BY FREDERICK D. MEEHAN – March 6, 1952
Spade Work for Present Course
The immense task of clearing the land for the present site of the golf course was undertaken in the summer of 1908, and the construction of the clubhouse was begun a year later. The money to finance the combined projects was raised by the sale of stock to club members. Half of the original stock issue was immediately purchased by Frank Lyman, who some years ago willed the Academy of Music to the city. It was not until the summer of 1911 that the course was ready for play.
Eighteen Holes Decided Upon
While it had been the general feeling among the members that the Warner property would be entirely abandoned once the new course was completed, more ambitious plans were decided upon. Since Arthur Warner, owner of the property, had no immediate plans for part of the original golf course property, the directors decided to lease the property nearest the present golf course and hence make possible an 18-hole course. This was accomplished by retaining five of the original Warner Meadow holes, constructing a hole across Mill River and playing the present third and ninth twice, using alternate tees.
Actually, the course of history in Northampton might have been changed, had this property been purchased by the Northampton country club. The present Look Park, with its magnificent facilities for a recreational center, might never have been constructed on the present site, or if so, its present vastness would be extremely limited. With the advent of World War 1, the membership decreased, and because of financial reasons the Warner Meadow property was abandoned. Since that time the Northampton Country club has operated a nine-hole golf course.
Don’t Get Dizzy Reading This
Since golf was first played at its present site, the passing years have seen many changes. Originally, the first hole was number seven, the second was the present eight, and the third was the ninth. The fourth was the present first, and continued through the sixth, which was the ninth. For several years the present ninth green was used as the green for the third and ninth holes, a separate pin being used for the finish of each hole. Eventually, a green was constructed in front of the present sixth green, which served as the completion of nine holes of play.
Since golf was not confined to nine holes, the members felt that the play could be facilitated by reorganizing the series of holes. Instead of beginning the round by playing the present seventh, eighth and ninth holes, including two of the shortest holes on the course, which inevitably led to congestion, the members decided that the logical place to begin the round was on the present first hole. This layout has been followed ever since.
Ralph Parsons Did Things
Throughout the years many changes have been made in the construction of the course, due mainly to hard work, vision, efficiency of the present greenkeeper, Ralph Parson, who, with the exception of a few years, has supervised the upkeep of the club property since 1924. All new greens and tees have been constructed, some holes (2nd, 3rd and 5th) have been lengthened, obsolete traps have been removed and more sporty, although far more obnoxious ones have been constructed, particularly around the greens.
That’s What They All Say
Although cursory examination by newcomers to the course usually elicits the comment that it is an easy course, par is rarely broken by even the best of pros who play the nine holes for the first time. The present record is held by our famed Bob Toski who shattered the par 70 by a spectacular 63 in May of 1950. It is felt that this record will stand for a great many years to come.
Doc Alden Meets the Itinerant Mr. Kennedy
In Regard to the often repeated statement the “course looks easy” an interesting incident occurred some years ago, as told by Dr. H. W. Alden. He and his partner were waiting to drive off the first tee when a lone stranger approached from the sixth green and asked some questions relative to the course.
A conversation ensued in which Dr. Alden learned that the stranger was a Mr. Kennedy, an Amherst college alumnus, who had returned for his class reunion. He added that he had played 1100 to 1200 different courses, had been included in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” as the man who played more courses than any other man in history.
Since he was in the vicinity, he wanted to add the Northampton Country club to his ever growing list. When asked how is golf was, he added rather dejectedly, “Got to get to even par to break a hundred.” As he made his way to the seventh tee, he was heard to mumble “A mighty tricky course. Indeed it is.”
(Editors Note: Mr. Kennedy recently passed the 3000 mark in number of courses played.)
What? No Pro?
In the early days of the Warner Meadow Golf club, the members did not enjoy the luxury of a golf pro. It was not until the Northampton Country club had opened that the first golf professional, Tom Hancock, was engaged. Unfortunately, he overestimated his own capacity as a golfer and the better golfers regularly “collected” at the end of the match. His son, Roland, however, is one of the better golfers among the professionals.
(Editor’s Note: One of golf’s greatest collapses was that of Roland Hancock, who, in a U.S. open championship, led the field, including Bobby Jones, into the last round by several strokes, only to falter so completely as to lose out. This son unnerved him that he never again was a very important factor in national competition, though he remained a fine golfer.
Even the Military Took a Hand
Colonel Houghton, U.S. Army, retired, succeeded Tom Hancock in the capacity of shopkeeper. In the early twenties Fay Albee was appointed pro and he was assisted in club duties by Mr. and Mrs. Benedict, who ran the shop and the kitchen for some years after Fay Albee left. The pros during recent years include, in order of service, Al Porter, Benny Toski, and the present pro Jack Toski. During the period of the war, the shop and kitchen were operated by Arthur Roberts of Amherst.