10 Bucket List Golf Courses in Massachusetts You Can Actually Play

Massachusetts doesn’t always get the credit it deserves as a golf destination—but that’s just fine with us. The real ones know. From the tree-lined fairways of the Berkshires to the windswept layouts on the Cape, the Bay State is packed with public tracks that punch way above their green fees. Whether you're planning a weekend loop with friends or just looking for your next great round, this list covers the best public-access courses worth clearing your calendar for. These aren’t just well-conditioned—they’re bucket list-worthy.

1. The Ranch Golf Club – Southwick

Designer: Damian Pascuzzo (2001)

Awards:

• GolfWorld's Readers' Choice Awards: Voted in the top 50 of all public golf courses.
• Golf Digest:
  • Ranked as the best public golf course in Massachusetts in 2007-08.
  • Named as one of the top new public courses in America.
  • Ranked as the No. 1 new daily-fee golf course in the country in 2002.
• New England Journal of Golf: Voted the project as the best new course in New England in 2002.
• PGA of America: Hope Kelley, head professional at The Ranch Golf Club, was named the 2007 PGA Merchandiser of the Year at a public golf course by the Connecticut Section of The PGA of America.

Sustainability: Reclaimed water irrigation system, native grasses used in non-play areas, and certified wildlife habitat zones

Perched in the quiet hills of Western Massachusetts, The Ranch Golf Club offers a perfect blend of championship-caliber design, secluded natural beauty, and impeccable course conditions that make it a must-play for serious golfers across New England. The course flows through thick woods and open meadows, with dramatic elevation changes that are as visually stunning as they are strategically demanding.

Designed by Damian Pascuzzo and PGA Tour veteran Steve Pate, The Ranch has earned its place on multiple national “best of” lists for good reason. From the moment you step onto the first tee, you’re treated to a true retreat—no road noise, no development, just golf and the rolling Berkshires. The routing is masterful, with every hole feeling distinct. The par 5s offer genuine risk-reward opportunities, the par 3s test your shot shaping and distance control, and the par 4s provide a mix of tight doglegs and wide open lanes with elevated greens.

But what really elevates The Ranch to bucket list status is its consistency: the course is always in pristine shape, with fast, true greens and finely manicured fairways. The natural setting makes it easy to forget you're playing a public course—it feels more like a private mountain club with panoramic views at every turn. There’s also a southern-style clubhouse and a full-service restaurant, perfect for a post-round drink while overlooking the signature 9th and 18th holes.

The course has hosted U.S. Open qualifiers and numerous amateur championships, and it’s often chosen as a site for prestigious regional events thanks to its challenging layout and flawless upkeep. For players who value a full-package experience—elite design, peaceful setting, and professional-level conditioning—The Ranch is more than a bucket list course. It’s one you’ll want to check off and come back to again.

Signature Hole:Hole 16 – “The Ski Hill”
‍‍Par 5 – 618 yardsThis dramatic downhill par 5 is a true test of strategy, distance, and nerve. The tee shot is both intimidating and exhilarating, offering long hitters a chance to bomb it 350+ yards down the hill—if they can avoid the punishing left rough. For more conservative players, a smart layup sets up a decision: play short of the ponds or try to get home in two. The massive green features a central ridge that makes hitting the correct tier essential for any chance at birdie or better. It's a quintessential risk-reward hole and perfectly captures the bold, thoughtful design that makes The Ranch a must-play.

Stay & Play Tip: The Ranch offers on-site lodging through The Ranch House, a luxury inn just steps from the clubhouse. It’s perfect for golf getaways, tournaments, or small group trips. With its mountain lodge feel and wraparound porch views, it’s a hidden gem for Western Mass golf travel.

