Massachusetts may be known for its rich history and charming coastal towns, but if you’re a golfer, it’s also home to some of the best public golf courses in the Northeast. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll find scenic layouts, challenging holes, and surprisingly affordable tee times across the Bay State. In this 2025 guide, I’ve rounded up the 15 best public golf courses in Massachusetts that consistently impress with layout, conditions, and overall value. These courses are open to everyone, and they don’t break the bank. I’ve personally reviewed ratings, local feedback, course amenities, and value-for-money to help you decide where to tee off next.
1. Pinehills Golf Club (Plymouth, MA)
Why it’s great: Championship-caliber experience without a private club price.
Two 18-hole courses: Nicklaus Design & Rees Jones
Beautifully maintained fairways, rolling hills, and forest views
Consistently ranked among the top 100 public courses in the U.S.
What to Expect:
Pinehills is a standout. You get the quality and atmosphere of a private club, but it’s fully public. The Rees Jones course is known for its forgiving layout, while the Nicklaus course offers more challenges with elevation changes and tighter fairways.
Tee times can be competitive during peak season (May–October), but the experience is worth it. Facilities include a world-class practice area, a cozy tavern, and a pro shop.
Green Fee (2025): $105–$160 depending on day and time
Website: Pinehills Golf Club
2. Crumpin-Fox Club (Bernardston, MA)
Why it’s great: Hidden gem in Western Massachusetts with elite-level play.
Designed by Roger Rulewich of Robert Trent Jones fame
Quiet setting, away from city crowds
Regularly praised for greens and course conditions
What to Expect:
If you’re looking for a less crowded but top-tier golfing experience, Crumpin-Fox is your spot. Nestled in the foothills near the Vermont border, this course is scenic, challenging, and impeccably maintained.
You’ll get a mix of wide fairways, deep bunkers, and some of the best greens in New England. The signature 9th hole (a par 4 with a split fairway and water hazard) is unforgettable.
Green Fee (2025): $85–$130
Website: Crumpin-Fox Club
3. Red Tail Golf Club (Devens, MA)
Why it’s great: Award-winning layout on a former military base.
Named after the red-tailed hawks that nest in the area
Strategic bunkering and native grasses for a links-style feel
Recognized by Golfweek and Golf Digest
What to Expect:
Located just an hour from Boston, Red Tail is ideal for golfers who love strategy. The course layout rewards smart play over long drives, with water hazards and elevation changes that keep things interesting.
It’s also very walkable and has that open, natural vibe. The 17th hole (a par 3 over water) is a stunner and a true test of nerves.
Green Fee (2025): $75–$120
Website: Red Tail Golf Club
4. Granite Links Golf Club (Quincy, MA)
Why it’s great: Unmatched Boston skyline views and upscale public access.
27-hole layout with links-style terrain
Hilltop location with sweeping city and ocean views
On-site dining with one of the best patios in Massachusetts
What to Expect:
Yes, Granite Links is on the pricier side, but you’re paying for an unforgettable setting. Just 7 miles south of downtown Boston, this course features fast greens, elevation changes, and dramatic vistas.
It’s great for golfers who want a “resort” feel without leaving the city. Tee times fill up fast, especially during summer weekends. Don’t skip dinner or drinks at Tavern at Quarry Hills after your round.
Green Fee (2025): $125–$175
Website: Granite Links Golf Club
5. Shining Rock Golf Club (Northbridge, MA)
Why it’s great: Scenic, affordable, and welcoming to all skill levels.
Built around a 400-foot granite outcrop (the “Shining Rock”)
Modern course design with excellent pace of play
Less crowded than big-name courses, but just as enjoyable
What to Expect:
Shining Rock is perfect for a fun, low-pressure day of golf. The course offers a balance of challenge and playability, with multiple tee boxes and beautiful woodland scenery. Great for mid-handicappers or beginners looking to step up their game.
Bonus: The clubhouse deck offers sunset views that rival any coastal course.
Green Fee (2025): $55–$90
Website: Shining Rock Golf Club
6. The Ranch Golf Club (Southwick, MA)
Why it’s great: Mountain-style course tucked into the rolling hills of Western Mass.
Award-winning layout by Damian Pascuzzo
Beautiful tree-lined fairways and elevation shifts
Practice facilities and a scenic clubhouse restaurant
What to Expect:
Set in the Berkshires, The Ranch offers a dramatic yet approachable layout. You’ll love the changes in elevation and the way the course flows naturally with the terrain. It’s challenging enough for skilled players but playable for mid-handicappers. The 9th and 18th holes both bring water into play for a dramatic finish.
Green Fee (2025): $80–$130
Website: The Ranch Golf Club
7. George Wright Golf Course (Hyde Park, MA – Boston)
Why it’s great: Donald Ross design and incredible value inside Boston city limits.
Historic course built in 1938 by legendary architect Donald Ross
Managed by the City of Boston (affordable rates!)
Classic parkland layout with undulating greens
What to Expect:
George Wright is a favorite among locals for good reason. It’s a municipal course with private-club-level architecture. Tree-lined fairways and dramatic bunkering make this a must-play for fans of traditional golf. Despite being in the city, you’ll feel completely removed from the urban hustle.
