,Massachusetts, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Three golf courses from Massachusetts have made headlines after being named among the ten worst courses in the United States by a national golf website. The Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston received the lowest ranking, critiqued for its deteriorating playing conditions. The other two courses mentioned, Norwood Country Club and Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton, also faced backlash for their quality. While some players are disappointed, others appreciate the budget-friendly fees, leading to a debate on whether these courses should still be played.
Boston —
Three Bay State courses land on a harsh national list
Golfers around Massachusetts woke up to some rough news: three local courses were named among the ten worst in the country by a national golf website. The list puts a spotlight on courses that many players already grumble about during rounds, and it singles out one facility in particular as the lowest-ranked in the nation.
At the center of the controversy is Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston, which received the top dishonor on the list. The playing surface there has been described by visiting players and reviewers as worn out and unreliable. Fairways show obvious patches of dead grass, while some areas are dominated by dirt and sand rather than consistent turf. The greens have struggled with weed growth and surface problems that make reading putts a guessing game for anyone who manages to hit the ball into scoring position.
Despite those tough conditions, Leo J. Martin still draws a crowd. Part of the appeal is price: weekday green fees are inexpensive compared with most courses in the Boston area, with a full 18 holes available for a low fee and nine-hole options even cheaper. Those low rates mean the track remains an option for golfers who prioritize a casual round and a quick tee time over pristine turf and manicured greens.
Not the only Massachusetts courses singled out
The Weston track wasn’t alone. Two other Bay State courses made the same national list: Norwood Country Club was ranked third worst, and Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton landed at fifth. The inclusion of multiple local courses has put some pressure on managers and municipal officials to respond, even as casual players shrug and keep booking tee times.
What players are saying — no sugarcoating
Online feedback is generally blunt. Many reviewers warn that footing can be risky in spots and that the experience can feel more like a hike than a polished round. Some describe rounds at the worst-ranked courses as plain frustrating — you might get a bargain green fee, but you may also end up dealing with poor lies, unpredictable greens, and a surface that fights back. For a portion of the local golf community, these tracks are a last-resort option for a cheap round rather than a place to test one’s best golf.
Management and fixes in motion
The course at Weston is managed by the state’s conservation agency, which has acknowledged the issues and is taking steps to improve conditions. Recent moves include hiring a new maintenance director and starting work on an upgraded irrigation system intended to bring more consistent water to turf areas. Progress is rarely instant on turf problems, but those changes are practical steps toward better playing surfaces over the coming seasons.
Why these rankings matter — and why some golfers won’t care
Lists like this draw attention because they combine public perception, on-the-ground conditions, and player expectations into a single headline. For committed players who chase consistent conditions and challenge, being on a “worst” list hurts reputation and playability. But there’s another side: golfers who simply want an affordable round and easy booking may keep showing up regardless of rankings. Tee sheets for these courses typically have spare slots, which appeals to those planning spur-of-the-moment rounds or those practicing swing basics without paying premium fees.
What to expect if you go
- Green fees: Leo J. Martin offers low weekday rates that remain attractive to budget-conscious golfers.
- Playing conditions: Expect variable turf quality; be prepared for noisy putts and uneven lies in spots.
- Tee times: Generally available with minimal wait, which is a plus for casual play.
- Maintenance plans: Management has announced staffing and irrigation upgrades, so conditions could improve over time.
FAQ
Which Massachusetts courses were listed among the nation’s worst?
Three Bay State courses were named among the ten worst: the course in Weston ranked worst overall, with Norwood Country Club and the Canton course also appearing in the top ten of that ranking.
What kinds of problems led to the rankings?
Major issues cited include dead or patchy fairways, greens overrun with weeds, fairways that are more dirt and sand than turf, and greens that make placing a quality putt difficult.
Are these courses affordable despite the conditions?
Yes. The Weston course remains one of the cheaper options in the area, offering low weekday rates for 18 holes and an even lower rate for nine holes, which keeps it busy with bargain-seeking players.
Is anything being done to fix the courses?
The agency that oversees the Weston course is making changes, including bringing in a new maintenance director and installing a new irrigation system to improve turf health over time.
Should I still play these courses?
It depends on what you want. If you want immaculate greens and a premium experience, these tracks may disappoint. If you want a cheap round and easy tee times, they may still suit your needs.
Quick reference table
| Course | Town | Rank (worst list) | Noted Issues | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo J. Martin Golf Course | Weston | 1 (worst) | Patches of dead grass, weedy greens, dirt/sand fairways, unpredictable putts | Low weekday green fees; managed by state agency; irrigation and staffing upgrades planned |
| Norwood Country Club | Norwood | 3 | General poor condition reported | Included in the same national list affecting reputation |
| Ponkapoag Golf Course | Canton | 5 | Mixed turf quality, maintenance concerns | Popular for casual, affordable rounds |
Bottom line: if you’re chasing pristine greens and championship-level conditioning, you’ll want to look elsewhere. If you value low cost and easy tee times and don’t mind improvising around rough surfaces, these local tracks still have a place in the playing rotation — for now.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Weston Golf Course Faces Criticism for Poor Conditions
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
- MyGolfSpy: These are the 10 Worst Golf Courses in America
- Golf Digest: Massachusetts Best Golf Courses Rankings
- Google Search: Worst Golf Courses in America
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.
