Mid Amateurs in the Berkshires

August 26-27: I planned back to back tournaments in Western Massachusetts.  My decision was two fold: 1) To make a mini-vacation to a part of the state I've always wanted to visit and 2) The dates were the same as the Tarlow Invitational, so I thought maybe the field would be weaker (no such thing anymore).  On Monday, I competed in the U.S. Mid Amateur Qualifier at Berkshire Hills CC in Pittsfield, MA.  On Tuesday, I played in the Mass Mid Amateur Qualifier at Twin Hills GC in Longmeadow, MA.  We had good weather both days in the 70s, mixed between cloudy and sunny.

I had never seen either course prior to play, with the exception for a brief stop at Twin Hills on the ride out; only using their putting green and getting a glimpse of the holes near the clubhouse.  Both golf courses were very nice.  Berkshire Hills is a solid AW Tillinghast design with many elevation changes, undulating greens, and close to 6,800 yards.  I found the greens very difficult to read and putts did not break.  Tee shot placement was critical on many holes and almost all the FIVE par-5s were reachable which was fun.  Be careful on the par-5 15th tee shot; all you need is a 240-250 shot down the right center before a hazard and then you can go for it.  Twin Hills is a fairly flat golf course with excellent greens, tree lined fairways, and challenging par-3s.  I found these greens to run very true to speed and break.  Loved the pace and condition of greens; it was soft after a night of rain.  Membership here is strong; waiting list in place and ongoing $4 million renovation to clubhouse.

Berkshire Hills CC

Both days my ball striking was very good, but I couldn't capitalize on any birdie putts.  At Berkshire (pics to right), I hit 11 of my first 13 greens and was 4 over.  I had 5 three putts and 39 overall putts to shoot 81.  I really was on the brink of a good round, but didn't take advantage of the par-5s.  At Twin Hills, it was more of the same and I shot 79.  I had only 1 three putt and 35 putts overall to shoot 79.  No birdies over 36 holes and a missed cut.

Best moments: Striping driver off the first tee both days, 300 yards and splitting the fairway like I was in a mid-round groove.  Hitting the green from the woods on the par-4 16th, #1 handicap hole.  I had to hit a high draw over trees from 170 yards from the right rough.  I was looking at 8-iron to get the height and my Dad talked me into the 7-iron.  Hit a beautiful shot and two putted for par.  Making up and down on my final hole (#9) at Twin Hills after hitting my purest iron shot of the week, 5-iron flew right over the pin from 200 yards and bounced over the green 20 yards.  My flop shot caught the lip of the hole and I made a 6 foot putt to save par.

Cranwell Resort

My Dad was with me on the bag both days.  We stayed at Cranwell (pic to right) in Lenox.  Very clean, classy, quiet resort with a solid spa (had my first steam room experience), chipping/putting area near rooms, and decent food.  Found a solid breakfast bagel in Pittsfield called BagelsToo and Joe's Diner in Lenox.  Also, would recommend a stop at Guido's Marketplace in Pittsfield if you are into Whole Foods like supermarket.


Despite missing the cuts, I left feeling really good about my game. I finished on a high note.  Grateful for each experience, especially with my Dad.

The road to improvement is always under construction,
Kurt

Me at Berkshire Hills CC