Green Fee (2025): $45–$70 (resident & non-resident rates)
Website: George Wright Golf Course
8. Blackstone National Golf Club (Sutton, MA)
Why it’s great: Semi-private course with a peaceful country setting and tour-level conditions
Rees Jones design (same designer as Pinehills)
Spacious layout with great pace of play
Excellent drainage and playable in all seasons
What to Expect:
Blackstone National doesn’t get as much press as it should, but it’s consistently ranked among the best-kept courses in the state. The layout is fair and fun, with risk-reward opportunities on nearly every hole. Staff are friendly and the practice range is one of the best in central Massachusetts.
Green Fee (2025): $70–$115
Website: Blackstone National Golf Club
9. Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course (Marstons Mills, Cape Cod)
Why it’s great: Budget-friendly Cape Cod golf with a relaxed, local vibe.
Town-owned course with excellent maintenance
Flat layout, great for walking or beginners
Family-friendly and beginner-friendly
What to Expect:
Located on Cape Cod, Olde Barnstable is ideal for vacationers looking to squeeze in a round without blowing their travel budget. It’s not overly long or punishing, but it’s always in great shape. Bonus: Cape breezes and fewer crowds than the more expensive Cape courses.
Green Fee (2025): $40–$70
Website: Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course
10. Waverly Oaks Golf Club (Plymouth, MA)
Why it’s great: Strong contender near Pinehills with top-tier course conditions.
Lush fairways, true greens, and modern design
Conveniently located near Cape Cod and Boston
Excellent customer service and events team
What to Expect:
Often overshadowed by Pinehills, Waverly Oaks is a gem in its own right. It offers a fun yet challenging round with wide landing areas and strategically placed hazards. You’ll enjoy scenic woodland holes and quick greens that reward good putting. It’s also a popular venue for weddings and events—so it has that upscale feel without the price tag.
Green Fee (2025): $70–$125
Website: Waverly Oaks Golf Club
11. Cranberry Valley Golf Course (Harwich, MA – Cape Cod)
Why it’s great: A well-kept secret on Cape Cod with excellent rates and superb conditions
Designed by Geoffrey Cornish & Bill Robinson
Challenging yet fair for all skill levels
Great pace of play and walkable layout
What to Expect:
Located in Harwich on Cape Cod, Cranberry Valley is a local favorite with a loyal following. The course features tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and a fun variety of holes. It’s not overly long, which makes it great for walkers, seniors, and families looking for a relaxing round.
Green Fee (2025): $45–$80
Website: Cranberry Valley Golf Course
12. Shaker Hills Country Club (Harvard, MA)
Why it’s great: Country club feel at public prices
Beautifully maintained with lush fairways and large greens
Mix of parkland and open-style holes
Great driving range and short-game area
What to Expect:
Shaker Hills feels like a private club, but it’s open to the public. The course is always in pristine condition and offers a peaceful, upscale vibe. With elevation changes, water hazards, and big greens, it keeps things interesting. It’s a favorite for group outings and weekend warriors alike.
Green Fee (2025): $85–$130
Website: Shaker Hills Country Club
13. Red Tail Golf Club (Devens, MA)
Why it’s great: A championship-level course with rave reviews and affordable weekday rates.
One of the top-rated public courses in New England
Named after the red-tailed hawks seen throughout the course
Scenic, well-routed, and challenging
What to Expect:
Located in Devens (north-central MA), Red Tail is a must-play for serious golfers. It’s known for excellent conditions, quick greens, and a layout that challenges every club in your bag. From wide-open driving holes to tighter, wooded par 4s, every round here feels like a new adventure.
Green Fee (2025): $75–$135
Website: Red Tail Golf Club
14. South Shore Country Club (Hingham, MA)
Why it’s great: Classic muni course with great accessibility and local charm
18-hole layout with historical roots (built in 1922)
Walkable, well-priced, and popular with Boston’s South Shore community
On-site bowling alley and restaurant
What to Expect:
South Shore CC is ideal for casual players, juniors, or those who want an old-school golf experience. It’s not as polished as the private clubs, but it offers fantastic value and a laid-back environment. Bonus: it’s just 30 minutes south of Boston and a great place to bring the family.
Green Fee (2025): $35–$65
Website: South Shore Country Club
15. Springfield Country Club (West Springfield, MA)
Why it’s great: Affordable hidden gem in Western Massachusetts.
Open to the public while retaining a private-club atmosphere
Rolling terrain with scenic views
Friendly staff and quick pace of play
What to Expect:
If you’re in Western Mass, Springfield Country Club offers great bang for your buck. It has that classic New England course vibe with tree-lined fairways and elevation changes. The course isn’t overly long, making it playable for newer golfers without being boring for seasoned players.
Green Fee (2025): $40–$85
Website: Springfield Country Club
Tips Before You Book:
Reserve early (especially May–October).
Look for twilight rates for big savings.
Check for aeration schedules before booking—greens matter!
Bring layers—New England weather changes quickly.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Tee Off in 2025?
If you want a bucket-list round close to Boston, Granite Links or Pinehills are top picks. For a more relaxed and scenic experience, Crumpin-Fox and Shining Rock offer excellent value without compromising quality. And Red Tail? It’s the perfect middle ground—challenging yet accessible, strategic but fair.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
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