Massachusetts Golf Courses Dominate Golfweek’s 2025 Rankings
Table of Contents
- Massachusetts Golf Courses Dominate Golfweek’s 2025 Rankings
- Top Classic Golf courses in Massachusetts
- The Country club (Composite) in Brookline
- Myopia Hunt Club in Hamilton
- Essex County Club in Manchester-by-the-Sea
- Eastward Ho! in Chatham
- Kittansett Club in Marion
- Sankaty Head in Siasconset
- Salem Country Club in peabody
- Whitinsville Golf Club in Whitinsville
- Worcester Country Club in Worcester
- Taconic Golf Club in Williamstown
- Winchester Country Club in Winchester
- Hyannisport Club in Hyannis
- Charles River Country Club in Newton
- Longmeadow Country Club in Longmeadow
- Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton
- Top modern golf Courses in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Golf Course Rankings
- The Enduring Appeal of Massachusetts Golf Courses
- Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Golf Courses
- Top Classic Golf courses in Massachusetts
Massachusetts boasts a strong presence in the 2025 Golfweek’s Best Courses rankings, with 17 locations earning recognition. These premier golf destinations span across the state, from the South Shore to the Boston suburbs, and into central and western Massachusetts.
The rankings feature 15 classic courses and two modern courses. However, no Massachusetts courses made the cut for Golfweek’s list of the top 100 public-access courses.
golfweek’s ranking system relies on evaluations from hundreds of course-ratings panel members. these experts assign ratings on a 10-point scale, which are then averaged. The world’s best courses typically achieve average ratings above 9, while many excellent courses fall within the high-6 to 8 range. A perfect score of 10 is not given.
Did You Know? The average golf course in the U.S. is 6,600 yards long, requiring approximately 150 acres of land. [Statista]
Top Classic Golf courses in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to several highly-regarded classic golf courses, each with its unique history and design.
The Country club (Composite) in Brookline
Golfweek Ranking: Tied for 24th out of 200.
Average Rating: 8.09
Architect(s): Willie Campbell, William S. Flynn, Howard C. Toomey
Year Opened: 1895
Type: Private
Myopia Hunt Club in Hamilton
Golfweek Ranking: Tied for 30th out of 200.
Average Rating: 7.88
Architect(s): Herbert Leeds
Year Opened: 1896
Type: Private
Essex County Club in Manchester-by-the-Sea
Golfweek Ranking: Tied for 41st out of 200.
Average Rating: 7.75
Architect(s): Donald Ross
Year Opened: 1917
Type: Private
Eastward Ho! in Chatham
Golfweek Ranking: Tied for 41st out of 200.
Average Rating: 7.75
Architect(s): Herbert fowler
Year Opened: 1922
Type: Private
Kittansett Club in Marion
Golfweek Ranking: 51st out of 200.
Average Rating: 7.60
Architect(s): William S. Flynn, Fred Hood
Year opened: 1922
Type: Private
Sankaty Head in Siasconset
Golfweek Ranking: 90th out of 200
Average Rating: 7.19
Architect(s): H. Emerson Armstrong
Year Opened: 1921
Type: private
Salem Country Club in peabody
Golfweek Ranking: Tied for 91st out of 200.
Average Rating: 7.18
Architect(s): Donald ross
Year Opened: 1925
Type: Private
Whitinsville Golf Club in Whitinsville
golfweek Ranking: 95th out of 200.
Average Rating: 7.16
Architect(s): donald Ross
Year Opened: 1923
Type: Private
Worcester Country Club in Worcester
Golfweek Ranking: Tied for 117th out of 200.
Average Rating: 7.00
Architect(s): Donald Ross
Year Opened: 1914
Type: Private
Taconic Golf Club in Williamstown
Golfweek Ranking: 122nd out of 200.
Average Rating: 6.98
Architect(s): Wayne stiles, John van Kleek, Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner
Year Opened: 1927
Type: Private
Winchester Country Club in Winchester
Golfweek Ranking: 131st out of 200.
Average Rating: 6.91
Architect(s): Alexander Findlay, Donald Ross
Year Opened: 1903
Type: Private
Hyannisport Club in Hyannis
Golfweek Ranking: Tied for 146th out of 200.
Average Rating: 6.80
architect(s): Alex Findlay, Donald Ross
Year Opened: 1903
Type: Private
Charles River Country Club in Newton
Golfweek Ranking: Tied for 152nd out of 200.
Average Rating: 6.77
Architect(s): Donald Ross
Year Opened: 1921
Type: Private
Longmeadow Country Club in Longmeadow
Golfweek Ranking: Tied for 163rd out of 200.
Average Rating: 6.68
Architect(s): Donald Ross
Year Opened: 1924
Type: private
Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton
Golfweek Ranking: Tied for 185rd out of 200.
average Rating: 6.57
Architect(s): Donald Ross
Year Opened: 1912
Type: Private
Top modern golf Courses in Massachusetts
Massachusetts also features exceptional modern golf course designs that have earned recognition.
Boston Golf Club in Hingham
Golfweek Ranking: Tied for 32nd out of 200.
average Rating: 7.65
Architect(s): Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner
Year Opened: 2005
Type: Private
Old Sandwich Golf Club in Plymouth
Golfweek Ranking: 36th out of 200.
Average Rating: 7.63
architect(s): Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw
Year Opened: 2004
Type: Private
Pro tip: Before playing a new course, review the course layout and plan your shots to avoid hazards and improve your score.
Massachusetts Golf Course Rankings
Here’s a summary of the top-ranked Massachusetts golf courses according to Golfweek:
| Course Name | Type | Golfweek Ranking | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Country Club (Composite) | Classic | tied for 24th | 8.09 |
| Myopia Hunt Club | Classic | Tied for 30th | 7.88 |
| Boston Golf Club | Modern | Tied for 32nd | 7.65 |
| Old Sandwich Golf Club | Modern | 36th | 7.63 |
| Essex County Club | Classic | Tied for 41st | 7.75 |
| Eastward Ho! | Classic | Tied for 41st | 7.75 |
The Enduring Appeal of Massachusetts Golf Courses
Massachusetts has a rich history in golf, dating back to the late 19th century. The state’s diverse terrain, from coastal links to rolling hills, provides a variety of challenges and scenic beauty for golfers. The presence of renowned architects like Donald Ross has further enhanced the quality and prestige of Massachusetts golf courses.
The state’s commitment to preserving and maintaining these courses ensures their continued appeal for generations of golfers.The blend of classic designs and modern innovations makes Massachusetts a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Golf Courses
What makes Massachusetts a great state for golf?
Massachusetts offers a diverse range of golf courses, from historic clubs to modern designs, set against the backdrop of scenic New England landscapes. The state’s rich golfing history and commitment to quality make it a top destination for golf enthusiasts.
How can I access these top-ranked golf courses in Massachusetts?
Most of the top-ranked courses are private clubs, requiring membership or an invitation to play. Contacting the clubs directly or exploring reciprocal arrangements with other golf clubs may provide opportunities for access.
What is the typical season for playing golf in Massachusetts?
The golf season in Massachusetts typically runs from April to October, with peak conditions in the summer months. Weather conditions can vary,so it’s best to check the forecast before planning a round.
What are your favorite golf courses in Massachusetts? Which course would you most like to play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!