Top 25

In my previous blog, I created my top 20 favorite golf courses in New England (check it out favorite20).  Well, since then I’ve played some more tracks and have changed my mind a bit.  Here is the second version of my favorite courses around, plus 5 more, giving us a top 25.  Like my previous version, this list is my favorite – no rhyme or reason.  It isn’t the best, the easiest or hardest or nicest, necessarily.  Some of these courses I have only played once, which could influence their ranking, good or bad.

Previous rank is in parenthesis, * marks new to the list.

(This list was originally published on June 6, 2017)

1. Newport National, Middletown, RI (1).  Many of you will complain there is no real 19th hole or driving range.  Yes, this is true, but for what it’s worth, I love the layout and the course conditions are always top notch.
2. TGC of Sacconnessett, East Falmouth, MA (4). Formerly the Golf Club of Cape Cod.  This very well could be the best golf course I have ever played, as far as the layout, clubhouse and course conditions (outside of Caledonia in SC). So why isn’t it #1?  That’s a good question and only reason it isn’t is because I’ve played Newport Natty many times with my brothers, cousins and dad and I haven’t played here as much.
3. Cape Arundel, Kennebunkport, ME (6).  Yep, the course George Bush belongs.  Would this be ranked as high if it didn’t have the history of having multiple presidents and celebs (Tom Brady, Phil Mickelson, Mike Cavallaro) play it?  Nope.  But it has, and I love the old school, BYOB feel to it, so it’s #3.  Deal with it.
4. Butter Brook, Westford, MA (3).  The tale of 2 nines, and it’s very affordable for being a 5 star track.  Not much of a clubhouse but the golf course is absolute fire.
5. Blackstone National, Sutton, MA (*).  As of this post, I’ve only played here once but LOVED the layout.  Another one that is a steal at $79 for 18 and a cart on the weekend.
6. Pinehills – Nicklaus, Plymouth, MA (*).  I was finally able to swing the sticks here in 2015.  The Jones course is next up on my list to play.  Truthfully, there isn’t a *ton* of memorable holes here, but every hole seems to be fair and aesthetically pleasing.  Great overall golf experience.
7. TPC Boston, Norton, MA (7).  Play where the pros play, what else can I say?  Not an easy track.
8. Meadow Brook, Richmond, RI (5).  Pound for pound, one of the better courses in NE (layout, cost, conditions, etc.).  Could use a driving range and a better clubhouse but we are here to golf, right?
9. The Ledges, York, ME (17).  LOVE LOVE LOVE this track.  Another one that is a phenomenal layout and is a quick, easy drive from Boston (little over an hour). I try to play here once a year, though that doesn’t always happen.
10. Belgrade Lakes, Belgrade, ME (11).  This is one of the best courses you can play in New England. It gets docked a bit because it is further up in Maine and would be hard for a day trip, but has a soft spot in my heart as it’s close to where I went to college.
11. Equinox Country Club, Manchester, VT (14).  Beautiful scenery in the middle of Vermont.  Very nice layout and course conditions.  A must play in you are in the area.
12. The International – Oaks, Bolton, MA (2).  So this course dropped a bit from my last ranking, mainly because of unfamiliarity (only played here once) and because it went from being public to private.  It legit felt like I was playing a course on the Tour when I played here.
13. Granite Links, Quincy, MA (10).  Name me a better 19th hole in New England, I’ll wait.  Yeah, there isn’t one.  The course itself can be a bit of target golf, but great conditions and greens and scenery keep this as a lottery pick.
14. Farm Neck, Oak Bluffs, MA (12).  There is a reason why President Obama would play here when vacationing.  This would most likely be higher if I didn’t play it in a monsoon for a bachelor party.
15. Black Rock, Hingham, MA (*).  Is that…wait…Bill Belichick’s house over there?  Yeah it is, he lives here, but the course itself is sweet.
16. Foxborough Country Club, Foxborough, MA (*).  Played this for the first time in 2016, I was pleasantly surprised by the layout and greens (as they have had some issues in the past).  A very fair course.
17. Red Tail, Devens, MA (18).  This has taking a beating in the past couple years, but I’ve never had a bad round conditions-wise here. Another great Brian Silva-designed track.
18. Franklin Country Club, Franklin, MA (16).  Need to play here more!  The two times I have played I have thoroughly enjoyed it; would love to see the new state of the art practice facility.
19. Norton Country Club, Norton, MA (19).  This course isn’t for everyone.  It is tight so make sure you keep it straight and hit the small greens.  I’m still a fan.
20. New England Country Club, Bellingham, MA (15) – (This is actually tied with Norton CC at 19, but wordpress won’t let me make that edit.)  Hale Irwin designed, mistakes will be penalized and greens are tricky.  If you score well here you can pretty much play anywhere.
21. Thomson Country Club, North Reading, MA (9).  Keep it straight, make your par and move on.  Don’t let the the houses and OOB stakes get in your head.  Playing here will test your mental toughness as it is a G-R-I-N-D.
22. Shaker Hills, Harvard, MA (8).  Great golf experience with a live feed in the clubhouse of the 18th hole.
23. Acushnet River Valley, Acushnet, MA (13).  Another tale of 2 nines course.  Great value course.
24. Montaup, Portsmouth, RI (*).  Sweet views of the Mt Hope Bridge and Bay.  Sneaky harder than you think.
25. Olde Scotland Links, Bridgewater, MA (20).  Nice and open layout with a very reasonable greens fee.

What courses did I miss?  Let me know your thoughts.