MASTERS EDITION

Waubeeka will remain open until we are forced to close due to weather conditions! Check www.waubeeka.com for course conditions. 

MASSACHUSETTS REQUIRES GOLFERS TO WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES, IN THE CLUBHOUSE, PRO SHOP, TAVERN AND WHILE PLAYING GOLF!  BE SAFE - WEAR YOUR MASK!  IT’S THE LAW.

FROM THE GM - Vicki Richardello

The 2020 season will certainly go down in history for Waubeeka.  Our season actually started in late February with our newly acquired Empire Golf and Travel Expo held at the Albany Capital Center in Albany, New York.  We had heard the Corona Virus was probable, and a few days after the completion of the show, Governor Cuomo closed all large venues.  How lucky we were!

With the arrival of the pandemic, Waubeeka did not officially open until Thursday, May 7.  Twenty-three days without revenue was bound to have a detrimental effect.  There were still salaries being paid, vendors sending products, chemicals and equipment being purchased to maintain the course, along with all the other expenses that accompany any piece of property.  We still had hopes for a successful year.

Well, to make a long story short, Waubeeka had its best year ever! Golf, the sport that had seen a decline for many years, now was experiencing a tremendous resurgence!  People were excited to be outside enjoying the fresh air with Mother Nature and spending time with family and friends in a safe environment.  Our tee sheet became overloaded with more rounds played than ever before. And, this was without the many tournaments and outings we had hosted in the past. Our membership and outside play increased, our leagues and clinics grew and our junior program skyrocketed!  This year, for the first time in seven years, Waubeeka may show a profit!

Looking to the 2021 season, we suspect golf will continue to flourish.  Hopefully the pandemic will subside.  We will remain vigilant in following safety procedures so that we can all enjoy the sport we all love.  

Waubeeka’s future looks brighter than ever, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.  STAY SAFE!

GolfWeek Magazine has selected Waubeeka Golf Links to host the 2021 New England Junior Championship on August 1 and 2, 2021.  Hopefully, by then, spectators will be allowed out on our course to watch some of the greatest young talented golfers!

Congratulations to our neighbors to the north, Turning Stone Resort and Casino.  All of its 3 courses were ranked in Golfweek Magazine's Top 50.   The Tom Fazio design is the #13 ranked casino course in the USA and ranked #27 is the Rick Smith design and at #35 it's Robert Trent Jones Jr. design!

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE - Final chance to become a Waubeeka member before having to pay the $2000 initiation fee.  Effective 1/1/21, all new members will contribute to our planned improvements. Click here to download our membership form. 

Watch this interview with our new member Carlos to see why so many people are jumping at the opportunity to join Waubeeka!

Thank you to the 35 veterans for playing yesterday!  We appreciate your service.  Please come back and visit us again!

FALL Shoulder Season RATES - Now til close:

• Weekdays  $59 - 18 holes with cart, a cup of soup and ½ sandwich
• Saturday and Sunday $69 - 18 holes with cart, a cup of soup and ½ sandwich

STAY & PLAY PACKAGES.  We do all the work.  Set up the courses, the lodging and the restaurants.  Your job, come here, have fun, forget the details!

The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians opened an office at 84 Spring Street.  They occupied Waubeeka Golf Links in the 1700’s.  Glad they are back here, their original home! 

We talked with Top Tracer Golf last Wednesday and Trackman this Monday.  Leaning toward a partnership with Trackman.  We want to provide our members and guests with every opportunity to lower that handicap and have more fun!  The surprise is out!

Masters favorite Jon Rahm did not read Dick Syriac’s column in last week’s newsletter about the difficulty of making a hole-in-one.   Rahm aced Augusta’s 4th Hole on Monday and on his birthday Tuesday, as is customary, tried to skip one across the pond on Hole 16.  Watch his effort HERE!

