Approximately 387 golf courses are well distributed within the 27,340 km2 area of Massachusetts.
When searching for the nicest golf courses in Massachusetts, knowing their categorization is essential to plan your staycation and gaming well.
So, out of the 387 golf courses in Massachusetts, 126 are private, 97 are public, and 66 are municipal. The history of golf in Massachusetts is quite long and colorful.
Notably, on 1st January 2018, the Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts (WGAM) and Massachusetts Golf Association (MGA) came together to improve the quality and efficiency of the game.
That is what supported the flourishing of the many golf courses in Massachusetts.
If you want to play golf in cold plus snowy winters and sometimes warm summers, here are the 20 most excellent golf courses in Massachusetts that you can consider:
1. The Country Club
- Location: Brook Line, Massachusetts.
- Length: 7,033 yards.
- Par: 71.
- Tota holes: 27
- Designed by: William S. Flynn (1927), Alex Campbell (1902), and Willie Campbell (1895)
- Established: 1982.
- Championships hosted: The 1963 and 1988 U.S. Opens, 2013 U.S. Amateur, and 2022 U.S. Open, among other tournaments.
The Country Golf Club is coming first in our list of 20 best golf courses in Massachusetts.
It’s the oldest golf club in the United States and ranked among the 5 charter members established by the United States Golf Association in 1894.
Apart from the golf course, the Country Golf Club also has other facilities, such as indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a swimming pool, a skating rink, and a hockey rink.
2. TPC Boston
- Location: Norton, Massachusetts.
- Length: 7,241 yards.
- Par: 72.
- Total holes: 18.
- Designed by: Originally by Arnold Palmer, but Redesigned by architect Gil Hanse in 2007.
- Established: 2002.
- Championships Hosted: Dell Technologies Championship (2003–2018) and The Northern Trust (2020, 2022).
TPC Boston is among the nicest golf courses in Massachusetts because of its natural beauty.
Again, it’s an award-winning destination for many golf enthusiasts who enjoy the lush fairways and bent grass that is purely green.
3. Myopia Hunt Club
- Location: South Hamilton, Massachusetts.
- Length: 6,539 yards.
- Par: 72.
- Total holes: 18
- Designed by: Herbert C. Leeds
- Established 1882
- Championships Hosted: 1908, 1905,1901 and 1898 US Open.
The Myopia Hunt Golf Club is a golf-playing destination with signature holes.
That is why Golf Magazine has listed its two holes at number 4th and 9th in a list of the best 100 signature holes in the United States.
It’s fascinating how Myopia Hunt Golf Club has maintained its reputation as a tough rascal with deep bunkers, many cross-hazards, and tiny greens.
4. The Kittansett Club
- Location: Marion, Massachusetts.
- Length: 6631 yards.
- Par: 71
- Total holes:18
- Designed by: Gil Hanse, William S. Flynn, and Fredrick C. Hood.
- Established: 1923.
- Championships Hosted: 2022 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship and 1953 Walker Cup.
Are you looking for a place to enjoy the scenic shore view while playing golf? Kittansett Golf Club is a true masterpiece that you should consider.
The fast-running fairways and rugged dunes make it thrilling. As you step into Kittansett Club, be ready to face the iconic par-3 14th hole and challenging Par-4s.
5. Old Sandwich Golf Club
- Location: Plymouth, Massachusetts.
- Length: 6908 yards.
- Par: 71.
- Total holes: 18 holes
- Design by: Dave Axland, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw.
- Established: 2004.
- Championships Hosted: PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and plans to be the hosts of the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Old Sandwich Golf Club is a challenging stretch that will immerse you in an unforgettable golfing experience. Generally, its condition is excellent, and the staff is friendly.
Additionally, it has vital amenities like a lounge and locker rooms to give you the peace of mind while in the game.
6. Waverly Oaks Golf Club
- Location: Plymouth, Massachusetts
- Length: 7114 yards.
- Par: 72.
- Total holes: 18.
- Designed by: Brian Silva.
- Established: 1998
- Championships Hosted: 2015 MGA Amateur Public Links Championship Qualifier.
This is a public golf club also found in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It has a golf academy and a teaching pro nearby to streamline your golf practice. However, this golf course has some restrictions regarding the dress code.
You must wear turtlenecks or collar shirts since cutoffs, tank tops, and jeans are prohibited. Additionally, if you wear shorts, they should not be bermudas or gym shorts but walking shorts.
7. Crumpin-Fox Club
- Location: Bernardston, Massachusetts
- Length: 7023 yards.
- Par: 72.
- Total holes: 18.
- Designed by: Roger Rulewich (1977), Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1989), Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1977), and Roger Rulewich (1989).
- Established: 1977
- Championships Hosted: 2021, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2006, 2001, 199, 1996, 1994, and 1991 U.S. Open Qualifier, 2006 US Mid-Am Qualifier, 2006 Massachusetts Jr. Am Championship, 2007 U.S. Women’s Pub-Links Qualifier, 2018 US Jr. Am Championship Qualifier, and 2018 U.S. Girls Jr. Am Championship Qualifier among others.
According to the reviews at Golfpass.com, 478 out of 493 users recommended the Crumpin-Fox Golf Club. Most holes here are open, so you will be easily tempted to remove your driver.
Furthermore, the field might be admirable by being dammed up with bent grass, and the same applies to the fairways.
8. Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club
- Location: Turners Falls, Massachusett
- Length: 2688 yards.
- Par: 35.
