9 Best Public Golf Courses In Massachusetts

Discover the best public golf courses in Massachusetts, where lush fairways meet scenic beauty.

Massachusetts, with its picturesque landscapes and rich golfing tradition, is a golfer's paradise brimming with a diverse array of public golf courses that cater to enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for a challenging round or a newcomer eager to embrace the beauty of the sport, the Bay State has something to offer every golfer. I

n this exploration of the top public golf courses in Massachusetts, we'll tee off on a journey through lush fairways, scenic vistas, and meticulously designed courses that have earned their place as some of the finest golfing destinations in the New England region.

So, grab your clubs and join us as we embark on a golfing odyssey to discover the gems that make Massachusetts a golfer's dream.

1) Pinehills Golf Club

Pinehills Golf Club is a top-notch public golf course in Massachusetts, and here are some of the reasons why:

• World-class course design: Pinehills Golf Club features two 18-hole championship courses designed by Rees Jones and Jack Nicklaus, two of the most renowned golf course architects in the world. Jones's course is known for its dramatic elevation changes and challenging greens, while Nicklaus's course is more forgiving, with wider fairways and gentler slopes. Both courses offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• Excellent course conditions: Pinehills Golf Club is known for its meticulously maintained fairways, greens, and bunkers. The staff takes great pride in ensuring that the courses are in top-notch condition year-round.
• Comprehensive practice facilities: Pinehills Golf Club offers some of the most extensive practice facilities in New England. Players can warm up on the driving range, putting green, chipping area, and practice bunker before hitting the links.
• Convenient location: Pinehills Golf Club is conveniently located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, just a short drive from Boston and Cape Cod. This makes it a perfect destination for golfers of all skill levels, from locals to tourists alike.
• Affordable rates: Despite its world-class design and amenities, Pinehills Golf Club offers affordable green fees. This makes it a great option for budget-minded golfers.

In addition to the above, Pinehills Golf Club also offers a variety of other amenities that make it a great choice for golfers, including:

• A fully stocked pro shop with the latest golf equipment and apparel
• A full-service restaurant and bar serving delicious food and drinks
• A friendly and knowledgeable staff that is always happy to help

Overall, Pinehills Golf Club is a great public golf course in Massachusetts because it offers a combination of world-class design, excellent course conditions, comprehensive practice facilities, a convenient location, and affordable rates. It is a perfect destination for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players.

2) The Ranch Golf Club

The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick, Massachusetts is a great public golf course for a number of reasons, including:

• Challenging but fair layout: The course is designed to be enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels, with five sets of tees on each hole. It features a variety of different hole designs, including long par 4s, short par 5s, and tricky par 3s. The course also features a variety of water hazards and sand traps, which add to the challenge and excitement of playing the course.
• Excellent condition: The Ranch Golf Club is well-maintained and in excellent condition year-round. The greens are fast and smooth, and the fairways are lush and green. The course also features a variety of water hazards and sand traps, which are well-maintained and add to the challenge of the course.
• Beautiful setting: The Ranch Golf Club is nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. The course is surrounded by trees and ponds, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The beautiful setting makes for a truly enjoyable golfing experience.
• Affordable green fees: The Ranch Golf Club offers a variety of different green fee options, making it a great value for golfers of all budgets. The course also offers discounts for seniors, juniors, and military personnel.
• Accolades: The Ranch Golf Club has been recognized by a number of golf publications and organizations for its excellence. For example, the course has been ranked among the top public golf courses in New England by Golf Digest and Golf World. The course has also hosted a number of prestigious golf tournaments, including the Massachusetts Open Championship and the New England Amateur Championship.

In addition to the above, The Ranch Golf Club is also known for its friendly and welcoming staff. The staff is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that golfers have a great experience. The course also has a well-stocked pro shop and a restaurant that serves delicious food.

Overall, The Ranch Golf Club is a great public golf course that offers golfers of all skill levels a challenging, enjoyable, and affordable round of golf. The course is also set in a beautiful location and has a friendly and welcoming staff.

Recommended: The Golf Swing Analyzers

3) Shaker Hills Country Club

Shaker Hills Country Club in Harvard, Massachusetts, is a great public golf course for a number of reasons:

• It is a challenging and well-maintained course. The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, and it offers a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. The course is also well-maintained, with lush fairways, smooth greens, and challenging bunkers.
• It is affordable and accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Shaker Hills Country Club is a public golf course, which means that it is open to the public for a fee. The greens fees are also very reasonable, especially when compared to other public golf courses in the area.
• It has a beautiful setting with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Shaker Hills Country Club is located in the heart of rural Massachusetts, and the course offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The course is also well-landscaped, with a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• It offers a variety of amenities, including a driving range, putting green, and clubhouse. Shaker Hills Country Club offers a variety of amenities for its golfers, including a driving range, putting green, and clubhouse. The clubhouse has a full bar and restaurant, as well as a pro shop where golfers can purchase golf equipment and apparel.
• It is a popular destination for golfers from all over the country. Shaker Hills Country Club is a popular destination for golfers from all over the country, and it has been ranked as one of the best public golf courses in Massachusetts by Golf Digest.

