Is anyone a member or member adjacent at Tatnuck CC? I’m a Worcester resident and have heard good things about Tatnuck memberships, variety of membership levels based on age and such and good place for families but I’ve never been able to check it out before. Do they have any sort of public play days or a way to get out there?
Interested in the answer to this. Not a ton of private courses in the Worcester area.
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My buddy just joined Pleasant Valley, formerly from The Haven, and absolutely loves it.
Also Worcester CC is a gem.
I’d just reach out to them and see if they’ll have you out. I think they have openings. My family were members there for a long time. Cousin is still a member. I love that course. Greens are always in great shape. I’m not out that way frequently enough to plan anything.
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I was over at the range recently both courses looked in pretty good shape, very curious about it seems to have some decent bones. Would be up to go play
Course #1 is Donald Ross that has incredible bones but was in absolute disrepair for a long time. The USGA looked at it for a second after the success they had turning Bethpage into a US Open venue but deemed it was too far gone/didn’t meet their needs. I don’t live in the area anymore unfortunately but happy to hear it’s looking decent. I know they did some work on it a couple years ago so maybe it has turned a corner.
I’ve played it on and off as a practice round course for their twilight rates the last few years. Course #2 is in terrible condition and nothing to write home about. Course #1 on the other hand does have great bones like you said plus they seem to have better fairways and roughs. Greens need some work for sure. My favorite course to walk for a cheap price in the Boston area though and does have some challenging holes as well.
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New here - trying to get back into golf after playing competitively growing up then barely playing the last 6-7 years. Any good recommendations near the MA/RI border (Bellingham/Wrentham area)?
I’ve accepted the only time I can realistically get out is first thing in the morning, so anywhere with regular early tee time slots is great too. I’ve played New England and liked it, but first tee time is at 8AM.
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Maplegate?
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Played New England regularly for the last 20 years. Always seems to maintain decent conditioning. Wentworth Hills in Wrentham is also a pretty good take though I’ve only been a handful of times. I joined Hopedale CC this year and it plays a lot tougher than advertised, but only a 9 holer. I’m usually looking for times during the week, so if you need another Refugee let me know
They should pay you to play Maplegate
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Have you been recently? They got the old super from Glen Ellen (RIP) and supposedly it’s in great shape again.
Be careful with the hot deals with the Ranch, got one time and nobody was out there and greens were just punched. My buddy got one a couple weeks ago and it was following a tourney of people who were just introduced to the sport. Fun track though, you get to hit some different shots. Cold Spring has great atmosphere with a friendly staff and a nice bar but it goes down hill once you put a peg in the ground, some donkey holes out there, yes, I’m talking about you number 9.
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Played Maplegate last fall and it is indeed in great shape. The new super has really turned the place around and it is light years better than the past. I don’t know if new ownership or management came in and made the changes but it is on the up and up
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I typically stay away when there’s a bunch of times with deal associated but since it was just one, I’m hoping for the best. I’ve only played Cold Spring once before and enjoyed it. I probably play Ledges the most as far as WMass tracks go but that because of the value, the rest of the time I’m playing towards Hartford.
I’d heard the same over the years anecdotally on Maplegate. I have seen it pop up but just wrote it off, just like Heather Hills… maybe I’ll give it a try.
Is Wentworth good conditions? It’s honestly first on my list for ones to try since it’s pretty close and looks at face value like a decent option.
@craigles I actually have played Hopedale CC one late afternoon years ago. I remember enjoying it but not loving the long par 3 as the last hole if I remember correctly. Fun track though.
I always liked Maple Gate. Haven’t played it since the new super, but agree that it used to be in rough shape. Tiiiiiight corridors that are not fun if you’re hitting it wayward.
NECC is pretty fun - believe them when they tell you to take a cart. I played Blissful Meadows for the first time last year and enjoyed it. Blackstone National is solid.
I’ve always had soft spots for Hopedale CC and Bungay Brook. Not the greatest courses but they’re fun and in good shape for their price.
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I enjoy wentworth but haven’t been out in a couple years. What I remember is it’s not that long and can play target golf on a few holes but there are some fun ones. 2 par 3s over water. a drivable par 4 on the back too
I played the Pinehills Nicklaus course today in Plymouth and that place is in incredible shape. As usual, but even with the very little rain we’ve had down here, it’s sweet. $60 twilight rate was nice, too.
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I’ve never played Pinehills but it’s 100% on my list for this year. Seems like a perfect place to do an all day golf affair and play both courses. Maybe a local refuge meet up opportunity?
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