Did you know Massachusetts has 400 golf courses, with 196 open to the public? This makes the Bay State a golfer’s dream. You can play on scenic coastal links or challenging mountain layouts, no matter your skill level.
Massachusetts’ public golf courses serve a community of about 125,000 regular golfers. Each course offers unique challenges and stunning views. Whether you’re playing with the Boston skyline in view or exploring Cape Cod’s coast, every round is unforgettable.
Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth is a top choice for public courses. It has two courses: the Nicklaus Course at 7,243 yards and the Jones Course at 7,175 yards. With rates up to $145, you get a world-class experience without needing a membership.
Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston is perfect for a challenge. It’s 7,023 yards long with a slope rating of 147. For $125, it’s a great investment for improving your game.
Red Tail Golf Club in Devens is great for those on a budget. It’s 7,006 yards long and costs $80 at peak times. This shows the variety of public golf courses in Massachusetts.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts has 196 public golf courses out of 400 total courses
- Approximately 125,000 golfers regularly play in Massachusetts
- Pinehills Golf Club offers two courses with peak rates at $145
- Crumpin-Fox Club provides a challenging course with a slope rating of 147
- Red Tail Golf Club offers quality golfing at an affordable $80 peak rate
- The state’s courses range from coastal links to mountain layouts
Discovering Massachusetts’ Golfing Gems
Massachusetts golf is a treasure trove of hidden gems and diverse courses. You can play on seaside links or challenging mountain layouts. The Bay State has something for every golfer, no matter their skill level.
At Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, you can play two masterfully designed courses by Rees Jones and Jack Nicklaus. For coastal views, Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy offers stunning views of the Boston skyline across its 27 holes.
Massachusetts has golf for all budgets. Green Hill Golf Course in Worcester and The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick are affordable. For a more upscale experience, TPC Boston in Norton provides tour-level conditions.
Massachusetts’ courses are designed by legends like Arnold Palmer, Gil Hanse, and Geoffrey Cornish. Each course has its own unique challenges. From the links-style Miacomet Golf Club on Nantucket to the peaceful woodland setting of Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston, there’s something for everyone.
| Golf Course | Location | Features | Green Fees (Weekday/Weekend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinehills Golf Club | Plymouth | Two 18-hole courses | $115/$135 |
| Granite Links Golf Club | Quincy | 27 holes, Boston views | $125/$150 |
| TPC Boston | Norton | PGA Tour venue | $175/$200 |
| The Ranch Golf Club | Southwick | Family-friendly | $65/$85 |
| Miacomet Golf Club | Nantucket | Links-style, public | $150/$175 |
Book your tee times early, especially from May to October. Many courses have on-site dining for a relaxing finish. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Massachusetts’ golf courses offer unforgettable experiences.
Best Public Golf Courses in Massachusetts: Top Picks
Massachusetts is home to many top-rated golf courses. These courses offer a mix of challenging layouts and beautiful views. Here are some of the best in the state.
Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston is known for its beauty and challenge. Over $1 million in renovations have made it even better. It’s a favorite among serious golfers for its layout and scenery.
Pinehills Golf Club is another highlight in Massachusetts. It has two courses, designed by Jones and Nicklaus. This variety attracts golfers of all levels.
The Ranch Golf Club and Ocean Edge Resort & Club are also top choices. They offer unique experiences, from New England terrain to coastal views. Granite Links Golf Club near Boston provides a city view golfing experience.
| Golf Course | Green Fees | Tee Times |
|---|---|---|
| Crumpin-Fox Club | $85 – $110 | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Pinehills Golf Club | $95 – $165 | 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| The Ranch Golf Club | $75 – $125 | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Ocean Edge Resort & Club | $120 – $180 | 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Granite Links Golf Club | $110 – $150 | 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
Pinehills Golf Club: A Tale of Two Courses
Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, Massachusetts, has two championship courses for all skill levels. It’s just an hour from Boston and is ranked among the Top 100 Public Golf Courses by Golf Magazine.
Jones Course: Challenging Terrain and Scenic Beauty
The Jones Course, by Rees Jones, is a par-72 layout at 7,175 yards. It has four tee options, from 5,388 to 7,175 yards. Its challenging terrain and beautiful views make it a hit with visitors.
Nicklaus Course: Strategic Play and Pristine Conditions
The Nicklaus Course, a par-72 by Nicklaus Design, is 7,243 yards from the back tees. It has four tee options, from 5,185 to 7,243 yards. Known for its strategic layout and perfect conditions, it offers a special golfing experience.
