Talk of The Villages Florida - USGA details issues facing golf course conditions

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianL99 (Post 2331303)

I think it's the "Ranch", but I'm not sure. I looked it up and that's the only one I can find close. Does that not have "replica" holes?

I used to play Crupin-Fox occasionally, when Bill Sandri owned it. He also owned Fox Hollow in Trinity (near Tampa), where I was a member, so CF was very inexpensive for me to play. Last few times I played CF, it wasn't in great condition. A couple of years ago, when they started harvesting trees.

One of the coolest golf courses in your area (& they used to have an awesome non-resident membership deal) is The Orchards, which is a Donald Ross design.

I'm sure you know, the old Hampden CC has been transformed into Great Horse and it's quite a place. I played it once back when it was Hampden, because my friend Phil Pittorino (owner of Wedgewood Pines) owned it. The guy who bought it, claims to have spent $50M transforming it and completely redid the entire property.

The Ranch is a beautiful course that I’ve played many times, but no replica holes there. Interesting story, when playing for the Patriots, TB12 put in an offer to buy a homesite on the course, with a contingency that he could build a private helicopter pad on the property. He was not granted permission and pulled the offer. Crumpin Fox is a great course, as is its sister course, Fox Hopyard in East Haddam, CT near the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casinos. I think Sandri owned the home overlooking the green on the beautiful par 3 16th hole that plays over a large pond? I haven’t played Crumpin in two or three years and wasn’t aware they were harvesting a lot of trees there. The beauty of the trees in the fall, when the leaves change colors, was my favorite time to play there. The last three falls we have been going to our Villages home, where the license plates begin changing colors that time of the year. Never played the Orchards as it’s private and I don’t have connections there. I did go there to watch the women’s US Open many years ago and enjoyed following Annika Sorenstam, a young Michelle Wie, and of course the biggest draw, Natalie Gulbis. Played Hampden a few times several years ago and have heard stories about the huge amount of money put into it transforming it into Great Horse. From what I heard from a reliable friend who played it, it’s nice, but nothing special.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 2331335)

The Ranch is a beautiful course that I’ve played many times, but no replica holes there. Interesting story, when playing for the Patriots, TB12 put in an offer to buy a homesite on the course, with a contingency that he could build a private helicopter pad on the property. He was not granted permission and pulled the offer. Crumpin Fox is a great course, as is its sister course, Fox Hopyard in East Haddam, CT near the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casinos. I haven’t played Crumpin in two or three years and wasn’t aware they were harvesting a lot of trees there. The beauty of the trees in the fall, when the leaves change colors, was my favorite time to play there. The last three falls we have been going to our Villages home, where the license plates begin changing colors that time of the year. Never played the Orchards as it’s private and I don’t have connections there. I did go there to watch the women’s US Open many years ago and enjoyed following Annika Sorenstam, a young Michelle Wie, and of course the biggest draw, Natalie Gulbis. Played Hampden a few times several years ago and have heard stories about the huge amount of money put into it transforming it into Great Horse. From what I heard from a reliable friend who played it, it’s nice, but nothing special.

Funny, Brady was denied in your story but bought acreage from Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill MA and was given variances to build his manse which abuts Robert Krafts home as well as The Country Club. Ultimately sold the property and moved to FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 2331335)

Try to find a friend, with connections to The Orchards, it's worth it. Great Horse is worth a one time experience, just to see what excess money can do. I'm told the course isn't much.

I believe Bill's Son in Law, who took over as CEO of Sandri Industries, has taken Fox Hopyard, private.

As you probably know, Bill (Deerfield Academy/Wharton MBA) had a bit of an alcohol problem. You see quite a few gussied up golf carts in TV, but not many like the one Bill cruised in, around Fox Hollow. Fully air-conditioned, with a bar & BBQ grill. Every time you buy Sunoco gas in Western MA, Vermont or Southern NH, you're contributing to the Sandri fortune ... they own them all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianL99 (Post 2331354)

I use Mobil so I guess you can cross me off the list of enablers! ;)