I agree with Fresh Pond if you’re looking to get in nine holes without driving very far. Pre-COVID, I could get in nine after work as long as I started at least 1:15 before sunset.
I prefer Pine Meadows in Lexington, but that’s because the last seven holes are more of the woodland style I enjoy. (The first two holes are back-to-back par 5 holes that just go out and back.) That said, Fresh Pond is a little longer overall, doesn’t feel short (as Pine Meadows can), and Cambridge will happily take your money regardless of how little time you have before sundown (Pine Meadows generally doesn’t like people chasing the sun).
Pine Meadows is amazing. My friends live a mile from the course in Lexington. Only way to describe it is the perfect late afternoon sunset course in the summer. 9 holes is all you need, they have a little bit of everything, short holes, elevation changes, water, etc. It is the quintessential FUN golf.
Winchester is siiiick but yea tough to get into and pretty expensive. @EMeets You should check out Nashawtuc. I don’t know if they have a wait list. Looks to be about 20 mins away from Arlington. It is a solid track, used to host a Champions tour event. I’m not sure what the price range is but I don’t think it is too crazy. Gotta be cheaper than Belmont.
I played Patriot (on the Air Force base in Bedford) several times for a quick nine last year (alternating with Pine Meadow) and was surprised how much I enjoyed it for the low price.
I played Sandy Burr once last year and couldn’t wait to get back on, but that place was tough to get on during the weekends.
I know I’m late but I’ve been caddying at Winchester for the past 5 years as well as having some cousins that are members there. Waitlist is about 10 years and initiation is around 40 to 45 grand. It’s wild, but your paying for a top 10 course in mass that is probably top 5 from conditioning.
Heyo! I currently live in Newton, and my wife and I are considering moving to Worcester this year (if we can find the right house). Anyone know anything about membership at Worcester CC?
I heard a rumor a few years ago they were giving some really good jr/exec deals. Only some whispering, not sure how true it was.
Don’t know about membership past that, but I’ve played a few reciprocals out there and it’s a great track. If I lived in the area it would be on the top of the list.
Do you have to live in Arlington? If you could live in say Watertown which is close to the I90 you can get out to Framingham CC pretty easy in say 20 minutes without traffic which is a very nice course you could probably get into.
The other courses in that area like Belmont, Pine Brook, Weston, Woodland, Wellesely, Brae Burn etc are all pretty expensive and hard to get into.
The house came first so I’m trying to plan golf around it. No perfect answers really but I’ll make due. We’ve got some family in Framingham and they play at shinning rock a lot which is a fun track.
I know there’s probably at least one more snow storm to roll through before it’s over but the weather is starting to turn - I’m beyond ready to get this SZN started
I know a couple of members at Worcester and with Covid they took in a bunch of new members last year. I think it might be tighter out there now than it used to be.
Worcester definitely has a wait list, my brother and I got pricing info from them for this year. It’s a pretty good deal, but they took on too much as @chef23 said, plus the International going out of business pushed some folks that way.
I’ve never played it, despite knowing quite a few members. Long term I’d consider it for sure. Some other Worcester adjacent clubs are Pleasant Valley (love this course) and The Haven (meh) that could be options if Worcester CC falls through.