2. Pinehills Golf Club (Jones Course) – Plymouth

Designer: Rees Jones (2001)

Awards:

• Golf Digest “Top 10 Courses You Can Play in Massachusetts” (multiple years, most recently 2022)
  
• Golf Magazine “Top 100 You Can Play” (2004, 2006)
  
• Golfweek “Best Residential Courses” (2011, 2013)

Sustainability: Award-winning turf management program; rainwater harvesting; wildlife corridor integration throughout property

Set in the heart of Plymouth’s Pine Barrens, the Rees Jones Course at Pinehills Golf Club is a destination in every sense of the word. This is not just a golf course—it’s a sprawling, forest-lined escape that offers a resort-quality experience without the exclusivity. Designed by the famed “U.S. Open Doctor” Rees Jones, this layout delivers the kind of big, bold, and beautiful golf that’s usually reserved for private coastal clubs or national resort destinations.

The Jones Course unfolds across rolling hills and dense pine forests, with each hole offering a sense of isolation and immersion. The fairways are generous but well-defended, and the large, contoured greens present a new puzzle on every hole. What makes this course especially bucket list-worthy is its balance of challenge and playability: high handicappers won’t be punished for missing fairways, but better players will find ample opportunities to test their course management and shot-making.

Multiple tee boxes make it accessible for all, but the course can stretch to over 7,200 yards if you want the full championship feel. The routing is a constant highlight—there’s a rhythm to how the holes are laid out, with smart transitions, dramatic par 5s, and a set of par 3s that could stand on their own as signature holes.

Pinehills earns its spot on any Massachusetts bucket list not just for the golf, but for the entire experience. The practice facilities are among the best in New England, with a massive driving range, short-game area, and two full putting greens. There’s also a beautifully maintained Jack Nicklaus-designed course on the same property, making Pinehills one of the few two-course public facilities in the state with national recognition.

A model of sustainability, the club has implemented rainwater harvesting and minimal turf chemical use, and it maintains active wildlife corridors throughout the property. This is a course that feels connected to nature, expertly routed through pine and sandy soil, with an attention to detail that shows in every bunker edge and green complex.

If you're building a golf trip around Massachusetts public golf, Pinehills—specifically the Jones Course—is where you start. It delivers big-course drama with everyday accessibility, and you’ll walk away feeling like you just played somewhere far more exclusive than your green fee would suggest.

Signature Hole:

The par-3 5th hole on the Jones Course at Pinehills Golf Club is a standout challenge. Playing between 166 to 248 yards, this hole requires a tee shot over a gully to reach a green framed by dense pine trees. The significant elevation change from tee to green adds complexity, making club selection crucial. Precision is key, as the green is well-guarded, demanding accuracy to avoid bunkers and set up a potential birdie opportunity.

Stay & Play Tip: Pinehills is closely partnered with local upscale accommodations, including Mirbeau Inn & Spa, which offers golf packages for both the Jones and Nicklaus courses. It's ideal for couples or small groups looking for top-tier amenities on and off the course.

3. Crumpin-Fox Club – Bernardston

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Designer: Roger Rulewich (1990)

Awards:

• Golfweek “Top 100 Courses You Can Play in America” (multiple years, most recently 2023)
  
• Golf Digest “Top 10 Courses You Can Play in Massachusetts” (2013, 2017, 2021)
  
• Golf Magazine “Best Public Courses by State” (2020) 

Sustainability: Native fescues used to reduce chemical applications; woodland habitat protection; cart paths designed to follow natural land contours

Crumpin-Fox isn’t just one of the best public courses in Massachusetts—it’s a rite of passage for any serious golfer in New England. Tucked away in the quiet northern town of Bernardston, this course is remote, rugged, and revered. It’s the kind of course you don’t stumble onto by accident—you seek it out. And once you’ve played it, you understand why.

Designed by Roger Rulewich, a longtime associate of Robert Trent Jones Sr., Crumpin-Fox is a masterclass in forest golf. The layout weaves through thick woods and rolling terrain with an intentionality that makes every hole feel crafted, not just built. Fairways are lined by towering trees, but the corridors are fair—what makes it tough is the precision required on approach shots and the complexity of the green complexes. These greens don’t just challenge your putting—they demand thoughtful positioning from the tee.

