By MARK DURANT
Recorder Staff
South Deerfield resident Jim McDonald will return to Franklin County this spring.
McDonald, who has spent the past two seasons as head pro at Hickory Ridge Golf Club in Amherst, accepted an offer late last week to become head professional at Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston.
McDonald takes over for former boss Mike Zaranek, who resigned last week after 15 years to take over at Crestview Country Club in Agawam.
McDonald served as an assistant Crumpin-Fox pro from 2004 to 2010.
According to McDonald, he had reached out to the Sandri Co. (which owns Crumpin-Fox) on March 1, interviewed with President Tim Van Epps on the morning of March 3, then Van Epps called late that night and offered him the job.
“The offer, and the fact that it’s Crumpin-Fox, was something I couldn’t refuse,” said McDonald.
McDonald had no idea the CFC job would even be open.
“Right up until Monday (Feb. 29), I was just proceeding as if I would be at Hickory Ridge,” he said. “Then I saw a story (online) that Mike had resigned and accepted the Crestview position.
“I knew the job in general, so I talked with my wife and said I was going to explore this a little further. So I went ahead and reached out.”
McDonald said he is still in the process of finalizing his professional staff.
McDonald, 56, first started in the industry in 1981 as an assistant pro at Purpoodock GC in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, (near his hometown of Gorham), and has been a PGA professional since 1986.
“I feel like Mr. Sandri created a golf course that has been very special through the years, and the members and people there have carried on that tradition,” said McDonald. “The template that he began with and the tradition they’ve built is just exciting to be a part of,” he added. “It’s high-profile, and I just hope I can carry on that tradition.”