Conference 7.286::golf

    The Players Club in Sterling opens In June I believe. It will be a
    semi-private course with the public allowed on weekdays and off hours.
    The last time I checked the bonds were selling for $7500 and it was
    going to cost $2400 a year for dues. This included all your greens
    fees and prime tee times. No minimum restaurant or pro shop fees. If
    you call for info they will send you a brochure. The price is supposed
    to increase to $9000 when they reach 200 members. 
    How do these prices seem to those of you who are members of other
    clubs. Are they in line or less expensive? One of they're big selling
    points is that you can sell your bond when you want to leave the club
    with a max of $1500 more than you paid. Is this unusual?
    Joel

     You can sell your bond if there's money in the till, or the club
    doesn't go Chapter 11 like some others in Ma. Personally, I think
    people should regard the $7.5k as a "Throwaway, like initiation fees at
    private clubs. If you can afford to lose that amount (In case something
    happens), fine. There are no compelling guarantees that I've heard yet
    to convince me otherwise. I also think that $2400 per year for a
    Semi-private club is absurd. Hell, Brookline isn't that expensive.
    Plus, you don't know if there will be assessments at the end of the
    year, because you have no history of how well or profitably the place
    is run.
     I know several of our guys here are members, and I intend no offense.
    I hope the place thrives. In my experience playing around the country,
    I've never heard of anything like this, so I'm really skeptical. The
    least they could do for members would be to let 'em play the first year
    for $500, or something like that. Remember, for the first year members
    are going to have reduced facilities, and will have to put up with a
    lot of "Growing pains."
     Once again, I wish the best to those of you who belong.
    
    --Jack

    Do like many other club owners or members are doing in todays economic
    climate. Talk up SALE and ROI and such. Very soon, a Japanese company
    will appear and purchase the club.
    This is the latest golf course win/win scenario that is being seen.
    Invest your money and enjoy the golfing.
    I do believe the annual fees are quite high when compared to an
    established course such as Franklin CC, Framingham CC or even
    Westbourgh CC( the home course of the famous Bradshaw family!).
    Tom( member at Island Green CC and a starter of SALE rumors to
    Japanese investors who frequent South Carolina!).
       

    
    	Attached is the current golf calendar for Sterling.  Some of the
    	current founding owners are also owners at Stow Acres and
    	Nashawtuc.  Current single membership dues are $1100 with an 
    	optional(?) $50-55 locker fee. There are other membership packages.
    
		Sat	June 1	- Grand Opening Draw Tournament
		Sun	June 2 	- Draw tournament
       		Sat	June 8	- Welcome Scramble Draw Tournament
		Sun	June 9	- Pro Shop Event*
		Tue	June 11	- Opening Ladies Sign-up Tournament
	      			  Fashion Show & Luncheon
		Fri	June 14	- First Couples Scotch
		Sat	June 15	- Members U.S. Open Pro-Am
		Sun	June 16 - U.S. Open Pro-Am
		Sat	June 22	- Members Pro Shop Event
	       			  (Qualifying for shootout begins)
		Sun	June 23	- Draw Tournament
		Tue	June 25	- Ladies Sign-up Tournament
		Fri	June 28	- Couples Scotch
		Sat	June 29	- 2 day Member-Member
		Sun	June 30	- 2 day Member-Member
		Thur	July 4	- Red, White & Blue Tournament
		Sat	July 6	- Pro Shop Event
		Sun	July 7	- Pro Shop Event
		Tue	July 9	- Ladies Sign-up Tournament
		Fri	July 12	- Couples Scotch
		Sat	July 13	- Pro Shop Event
		Sun	July 14	- Draw Event (Tough Day)
		Tue	July 16	- Ladies Member-Guest
		Sat	July 20	- Pro Shop Event
       		Sun	July 21	- Pro Shop Event
		Fri 	July 26	- Couples Scotch
		Sat	July 27	- Pro Shop Event
		Sun	July 28	- Mixed Member-Guest Championship
		Tues	July 30	- Ladies Sign-up Tournament
		Fri 	Aug 2	- Sterling Invitational - Member Guest Tournament
		Sat	Aug 3	- 2 Day Member Guest, Dinner Dance
		Sun 	Aug 4	- 2 Day Member Guest
		Sat 	Aug 10	- Pro Shop Event(First Round Club Championship)
		Sun	Aug 11	- Draw Event
		Tue	Aug 13	- Ladies Sign-up Tournament
		Fri 	Aug 16  - Final Scotch (5 pm shotgun) Dinner
		Sat 	Aug 17  - Pro Shop Event
		Sun	Aug 18  - Pro Shop Event