Crumpin-Fox makes the bucket list because it delivers that rare, unfiltered golf experience. There are no houses, no parallel fairways, and no distractions. Every hole feels like a world of its own. The front nine is tighter and more tactical, while the back nine opens up with sweeping views, wider corridors, and some of the most memorable holes in the state—including the par-5 11th, a downhill thrill ride that tempts you to go for broke.

What separates Crumpin-Fox from other highly ranked public courses is its authenticity. There’s nothing over-produced or over-commercialized about it. It’s not trying to be a resort. It’s just great golf, delivered with care, history, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. That ethos carries into the staff, the conditioning, and the vibe. It’s a place where scratch players, mid-handicappers, and golf architects alike come to test themselves and talk about the round for weeks afterward.

The course is also a favorite among competitive players, often serving as host to major state-level tournaments and qualifiers. Its reputation for fairness and toughness makes it ideal for tournament play, while its peaceful setting and reasonable pace of play make it enjoyable for everyday golfers looking to escape the grind.

Add in an understated but welcoming clubhouse, a grass range with real targets, and one of the most scenic and satisfying closing stretches in New England, and you’ve got a course that fully earns its spot on any serious golfer’s Massachusetts bucket list.

Signature Hole:

Hole 8 – Par 5 – 592 yardsThis one’s a monster. Arguably the toughest par 5 in New England, Hole 8 at Crumpin-Fox demands three precise, gutsy shots just to have a look at par. It’s long. It’s mean. And it doesn’t give anything away. The fairway narrows in all the wrong places, the layup has to be exact, and the approach? It’s over water, of course—because why not add some pressure after surviving the first two shots? It’s the kind of hole that sticks with you, whether you conquered it or it chewed you up and spit you out.

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4. Granite Links – Quincy

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Designer: John Sanford (2003)

Awards:

• Golf Digest “Top 100 Public Courses in America” (2015, 2017, 2021)
  
• Golfweek “Best Courses You Can Play in Massachusetts” (multiple years, most recently 2022)
  
• Golf Inc. “Best New Courses in America” (2004) 

Sustainability: Built on a reclaimed quarry and landfill; uses drought-tolerant grasses; high-efficiency irrigation; recognized by the EPA for land reclamation

Granite Links is one of the most visually stunning public golf experiences in the country, let alone Massachusetts. Built atop a reclaimed granite quarry and capped landfill just minutes from downtown Boston, this 27-hole facility offers panoramic skyline views, strong architectural character, and a dramatic sense of elevation rarely found in New England golf.

Designed by John Sanford, the course is split into three distinct nines—Milton, Quincy, and Granite—which can be played in various combinations. Each nine offers sweeping fairways, bold bunkering, and rolling terrain, but what makes Granite Links bucket list-worthy is the way it merges awe-inspiring views with serious shot-making. There’s a rhythm to the landscape here: one hole may force you to shape a tee shot around a fescue-covered hill, while the next sends you skyward with a blind uphill approach into the wind.

Granite Links isn’t just a pretty face. It regularly hosts high-level amateur competitions and is considered one of the most challenging public courses in the state. The greens are lightning-fast and subtly sloped, and swirling winds—especially in the late afternoon—add another layer of complexity to club selection and trajectory.

The property’s commitment to sustainability is just as bold as its layout. Built on an environmentally damaged site, Granite Links is a model of reclamation success. Native grasses reduce the need for irrigation, while eco-friendly water systems and habitat restoration efforts have turned the once-barren hill into a thriving landscape.

Signature Hole:‍

The par-4 5th on the Milton Nine is widely regarded as the signature hole—and for good reason. With an elevated tee box that offers a postcard-perfect view of the Boston skyline in the distance, this hole is as much a photo op as it is a golf challenge. A fairway sloping left to right and a guarded green make club selection and accuracy paramount, especially when the coastal winds kick up. It’s unforgettable and often cited as one of the best public par 4s in the Northeast.

Whether you're local or visiting, Granite Links delivers the kind of experience that stays with you: dramatic, bold, and uniquely Massachusetts. Add a twilight round with a sunset view over the city, and it’s bucket list gold.

