I played Essex County last Wed. in the annual Sherrill Cup, pitting four man teams from 30 eastern Mass. clubs against one another over 18 of medal in the morning and 18 of alternate shot in the afternoon. All players were raving over the conditions, which even allowed a medal score (from the tips at about 6600 par 70) of 67.
The course, which is to host the Mass. Amateur in mid-July, is playing the best I have ever seen it, the greens have gained speed and smoothness, the fescue is gnarly, and the fairways pristine. The best amateurs in the state are in for a treat.
The one change I noted from last year to this year, which ties in with the previous compliments to Mr. Kriksceonaitis, is the squaring off of many of the greens at the front, which in some cases is enough area to allow a pin to be cut closer to an edge where it was not possible before. The old green edges were visible, and in some places it was amazing to see how much area was reclaimed. Also, trees have been thinned out to the right of the 13th green, which has improved this notoriously inconsistent green to the level of the others.