As the previous note says, the annual fee is in the neighborhood of 
$1200, not $2400. That's pretty much in line with semi-private clubs in the 
area (Marlboro is @$1400, plus mandatory). You can't compare new club 
rates with classic old yankee clubs like Brookline's. They have long 
tradition of frugality, keeping out the riff-raff (non-WASPs), not by 
pricing but by carefully screening prospective members.

As Jack says, you shouldn't think of the bond as an investment. Given 
the volatile economy of this area, it's not what  I'd call a good 
investment. Besides, only the original 150 members get to skim any 
profit from the sale of the bond, should they be so fortunate. Which 
means it's too late for anyone signing up now. 

I joined. I did it because it's going to be a nice course and 
beautifully maintained. The owners seem genuinely committed to making 
it a smooth, well-run first-class operation that caters to its
members, but keeps membership reasonable by selling off-time to the
public. I don't think it's going to go belly up because it's not tied 
to a real estate development. From everything I've seen, the 
management is doing everything right. So they got my vote.

It doesn't hurt that it's a virtual walk from my house, either. 

Can't wait for June 1, opening weekend.

    I"m not sure if anyone is interested in this but here goes:
    
    There is a country inn in Sterling that is offering packages to the
    Sterling Golf Course....this is their pitch (which I am going to take
    advantage of).
    
           The Chocksett Inn Presents the Utimate Golf Experience
    
    Play on the newly opened 18-hole, Par 71, Championship Golf Course
    located in the rolling foothills of Central Mass. with a view of nearby
    Mount Wachusett.  here at the Sterling Country Club you will find a
    superbly manicured course that delivers it's own individual golf
    experience with each hole.
    
    Enjoy the luxury accommodations of our 4 diamond AAA approved Chocksett
    Inn and Conference Center.  The Inn is nestled in the countryside of
    Sterling Mass. overlooking a babbling brook.  You will receive,
    ADVANCED RESERVED TEE TIMES, GOLF CARTS, GOLF TOWELS, AND RANGE BALLS. 
    We also offer a complimentary continental breakfast each morning in our
    Fireside Room.  All of this and taxes are included in the Chocksett
    Inn's golf packages.
    	
    	June 1 - June 23	$100.00
    	June 24 - Oct. 15	$120.00
    	Oct. 16 - Dec. 31	$ 91.00
    
     **Rates are per person, per night, dbl occupancy, 18 holes
          Golf widow add daily $24.00
          Single occupancy add daily $15.00
    
    Now, this sounds really reasonable considering the fee to the public at
    the SCC is going to run $45.00 just for the greens.  The Chocksett Inn
    has the same privileges that members do.....
    
    	If you want to call the Inn the # is (508) 422-3355.  I talked to a
    guy named Ed ....an advid golfer of course!
    
    Swany  

    
    rep .5
    
    hmmm, and it's a short walk from my house. See you in June :-)
    
    btw: The course looks like it's in great shape ! The temporary
    club house is up. The parking lot/drive way is suppose to be
    paved next week. I also heard that they're close to their goal
    for members. I don't see any risk at this point.
    