5. Taconic Golf Club – Williamstown

Designer: Wayne Stiles (1927); Restoration by Gil Hanse (2009)

Awards:

• Golfweek “Top 100 Classic Courses” (multiple years, most recently 2023)
  
• Golf Magazine “Best Public Courses by State” (2018, 2020, 2022)
  
• Golf Digest “Top 10 You Can Play in Massachusetts” (ongoing recognition since early 2000s) 

Sustainability: Native grass restoration; organic turf care programs in development; protected wetland buffers

Steeped in history and wrapped in the natural beauty of the Berkshires, Taconic Golf Club is one of the finest examples of Golden Age golf architecture open to the public—not just in Massachusetts, but in the entire country. Located on the campus of Williams College in the picturesque town of Williamstown, Taconic is more than a golf course; it's a living piece of golf history.

Originally designed by Wayne Stiles in 1927 and thoughtfully restored by Gil Hanse in 2009, the course captures the soul of early American golf with its understated beauty, natural land movement, and devilishly clever greens. It’s the kind of place where no hole feels overbuilt or artificial—everything flows naturally from the landscape, from gentle elevation changes to perfectly framed tee shots. The rough-cut bunkers and subtle ridges in the fairways make this a thinking golfer’s dream.

What makes Taconic truly bucket list-worthy is the way it blends tradition, tranquility, and test. It's not overly long by modern standards—just over 6,800 yards from the tips—but it demands creativity, strategy, and precise execution. Playing here feels like stepping into another era, where shaping shots and reading contours are far more important than brute strength. There’s also an old-school walkability to the course, which only adds to the charm.

Taconic has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the NCAA Championships and multiple USGA qualifiers. But what really sets it apart is the sense of peace and solitude you get from playing a round there. No housing. No road noise. Just pure golf in one of the most scenic corners of the state.

Signature Hole:

The par-3 14th may be short on the scorecard, but it’s long on history. Playing just 128–163 yards depending on the tees, this slightly downhill one-shotter is beautifully framed by trees and guarded by deep bunkers short and long. The narrow green slopes subtly but demands precision—there’s little margin for error, especially when the pin is tucked behind the front trap.

What truly makes this hole legendary, though, is its place in golf history: in 1956, a teenage Jack Nicklaus made a hole-in-one here during a practice round for the U.S. Junior Amateur—his first-ever ace in competition. A commemorative stone marks the spot to this day, giving the hole a sacred air. It’s a perfect representation of what makes Taconic special: understated, deceptively challenging, and rich with tradition.

Taconic makes this list not because it’s flashy or long—it’s here because it’s timeless. It rewards artistry over aggression and offers a pure, almost spiritual golf experience. Whether you're a student of architecture or just a golfer who appreciates great land and great design, Taconic is sacred ground.

6. Waverly Oaks Golf Club – Plymouth

Designer: Brian Silva (1998)

Awards:

• Golf Advisor “Top 10 Courses in Massachusetts” (2018, 2019, 2020)
  
• Golf Digest “4.5 Stars – Best Places to Play” (2007, 2011)
  
• New England Golf Monthly “Best Public Championship Course” (2016) 

Sustainability: Low-irrigation fescue areas; naturalized roughs; drought-conscious maintenance program

Often overshadowed by its flashier neighbor Pinehills, Waverly Oaks Golf Club has quietly built a reputation as one of the most enjoyable, well-designed public courses in Massachusetts. Set in the rolling woodlands of Plymouth, the course is a modern Brian Silva design that strikes an ideal balance between bold architectural features and accessible, fair play for all levels of golfers.

What makes Waverly Oaks a true bucket list experience is the sheer fun factor. The course is generously wide off the tee, offering a sense of freedom and flow that many New England layouts lack. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Silva’s design philosophy is all about choices—tempting you to take aggressive lines with risk-reward opportunities around nearly every corner. The bunkering is bold, often flashed and irregularly shaped, and the greens are large and subtly tiered with runoffs and slopes that punish poor approach shots.

