Weston, Massachusetts, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston, Massachusetts, is facing significant scrutiny for its deteriorating conditions. Players have reported uneven fairways and patchy greens, contributing to a lackluster golfing experience. Despite its low green fees, which attract casual players, the course’s maintenance has been criticized. With plans for upgrades underway, golf enthusiasts remain hopeful yet skeptical about improvements. Nearby courses are also dealing with similar issues, highlighting a regional challenge in public golf offerings.
Weston, Massachusetts — A Golf Course in Trouble
If you play golf in the Boston area and have driven out to Weston lately, you might already know what locals are whispering about. The Leo J. Martin Golf Course has been called out on a recent national list as the toughest one to praise — and the criticism is loud, blunt, and a little embarrassing for the city’s public golf scene.
What’s actually wrong with the course?
Walk the 18 holes and the problems are plain to see. The fairways often look more like maintenance backlots than playable turf, with large stretches of dirt and sand taking the place of grass. The greens, supposed to be the crown jewel of any course, are patchy and underdone — many have weeds and bare spots instead of a smooth putting surface. Dead grass dots the layout in multiple areas, creating inconsistent lies and a general feeling that the place has been neglected.
Players have noted that putting is wildly unpredictable; even a well-hit approach can lead to a roll that refuses to cooperate with the golfer’s read. In short, the course doesn’t reward good shots the way it should, which is a tough pill for any player seeking a fair game.
Why do people still play there?
Money talks. The green fees are low for the region — around $27 for 18 holes on weekdays and about $19 for nine holes. For many casual players, that’s an unbeatable price in a market where public tee times can be pricey. The bargain factor and typically open tee sheets keep golfers coming back for inexpensive rounds, even if the quality isn’t tournament-ready.
What are other Massachusetts courses doing?
This course isn’t alone in drawing criticism. Two other local tracks showed up on the same national list, with one landing inside the top five of the most criticized rankings. Those courses are drawing their own share of complaints, although issues and severity vary across each property.
Who runs the course and what’s being done?
The course is under the management of the state’s conservation and recreation agency. Officials acknowledge the poor conditions and say they’re taking steps to turn things around. A new maintenance director has been hired with plans to upgrade basic systems — notably a new irrigation setup — and to develop a smarter, more sustainable maintenance plan for the greens.
Those are practical moves. Better irrigation can solve a lot of brown turf problems, and a clear greens program can restore rolling surfaces over time. But these fixes take money, time, and consistency; the quick fix most players wanted isn’t realistic.
What do online reviews say?
The internet feedback is brutal and colorful. Descriptions range from warning that the course feels like a trip hazard to flat-out boredom with the playing experience. While online remarks can lean toward hyperbole, the common thread is that the course is not delivering a standard public-golf experience many expect — even at bargain rates.
Should you give it a try?
If you’re after a cheap round and flexible tee times, the course remains a practical option. If you seek pristine turf, consistent putting surfaces, and a course that rewards shotmaking, you’ll likely want to play elsewhere until the maintenance plan shows real progress. For many golf enthusiasts, this is now a “watch this space” situation: hopeful for improvements, but skeptical until the greens prove themselves.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Weston, Massachusetts |
| Typical 18-hole weekday rate | $27 |
| Typical 9-hole rate | $19 |
| Current manager | State conservation and recreation agency |
| Planned improvements | New irrigation system; revised greens maintenance program |
| Nearby criticized courses (same national list) | Norwood Country Club (Norwood) — ranked in top 3; Ponkapoag Golf Course (Canton) — ranked in top 5 |
FAQ
Is the course safe to walk and play?
Many players report uneven ground and rough patches that could pose a risk for twists or trips. Use care and proper footwear when playing.
Will the condition improve soon?
Officials have hired a new maintenance director and plan upgrades to irrigation and green care. Improvements will likely be gradual and dependent on funding and weather.
Is the low price worth dealing with poor turf?
For casual golfers wanting an affordable tee time, the value may still be acceptable. For players seeking consistent, high-quality conditions, other courses are a better bet.
Are tee times easy to get?
Yes. The course usually has ample tee times, which is one reason bargain hunters continue to play there despite complaints.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Weston Golf Course Named Worst in the Nation
Leo J. Martin Golf Course Ranked Worst in the U.S.
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 is in Weston, Massachusetts
- MyGolfSpy: These are the 10 Worst Golf Courses in America
- Global Golf Post: The Disappearance of Heron Bay
- CT Insider: Meriden Senior Open Golf Del Weston
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Worst Golf Courses in America
- Google Scholar: Weston Golf Course
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Weston Massachusetts Golf
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.
