The breathtaking landscape of Taconic Golf Club captures the essence of Massachusetts golf.
Taconic Golf Club, nestled in Williamstown, Massachusetts, is gaining recognition as one of the top golf courses in the state. Offering breathtaking views of the Taconic and Berkshire Mountains, this semi-private course is a favorite among locals and students from nearby Williams College. Despite its remote location, it ranks highly among both college and overall golf courses, with a storied history and well-maintained conditions that attract players from afar. Taconic Golf Club is not just a golf course; it’s a scenic experience worth discovering.
In the charming town of Williamstown, something remarkable is blooming on the golf front. Taconic Golf Club has recently made waves, earning a respectable ranking among the top 15 golf courses in the great state of Massachusetts. This scenic masterpiece is unfortunately not as well-known as it deserves to be, and experts believe it might be because it’s tucked away in the northwest corner of the state, far from the hustle and bustle of Boston.
The name “Taconic” has a beautiful meaning, deriving from an Algonquian word that translates to “in the trees” or “forest.” And what a forest it is! The golf course offers spectacular views of the Taconic Mountains in New York and the majestic Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts. These stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop while you’re trying to line up your next shot. Just picture it: the rolling mountains to the west loom about 1.5 miles behind the course’s third and fourth holes, while the verdant peaks to the north in Vermont sit just two miles from downtown. Truly a sight to behold!
Unlike many of its rivals in Massachusetts, Taconic Golf Club is part of the Northeastern New York PGA instead of the New England PGA due to the geographic distance between the Berkshires and Boston. So, while it’s a bit of a trek—over a two-hour drive from Worcester, Massachusetts—those who make the journey are in for a delightful surprise. The route includes the scenic, albeit winding, Route 2 that many enjoy for its picturesque views.
Taconic Golf Club is unique; it’s owned by Williams College, located right next to the college’s football stadium and track facility. For students, it’s just a leisurely 10-minute walk to the first tee, making it a popular hangout during fall Saturdays when the college buzzes with excitement over football and field hockey games. The atmosphere is lively, and the buzz of college life adds a special charm to the course.
Despite its remote location, Taconic has received accolades far and wide. Golf Digest ranks it as the second-best college campus golf course in the entire United States, just behind the prestigious Yale Golf Course. For those keeping track, Golf Digest lists Taconic as the 13th best overall course in Massachusetts, while Golf.com places it at the 73rd spot in their top 100 courses to play. With such recognition, it’s clear that Taconic is a hidden gem well worth the visit.
This semi-private course is known for its well-maintained conditions and challenging layout, which encourages golfers from both afar and nearby locales. Touted by locals, an increase in players from Boston and New York has been noted, not to mention frequent day-trippers from Worcester looking to enjoy both golf and the area’s attractions, such as the renowned Clark Art Institute or Tanglewood concerts. With various rates from $75 for members’ guests to $180 for non-members, there’s something for everyone eager to explore this majestic course.
The course itself boasts a rich history, established by Williams students in 1896, originally featuring tomato cans for cups! It has since expanded to an 18-hole layout, designed by Wayne Stiles in 1927. Today, Taconic features a par 71 course with tee lengths varying from 3,934 yards to 6,808 yards. Hillman describes it as very generous off the tee, with strategic second shots required due to the tricky greens that challenge even seasoned players.
Taconic isn’t just about the day-to-day golfing experience; it’s also hosted numerous significant events, including the renowned 1956 USGA Junior Amateur where none other than Jack Nicklaus made a famous hole-in-one! In 2024, the course will welcome the Mass. Women’s Amateur, which promises to draw even more attention to this already popular destination. Interestingly, Hillman’s son is a member of the Williams golf team, exemplifying the club’s strong ties to the community and the school.
With 250 local members and 500 national members, and unaccompanied guests making up about 30% of play, Taconic Golf Club remains a prime example of how new players can discover the beauty nestled in the hills of Williamstown. So whether you’re an avid golfer or just someone keen on scenic views, Taconic Golf Club offers a spectacular experience worth checking out!
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