13 Best Golf Courses in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States, known for its role in the American Revolution, its prestigious universities, such as Harvard, its delicious seafood dishes like clam chowder, the iconic Fenway Park, and its stunning fall foliage. "The Bay State" is also home to 375 golf courses, including 178 public, 66 municipal, and 131 private. Massachusetts has some of the country's oldest and most critically acclaimed public access and private classes, so it's no surprise that the state is full of passionate golfers. Factors like challenge level, layout, aesthetics, conditioning, and overall enjoyment contribute to a golf course's ranking. Here are the 13 best golf courses in Massachusetts.
Myopia Hunt
Located just northeast of Boston, Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton is a storied private country club founded in 1882. The 18-hole course was designed by Herbert C. Leeds, beginning in 1894 and completed by 1901. It features rugged, undulating terrain, blind shots, and deep, strategically placed bunkers. These features make it a classic, unforgiving test of early New England golf architecture. The course rating is 72.7 with a slope of 138, underscoring its challenge. It famously hosted four U.S. Opens between 1898 and 1908.
Access is strictly private, with no public tee times permitted. The nearest major airport is Boston’s Logan International, approximately a 40-minute drive away. Although no lodging is on-site, excellent alternatives are available nearby, including the Castle Manor Inn in Hamilton and The Hotel Marblehead. For those drawn to its unique quirks and early-era charm, the ideal time to visit is from late spring to early fall, when the New England landscape is at its lushest.
Boston Golf Club
The Boston Golf Club in Hingham is a dramatic modern course across rugged, former quarry land. Gil Hanse's course features steep ledges, rock outcroppings, and bold bunkers that create a visually striking and strategically challenging layout. The elevation changes are dramatic, and each hole requires thoughtful shot placement, rewarding precision and penalizing miscalculations. The course plays from the championship tees to a rating of 75.0 with a slope of 141, offering a stern challenge for low-handicap players and a memorable experience for all who manage to play it.
Located just 25 minutes from Logan International Airport, the best time to play is late spring through early fall when fairways are firm, greens are true, and the surrounding landscape is most vibrant. This combination of dramatic topography, architectural flair, and natural beauty makes Boston Golf Club a standout among Massachusetts courses. Membership is private, but visitors can enjoy nearby accommodations at The Red Lion Inn, offering rustic comfort close to the club.
Worcester Country Club
Worcester Country Club was established in 1913, and is a historic Donald Ross design famous for hosting major championships, including the 1925 U.S. Open and the first Ryder Cup. Its rolling terrain, strategically placed bunkers, and classic parkland style create a layout that rewards precision and shot management. The course is renowned for its scenic charm, offering a blend of challenge and tradition that few Massachusetts courses can rival.
Since the club is private, guests can stay at the nearby Beechwood Hotel, which offers convenient accommodations for visiting golfers. The best months to play are late spring through early fall, when fairways and greens are at their peak condition, and the historic character of the course is entirely on display.
Winchester
Winchester Country Club is one of New England’s earliest golf venues, offering a historic layout that blends charm with challenge. The course features tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and well-manicured greens, offering a traditional golf experience that demands careful shot placement. Although a formal course rating is not publicly listed, the layout’s design ensures a fair but engaging challenge for golfers of varying skill levels.
Visitors can enjoy dining or overnight stays at The 75 Chestnut, which provides upscale comfort and local charm. Approximately 20 minutes from Boston’s Logan Airport, the course is best played from late spring through early fall, when the fairways are lush, greens are smooth, and the surrounding foliage enhances the New England setting.
Newton Commonwealth
Newton Commonwealth Golf Course is a public, 18-hole layout in Newton, Massachusetts, featuring a classic parkland design with tree-lined fairways and rolling greens. Established in 1897, this underrated gem is recognized for its conditioning and playability, earning strong reviews from local golfers. The course is open to the public, with tee times available online, and green fees are moderate. Its clubhouse provides casual dining, a pro shop, and a welcoming atmosphere for both new and experienced players.
Spring through early fall is Newton Commonwealth's ideal season, when the turf is lush and the landscape vibrant. Logan International Airport is about a 25-minute drive for visitors traveling from afar, and nearby lodging options include boutique hotels in Cambridge, such as The Kendall. The course offers an accessible, high-quality golfing experience with scenic parkland views just outside the city.
William J. Devine
William J. Devine Memorial Golf Course is located in Boston’s Franklin Park. It is a public, 18-hole course designed by Donald Ross in 1931. The layout seamlessly blends traditional parkland features with gentle elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, and strategically placed bunkers, making it both accessible to beginners and challenging for experienced players. The course is highly rated for its conditioning and historic character. Public tee times are available, and green fees are modest, reflecting its municipal status. The clubhouse features casual dining and a pro shop offering a wide selection of equipment and apparel.
The best time to play Devine is late spring through early fall when the fairways and greens are at their peak. While there’s no on-site lodging, downtown Boston hotels such as The Westin Boston Seaport District provide convenient accommodations. Logan International Airport is roughly a 25-minute drive, making the course easy to reach for visitors seeking a mix of history, scenic beauty, and accessible golf.
East Mountain Country Club
East Mountain Country Club is a public 18-hole course known for its rolling fairways, well-placed bunkers, and scenic woodland surroundings. The course has a 68.0 rating, and plays to a par 71 over 6,118 yards, offering a manageable challenge for beginners while providing strategic options for more experienced golfers. Its layout and conditioning have earned high marks in Western Massachusetts rankings. The clubhouse offers casual dining and a pro shop, making it a welcoming destination for members and guests.
