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mark chalfant

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Winchester (ross) in Mass
« on: March 26, 2006, 11:10:26 AM »
i found this course to be a very strong  design over rugged terrain. In terms of pure architecture  I found it be the equal  to the CC @ Brookline. Based on design/ routing,not clubhouse,aura, or history,  what do people think of this Ross gem near boston. thanks

Brad Tufts

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Re:Winchester (ross) in Mass
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2006, 11:06:12 AM »
Mark,

I played this course for my one and only time in 2003, but found it to be underrated.  TCC and Salem and Kittansett get all the press in the Boston area due to their histories of Opens and Ryder and Walker cups, but there is a very solid Division 1-AA that includes Winchester, Charles River, and Brae Burn (although BB is arguably at back end of 1-A).

Winchester is a great design on a very severe site that honestly doesn't feel that way when you are playing it.  The back nine is built on the side of a large hill, but plays relatively flat.  One must remember the slope, as it effects putts on the greens built into the hill.  Many of these Mass. courses are used to great effect in local amateur and NEPGA events, but wouldn't challenge the pros too much.

As far as the TCC comparison goes, Winchester lacks the history and the ambiance of the clubhouse area, and old-time routing of TCC, but its course is definately more interesting than the regular 18 at TCC.  I've never played or walked the composite, as that is probably one of the toughest tests in the region, but Winchester would hold up pretty well even in that match I would think.
So I jump ship in Hong Kong....

Martin Del Vecchio

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Re:Winchester (ross) in Mass
« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2006, 01:53:40 PM »
I played it once in 2003 also.  My experience was marred by the conditions seen throughout New England that year; snow, snow, and more snow, followed by rain, rain, and more rain.  The course was very soggy, and the greens were soggy and bumpy.

You can't hold that against the staff, though; some courses (such as my own) didn't recover until the middle of the next year.

But it wasn't too hard to see that in the absence of such conditions, it's a terrific and fun course.

Dave_Miller

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Re:Winchester (ross) in Mass
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2006, 02:19:39 PM »
i found this course to be a very strong  design over rugged terrain. In terms of pure architecture  I found it be the equal  to the CC @ Brookline. Based on design/ routing,not clubhouse,aura, or history,  what do people think of this Ross gem near boston. thanks


Mark:
My favorite course in the Boston area is Winchester.  I have played it many times and feel it is absolutely terrrific.  It is as good as any course in the area.
Fairways and Greens,
Dave

Matthew MacKay

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Re:Winchester (ross) in Mass
« Reply #4 on: March 27, 2006, 07:57:58 PM »
Mark, I'd agree that Winchester is all the golf course that TCC is, and maybe more in some respects.  Personally, I'd rather play Winchester on an everyday basis.

Par 3's are excellent, with great variety.  Couple of very good short/mid 4's in 5 & 7.  Really strong 4 hole finish.

Brad's correct, the site is actually quite severe, but you don't really notice until you get to the 16th tee and have a fantastic view, high above the Mystic.