Cherry Hill Golf Course
Cherry Hill Golf Course: A Quirky 9-Holer with Character (and a Few Bumps)
Looking for a fun, no-frills round in Amherst, Massachusetts? Cherry Hill Golf Course offers just that. This 9-hole municipal course combines charm, challenge, and a few quirky holes that will keep you on your toes. If you’re after a laid-back round with a casual vibe, Cherry Hill is a great choice—but don’t let the relaxed atmosphere fool you; it’s got a few tricks up its sleeve.
A Layout That Keeps You on Your Toes (and Maybe in the Rough)
At 5,365 yards for 18 holes, Cherry Hill Golf Course is relatively short by today’s standards, but it packs enough character and variety to make you think. The par 35 layout offers a blend of easier holes and more challenging ones, ensuring the course remains interesting throughout.
- White Tees (Front Nine): The first nine holes are played from the white tees, which offer a manageable 2,620 yards. These holes ease you into the round with wide fairways and shorter par-3s, but you’ll still need to keep your accuracy in check, particularly on the approach shots.
- Blue Tees (Back Nine): The back nine, played from the blue tees, stretches to 2,745 yards. Here, you'll face some longer, more demanding holes, including Hole 13, a 400-yard par-4 that requires a well-placed drive and a precise approach to avoid trees and rough.
Front Nine: A Gentle Start with a Few Gotchas
The front nine starts out with wide fairways and straightforward greens. Hole 4, a 390-yard par-4, asks for accuracy off the tee to avoid the trees and the rough. If you miss the fairway here, you’ll be scrambling. Hole 5 is another one that’s straightforward but requires a solid drive to avoid the trees and bunkers.
Back Nine: A Familiar Challenge
Since it’s a 9-hole course, playing 18 means looping back to the start. The back nine, with the blue tees, presents a new challenge. Hole 13, a 400-yard par-4, is where the course's personality really shows. A tight fairway and well-placed trees make your drive crucial to set up a clean second shot. Hole 16, a 526-yard par-5, is another challenge where your course management and ability to avoid the rough will make a big difference in your score.
Course Conditions: Solid, with a Few Quirks
The Good:
- Fairways: Generally in decent shape, offering good lies most of the time.
- Pace of Play: Fast and efficient, so you can finish your round in good time without feeling rushed.
The Not-So-Good:
- Greens: Small and relatively flat, but can be inconsistent. Some days they’re slow; other days, even slower.
- Hazards: There are a few hazards, like trees, water, and rough, but not many. When they do exist, they can be tricky, but they could benefit from a bit more maintenance to make them more challenging.
Amenities: Keeping It Simple
Cherry Hill is a no-frills course, and that’s part of its charm. It’s functional and straightforward, so you can enjoy your round without distractions.
- Clubhouse: Small, but welcoming, with friendly staff ready to check you in and get you on your way.
- Pro Shop: Limited selection, but you’ll find the essentials.
- Practice Facilities: A putting green is available, but there’s no driving range for warm-ups.
The Verdict: Manage Your Expectations and Enjoy the Ride
Cherry Hill Golf Course is a great spot for a casual round with a few quirky challenges. It’s a course that lets you play at your own pace, without the pretension of a country club. While the course isn’t going to wow you with pristine conditions or difficult design, it’s a fun and easy-going place to work on your short game. Just be prepared to bring your A-game for some of the tougher holes on the back nine.
Final Ratings:
- Course Layout: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) – Short, straightforward, with a couple of interesting and challenging holes.
- Course Conditions: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) – Solid, but could use some work on the greens and hazards.
- Amenities: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) – Simple, functional, but nothing flashy.
- Overall Experience: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) – A decent, no-frills option for a quick, relaxed round.
Course Difficulty:
Cherry Hill Golf Course offers a solid challenge with a mix of straightforward holes and a few tricky spots. Here’s a breakdown of its difficulty:
Slope & Rating:
With a slope rating of 109 and a course rating of 66.4, Cherry Hill is a moderately difficult course. The slope rating indicates that the course can be a challenge for higher handicappers, but it’s not punishing. Players of all skill levels can enjoy a round here, but the tight fairways and small greens can add difficulty, especially for beginners.
For Beginners:
Cherry Hill is a good test for beginners, though they may find some holes challenging due to the narrow fairways and water hazards. The shorter yardage makes it more accessible, but the small greens and occasional tricky holes will require a bit of strategy. With multiple tee boxes available, beginners can still have a good time without feeling overwhelmed.
For Experienced Golfers:
Experienced golfers will find Cherry Hill to be a solid test of accuracy and strategy. While the course isn't long, it requires careful placement off the tee and precision on approach shots. The greens may not be the fastest, but they present challenges with their smaller size and subtle breaks. It’s a course that rewards shot-making and course management, making it a great option for low handicappers.
Conclusion:
Cherry Hill Golf Course offers a fun, moderate challenge for golfers of all skill levels. While it’s not overly difficult, it still requires accuracy and smart decision-making to avoid trouble. The course’s short length and manageable design make it accessible for beginners, but the strategically placed hazards keep the round interesting for more experienced golfers.
Difficulty Rating: 6.5/10
Cherry Hill is a moderate difficulty course—great for golfers looking for a laid-back round with just enough challenge to keep things interesting. Skilled golfers will enjoy the need for precision and strategy, while beginners will find it a fair, accessible course with a few tricky holes.