In addition to the above reasons, Shaker Hills Country Club is also a great public golf course because of its friendly and welcoming staff. The staff at Shaker Hills Country Club is always happy to help golfers with anything they need, and they go out of their way to make sure that everyone has a great experience.

Overall, Shaker Hills Country Club is a great public golf course because it offers a challenging and well-maintained course, affordable greens fees, a beautiful setting, and a variety of amenities. If you are looking for a great place to play golf in Massachusetts, Shaker Hills Country Club is definitely worth checking out.

4) Red Tail Golf Club

Red Tail Golf Club in Devens, Massachusetts is a good public golf course for a variety of reasons:

• Challenging and diverse layout: The course is designed by Brian Silva, a renowned golf architect, and offers a challenging and diverse layout with a variety of hole types. The course winds through rolling wooded hills and meanders among numerous streams and ponds. The terrain varies from classic New England landscapes of maples, birches, and oaks to tall grasses and sands reminiscent of coastal courses.
• Well-maintained conditions: Red Tail Golf Club is known for its excellent condition. The fairways are lush and green, the greens are smooth and true, and the bunkers are well-kept. The course is also well-staffed, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
• Affordable prices: Red Tail Golf Club offers affordable rates, especially considering the quality of the course. The course also offers a variety of discounts for seniors, juniors, and military personnel.
• Convenient location: Red Tail Golf Club is conveniently located just off of Route 2 in Deyens, Massachusetts. The course is also close to several other major highways, making it easy to get to from Boston, Worcester, and other parts of New England.
• Variety of amenities: Red Tail Golf Club offers a variety of amenities, including a driving range, putting green, chipping green, and practice bunker. The course also has a clubhouse with a pro shop and restaurant.

In addition to the above, Red Tail Golf Club has also been recognized for its environmental stewardship. The course is certified as an Audubon International Cooperative Signature Sanctuary, which means that it meets high standards for environmental protection and wildlife habitat.

5) Granite Links Golf Club

Granite Links Golf Club is a good public golf course for several reasons:

• Championship-caliber course: Granite Links is a 27-hole golf course that has hosted several professional tournaments, including the BJ's Charity Championship on the LPGA Legends Tour. The course is known for its challenging layout, undulating greens, and stunning views of the Boston skyline.
• Variety of options: Granite Links offers a variety of options for golfers of all skill levels. The three nine-hole courses can be played in any combination, and the course offers a variety of tee boxes to choose from.
• Public access: Granite Links is a semi-private golf course, but it is open to the public. This means that anyone can book a tee time and play the course, regardless of whether or not they are a member.
• Affordable rates: Granite Links' green fees are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the course. The course also offers discounts for seniors, juniors, and military members.
• Excellent amenities: Granite Links has a variety of amenities to offer golfers, including a driving range, putting green, chipping area, and pro shop. The course also has a restaurant and bar, where golfers can relax and enjoy a meal or drink after their round.

In addition to the above, Granite Links has also been recognized by several golf publications as one of the best public golf courses in the country. For example, Golf Digest has ranked Granite Links in its list of "Top 100 Public Courses in America" for several years in a row.

6) Cape Cod National Golf Club

Cape Cod National Golf Club in Brewster, Massachusetts is a top public golf course in the state for a number of reasons.

• Design: The course was designed by Brian Silva, one of the most respected golf course architects in the world. Silva is known for his challenging but fair designs, and Cape Cod National is no exception. The course features a variety of tee shots, undulating greens, and strategically placed bunkers.
• Conditioning: Cape Cod National is always in excellent condition. The fairways are lush and green, the greens are smooth and fast, and the bunkers are well-maintained. The course is also well-staffed and customer service is top-notch.
• Challenge: Cape Cod National is a challenging course for golfers of all skill levels. The fairways are relatively narrow and the greens are well-protected by bunkers. However, there are also plenty of opportunities to score well if you are accurate and hit the ball well.
• Value: Cape Cod National is a good value for the money. The green fees are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the course. The course also offers a variety of discounts for groups and seniors.

In addition to the above factors, Cape Cod National is also a popular course because of its beautiful setting. The course is located on a peninsula with stunning views of Nantucket Sound. The clubhouse is also very nice, with a restaurant and bar that offer panoramic views of the course.

Overall, Cape Cod National Golf Club is a top public golf course in Massachusetts because it offers a challenging and well-conditioned layout at a reasonable price. The course is also located in a beautiful setting and offers excellent customer service.

Here are some excerpts from reviews of Cape Cod National Golf Club:

• "One of the best public courses in the country. The course is challenging but fair, and the conditions are always excellent."
• "A must-play course for any golfer visiting Cape Cod. The design is superb, the conditioning is top-notch, and the views are amazing."
• "A great value for the money. The green fees are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the course."