THE MASTERS WILL BE ON ALL TV’S FROM 10 AM THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY UNTIL THE CONCLUSION.  COME ON OVER AND WATCH WITH YOUR FRIENDS. 

     *Odds of winning THE MASTERS*

Bryson DeChambeau is listed as the favorite at 9-1, DJ is 10-1, Rory 12-1, Bubba 30-1, Tiger 33-1, Ricky 66-1 and Sandy Lyle 5000-1.  For a full list of odds, click here. 

This year we were fearful of hurting our friends, contaminating our guests, contaminating their family.  We are proud that we made the decision to provide a cleaner, healthier environment by hiring DininfectED and ViaClean to use the BIOPROTECTUs disinfect system for every single golf cart, our clubhouse and restrooms.  This year, one person came to the golf course with COVID, we notified the authorities, reinforced our sanitation procedures and felt good that not one person at Waubeeka was put in danger or at risk.  It cost money--we would spend double to assure our members, guests and friends that Waubeeka Golf Links is a SAFE place to come and enjoy life to the fullest.  

Thanks for playing here this year, thanks for joining here this year, thanks for eating here this year, thanks for staying at the Farmhouse.  God willing, see you all very soon.  BE SAFE.

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT - Brian Bartlett

Our staff has taken advantage of some great weather; we mowed fairways and greens, carried out our other standard duties, we punched greens AND we have made some great progress on Hole #2.  Since Monday we installed and shaped 250 tons of USGA approved sand, and, as you can see what Keenan is doing, began the process of putting down 8000 square feet of sod, cut and replaced from our original second green.  Since this is the last report for 2020, I want to personally thank my staff, each and every member, for your hard work and dedication to this golf course.  When winter sets in, we will still be on site, cutting dead trees, repairing equipment, installing new blades, changing equipment oil and keeping an eye on our course!  Come spring, you will see a better Waubeeka!!  Please all be safe.

FROM THE TAVERN ON 7 - 

Eat it forward - Although our Tavern on 7 will not be able to participate, we salute the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce and MountainOne Bank for their efforts to boost our local restaurateurs and donate to the Williamstown Community Chest.  Although our restaurant will be closed, our entire staff will make the effort to support all of these local restaurants, Nov. 23 - Dec. 13!  Eat local, Eat it Forward!

Christmas parties.  Up to 25 people, we will be happy to host your family, company or friends.  Dates are still available, great menu!  There are 2 Saturday nights left in December, 2 Friday nights left, 3 Thursday nights and all other dates are available!!  Thanks for your business throughout the year, have a happy and safe winter!  See you in the spring!

We would be remiss at this time if we did not give a great big THANK YOU to our great staff, Jeff, David, Melinda, Marianne, Laiken and Cassidy for all your help in this 2020 season.  You guys went above and beyond and were very much appreciated!

FROM THE PRO - Erik Tiele

Looking for a great golf season ahead of us with the Masters weekend coming up!  It's always a great way to start the spring!! Wait a minute… this is November ...what happened?  Regardless of the date, this is always one of the best weekends of golf!  I am sure that this weekend won’t disappoint.  Augusta is Augusta, no matter what time of year it is!

Congratulations to our good friend Thomas Sennett, Assistant Golf Professional at CC of Pittsfield. He received a call on Sunday November 8th and his alternate status was changed to qualifier for the PGA Assistants Championship.  Needless to say, he was on a plane Monday morning heading south!  It is being held this year at the PGA Golf Club on the Wannamaker Course. He tees off this morning, Thursday, at 8:36.  Best of luck, Thomas!!!

Watch your email for a Black Friday coupon which can only be redeemed when the pro shop opens for Christmas gifts, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 18, 19 and 20.

A version of the Ginger Brandy Open 4Ball will be played on Sunday, November 22nd - the course will be played in reverse order. Includes a shot of Ginger Brandy, in case you get cold!  Entry fee is $10.  Non-Members cost is $50 and includes cart.  Start by teeing off to the side of 18 green, play to 17 green.  Tee off to the side of 17 green, play to 16 green!  Last hole, tee to the side of 1 green, finish on 18 green!!  Enjoy!!  This is the course for all players, all day!  Last tee time for 18 holers is 1 PM.  

