare
    experience on #6, the long, downhill-uphill par 4 (We played the blues,
    and they were in the middle). Evidently I caught the tee ball just
    right, and flew it to the 100 yard plate. We had some folks in front of
    us, so I waited until they were "Out of range" - and hit it over their
    heads ! Why does stuff like this only happen once a year to me ? I
    think I know the answer, and it ain't encouraging... 
    
     I saw the two best pressure golf shots I have EVER seen on our 9th
    hole. A "Jones Boy" is 1-up, and hits it 4" grom the hole. Then,
    needing the hole to tie, our Mike Griffin hits it 2" from the hole. We
    checked the green, and only found ONE BALL MARK ! I've got "Goose
    bumps" now, just thinking about it.
    
     One more significant event - Friday night at the "Fox/Jones" cocktail
    party, I got engaged. After that, the weekend was all "PLUS" for me -
    win or lose.
    
    --Jack 

    Hi Jack,
    
    	Congratulations on your engagement! I sure hope she loves the game
    	of golf... or she may not see you very much ;) !
    
    	Walta

     Thanks, Walta ! Actually, she's making rumblings about playing, so if
    she's serious, I'll give her the boring fundamentals (Grip, stance,
    balance etc.) and turn her over to Ron Beck.
     My pal The Judge and I are already planning next year's golf trip, and
    so far, she's o.k. with it. We'll see... If things work out, we'll get
    to play Oakmont, among a few others, so I hope she stays "Reasonable."
    I don't want to pass up a place like that.
    
    --Jack

    Hi Jack,
    
    More congratulations from a read-often/write-seldom golf noter! Best
    wishes to both of you!
    
    Fred Templin
    

    Here's the new schedule for fees at Crumpin-Fox for '92:
    
    9 holes w/out member - $23
    9 holes w/member     - $20
    
    18 holes w/out member - $45
    18 holes w/member     - $40
    
    9 hole cart w/out member - $8
    9 " "   ""  w/member     - $7
    
    18 hole cart w/out member - $12
    18 ""     "" w/member     - $10
    
    Range balls - $2 (9 holers), $3.50 (18 holers)
    
    Golf & Dinner - $65 (Includes greens fees, cart, range balls and 
    ability to call as far in advance as you wish for tee times. Group
    deposits may be required. Also, if you call up far in advance and
    reserve tee times, saying you want a golf & dinner package, then show
    up and say you want to play - but aren't taking the package - you WILL
    NOT be able to play. It protects us from people abusing the system (I
    know of several instances where it actually happened...).
    
     It's getting more expensive, but the hope is that play will diminish
    and revenue will stay the same. I think it's worth the $$ to play a
    great place every once in awhile, but naturally some folks disagree. In
    fairness to Bill Sandri, who has spent millions at The Fox, he doesn't
    have an obligation to give it away. I think this will protect members a
    bit too.
    
     One more note - I'm happy to report that I was able in some small part
    to get the RT Jones guys and 'Fox people together to solve the problems
    we've had with some tees. We'll be doing a combination of enlarging and
    lengthening some tees (Wait 'til you see # 4), and overseeding with a
    special grade of rye grass (Like they do at Augusta. The Jones boys
    tell me it will work perfectly). The range will also receive this
    treatment, and will have some new targets added.
    
    Hit 'em and find 'em,
    
    --Jack

Are carts mandatory?


Steve_who_would_rather_walk

    Congrats to C-F for making the grade for Golf Shop of the Year in Golf
    Shop Operations magazine. A lot of nice things were said about the
    staff and the service.
    
    JV, I'm sure you read it at the club. 
    
    Ken

     I knew they won, but no details. Carts are NOT mandatory, but parts of
    it are tough to walk. Of course, I'm old and fat...
    
    --Jack

Another fine opportunity at the "FOX" is the chance for your kids to
participate in the Junior Camps there. I drove an hour each way for 3
days last yr to bring my son and his friend to the Jr Camp and it was
well worth it.
The kids were treated like gold...which they are. They not only received
instruction on the basics, but they spent dedicated time on the rules and
proper conduct on the course. Games made the learning fun. The very first
words out of both boys mouths after loading up the car for the trip home
on the last day were, "Can we go again next year?"

Ron Beck and staff were terrific with the kids. They WANTED to pay attention
to these people. That's a difficult environment to find when your dealing
with 10 yr olds.

We'll be back there again this yr and I recommend it highly for beginners.

