THE BERKSHIRES, MA—Uncrowded play amidst spectacular mountain scenery. Individual holes, gently carved out of the forests and hills, often tucked out of the sight of adjoining fairways. No long tee time waits, even when you call just before a summer weekend. Golf like this sounds too good to be true, but it’s standard fare at courses throughout western Massachusetts’ rolling Berkshire hills. The Berkshire’s incredible views and backdrops and the diversity of natural splendor still impress even longtime Berkshire golfers. Virtually every course features one or more incomparable holes, each providing a memory that will not soon fade.

Despite golf’s exploding popularity, Berkshire courses manage to avoid the maddening crowds found at some resort areas. A big factor is that Berkshire County offers a wealth of diverse courses in a relatively small rural location. Even when a lot of players are out—on weekends and during other busy times—course congestion seems minimized because so many clubs offer plenty of separation between individual holes. And all of this great golf takes place on courses where greens fees and other costs are typically far below those of courses in other vacation spots.

Golfers seeking to brush up their game will want to visit the Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Course in Lenox. New England Golf Guide has characterized Cranwell Golf School, the largest in the Northeast, as the best school in this region. Cranwell offers a state-of-the-art 60-acre learning facility, an 18-hole championship course that will challenge all levels of players and a 107-room resort, all in one prime location. The green on the par four seventh hole sits atop a plateau offering a spectacular panorama. Here you can take in a 60-mile view, one of the best in the Berkshires, with Cranwell’s stately 1896 Tudor mansion as the centerpiece. After working the kinks out of your swing, work out your body’s kinks in Cranwell’s 35,000 square-foot state-of-the-art spa.

Next door in Lee, Greenock Country Club is a nine-hole public golf course with commanding views of this classic New England town and surrounding hills. Established in 1895, Greenock was redesigned in 1927 by Donald Ross, who also designed Pinehurst and the Worcester Country Club. Today it stands out as a golf architecture masterpiece from the classic age. Greenock’s rather generous fairways suit all levels of players; the course’s four tight holes and five more open holes provide an agreeable blend for both beginners and experienced players. Low greens fees give Greenock golfers a good value.

Bas Ridge Golf Club, Hinsdale, is a public course with incredible greens, characterized by many players as a "fun" course. Amid beautiful scenery, Bas Ridge offers 18 holes that definitely challenge, but are nevertheless enjoyable for even beginning and average golfers. Experienced golfers who are willing to gamble could end up with lots of birdies on this one.

At the semi-private Egremont Country Club in Great Barrington, you’ll find scenic golfing, a driving range, private lessons and a banquet facility for 250 guests. The Egremont course is not overly long, but it is a tough course with smaller greens and plenty of hazards lurking throughout. At the 380-yard par four 18th hole, framed with scenic bunkers, you’ll tee off over water through a chute of trees. Play often slows a bit here as golfers pause to pull out their cameras for a scenic photo or two. The Skyline Country Club, Lanesboro, is open to the public and one of the Berkshire’s best spots for outings, with a restaurant offering a pub menu. Many holes feature tight fairways, and accurate players are rewarded for their skill. All players at Skyline, however, are rewarded with unbelievable views of the surrounding countryside.

The scenic and hilly Pontoosuc Lake Country Club in Pittsfield, also a public course, is sculpted from forestland. Trees line many of the wide fairways and, as at Skyline, accurate play is the name of the game. Golfers who appreciate a refreshment during a round are always pleased to discover that the Pontoosuc course is laid out to pass the clubhouse at several strategic points during 18 holes.

At Waubeeka Golf Links, Williamstown, golfers can take in awesome views and see Berkshires wildlife. Golf Boston ranks Waubeeka number 35 statewide, and New England Golf Journal ranks it 93 out of 700 public courses in the six-state area. Course rankings can't convey the 360-degree vistas of the Berkshire mountains and peaceful country farms. Waubeeka features large undulating greens, generous fairways, and a layout that gives the golfer no respite from challenge or beauty. The facility recently added paved cart paths throughout the course. A grass driving range is available from May until October and two practice greens are available for warm up before a round.

Baker's Golf Center, Lanesboro, offers a 300-yard driving range. A popular and affordable spot for golfing families, Baker’s also features an 18-hole miniature golf course. The Range in North Adams is a new locally themed miniature golf course that also offers a 300-yard driving range. Both have natural grass hitting areas, too.

Between rounds of great golf, the Berkshire region provides plenty to do, including a host of activities for both the golfers and non-golfers—children and adults—in any group. Berkshire County abounds in cultural attractions: theatre, museums, art centers, historic sites and music and dance venues. The area offers recreation and sports activities year round, mall and outlet shopping as well as special activities for children and families. A potpourri of restaurants and lodging establishments, featuring everything from quaint country facilities to cutting-edge cuisine and ultra modern accommodations, ensure that visitors to the Berkshires have plenty of choice places to eat and stay.

For additional information on Berkshire County family attractions, call the Berkshire Visitors Bureau (866-444-1815) or visit their web site at berkshires.org.