Best Public Golf Courses in Massachusetts for Early Spring

Early spring in Massachusetts can be hit or miss for golfers. Snowmelt and rain often leave courses soggy, and many remain closed until mid-spring. But for those eager to get back out on the fairways, several public courses open as soon as weather allows, thanks to excellent drainage and proactive maintenance. If you're looking to shake off the rust and start your season early, these courses should be at the top of your list!

Courses That Open Earliest Each Spring

Some courses in Massachusetts waste no time getting golfers back on the course. Whether it’s sandy soil, a coastal climate, or a year-round schedule, these courses are known for opening as early as March—or even staying open all winter.

• Allendale Country Club (North Dartmouth) – OPEN
  Southeastern Massachusetts usually enjoys milder winters, and Allendale is one of the first full-length courses to open each year. Coastal breezes help dry the fairways, making it a great early-season option.‍
• Brookmeadow Country Club (Canton) – OPEN
  One of the first courses around Boston to open each spring, Brookmeadow is a great spot for mid-handicap players looking to get an early start. It has solid drainage, and while it can be damp in spots, it's usually one of the more playable options early in the season.‍
• Cape Ann Golf Club (Essex) – OPEN
  A scenic 9-hole course on Boston’s North Shore that’s open year-round, weather permitting. Its coastal location and sandy soil help it stay dry and playable, making it a great option for winter and early-spring rounds.‍
• Norwood Country Club (Norwood) – OPEN
  Open year-round (weather permitting), Norwood Country Club is a friendly option for high-handicap golfers. It’s a flat, walkable course that doesn’t mind a little wet weather—if the ground isn’t frozen, they’ll likely let you out there.‍
• Olde Scotland Links (Bridgewater) – OPEN
  This links-style muni south of Boston is built on sand and gravel, meaning it drains exceptionally well. The wide, open design and steady breezes help the course firm up quickly once the snow melts.
• Sagamore Spring Golf Club (Lynnfield) – OPEN
  A popular North Shore 18-hole course known as a pioneer of public golf in New England. The course sits on rolling, well-drained terrain, though early in the year only the back nine may be playable .

Courses with Excellent Drainage and Fast-Drying Fairways

Some courses don’t just open early—they stay playable even after heavy rain. If you want to avoid muddy fairways and soggy greens, these courses have the drainage to get you back out there faster.

• Captains Golf Course (Brewster) – OPEN
  With 36 holes set on Cape Cod’s well-draining soil, The Captains Golf Course (Port and Starboard) stays surprisingly firm even after heavy spring rain. If you're looking for an early-season round on the Cape, this is a top pick.‍
• Cranberry Valley Golf Course (Harwich) – OPEN
  A Cape Cod favorite, Cranberry Valley benefits from sandy fairways that drain exceptionally well. Even after heavy rain, it’s typically in great shape—one of the reasons it’s a frequent host for spring tournaments.‍
• Pinehills Golf Club (Plymouth) – OPEN 3/28
  Pinehills is one of the best public courses in the state, and its sandy soil helps it stay dry early in the season. With two championship courses (Nicklaus and Jones), it offers some of the best early-season conditions in Massachusetts.‍
• Red Tail Golf Club (Devens) – OPEN 3/21
  This former Top 100 public course is one of the first high-end courses to open each year. Red Tail is a must-play for low-handicappers, featuring forced carries, quick greens, and a championship-caliber layout.

Early-Season Course Recommendations by Skill Level

Whether you’re a beginner shaking off the rust or an advanced player looking for a real challenge, here are the best early-open courses based on skill level.

Beginner-Friendly Early-Open Courses

If you’re looking for an easy, welcoming course to start your season, these courses are forgiving and dry out quickly.

• Cape Ann Golf Club (Essex) – OPEN
  A great beginner-friendly option with wide fairways, gentle greens, and no forced carries. The coastal breezes add some challenge, but it’s a fun, low-stress course to start the season.‍
• Norwood Country Club (Norwood) – OPEN
  A flat, forgiving course with a relaxed vibe. If you just want to get out and swing the clubs without too much trouble, this is a solid choice.‍
• Rockland Golf Course (Rockland) – OPEN
  One of the first courses in the Boston area to open, Rockland is an 18-hole par-54 course (all par 3s) that’s perfect for beginners and casual golfers looking to work on their short game.

Courses for Intermediate Players (Mid-Handicap)

If you’re looking for a balanced challenge—not too easy, not too hard—these courses offer the right mix of playability and shot-making.

• Brookmeadow Country Club (Canton) – OPEN
  A go-to course for many metro Boston golfers in early spring. The layout is fair but rewarding, and the relatively flat design makes it an easy walk if carts aren’t available yet.
• Olde Scotland Links (Bridgewater) – OPEN
  Wide fairways make it forgiving off the tee, but the large greens and steady breeze keep it interesting. One of the best-draining public courses in the region.
• Sagamore Spring Golf Club (Lynnfield) – OPEN
  A great mid-level course in normal season, Sagamore is also one of the earliest to open. Its layout features some elevation changes and a mix of open and tree-lined holes, providing challenge without being too tight.

Advanced Courses for Early-Season Challenge

Low-handicappers don’t have to wait for summer to test their skills—these championship-caliber courses open early and provide a proper challenge.

• Pinehills Golf Club – Nicklaus & Jones Courses (Plymouth) – OPEN 3/28
  One of the best public courses in Massachusetts, with firm fairways, pure greens, and a tournament-quality layout.
• Red Tail Golf Club (Devens) – OPEN 3/21
  A real test for scratch players and low handicappers. Strategic bunkering, quick greens, and forced carries make this a challenging but rewarding early-season round.

Final Thoughts

Just because it’s early spring doesn’t mean you have to wait to get back on the course. Whether you’re looking for a casual round or a championship-caliber test, Massachusetts has plenty of public courses that open early and drain well. So grab your clubs, layer up, and start your season now!

FIND IT. PLAY IT. LIVE IT.