WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS MUST PLAYS
Western Massachusetts Abounds In Fine Golf Courses…and More By JOHN TORSIELLO
T
he Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts is a superb area to spend a day playing nine or 18 holes. The area’s courses are routed over open land and gently rising hills. And après golf, spend a few hours visiting the villages and towns of the area, where can discover fine restaurants, cool pubs, boutiques, museums, historic landmarks and hiking trails. You can easily build a week’s vacation out of your visit to the area, play as many courses as you can, and drink in this special part of the region. Thanks to Golfing Magazine’s comprehensive Course Play Stimulus Program, our subscribers can try out a multitude of courses in this portion of Massachusetts. Check out the details of this can’t miss offer in this issue. Call 860-563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net to sign up. Wyckoff Country Club (www.WycoffCountryClub.com) in Holyoke is an 18-hole, par 69, 6100-yard championship golf course built on the beautiful rolling property at the base of Mount Tom. Wycoff has an interesting
mix of holes; a number of short par--fours that can be attacked with a lusty drive and a short-iron or wedge to the putting surface, only two par-fives, one of which, the 478-yard 13th, can also yield birdie to long hitters that can reach the green in two, two par-fours that play over 400 yards from the tips, and several strong par-threes (there are five short holes in all on the layout). The 18th is perhaps the most difficult par-three and a cool way to finish a round. It’s a whopping 229 yards from the tips. East Mountain Country Club (www.EastMountainCC.com) in Westfield was designed by owner Ted Perez, Sr., who wanted to have a course that is approachable for golfers of all skill levels and fun to play. The layout measures around 6,200 yards from the tips and all but one of the par-fives is reachable in two by the big hitters. There are several short par-fours where birdie can be made, and a fun mix of holes on the back side, which has three par-threes, three par-fours, and three par-fives, including back-to-backers at 11 and 12. The toughest hole on the course may
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Golfing Magazine • New England Edition
be the 429-yard par four 16th. The club prides itself on the quality of its greens. Greenock Country Club (www.GreenockCC.com ) in Lee dates back to 1895. Redesigned in 1927 by the legendary golf architect Donald Ross, the nine-hole course is an example of craftsmanship and original style. The club is located just one mile from Exit 2 off Interstate 90, within minutes of the historic town of Stockbridge, and just a few short miles from Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The sixth hole is a riskreward par-five, measuring only 465 yards, but there is water left and right of the green if you are thinking about going for it in two. The Links at Worthington Golf Club (www.WorthingtonGolfClub.com) is actually a 10-hole course with small sloping greens and tight tree-lined fairways, a bothersome creek, thick rough, and 15 strategically placed bunkers. It provides a challenge for the low handicappers, as well as an enjoyable round for the recreational golfer.
