Weston, Massachusetts, August 23, 2025
News Summary
Golfers in Weston are frustrated as the local course has been rated the lowest in the nation by a golf testing group, receiving a poor score of 2.7 out of 5. Reports indicate severe turf conditions with bare patches and poor putting surfaces, leading to player complaints. Despite this, the course remains popular among budget-conscious golfers due to its affordable fees. The state agency managing the course is taking steps to address the issues, including new maintenance strategies and an irrigation upgrade expected by 2026.
Weston, Massachusetts — Local Course Labeled the Nation’s Worst, and Golfers Are Talking
Golfers in and around Weston woke up to a sting today after a national golf testing group placed a well-known public layout in the spotlight as the country’s lowest-ranked course. The course drew a painfully low 2.7 out of 5 on a popular review platform and a stream of player complaints about playing surfaces and hazards.
What went wrong on the turf?
Regulars and visitors report fairways that look like summer ghost towns — bare patches of dirt, clumps of weeds and widespread dead grass. The putting surfaces are described by evaluators as more like unkempt fields with sand and weeds than true greens. Multiple player reports pointed to uneven lies and hidden hazards that make a mid-round twist of an ankle a real risk, and some golfers said the experience was so poor they would rather do almost anything else than spend four hours on that layout.
How bad is it, really?
The ranking placed this Weston track at the bottom of a top-ten list that raised eyebrows because it included three courses from one state. Two other Massachusetts courses landed high on that same list, with a private club in the No. 3 slot and a public Canton course at No. 5. Observers noted that having multiple state-managed tracks on a single negative list is an awkward look for public golf.
Who runs the course and what are they doing?
The Weston course and the Canton public course are both owned by the Commonwealth and managed by the state agency in charge of parks and recreation. Officials with the agency acknowledged the ranking and say they are actively addressing the problems. Steps already taken include hiring a new director of golf course maintenance and rolling out a more aggressive greens program in 2024 that covered core aeration, top dressing, speed seeding, deep tine aeration and more frequent rolling to smooth surfaces.
The agency also brought in an outside consultant to design a modern irrigation system. The irrigation project is slated for completion in spring 2026, and the agency says that better watering and a more disciplined maintenance schedule should make a visible difference over the next couple of seasons.
Cost and crowds — why people still play
Despite the negative headlines, the Weston course remains a go-to for budget-minded golfers. Green fees are set at $27 for 18 holes on weekdays and $30 on weekends, with nine-hole rates running at $19 daily. For many players, those prices make the course worth trying, even if the playing conditions are a gamble.
Takeaway for golfers
If you’re planning a trip, know what you’re signing up for: lower green fees, basic facilities and the potential for less-than-ideal turf. If you’re after pristine conditioning or a smooth, fast green surface, this probably isn’t the place right now. But if you want affordable golf and are okay with a work-in-progress course, you’ll find players who still tee it up here week after week.
What to watch next
The big milestones to keep an eye on are the new irrigation design being finalized and the follow-through on the maintenance plan. If the agency sticks to timelines and the irrigation comes online by spring 2026, the course could move out of the national doghouse within a year or two. For now, local golfers and visitors will be watching fairways, greens and the scoreboard of public opinion.
FAQ
Is the Weston course really the worst in the country?
A national testing group placed the course at the bottom of a recent ranking, backed by a low public review score and many negative player reports. Rankings are subjective, but the combination of poor conditions and low ratings led to that result.
Who owns and manages the course?
The course is owned by the Commonwealth and managed by the state agency responsible for parks and recreation operations.
What fixes are planned?
The agency has hired a new director of maintenance, implemented a comprehensive greens program in 2024, and contracted a consultant to design a new irrigation system with completion targeted for spring 2026.
Are green fees affordable?
Yes. Current rates are $27 for 18 holes on weekdays, $30 on weekends, and $19 for nine holes daily, which keeps the course attractive to budget players.
Should I play there now or wait?
If you prioritize price over pristine conditions, you can enjoy a round now. If you want firm, fast greens and flawless turf, waiting until after the irrigation and maintenance upgrades may be wiser.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Course | Leo J. Martin Golf Course (Weston) |
| Recent Public Rating | 2.7 (public review platform) |
| Reported Issues | Dead grass, weeds, dirt patches, poor greens, uneven lies |
| Ownership | Commonwealth — managed by state parks and recreation agency |
| Maintenance Actions | New maintenance director, 2024 greens program: core aeration, top dressing, speed seeding, deep tine aeration, rolling |
| Irrigation Upgrade | Consultant hired; design complete with construction and commissioning aimed for spring 2026 |
| Green Fees | $27 — 18 holes weekdays; $30 — 18 holes weekends; $19 — 9 holes daily |
| Other Massachusetts Courses on Same List | Norwood Country Club (No. 3), Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton (No. 5) |
Bottom line: this Weston track is cheap to play and currently a work in progress. With the right water system and ongoing turf care, it could bounce back — but that turnaround will take time and patience from the local golf community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Mass Golf Course Ranked Worst in America
- CBS News: Weston Golf Course Ranked Worst
- MyGolfSpy: 10 Worst Golf Courses in America
- Golf Digest: Massachusetts Best Golf Courses
- Patriot Ledger: Best Golf Courses in Massachusetts
- Wikipedia: Golf in the United States
- Google Search: Golf Course Maintenance
- Google Scholar: Golf Course Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Weston Golf Course Rankings
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.
