History

The story of Berkshire Hills begins in 1924. With financial backing from influential members of the community and the General Electric Company, 180 acres of land was purchased on December 22, 1924 for $25,000. World Golf Hall of Fame, golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast was hired to design the 18-hole golf course.

​Tom Peters was the first golf professional, and Tom Nocker was our first greenskeeper. The early membership consisted of 306 founding members. A picturesque and practical clubhouse was quickly completed by 1927.

​
During the first few years, the game itself could be somewhat difficult as the course remained under construction. Although, the members enjoyed what they called “cross-country” golf, passing those holes under construction and playing those nearly completed. Several holes were even played twice to ensure an 18-hole round.

​
Tillinghast completed the 18-hole layout in 1928. The club grew, strengthened, and improved until the Great Depression when membership dropped and club activity diminished. Improvements and capital purchases were practically eliminated. But these hard times knit the members into a tight, loyal group.

In March of 1941, the clubhouse burned to the ground. Seventy-five members joined together and signed obligations to the bank, committing to build a new clubhouse from their own funds if Berkshire Hills defaulted. Incredibly, by mid-summer 1941, a rambling new country style clubhouse was completed. Six months later, World War II began and fifty members of the club served in the military.

​

Having weathered that most difficult period, BHCC flourished in the post war years. Lead by good solid management, new modern greens equipment, and improvements that included new locker rooms. Additional land was acquired to provide more elbow-room from adjacent housing. Finally, a significant amount of landscaping and course beautification was accomplished. By the mid 1950’s, BHCC was out of debt with all mortgages paid off.

During the 1990’s, membership grew to over 500 with a significant waiting list. In 2003, a new clubhouse was completed containing the pro shop, locker rooms, a state of the art kitchen, and what quickly became the leading events space in Berkshire County. The clubhouse is renowned throughout the region for it’s incredible surrounding deck and unparalleled views.

Berkshire Hills Country Club celebrates it’s 100th year anniversary!