    

    
    
    I am also a member of Sterling with a 2 mile distance to the course.
    These notes have a lot of different numbers in them, I'll try to put
    some accuracy into them.  
    
    Original Founding members (100) paid $6000 bond which is refundable and
    appreciable (up to I believe $8000).  They have guaranteed dues of
    $1250 for the first two years.
    
    The next batch of members (of which I am one) paid $7500 bond.  This 
    is refundable and appreciable up to $9000 and the dues are guaranteed
    for only the first year.
    
    My wife and I are friends of the Pro (Fred Dobbins) and his wife.  So,
    I get to hear what's going on from him.  He tells me that we are at 
    about 240 members now.  We want 300.  He says they are not just
    accepting anyone who waves money at them now and there is some sort
    of application and membership committee approval now.  
    
    I understand to join now would cost $8000 bond (refundable but not 
    appreciable) and the dues would be guaranteed for one year.  I assume
    the price will go up proportionally to the demand for membership.  When 
    the 300 member point is reached, a waiting list will be formed.  Then,
    if someone wants out, they sell the bond back to the club and the club
    sells it to the next member and pays the old member.
    
    The dues for the first year have been prorated to $1100 due to the late
    opening.  I walked the entire course with my wife last weekend.  It is
    a little rough around the edges and the greenskeeper's crew is working
    hard at repairing washouts etc.  It is going to be a tough, interesting
    course.
    
    I can't wait until June 1.  Although there will be "growing pains" and
    some frustration I'm sure, I look forward to being the member of a club
    of real golfers.  I would rather put up with the pains than wait 1 -2
    hours to get off at Wachusett CC, or the like.  The pains will be amply
    rewarded for those of us who endure, I'm sure!  If not, I will at
    least feel Dick Lowe, and the other owners did the best they could.
    
    By the way, you can't compare this to other clubs like Marlboro, Oak
    Hill, etc.  Those have waiting lists so you can't even get in.  And,
    your initiation fee is a guaranteed throw away.  At Sterling, at least
    there is the potential of making money on the bond, likely or not.
    
    Roger Scott (loyal member of SCC)
    
    

    
    Was there yesterday, very impressive. Members were using the
    driving range. The 1st fairway looks impressive considering
    that was the last seeded and was subject to top-soil errosion
    during heavy rains last fall. Parking lot is completed. Temp
    club house looks more than adequate but I didn't go in. They
    also have a large tent set up next to the club house for opening
    festiviates.
    
    

    
    
    Played it twice this weekend....little rough around the edges but it
    is a beautiful course and when fully matured will be the best around,
    I believe.
    
    Roger
    

    
    
    a few thoughts about Sterling CC ...
    
     very challenging, narrow fairways, needs to mature, too many
     lost balls, a long course to walk. Not a course for joe-average
     golfer but you'll be a better golfer if you play it alot.
    

    
    
    I'd like to put a foursome together of some of you guys and myself
    for a weekend morning.  Anyone game?  I've played Sterling 5 times
    now and each time it's different.  I really enjoy it, but boy is it
    tough.  It's easy if you keep the ball in play all of the time.  But,
    I'm a 20 handicap and that's not as easily done as it is said.
    
    I like to tee off early on Saturday or Sunday.  How about it?
    
    Roger Scott
    

     Just got back from playing a round at Sterling.  Pretty nice course,
     kind of tight.  Couple of comments:

	o  The regular rough wasn't bad, but in places they had this really
	   long, thick, matted grass which swallowed balls!
	
	o  The greens weren't in great shape.  Some were badly burned out,
	   some were "scalped" (by improper mowing).  

        o  Although traffic today was best described as "light" (many
           twosomes, gaps between groups), they had a ranger driving around
           the course, telling people to speed up.  On one of the tees, the
           ranger was using a two-way radio to talk to someone else ("group
           blah blah is in the woods on the blah hole looking for ball").
	   The volume was quite loud, and he was about 30 feet from us).
	   He drove up, carrying this conversation while we were teeing
	   off!

