Recommended Courses in the Berkshires and the Poconos

« **on:** July 27, 2008, 03:30:05 PM »

I'm a week away from an extended family jaunt to the Berkshires and the Poconos. We'll be in western Mass for 7 days, then the Pokes for another 7. Any thoughts on worthwhile courses in those environs?

« **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2008, 04:44:58 PM »

Taconic....Berkshire CC...Pittsfield CC....

« **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2008, 04:53:20 PM »

Near the Poconos, depending on where you're staying, a visit to Morgan Hill in Easton and The Architects Club across the river in Phillipsburg, NJ would be worthwhile.

« **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2008, 05:53:35 PM »

To Craig's Berkshires list, I would add Crumpin-Fox and, if you can get access, Whitinsville.

« **Reply #4 on:** July 27, 2008, 06:29:40 PM »

If you want to stay in Berkshire County and enjoy the public side of golf, play Waconah GC($85 or so) in Dalton, Pontoosuc Lake GC($25 or so) or General Electric AA($25 or so) in Pittsfield, Greenock GC($40 or so) or Cranwell Resort ($80 or so) in Lee, Waubeeka GC($45 or so) in Williamstown, Forest Park GC($25 or so) in Adams and Worthington GC($25 or so) in Worthington, Ma.
Several of these courses are nine holers and Forest Park is a manageable
yardage for most any family member. There is a nine hole course in Blandford (The Blanford Club) that is open to the public and would fit into the same category as FP.

Have fun on your trip. It's as green and as lush around here as I've ever seen it.

« **Reply #5 on:** July 27, 2008, 06:50:27 PM »

I meant Berkshire Hills...not Berkshire CC....Steve Cury, who posts here, is the Super there.

« **Reply #6 on:** July 27, 2008, 07:41:42 PM »

Jim K - What about Copake in the southern Berkshires? Does it merit a stop?

Ron you should also check out a pretty neat little 9 holer at the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville CT with a cool pro.

You will not be dissapointed.

« **Reply #7 on:** July 27, 2008, 07:49:52 PM »

In the Poconos Shawnee is the first Tillinghast course. Haven't played it in years and not much Tillinghast, but enjoyable. Believe there has been some recent mention here.

Also, Country Club of the Poconos. Had never heard of it but
www.egolfcertificates.com recently added it. Private course and "fazio designed". Check out egolfcertificates if you go to either of these as they offer good discounts.

« **Reply #8 on:** July 27, 2008, 07:52:37 PM »

Oh no...

« **Reply #9 on:** July 27, 2008, 08:23:04 PM »

Jeff,

Oh no... in reference to what or whom?

« **Reply #10 on:** July 27, 2008, 08:27:15 PM »

Ron,

CC of the Poconos is a JIM Fazio design. The course has not received favorable reviews from anyone on this site. Avoid it if it's free.

Paging Mike Cirba.

« **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2008, 08:43:01 PM »

As I stated never heard of it...Almost mentioned that it said "Fazio designed" on their website but not which Fazio.

« **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2008, 10:14:45 PM »

Quote from: Ronald Montesano on July 27, 2008, 08:23:04 PM

Jeff,

Oh no... in reference to what or whom?

Sorry Ronald. The "oh no" was only in reference to the Country Club of the Poconos. It's a course I have not played, but it has been panned so thoroughly on this site that I feel almost compelled to see it simply for the expected train wreck factor.

« **Reply #13 on:** July 27, 2008, 10:21:31 PM »

Poconos is kind of middling, but Woodloch Springs is topnotch. Buck Hill GC is a pleasant Ross course.

« **Reply #14 on:** July 27, 2008, 10:43:17 PM »

Ron:

Not much to add to what's been said but if you want a real sleeper in the immediate area of the Poconos be sure to check out Stone Hedge in Tunkhannock Twsp -- just west of Scranton. It's about 35 miles northwest of the Poconos and is a real neat layout.

