,Weston, August 23, 2025
News Summary
Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston has been labeled the worst public golf course in the nation, a title that has sparked significant changes. Despite the low ranking, the state parks agency is initiating upgrades, including a new irrigation system and ongoing turf maintenance. Green fees remain budget-friendly, attracting players despite the course’s reputation. Improvements are set to start soon, raising hopes for a better golfing experience in the future.
Weston — Public Course Labeled the Nation’s Worst, But Change Is Coming
Leo J. Martin Golf Course finds itself in a tough spot
If you play public golf around Boston, you’ve probably heard the chatter: Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston was recently named the worst course in the country by a national golf review group. The list that landed Leo J. Martin at the bottom also put two other Massachusetts municipal courses in the top five worst: Norwood Country Club at No. 3 and Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton at No. 5. All three are run by the state’s parks agency, which oversees dozens of public golf properties across Massachusetts.
Not pretty online — and not much nicer in person, according to players
The Weston course carries a low public rating on listing sites, with an overall score that sits well below what golfers expect. Player reports and reviews describe very uneven turf, rough playing surfaces, and conditions that leave some visitors wincing at every step. Several reviewers made it clear they were disappointed with the playing turf and described the walking and footing as a real hazard during rounds. That reputation — backed by the low rating — is part of what pushed the course onto that national list.
State agency responds and lays out upgrades
The state parks agency has acknowledged the bad ranking and says it’s taking steps to fix the problems. They have brought in a new director of golf course maintenance to focus on improvements at both the Weston course and Ponkapoag. A consultant has been hired to design a brand-new irrigation system at Leo J. Martin and the design phase is complete. The permitting process for the irrigation upgrade is expected to wrap up in winter, with construction slated to begin in spring of 2026.
Work already underway on the greens
Turf care is not sitting idle while the irrigation project goes through approvals. An ongoing greens maintenance plan launched in 2024 includes a menu of turf health practices: core aeration, topdressing, speed seeding, deep-tine aeration and rolling of the greens. Those are the building blocks of better putting surfaces, and the agency says the plan is meant to deliver slow, steady improvement rather than a quick cosmetic fix.
Affordability keeps golfers coming despite the reputation
One important thing to remember: Leo J. Martin is one of the more budget-friendly public options in the Boston area. Green fees are set at $27 for 18 holes on weekdays, $30 on weekends, and $19 for nine holes any day. That price point keeps a steady stream of budget-conscious golfers and casual players coming through the gates, even if die-hard turf snobs steer clear.
What this means for players
If you’re looking for a cheap round and don’t mind a course that’s a work in progress, this might still be a reasonable play. If your priority is pristine greens and perfectly manicured fairways, you might want to pick a different track while the fixes get underway. The major upgrades — especially the new irrigation system — won’t be instant, but the maintenance work begun in 2024 should make mid-term improvements noticeable for regulars.
Why the national list matters
National rankings like this are blunt instruments: they get attention fast, and that attention pushes agencies to act. For the state-run courses involved, the ranking has prompted hiring, consulting, and capital planning. That’s the silver lining: public pressure drove public response, and golfers should see tangible progress over the next couple of seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leo J. Martin actually unsafe to play?
Players have reported uneven turf and footing issues that can make walking tricky in spots. The agency is improving turf management and will install a new irrigation system, which should improve turf consistency and safety over time.
Who’s running the fixes?
The state parks agency that manages the course has hired a new director of golf course maintenance and engaged a consultant to design the irrigation system. Maintenance work on the greens has been ongoing since 2024.
When will the irrigation project start?
Design is complete. Permitting is expected to finish in winter, with construction targeted for spring 2026.
Will the course be closed during construction?
The agency has not announced a full closure. Major projects like irrigation often require phased work; expect some temporary disruptions but not necessarily a full-season shutdown until more details are released.
Is it still worth playing for budget golfers?
Yes. With weekday 18-hole fees around $27 and nine-hole rates about $19, the course remains a strong value for casual rounds and low-cost play while improvements roll out.
Quick Reference Table
| Course | National Rank (worst list) | Operator | 18-Hole Fee (weekday) | 18-Hole Fee (weekend) | 9-Hole Fee | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo J. Martin (Weston) | 1 | State parks agency | $27 | $30 | $19 | New irrigation design complete; construction planned spring 2026; greens maintenance ongoing since 2024 |
| Norwood Country Club | 3 | State parks agency | Varies | Varies | Varies | Included on list; under same agency oversight |
| Ponkapoag (Canton) | 5 | State parks agency | Varies | Varies | Varies | New maintenance director assigned; greens work underway |
Keep an eye on the state agency’s announcements if you’re planning a visit. The next couple of seasons should reveal whether pricing stays as attractive and whether the turf work actually turns a much-criticized municipal course into a solid community green.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Three Massachusetts Golf Courses Ranked Among the Worst
Faldo Critiques U.S.-Centric Golf Calendar Amidst Ryder Cup Anniversary
Local Course Called Out After National Ranking Labels It the Country’s Worst
Massachusetts Golf Course Ranked Worst in Nation
Three Massachusetts Golf Courses Named Among Nation’s Worst
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
- Boston.com: A Mass Golf Course Just Ranked the Worst in America
- CBS News: Weston Golf Course Ranked Worst
- ABC 17 News: The Worst Golf Course in America is in Weston, Massachusetts
- Golf Digest: Massachusetts Best Golf Courses Rankings
- MyGolfSpy: These Are the 10 Worst Golf Courses in America
- Wikipedia: Golf Course
- Google Search: Leo J. Martin Golf Course
- Google Scholar: Golf Course Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Course
- 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.
