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 courses. 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 layouts in Massachusetts, highlighting everything from poor turf to inconsistent playability and outright neglect.
1. Leo J. Martin Golf Course — Weston, MA
This municipal layout is often cited as America’s worst golf course and tops many dubious lists.Despite the accessible green fees — about $27 for 18 holes on weekdays and $19 for nine — players are blunt about the terms. Reviewers point to dead grass patches on fairways, leaving surfaces overrun with weeds and dirt, and greens that “feel more like fields than terrain surfaces.”
Some players have even warned of twisted ankles and unpredictable play on uneven terrain – evidence of inconsistent maintenance that leaves much to be desired. Still, the course remains a budget-friendly option for those who value low cost over quality.
State officials have acknowledged the problems and planned improvements — including a new irrigation system and turf maintenance plan — with work expected to continue into 2026.
2. Norwood Country Club — Norwood, MA
While Norwood Country Club may be better known locally as an affordable 18-hole club with a driving range, it has received surprisingly harsh reviews from some players and rankings, placing the club among the lowest in the country.
Online commentary about the course paints a picture of uneven fairways and slow, bumpy 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 reviews range between mediocre and fair), but its inclusion in national worst-course roundups underlines some players’ feeling that the experience doesn’t justify the cost – especially when nearby alternatives can surpass it in both conditioning and overall enjoyment.
3. Ponkapoag Golf Course – Canton, MA
Ponkapoag Golf Course, a course with a long history but mixed modern reviews, is on the worst course list and in social commentary for its inconsistent playing surfaces, especially the greens.
Many golfers praise the layout and classic challenge of this nearly 90-year-old course, but admit that poor grass conditions – especially on the greens – hamper 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 shortcomings, Ponkapoag has a loyal following among those who appreciate its design and low prices. It’s a classic example of potential versus fitness: the bones of a great track are there, but maintenance issues keep the full promise from being delivered.
Why these courses draw the ire of golfers
Both public and private courses are ranked low due to a number of recurring issues:
– Poor turf health – Fairways and greens that appear neglected or patchy can turn fun rounds into frustrating rounds.
– Inconsistent Playability – When shots don’t behave predictably, golfers quickly notice – 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 the promises of low costs, dissatisfaction grows.
But even among these “worst rated” courses there is nuance. Affordable entry, historic layouts and loyal local players still find reasons to return – and improvements are often underway. Ultimately, whether a course makes headlines for its turf or its charm depends on the type of golf 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.
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