If you are looking for a challenging and enjoyable public golf experience, Cape Cod National Golf Club is a great option.

7) Waverly Oaks Golf Club 

Waverly Oaks Golf Club in Plymouth, Massachusetts is a top public golf course in MA for a number of reasons:

• Design: The course was designed by Brian Silva, who is known for his challenging and playable designs. Waverly Oaks features a variety of hole types, from long par 5s to short par 3s, all of which are set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush woodlands.
• Condition: The course is always in excellent condition, with well-maintained fairways, greens, and bunkers. The staff takes great pride in keeping the course looking and playing its best.
• Challenge: Waverly Oaks offers a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The course is long enough to challenge the best players, but it is also forgiving enough to allow players of all abilities to enjoy a round.
• Value: Waverly Oaks is a great value for the price. The course offers a top-quality golfing experience at a price that is affordable for most golfers.
• Location: Waverly Oaks is conveniently located just off of Route 3 in Plymouth, MA. This makes it easy to get to from all over New England.

In addition to these factors, Waverly Oaks has also been recognized for its excellence by a number of industry publications. Golf Digest has rated Waverly Oaks a 4.5-star course, and it has been named one of the "Top 100 Courses You Can Play" by Golf Magazine.

Overall, Waverly Oaks Golf Club is a top public golf course in MA because it offers a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels at a reasonable price. The course is always in excellent condition, and it is conveniently located.

Recommended: The Golf Swing Analyzers

8) The International Golf Club & Resort

The International Golf Club & Resort in Bolton is a top public golf course in Massachusetts for a number of reasons.

• World-class design: The club features two championship courses, the Oaks and the Pines, both designed by renowned golf course architects. The Oaks Course was designed by Tom Fazio, while the Pines Course was recently redesigned by Coore & Crenshaw. Both courses are challenging and scenic, with a variety of hole types to test golfers of all skill levels.
• Superb conditions: The International Golf Club & Resort is known for its excellent course conditions. The fairways are always well-maintained, the greens are smooth and true, and the bunkers are properly raked. The club also takes great care of its practice facilities, including the driving range, putting green, and chipping area.
• First-class amenities: In addition to its two golf courses, The International Golf Club & Resort also offers a variety of other amenities, including a driving range, putting green, chipping area, pro shop, clubhouse restaurant, and bar. The club also has a 54-room resort hotel, so golfers can stay overnight and enjoy a complete golf getaway.

Here are some additional reasons why The International Golf Club & Resort is so highly regarded:

• Location: The club is conveniently located just 30 minutes west of Boston, making it an easy trip for golfers from all over the region.
• Value: The International Golf Club & Resort offers excellent value for the money. Green fees are reasonable, and the club often has specials and promotions available.
• Service: The club's staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always happy to go the extra mile to make sure that golfers have a great experience.

Overall, The International Golf Club & Resort is a top public golf course in Massachusetts because it offers a world-class golfing experience with excellent course conditions, first-class amenities, and a convenient location.

9) Cranberry Valley Golf Course

Cranberry Valley Golf Course in Harwich, Massachusetts is a top public golf course in MA for a number of reasons:

• Challenging and well-maintained layout: The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Geoffrey Cornish and features a variety of challenging holes, including undulating greens, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards. The course is also always in excellent condition, with well-manicured fairways and greens.
• Beautiful scenery: Cranberry Valley is set in a picturesque location, with rolling hills and cranberry bogs providing a stunning backdrop for the golf course. Players can enjoy the views of Cape Cod Bay from several holes on the course.
• Variety of amenities: The course offers a variety of amenities to make the golfing experience enjoyable, including a fully stocked pro shop, a driving range, and a practice putting green. There is also a restaurant on-site, where players can enjoy a meal or drink after their round.
• Affordable prices: Cranberry Valley is a public golf course, which means that it is open to the public and does not require a membership. The course also offers a variety of discounts for seniors, juniors, and groups.

In addition to these factors, Cranberry Valley has also been recognized for its excellence by a number of organizations. For example, the course has been rated as one of the top public golf courses in Massachusetts by Golf Digest and GolfWeek. Cranberry Valley has also hosted a number of major tournaments, including the Massachusetts Amateur Championship and the Massachusetts Open Championship.

Overall, Cranberry Valley Golf Course is a top public golf course in MA because it offers a challenging and well-maintained layout, beautiful scenery, a variety of amenities, and affordable prices.

Wrapping Things Up

As our journey through the top public golf courses in Massachusetts comes to an end, we hope you've been inspired to explore the rich tapestry of golfing experiences this state has to offer.

From challenging layouts to breathtaking vistas, these courses have showcased the very essence of golfing excellence in the heart of New England. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just beginning to embrace the sport, Massachusetts beckons with its greens and fairways, inviting you to tee off into a world of beauty and skill.

So, pack your clubs and embark on your next golfing adventure in the Bay State, where each course promises an unforgettable round and a chance to connect with the natural beauty that makes Massachusetts a golfer's paradise.