Waverly Oaks gives you the feeling of playing something grand without the grind. It’s long enough to challenge competitive players (7,100 yards from the tips), but never feels like a slog. Mid-handicappers will find the fairways wide enough to stay in play, while better players can hunt pins and shape shots off contours. The course has hosted numerous regional tournaments thanks to its consistent conditioning and tournament-level layout.

Off the course, the experience is equally solid. The practice facility is extensive, with full grass tees, short game area, and a large putting green. The clubhouse is welcoming and upscale without being pretentious, and the staff consistently ranks among the friendliest in the region.

Signature Hole:‍

The par-3 17th, known as “The Black Hole,” is a beast. Playing 251 yards from the tips, this downhill one-shotter demands both length and accuracy. The green is guarded by bunkers and flanked by dense woods, especially treacherous on the right. It’s the kind of hole where par feels like a birdie—and a miss can spiral fast. A bold test late in the round.

Waverly Oaks is a must-play because it never tries to overwhelm—it simply offers great golf at a fair price, wrapped in a beautiful setting, with just the right mix of strategy and scenery. If you’re looking for a course where every round feels like a fresh challenge and a breath of fresh air, Waverly Oaks absolutely earns its spot on your Massachusetts golf bucket list.

7. George Wright Golf Course – Hyde Park (Boston)

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Designer: Donald Ross (1938; completed by WPA under engineer Walter Irving Johnson)

Awards:

• Golf Magazine “Top 30 Municipal Courses in America” (2016, 2021)
  
• Golfweek “Best Courses You Can Play – Massachusetts” (most recently 2023)
  
• Golf Digest “Top 50 Public Courses You Can Play Under $100” (2018) 

Sustainability: Modern irrigation system to reduce water usage; organic turf pilot zones; ongoing restoration of native vegetation

George Wright is more than just a golf course—it’s a triumph of perseverance, design, and public pride. Tucked away in the wooded hills of Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood, this Donald Ross-designed muni is a working-class gem that feels like it belongs in the pantheon of American golf classics. It was built during the Great Depression as a WPA project, carved through granite ledges with hand tools and sheer grit, and today it stands as one of the finest examples of a municipal course not just in Massachusetts, but in the entire country.

What makes George Wright bucket list-worthy isn’t just the history or the designer (though both are impeccable)—it’s how much great golf is packed into this urban refuge. The terrain is wildly dramatic: elevated tees, valleys, granite outcroppings, and doglegs that snake through wooded corridors. Ross’s routing is both punishing and poetic, demanding accuracy, creativity, and above all, patience. It’s a course that rewards strategy and vision far more than power.

But perhaps the greatest joy of George Wright is that it’s accessible. For under $70, you can play a course that rivals many $200+ daily-fee tracks in conditioning and design pedigree. Locals revere it, architecture buffs travel to study it, and competitive players circle it on their calendar every season. There’s no pretension—just old-school, blue-collar golf at its finest.

Recent investments from the City of Boston have elevated the course to even greater heights. Restoration efforts have recaptured some of Ross’s original green shapes and bunker placements, and fairways are now firmer and faster than ever. The staff is dedicated, the vibe is humble, and the challenge is timeless.

Signature Hole:‍

The par-3 17th is pure Ross—deceptively simple, endlessly challenging. Playing 167 yards downhill, this one-shotter demands pinpoint accuracy to a green tightly wrapped in four bunkers. There’s no room for hesitation here: come up short or leak it left or right, and you’re in the sand with a tough up-and-down ahead. The green is subtle, sloped just enough to punish a lazy read. It’s a beautiful, compact test of execution—quietly brutal and deeply satisfying. A late-round gut check, and one of the most unforgettable swings you’ll take at George Wright.

George Wright is proof that public golf can be elite without being exclusive. It’s not just a place to play—it’s a place to connect with the game’s roots, its community, and its enduring spirit. If you love golf for more than just yardages and green speeds, George Wright deserves a permanent place on your bucket list.