     I liked the course, but hated being "herded" around like cattle.  

     Bill

    I tried playing Sterling early last week. Showed up alone at 6:45
    figuring to get a quick round in before the crowds showed up. One of
    the best ways to see a new course, and I love to play in the early
    morning- 2.5 hr round and into the office by 10:00. Anyway, Sterling
    has this policy- no singles, no exceptions. The first group with a tee
    time on this day was at 7:30 (a foursome) with a threesome scheduled
    right after that. That was the earliest they would let me go. I would
    have been on #5 tee about that time if reason had prevailed over rule.
    After wasting 15 minutes or so trying to establish intelligence in the
    automaton behind the desk and waiting for "management" to show up, I
    left in utmost frustration, arriving at the office much to early.
    
    As I said, I really like to play early but often have trouble getting
    my partner out of bed. I have never run into this problem before. Most
    pros and even flunkies will let a single go off prior to the first
    group. My question to any Sterling members is- why have this policy? I
    could understand it on a busy day or when the greens were being mowed
    or whatever, but what damage can I do that early? And with 4 unfilled
    tee times between 7 and 7:30 why not let me play? Needless to say, I
    will not be back, with or without a partner. Mindless bureaucracy is
    pretty low on my list of favorite things.
    
    Chris

     
    reply to .14
    
    Sorry to hear your PO'ed.  I tend to overlook things like this because
    it's a new course.  All new business ventures need time to iron out
    their problems, both administrative and technical.  I will attempt to
    find out the reasoning behind this "no singles" rule.  It may be just
    a misunderstanding.  I know they will not allow a single to book a tee
    time, but I see no reason why you couldn't go off so early.
    
    It's unfortunate you have a bad taste in your mouth now.  I'd like to
    see you go back and enjoy a round.  I happen to know the general mgr
    is concerned about these kinds of things and tries to correct them.  I
    was in the pro shop the other day when he came in and told the guy
    behind the desk to give four guys a rain-check for a free round
    because one of the water coolers on the eighth hole was empty and they
    complained.
    
    I'll let you know what I find out.
    
    Roger

>   I liked the course, but hated being "herded" around like cattle.  

    Yeah, the time that I played, our threesome hooked up with the
    assistant pro. He mentioned that the management was adamant
    about the play of the course. I think he said 4.5 hours should
    be 'more' than adequate time to play. I view this as catering to
    the members (or serious golfers) and discouraging joe-average
    public. Members should find this to be a possitive attribute. 
    Others will be turned away. Exactly what the intent is I suppose.

    I don't consider Sterling to be just your typical course. I think,
    in time, it will be private. IMO.
    
    
    Paul

    Re: .16
    
    4.5 hours is MORE than adequate for anyone if you know how. Back in the
    70's and early 80's I used play 3.5 to 4 hours with 5-some. AND we
    weren't rushing either.  It doesn't matter whether you're member, pro
    or joe-average. What I see on the course lately is people who spend too
    much time playing. This apply especially to cart riders. Many times I
    see one guy sitting in the cart while other is deciding what club to
    hit and after the guy hit his, they go look for his.
    
    I don't think I'm the only one who see it this way. Several times, Golf
    Digest put on a article about slow play. They also says 4 to 4.5 hours
    is how long a foursome should take to play 18 holes.
    
