Autumn arrives early in northwestern Massachusetts and Vermont. One of the most enjoyable days you will ever spend on a golf course during the colorful days of fall is at the Crumpin-Fox Club (www.GolfTheFox.com) in Bernardston, Ma., near the state’s border with Vermont.
Many of the holes at Crumpin-Fox are tree lined and gorgeous in the autumn, with ample bunkering and enough water to create a few jangled nerves as the round proceeds. Some of the greens are elevated, further complicating proper club selection, especially when a breeze kicks up. The course blends perfectly with the stunning natural landscape that this section of New England is known for. The layout plays a little over 7,000 yards from the tips and features several of the best holes in the region.
The seventh is a really good, short par-four that plays 387 yards from the back tees. There’s a fairway bunker just to the left side of the landing area that must be avoided, as the approach is to a wide green that backs up to a rise. Miss short and you’re in a pond, and send it a tad long and you are chipping downhill onto the putting surface with the water clinging to the front of the putting surface.
The eighth is super par-five and is certainly the most difficult hole on the course. It starts from an elevated tee box and a lake plays a factor on the first, second and third shots, as it must be avoided and then cleared on any approach to a rather large green protected by bunkers.
Bernardston, MA
(413) 648-9101
www.GolfTheFox.com
