,Weston, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston, Massachusetts has topped a national list of the worst golf courses, noted for poor maintenance and rough playing conditions. Despite its accessibility and low pricing, many golfers are frustrated by the course’s state, resulting in uneven greens and increased risk of injury. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is looking to address these issues with new management and maintenance plans, but players may still find it a budget-friendly option in the meantime.
Weston: Local Course Tops a National List of Problematic Play Fields
In a bit of a shocker for Bay State golfers, three Massachusetts courses landed among the ten worst in the country on a recent national ranking. Sitting squarely at the top of that unwanted list is the Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston — a municipal track that many in the area know well for accessibility and low prices, but now for something else entirely.
What went wrong at Leo J. Martin?
The ranking called out a string of visible maintenance failures at the Weston layout. Inspectors and visiting players reported patches of dead grass on fairways, greens that looked more like weedy dirt patches than putting surfaces, and fairways where dirt and sand often dominated the turf. The state of the greens made it tough for players to read putts and trust the roll, turning simple par attempts into guessing games.
Online feedback from golfers echoed that frustration. Some reviews warned about uneven footing and a higher-than-normal chance of twisting an ankle while others suggested the course experience felt like a wasted few hours for a player seeking a decent round. Still, the course keeps drawing players thanks to one thing it does right: price.
Low prices keep golfers coming
For many locals, the weekend or weekday round at Leo J. Martin is a budget-friendly option. Weekday green fees are listed at $27 for 18 holes and $19 for nine holes, which is hard to beat in this region. Tee times are usually easy to find, a big draw for casual golfers who want a quick round without the wait or the wallet hit.
Who runs the place and what’s being done?
The course is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Officials acknowledged the condition problems and moved to address them by appointing a new maintenance director. Plans in motion include installing a new irrigation system and creating a stronger maintenance plan targeted at bringing the greens back to playable condition. Those are important steps, but they will take time to produce real results on the grass.
Other Massachusetts courses that struggled
It wasn’t just Weston on the list. The Norwood Country Club was named among the lowest-ranked tracks as well, and Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton also made the cut. Together these three Massachusetts properties ended up in the nationwide top ten of worst-rated courses, a stat that has piqued both curiosity and concern among local golfers.
Why players still show up
Despite shaky turf and rough green conditions, the Leo J. Martin course stays busy for a few reasons that any golfer will understand: convenience, low cost, and easy access. For someone who wants a casual nine or a quick 18 without spending half a day or a paycheck, it fills a niche. That’s why the course still sees regular traffic even as more serious players grumble about playability.
What to expect if you go
- Course speed: Expect slow, inconsistent greens until the maintenance program takes hold.
- Footing: Uneven turf and bare patches can increase the risk of an ankle roll, so wear supportive shoes and watch your step.
- Availability: Tee sheets are generally open and flexible, especially on weekdays.
- Price: One of the cheapest municipal options in the area, making it a go-to for budget rounds.
Bottom line for Massachusetts golfers
If you want a cheap, quick round and don’t mind rough playing surfaces, Leo J. Martin still has something to offer. But if you’re chasing consistent greens and firm fairways, you may want to wait until the new irrigation and maintenance plans start showing turf improvements. In the meantime, the course remains a story of contrast: wallet-friendly and accessible, yet visibly in need of care.
FAQ
Why was Leo J. Martin rated so poorly?
The ranking pointed to serious maintenance issues, including dead grass patches on fairways, greens covered in weeds and dirt, and fairways made up largely of dirt and sand, which all hurt play quality.
Who manages the course and are they fixing things?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the course and has hired a new maintenance director. Planned upgrades include a new irrigation system and a stronger maintenance plan for the greens.
Is it still worth playing at Leo J. Martin?
If low cost and easy tee access matter most, it can still be worth a casual round. If you want well-kept greens and consistent turf, it may be better to wait until maintenance improvements take effect.
Which other Massachusetts courses were listed among the worst?
Two other Commonwealth courses made the low end of the list: the Norwood Country Club and Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton.
Quick Reference Table
| Course | Town | Rank (Worst List) | Weekday Green Fee | Manager | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo J. Martin Golf Course | Weston | 1 (rated worst) | $27 (18 holes) / $19 (9 holes) | Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation | Poor turf, greens full of weeds/dirt; new irrigation and maintenance plan planned; tee times widely available |
| Norwood Country Club | Norwood | 3 | Varies | Private/Club | Included among lowest-ranked in national list |
| Ponkapoag Golf Course | Canton | 5 | Varies | Local/Public | Listed among the country’s worst in the same ranking |
Keep an eye on maintenance updates if you plan to play. For many, the decision will come down to saving money versus chasing a quality round — and that choice is as New England as a rainy tee time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
- Wikipedia: Golf Course
- KVIA: The Worst Golf Course in America
- Google Search: Leo J. Martin Golf Course
- MyGolfSpy: 10 Worst Golf Courses in America
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- CBS News: Where is the Worst Golf Course in America?
- Golf Digest: Massachusetts Best Golf Courses 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.
