Course 143: Holyoke CC

Holyoke CC is the type of nine-hole course that any town would be happy to have. Walkers will get a bit of exercise, especially on the first few holes where the hills send players up to the highest point of the course on the second green.

Simple and understated, Holyoke CC will not blow anyone away with its conditions or design, but it will scratch any golfer’s itch. The “pro shop” was staggering. They had no inventory. It was an empty room with scorecards and a counter to pay the green fee—a unique setup.

It’s tough to lose balls at Holyoke CC; the land is pretty open aside from a bit of water on the short par-4 fourth and some woods along the boundaries of the property.

Yes, there are too many trees, limiting some playability, particularly on hole Nos. 5-9 on the opposite side of the clubhouse from the opening four holes. The course probably becomes more challenging when trees have leaves on them.

The layout has seven par fours, one par three, and one par five. The routing is a bit distracting. Holes 3-5 require some walking and hunting for tee boxes.

The 472-yard par-5 fifth is your classic winding par five that uses shape, not length, to force a player’s hand to take five shots instead of four.

The green complexes were the highlight of the course. The 1906 design utilizes a bevy of challenges with the flat stick. For the most part, they were small, and a few of them had two tiers. The ninth green features a wild hump in the middle of it, like a small elephant had been buried. Steep back-to-front slopes force players to choose their club wisely on approach shots.

The standout holes were the second and eighth.

The second requires a brave tee shot to cut the corner on the uphill 356-yard hole. Bailing out to the left will leave a long second shot to a two-tiered green. Cutting the corner over the trees can leave an easier second, but distance control is vital.

The eighth is a ridge-to-ridge 121-yard par 3. A charming hole with a small, simple green. Bunkers protect the front left and back of the green and probably catch mishit shots before they careen down the hill.

Holyoke CC is a great, cheap option for locals who want a bit of golf in a lovely setting.

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