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Mark Saltzman

  • Karma: +0/-0
Hooper or Taconic?
« on: May 14, 2017, 02:37:48 PM »
I'm going to be a couple hours from both Taconic and Hooper and have decided I need to get to one of them.  The limited reviews I've read here and in TCG suggest Hooper is the more unique of the two.  Can anyone offer an opinion if you had to choose between them? Note: I am indifferent between playing an 18 hole golf course vs Hooper twice.




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Mike Sweeney

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2017, 03:18:06 PM »
In the 10 round test, 8 Taconic 2 Hooper.

I am a big fan of Hooper and it has great charm as a New England 9 holer, but it is a different conversation from Taconic. In the Stiles & Van Kleek portfolio, Taconic, Prout's Neck, and Rutland CC would be my mix and match Top 3.
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"One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us."

Dr. Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

Tom_Doak

  • Karma: +3/-1
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2017, 08:31:53 PM »
I have to disagree with Mike.  I found Taconic to be a bit overrated.  Plus, Hooper needs the guest revenue a lot more than Williams College does!
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Ronald Montesano

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2017, 09:35:40 PM »
I like Taconic. I've played it twice (at age 15 and again at age 45.) I don't love its layout, but I do love its greens. I don't know poutine about Hooper, so I cannot help you there. I defer to TD's assessment of reductionist economics, and to any others that have played both.


Does Hooper have the flexibility to play the nine again from different tees, that alter angles, etc.? That would cinch it for me.


This is mighty interesting: http://www.newhampshire.com/Walpoles-Hooper-Golf-Course-becomes-conservation-area
« Last Edit: May 14, 2017, 09:37:47 PM by Ronald Montesano »
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Coming in 2024
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Ken Fry

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2017, 09:44:44 AM »
Mark,

I have not been to Hooper so I won't comment about the golf.  I do appreciate Tom's take on the economics.

Being the Renaissance Man you are, there's a lot in Williamstown to take in.  Williamstown is the stereotypical postcard New England town.  Williams College is worth a visit as is Clark Art Institute (http://clarkart.edu/) and the Williamstown Theater Festival (http://wtfestival.org/) which includes a number of "famous" actors.  George Wendt and Christopher Reeves were frequent participants years ago.  There's also a lot of historical sites and a trip up Mount Greylock is a must.

Either place will be a gorgeous drive through some of the best parts of New England.  Have fun!

Ken
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Tom_Doak

  • Karma: +3/-1
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2017, 09:55:54 AM »
Quote from: Ronald Montesano on May 14, 2017, 09:35:40 PM

Does Hooper have the flexibility to play the nine again from different tees, that alter angles, etc.? That would cinch it for me.



It does have separate tees.  The two that alter the angles significantly are the short par-4 3rd hole, and the par-3 6th.
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paul westland

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2017, 08:55:09 PM »
Hooper is a sweet place. Always a quiet hush about... and never rushed...Greens are full of subtle contour.
Both par three holes will offer stern challenge.  Fees are $25-30; Village of Walpole is lovely, quintessence of New England.
Taconic has reason to boast; their fees do not justify a visit from me, however.
Burdick's for lunch or dinner... Ken Burn's is a neighbor... 
25 minute drive from my place...p
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Chris_Blakely

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #7 on: May 15, 2017, 09:17:00 PM »
I've played both and enjoyed Hooper more.  Hooper was a more relaxed round, had more quirk and seems more unaltered.


One of my favorite New England courses.  Loved the rock walls and it has a terrific set of greens.


Chris
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Mike Sweeney

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #8 on: May 16, 2017, 05:22:01 AM »
The opening hole @ Hooper:
« Last Edit: May 16, 2017, 09:10:35 PM by Mike Sweeney »
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"One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us."

Dr. Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

John Foley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #9 on: May 16, 2017, 08:24:00 AM »
Mark - I'm a very big fan of Taconic - as was mentioned the greens there are fantastic. Hanse's renovation really makes the course stand out. Never been to Hooper.


The other option would be Crumpin-Fox just off 91 near the NH/VT/MA border. Solid RTJ.
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Integrity in the moment of choice

Chris DeToro

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2017, 08:47:00 AM »
I'm a huge fan of Taconic as well.  It's just a fabulous setting for golf with subtly challenging greens in my opinion because of the influence of the mountains.  Hooper's been on my short list--this thread is inspiring me to maybe make the trip this weekend!
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John Blain

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2017, 01:11:58 PM »
I have never played Hooper but it is hard for me to believe it would be a better experience than Taconic which I think is terrific.
Of course, if green fees are a factor you can probably play Hooper for a song whereas at TGC you will pay dearly for the privilege :)
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paul westland

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #12 on: May 16, 2017, 07:00:30 PM »
Crumpin Fox is, indeed a fine choice; fees in mid-range and easy access...
There are many 9 hole treats @ this region: Northfield, Alex Findlay design, is close to the Crump, and run by a
landscape company that keeps things in superior nick. 
Ellinwood and Woods of Westminster are both off Route 2; prior a Ross design, later, a proprietary cool quirk design.
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Tim Martin

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #13 on: May 17, 2017, 07:46:35 AM »
Quote from: paul westland on May 16, 2017, 07:00:30 PM
Crumpin Fox is, indeed a fine choice; fees in mid-range and easy access...
There are many 9 hole treats @ this region: Northfield, Alex Findlay design, is close to the Crump, and run by a
landscape company that keeps things in superior nick. 
Ellinwood and Woods of Westminster are both off Route 2; prior a Ross design, later, a proprietary cool quirk design.


Although Crumpin Fox has some good holes there are better choices as to me it's a cookie cutter RTJ. The original 9 holes at Brattleboro CC just north is worth seeing with plenty of quirk and a nice piece of land. Though added far later the inward nine is different but still interesting.
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Dan_Callahan

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #14 on: May 17, 2017, 09:15:56 AM »
While you're out there, drive south to Lee and play Greenock. A very fun 9-hole Donald Ross course.
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Mark Saltzman

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #15 on: May 18, 2017, 12:58:09 PM »
Thank you all for your input.  I decided to play Hooper but after quite a few unanswered calls to the pro shop I booked a tee-time at Taconic.  Looking forward to it.
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paul westland

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #16 on: May 18, 2017, 06:19:22 PM »
Mark.  Enjoy your visit to Williamstown!  If so inclined, the Clark Art Museum will reward, as well.
Hooper has been supported by a complicated foundation-trust that withdrew financial support the last two years,
consequently, members and other non-paid volunteers have kept her in fine nick, remarkable as that sounds.
There is no one manning the phones; they are out there cutting grass! I play there once a week, and haven't needed tee time for last 10
years. Lovely New England village far removed from modern buzz.   
 



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Tom_Doak

  • Karma: +3/-1
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #17 on: May 21, 2017, 11:27:39 AM »
That's a shame, Mark.  My impression was that you could show up just about anytime and get right on the tee.
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Mark Saltzman

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #18 on: May 21, 2017, 12:07:54 PM »
Tom, that was likely the case now as well but I didn't want to risk arriving only to find out they had a league event, local tournament or the like.  Just was calling to make sure they were open that afternoon but after ten phone calls over three days I gave up.
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Cliff Hamm

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Hooper or Taconic?
« Reply #19 on: May 21, 2017, 12:53:00 PM »
 I also am interested in playing Hooper.  Went on their Facebook page. Interestingly, their website is not functioning. Emailed the pro and email was returned.
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