Sorry for this morning’s confusion. David Howell asked me to report this revision of the good news about the golf course. – Lil

After four years of uncertainty and abandonment of potential buyers, long-term Walpole resident, Fred Dill, has stepped up and provided a large nonrefundable deposit to purchase the Golf Course, Watkins Tavern, the cottage, and the woods in conservation easement that surround the course. The money from this sale goes to the Hooper Institute. Thankfully Walpole citizens can have confidence that Hooper golf will be open for the 2018 season and will have a future for many years to come.

Many decisions still need to be made, not the least of which is what functions will occur in the tavern and how the tavern and golf course will interact with one another. As for the golf course itself, the town is fortunate that a dedicated cadre of volunteers has kept the course in a reasonable condition over the last four years. Membership has declined, in part due to systemic issues involving the global golfing scene, but also most certainly regarding issues specific to Hooper. Hopefully a steady stream of golfers will soon return to Hooper, the “Best Little golf course in New England”.

The 2018 Hooper golf season is just beginning. We encourage all interested people to visit the course and share their vision for the future. A comment box will be at the pro shop. A funding campaign will soon be launched. Equipment and refurbishment of the course are needed. Details of all this are in the works and to learn more visit our brand new website: <http://hoopergolfcourse.com >.  While you are at the club please consider joining for the 2018 season, it will be a season of change and transformation.