Booking Information and Green Fees
Booking your visit to Pinehills Golf Club is simple. The club offers various packages for different tastes. For a full experience, try the Golf & Spa package at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa.
| Course | Green Fees | Tee Time Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Jones Course | $90 | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Nicklaus Course | $90 | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Pinehills Golf Club is dedicated to excellence, not just on the greens. It works with East Bay Grille for dining and hosts charity events. For golf lovers, New Hampshire has more golfing to add to your New England trip.
The Ranch Golf Club: New England’s Hidden Treasure
The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick, Massachusetts is a top spot for golf lovers in New England. It’s built on an old ski resort, offering a unique golfing adventure. Players enjoy dramatic elevation changes and beautiful views.
This course is known as one of the best public golf spots in the area. It feels like a country club for a day. The layout uses the ski resort terrain to challenge players with uphill and downhill shots.
GolfWorld readers have given The Ranch Golf Club high praise. It’s considered among Massachusetts’ best public courses. The course’s pristine conditions and well-kept fairways make for an unforgettable game.
| Course | Peak Walking Rate |
|---|---|
| The Ranch Golf Club | $89 |
| Crumpin-Fox Club | $99 |
| Highland Links | $65 |
The Ranch Golf Club’s peak walking rate of $89 is a great deal. It offers challenging play, stunning views, and quality amenities. It’s a must-visit for golfers looking for a memorable New England experience.
Granite Links Golf Club: Skyline Views and Quarry Challenges
Granite Links Golf Club is a top spot for golf in Massachusetts. It offers amazing views of the Boston skyline and unique quarry golf experiences.
Unique Course Design and History
Built in 2004, Granite Links Golf Club was designed by John Sanford. It has 3340 yards of links-style holes. The course has bent grass on greens and fairways, making it great to play all year.
Amenities and Facilities
Granite Links Golf Club has excellent amenities. It’s a challenging but fun course for all skill levels. The club doesn’t allow metal spikes to keep the course looking its best.
Tee Time Bookings and Rates
Green fees at Granite Links Golf Club are $125. Some might think it’s expensive, but many say it’s worth it. It’s like playing at some of the best public golf courses in Orlando, but with Boston’s charm.
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5/5 |
| Conditions | 4.0/5 |
| Layout | 4.2/5 |
| Friendliness | 4.8/5 |
| Pace | 4.5/5 |
| Amenities | 4.6/5 |
88.6% of reviewers recommend Granite Links Golf Club. With 74.7% giving it a perfect 5-star rating, it’s a top choice for golfers. It offers a memorable round with stunning Boston skyline views.
Crumpin-Fox Club: A Two-Decade Masterpiece
In Bernardston, Massachusetts, Crumpin-Fox Club is a symbol of patience and skill in golf design. It took twenty years to finish, thanks to Roger Rulewich’s vision.
The design by Roger Rulewich has two parts. The first nine holes were done in 1977. Thirteen years later, in 1990, he finished the second nine, making it complete.
The back nine, from 1977, is seen as a top spot in New England. It’s surrounded by nature, with no buildings in sight. This makes the club special, offering a peaceful place to play golf.
| Day | Green Fees | Tee Times |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | $85 | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Weekends | $105 | 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Twilight (Daily) | $65 | After 3:00 PM |
For those looking for new golf spots, public golf courses in Clearwater are worth a try. They offer a different climate and scenery than Massachusetts.
Ocean Edge Resort & Club: Cape Cod’s Golfing Paradise
Ocean Edge Resort & Club is a top golf spot in Cape Cod. It was named 2023’s ‘Best Hotel, Cape Cod’ by Boston Magazine. This resort gives golfers an unmatched experience.
Course Layout and Signature Holes
The course at Ocean Edge was designed by Jack Nicklaus. It has a parkland front nine and a links-style back nine. The par-5 seventeenth hole is a highlight, testing golfers with its layout.
The course’s fast and true-rolling greens make playing golf very satisfying.
Resort Amenities and Guest Policies
Ocean Edge Resort & Club has something for everyone. It offers special packages like a Murder Mystery Dinner and a Cycle of the Seasons package. These include dining credits and bike rentals.
For families, there’s a Wizarding Week in February. It’s filled with magical activities and fun.
Seasonal Rates and Membership Options
Ocean Edge Resort & Club has different pricing options:
| Package | Details | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn’s Falling Rates | Best available rate for autumn activities | 25% off |
| Par Four the Course | Discounted room rate and golf rounds | 20% off room rate |
| Stay & Play Golf | Unlimited same-day play, golf cart, bag storage | Included |
| U.S. Military Discount | For military and armed forces personnel | 25% off accommodations |
Ocean Edge Resort & Club is a complete golfing experience. It has great resort golf, many amenities, and flexible prices. It’s perfect for both casual and serious golfers.