This week Sunday Sweeps was to delete your worst hole!  Despite having aerified greens there were quite a few nice rounds played on Sunday. Gross Winners were Chris Bourdon in first with his 67, tying for second were Geoff Tatro and Mitch Spooner with 68’s and fourth went to Jamie Gaffey with his 70. First Net went to Al Lorge and his  58 which nipped second place which went to Jake Jowett with a 59. Third was taken down by Bob Williams’ 60 and 4th net was a tie between Pete Landry and Chuck Lewitt and their 63’s.

The Country Club of Pittsfield Halloween Junior 4 Ball was held this past Saturday, November 7th. The juniors representing Waubeeka all played well and enjoyed a great day on the links!   Justin Cowell - Ian Capiello 77, Alex Axt - Paul Roeder 81, Ben Prescott - Seamus Hayes 82, Cayden Conry - Cameron Turner 84 and Owen Petropulos - Ben Dingman 87. Congratulations to Cameron Turner and Justin Cowell, who each had an Eagle!  Again, a big thank you to CC of Pittsfield, their members and host professional Eric Mabee on an outstanding event!! 

“WOW”beeka Weekend May 15 & 16.  We will be giving a pair of FOOTJOY shoes to every player.  Once payment is received, you will be sent a link to the Footjoy webstore and may select your size, color and style.  Sign up early here!  Limited to first 50 team entries!!

When will we close?  I will stay open as long as the weather is fairly good.  Check the website on Monday morning, if there is no snow or frost, come on down and let’s play!  

To the Mt. Greylock Golf Team - Thanks for choosing to play at Waubeeka this season.  Every boy and girl on the team was a pleasure to watch and see you grow.  Your Captain was a man to look up to and admire, each player was an inspiration to all of us here.  Your coaches taught you the right values!  Don’t ever stop playing.  Love your Pumpkin Golf Balls!

Rules Question of the Week

In stroke play, Kenny takes his stance in a bunker to play the ball lying in a bunker. Kenny changes his mind regarding club selection, leaves the bunker and returns with a different club. Before making the stroke, he rakes the bunker where he first took his stance because he wants to make a different type of stroke with a firmer stance. What is the ruling? (Ref# 390)

 

1. There is no penalty.
2. There is a one-stroke penalty.
3. The player gets the general penalty.

Correct answer

3. The player gets the general penalty.  ExplanationRule 12.2b(2); Rule 8.1a(4)

I would finally like to close out our last newsletter with a BIG THANK YOU to my golf shop staff, Ricco, Laura, Mitch and Sawyer. I would like to thank Brian Gill and Fran Kringle for helping me out with the Junior Clinics and the Ladies Chip & Sip. My bagroom/cart attendants, Ben P, Justyn, Alex, Owen, Andrew, Ben D and Keaton. It has been a crazy season and your hard work didn’t go unnoticed.

Dick Syriac (laryoflenox) writes:

