Cherry Hill is a wonderful community golf course with a diverse clientele and a very reasonable membership fee. It’s set on beautiful, tree-lined fairways with awesome views, especially in the fall. It’s a welcoming place not only for golfers, but for anyone wanting quiet, stress-free walks. As the old saying goes, “golf is a good walk ruined;” so at Cherry Hill, you can avoid the golf if you want. And unlike most courses, here golfers and walkers share the environs very well together.

Regarding golf, the Cherry Hill layout is a real gem. The course is relatively short but kind of tricky. This poses a challenge to even experienced golfers. But it’s also very inviting for new golfers, young and old. They don’t feel intimidated, because they can play alone if they choose. They won’t be bunched with people they don’t know, and they don’t have to join a league in order to play. And the course doesn’t require them to make difficult or impossible shots. Instead, they can go along at their own pace and ability and just have fun. Maybe best of all, the course is very easy to walk. Unlike many other courses, Cherry Hill doesn’t require you to struggle up any long, steep hills.

Cherry Hill obviously doesn’t have a lot of money to spend on course upkeep, which requires mowing and other things every day. Nevertheless, the three regular maintenance guys are very hard-working and keep the course in excellent playing condition. Other courses use 6 or 8 people to do the same job. Perhaps there’s a way for Cherry Hill to generate more income. Maybe better advertising, special deals, or some such things. But regardless, bear in mind that Amherst may be spending millions on questionable library improvements. By contrast, to spend a small amount every year on a beautiful and unique golf haven like Cherry Hill is a no-brainer. Its presence adds to the charm of what truly makes Amherst a wonderful place.

Stuart Cohen

Hadley