Forest Park Country Club

Forest Park Country Club: A Nine-Hole Classic with Old-School Charm

Forest Park Country Club might only have nine holes, but don’t let that fool you—this historic track, dating back to 1900 and designed by Alexander H. Findlay, packs plenty of challenge into its short-but-sweet layout. Nestled in the Berkshires with gorgeous views of Mt. Greylock, this course rewards precision, punishes overconfidence, and delivers a pure New England golf experience. If you enjoy old-school design, quirky elevation changes, and a course where strategy beats power, Forest Park is worth the trip.

A Layout That Keeps You Thinking

Playing 2,555 yards from the white tees, Forest Park leans into the classic golf philosophy of accuracy over distance. The rolling terrain and undulating greens mean that even short holes require smart club selection. You’ll find yourself weighing risk versus reward on almost every shot—sometimes laying up is the right play, even on a par-4.

Holes to Watch: A Mix of Beauty and Bite

One of the highlights of the round is Hole 3, a 157-yard par-3 that plays downhill. The green looks inviting, but don’t be fooled—overshoot it, and you’ll be scrambling to save par. Pick the wrong club, and you’ll be chipping from a tricky lie, wondering how a par-3 got the best of you.

Another standout is Hole 8, the longest on the course at 389 yards. The elevated tee offers one of the best views of Mt. Greylock, but don’t get distracted! The downhill fairway tempts you to unleash your driver, but placement is everything. A well-struck drive sets up a manageable approach—anything else leaves you wrestling with the sloped green.

Course Conditions: A Well-Kept Classic

For a course with over a century of history, Forest Park is impressively maintained. The fairways are in solid shape, and the greens roll true—though their subtle undulations will test even the best putters. It’s a course that rewards careful play, and the conditioning ensures you can focus on the challenge rather than the turf.

Amenities: Small, But Just Right

The clubhouse keeps things simple but welcoming. There’s a bar with Keno, a spacious deck where you can unwind post-round with great views, and a banquet room that can accommodate up to 100 guests. While you won’t find a massive pro shop or an expansive practice facility, you will find a laid-back, community-oriented atmosphere that makes you feel at home.

The Verdict: A Nine-Hole Gem with Personality

Forest Park is proof that a course doesn’t need to be long or fancy to be memorable. Its classic design, fun elevation changes, and well-maintained fairways make it a great spot for a relaxed yet strategic round. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick but rewarding game or a visitor exploring the Berkshires, this nine-hole gem is well worth playing.

Final Ratings:

• Course Layout: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – A classic design with strategic shot-making challenges.

• Course Conditions: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Well-maintained fairways and greens.

• Amenities: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Small but welcoming clubhouse with great views.

• Overall Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – A charming, historic course that rewards accuracy and smart play.

If you love classic New England golf, Forest Park Country Club offers a fun, engaging round that proves nine holes can be just as rewarding as eighteen.

Course Difficulty

Forest Park Country Club may be a nine-hole course, but it still demands smart play and a solid short game. While it isn’t the longest or most punishing layout, the elevation changes, tight fairways, and undulating greens ensure that no round is a walk in the park.

Slope & Rating:

From the back tees, Forest Park has a course rating of 67.8 and a slope rating of 118. This places it in the moderate difficulty range—challenging enough to keep experienced golfers engaged but still approachable for casual players. The slope rating suggests that accuracy and shot placement are more important than raw distance, with elevation changes and small greens adding to the test.

For Beginners:

Forest Park is a welcoming course for newer players, especially those working on their accuracy. The moderate yardage makes it less intimidating, and the relatively open layout means there aren’t too many forced carries or punishing hazards. However, the small, sloped greens require a careful touch—newer golfers may find themselves three-putting if they don’t dial in their speed control.

For Experienced Golfers:

Low handicappers won’t be overwhelmed by the length, but they’ll find plenty to keep them engaged. Strategic tee shots, precise iron play, and a deft short game are key to scoring well here. The subtle doglegs and tricky greens mean that even well-struck shots can leave you in tough positions if you’re not thinking ahead. The ninth hole, with its uphill approach and well-protected green, is a prime example of the course’s ability to test even seasoned players.

Conclusion:

Forest Park is a thinking golfer’s course—it won’t beat you up with brutal distance, but if you’re not careful, it can easily add strokes to your score. The mix of moderate difficulty, classic design, and well-maintained conditions makes it an enjoyable course for golfers of all levels.

Difficulty Rating: 6.5/10

A strategic and rewarding course that favors precision over power. Beginners will find it approachable, while experienced golfers will enjoy the challenge of navigating the greens and elevation changes.