Putt-putting at Baker's

LANESBOROUGH — The trials of a 20-something can be troublesome, from car payments and college loans to relationships and recession worries.

But instead of letting these things chip away at us on Tuesday night, my trusty friend Adam and I decided to chip away at something else.

Baker's Golf Center and Driving Range is a great, centrally located excuse to get outside and knock some balls around.

The family-friendly greens, which include an 18-hole miniature golf course and 300-yard driving range, have been around since 1943. As of last season, Baker's offered five target greens and nets, as well as a putting green with a chipping area and sand trap. And not much appears to have changed this season.

For you pros who want to be in the know, the center uses Pinnacle practice range balls. As for range clubs, bring your own or rent one for 50 cents.

Though the idea of grabbing a bucket of balls and taking them out in a Happy Gilmore slapshot style was tempting, we opted for a safer round of mini-golf.

There was something inherently gratifying about playing this first round of putt-putt for the season. Perhaps it was the bright green of the

artificial turf, the whirl of the windmill, or that fun little "plunk" of landing the ball into the cup. And, FYI: Baker's mini scorecard pencils come with erasers.

Whatever the reason, this game has the power to unlock the magic of childhood.

If you get hungry, there are a couple of snack machines. The course has kept with the times by adding a Vitamin Water machine, alongside the sodas and M&Ms. And for real childhood nostalgia, try a $1.25 ice cream treat or popsicle.

The first few holes went pretty smoothly for us.

Overall, the par 49 course offers some decent challenges, from curves to ramps to mechanical obstacles, albeit the latter are a little faded and dated.

Both fun and frustrating were the ramps and mouse holes, which you have to skillfully attempt to squeeze the ball through. And there is no greater mini golf course challenge than man versus the loop-de-loop.

The area appears upbeat with pleasantly landscaped water features, rocks and gardens. But between the flora and the sitting pond waters, the course can become a haven for bugs.

Somewhere around hole 7, I think I swallowed a fly.

It was also around that time when my game became a little slack, and four became my favorite number to putt.

Still, being early in the season, we were able to enjoy the ambiance of an uncrowded course. Though built right alongside Route 7, there was something tranquil about the green hills and tree-lined horizon to the east and knowing that Pontoosuc Lake is practically a stone's throw to the west.

We were able to successfully watch a beautiful sunset and wrap our game by 8 o'clock.

For now, 8 p.m. is the daily closing time until the real summer/tourist season kicks in. Then, hours can extend, weather permitting.

After our game, Adam and I met a friend over at the Dairy Cone on Tyler Street for old time's sake, but Baker's is also in perfect driving range to a beer at the Old Forge, a snack at Rita Marie's or the outdoor deck at Matt Reilly's Pub, to mention a few spots.

The way I see it, putt-putt is the perfect pre-game to a Berkshire summer after dark.

If you go ...
Baker's Golf Center, 658 South Main St., near the Berkshire Mall Road and Route 7, Lanesborough. Open daily from 10 a.m. until close, April through October, weather permitting. Info: (413) 443-6102 www.hometown.aol.com/bakersgolfcenter/index.html

Style: Miniature golf course and driving range.

Dress: Casual and moveable. For added fun, dig up some funky plaid golf threads. Sunglasses and hats are suggested for sunset games.

Cover: Five bucks per person for mini golf. Buckets of balls are available in four sizes and can be rented for use on the driving range. Cost ranges from $3.50 for a small bucket (about 25 golf balls) to a $10 jumbo bucket (about 175 balls). Driving range clubs can be rented for 50 cents.

Food: On-site vending machine snacks and beverages, as well as ice cream treats.

Entertainment: Includes 18-hole miniature golf, a 300-yard driving range with additional practice green. Golf clinics and other events are held quite regularly.

Our rating: 1 mug, Run away; 2 mugs, Yawn; 3 mugs, Cheers; 4 mugs, "I'll be back"; 5 mugs, "Round's on me!"

Your rating: You can rate Baker's Golf Center and Driving Range at www.berkshireeagle.com/The413.

— Jenn Smith

Rating: Three mugs.