    Regards

    
    	I'm no pro but I do manage to keep the ball in play and get through
    	a round of golf with a foursome in an average of 4 hours if there
    	are no backups. I played the other day with a friend who shoots
    	about 120, I average around 100-105 at this point. We played the
    	front nine at Greenmeadows in N.H. in 1-1/2 hours as a twosome.
    	We were not in a hurry either because no one was behind us for
    	three holes. At the 7th we caught up with a two flight backup as
    	a bunch of young kids were screwing around on the tees and between
    	shots. The back nine took us nearly 3 hours. Pretty discouraging
    	and it screws up your hole round. On one hole we sat for 15 minutes
    	before we could even tee up. I don't like to rush but I do like to
    	keep the play moving. I spend 2-3 minutes looking for a ball if I
    	hit it off the fairway. If I can't locate it than I don't deserver
    	to find it. Keep the ball in play thats my outlook. I really like
    	this game and it is supposed to be relaxing. I don't like being
    	pushed by marshalls to the point of running down a fairway to the
    	next shot. At Trull Brook in Tewksbury this year a marshal came out
    	when we were on the 14th hole and told us we had the carts out to
    	long. I almost hit him. We had two flights in front of us as slow
    	as whale s--- and no place to go and we were not even at 4 hours
    	yet as a foursome. I go out real early on the weekend and play at
    	a good pace thats enjoyable. I am also finding courses that aren't
    	quite the campionship type but are less crowded and are challenging. 
        This I find more fun. Hey pretty soon you'll have to hit 5 balls
        max than pick up and move on if you don't want to be shot by the
    	guys on carts with the blue lights and sireens.
    
    	Hey have fun and keep moving.
    
    	Bill
    
    

    
    
    I checked into the no early singles rule at Sterling.  The reason I am
    given by management is they do not want singles running up the ass of
    the people maintaining the course.  All greens are mowed before opening
    time.  It takes 3 - 4 hours to mow all of the greens.  You may not have
    seen the mowers from the pro shop, but they are always out there as
    soon as the sun comes up.  Later in the day, singles are allowed.  I
    have gone off alone before.  But, as a single, you have absolutely no
    rights on the course.
    
    You said it yourself.  You play a round in two hours.  If the mowers
    are out there, you will catch up to them.  I don't think it's mindless
    beauracracy, just a rule with which you disagree.  
    
    Roger

    
    
    I heard earlier in the season that Sterling would be building 
    a 'real' clubhouse over the winter but just recently I was told
    that won't happen and they plan to make improvements to the course.
    Any know the facts concerning this ?
    
    

I've heard is both ways recently. At the annual meeting, Lowe 
suggested that the clubhouse wouldn't be started until next year. He 
implied at a recent greens committee meeting that they might start 
this winter. Sounds like he hasn't made up his mind or isn't sure he's 
got the $ backing. He's kinda caught in a catch 22. He needs to fill 
the membership roles (he's got about 40 to go) and needs to 
demonstrate financial stability to get the rest of the 
interested-but-cautious prospects off the fence, and the lack of a 
clubhouse makes that difficult. But he needs the membership bond money 
to build the clubhouse...

My guess is it won't start til next year. He'll probably have to 
borrow more to build, and money's hard to come by these days.

His first commitment is to making the course first-class, and that 
makes sense to me.

    
    	The December membership letter indicates the club will begin
    	the first phase of the new clubhouse including a bar, lounge,
   	kitchen, offices and restrooms on the first floor. The basement
    	level will include locker rooms, member;s lounge and bar.  The
    	function hall will be attached to the building and will initially
    	be a heated tent for spring and fall functions. It will be in the
    	exact location of the future room to be completed in Phase II of
    	construction starting in the fall of 1992.  Phase I will be
    	completed by May 1, 1992.  A member/perspective member dinner/dance
    	is scheduled for 2/22/92 to include a slide presentation of the 
    	new clubhouse.
    
    	Power carts wills be permitted on the course in 1992 as weather
    permits.
    
                                                      
    

    
    	Clubhouse roof is just about completed. Expect the new clubhouse
    	will be open by mid May as scheduled.  The course should open
    	next weekend.  The proshop is already open and is getting stocked
    	up with some early season sale items.
    
    	Concrete foundation for the new function hall is in preparation.
    	This season a heavy duty canvas tent will be set on it for larger
    	dinners, dances, events, etc.  A complete tournament schedule from
    	April thru November, including some new Seniors(over 50) events.
    	About 30 memberships still available.

