MGA Event Qualifiers - Where should I play?

[MA golfer23]

Hey guys,

 

Qualifiers for the MGA events were posted today and I'm looking for advice on what courses to play. I'm from Western Mass so I don't really know much about the courses in the Boston area.

 

I'm looking to play the nicest courses I can that I won't get to play otherwise. That being said, I'm also hoping to play a course that is challenging as well. I learned from experience last year that playing at an easy course is not a good idea.

 

I'm willing to travel wherever the qualifiers are in MA so I have as many options as possible.

 

I tried looking up websites for the courses, but only had limited success. Some courses had good information, but others didn't really provide much to go on, so I hope you guys who have played some of the Boston area courses can help.

 

The qualifiers and sites are:

 

Mass Open

Indian Ridge CC

Black Rock CC

CC of Pittsfield

Wollaston GC

Bay Club at Mattapoisett

Pleasant Valley CC

 

Mass Am

Bay Pointe CC

Wianno Club

Wyantenuck CC

Presidents GC

Spring Valley CC

Andover CC

Cranberry Valley CC

Winchester CC

Plymouth CC

Cold Spring CC (new local course, nothing special)

 

Luckily I'm automatically qualified into the pub links for this year so I get to skip that! And next year I can play the mid-am.

 

I'm hoping you guys can rank the courses for each event.

 

Thanks for the advice in advance!

[notredame3950]

Black Rock or Bay Club for the Mass Open- both are awesome. I used to be a member at BR. Awesome track. Played Bay Club, equally as good.
Winchester or Plymouth for the Am. - Winchester, you'll love, old school golf, great shape. Plymouth, not as good, but out of the rest my recommendation.

[BrianL99]

The only course on the entire list of much value in my opinion, is Winchester ... which is spectacular if you like old Donald Ross designs.

I've played almost every course on the list and the only one I'd go out of my way to play, would be Black Rock ... which I haven't played, but I know the owners and know a lot about the course.

[MA golfer23]

Awesome! Thanks for the responses guys.

Black Rock looked really nice on their website (one of the few that had decent info). Definitely going to try to play my qualifier there, just have to sign up the first day registration is open or it will fill up.

You both suggested Winchester CC too so sounds like that will be another good option. Didn't really see any pictures of the course on their website, but they have their yardage book posted on the site so that will be helpful.

Thanks for your help!

[cubiclegolfer]

Tiger Woods won the junior AM at Wollaston back in the early 90's. Nice private course with a cool layout. Plymouth, from what I hear, is a cool little par 69 with at least 9 of the holes designed by Ross. Challenging place I bet, so maybe to your point about not playing somewhere easy, this could be a good pick. Winchester is difficult as well and probably the nicest private course on this list. Usually they would be hosting the championship proper of an event like this.