- Total holes: 9
- Designed by: Walter B. Hatch.
- Established: 1905.
Walter Hatch designed this golf club in 1905. Though it’s not ideal for practicing golf, Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club is a semi-private club that is yet to unleash its potential.
Perhaps you will love it because of the bent grass and its fame for not being too strict.
Still, unlike the other nicest golf courses in Massachusetts discussed above, this is a relatively small club measuring approximately 2457 meters.
9. Miacomet Golf Club
- Location: Nantucket, Massachusetts
- Length: 6890 yards.
- Par: 72
- Total holes: 18.
- Designed by: Initially by Ralph Marble and in 2003 redesigned by Howard Maurer.
- Established: 1964.
- Championships Hosted: Men’s and Women’s Club Championships.
Even though you need to pay a green fee of $35, Miacomet Golf Club is still a remarkable golf club in Massachusetts.
It is captivating, particularly if you like immaculate consistency and a realistic challenge. Furthermore, be ready to enjoy its seaside links.
10. South Shore Country Club
- Location: Hingham, Massachusetts.
- Length: 6470 yards.
- Par: 72.
- Total holes: 18.
- Designed by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek.
- Established: 1922.
- Championships Hosted: 1996 and 1997 Wendy’s Three-Tour Challenge.
Welcome to the best golf course in Massachusetts, which offers a variety of challenges, including bunkers, elevation changes, and undulating greens.
The South Shore Country Club is in the suburbs, easily accessible from the city, and is worth the drive.
11. Falmouth Country Club
- Location: East Falmouth, Massachusetts.
- Length: 6665 yards.
- Par: 72.
- Total holes: 18.
- Established: 1958.
- Championships Hosted: Annual DRIVE FORE KIDS celebrity golf tournament.
Falmouth Country Club’s 18-hole course has 18 holes off-season and 27 holes in-seas. Every hole on the green is unique and challenging, guaranteeing a depth of experience.
You will love this golf club even more because of the friendly and polite staff and the beautiful surroundings.
12. Cold Spring Country Club
- Location: Belchertown, Massachusetts.
- Length: 6521 yards.
- Par: 71.
- Total holes: 18.
- Designed by: Mary Armstrong.
- Established: 2010.
- Championships Hosted: 2024 NEPSAC Championship.
Cold Spring Country Club is a semi-private golf club opened in 2010 to help expose the western side of Massachusetts to the world.
The first time you play golf at Cold Spring Country Club, you’ll get to understand what it feels like having access to a challenging and exciting layout.
The fairways are well maintained, and the greens roll over vast areas to support the panoramic views.
13. The Brookside Club
- Location: Bourne, Massachusetts.
- Length: 6300 yards.
- Par: 70
- Total holes: 18.
- Initially, it was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, and a redesign was done in 1998 by John Sanford.
- Established: 1998.
- Championships Hosted: NCGA tournaments
The most notable feature of Brookside Golf Club is its layout. It’s great for elevation changes, and the 19th hole will make you a frequent visitor.
In particular, the 19th hole is renowned for offering scenic views while you enjoy your favorite drink in patio dining.
14. Essex County Club
Have you ever wished to tee off amidst lush greenery and rolling fairways? This golf club, designed by the legendary Donald Ross, has you covered. You must be at Essex County Club for a fascinating 18-hole course stretching over 6,541 yards and a par of 70.
15. Boston Golf Club
If you want a more modern golfing experience, head to Hingham and check out the Boston Golf Club. It has 18 holes stretching over 6,767 yards and a par of 71. Additionally, the Boston Golf Club seamlessly integrates coastal topography with strategic challenges.
16. Eastward Ho
For a truly unforgettable golfing adventure, go to Chatham and take on Eastward Ho. Herbert Fowler designed this golf club to have 18 holes of pure excitement, spanning 6,789 yards with a par of 71.
Because of the rugged terrain and stunning ocean vistas at every turn, Eastward Ho is a rollercoaster ride of challenges and thrills.
17. Sankaty Head Golf Club
Indeed, there are many nicest golf courses in Massachusetts, but don’t forget to include Sankaty Head Golf Club.
It is located in Siasconset and has a unique blend of history and charm. Emerson Armstrong designed this golf course with 18 holes spread over 6,548 yards and a par of 70.
18. Green Harbor Golf Club
If you find yourself near Marshfield, Massachusetts, you’ve got to check out the Green Harbor Golf Club. It’s a public course with 33 exciting holes.
19. Westover Golf Club
The Westover Golf Club is public, but what makes it unique? Well, besides the well-maintained fairways and greens, you’ll also get to experience planes flying overhead.
Westover Golf Club sits near the Westover Air Force base. One reviewer even mentions how cool it is to see the aircraft maneuvering as you play golf.
20. Salem Country Club
Finally, no golfing adventure in Massachusetts would be complete without a visit to the Salem Country Club in Peabody.
Since Donald Ross designed it has been ready to be explored by golfers coming from any part of the world.
Salem Country Club has hosted prestigious events like the U.S. Women’s Open. Ideally, because of its challenging and rewarding golfing experience, Salem Country Club is a must-visit destination for any golfer.
Final Thoughts
To this end, you now know about the 20 best golf courses you can consider in Massachusetts.
Details of each golf club will vary so while you look for the nicest golf courses in Massachusetts be sure to know whether its location and number of holes are favorable to you.
Furthermore, you need to assess your skill level and know if the challenge is what will make you want to play golf more.
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