Western Massachusetts Golf Course Guide

March 19, 2014 | by Benjamin Larsen of AmateurGolf.com

As part of our ongoing series of regional course offerings, we look at best courses available in the Western Mass. area

So, you've found yourself in Massachusetts.

But you're nowhere near the beaches of Cape Cod. And Boston is 90 minutes east. If that's not enough reason to play golf, I don't know what is.

To help you find the best place to play, here's our guide to golf in Western Massachusetts:

Home to some of the game's most historic and unique courses, Western Massachusetts is a great place to play. The short season aside, there are numerous offerings, of all budgets and skill levels, in the Pioneer Valley and Berkshire County.

BEST PLACES TO PLAY ON A BUDGET:

Tekoa Country Club

The area is full of designs either directly from the great Donald Ross or with his imprint thanks to an original design or redesign courtesy of Mr. Geoffrey Cornish. One course with influence from both golf- design greats is Tekoa Country Club in Westfield, Mass. Originally designed and incorporated in 1809 (as the first club in the region with four holes), Tekoa was redesigned by Ross in 1923, who added five of his very own. In 1961, Cornish added nine, redesigned the original four and left Ross' as is. The sum of all those design parts? An enjoyable (flat, short with great greens), very playable (only $46 prime weekend) and affordable round at Tekoa.

The Ledges GC

You'll also be hardpressed to find better value than at The Ledges in South Hadley, Mass. Owned by the town, Ledges sits in the shadow of Mount Tom and offers spectacular views no matter the season. Also very playable -- with several quirky holes and driveable par-4s -- The Ledges is one of my favorites in the area and is very affordable, ranging under $50 for a prime weekend round.

COURSES OFFERING THE MOST VALUE:

Cold Spring CC

The region is full of courses in decent shape with budget-friendly fees. But what about the next level course? Two tracks stick out to me.

Cold Spring Country Club in Belchertown is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the drive. It opened in 2012 and has only matured into the 'high-end course with moderate fees' it set out to be upon conception. It's a modern design but the views, vistas and rise-and-fall of the fairways make it a great place to play.

Crestview CC

Near the Connecticut border, Crestview Country Club is a great place to spend an afternoon. Formerly an exclusively- private Cornish design, Crestview is now open to public play and is the former host of the LPGA's Friendly's Classic as well as many USGA qualifiers.

MUST-PLAY COURSES:

The Ranch

Every region has the course (or courses) you'd be crazy not to play. Western Mass. has two of them. The Ranch Golf Club, in Southwick, is consistently-rated among the state's best courses you can play and one drive by, it's easy to see why. The Ranch was built on old farmland and hills that make for dramatic views and exciting holes. With newly- instituted greens fees ranging from $45-75 depending on the season, you will love The Ranch.

Crumpin-Fox Club

Heading towards Vermont, is the Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston, Mass. Roger Rulewich helped locate the site that would replicate a Pine Valley-type course and if you've had the chance to play the Fox, you'll appreciate the effort and similarities.

Set in a winding forest with great views -- no matter the season -- and quite a bit of difficulty, Crumpin Fox is among the toughest tracks in the state. Greens fees range from $46 (during the shoulder season) to $77 (prime, weekend) and both present great value for a memorable course.

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