My 2020 Massachusetts Golf Rankings: Top 10
This past June I decided, maybe in some quarantine haze, that I wanted to try to play every single course in Massachusetts. Public, Private, 9-hole, 18-hole, executive/par 3. If it has a tee and a hole with a flag in it, I want to play it. There are roughly 365 courses in the state, so this is going to take some time to complete.
I managed to get to 35 different courses from June-December and now that 2020 is over, I thought I’d rank the courses I’ve played thus far to mark the year.
Every time I play, I snap some pictures on my phone and do a little write-up in Instagram. I tried to make this list feel a bit different, so I have a couple categories to keep me on topic (kind of). I also tried very hard to not allow score to ruin or sweeten my view of a course and experience.
Now, some of these 35 courses I had played before, but starting June 16 when I played Thorny Lea my ticker sat at “zero.” I wanted to document each round. So some of these courses I have played before, some I didn’t know existed until I poked around on the internet.
Finally, the count starts at 34 because I am lumping in Crosswinds, which has 27 holes, as one golf course. I played all 27 in one day (it’s great, go play them all).
Anyway, below are courses my top ten courses I played in 2020. Thanks for reading!
If you’d like to read about courses 34-25, click here…
Context: A fall Friday with Dan, Steve, and Pete. The day was lovely and we participated in a Friday afternoon club stableford game (we didn’t collect ant money…). The greens were punched for this round, and unfortunately the ninth green was completely closed. Punched greens always suck, but at Renaissance, with it’s massive greens, it made it even more challenging. I have tried to separate my thoughts on the course with the conditions of the green and the conditions of my scorecard after the round.
How many previous rounds here? Zero.
Why you should play here: Renaissance is a golf course that will help expose your weaknesses quickly. It’s challenging from tee to green. The member who hosted us said his handicap shot up when he first joined, and it has settled back after a year of learning the tricks of the course. It’s a course that I didn’t have an interest in playing again as I walked off 18, but as I thought more about it, I did want another crack at it with good greens. The elevation changes and use of land is really impressive. The 7th hole runs along a skinny ridge and then the 8th plays along the base of the same ridge. The stretch of 5-8 was a highlight. Buckle up for a par 4 fest, because holes 6-13 are all par fours. The facilities are also outstanding, a great range, the clubhouse setting on 18 is superb, and their food is delicious. We hung out on the porch for dinner and watched groups finish up their rounds.
How far I would drive to play here: 35 minutes. I’d struggle to play here on a regular basis, but it would be enjoyable to learn some of the angles and routes solve the puzzle that is Renaissance.
Context: A late August round with Dan, Eliot, and Joey. Waverley looks great at it’s peak, green and lush with interesting bunkers that frame holes or visually trick you. A fair course off the tee and the greens are good, too.
How many previous rounds here? Zero.
Why you should play here: Back-to-Back Brian Silva courses - first Renaissance and now Waverley. Waverley has scale, rife with massive elevation changes and some exceptional par threes traversing challenging land. I found the course playable and interesting. Bunkers set in places to mess with your depth perception, others to set up as aim points. Silva has some homages to Raynor and McDonald, a hole named “Punchbowl” and another named “Raynor.” The clubhouse is also set in an excellent spot, a porch on the 18th green where you can watch folks finish their round over a beer and some food.
How far I would drive to play here: 40 minutes. I’d play here regularly. I know it will slip out of the top ten in 2021 as I play more courses, but it’s combination of playability and challenge is really solid.
Context: It’s a Silva three-peat. I played Shaker a few times this summer, one of my favorites and a convenient meeting spot for a few friends. It’s always in good shape, has a great mix of holes and challenges.
How many previous rounds here? 20+
Why you should play here: The tree lined, hilly set-up is classic New England. While trees often (and rightly so) get a bad wrap on courses, they don’t detract at Shaker Hills; instead, they frame the holes and offer a bit of separation from holes. They can be a pain if you drive the ball off line. Shaker from the tips is a beast, but the variety of tees provides a great challenge for anyone. The opening five holes are very good, providing all sorts of options and you’ll hit a lot of different clubs before standing on the par 3 sixth hole. Just be sure to catch your breath after the climb up the 5th hole, it’s golf’s version of heartbreak hill, except there’s a beer stand at the top. Both nines are equally good, and the last four holes provide some good drama in match-play with a tough par 5, a long par 3, a short par 4, and a reachable par 5.
How far I would drive to play here: 40 minutes. A staple in my golfing diet over the last couple of years.
Context: Crosswinds had a lot of build up before I played there. It’s well-liked by a handful of people I respect, so I was looking forward to the round. Even after some heavy rains on the first nine holes of the day, the course held up and each of the nine hole loops were in great shape. Dan and I played all 27 in the day, and Geoff joined us for the first 18.
How many previous rounds here? Zero.
Why you should play here: The opportunity to play 27 holes is a great draw to Crosswinds. Each of the nines is distinct. The Zaharias was probably my favorite, but the Ouimet’s opening holes were outstanding (holes 5-9 were a “hold onto you club” type rain). The Jones 9 is a dogleg fest, with well protected, raised greens. The nines could be combined in any way, and I’d still have it as #7 on my 2020 list. They have a good range and a nice clubhouse which was sadly quiet in June when we played. They even let me walk all 27 holes, which is a rarity for courses like Crosswinds.
How far I would drive to play here: 45 minutes.
Context: An early Friday morning round as a single. Got paired up with two buddies who were a blast to play with. They loved Franklin Park and helped usher me around and point me in the right direction on some of the blind/semi-blind tee shots. The course was in good shape.
How many previous rounds here? Zero.
