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Newsletter |
Mailed Newsletter Becomes Extinct |
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This will be the last copy of Fore sent through the mail to members. Changing technology has made a mailed newsletter costly and inefficient. Although it has a long and distinguished history, the mailed version of Fore joins smoke signals, the telegraph, short-wave radio, and rotary telephones as extinct modes of communication. However, information from CCG to its members may be even more important than ever. Most basic CCG information can be found at http://www.countryclubofgreenfield.net/. New articles, such as those in previous newsletters, will be written on a regular schedule. Printed copies will be available at CCG and digital copies posted on the web site. Members will be notified by e-mail and written notices will be posted at CCG. |
President Luippold Steps Down After 16 Years |
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“It just seemed like the right time,” says previous President Brian Luippold. He took over in 1992 after a period of regular turnover in presidents and saw a need for continuity. Known for having, a consistently positive and welcoming attitude, after 16 years, Luippold says he found himself too often thinking “we’ve already tried that or we’ve already discussed that” when someone brought up a new idea. He’s proud of the improvements at the course, especially the installation of drainage and an automatic greens watering system and construction of a new maintenance facility, all without incurring major debt or large dues increases. “We chose to focus on the course,” he says, “and those improvements made a huge difference.” “He’ll be greatly missed,” says Head Pro Kevin Piecuch. “He always made it a pleasure for Bucky and me to work here.” Nancy Donoghue was welcomed by Luippold as a new Board member just a few years back. “He was always easy to talk to, and always had a positive attitude, no matter what problems we faced,” she says. “People don’t realize the endless hours he put in, but he had a vision and a passion for the club. He really wanted it to succeed.” “He was always open to new ideas and new perspectives,” says new President Tim Farrell. “He dealt with the positives and the negatives, and when it was necessary, he was able to bring people together.” Luippold saw CCG benefit from the national trends in golf, with membership soaring to about 340 in the mid-1990s when CCG celebrated its centennial with a huge clambake and other festivities. But like courses everywhere, membership has declined since then. “I sometimes wish people appreciated what a gift it is to belong to the club,” says Luippold. “Last summer in mid-July, I was playing with my son and we came up 13. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and we didn’t see another person on the course. It was truly priceless. You just don’t find that at other places.” |
New Dates for Club Championships |
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GREENS FEES: 9-holes - $20 18-holes Weekdays - $30 Weekends - $40 With a member - $25 |
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244 Country Club Road Greenfield, MA 01301 Phone: (413) 773-7530 Fax: (413) 773-7538
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To contact us: |
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Spring 2008 |
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COUNTRY CLUB OF GREENFIELD, GREENFIELD, MA |
New President Tim Farrell Looks to the Future |
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Few people have had more experience than Tim Farrell in managing a business or a board responsible to a larger group. In his own insurance business and in years of work in town government, Farrell is faced with a wide variety of budget, management, personnel, and interpersonal issues. Now, he’ll put those skills to use as President of the Board of CCG. “Brian and the Board have done a great job of managing the club with limited resources,” says Farrell. But he sees CCG in a period of transition. “I think we need to evaluate where we’ve been and where we want to be. We need to make some hard decisions on big issues.” He lists the clubhouse as the most pressing issue, but stresses that decisions need to be made within a larger context. Issues include remaining a private club or moving to become public, building a reserve fund, drawing and retaining members, and maintaining a quality course at an affordable price. “We need to establish our identity for the future,” he says. “Times have changed, both locally and in the national golf market. I hope we can promote more conversation between members and the Board so we can all come to decisions together.” He stresses that members are welcome at all Board meetings and that he and other members of the Board want to hear members’ opinions and concerns. When asked about handling complaints or differences of opinion, Farrell mentions his work for the town and smiles. “It’s what I do,” he says. |
3rd Annual Volunteer Work Day, April 26, 2008 |
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For two years, Volunteer Work Day has provided CCG with invaluable work on projects that simply would not get done otherwise. At the same time, it’s a great way to start the season and allow people to meet and work with other members. This year, members can choose to work on trap maintenance under the direction of the grounds crew. Or they can select any other area to work, including the clubhouse, course, and flower beds. Volunteers can indicate a preference when signing up and will be asked to bring their own simple tools (bow saw, rake, clippers, paint brush, etc., no power tools). Everyone will work at least ½ day. Lunch will be provided in the clubhouse at 12:00. Golf with other volunteers can be arranged that day for the afternoon. Rain date is Sunday, April 27. You can call Al Woods, 774-5873, or sign up at the club after the course opens. |
Grounds Crew Increasing Focus on Clubhouse |
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At the direction of the Board, the grounds crew will take extra time in 2008 to work around the clubhouse. They will choose areas of greatest need within a limited budget to improve the appearance and function of the CCG clubhouse and grounds. However, since no new personnel are being added, some other areas will not get as much attention. As always, the greens are first priority, according to Course Superintendent Bob Uguccioni, and new equipment purchased last year should yield continued improvement. But no major projects will be undertaken this year, and brush control will get fewer hours of work. |
Good News for Seniors |
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Some seniors may want to stop lying about their age! CCG has dropped the age to qualify for a senior membership from 65 to 60 to help attract the growing number of senior golfers. There is also an informal senior group open to all members and all handicaps which plays weekdays at 8:00 AM. Groups are made each day depending on the numbers. There may be small wagers involved. Check with the Pro Shop if you have questions. |
No Weekend Tourney? Join the KMP Shootout |
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If there’s not a tournament on the weekend, the Pro Shop will be holding a KMP Shootout for partners and foursomes. $3 apiece makes partners eligible for gross and net best-ball prizes or a $5 “wheel” makes each member of a foursome a partner with each of the other three. You never know what can happen. |
New Options for Clubs, Clothing and Services |
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Head Pro Kevin Piecuch is excited about the arrival of a new fitting cart from Titleist for 2008. It will allow custom fitting of irons using a variety of shafts, club heads, and lie angles in actual hitting conditions. Custom driver fitting will also be available in April, again using actual conditions rather than just hitting into a net. The UnderArmour line of specialty clothing for severe weather will be offered for the first time this year. Yearly rates are also available for cart rental and range membership. Contact Kevin at 413-773-7530 after the course opens or anytime at ccgreenfield@crocker.com. |
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Dates for the various Club Championships have been changed this year. Many of the men and women competitors wanted their championships to come a bit later in the year, after they felt they’d had enough time to get their game in shape. The new aeration equipment also now allows for a tournament in top conditions in late August. For 2008, club championship dates are: Seniors – June 21 & 22 Women – July 19 & 20 Men – August 23 & 24 |