The Bottom of the Barrel: Massachusetts’ Most Criticized Golf Courses
Massachusetts punches well above its weight in quality golf — from classic Donald Ross designs to world-class championship tracks. But even in the Bay State, not every course gets rave reviews. A 2025 national ranking of the worst golf courses in the United States included three Massachusetts layouts, highlighting everything from poor turf to inconsistent playability and outright neglect.
1. Leo J. Martin Golf Course — Weston, MA
Frequently cited as the worst golf course in America, this municipal layout tops many dubious lists.
Despite its accessible green fees — around $27 for 18 holes on weekdays and $19 for nine — players have been blunt about conditions. Reviewers point to dead grass patches on fairways, putting surfaces overrun with weeds and dirt, and greens that “feel more like fields than putting surfaces.”
Some players have even warned of twisted ankles and unpredictable play across uneven turf — testament to inconsistent maintenance that leaves much to be desired. Yet the course persists as a budget-friendly option for those chasing low cost over quality.
State officials have acknowledged the problems and slated improvements — including a new irrigation system and turf maintenance plan — with work expected to continue into 2026.
2. Norwood Country Club — Norwood, MA
While perhaps better known locally as an affordable 18-hole club with a driving range, Norwood Country Club has attracted surprisingly harsh reviews from some players and ranking lists that landed it among the lowest in the nation.
Online commentary about the course paints a picture of uneven fairways and slow, bumpier greens — conditions that, while not catastrophic, fall short of what many golfers expect from a traditional “country club.”
Different sources vary on its exact reputation (user ratings cluster between mediocre and fair), but its inclusion in national worst-course roundups underscores a sentiment from some players that the experience doesn’t justify the cost — particularly when nearby alternatives can outperform it both in conditioning and overall enjoyment.
3. Ponkapoag Golf Course — Canton, MA
A course with a long history but mixed modern reviews, Ponkapoag Golf Course has been featured on worst-course lists and social commentary because of its inconsistent playing surfaces, especially its greens.
Many golfers praise the layout and classic challenge of this nearly 90-year-old course, but admit that poor turf conditions — particularly on greens — drag down the experience. Some describe conditions as patchy or “more dirt than grass,” and others note that improvements are still a work in progress.
Despite its flaws, Ponkapoag maintains a loyal following among those who appreciate its design and low prices. It’s a classic instance of potential vs. condition — the bones of a great course are there, but maintenance issues keep it from reaching its full promise.
Why These Courses Get the Wrath of Golfers
Public and private courses alike land on low rankings for a few recurring issues:
– Poor turf health – Fairways and greens that seem neglected or patchy can turn fun rounds into frustrating ones.
– Inconsistent playability – When shots don’t behave predictably, golfers notice quickly — whether they’re scoring or just trying to walk 18 holes.
– Expectations vs. reality – Even budget courses come with expectations, and when the experience doesn’t match low-cost promise, dissatisfaction grows.
Yet even among these “worst-rated” courses, there’s nuance. Affordable access, historic layouts, and loyal local players still find reasons to return — and improvements are often underway. In the end, whether a course makes headlines for its turf or its charm depends on what kind of golfing experience you’re chasing.
In Massachusetts golf, as in life, beauty and frustration often share the same landscape — and every round tells a story worth telling.