8. Shining Rock Golf Club – Northbridge

Designer: Howard Maurer (2010)

Awards:

• Golfweek “Best New Courses in America” (2011 nominee)
  
• Golf Advisor “Top 25 Public Courses Under $75” (2019, 2020)
  
• New England Golf Monthly “Hidden Gem of the Year” (2016)
  

Sustainability: Low-input turf zones; native grass integration; GPS-controlled irrigation to minimize water usage

One of the newest entries on this list, Shining Rock Golf Club proves that a public course doesn't need a century of tradition to feel unforgettable. Opened in 2010 on a former rock quarry site, this Howard Maurer design in Northbridge has quickly built a cult following thanks to its thrilling elevation changes, dramatic views, and exceptional conditioning—all offered at an unbeatable value.

Shining Rock’s layout is bold and exciting, with holes that rise, fall, twist, and turn across a rugged, wooded landscape. The course flows over rolling terrain, often using the site's natural rock outcroppings as both scenery and strategy. The design doesn’t hold back—it dares you to be aggressive off the tee and rewards well-executed risk. And despite being relatively new, the layout has an old soul, thanks to its walkable routing, classic risk-reward opportunities, and minimalist use of water hazards.

Where some newer public courses lean too heavily on length or aesthetics, Shining Rock strikes the perfect balance. It’s fun without being gimmicky, strategic without being punishing, and scenic without sacrificing playability. The fairways are generous but not forgiving if you stray, and the greens are fast, true, and filled with subtle breaks that make every approach a small puzzle to solve.

This course is also a value home run. For a fraction of what you’d pay at other high-end public tracks, you get country club-level conditioning, full practice facilities, and a layout that feels anything but ordinary. For many golfers, it’s the perfect “let’s play something different today” option—and more often than not, it becomes a place they return to again and again.

Signature Hole:‍

The par-5 16th is Shining Rock’s crown jewel. Tipping out at a staggering 648 yards, it’s one of the longest holes in Massachusetts—and one of the most scenic. The tee shot feels wide open, but the hole tightens as you climb toward the green, which sits beside the towering granite ledge that gives the course its name. It’s a true three-shotter that demands power, precision, and nerve. A par here? You’ve earned it

Shining Rock earns its bucket list status not because it’s famous—but because it should be. It’s proof that modern design, excellent value, and great service can combine to create a course that’s just as memorable as any legacy track. If you’re looking to add a hidden gem to your Massachusetts golf pilgrimage, don’t overlook this rising star.

9. Cape Cod National Golf Club – Brewster

Designer: Brian Silva (1998)

Awards:

• Golf Digest “Top Courses in New England” (2010, 2014, 2022)
  
• Golfweek “Top 200 Resort Courses in America” (2018, 2020)
  
• Golf Magazine “Best Courses You Can Play – Massachusetts” (multiple years) 

Sustainability: Links-style turf management with firm, fast surfaces; native vegetation; low-irrigation and runoff-conscious practices

Cape Cod National is a course that flies just under the radar—and that’s part of what makes it so special. Although technically semi-private, the club offers limited public access through affiliated resort accommodations, making it one of the most coveted rounds you can score on the Cape. But it’s not just exclusivity that lands Cape Cod National on this list—it’s the craftsmanship, coastal charm, and elite conditions that elevate every round into a memorable golf experience.

Designed by Brian Silva, the course delivers a subtle blend of parkland and links-style architecture, weaving through quiet woodlands, cranberry bogs, and sandy uplands. The fairways are framed by fescue and native grasses, giving it a windswept look that feels more like Scotland than Massachusetts. But what really stands out is the routing—Silva makes use of every inch of the terrain, offering constantly shifting shot angles, elevation changes, and green complexes that demand precision.

Cape Cod National plays firm and fast, especially in the summer, rewarding the creative player who can shape shots and manage roll-out. The course isn’t overly long—just over 6,900 yards from the back—but don’t be fooled. Crosswinds off the bay and subtly contoured greens make it a shotmaker’s course, where every stroke must be earned.

The maintenance is immaculate, the vibe is peaceful and refined, and the layout is never repetitive. You’ll never feel rushed here—tee times are spaced for pacing, and the club emphasizes a relaxed, almost resort-like experience. Yet the course is no pushover: it routinely hosts high-level amateur events and qualifiers, and its reputation for pure conditions is well-earned.

