Massachusetts’s 364 golf courses serve one of America’s most historically rich golf markets — a state where the game took root in the 1880s, produced some of the country’s most significant early courses, and continues to offer everything from world-famous private clubs in the Boston suburbs to Cape Cod seaside layouts to Berkshire mountain courses with fall foliage to rival Vermont.
The Country Club in Brookline is the landmark: one of the five founding clubs of the USGA (1894), site of the “Greatest Game Ever Played” (1913 US Open, Francis Ouimet), and a five-time US Open host. For public golfers, the Boston area has a stronger municipal and daily-fee infrastructure than many northeastern cities — George Wright Golf Course (Donald Ross design), Granite Links (panoramic views from Quincy granite quarries), and Red Tail Golf Club in Devens all offer quality rounds within an hour of downtown.
Massachusetts Golf by Region
Greater Boston
Boston has both exceptional private clubs and a solid public-access market. Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy — perched on the historic Quincy granite quarries — delivers panoramic views stretching to the Atlantic and is consistently rated the metro area’s top public course. George Wright Golf Course (Hyde Park, Boston) is a classic Donald Ross municipal that rivals private clubs in quality. TPC Boston in Norton (former PGA Tour host of the Deutsche Bank Championship) brings a professional-level challenge at resort public access pricing. The Franklin Park Golf Course in Dorchester is America’s second-oldest golf course, where Bobby Jones once played.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod’s golf scene is concentrated in the shoulder seasons — spring and fall, when the summer crowds ease and the Atlantic coastal light is at its best. The Cape has over 40 courses in a compact peninsula, ranging from oceanside resort layouts to classic links-influenced designs. Cranberry Valley Golf Course (Harwich) is the Cape’s best-known public option; New Seabury Country Club (Mashpee) adds a resort dimension. The Cape’s golf season effectively runs April through November, making it one of Massachusetts’s most reliable golf destinations year-round.
Western Massachusetts / Berkshires
Taconic Golf Club in Williamstown is consistently rated one of Massachusetts’s finest layouts — a private Williams College course that draws golfers from across the Northeast for its exceptional design through the wooded Berkshire hills. The Wachusett area and Pioneer Valley have quality public courses serving western Massachusetts without the premium pricing of the Boston metro. Fall foliage here rivals Vermont and peaks in early October.
Top Courses in Massachusetts
- The Country Club (Brookline) — Private; one of the five founding USGA clubs (1894); five-time US Open host; site of Francis Ouimet’s legendary 1913 upset. One of America’s most historically significant clubs.
- Taconic Golf Club (Williamstown) — Private Williams College course consistently ranked Massachusetts’s top private layout outside The Country Club. Exceptional Berkshire Hills setting.
- TPC Boston (Norton) — Public; former PGA Tour host (Deutsche Bank Championship); Arnold Palmer/Jack Nicklaus design. Top public experience in Massachusetts. Green fees ~$90–$150.
- Granite Links Golf Club (Quincy) — Public; best-rated Boston metro daily-fee course; panoramic views from historic quarry site to the Atlantic. Green fees ~$55–$90.
- George Wright Golf Course (Boston) — Donald Ross municipal design in Hyde Park; classic layout that rivals many private clubs. Affordable; green fees ~$30–$50.
- Red Tail Golf Club (Devens) — 45 minutes west of Boston; Graham Marsh design praised for layout and conditions. Quality public round away from the metro. Green fees ~$55–$85.
- Cranberry Valley Golf Course (Harwich) — Cape Cod’s most celebrated public course; excellent conditions and classic Cape setting. Green fees ~$40–$65.
- The Franklin Park Golf Course (Boston) — William Nickerson design (1896); America’s second-oldest continuously operated golf course. Historical significance and accessible pricing. Green fees ~$25–$40.
When to Play Golf in Massachusetts
Massachusetts’s golf season runs April through November in coastal areas (Cape Cod often plays through Thanksgiving in mild years) and April through October inland and in the Berkshires. Peak conditions statewide are May through September. Summers in Boston (75–82°F) are mild by eastern US standards — comfortable for golf without the Deep South humidity. Spring is lush and well-conditioned; fall is spectacular in the Berkshires and western Massachusetts. Cape Cod golf is best May through June and September through October when summer crowds ease and course availability opens. Berkshire mountain courses close by late October.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has 364 golf courses in our database, concentrated in the Greater Boston metro, Cape Cod, and the Berkshire / western Massachusetts region. The state has a deep golf history stretching to the 1880s and supports one of the most active golf markets in New England.
What is the best golf course in Massachusetts?
The Country Club in Brookline is the historic benchmark — one of the most significant clubs in American golf history. For public access, TPC Boston (Norton) is the state’s top public-access experience. Granite Links (Quincy) is the best everyday metro Boston public round. Taconic Golf Club (Williamstown) is the private benchmark outside the Boston area.
When is the best time to golf in Massachusetts?
May through September. September is excellent throughout the state — weather is comfortable, courses are in top shape, and booking is easier than peak summer. Cape Cod golf in May and October provides a distinctive coastal experience away from summer crowds. Berkshires fall golf peaks in early October.
How much does golf cost in Massachusetts?
Public municipals run $25–$50; quality daily-fee courses charge $50–$90; TPC Boston and premium courses run $90–$150. Cape Cod courses typically run $45–$75. Massachusetts is more expensive than inland New England states but competitive with other major metro markets in the Northeast.
Is Cape Cod good for golf?
Yes — especially in spring and fall. Over 40 courses are concentrated on the Cape and Islands, with a combination of ocean views, classic New England design, and accessible public pricing. The shoulder-season Cape Cod golf trip (May or September) has become a popular northeastern golf tradition.
All Golf Courses in Massachusetts
Browse all 364 Massachusetts golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.