New England Road Trip
With memories of summer on Cape Cod, fall foliage tours across the region, and — how could we forget? — the many snowstorms that hit the northeast from October through April each year, spring gets a bit overlooked here in New England.
But for golfers, it’s perhaps the best time of year to see what New England has to offer. Fairways are plush, golfers are undoubtedly a bit stir crazy after the cold and wet weather and, if you can keep an eye on the Doppler, you’re bound to enjoy your round. Here’s a look at 10 great courses ready for play in New England through GolfNow:
1.) Brattleboro Country Club: When you think New England, the rolling hills, rugged terrain and turning leaves come to mind. In Southern Vermont, Brattleboro Country Club has all that on a challenging 6,500-yard layout.
2.) The International – Oaks: While the world-famous Pines Course remains private, the Oaks Course at The International in Bolton, Mass., is open for public play.
3.) Red Tail Golf Club: Checking in at more than 7,000 yards, the course is named for red tail hawks that soar over head and live nearby. Hidden in Ayer in north central Mass., is a must play on any New England visit.
4.) George Wright Golf Course: In a busy area of Boston, the Donald Ross-designed George Wright Course was designed in 1938 as part of the Workers Progress Administration. Like most Ross originals, it’s short, hilly and sure to catch you in between clubs.
5.) Lyman Orchards: Known as ‘The Jones Course’ for its architect upon opening in 1969, Lyman Orchards is a terrific play in Middlefield, Conn. With rolling hills and shot-making holes throughout, Lyman Orchards is the Monday qualifier host for the Traveler’s Championship.
6.) Wintonbury Hills Golf Course: Home to many Ross designs, New England also has a few Pete Dye classics. Wintonbury Hills in Bloomfield, Conn., is Dye’s first championship course in the region and offers golfers different types of golf during their round.
7.) Cold Spring Country Club: Just in its second season, Cold Spring Country Club in Belchertown, Mass. is a hidden gem. With easy access from Boston, Worcester and Springfield, Cold Spring is the next new course to try when you visit New England.
8.) Whittinsville Golf Club: Among the top-rated ‘Courses You Can Play’ in the country, Whitinsville is a quirky nine-hole course in Massachusetts’ historic Blackstone Valley designed by Donald Ross in 1925. With cheap weekend tee-times available, try your game on this Ross treasure.
9.) Omni Mount Washington Resort: Go for the views, stay for the golf. Sitting atop Mount Washington in Bretton Woods, N.H., the 27-hole resort has something for everyone with spectacular views regardless of season.
10.) The Ranch Golf Club: On an old ski resort, you’ll get that up and down feeling during your round at the award-winning Ranch in Southwick, Mass. Enjoy the ‘country club for a day’ feel at this GolfWorld readers choice course.
Featured image courtesy of BostonYoureMyHome.
Our readers vote every year. Here is this years list – http://www.mynegm.com/golf/negms-top-25-awards-2013/