Taconic Golf Club — Williamstown, Massachusetts

A storied college course in the Berkshires — and one of the most beautiful places anywhere to take in fall foliage, eighteen holes at a time.

The short version

• The home course of Williams College, in Williamstown — open to the public, and a regular on best-in-state lists.
• One of us played college tournaments here; in the fall, with the Berkshires turning, there’s no better walk.
• A 1927 Wayne Stiles design, restored by Gil Hanse — and host to three USGA championships.

What is it?

Taconic Golf Club is the home course of the Williams College golf teams in Williamstown, Massachusetts, dating to 1896 and laid out in its current form by Wayne Stiles in 1927. Owned by the college but open to public play, it’s long ranked among the best courses in the state, and Gil Hanse has overseen restoration work since 2008. Taconic has hosted three USGA championships.

Why go?

Because there’s no better way to take in the foliage than walking eighteen holes through it. One of us played college tournaments here, and it was the favourite — especially in the fall, when the maples lining the fairways turn and the whole valley lights up. You’re a few minutes from Williamstown’s Spring Street and the Clark, so it folds neatly into a Mohawk Trail and Berkshires weekend.

Good to know

• Where: Williamstown, Massachusetts (home course of Williams College).
• Play: open to the public — book a tee time ahead, especially on fall weekends.
• History: Wayne Stiles (1927), a Gil Hanse restoration, three USGA championships.
• Pair with: the Mohawk Trail drive, MASS MoCA, and a Williamstown base.