Weston, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston has been ranked the worst golf course in the country by a national website. Despite complaints about poor conditions like unreliable greens and patchy turf, the course remains popular due to its affordability. Changes are on the way, with new management making plans to improve maintenance and irrigation. This ranking has sparked broader discussions about golf course maintenance issues across Massachusetts.
Weston — Local Course Called Out After National Ranking Labels It the Country’s Worst
Golfers in and around Boston have been buzzing after a national golf website placed a familiar municipal layout at the very bottom of a recent national list. The course at the center of the storm is the Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston — an 18-hole public track that has long been a go-to for budget-friendly rounds. The ranking has turned casual chatter into louder complaints about patchy turf, unreliable greens, and fairways that look more like dirt paths than classic fairways.
What’s actually wrong with the course?
Inspectors and visiting players described multiple trouble spots: dead grass patches that break up putting lines, greens overrun with weeds, and several areas of dried-up soil where turf should be. One regular noted that large stretches of the fairways are effectively dirt and sand, making ball lies unpredictable and turning simple putts into an exercise in chance. Online player reviews mirror that frustration, with many calling out bumpy surfaces and uneven footing that can make a round feel like an obstacle course instead of a relaxing game.
Why do people still play there?
Despite the rough conditions, Leo J. Martin stays busy because it’s cheap and accessible. Weekend and weekday green fees are a fraction of what you’d pay at private or well-manicured public tracks in the Boston area. An 18-hole round runs around $27, while nine holes are about $19. That price point attracts beginners, people looking for a quick practice round, and anyone not fussed about pristine turf. Tee times are usually easy to find, which is another draw for players who want to get out with minimal planning.
It’s not just Weston — other Bay State courses show up on the list
The same national list included two other Massachusetts courses among its worst-rated layouts. A private-feeling club in Norwood landed near the top of the list’s negative side, and a Canton municipal course also made the cut. The presence of multiple local courses suggests the issue isn’t isolated — it’s part of a broader conversation about maintenance budgets, staffing, and aging irrigation infrastructure across the region.
What are managers doing about it?
The facility is managed by the state agency responsible for parks and recreation, and the agency has already started making moves. There’s a newly hired maintenance director on the job, and plans are in motion to overhaul the irrigation system and adopt improved green-care routines. Those are the kind of long-game fixes that take time, especially in a public facility that must balance budgets, seasonal weather swings, and heavy foot traffic from casual players.
Should you still play there?
If you’re hunting price over perfection, this course still delivers. If you want tournament-quality surfaces, it’s not the place for you right now. Also be aware that uneven turf and exposed dirt can raise the risk of a rolled ankle, so sensible shoes and a careful walk are advised. For many local players, it’s a compromise: accept the shabby conditions, get cheap golf, and keep an eye on the course’s improvement plans.
The takeaway
The national attention has been a wake-up call. Expect management to keep making incremental improvements, but don’t expect overnight miracles. In the meantime, Leo J. Martin remains a budget-friendly option with plenty of tee-time availability and plenty of character — for better and for worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leo J. Martin really the worst course in the country?
A national golf website ranked it at the bottom of a recent list, citing poor playing surfaces and maintenance issues. Rankings like that are opinion-based but reflect widespread player complaints.
What are the main problems reported at the course?
Players and reviewers note dead grass, weeds on greens, dry dirt patches on fairways, and unpredictable putting surfaces.
Will the course improve soon?
The managing state agency has appointed a new maintenance director and is planning upgrades, including a new irrigation system and better green maintenance. These fixes typically take months rather than weeks.
How much does it cost to play?
Current green fees are roughly $27 for 18 holes and $19 for nine holes, making it one of the cheaper options in the area.
Is it safe to play there?
Playing is generally safe, but uneven ground and exposed dirt increase the risk of slips or ankle twists. Wear stable shoes and watch your step.
Are other Massachusetts courses on the same negative list?
Yes. Two other state-area courses appeared on the same list, reflecting broader regional maintenance challenges.
Quick Reference Table
| Course | Town | Listed Rank | Typical 18-Hole Fee | Typical 9-Hole Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo J. Martin Golf Course | Weston | 1 (on the negative list) | $27 | $19 | Public; active maintenance overhaul planned; easy tee times |
| Norwood County Club | Norwood | 3 | Varies | Varies | Private-feeling; appeared on same negative list |
| Ponkapoag Golf Course | Canton | 5 | Varies | Varies | Municipal; also noted for maintenance concerns |
For local golfers: if you care about pace and price, this course still delivers. If you care about turf that rolls true and looks postcard-perfect, you’ll want to book elsewhere until the improvements take hold.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
- KVIA
- Wikipedia: Golf
- CBS News
- Google Search: golf course maintenance
- Golf Course Industry
- Google Scholar: golf course management
- MetroWest Daily News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Patch
- 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.