Farm Neck Golf Club, Oak Bluffs (Martha’s Vineyard)
Farm Neck Golf Club offers a top-notch Martha’s Vineyard golf experience. Built in 1979, this 18-hole course blends seaside and inland holes for a challenging island golfing adventure. With a par of 72 and stretching 6,815 yards, Farm Neck caters to golfers of all skill levels.
The course boasts Bent Grass greens and Blue Grass fairways, earning praise for its excellent conditions. Its championship-level quality is reflected in its impressive rating of 72.8 and slope of 135. Golfers rave about the scenic beauty and well-maintained grounds.
Farm Neck Golf Club stands out among Martha’s Vineyard golf options. While other courses like Mink Meadows offer nine-hole play, and Vineyard Golf Club boasts organic maintenance, Farm Neck provides a full 18-hole experience with stunning views.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 18 |
| Par | 72 |
| Length | 6,815 yards |
| Green Type | Bent Grass |
| Fairway Type | Blue Grass |
| Course Rating | 72.8 |
| Slope | 135 |
Red Tail Golf Club: Worth the Drive
Red Tail Golf Club in Devens is a unique golf experience. It’s about an hour north of Boston, on the site of the former Fort Devens. Golfweek ranks it eighth best in Massachusetts, and Golf Magazine calls it a top course.
The course, designed by Brian Silva, is 6,694 yards from the Silvers tee. Silva’s design is evident in the varied hole lengths and unique greens. You’ll face bunkers and hilly, wooded terrain.
Red Tail’s layout includes risk-reward holes. The par-5 second hole is 568 yards, requiring strategy. The short par-4 eighth hole is 323 yards. The 17-18th hole finish offers stunning views and exciting shots.
| Tee Times | Weekday Rates | Weekend Rates |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM | $89 | $109 |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | $79 | $99 |
| After 3:00 PM | $69 | $89 |
Red Tail Golf Club has mixed reviews but a 4.1 out of 5 layout score. Fall is beautiful here, with New England foliage adding to the scenery. It’s a memorable golf experience in Devens, worth the drive for all players.
George Wright Golf Course: Donald Ross’s Urban Gem
In Hyde Park, Boston, George Wright Golf Course is a gem. It was designed by Donald Ross in 1938. It offers a challenging yet rewarding game for golfers.
Course History and Design Features
The course shows Ross’s design style. It has yardages from 4,908 to 6,506 yards. This makes it suitable for all skill levels.
Its par-70 design has varied hole lengths. It also has strategic bunkering and elevation changes. These features require precision and careful play.
Playing Tips and Challenges
Golfers will face uphill and downhill shots. They’ll also encounter blind approaches and complex greens. The greens roll at about an 8 on the stimpmeter.
The Blue tees are the toughest, with a 71.9 rating and 133 slope. For a less challenging game, try the Gold tees. They have a 66.2 rating and 120 slope.
Membership Details and Public Access
George Wright Golf Course is open to members and the public. It’s a great value, especially for Boston residents. They can play for $39 on weekdays.
Non-residents can play for up to $52 on weekends. This is for a walking 18-hole round.
| Player Type | Weekday Rate | Weekend Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Resident | $39 | $45 |
| Non-Resident | $46 | $52 |
George Wright Golf Course is a top public course in Massachusetts. Its excellent condition, layout, and value make it a must-visit. It’s a great place for golfers to play in the Bay State.
South Shore Country Club: Family-Friendly Golfing
South Shore Country Club in Hingham is perfect for family golf fun. It’s a historic course, opened in 1922, with a beautiful design by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek. The 6,470-yard layout is a good test for all golfers.
Players love the course’s great conditions, fast greens, and neat fairways. With a par of 72, a rating of 71.8, and a slope of 128, it’s fun for everyone.
The club gets high praise from many. It has a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 362 reviews, with 97.2% saying it’s a must-play. People love the layout, the friendly staff, and how quickly the game moves.
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Course Conditions | Excellent |
| Value | Excellent |
| Layout | High |
| Staff Friendliness | High |
| Pace of Play | High |
Some say there’s no driving range, but the course’s challenges and elevation changes make up for it. At $45 per round, it’s a great deal for golf lovers in Hingham and visitors.
Miacomet Golf Club: Nantucket’s Seaside Links
Miacomet Golf Club is a top choice for golf in Nantucket. It’s a 400-acre public course on the island’s southern shore. Built in 1964 and redesigned in 2003, it’s known as a hidden gem in Massachusetts.
The course is a challenging 18-hole layout with a par 72 and 6,890 yards. It has a rating of 73.6 and a slope of 128. The seaside location makes it even tougher, with coastal winds affecting play.
