Weston, Massachusetts, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston, Massachusetts, has been rated as the worst golf course in the U.S. due to poor playing conditions and low customer satisfaction. Issues include dead grass, weed-ridden greens, and inconsistent fairways. Despite these problems, the course remains popular for its affordability, with costs at $27 for 18 holes. Management has acknowledged the issues and plans improvements to enhance the course’s condition and player experience in the future.
Weston, Massachusetts
Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston has been ranked as the worst golf course in the United States by a national golf-course ranking review, with assessments pointing to widespread poor playing conditions and low customer satisfaction. The evaluation cited extensive patches of dead grass, greens overrun with weeds, and dried dirt areas that compromise both playability and safety. The ranking places the course at the bottom nationally while also noting several other Massachusetts courses among the lowest-rated facilities.
Key details
The ranking highlighted several specific condition issues: fairways consisting largely of dirt and sand in many areas, greens that are inconsistent and hard to read, and visible weed growth on putting surfaces. The course’s average public rating is low, with an average Google score reported at 2.7 out of 5, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among recent players. Two other Massachusetts courses were also identified among the poorer-rated facilities nationally, with Norwood Country Club and Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton listed near the bottom of the same evaluation.
Playability and player experience
Golfers visiting the course have described unpredictable ball behavior on greens and difficulty maintaining consistent shots from fairways that contain significant dirt and sand patches. Review summaries from online sources emphasize concerns about safety and overall enjoyment, and they suggest the course is not suited for players seeking a high-quality or championship-like experience. Despite these complaints, the course continues to see a steady flow of players attracted to its low cost and flexible scheduling.
Cost and accessibility
The course remains a budget option for the region, with weekday green fees listed at $27 for 18 holes and $19 for nine holes. Tee times are generally available, which appeals to golfers who prioritize quick, casual rounds and value for money over pristine conditions. Availability and low fees have helped maintain regular play, even as reviews and rankings criticize course upkeep.
Management response and planned improvements
The facility is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, which has publicly acknowledged the condition issues and is implementing steps to address them. A new maintenance director has been hired with a mandate to improve agronomy and course care. Planned improvements include installation of an upgraded irrigation system and revised maintenance schedules designed to target the most damaged areas, especially the greens and heavily trafficked fairways. Officials report these are early-stage efforts intended to stabilize turf health and improve playability over the coming seasons.
Local context and demand
Leo J. Martin is positioned as a municipal-style public course in the Greater Boston area, where affordable options are in demand. The low fees and open tee-sheet attract golfers looking for convenience and low cost, even when conditioned turf and green speed fall short of preferred standards. For casual players and beginners, availability and price remain attractive; for golfers seeking a consistently maintained test of shot-making, the course currently ranks poorly.
What this means for golfers
Prospective visitors should expect a budget, walk-on style experience rather than resort-level conditions. Players who prioritize firm, smooth greens and consistent fairways may want to seek other nearby facilities. Those willing to accept rougher playing surfaces can still find a playable round with generally available tee times at lower weekday rates. The management’s commitment to upgrades should be monitored by local players for measurable improvements in turf health and maintenance over the next seasons.
FAQ
Is Leo J. Martin Golf Course really the worst course in the U.S.?
A national evaluative ranking placed Leo J. Martin at the bottom of its list based on recent assessments of playing conditions and customer reviews. The assessment compared many courses across the country and found Leo J. Martin among the lowest-rated facilities.
What are the main condition issues?
Main issues include large patches of dead grass, fairways with exposed dirt and sand, weed-covered greens, and inconsistent putting surfaces that make ball roll unpredictable.
Who manages the course and are improvements planned?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the course. A new maintenance director has been hired and plans include a new irrigation system and revised maintenance practices aimed at improving turf and green conditions.
How much does it cost to play?
Weekday green fees are generally listed at $27 for 18 holes and $19 for nine holes, making it an affordable option for the Boston area.
Is it still worth visiting?
That depends on expectations. For golfers seeking cheap, convenient tee times and casual play, it remains an option. For golfers seeking high-quality turf and consistent greens, it is currently not recommended until improvements materialize.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Course name | Leo J. Martin Golf Course |
| Location | Weston, Massachusetts |
| Current national ranking | Listed among the lowest-rated courses nationally in a recent evaluation |
| Typical weekday green fees | $27 (18 holes); $19 (9 holes) |
| Average public rating | Approximately 2.7 out of 5 (public reviews) |
| Managing agency | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Planned improvements | New maintenance director, upgraded irrigation system, revised greens and turf maintenance |
| Tee time availability | Generally available; appeals to casual players seeking flexible rounds |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Three Massachusetts Golf Courses Ranked Among Worst in US
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Weston Golf Course Ranked Worst
- KVIA: The Worst Golf Course in America
- MyGolfSpy: The 10 Worst Golf Courses in America
- Global Golf Post: The Disappearance of Heron Bay
- CT Insider: Meriden Senior Open Golf – Del Weston
- Wikipedia: Leo J. Martin Golf Course
- Google Search: Golf Course Rankings
- Google Scholar: Golf Course Conditions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Weston Golf Course
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
