New England is one of America’s great golf playgrounds but Massachusetts, in particular, has some of the very best golf courses in the United States.
That aside, Massachusetts’ connection with the growth of game in the United States is hugely significant. In fact, it can claim to be the place where the golf boom in America began in 1913 – more on that later. Variety is at the heart of what makes golf in Massachusetts such a wonderful experience, with courses on the windswept links of Cape Cod contrasting beautifully with those verdant green inland layouts in the Berkshires.
Golf in the state can be traced back to July 1728 when Governor William Burnett arrived from the British Isles with his family, servants and a set of golf clubs. But it wasn’t until 1882 when The Country Club, Brookline was founded that things really took off. The Country Club is not only the the oldest country club in Massachusetts, but in the United States too. These days there are around 400 golf courses in the Bay State and in this article, we’ll explore the best golf courses in Massachusetts, where golfers can enjoy welcoming fairways, impeccable greens, and an unforgettable golfing adventure.
1. The Country Club (Brookline)
Nestled in the picturesque town of Brookline, near Boston, The Country Club is not only the most prestigious golf course in the state of Massachusetts but it’s one of the most important and significant clubs in the United States. This historic venue features a challenging layout designed by Willie Campbell and its championship pedigree speaks for itself, having hosted a number of game’s significant moments. It was at the 1913 US Open, won by amateur and Brookline-native Francis Ouimet, where the great golf boom in America really began. But more recently, Brookline has played host to the Ryder Cup in 1999, which featured a dramatic Sunday comeback by the US team and some controversy during the celebrations. In total Brookline has hosted four US Opens (1913, 1963, 1988, 2022), three of which finished in playoffs. With its perfectly manicured fairways, incredible, undulating greens, and stunning views, The Country Club is an exceptional golfing experience – it goes without saying that it has to top the list of best golf courses in Massachusetts.
2. TPC Boston (Norton)
As a stop on the PGA Tour, TPC Boston has gained recognition as one of the very best courses in Massachusetts. Originally designed by Arnold Palmer and updated by the brilliant Gill Hanse, TPC Boston combines natural beauty with a truly strategic test of golf. The fairways are lush, the bentgrass greens are pure and the 64 bunkers are best avoided as you weave through Norton’s Great Woods. The golf course has been a test for the best players in the world across multiple FedExCup playoffs, but five sets of tees ensure you can enjoy it too. From the tips, TPC Boston is a truly compelling 7,261-yard test and it certainly warrants its place as one of the best golf courses in Massachusetts.
TPC BOSTON Scorecard
3. Old Sandwich Golf Club (Plymouth)
Located on western shore of Cape Cod Bay, Old Sandwich Golf Club consistently ranks among the best golf courses in Massachusetts and with good reason. This exclusive, private club, designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, embraces the natural terrain afforded it by Mother Nature and the result is a breathtaking golf course which feels in perfect harmony with the natural wonder which surrounds it. With its generous fairways, strategic bunkering, and immaculate playing conditions, Old Sandwich is nothing short of idyllic.
4. The Kittansett Club (Marion)
Situated on the scenic shores of Buzzards Bay, The Kittansett Club is a true seaside masterpiece that captures the essence of traditional links golf. Designed by William Flynn, this historic course boasts stunning ocean views, rugged dunes, and fast-running fairways. The Kittansett Club is known for its challenging par-4s and iconic par-3 14th hole, which features a tee shot over a vast salt marsh. A round at this timeless course is not one to turn down.
5. Boston Golf Club
Boston Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Massachusetts, having been laid out by the acclaimed architect Gil Hanse. The design is elegant and the surroundings serene. As the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston has long been known as the “Cradle of Liberty” and the club logo pays homage to a group of Boston patriots known as The Sons of Liberty. Their red and white stripe flag would go on to be the inspiration for the American flag.
6. Eastward Ho Golf Club
Designed by the great Herbert Fowler and laid out on the ocean’s edge on Cape Cod, Eastward Ho is a rugged, roller coaster of a golf course where a flat lie is as hard to come by as a birdie. Eastward Ho Golf Club was founded in 1922 with links golf very much the inspiration as holes meander through coastal dunes and offer stunning views of Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
7. Myopia Hunt Club
Myopia Hunt Club, located in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States, dating back to 1894. The club’s original nine-hole course was designed by Herbert Leeds and later expanded to 18 holes by Herbert Corey. Myopia Hunt Club is known for its narrow fairways, undulating terrain, and fast greens. With a rich history and a commitment to preserving the traditions of the game, Myopia Hunt Club offers members a unique and memorable golfing experience.
Myopia Hunt Club Scorecard
8. Sankaty Head Golf Club
Sankaty Head Golf Club, located on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, is a private golf club renowned for breathtaking ocean views. Established in 1923 and designed by Emerson Armstrong, this links-style layout winds through rugged coastal terrain and offers panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sankaty Head Golf Club
9. Salem Country Club
Salem Country Club, situated in Peabody, Massachusetts, is a prestigious club with a rich history dating back to 1895. The club’s Donald Ross-designed course is rightly and widely celebrated and it will come as no surprise to hear it has hosted both the US Women’s Open and the US Senior Open. The clubhouse is elegant, the service is impeccable and you are guaranteed a truly memorable experience on and off the course.
SALEM COUNTRY CLUB COURSE MAP
10. Pinehills Golf Club (Plymouth)
Pinehills, again located in Plymouth, is renowned for its two distinct championship courses: the Nicklaus Course and the Jones Course. The Nicklaus Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, showcases dramatic changes in elevation and expansive vistas. The Jones Course, crafted by Rees Jones, offers a more traditional New England-style layout with tree-lined fairways and challenging greens. Pinehills Golf Club is certainly in the conversation when it comes to the best golf courses in Massachusetts
BEST GOLF COURSES IN Massachusetts: SUMMARY
Massachusetts, with its storied golfing tradition and stunning landscapes, is home to some of the best golf courses in the United States. From the historic allure of The Country Club to the coastal beauty of The Kittansett Club, each of our picks that make up this list of the best golf courses in Massachusetts will deliver a really memorable experience, whether you’re a scratch golfer or just play for fun. So, grab your clubs and embark on an unforgettable journey to the best golf courses in Massachusetts. You won’t regret it.
BEST GOLF COURSES IN Massachusetts: KET FACTS
How many golf courses are in Massachusetts?
At the last count there were 387 golf courses in Massachusetts. Some 123 of them are private, 196 are public and are 68 municipal. In Boston alone, there are 93 golf courses within Downtown – 46 are private courses, 18 are public and 29 are municipal.
How many golfers are in Massachusetts?
Is there a Topgolf in Massachusetts?
Topgolf Boston is laid out over three floors and has 98 all-weather bays which are open year around.
