,Weston, Massachusetts, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston, Massachusetts, has been named the worst golf course in the United States by a national golf website. Two other Massachusetts courses also made the list, highlighting issues with their conditions and management. Despite its low ratings, Leo J. Martin remains popular among casual golfers due to its affordability and accessibility. The state has plans for improvements, including a new maintenance routine and an upgraded irrigation system planned for 2026.
Weston: Massachusetts Course Lands at the Bottom of a National List
The lowdown on a harsh ranking
In a surprise that had local golfers shaking their heads, the Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston was named the worst golf course in the United States by a national golf website. The ranking came as part of a list of the 10 worst courses in America, and the Weston track topped that list. That kind of tag gets attention fast — and not the good kind.
Massachusetts takes three spots in the top five
It wasn’t just Weston taking a hit. Two other Massachusetts courses landed high on the same unflattering list: Norwood Country Club showed up at No. 3, and Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton came in at No. 5. Notably, both Leo J. Martin and Ponkapoag are owned and run by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, which puts the spotlight on public management and budgets.
What critics said about the course
Reviewers rated Leo J. Martin poorly — the course’s Google score sits at about 2.7. Online reports painted the greens as closer to rough fields dotted with weeds and sand than the smooth putting surfaces players expect. Some reviews mentioned that the turf felt uneven enough to make players worry about twisting an ankle, and others said the experience was dull enough that they’d rather do almost anything else for four hours.
Why the course still gets played
Despite the bad press, Leo J. Martin continues to draw casual players. The main reasons are simple: the course is affordable and easy to book, which matters for families, beginners, and weekend warriors who want to hit the links without spending a fortune. For many, price and access still outweigh pristine greens.
State responds with a plan — and new hires
Officials at the state agency acknowledged that the course has problems and have started taking steps to fix them. A new director of golf course maintenance has been hired with a specific focus on turning things around at both Leo J. Martin and Ponkapoag. That hire is the first visible move toward improving turf health, mowing regimes, and everyday maintenance standards.
Concrete upgrades and a timeline
Action items are already in motion. A consultant has been contracted to design a modern irrigation system for Leo J. Martin, and construction is planned to begin in spring 2026 once permitting wraps up this coming winter. Meanwhile, a new maintenance routine for the greens was launched in 2024 that includes regular core aeration, top dressing, speed seeding, deep tine aeration, and consistent rolling of the greens. Those soil and surface work items are the kind of steady improvements that can make a dramatic difference over a few seasons.
Cost to play — still budget-friendly
Public golf lovers should note that fees at the state-operated courses remain inexpensive. Typical green fees are around $27 for 18 holes on weekdays, $30 on weekends, and about $19 for 9 holes any day. That price point explains a lot about why people keep coming back even when playing conditions are hit or miss.
What golfers should expect this season
Players heading to Leo J. Martin should plan for a course in transition: some holes and greens may still show wear while staff continue the maintenance program, and irrigation upgrades won’t be fully realized until after the 2026 construction window. For bargain-seeking golfers, the course still provides a playable round; for those chasing pristine turf and tournament-level conditions, it may be wise to look elsewhere for now.
FAQ
Q: Why was Leo J. Martin ranked the worst course?
A: The ranking was based on a national list that flagged poor course conditions, low online ratings, and player complaints about greens that resemble rough fields more than putting surfaces.
Q: Who runs Leo J. Martin and Ponkapoag?
A: Both courses are owned and operated by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, which oversees maintenance and public access.
Q: What steps are being taken to fix the issues?
A: The state hired a new director of golf course maintenance, launched a greens maintenance plan in 2024 involving aeration and topdressing, and brought in a consultant to design a new irrigation system with construction aimed for spring 2026.
Q: Will construction disrupt play?
A: Permitting and planning will take place over the winter, with construction planned for spring 2026. Some site work could cause temporary closures or altered play, depending on the schedule.
Q: Is it still worth playing at Leo J. Martin?
A: For budget-conscious golfers looking for availability and a local round, it remains a reasonable option. Those seeking pristine conditions should consider alternatives until improvements take hold.
Quick facts table
| Course | National Rank (worst list) | Ownership | Condition Notes | Typical Fees | Planned Fixes / Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo J. Martin (Weston) | 1 | State (DCR) | Greens criticized as weedy, sandy, uneven; Google rating ~2.7 | $27 (18 holes weekdays), $30 (weekends), $19 (9 holes) | New maintenance plan 2024; irrigation design now; construction spring 2026 after permitting |
| Ponkapoag (Canton) | 5 | State (DCR) | Mixed reviews; part of state maintenance overhaul | Same state fee structure | Maintenance staffing changes; ongoing turf work |
| Norwood Country Club | 3 | Private/Club | Placed on list for condition or playability concerns | Varies by membership/guest rates | Individual club plans for upkeep |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Weston Golf Course Ranked Worst
- Wikipedia: Golf Course
- KVIA: The Worst Golf Course in America
- Google Search: Worst Golf Courses in America
- Golf Digest: Massachusetts Best Golf Courses Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- MyGolfSpy: 10 Worst Golf Courses in America
- Google News: Massachusetts Golf Courses
- Patriot Ledger: Best Golf Courses in Massachusetts
- GolfPass: Best Public Golf Courses in Massachusetts
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.