Gary

    I'm glad the kids enjoyed the Junior Camps so much. Ron is a very good
    friend, and we talk about teaching all the time - it really is his
    first love. He puts a lot of effort into the camps and loves kids -
    even has a brief "Fishing derby" for them, which always goes over well.
    He's also been "Educator of the Year" in his PGA section, sponsored
    several all day seminars that brought top teachers and sports
    psychologists to the area. Last year he went to a 5 day teaching
    seminar in Nashville at his own expense, and although I know a lot of
    professionals, I don't know many that would put up their own cash for
    something like this.
    
    There's something about kids and golf that has always been magic to me.
    All my nephews play, and I manage to keep 'em in sticks. Their pro says
    they have better stuff than he does, but I used to collect old clubs
    and I figgered they might as well get some use... Since I used to
    teach, I find myself on the range a lot helping kids and folks with
    basic stuff - grip, stance, alignment, balance - nothing too tough. As
    a result, every year I end up taking one of our young players under my
    wing to help them with their game. The end result is that I've got
    persimmon drivers playing on golf teams at Bentley, New Mexico State
    and Rollins College (And some fishing tackle too), and The Fox has 3
    more kids that are not just good players, but good kids. Truthfully, a
    lot of people made this possible, and it all starts with Ron. The kids
    look up to him, and he's a real role model.
    
    Ron also runs a few adult camps which are terrifically successful. Our
    most improved Men and Women golfers for the past three years are
    graduates. We have folks coming in from all over, and everyone just has
    a great time.
    
    We have several other events that are kind of unique and may be of
    interest:
    
    1. The Berelsen Challenge - A selected team of golfers/beer drinkers
    plays 5 9-hole matches against a team from Robert Trent Jones'
    organization. Last year Mr. Jones himself was on hand to watch us
    thrash "The Jones Boys," although most of them were "Off form." At
    their best, they'd drill us... They come in from all over the World for
    this event, because those who helped build The Fox felt more welcome
    there than anyplace else. For The Jones Boys who have only heard about
    Crumpin Fox, it's kind of a special pilgrimage to finally see it.
    
    2. The Salesman/Professional Invitational Tournament (S.P.I.T.) was
    Ron's idea. It gets salesman and professionals together early in the
    year in an informal atmosphere to get to know each other away from the
    shop and strengthen relationships. First prize is a large, handsome
    brass cuspidor (I'd kill for one...). As part of the festivities, which
    includes a cocktail hour and cook out, Ron encourages the participants
    to come early and fish. I bring up extra equipment and "guide" the guys
    and gals on the course ponds (I'm a "9" at The Fox, but I'm "Scratch"
    on the ponds...). I've made some great friends, heard some great
    stories and got to play some wonderful golf courses as a result of this
    event.
    
     Well, weather permitting, we'll open this weekend. I'll stink for 
    awhile, but if the ice is off the pond on #8, look out, "Mr. Big," THIS
    year you won't escape....
    
    --Jack

    This isn't real significant to "pure golfers," but since some of you
    also fish, I thought I'd put this in. Recently I was fishing the large
    pond at The Fox on hole # 8 on a cold, windy day. I caught several
    decent largemouth and smallmouth bass, then latched onto a whopper.
    When the dust cleared, I landed a 5+ lb smallmouth bass - which I
    promptly released. It's the 2nd big smallmouth I have taken from this
    pond, as well as several big largemouths (And a monster that "slam
    dunked me" twice.
    
     On a related (finally) note, I hit some balls for the 1st time since
    early Nov., with surprisingly good results. Now, if fishing weren't so
    good, and if I weren't buying a house, I might actually get to play
    this year...

    
    Hi Jack,
    
    A 5 lb smallmouth ! I've never seen/heard of a small mouth THAT
    big? Holy cow. Must be a half breed? Largemouth body, smallmouth
    mouth :) .
    
    	I know a few buddies that will be headed for the Fox this year.
    Even though they don't golf.
    
    	Walta

    Thanks, Walta! Regrettably, the ponds at The Fox are like the Gatlin
    Brothers' jackets - "Members Only..." One of the guys who works there
    calls my annual membership fee "a $900 fishing license..."
    
    --Jack
    

    You're using barbless hooks, I hope!!
    
    
    Nelly

    I heard he uses grenades !!!
    
    Mad Hacker
    
    8^)

    Could have been using the Mark Calchivecchia "shank" to stun the poor
    bass and then use the ball retriever to scoop it out.
    
    SCD

    In truth, "The bear eats me on that hole a LOT more often than I eat
    the bear..." About the only good thing I've done on that hole with a
    golf club in my hand was holing out a 90 yard SW third shot to win "The
    Fox Rock" trophy from the RT Jones Boys a few years back.
    
