| Title: | Welcome to the Golf Notes Conference! | 
| Notice: | FOR SALE notes in Note 69 please! Intros in note 863 or 61. | 
| Moderator: | FUNYET::ANDERSON | 
| Created: | Tue Feb 15 1994 | 
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 | 
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 | 
| Number of topics: | 2129 | 
| Total number of notes: | 21499 | 
    I've been thinking about playing Winchendon (Ma.) golf course (formerly
    known as "ToyTown Tavern") in the near future. My primary reasons are:
    1. It's an old Donald Ross course. If it has a few "signature" Ross
    mounds or good holes, I'll figure it was worth it.
    2. This year EVERYPLACE is in good shape, so - how bad can it be ?
    
     I've heard old "horror stories" about it, but all generally regarding
    the condition. Nothing about the course itself. Anyone have any
    opinions they'd like to share ? The sooner, the better...
    
     One other course I'm working on (no "contacts" yet...) is Franklin
    (Ma.) C.C. A friend who is a terrific player played it years back and
    absolutely loved it, so I've wanted to play it ever since. Any thoughts
    on Franklin ?
    
    --Jack
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1592.1 | WCC | AIMHI::TLAPOINTE | Thu Sep 17 1992 12:54 | 23 | |
|     RE: Winchendon
    
    	Jack, I was a member there throughout my formative years (my teens
    thru early twenties).  But I haven't played there in 3 years for
    various reasons.
    	The notes or rumors about its condition are most likely quite
    accurate.  Neglect and lack of maintenance can really take its toll on
    a course, especially in N.E..  One major caution:  If you love your
    clubs..... watch out for the rocks......
    	About the course.  Yes it is/was a Donald Ross design.  My father
    still has an original print of the layout(for what it's worth).  The
    only major change that I recall is the 10th and 11th holes.  From what
    I was told the 10th was a par 4, relatively short.  And the 11th was a
    more difficult par 4.  This was changed to a short(apx 145 yd) par 3.
    The 11th was lengthened to a par 5.  Many other minor green, trap, and
    tee changes have taken place over the years.  The last four holes, par:
    4,4,3,4 are chip and putt, boring holes(IMO).
    	As I stated earlier I played it for years and still only live 2-3
    miles from the place.  If you want some more detail, give me a call at
    DTN 264-4304, EX 7801.
    	Hope this helps.....
    
    Tony
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