During 2021, the Long Term Planning Committee began a multi-year effort to create a proposed Master Plan for the golf course, in partnership with an emerging architect who specializes in classic New England course design. Our architect, Tyler Rae Design, has recently completed a routing plan for the golf course that will serve as the basis for our Master Plan and accompanying golf course projects over the next 10-20 years. The benefits of using a Master Plan are many, but most importantly, the Plan allows our current and future memberships a thoughtful and balanced plan that will be implemented in sequence with a spending profile that allows us to modify the golf course as quickly or patiently as our financial conditions and membership interest allow.

There are over two dozen individual projects, both large and small, that make up the proposed Master Plan, from small changes to our fairway lines, tees, and greens, to major changes to two of our golf holes. In addition, the Plan includes a short game practice area option that reflects the high level of interest from our recently completed member survey.

Key takeaways from the member survey include:

1. Address most problematic aspects of our current design and routing: Par 3 weaknesses, Hole #7 safety issues, lack of practice area, incremental improvements on existing holes, and eliminating artificial bunker material

2. Maximize the use of our entire property and its topographical and property assets (visible ledge, specimen trees, Hole #2 pond, etc.), as much as possible

3. Establish a more New England aesthetic that builds cohesiveness of the golf experience throughout our golf course (native grasses, ledge, etc.)

4. Trade off current weak holes with “better” holes that improve playability and fit our property and golf course aesthetics

5. Establish a short game practice area that is optimized for our available space

6. Improve sight lines, tee alignment, teeing options through routing changes and smaller modifications where available

7. Create a consistent bunkering model and apply throughout the golf course

8. Recommend maintenance improvements that will improve playability, enjoyment, and shot values

9. Add additional teeing areas that create additional hole options and playing variety, particularly with our forward tee areas

10. Add additional yardage as opportunities to do so become evident

Over the coming months, the Board and Long Term Planning Committee would like to hear as much feedback as possible about the proposed Master Plan. Large display images will be available in the Clubhouse to review, as well as detailed hole by hole summaries of the proposed changes booklet form.