Weston, MA, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston, Massachusetts has been labeled the worst golf course in the nation due to poor playing conditions. Issues include dead grass patches on fairways, weed-infested greens, and unpredictable playing surfaces. Despite its low ranking, affordable green fees attract budget-conscious golfers. The course is being managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, which is taking steps to improve conditions, including hiring a new maintenance director and upgrading the irrigation system.
Boston — A Massachusetts course just took home a very unwanted title
Welcome to the green that isn’t
In a list that golf fans are already buzzing about, one local track has been labeled the worst in the nation. The 18-hole Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston landed the bottom spot in a nationwide ranking that judged playing surfaces and overall course condition. For golfers who care about turf, smooth greens and consistent fairways, this verdict stings.
What’s wrong with the course?
Reports and rounds at the course paint a rough picture. Fairways are described as having large patches of dead grass, with stretches that look more like dirt and sand than a playable fairway. The greens have been struggling with invasive weeds and areas where dirt shows through instead of grass. The overall impression among players has been that it’s hard to predict how a ball will bounce or how a putt will run, turning routine scores into frustrating surprises.
Player perspective — why golfers are upset
Local players who still tee it up at Leo J. Martin explain that judging putts is a guessing game because the greens lack uniformity, and fairway lies often come down to choosing between sand, dirt or a few scattered blades of grass. Online review boards have been brutal, with many calling the surface conditions dangerous for ankles and saying they’d rather skip a round than play in that state. Still, this course keeps drawing folks willing to accept the rough for the price.
Why is it still busy?
The key reason the course remains popular is simple: cheap tee times. Weekday green fees run at about $27 for 18 holes and $19 for nine holes, which is hard to beat for the Boston area. For golfers who prioritize an affordable, casual round over pristine turf, Leo J. Martin is an easy choice. Frequent tee times are available, and that low cost pulls in beginners, social players and those with tight budgets.
Who’s in charge and what’s being done?
The course is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Officials have acknowledged the problems and say they’re taking steps to fix them. A new maintenance director has been brought in with a specific mandate to raise standards. Concrete moves include installing a modern irrigation system and putting a stronger maintenance plan in place for the greens. Those changes are intended to improve turf health over time, though major recovery will take a growing season or two.
Not the only Massachusetts course on the list
Leo J. Martin wasn’t alone in landing low marks. Two other Bay State tracks also showed up near the bottom: Norwood Country Club came in as one of the worst, and Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton was ranked among the bottom five. That clustering suggests that some local management and budget constraints are affecting more than a single layout.
What golfers should know before booking
If you’re shopping for a round, know exactly what you want. If tight cost and open tee times are the goal, Leo J. Martin can still deliver a bargain outing. If you want consistent greens, true fairways and worry-free footing, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere while improvements are underway. Keep an eye on course announcements about the new irrigation system and maintenance schedule — progress will be gradual but visible over time.
Final take
This story is less about shaming a public course and more about calling attention to where money, staffing and planning matter to everyday golfers. With leadership changes and equipment upgrades on the way, the worst-ranked course could bounce back, but it will require patience from both management and the players who love to play, even when conditions are rough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Leo J. Martin Golf Course ranked worst in the nation?
The ranking focused on poor playing conditions, including fairways with dead patches, greens overtaken by weeds and sections of exposed dirt that make play unpredictable.
Who runs the course and are they fixing it?
The state agency that manages the property has hired a new maintenance director and is investing in a new irrigation system and a stronger greens maintenance plan to address the issues.
If the course is in bad shape, why do people still play there?
The course offers very affordable weekday green fees and plentiful tee times, making it attractive for casual rounds and budget-conscious golfers.
Are there other Massachusetts courses that ranked poorly?
Yes. Two other courses in the state appeared near the bottom of the ranking, indicating regional issues affecting multiple facilities.
Quick reference table
| Course | Location | National Rank (low=bad) | Weekday Green Fee | Current Issues | Management & Fixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo J. Martin Golf Course | Weston, MA | 1 (worst) | $27 (18 holes); $19 (9 holes) | Dead fairway patches, weedy greens, exposed dirt | State-managed; new maintenance director, new irrigation, improved greens plan |
| Norwood Country Club | Norwood, MA | 3 | Varies | Listed among lowest-rated in the national review | Club-run; under scrutiny after ranking |
| Ponkapoag Golf Course | Canton, MA | 5 | Varies | Included in bottom five rankings | Public course; condition improvements expected over time |
For golfers in the Boston area, keep your eye on maintenance updates before booking if you care about turf quality. If price and availability matter more, the bargains are still out there — but be ready for a round that might test your patience and your short game.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
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.