    --Jack (Fishin' Ball-beatin' and Masters watchin' this weekend)

    This note kind of fits under Crumpin-Fox, as you will see. Right now,
    Bill Sandri (Current owner of The Fox) is negotiating to buy Sky Meadow
    in Nashua, NH. If the deal goes through (and I think it will), Sky
    Meadow will become kind of a "Fox - East," with many golf related
    improvements. I'm guessing things like a range, clubhouse, more
    parking, etc. All in time, and all will be overseen by Bill's team of
    folks.
    
    IMO, Sky Meadow is a great place, but needs some amenities to make it a
    viable, top dollar choice for area (and other) golfers. Without these
    amenities, why would anyone pay top buck to change their shoes in the
    parking lot, hit no range balls, and drink out of a coke machine ?
    However, with some improvements, their is virtually no competition at
    the top end - just a bunch of limited, lacklustre local links. Who
    knows, but all of a sudden I like working across the street from Sky
    Meadow a lot more...
    
    --Jack

    Thought I'd update y'all on what's happening up in the foothills of the
    Berkshires. Our new Assistant - Bobby Jan (from the Chicago section) -
    has started a really first rate caddie program. As an ex-caddie myself
    (ex ? I caddied for Bobby in the Mass. Open qualifier. He shot 72 and
    made it), I think it's terrific, plus, the kids may be eligible for one
    of the Francis Ouimet caddie scholarships.
    
     Bobby signed up the kids for a $10 fee, which gets the kids 2 caddie
    shirts and a lot of training, including several written exams they have
    to pass. I think there are other "bennies" too. I like to walk, but I
    don't like to "pack steel" - especially up the mountain from #2 to #3!
    This is a great chance for the kids to make some decent cash, without
    puttin' on a "goofy suit" and flippin' burgers...
    
     Bobby is probably the best player we've ever had at The Fox. He was a
    2-time college All-American and did some Mini Tour events. He's still
    young (27), and I think he has a bright future. Good in all phases of
    the operation, and a very good repairman too.
    
     On another note, I just received my Yonex ADX 200 four wood. Maybe now
    I can play those short par 4's... You're supposed to be able to "heat
    it up" like a tour spoon with this bad boy, but hit it high and
    straight like a normal four wood. Probably MUCH easier to hit off the
    fairway, too. We'll see (Watch the "For Sale" column...).
    
    --Jack

    Returned to The Fox early Sat. for the 1st time in a month. Hadn't even
    swung a club - new houses'll do that to you. Weird round, birdied #'s 1
    and 8, and missed 5 footers for birds on 6 and 18, and longer birdie
    putts on a few others. Ended up 38-42-80. Drove it pretty good and hit
    marginally o.k. irons. Putting continues to be inconsistent. Guess
    that's why I'm a 9 there and don't have a big bag with my name on it.
    One interesting footnote - One of my buddies told me on #17 that I was
    swinging the driver too lazy, so on 18 I leaned on one, spun a little
    and pulled ligaments in my leg. Funny thing - I wasn't getting any roll
    all day. Usually I hit these high, hump-backed numbers thast roll a
    little but - not Saturday. Maybe I'm just too old and fat...
    
      

    
    Hi Jack,
    
    	Geesh  nice shootin !  38 , 42  at the Fox?  Sounds like a month
    off helped get back the natural talent!
    
    	Keep it going...  hope the injury isn't anything golf threatning!
    
    	Walta

    re: .117
    
    don't know of anyone in New England that was getting roll on SAT or
    Sun..
    
    just too damm wet...gota carry it "all the way' good weekend to
    be using titleist balata to get some carry...
    
    

    With the proliferation of bentgrass fairways, "good growing weather"
    and generally better conditioning, I expect you'll see more courses
    yielding less roll in the future. As long as the fairways are o.k.,
    fine with me. Wish we could get roll like they do on some of the tour
    courses, where the fairways are tight and hard, but then something else
    would probably go wrong.
    
    Our course does have a lot of elevated tees, which helps. Also, we
    don't have a ton of real long 4's - just tough ones, so it's really not
    a big deal. You just have to be careful (when you miss a drive)
    selecting a club to hit in. Some of the greens (like our # 6) just
    aren't designed to acept longer clubs. Good example - my pal hits a
    perfect drive from the black tees on # 6, which is 446 yards, downhill
    off the tee and dramatically uphill to the green. With the 200 + yasrds
    he had left, he had no chance - especially with the pin on the right.
    He bails out a 5wood or long iron (forgot which), and now has a 20 yard
    "no chance" flop shot out of high grass (which he promptly gets up and
    down - and is why he's a 3...). Still, not a great hole from all the
    way back. Yet from the middle (410 yds or so), it's really not that
    tough. Perfect example of a hole that doesn't fulfill its promise from
    either set of tees. Even the designer told me that he wanted to make
    the green deeper. To me the key to scoring on the front 9 is to get by
    the 1st 4 holes in good shape - after that, the other 5 holes are a lot
    more manageable...
    
