http://www.wcax.com/story/23531459/major-milestone-for-the-crown-point-country-club
Major milestone for the Crown Point Country Club Posted: Sep 25, 2013 7:14 PM EDT Updated: Sep 25, 2013 7:14 PM EDT By Adam Sullivan - WCAX TV SPRINGFIELD, Vt. - The sounds of golf have been bouncing around these hills for six decades. But the Crown Point Country Club in Springfield wasn't always a golf course. This used to be 300 acres of farmland. "It was thanks to about 15 original members who each gave $1,000 to help purchase the land," said Jeff Taft-Dick, the course historian. And remnants of a road that cuts right through it is how the Country Club got its name—the Crown Point Military Road connecting the Fort at #4 in nearby Charlestown, N.H., to Fort Ticonderoga in Crown Point, N.Y. "It was completed in 1760 and used by the British and Americans to fend off the French and Indians coming down from Montreal," Taft-Dick said. What haven't changed are the sweeping views of the Green Mountains, whether it's Okemo way off in the distance or a closer Mount Ascutney. "Crown Point is reflective of the history of Springfield in many ways," said George Lamb, a member. And unlike most courses, Crown Point is member-owned, just like the way it started 60 years ago. "Camaraderie of membership just makes it a fun place to be," Lamb said. For golfers, it represents their individual stories. "When I was in college, I used to mow the fairways here," said Alice Emmons of Springfield. Emmons, who's a familiar face at the Statehouse in Montpelier, grew up in the area. "It's an asset to the town of Springfield in terms of recreational aspect and what's available for families moving to the community," Emmons said. Speaking of families, this course has hosted one of the hottest young players on the PGA Tour-- Woodstock's Keegan Bradley. "His dad was the pro here," Taft-Dick said. "They lived up in Woodstock and his dad used to commute down here. But Keegan played here quite a bit and a lot of people in the club know and remember him." And members say future success will depend on whether the next generation of golfers comes out to show their support. "Trying to get more younger people interested in the game," member Dave Thurber said. "It's kind of fallen off in the last few years with the economy and all. You got to off a good product at a reasonable price." A long-term business strategy that these golfers say is right on the mark.
Reasonable price? IF they want a younger generation to be a presence up there they can't reasonably expect people in the area under 35 to come up with $1200-$1300 for a membership. They have a 1 year trial membership that is inexpensive but after that you get stuck paying that higher amount, that is not a way to keep and draw youth as members. They will stay on for the trial year, get interested in golf and the next year when membership dues become $1200 90% will go to Windsor or BF and become members there. This trial run is good to get youth in to CPCC for 1 year, but the real winners are Windsor and BFCC now that they enjoy golf but can't afford the steep prices at CPCC. The powers that be at CPCC need to re-evaluate what is happening if they want the club to thrive. How about a 35 and under membership for 600-700/yr? They WILL retain, year after year more youthful golfers that can keep the course going and allow it to prosper, rather than getting $500 for a trial membership and never seeing a cent from that person again. $500 dollars once or $600 for the next 30 years, simple math.
ReplyDeleteCountry clubs are for a select group of people and obviously you are not part of that group. If you still don't understand, try watching "Caddyshack" for an education on how most country clubs operate including Crown Point.
ReplyDelete"maybe someday i will buy this dump"
DeleteBF and Windsor at 9 hole courses, CPCC is an 18 hole course. Do some math and you will see why it costs about twice as much for a membership at CPCC.
ReplyDeleteAs a youthful member at the course I got into a membership last year at the trial rate, I will not be returning as a member next year because $1300 from $500 is too steep of an increase. Do you not want life long members? Why get one $500 year out of a person (because I promise you will not retain nearly as many people as you think after the year trial period) when if you made it more reasonably priced for the younger generations up to say 35 years old (maybe even 30 but I am sure you could research area income and find a nice transition age) and keep all those people for life? Then at 35 you can charge more because the member will be more attached to the club and it will hold more value for him/her. Both comments at 4:36 are ridiculous. First of all, if your select group of people are so great why are you begging for trial members? Apparently the operation up there is struggling so I will not hold CPCC as the basis of how I judge the operations of country clubs. The next comment... Yes, of course it is more expensive than a 9 hole course, and BF and Windsor are going to be the most populated 9 hole courses around when trial memebrs go o them next year. Lastly, "Caddyshack?" What's wrong never heard of Happy GIlmore. #oldtimercity
ReplyDeleteAnother of Springfield's delusions - that other than core economic solutions can be found for situations like this. The sad fact is that Springfield no longer features and industrial base capable of providing well paying jobs from which people could afford to support recreational pursuits like golfing at a country club. Springfield is a sad shadow of its former self - from machine tools to misery - with no capable leadership left in town to chart a course for restoration. Fore!
ReplyDeleteThe good news is if the Crown Point Country Club in Springfield fails then the three hundred acres will become available for another tax boondoggle. Perhaps an alternative space for a wood incinerating power plant or an animal rendering facility producing soylent pink to spice up the air quality of the town and the surrounding areas?
Deleteisn't there clubhouse in weathersfield??
ReplyDelete