I’ve spent minimal time in New England. When it comes to Massachusetts specifically, my travels have been limited to Boston for work. No golf unfortunately. My wife has been on girl’s trips a few times in the fall. You know, the kind where they look at the changing leaves, run up credit card bills buying useless trinkets, and spend too much time at the spa. Every time she goes, I ask her if she learned anything about the area’s golf course. I get the same dismissive answer every time along with a mind-boggling credit card statement.
In my head, I’ve romanticized golf in New England. This is where some of the country’s oldest, most iconic courses are. Someday, I’m going to make the trip and my wife can stay home with the kids.
In that spirit, I consulted our readers in the Northeast for their thoughts on Massachusetts’ best public tracks. As usual, there was no shortage of feedback.
Let’s dive in.
If you're looking for a top-notch golfing experience in Massachusetts, The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick offers a challenging and scenic round of golf carved out of dense hardwood forest. The course, situated on the site of a historic border dispute between Massachusetts and Connecticut, is renowned for its immaculate condition and thoughtful design. The Ranch Golf Club has garnered a reputation for providing golfers with panoramic views and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts. Voted as one of the top 50 courses in New England, The Ranch Golf Club continues to provide a memorable and rewarding golfing experience.
Designed by prominent architects, Donald Ross and Rees Jones, The Ranch Golf Club has secured its place as one of the best layouts in Massachusetts. Its inclusion in the Best In State Rankings further solidifies its status as a premier destination for golfers seeking excellence. The course's unique history, coupled with its demanding yet enjoyable layout, makes it a standout among public golf courses in Massachusetts.
Whether you're a devoted golfer or a casual enthusiast, The Ranch Golf Club promises an exceptional and unforgettable golfing experience.
Nestled amidst the lovely terrain of Massachusetts, the Crumpin-Fox Club beckons golf enthusiasts with its meticulously maintained fairways and captivating design.
Originally named the Field of Dreams, the club underwent extensive renovation in 1990 and now stands as one of the top-ranked courses in New England.
The Crumpin-Fox Club is renowned for its bent grass fairways, a rarity in the Northeast, offering golfers a unique playing experience.
Designed by David Berelson and opened in 1969, the club's thoughtful layout is carved out of dense hardwood forest and offers beautiful views throughout the course.
With perfect playing conditions during spring, summer, and fall, it's no wonder that the Crumpin-Fox Club is considered one of the best layouts in Massachusetts.
The club's immaculate condition and stunning design have garnered recognition from Golf Digest, solidifying its reputation as one of the best golf courses in the region.
Whether you're a local enthusiast or a visitor seeking the best of Massachusetts golf, the Crumpin-Fox Club promises an unforgettable golfing experience.
Amidst the rich golfing landscape of Massachusetts, the Kings Way Golf Club on Cape Cod offers a unique and charming experience that appeals to both beginners and golf enthusiasts alike. The course, measuring just under 4,000 yards and playing to a par of 60, provides a versatile and welcoming environment suitable for family outings, buddy trips, and more.
Here are three reasons why Kings Way Golf Club stands out:
Kings Way Golf Club on Cape Cod is a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional public course experience in Massachusetts.
Tucked away in a tranquil setting, Squirrel Run Golf Course offers golfers a unique and memorable experience unlike any other in Massachusetts. This par 57 executive course is renowned for its character and limited outside traffic, making it a perfect spot for both newcomers and golf enthusiasts.
The course's distinctive charm and tranquil atmosphere set it apart from other golfing destinations in the state. Squirrel Run Golf Course is considered a hidden gem, providing a serene environment for golfers to enjoy the game.
The course's intimate setting and unique design make it an appealing choice for those seeking a break from the larger, more crowded courses in the area. Squirrel Run Golf Course offers a refreshing alternative, allowing golfers to appreciate the sport in a more secluded and peaceful environment.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Squirrel Run Golf Course promises an unforgettable golfing experience in Massachusetts.
If you're looking for a different kind of golfing experience after exploring the charm of Squirrel Run Golf Course, Boston Golf Club offers a classic and challenging track that will captivate both newcomers and seasoned golfers
Boston Golf Club is a semi-private club that prides itself on its honor, tradition, and quality. The course is known for its timeless design, providing a memorable experience for golf purists. Open to the public, the club has maintained its classic layout without succumbing to modern changes, making it stand out as a distinguished and reputable location for golf aficionados.
The course offers a classic New England golfing experience with views of the surrounding landscape, creating a picturesque backdrop for your game.
Boston Golf Club promises a golfing experience that will leave a lasting impression, making it a must-visit for those seeking the best public courses in the state.
Cape Cod, here we go again. The more I read about golf here, the more excited I get. The Brookside Club is no exception.
Located an hour from both Boston and Providence, this facility has the feeling of a private club. The staff doesn’t overlook any detail in the total experience.
The course was designed by John Hurzdan and opened in 1986. Generous fairways meander through stately hardwood forests and elevation changes afford views of the surrounding coast.
Even though this course is a bit of drive from the city, locals insist that it’s more than worth the trip.
Located in the east half of Berkshire County, Wahconah Country Club is one of the best kept secrets in Mass. It’s been ranked the ”4th Best of the Top 25 Courses in New England” by Golf Advisor.
Wayne Stiles designed this track that dates all the way back to 1928. Believe it or not, this was a favorite course of Bobby Jones when he was in the Northeast. He played his last round of golf here on August 15, 1948.
As you might suspect, this course is old school in its design. The layout isn’t all that long, but the fairways are narrow and the greens small. Precision is key.
Even though this course has undergone some upgrades and improvements over the years, it still retains a sense of ancient wonder and a storied history.
The Country Club of Halifax opened its doors in 1966. The Phil Wogan layout is a classic New England design with tree lined fairways and small, sloping greens.
Even though this club maintains a private membership, the public is more than welcome.
Known for its pristine condition, the Country Club of Halifax is a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Despite its name, I’m told Shanks Restaurant boasts some of the finest post-round fare to be found anywhere.
The mission of the staff at the Ledges Golf Club is to provide each and every guest with the best possible experience, while being stewards of the land, and bringing value to the community of South Hadley. By all accounts, this facility more than lives up to its name.
Diversity in design is what makes Ledges a fun and memorable round of golf. Changes in elevation and well-contoured holes provide plenty of challenge for the best of players while multiple sets of tees are great for beginners.
Bordering the Connecticut River, this course offers outstanding views of the surrounding countryside. If you play here in the fall, be sure to bring your camera as the foliage is spectacular.
More than worth the price of admission, don’t miss Ledges Golf Club.
One of the best values in all of Mass is Westborough Golf Club.
Even though the course is only nine holes, it’s not short on character by any means. What our readers love about this course is the pace of play. If you take more than two hours for nine holes, chances are you’ll kindly be asked to pick it up a touch.
The course is easily walkable, and the design is right in front of you. If you’re accurate off the tee and into the greens, you can have a good day out here. If you get on the top side of the hole however, saving par becomes a challenge.
Great golf at a reasonable price, I’m buying what they’re selling.
Next time anyone in my family heads to New England, it’s going to be me. And yes, I’m taking my clubs. My wife has spent plenty of time, and money here on her girls’ pilgrimages. It’s my turn.
There’s more than enough great golf to play in a single trip but I’d sure like to scratch the surface.
And of course, there’s golf on Cape Cod. That’s definitely going to happen.
Per usual, you guys came through in a big way. As I stare over at my clubs collecting dust in the corner over the long winter, my mind starts to wonder like that of a kid on Christmas. Soon enough, we’ll be hitting the open road. I can’t wait.