Why you should play here: Firstly, there’s the wonderful muni-vibe at Franklin Park. When I pulled into the parking lot, the trails around the course were already buzzing with walkers and runners out for their exercise. The opening three holes are on the edge of the property, so you have a disinterested gallery for your first few swings, especially on the third tee box. I was drawn to the open design of the course, the holes are varied and there’s all sorts of ways to get around safely. The greens are excellent; while many of them are large you have to hit the ball in the right sections, which means you have to come at the green from the proper angle. In my mind, great courses make you look back down the holes and picture a better way to attack it the next time around. Franklin Park had that quality to it.
How far I would drive to play here: 45 minutes. Thankfully, it’s one of the closest courses to where I live.
Context: The first course on this quest to play them all. My friend Matt, a former college golf teammate, invited me out and I learned a new gambling game called Vegas, which is an excellent game if you’re making birdies. Thorny was in great shape and a blast to play.
How many previous rounds here? Once.
Why you should play here: This golden era gem will have you hitting all sorts of shots with every club in your bag. It’s a wonderful mix of butt-kickers like #2, #6, and #10, along with holes that you can play aggressive off the tee and attack a dogleg or lay back and play it safe. If you can shape your tee shots, you’ll really enjoy Thorny Lea. The set of par threes are really good, and it’s no surprise that TL boasts one of the talented memberships in the state considering the shot-making and fun the course provides.
How far I would drive to play here: 45 minutes.
Context: My buddy Dean came up for a weekend visit in July. We like to try to play a round of golf and leave our wives, who are best friends, to their own devices for half a day. I managed to arrange a round at Boston Golf through my buddy Brad, who has been kind enough to host me a few times.
How many previous rounds here? Two.
Why you should play here: Boston Golf is an experience - from the secluded, peaceful setting (no golf carts) to the beautiful, simple clubhouse to the wild green complexes. My first time playing Boston Golf was a story of “Ignorance is bliss.” I was wide eyed and unconcerned with some of the challenges that the greens provided. The greens are what make Boston Golf. It’s forgiving off the tee, and the closer you get to the hole, the harder the course gets. There’s a mindset you have to have in order to really enjoy your day at Boston Golf because the rub of the green is lurking around every corner. The ball will scurry off into unwanted sections and you’ll certainly be in a few tough spots during the day. The 6th hole is one of my favorite par 3s in the state and the second shot at the 5th hole, named “Shipwreck” will make your palms sweat.
I think there’s a reason it has a lot of members who are members at other spots: it’s hard and can really challenge you mentally. BCG has made appearances on top 100 in America lists. It’s an exceptional place, but if I had the option between playing Boston or one of the three courses left on this list for a season, I’d pick one of the next three instead.
How far I would drive to play here: 50 minutes.
Context: A member-guest in late fall at this wonderful Donald Ross design. I played with a Dave, a former schoolmate and then camp counselor with me many summers ago. Ryan, a college golf teammate, was third member of the group, and Connor, an NHL played was the fourth. The course was in awesome shape, the golf was good, and the weather was quintessential fall.
How many previous rounds here? Zero
Why you should play here: The first fourteen holes are great (well, 2-14 are great. One leaves something to be desired…), but the last four are so so good. All par fours, they’re going to test your long game for sure. Winchester also has a few distinct pockets, which, when done right, is cool. The first six holes are in one section, then 7-11 run through the middle of the property and offer a cool vantage point to a lot of the course (and Boston’s skyline). 12-15 edge the property before 16-18 bring you back home.
How far I would drive to play here: 50 minutes.
Context: Concord CC’s Dawson Cup is an incredible two-day best-ball event every August. I play with Eliot and we get our butts kicked every year by the course and the field of players. The course is always set up to test this talented field, and it never fails to impress. I’ve been playing at Concord CC since I was 12 years old, and the changes they have made over the years have made it better and better.
How many previous rounds here? 100+ (my high school team played here)
Why you should play here: If Winchester CC’s last four holes are the best in state, Concord might boast the strongest opening four holes (maybe one of the best front nines, too). Par doesn’t matter during the first two holes, the goal is to reach the third tee box in nine shots. The front nine is the stronger of the sides, but holes 13, 14, and 16 would be a welcome addition to any course. The classic Donald Ross design is tough but very fair. Good shots are rewarded and good scores are always available.
How far I would drive to play here: 60 minutes.
Context: A late August afternoon solo walk around Taconic. My wife joined me at this semi-private dynamo for a late lunch on the patio before the round. We didn’t receive a single side-eye as “outsiders” and felt welcome the entire time. The head pro Josh Hillman was very kind as he checked me in at the pro shop, he peaked out the window to check the first tee and simply said, “The tee is yours when you’re ready. Looks like you have the place to yourself” Music to any golfer’s ears.
How many previous rounds here? Zero.
Why you should play here: The course is gorgeous. It’s in a small, cozy setting (the course is on 115 acres, which is small). The back tees are very hard, with plenty of length; and Gil Hanse’s recent work on the greens provide challenges with wedge and putter in hand. The back nine is superb, the par 3 14th might be the only breather on the inward nine. Just tough hole and tough hole. The 12th, played over a ravine, is just the appetizer before standing up on the 13th tee (pictured above), looking down at a green that you can see from many points on the course. The entire experience was simple and wonderful and to have the chance to play solo on that evening made it even more enjoyable.
How far I would drive to play here: 90 minutes (it’s a three hour drive from Boston, and I thought about making a day trip a couple times this fall.) We were back in late October when it snowed, which was really too bad. I wrote about my experience at Taconic in this piece: To Fall in Love With a Golf Course.