    --Jack  

    I played the Fox yesterday and enjoyed it thoroughly. Score could have
    been better but the weather and people were great.
    
    FYI, a junior member, about 13-14 yrs old, aced the 15th!! His partner
    fronted the round at the 19th. :^>
    
    gp

     I was pretty sure I knew who got the hole-in-one, because there was a
    junior member playing with a friend of mine in yesterday's tournament.
    I called the Fox a minute ago, and they confirmed it.
    The kid's name is Josh Hillman, and he caddied for me last year. Great
    kid - I see him at the range all the time, hitting balls. Guess he
    stopped moving his head around during the swing.
    
     I've played a lot with the older member who fronted the round. Great
    guy - and typical of him. He's a golf junkie who has every club figured
    out down to the yard, and re-calibrates every round. He "bunts" it, but
    is straight and has a terrific short game.
    
     I was at The Fox for awhile yesterday with my fiancee and two of her
    friends. This was a "lunch" deal, but I did get to go to the range and
    "test drive" our pro's new Metal/graphite head - graphite shaft
    Spalding driver. Felt real nice, but - "I know the Yonex, and Spalding,
    you're no Yonex..."
    
    Hope you enjoyed the course. Looks like it's in pretty good shape,
    although we have a few collars and tees that need work. Hey, we're just
    a little club nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires...
    
    --Jack 

    Played the back 9 holes Sunday with our pro, Ron Beck, our assistant,
    Bobby Jan and one of our shop kids, Bill Christensen. Wind was blowing
    like hell, and they insisted we play from the black tees - all the way
    back. Easy for them - these guys can DESTROY the golf ball. Not so easy
    for me (shot 40 with 17 putts, and hit it great, except for 2 wedge
    shots on # 12 & 13 that I missed the green with...). However, that's
    not the story. I watched "R.B." play the best 9 holes I've ever seen
    out there ! He shot 32 with 2 birdies and an eagle on #17 ! Just missed
    making a 2 on this 564 yard par 5 - his second shot was 2 feet directly
    opposite the hole !
    
     Pretty good match - Ron made a 6 footer on 18 (he was my partner) to
    tie, because Bobby made 3 birdies in a row on 13, 14 and 15. Nice to
    play with good players who are great guys. Course played very long,
    which was unfortunate, because it's around 3500 yards to begin with...
    #10 is around 415 yards from the tips, but played like 445, and # 16 
    (457) was IMMENSE. Back to the "Blue tees" for this ole guy, but there
    sure are some great driving pictures from the black tees.
    
    --Jack

    Tonight (5/28) at 6pm on Channel 4 in Boston, there will be a brief
    feature on Crumpin-Fox. It's part of a series Ch 4 did about "the
    search for the perfect golf course." The Fox is apparently considered a
    "hidden gem," or something, according to our Pro Ron Beck, who was
    involved in the shooting.
    
    As I write this, our Mr. Longchamps, and 8 other DECies are out there
    bringing ole Crump to its knees. Looking forward to their comments.
    
    __Jack 

I still have fond memories of my 18 at the "FOX" Jack. There aren't many
other courses that I have played that match it for beauty and difficulty.
I would love to play it in the fall sometime with all those leaves changing.

Mad Hacker

    I "attended" The Fox yesterday for my first round of golf this year
    (first round in 7 months). Took one of our new "caddies" (which was a
    great experience - as an ex-caddie, I'll be using 'em all the time from
    now on...), hit it surprisingly well from the Blue tees and shot 89. I
    was AWFUL around the greens - had NO one putts - but I guess that's
    what I'd expect. If you're bad around the greens at The Fox, you're
    history ! Lipped out for birdie on #s 16 and 17, so the day ended o.k.
    There was no one on the back 9, and the companionship made it a great
    time.
    
    One of my pals has a Big Bertha "Heaven" (seven) wood, which I tried
    out. Don't miss this Bad Boy - it is awesome (even for a lousy fairway
    wood player like me). His was a "Memphis 10" metal shaft, so I think
    I'd like the graphite better. I also saw some new "King Cobra" graphite
    shaft drivers. They look great - anybody hit 'em ?
    
    __Jack