Late spring through early fall is the ideal time to play, when the fairways and greens are at their best. While there is no on-site lodging, the nearby Homewood Suites by Hilton offers convenient accommodations. Bradley International Airport is roughly a one-hour drive, making the course accessible to visitors from across New England.
Maynard
Maynard Golf Course, a public 9-hole layout in Maynard, Massachusetts, features gently rolling fairways and tree-lined holes that create a relaxed yet engaging golfing experience. The course plays to a par 35 over 3,013 yards and is locally celebrated for its conditioning and accessibility. The small clubhouse offers casual dining and a pro shop, and public tee times are available at reasonable rates.
Late spring through early fall is the best time to play, when the greens and fairways are lush. Although there is no on-site lodging, the nearby town of Woburn offers convenient options, such as the Crowne Plaza Boston. Logan International Airport is roughly a 35-40-minute drive, making it an easy destination for regional visitors.
Long Meadow Golf Club
Long Meadow Golf Club is a private 9-hole course in Lowell, Massachusetts, designed by Alex Findlay in 1909. The regulation-style layout spans 3,024 yards with a par of 36, offering a balanced challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The course carries a rating of 34.5 and a slope of 123. Walking is permitted, and power carts are available for those who prefer them.
The best months to play are late spring through early fall when the greens are smooth and the grounds are vibrant. Although there is no resort on-site, Springfield accommodations, such as the Hilton Springfield, provide convenient lodging. Bradley International Airport is roughly a 35-40-minute drive. Long Meadow Golf Club combines history, challenge, and scenic beauty, earning its reputation as a popular course in the region.
Ocean Edge
Ocean Edge Golf Course is an 18-hole championship layout originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and later enhanced by Rees Jones. The links-style course spans 7,011 yards with a par of 72 and carries a course rating 75 and a slope of 145. Its coastal setting features dramatic bunkering, rolling fairways, and panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay, offering a strategic and visually stunning experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course is part of the Ocean Edge Resort, providing guests access to refined dining, a pro shop, and luxury amenities.
The best time to play is late spring through early fall, when the greens and fairways are at their peak. On-site lodging includes beachfront resort rooms and a spa, while Logan International Airport is roughly a 2.5-hour drive. Ocean Edge combines championship-level golf with luxury resort services, making it one of the top-rated courses on Cape Cod.
Stockbridge Golf Club
Stockbridge is located in the Berkshires and features a private 18-hole course designed by Charles Blair Macdonald, completed in the late 19th century. The course stretches 6,656 yards with a par of 71, featuring rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and scenic views along the Housatonic River. Its combination of classic design and challenging greens has earned Stockbridge a strong reputation among top-rated courses in Massachusetts. The clubhouse provides refined dining, a pro shop, and social spaces for members.
The best time to play is late spring through early fall when the foliage and turf are at their peak. There is no on-site resort, but nearby lodging options, such as The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, offer convenient accommodations.
The Country Club
The Country Club (Clyde & Squirrel) is situated just outside Boston in the charming town of Brookline. It is America’s oldest golf-oriented country club, established in 1882 and expanded into today’s 27-hole layout from the original six holes. The members’ main course is the Clyde and Squirrel nines, first used in the 1913 U.S. Open. Design contributions from Willie Campbell, Alex Campbell, William Flynn, Rees Jones, and a recent restoration by Gil Hanse have shaped its challenging character. Picture meticulously contoured greens, sloped fairways played on rocky, undulating New England terrain, blind approaches, and fescue-lined bunkers.
Access is by invitation only, and tee times are limited to members and their guests. The club offers world-class amenities beyond golf, including tennis, squash, swimming, skating, and skeet facilities, providing a comprehensive sporting retreat. While there’s no lodging on the property, the nearby Hotel Commonwealth in Boston is a top choice for overnight stays, and The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill provides an upscale dining option just minutes from the club. Peak season runs from late spring to early fall, when the terrain showcases its New England charm.
Brae Burn
Brae Burn Country Club is a private 18-hole course in West Newton, Massachusetts. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross, it spans 6,876 yards with a par of 72. It features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and subtle elevation changes that demand precision and thoughtful shot-making. The course boasts a course rating of 74.0 and a slope rating of 142, reflecting its challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The club offers a rich history, having hosted significant tournaments, including the 1919 U.S. Open and the 1928 U.S. Amateur Championship.
The best time to play is late spring through early fall when the course conditions are optimal. Although there is no on-site lodging, nearby accommodations, such as the Newton Marriott, offer convenient options. Logan International Airport is approximately a 20-minute drive, making Brae Burn easily accessible for visitors from across New England.
Golf in Massachusetts offers an exceptional blend of challenge, history, and natural beauty. From rugged coastal layouts shaped by wind and tide to rolling inland fairways framed by forests and hills, the state provides something for every golfer’s taste. Many clubs pair championship-level golf with refined seafood dinners, elegant clubhouses, and convenient access to nearby New England-style accommodations, ensuring the experience extends well beyond the course. Whether planning a weekend escape or a seasonal visit, golfers will find Massachusetts a destination that rewards passion for the game with unforgettable scenery, rich tradition, and rounds that linger long in memory.