Signature Hole:‍

The par-4 9th is a strategic beauty with bite. Playing 401 yards, this dogleg right tempts big hitters to cut the corner over a hulking bunker—but the smarter play is often a controlled tee shot to the left side of the fairway. From there, it’s a mid-iron into a well-protected green, with a deep bunker waiting on the right. The line is tight, the margin for error slim. It’s the kind of hole that rewards patience and punishes ego—a perfect closer to the front nine.

Cape Cod National is bucket list-worthy not because it’s loud or flashy, but because it’s pure golf in a pristine setting. It combines the intimacy of a private club with the accessibility of a resort track, and it delivers a complete experience: thoughtful design, unspoiled land, and the timeless charm of Cape Cod. If you're planning a golf trip to the Cape and want one round that rises above the rest, this is it.

Stay & Play Tip: The only way to play Cape Cod National is through Stay & Play access at Wequassett Resort. Booking a package gives you access to the semi-private course, plus luxury coastal lodging and fine dining options nearby.

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10. Red Tail Golf Club – Devens

Designer: Brian Silva (2002)

Awards:

• Golf Digest “Best Public Courses in Massachusetts” (multiple years, most recently 2021)
  
• Golfweek “Top 20 Courses You Can Play in New England” (2015, 2018, 2022)
  
• Golf Magazine “Best Courses You Can Play by State” (2019, 2021) 

Sustainability: Built on a former military airfield with minimal land disturbance; promotes pollinator habitats; uses reclaimed water systems for irrigation

Red Tail Golf Club is a bold, modern layout with serious pedigree and a setting unlike anything else in Massachusetts. Located on the grounds of a former Army airfield at Fort Devens, this Brian Silva design delivers a masterful blend of rugged charm and sophisticated strategy—earning its spot as one of the most popular public courses in the state.

Named after the red-tailed hawks that soar overhead, Red Tail feels big, fast, and free. The course stretches over 7,000 yards from the back tees, with wide fairways, vast natural waste areas, and aggressive bunkering that challenges players to hit bold shots while rewarding smart course management. But length isn’t the only story—Silva’s genius lies in his ability to create variety. No two holes look or play alike, and the course constantly asks different questions of your game.

One moment you're threading a tee shot between pines, and the next you're faced with a forced carry over a scrubby ravine to a wildly sloped green. The sandy soil drains beautifully, which means firm conditions and year-round playability, especially in shoulder seasons. The pace of play is brisk, the staff is top-tier, and the practice area—complete with a grass range and short-game facility—makes it an easy place to warm up or spend a whole day.

Red Tail is especially beloved for its ability to appeal to all levels. While scratch players will be tested by the narrow run-ups and complex greens, casual golfers will appreciate the width off the tee and the visual guidance Silva gives throughout the routing. It’s a course that lets you swing freely—but never carelessly.

Signature Hole:‍

The par-3 11th is the most talked-about hole at Red Tail. Playing 169 yards downhill over a vast stretch of sandy waste, it’s as stunning as it is intimidating. The green is perched and protected by a massive bunker on the right, with swirling wind turning club choice into a guessing game. Miss short or right, and you’re buried in trouble. But hit the green? That’s a shot you’ll remember. It’s one of the most unforgettable par 3s in New England.

Red Tail is a must-play because it offers the full modern golf experience: dramatic visuals, strategic depth, and elite conditions—all without a private club price tag. Whether you’re building a golf trip through Central Mass or just want to see what contemporary public golf can look like at its best, Red Tail delivers every time.

Final Thoughts

That’s the list—ten public tracks that deliver the kind of rounds you’ll be thinking about long after the 18th hole. Whether you’re chasing views, vibes, or that one perfect swing, Massachusetts has you covered. And the best part? You don’t need a membership, a caddie, or a six-hour flight—just a tee time and a good group. Got a favorite that didn’t make the cut? Let us know. We’re always looking for an excuse to check out another course.