This column is a reminder to thank a veteran for his or her service.  Allow me to recall a tribute that I published a few years back after the passing of my uncle George M. Syriac at the age of 92 in Gallon, Nevada.  I remember playing catch with him as a youngster, and I discovered he could throw a baseball pretty hard.  I knew he was in the army during WWII and after his discharge, he moved west and out of touch with my family.  When George was 20 years old he turned down an offer to play professional baseball and opted to instead visit the draft board in Springfield, MA.  George played a great deal of semi pro baseball for my grandfather's team competing in Western and Central MA. On that team was my father John, George, Vincent and William, his three brothers.  The star of the team was future NY Yankee Vic "The Springfield Rifle" Raschi.  My grandfather was the coach because he had a car.  An old clipping from a local paper reported that "George was the first young man to be interviewed by the draft board and at the time volunteered for military service.”  On Nov. 18, 1941, he was off to Fort Devens. His two brothers William and Vincent soon followed. John, my dad, according to the article “Is married and working as a gang boss in a defense plant and his mother also works there.”  George made stops in North Africa, Sicily, Naples, Loggia, Rome, Arno, North Apennines and Po Valley as a member of 91st Cavalry Recon Group. He was a light tank crewman.  Among his many service awards he was a Purple Heart Recipient.  Upon his discharge he was located in Nevada and we didn't see much of him.  His relatives on the east coast including your scribe were able to catch up in later years.  He showed up unexpectedly at my father’s funeral service and his resemblance to my dad was scary.  He was quite a man and the war was tough on him, and his service years were never brought up.  He was a long-haul truck driver for 35 years and loved his west coast teams, but did not care for Barry Bonds.  When asked about his playing days in Western Mass "We were good, if Raschi pitched, we never lost.”
George had 4 children, 31 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandkids. If you are ever in Nevada you may find a few Syriacs in the phone book.  As youngsters, we fixate with people we refer to as "our heroes" to only find out as we mature these people had many flaws and shortcomings that we never noticed or didn't want to notice.  (Mickey Mantle, JFK, Pete Rose, Wade Boggs and Ty Cobb come to mind).  Looking for someone to emulate? Try looking at your family tree; you may be surprised  to see what you will find.  Most real heroes will seldom talk of their accomplishments, but if they do, we should pay attention.

 Congrats to Max DiGrigoli(Lenox) and Nate Murphy(Taconic) for their win in the Junior Four Ball at CCOP.  They are exceptional players who work hard at their game and even better young men.

PGA Tour

It took 42 years for a player from Mexico to win on the PGA Tour, but Carlos Ortiz did it Sunday afternoon in the presence of Jason Day and Dustin Johnson at Memorial Park in Houston, for the Vivint Houston Open, which always precedes the Masters.  Today, A Tournament Like No Other!

MASTERS NOTES- 

• Fred Ridley, Augusta National Chairman and former U.S. Amateur champion, announced the club will provide 100% funding for a new Women’s Golf Program at nearby Paine College!
• Sergio tested positive for COVID - he’s out!  So is Joaquin Niemann.
• Best price for food is always the Masters!  No fans to buy this year.
• The 2021 Masters will be played in 146 days!!
• Lee Elder will replace Arnold Palmer as one starter in April 2021.
• Until The Masters ends around 3 PM Sunday- forget Football!
• If rainy weather is a factor, the Masters may not finish until Monday!
• College Game Day, the ESPN football pre-game show, will air live Saturday morning form 9 - 12, overlooking Ike’s Pond and #9 green!
• DeChambeau hit his tee ball 20 yards past JT and 40 yards past Tiger in Monday’s practice round.  He could hit it further with less spin!
• You drive for show and putt for dough!!
• Tiger Woods has won the Masters 5 times!  Jack Nicklaus - 6!
• There are 17 previous winners in the field!
• Due to lack of daylight, rounds 1 & 2 will start off #1 and #10 tees.
• After the cut will remain the top 50 and ties from original 94!
• Today's temp in Augusta is 78 with a 65% chance of rain! 
• The brainchild of Augusta National is Bobby Jones! 

DEEP Thoughts 

Thank you to each and every one of you for playing, eating and visiting with us this year.   COVID scared us all, but it did not dampen our spirit or our joy of golf.  Personally, I appreciate and value the friendship of every person who visited our campus.  Thank you to every loyal and caring employee, for your sacrifices and for being so cheerful, no matter the task.  Have a great off season; let’s hope every one of us returns happy, healthy and able to play this wonderful sport - BETTER!!

Special thanks to my friend Nate Hernandez, who insures this newsletter is delivered to you week in and week out - without him, the quality of what you read, could not measure up to the standards of which you have become accustomed!