Players love Miacomet for its perfect conditions and beautiful views. It has a 4.7 rating from 50 reviews, with 80.4% recommending it. They praise the friendly staff, great amenities, and the top-notch golf experience.
| Green Fees | Tee Times | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| $35 (may vary by season) | Year-round availability | Bar, Restaurant, Clubhouse |
| Club rentals available | Online reservations | Pro shop |
Miacomet Golf Club is the only public 18-hole course on Nantucket. It offers a unique chance to play seaside links golf on this historic island. Make sure to wear proper golf clothes and book your tee time early to get a spot on this popular course.
Gannon Municipal Golf Course: Boston Skyline Views
Gannon Municipal Golf Course in Lynn is just 24 minutes from Boston. It’s a hidden gem with stunning Boston skyline views. Local golfers love it for these views.
Course Layout and Unique Features
Wayne Stiles, a Donald Ross disciple, designed Gannon Municipal Golf Course. It has significant undulation and a challenging layout. The course is well-maintained, offering a fun round for all skill levels.
Affordable Green Fees and Booking Options
Gannon Municipal Golf Course is known for its affordable golf. Green fees are low, making it perfect for those on a budget.
| Day | Green Fee |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | $47 |
| Weekends | $55 |
The course is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5 PM. You can book your tee time anytime. Booking in advance is best, especially during peak seasons.
Post-Round Entertainment
After golf, visit the clubhouse for a fun atmosphere. Enjoy affordable drinks and share your best shots. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy golf’s camaraderie.
Gannon Municipal Golf Course is a top choice for affordable golf with amazing Boston skyline views. It offers challenging play, scenic beauty, and low rates. For more golfing options, check out some of the best public golf courses in Melbourne for your next adventure.
Brookline Golf Course: Multiple Names, One Great Experience
Brookline Golf Course, also known as Robert T. Lynch Municipal or Putterham Meadows, is a top spot for golf. It has an 18-hole layout and some of the best greens in Boston. It’s a favorite among golf fans.
Built in 1933, this historic course has Bent Grass greens and is open all year. The fairway conditions can vary, but the fun stays. The course’s layout, rated 1.5 out of 5, is challenging for all players.
Green fees at Brookline Golf Course are very reasonable. You can find affordable rates that welcome many golfers.
| Day | Regular Rate | Twilight Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | $40 | $20 |
| Weekends | $52 | $20 |
The course has a full driving range for practice. The staff is friendly, making visitors feel welcome.
Despite some mixed reviews, Brookline Golf Course is still loved. It’s known for its great value and quality greens. With 62.16% of reviewers recommending it, it’s a unique golfing experience you should try.
Atlantic Country Club: Coastal Golfing Excellence
Atlantic Country Club in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is a top spot for coastal golf lovers. It’s a 187-acre course with a par-72 layout and 6,728 yards. Designed by Geoffrey Cornish, Brian Silva, and Mark Mungeam in 1994, it’s a gem among Massachusetts seaside courses.
The course conditions at Atlantic Country Club are top-notch. With bent grass fairways and greens, players get the best playing surfaces. It has a rating of 73.1 and a slope of 137, challenging golfers of all levels.
Many golfers love the quality of this coastal golf experience. A whopping 97.3% recommend Atlantic Country Club, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Its layout and stunning coastal views make it a favorite among Massachusetts golfers.
| Green Fees | Rates | Tee Times |
|---|---|---|
| $48 – $90 | Varies by season and time of day | Available daily |
| Private lessons with PGA Professional: $40 per 30 minutes | ||
Atlantic Country Club offers private lessons with PGA Professional Don Daley. For just $40 for a 30-minute session, you can improve your game and enjoy your coastal golfing experience.
When planning your golf trip in Massachusetts, check out other great courses. North Carolina is also a golf paradise with amazing public courses. You can find North Carolina’s best public golf to broaden your golfing adventures.
Navigating Tee Times and Reservations at Top Massachusetts Courses
Planning your Massachusetts golf trip means making smart tee time reservations. Courses like George Wright and South Shore Country Club get busy, especially on weekends. Book early to get a spot on these popular greens.
Many courses now have online booking systems for easy reservations. Some still like phone bookings, so check each course’s preference. Peak seasons in Massachusetts can be tough to find open times. Plan early to avoid missing out and have a smooth golf planning experience.
For those short on time or budget, 9-hole courses are a good choice. They usually take 2 hours to play and cost less than 18-hole rounds. Chelmsford Country Club and Furnace Brook Golf Club offer great 9-hole options. These courses often have more flexible times and faster play, ideal for a quick game.
New Meadows Golf Club, 25 miles north of Boston, offers a unique 9-hole, par 70 experience. It has challenging traps and sloping fairways. Golfers love its well-kept grounds and beautiful greens. Remember, whether it’s a 9-hole or 18-hole course, booking early is crucial for a great Massachusetts golf trip.
