Winterfest and Success at Bountiful at Cherry Hill
with Bob Bontempo, PGA, Marcotte Ford Western Mass Golf Radio Show
Cherry Hill golfers and friends - time to rejoice. Cherry Hill critics - time to realize that this beautiful golf course and choice real estate is here for the long run. Yes, it was a great victory for the course, the town of Amherst and local neighbors as the dynamic "Winterfest" was held on Sunday, February 10 at this fantastic location called Cherry Hill.
A great tribute is offered to Barbara Bilz, Cherry Hill Course Manager, Linda Chalant, Director of Amherst Leisure Services, members of that entire Leisure Service Program, the AMherst Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Amherst Recreation. You all did a wonderful job in promoting such a successful venture for the town and all nearby communities.
I was amazed by the crowd as I arrived to assist with the long drive contest. Well over 1,500 cheering and happy spectators were present to enjoy a myriad of fun and games: snowboarding, cross-country racing, cardboard box racing for the kids, a great chili-tasting and loads of vendors on the porch deck with their crafts and wares...it was such a great family and fun atmosphere.
Members of the UMass Hockey Team assisted Leslie from Fran Johnson's as juniors and adults competed in the long drive contest from the first tee area. Shouts of glee emerged as each contestant smoked a long drive or topped the orange tee ball into the swamp below.
The fireworks display at 7pm helped to culminate a glorious day for all who participated and for all who worked so diligently to insure the fine success of this inaugural event.
Let's not forget the team of draft horses and wagon that helped transport Winterfest participants from parking lots on route 116 in North Amherst. Yes, every detail was covered by an ingenious and caring committee.
But such a large part of the "bottom line" is that finally a great many folks from Amherst realize the glory and greatness of the nine hole course.
I have mentioned on our local radio show that Cherry Hill Golf Course is "A course for everyone" as described by Barbara Bilz. From juniors to seniors, from beginners to experienced, the course offers holes of golf designed from short and comfortable to long and challenging.
A long hitter can drive the second and sixth holes, but the challenge from the tiger tee on number seven is breathtaking and awesome I have often called the number seven hole as "One of the most beautiful and majestic holes in Western Mass." Under the direction of course Superintendent John Coelho Cherry Hill offers some of the finest greens in the area, where conditions continue to improve each season.
There are weekday afternoon leagues, a super ladies' league on Wednesdays, Friday night mixers and a fine assortment of civic outing and fundraisers to compliment the weekly and seasonal schedule.
One major announcement: the rates for nine and 18 hole greens fees, the cart fees and the annual membership to Cherry Hill are totally reasonable. There is a ine family atmosphere at the course from the 75 junior members to the 75 senior members and punctuated by many families joining and playing together on this beautiful rolling terrain called Cherry Hill.
Yes, it's time to call Barbara Bilz at (413) 256-4071 to take out your 2008 membership sin for leagues and to book dates for fundraisers and civic golf outings. It is truly tiem for all golfers to experience Cherry Hill Golf Cou, "the hidden jewel of North Amherst."
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