    
    	Clubhouse is officially open.  About 200 attended wonderful 
    	buffet dinner on friday 5/29.  Course including greens are
    	in excellent condition. Speed of play at 4-4.5 hours is goaled
    	with helpfull marshalls, ball hawks on some wetlands, and 
    	cart help for longer walks.  Also, weather permitting, carts 
    	will be allowed on the course as of 5/31.  About 20-25
    	refundable bond memberships available.  Might also note that
    	the proshop has Ping irons on sale at about $430 for 3-pw.

    First off, Mr. Moderator, please move this to the Sterling C.C. note -
    I don't know the Dir/keyword search procedure. Sorry.
    
    I stopped by Sterling the other day, and it looked great - tight, tough
    and in terrific shape. Some folksd have said they liked Shaker Hills
    better, but I've not played there either. Any comments on the relative
    merits of each ? Folks at Sterling were real nice. Since it's not real
    long (6700 and change), I'd probably want to play Sterling from the
    back. Would this be a mistake ? # 1 looked pretty tight... Actually, it
    looked like one of the back 9 holes at Oak Hill in Fitchburg.
    
    --Jack

Jack,

    A DIR/TITLE="sterling" will do the trick.  Here's what is out there.


   586  BIZNIS::LYNCH        24-APR-1989     4  New course--Sterling??
   756   USMFG::TGLASS       13-SEP-1989     5  "STERLING JOINS the GOLF WARS"
  1205  USCTR1::JCLARK        9-APR-1991    24  New course in Sterling
> 1574  MRKTNG::VARLEY       17-AUG-1992     0  Sterling Looks Good...
    

    
    	1993 Sterling Update
    
    	Course plans on opening April 15th depending on weather. Golf shop
    	is open daily now.  Although harsh winter weather delayed some course
        projects, much was accomplished.  A new foot bridge across the
        wetlands on #10.  Footbridge for #17 in the future. New tee
        markers, water cooler stands and cart barrier blocks.  Rebuilt #5
    	tee will be sodded shortly.  Expanded #4 tee completed.  Some tree
    	trimming and woods cleaning.  New initiation memberships available
    	in addtion to bond memberships.
    
    	1.     

   I haven't seen this mentioned in this conference yet, so I guess someone
   should bring it up.  Sterling has announced plans to become a private
   club when the membership is filled.  Outings on Mondays will be the only
   outside play.  The club is currently about 100 members short, so this will
   not go into effect in the immediate future, but I thought that some folks
   might be interested.

 -Evan 

    Folks might be interested in different membership fee schedules. I
    heard they got rid of the "Ranger" with the beard... GOOD MOVE !!
    
    __Jack

    
    	Sterling is offering a $5000 non-refundable Initiation Fee membership 
    	plan in addition to the current bondholder(refundable) plan. For
    	this plan a $1000 deposit with up to four year deferred payment
    	schedule is available.  This initiation fee plan is only available
    	to the first 100 applications.  No food minimums.  No assessments.
    
    

                                                             
    	Update on Sterling CC for the 1995 season.  A number of course 
    	improvements have been completed including clearing of woods, 
    	fairway drainage, bunker location, and bridges for walkers. There
    	are several forms of membership available including refundable and non-
    	refundable bonds with available payment(multi-year) schedules.
    	Annual dues are set at about $2250 in my memory is correct. The
    	course is now private, with public "outings" or member sponsored
    	"outings" usually on mondays and occasionally other week days.
    	There will also be food minimums from April thru October totalling
    	about $300.
    
    	For the 1995 season there is also an opportunity to join for just
    	this 1995 year at a one-time dues only cost of $1950 (no bond
    	required) if sponsored by an existing member. I believe the food
    	minimums and pershaps a couple other small fees are extra.
    
    	Walt