Weston, Massachusetts, August 19, 2025
News Summary
In a recent ranking, three golf courses in Massachusetts, including Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston, were named among the ten worst in the United States. The Leo J. Martin Golf Course topped the list due to its poor playing conditions with dead grass, compromised greens, and unsafe fairways. Management has begun efforts to improve the course, but challenges remain using budget constraints and aging infrastructure.
Weston, Massachusetts
Top line
Three Massachusetts golf courses were listed among the ten worst in the United States in a recent national ranking. The Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston was identified as the absolute worst based on observable playing conditions that include large areas of dead grass, greens compromised by weeds and dirt, and fairways that in many areas resemble dirt and sand more than turf. Two other state courses—Norwood Country Club and Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton—also appear on the same top-ten list, at third and fifth positions respectively.
Key details and immediate impact
Assessments cited widespread surface deterioration at Leo J. Martin that affects fundamental aspects of the game: ball roll on fairways, consistency of approach shots, and the ability to read and judge putts on the greens. Local players continue to use the course in part because of its affordability, with listed rates of $27 for 18 holes on weekdays and $19 for nine holes. Despite low costs and usually available tee times, online user reviews and on-course observations emphasize safety and playability concerns, describing uneven footing and poor turf cover that can affect pace of play and shot-making.
Management response
The course is overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The department has initiated steps intended to address the problems, including hiring a new maintenance director and planning upgrades such as a replacement irrigation system and a targeted maintenance program for the greens. These measures are described as part of a multi-step effort to restore playing surfaces and improve overall course health, though such projects typically require months to show measurable results.
Supporting details
Observers and casual golfers have reported that tee times are generally accessible, which keeps the course in play for budget-conscious players and those seeking a casual round. At the same time, user feedback found online includes strong criticism about turf and safety conditions; reviewers have used blunt language to convey their dissatisfaction and to warn others about the course’s physical state. Course managers are balancing public access and limited resources while working on an operations plan intended to lift conditions gradually.
Other Massachusetts courses on the list
- Norwood Country Club — Ranked third on the national list.
- Ponkapoag Golf Course (Canton) — Ranked fifth on the national list.
Context and what to expect next
Publicly accessible municipal and state-run courses often face a combination of funding constraints, staffing turnover, and aging infrastructure. Restoration of turf and green conditions generally involves phased work: assessing soil and irrigation needs, installing or repairing water systems, improving drainage, upgrading turf varieties, and increasing routine maintenance. The timeline for visible improvement at Leo J. Martin and similar courses will depend on budget allocations, weather windows for turf work, and the pace of hiring and contracting for equipment and services.
Practical advice for golfers
- Check tee-sheet availability before traveling; tee times are usually open at the affected course.
- Prepare for variable lies and slower greens by bringing extra balls and allowing extra time.
- Treat the course as a budget option that may not support competitive practice or reliable short-game work until renovations are completed.
FAQ
Why was Leo J. Martin named the worst?
It was placed at the bottom of a recent national ranking because of extensive turf decline, including patches of dead grass, greens with weeds and dirt, and fairways that are largely dirt and sand rather than healthy turf.
Are rounds still available at the course?
Yes. Tee times are generally available, and the course remains a practical option for golfers seeking an inexpensive or casual round.
How much does it cost to play?
Current weekday rates listed for the course include approximately $27 for 18 holes and $19 for nine holes; rates for other courses on the list were not specified.
What is being done to improve conditions?
The course’s managing agency has hired a new maintenance director and plans to install a new irrigation system and implement a focused maintenance plan for greens and turf recovery.
How long will repairs take?
Timelines vary. Turf and irrigation projects typically take months to a year to plan and execute, with visible progress depending on funding, contracting, and seasonal weather conditions.
Quick reference table
| Course | Town | National Rank | Typical Weekday Rates | Management | Noted Condition Issues | Tee Time Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo J. Martin Golf Course | Weston | 1 (worst) | $27 (18 holes), $19 (9 holes) | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation | Dead grass patches, greens with weeds/dirt, fairways like dirt/sand | Usually available |
| Norwood Country Club | Norwood | 3 | Varies (not specified) | Private/club (varies) | Included on national list for substandard conditions | Varies by club policy |
| Ponkapoag Golf Course | Canton | 5 | Varies (not specified) | Municipal/state-managed (varies) | Listed among courses with notable playability and turf issues | Varies; generally accessible |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Weston Golf Course Ranked Worst
- ABC 17 News: The Worst Golf Course in America
- Golf Digest: Massachusetts Best Golf Courses Rankings
- MyGolfSpy: 10 Worst Golf Courses in America
- Patriot Ledger: Best Golf Courses in Massachusetts
- Wikipedia: Golf Course
- Google Search: Golf Courses in Massachusetts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google Scholar: Golf Course Maintenance
- Google News: 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.