The 1st hole doesn't add much to your time there and candidly you might wonder after playing it why all the fuss from Matt. The 2nd hole is easily one of the best public holes I have played in the Keystone State. The rest of the course is quite rolling and it's generally in very good shape.

The rates are also modest -- less than $50 to play on weekends & holidays.

One other thing -- the layout is quite good even though it's barely over 6,600 yards from the tips.

Be sure to check it out if time allows.

« **Reply #15 on:** July 27, 2008, 11:08:24 PM »

Quote from: Craig Sweet on July 27, 2008, 04:44:58 PM

Taconic....Berkshire CC...Pittsfield CC....

Craig, if privates are in the discussion should Longmeadow be the one to see? The Orchards is terrific as well. Maybe these aren't considered in the Berkshires.

The Ranch is pretty neat for a modern course.

« **Reply #16 on:** July 27, 2008, 11:30:05 PM »

The Berks are far west Mass. The Ranch is in south-central, while Crump'n Fox is north-central. I'm going to go north to Vermont to play Haystack, a Desmond Muirhead design, along with Waubeeka in Williamstown and, if I can swing it, Taconic. They have Gil Hanse doing much work at Taconic, so who knows what shape I'll find it in.

« **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2008, 12:18:14 AM »

Haystack? Bring your skis! I think the course at Mt. Snow is better...and the course in Brattleboro is better than either of those "mountain" courses....

I played Waubeeka the last time I was back that way...its ok...nothing great or even real good....the 18th hole is about 250 yards with a large bunker right in front of the green....a real joke.

« **Reply #18 on:** July 28, 2008, 09:04:47 AM »

While in the Poconos I would recommend that you give Jack Frost National a shot. Mike Cirba and I played it several weeks ago and we were both very pleasantly surprised at the quality of the routing.

« **Reply #19 on:** July 28, 2008, 09:11:25 AM »

Quote from: Steve_ Shaffer on July 27, 2008, 08:27:15 PM

Ron,

CC of the Poconos is a JIM Fazio design. The course has not received favorable reviews from anyone on this site. Avoid it if it's free.

Paging Mike Cirba.

(from inside a censory bag is heard the muffled sounds)

mmmpphhffff! mmmmmmhmmmmmmmmmmphhhh!!!

« **Reply #20 on:** July 28, 2008, 09:14:03 AM »

Quote from: Rob_Waldron on July 28, 2008, 09:04:47 AM

While in the Poconos I would recommend that you give Jack Frost National a shot. Mike Cirba and I played it several weeks ago and we were both very pleasantly surprised at the quality of the routing.

Jack Frost is an unexpected delight.

While the front nine still needs some grow-in, and features a questionable hole or two, the course is generally big, bold, and wonderfully playable. As Rob mentions, the routing is superb, especially given the overall elevation change of the property, which is very significant.

There is also an understated quality to the course that wears very well, and a focus on permitting the ground game where applicable.

« **Reply #21 on:** July 28, 2008, 01:25:15 PM »

I've seen Waubeeka, and its ok, if not terribly interesting.

I would point you elsewhere than Haystack, however. I would definately recommend Okemo.

« **Reply #22 on:** July 28, 2008, 02:43:40 PM »

If you have access to a private course, I would highly recommend Wyantenuck in Great Barrington, one of my all-time, under-the-radar, favorite places to play. An afternoon tee time almost assures you will have the course to yourself.

« **Reply #23 on:** July 28, 2008, 02:51:15 PM »

Quote from: Brad Tufts on July 28, 2008, 01:25:15 PM

I've seen Waubeeka, and its ok, if not terribly interesting.

I would point you elsewhere than Haystack, however. I would definately recommend Okemo.

Okemo is far from the Berkshires.

« **Reply #24 on:** July 28, 2008, 03:26:59 PM »

Dan,

Steamshovel Banks, huh? How open is Wyantenuck to outside play w/o a member?

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